WOUNDS AND INJURIES. 461 



The healing process is described as consisting of stages — > 

 viz.: "union by the ^r5^ and second intentions;" the "first 

 intention" consisting of adhesion of the divided surfaces by- 

 means of a glutinous fluid called lymph, the parts being in fact 

 united to one another by a species of glueing ; while the 

 " second intention," the granulating or suppurating process, 

 consists in the fleshy chasm being filled up by the gradual 

 deposition of fleshy grain-like particles, superimposed one upon 

 another. In the healing of wounds, the chief care of the 

 practitioner should be directed to the attainment of union by 

 the Jirst intention. The suppurating process is one not to be 

 desired ; and, in the majority of instances where it occurs, it 

 will be found to arise more from the maltreatment of the 

 wound than from any natural tendency of the tissues, when 

 injured, to manifest such a change. We are told that union 

 by the first intention is very rarely to be accomplished, espe- 

 cially with large-sized wounds, or with such as are jagged, torn, 

 or lacerated. 



The healing process may be briefly described as follows : * 

 A wound of the flesh, when first inflicted, is generally suc- 

 ceeded by more or less bleeding, which, if not interfered with, 

 or a large blood-vessel is not divided, and the animal is allowed 

 to remain at rest, will shortly stop. Blood is efiused, and a 

 clot is formed upon the exposed surfaces, which speedily plugs 

 the open mouths of the bleeding vessels. This is the first 

 process. The second is, the drying of the blood-clot, and 

 tumefaction not only of the parts injured, but of the parts 

 contiguous thereto. About the third day, and in some cases 

 even as early as the second day after the accident, the dried 



* It must be distinctly understood that we are here treating upon flesh- 

 wounds left entii'ely alone, where the constitutional energies are vigorous, and 

 where the patient is not put to labour. 



