OPERATING TABLES. 21 



broad horizontal strap (attached at each end to the table) was 

 brought round the chest and flank, and fastened by drawing the 

 buckles tight. The vertical straps were secured, the hobbles adjusted 

 on the feet, and the ropes controlling them tightened and fastened 

 to belaying-pins behind the table. Thus secured, the horse and 

 table were turned through the arc of a circle by working the crank 

 handle seen on the left side. 



For minor operations this table served a very useful purpose, 

 but a patent defect was the inaccessibility of one side of the horse, 

 and the need, when both sides had to be operated on, of releasing, 

 turning round, end refastening the animal. 



The most practical apparatus hitherto introduced is probably 

 that shown in Pigs. 39 and 40. It was originally invented about 

 1890 by M. Vinsot, a former student of Alfort, but at that 

 time was not centrally pivoted and possessed few r advantages 

 over Daviau's table. Since then, however, Monsieur Vinsot has 

 greatly improved it and the apparatus is now in use in all the chief 

 foreign veterinary schools and hospitals. 



The main portion of the apparatus is seen roughly to consist 

 of two approximately rectangular end pieces, connected at the top 

 by a strong steel girder, and at the bottom by a strong iron rod of 

 circular section. These rectangular frames are further connected 

 at 2 feet 6 inches from the ground by two movable rods, adapted 

 to swing open, and the whole framework is supported and pivoted 

 on two powerful axes, placed as nearly as possible on a level with 

 the general centre of gravity of the whole machine. A double 

 cushion, intended to support the horse when lying, is capable of 

 attachment to either of these side rods. 



The purpose of the various ratchet wheels and chains will be better 

 understood by reference to the figure showing the horse secured in 

 position for operation. His head, secured by a strong head-collar and 

 side-ropes, rests within the padded upper portions of the front frame. 

 Under his body passes a strong " bed-piece " reinforced with leather 

 straps, the extremities of which carry iron eyes for the reception 

 of a chain, by tightening which he is lifted almost off his feet just 

 before turning over. In front this " bed-piece " is secured in position 

 by a strap passing round the chest, and behind by a crupper attached 

 to the back chain. The chain is wound on a spindle, turned, 

 through the medium of gearing, by the crank handle shown. The 

 horse's feet are fixed by hobbles to a strong chain running along 

 the whole length of the bottom of the apparatus, and tightened by 

 turning the lower of the two crank handles seen to the left. 



