OrERATING TABLES. I59 



coining obstacles hitherto regarded as insurinonutal)le. Be- 

 tween these two factors, however, an important difference ex- 

 ists, inasmuch as while we all recognize with a fair degree of 

 precision the requirements and capabilities of antiseptic sur- 

 gery, it is impossible to accurately forecast the benefits to be 

 obtained from a new means of controlling animals during op- 

 eration. In important operations the disadvantages inherent 

 to the old method not infrequently form a fatal bar to success, 

 or even to experiment. While fully recognizing, therefore, the 

 immense importance and possibilities of antiseptic surgery, I 

 venture to predict for it an extended scope and greatly in- 

 creased success in veterinary operations, since its application 

 has been so greatly facilitated by the invention of this oper- 

 ating table."* 



The first effort at devising an equine operating table was 

 made by Hoerdt. This apparatus was crude in design and 

 cumbersome to handle, rendering it of doubtful value as a 

 means of restraint. This machine or apparatus of Hoerdt was 

 soon modified and improved by Fromage de Feurgre, Kersting, 

 Owen and others, luitil at the present tinie equine operating 

 tables as a means of restraint are in great demand, and are used 

 by most of the prominent surgeons throughout the world. 



In selecting an operating table we should carefully consider 

 the following important facts and accept that apparatus which 

 possesses the most points of excellence : 



1. Strength. — Any table to be satisfactory must be strong. 

 The wood, ropes, chains and straps should all be double strengtli. 

 One weak place in a single one of them subjects the operator 

 rnd his assistants to liability of great bodily injury. 



2. Simplicity. — The design and construction should be as 

 simple as possible. However, never sacrifice efficiency, ease of 

 operation, strength and safety for simplicity or appearance. 

 Complicated mechanical constmction was for many years the 



* Author's Note — Professor Dollar refers here to the table orig- 

 inated by Vinsot, later improved by Dollar. The "Dollar table" has, 

 during recent years, been improved and perfected by the Bradwood 

 Manufacturing Company, and is now known and sold in America as 

 The Bradwood Equine Operating Table and Surgical Chair. 



