6 INTRODUCTION. 



doubt and hesitation or awkward and aimless manipulations, such 

 as mark the attempts of the tyro and the novice. The confidence 

 and facility with which each movement is accomplished will not 

 fail to impress favorably those who are sjDectators of the opera- 

 tion, and to react favorably and profitably for the oj)erators. 



Although, of course, the qualities of accuracy, neatness and 

 rapidity must favorably impress the spectator, as well as benefit 

 the patient, it must not be forgotten that the true success of the 

 surgeon must find its evidence in the favorable result which 

 finally crowns his work. If that is assured, it is but a small 

 matter whether it is or is not applauded while in progress — the 

 applause will follow, in any case. 



We quote from Bouley, in the Dictionnaire de Medecine et de 

 Chirurgie VHerinaire, where he remarks, on another important 

 practical point: "The operative function of veterinary surgery 

 requires, on the part of the man who practices it, a certain cor- 

 poreal vigor, associated with sufficient agility to be able effectually 

 to overcome the resistance of animals under torture, and coimter- 

 act the efforts and avoid the injuries they are always so prompt 

 and often so dexterous to inflict upon those who are causing them 

 pain. ■ The veterinary surgeon must be cool-blooded and patient, 

 never losing his presence of mind while directing the manijDula- 

 tions, often so difficult and so dangerous, which are necessitated 

 at his hands, especially when the large domestic animals are under 

 treatment. He must then — always, in fact — be prepared for all 

 difficulties and eventualities that may arise, whether before, diu'ing 

 or after an operation, and he must inspu-e confidence in his assist- 

 ants by using full precautions for their safety and for his own, in 

 his defensive dispositions against the dangers to which they are 

 exposed." 



A surgical oj)eration, as elsewhere described, is a mechanical 

 action, practiced with more or less rapidity upon the living body, 

 according to certain rules, either with the hand alone, or assisted 

 by instruments, with a therapeutical or a prophylactic object in 

 view, whether primarily necessary or facultative, of a prophylactic 

 nature. 



It is especially as therapeutic measures that operations are 

 necessitated in the treatment of diseases and injuries; as, for ex- 

 ample, in the case of the removal or extirpation of diseased or 

 altered parts, whose morbid action injuriously affects the general 



