PATHOLOGY.' S7 



arteries, bleeding most probably ceases from their 

 contractile power. The pain depends on the 

 sensibility and tension of the skin, which, of all 

 parts, is most sensible of pain. 



There is scarcely any case of fresh incised 

 wounds, where we should not attempt union by 

 the first intention*. Though there is often great 

 difficulty in bringing and keeping wounds in con r 

 ta6t, which is owing to our not being able to pre- 

 yent the horse's motion, and principally from the 

 panniculus carnosus muscle moving the skin. By 

 this method, wounds which formerly were known 

 not to be cured under five or six weeks, are now 

 pured in as many days. We should always en- 

 deavour to remove the coagulated blood, before 

 we attempt bringing the parts in contact, cither 

 by a sponge, or warm water; care being taken 

 not to have the water too hot, lest we should bring 

 on a return of the bleeding, 



Sometimes we are unable to clear the whole coa- 

 gulated blood away; and, should we persevere too 

 much in our attempts, may do great harm, bv in- 

 creasing the irritation. A small quantity remain- 



* Union by the first intention, is only the simple opera- 

 tion of uniting the edges of the wound either by the needle 

 and thready by bandages, or sticking plaster. 



C3 



