CHAPTEE in. 

 SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 



This title refers to one of the most extensive and important 

 departments of surgical practice, upon which, indeed, as to its 

 proper administration, depends in a great measure the success of 

 the operative skill, of which it is the supplement and consummation. 

 It comprehends the bandaging and dressing of traumatic injuries. 



DRESSINGS. 



Gourdon says that " a dressing is a mode of local, periodically 

 repeated, treatment, producing a continued action, following or- 

 dinarily the performance of operations, and consisting in the 

 methodical appUcation upon the surface of wounds of special 

 apparatuses, which complete the effect of the operation, and co- 

 operate in the recovery." 



The value of the skill and proficiency to be acquired by dili- 

 gent study and observation in this comprehensive and indispen- 

 sable art, need not be stated ; that it is entitled to be so denomin- 

 ated no one acquainted with the niceties of its details and the 

 judgment and experience entering into their performance, need be 

 told. Nor can the dependence of the surgeon, for the good results 

 which he hopes to secure in his department of duty, upon the 

 faithfulness and intelligence of the nurse, who is to co-operate 

 with him in perfecting the healing process, be easily overrated. 

 An incompetent or unfaithful nurse, may spoil the best work of a 

 good surgeon. To protect a wound from immediate contact of 

 surrounding bodies, to shield it from injurious atmospheric effects, 

 malarious or otherwise; to keep aloof all putrid and virulent mat- 

 ters ; to secure the absorption and neutralization of their morbid 

 products; to control the cicatrizing process in the ulcerated 

 parts ; to apply topical treatment, according to indications, as 

 the curative processes develoj) ; to produce a mechanical action, 

 such as dilatation or compression, according to the instructions 



