CHAP. I.] OPERATIONS NECESSARY. 337 



be inserted in its lowest or most depending part, so 

 as the matter may escape through. 



As directed in the previous case of poll-evil at 

 page 326, the knife should be fearlessly applied in 

 severing any small bits of muscle that may appear 

 to grow across the cavity ; a touch of the knife will 

 be sufficient for any purpose, as by keeping open 

 the lips of the wound, all that belongs to this 

 diseased part will slough off, and should be wiped 

 away, as before directed, every time new dress- 

 ings are applied. Let the seton be soaked in the 

 mixture of corrosive sublimate and alcohol as di- 

 rected at the page just referred to ; and in the worst 

 cases apply either of the scalding mixtures in the 

 manner mentioned at page 328, and repeat the same 

 if the first dose does not accomplish all that is 

 desired. 



The operator in this case will not fail to use the 

 proper precautions as regards the application of 

 those scald-hot remedies, nor neglect to remove 

 the matter that is discharged from the wound, in 

 the manner set forth at page 326. Most frequently, 

 the lips or edges of the sore are thickened by the 

 heat and acrimonious nature of the discharge, and 

 assume a very inflamed and ulcerated appearance ; 

 this should be reduced by the knife or caustic, or it 

 becomes so luxuriant at times as to close the orifice, 

 and to cause a renewal of the fistula, in which case 

 you have all your trouble to go over again. At 

 Alfort, they have a very neat method of cleaning 



Q 



