FOREWORD 



INSTRUMENTS 



The first essential to the proper performance of the operations 

 of castration and spaying is instruments of modern and approved 

 design made from material of unquestioned quality. 



Instruments of the same external appearance — which usually 

 means nothing more nor less than finish, and finish in turn merely 

 means polish and plate — may vary greatly in quality of material 

 and workmanship. 



Never purchase cheap instruments at any price, as they are 

 not satisfactory or dependable. The best are none too good, as 

 oftentimes an instrument will make or unmake a man's reputa- 

 tion as an operator. . 



If these operations — castration and spaying — are to be done 

 neatly and with dexterity, antiquated instruments have no place 

 in the operative technique. Nothing conduces quite so much to 

 awkwardness in operating and an all around "bunglesome job" 

 as do instruments of improper construction. 



There are numerous castrating and spaying instruments of- 

 fered to the public by many commercial firms that are bad and 

 others worse than worthless for the purpose for which they are 

 intended. The one admonition the author would offer above all 

 others is to exercise extreme care and good judgment in selecting 

 castrating and spaying instruments. 



Most manufacturers of surgical instruments and their shop 

 mechanics have little or no conception or practical knowledge of 

 the actual requirements of the instruments which they make and 

 sell. 



Unless the purchaser knows what he wants he is at the mercy 

 of the ignorant manufacturer and is liable to make mistakes in 

 purchasing which will cause embarrassment later when actually 

 engaged in operating. 



Remember that there are several grades and many designs of 



