CHAPTER XXV 



COMMON ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES 



494. Surface Wounds. W hen the surface in any part 

 of the body is cut or torn, bacteria at once fasten upon the 

 moist parts and begin their harmful work. But for their 

 presence most injuries would quickly heal. Nature pro- 

 vides that the white cells in the blood shall multiply 

 about the wound to form a new tissue. They also have 

 the power of absorbing and destroying dead cells and for- 

 eign matter in the cut. New blood vessels grow in the 

 injured part and carry the material needed for building 

 the new tissue, while the cells of the cuticle also grow 

 from all sides to cover the exposed surface. But if 

 poisonous bacteria enter the wound, as they are almost 

 sure to do, they must be destroyed by the white blood 

 cells before healing can take place, and the process is 

 attended with inflammation, swelling, and pain, besides 

 being much prolonged. The edges of the wound should 

 be pressed together and kept in place by bandages or 

 plasters. Unless foreign matter, such as sand, glass, or 

 splinters, is believed to be in the cut, the blood should 

 not be washed away, but left -to clot and assist in the 

 restoration of the tissues. If nature is assisted by the 

 use of dressings and coverings which prevent the entrance 

 of bacteria, the cure will be much hastened. 



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