WOUNDS. 14 J 



these cases is, to close the opening that has 

 been made into the joint ; for as long as it 

 remains open the inflammation will go on in- 

 creasing, and the pain will be so violent as to 

 produce a symptomatic fever, which often 

 proves fatal. The most eflfectual method of 

 closing the womid is by applying the actual 

 cautery: this will appear probably a very 

 stranee remedy to tiiose wao have not seen its 

 effect, yet it is certainly the most elhcacious 

 that can be em^ployed, although only appli- 

 cable where the wound is of the punctured 

 kind, and small ; for when a large wound is 

 made into the cavity of a joint, and particu- 

 larlv if it be of the lacerated kind, it is im- 

 possible to close it eifectually, and death is 

 frequently the consequence. As soon as the 

 opening has been closed, it is of importance 

 to guard against the inflammation that may be 

 expected to arise, or to remove it if already 

 present. For this, bleeding and purging are 

 the most effectual remedies. A rowel in anj^ 

 convenient part near the affected joint will be 

 found useful also. Should the joint be mnch 

 swollen, the blister Na 2 will prove ver3^ 

 efficacious, and far superior to fomentations 

 or poultice^; 



