118 INSTRUMENTS. 



fectly smooth, the edge rounded. It is used 

 to press out to view the lower testicle, to 

 assist in passing the hair over the cord, to 

 scoop out the blood, and to lift the lower 

 testicle out after being discovered. 



6. The hooks are an inch long, half an 

 inch wide, the hooks or lips a quarter of an 

 inch. They are fastened pendulous to a 

 split reed, or bamboo, six inches long. One 

 hook only is, however, fastened to both split 

 ends of the reed. A ring runs over the reed, 

 with a view of increasing the elasticity or 

 expanding power, drawing farther apart the 

 lips of the incision. The two figures give 

 an idea of these, one straight, O=r=n=O , the 

 other bent, (j^zm^^. Use, to draw apart 

 the ribs after the intercostal muscle is sep- 

 arated, so as to enable you to get a fair view 

 of the testicles. 



The next thing is to prepare the opera- 

 ting-table, which may be of any convenient 

 height, so as not to fatigue the operator. 

 About four feet is the usual height, but we 

 prefer it rather less. It should be on the 

 top two feet long, and fourteen inches 



