554 OPERATIONS ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



operator in dividing the artery or tlie vein, and usually it is not 

 dangerous, though it may still prove very troublesome. If the 

 artery is divided the ligature must be apphed on the truncated 

 ends ; if the vein, pressure will be sufficient. 



The last important point involved in a case of neurotomy is 

 the length of time required by a neurotomized animal to recuper- 

 ate before he can safely return to his work. It is undeniable that 

 to a too hasty return of the patient to his accustomed labor most 

 of the objections and alleged complications of the operation may 

 be traced, and for this reason the answer to the question how 

 long a rest shall follow the operation must be as long as circum- 

 stances vyill 2>eTmit. 



Zundel, Gourdon, Fleming, and others, make a month the 

 minimum period within w^hich no considerable exertion should be 

 undergone ; we would sometimes be still more liberal in allotting 

 the length of the vacation. 



