THE OPERATION. 123 



he lower testicle first in all cases, by rup- 

 turing or lacerating the peritoneum, or that 

 part of the membrane between the two large 

 bloodvessels. This is done with the tenac- 

 ulum. The operator cannot be deceived on 

 this point ; as soon as the membrane is di- 

 vided, the testicle presents a shining or 

 bright yellow appearance. When this is 

 done, introduce the tube and hair,* carrying 

 the hair into the rupture ; then pass the ele- 

 vator under the testicle, in the loop of the 

 hair: With the tube close against the body 

 of the testicle, draw the hair tense, when, if 

 the elevator and tube be properly adjusted, 

 the hair catches the cord over the testis. 

 Leaving the elevator remaining under the 

 testicle, holding the tube with the left hand 

 and fore finger, bearing it slightly against the 

 spermatic cord, with the right thumb and 

 fore finger hold of the knot formed in the 

 hair, the second and third fingers passed 

 through it, give it a sawing, or rotary mo- 

 tion, which will soon divide the cord. Take 

 it out with the elevator or forceps. 



* The Chinese employ as a tube a small quill. 



