THE CAUTEKT. 



IGl 



Pig. SOI.— Various Cauteries. 



lighter ones are usually preferred, not only on account of this 

 facility, but as being less liable to produce too pronounced an 

 effect. 



Heavy instruments, in consequence of the degree of heat they 

 radiate, and their contact with a broader surface of skin, are liable 

 to transform the firing into the condition of a mere burn. 



The size of the cautery will necessarily be regulated by the ex- 

 tent of the region to be treated. The cautei*y must be perf ectty 

 smooth, on its surface as well as on its thin edge, and to ascertain 

 that this is the case, before they are heated a file should be passed 

 over both surfaces, and before being appUed to the skin they 

 should be again inspected by the surgeon or an assistant, to be 

 assured that the edge is clear and clean, and there is no roughness 

 to cause a ragged and uneven line on the skin. 



In heating the cautery, a charcoal fire is much to be preferred 

 to that from the l^lacksmith's forge. The latter soon soils and 

 blackens the instrument, while the former is smokeless and every 

 way cleaner, besides being portable and always convenient. 



There is no uniform rule to govern the position iu which the 

 animal must be secured. While there are occasions when he can 

 be treated while standing, and kept under control by the simple 

 means of restraint, in many, and indeed in a majority of cases. 



