SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 249 



other, and in some respects the preferable method, is to employ a 

 blunt-edged iron, which is to divide by little crucial sawings, so 

 that, when the cord is separated, it shall not present a uniform 

 surface, but ragged edges, which will perfectly close the mouths 

 of the vessels. This done, loosen the clams sufficiently to observe 

 whether there be any flow of blood. Gently wipe the end of the 

 cord, also, with the finger, as sometimes an accidental small plug 

 gets within the vessel; this had better be removed at the time. 

 Retain a hold on the clams a few minutes longer; and, while 

 loosening them gradually, observe to have an iron in readiness 

 again to touch the end of the cord, if any blood makes its appear- 

 ance. Satisfied on this point, sponge the parts with cold water. 

 No sort of external application is necessary, still less any resin 

 seared on the end of the cord, which can only irritate, and will 

 never adhere. 



On the after-treatment much difference of opinion has existed, 

 and even yet exists. The powerful evidence of accumulated facts 

 has now convinced us of the necessity and propriety of some mo- 

 tion for the newly castrated horse, as a preventive of local con- 

 gestion. Such practice is common in most countries, and seems 

 salutary in all. Hurtrel d'Arboval, thus impressed, recommends 

 the horse, immediately af+er the operation, to be led out to walk 

 for an hour; and it is a general plan in France to walk such horses 

 in hand an hour night and morning. Mr. Goodwin, in proof of its 

 not being hurtful, informs us that whole studs of horses, brought 

 to St. Petersburg to be operated on, are immediately traveled 

 back a certain portion of the distance, night and morning, until 

 they arrive at home. We have, therefore, no hesitation in recom- 

 mending a moderate degree of motion in preference to absolute 

 rest. 



The French method of castration is advocated by Mr. Goodwin, 

 and it is sufficient that it receives his recommendation to entitle 

 it to attention. It is rendered the more so, as he observes, on 

 the method in general use among us, ' that the operation per- 

 formed by the actual cautery always induces, more or less, symp- 

 toms that often become alarming, and that it can not he performed 

 on the adult without incurring more swelling and severer conse- 

 quences than attend other methods of operation. If I ever use 

 the actual cautery, it is for the sake of expedition, and then only 

 T>n a yearling or a two-year old ; but I am resolved never to em- 



