220 
the dressing, is laid down. Over this is spread a layer of sphag- 
um. The cotton backing gives shape to the pad, and it serves 
thin gauze paper, the so-called Scott paper tissue. This is 
folded under at the edges to form a sort of envelope for the sphag- 
his gauze paper does not affect in the least the absorbing 
ting the wounds, and it therefore makes i ssible to u 
gauze for the outer wrapping the dressing. Pads of this 
t re more complicated than those composed entirely of 
sphagnum, and they are somewhat more expe B 
aré quite easily made, and they are cheaper and at the same time 
much more absorbent than the ordinary cotton pads. 
agnum dressings, however made, are ee bulky. In 
order to flat hem out and to economize space in packing, it is 
customary run the ough a clothes wringer ter this 
treatment the dressings are ready to sent to the hospitals, 
where - are sterilized shortly before being used. Sometimes, 
however, for emergency use in field hospitals, etc., the dressings 
are ie before being sent out by being dipped in an antisep- 
tic solution. GEorGE E. NICHOLS 
SHEFFIELD SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL, 
YALE UNIVERSITY 
