BULLETIN 39, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM. [20] 



face bubbles and any possible dirt and throw away, and the liquid, of 

 cream consistency, is ready for use. 



The first layers of the plaster are applied to the forehead, about the 

 the eyes, and over the upper part of the face, with the help of a spatula 

 or a little spoon. The excess of the plaster flows down over the face 

 and onto the apron. 



The success of the cast depends largely on the dexterity of the 

 manipulator in this part of the procedure. 



The upper part of the face being covered, advance rapidly to the 

 ears and lower part of the face. At this stage it is of advantage to 

 throw the plaster on, with short, gentle jerks, with the fingers. Fill 

 one ear only, but carry the plaster around far enough to show the 

 location of the other ear. If the plaster begins to thicken, strengthen 

 what is alread}^ on, but without emplo3dng any pressure, and make or 

 have made rapidlj^ a new supply, slightly thicker than at first. Then 

 by repeated throws, as well as with the help of the spatula or spoon, 

 but avoiding pressure, cover the whole face. While the cast is drying 

 add very gently more about the eyelids, taking again much care to use 

 no pressure and especially not to get any of the plaster into the subject's 

 eye, where it would produce severe burning. Add also, if necessary, 

 more plaster about the nostrils. On the ear that is covered, carry the 

 plaster just a little over the convex border. 



Strengthen the cast over the forehead and median line of the face; 

 the thickness should range from about one-fourth to three-eighths of 

 an inch. 



When through with the application of the plaster, post yourself 

 behind the subject and gently support his head until the cast is suffi- 

 ciently hard. During the hardening the plaster will generate warmth, 

 but this never becomes too inconvenient or dangerous. 



The proper hardness of the cast is learned through experience; it 

 can be ascertained by tapping on it with a finger or some object. 



The removal may begin before the hardening is complete, at the 

 hair ribbon, which is drawn backward. Then proceed all along the 

 edge of the cast and press the skin back from it. With the help of 

 the fingers and perhaps of the spatula, free the helix of the ear and by 

 this draw the ear backward. All this can be begun quite early, to 

 occup3^ the subject's attention and satisfy him, and carried on so 

 slowl}" that the plaster has ample time to harden. To take the cast 

 off, lay the left hand on its top, grasp with the right its chin part, and 

 manipulate slowly and carefully up and down, and push downward 

 and forward, until it slips off. 



There is occasionally some difficulty on account of the beard, or the 

 subject may have tried to swallow or cough or have moved, and a 

 part of the cast may be cracked or imperfect, or a portion may be 

 broken off in removing it. All that can be advised in such contin- 



