WOUNDS. 275 
obtained, eight or ten thicknesses of it should be bound over the injured parts. 
If pus does not form, or, as commonly expressed, the cut does not “ matterate,” 
this dressing can be left undisturbed for four or five days; when the stitches may 
come out, and the wound be bathed and dressed again. To remove the stitches, 
cut one side of the loops of silk or thread just below the knots, and pull upon the 
knots with the fingers or tweezers. In the absence of antiseptic gauze, which 
is on sale with druggists, a compress of old linen should be applied, and kept 
wet with a solution of carbolic acid, two drachms to one pint of water. If pus 
forms and the wound opens, it cannot be left to itself four or five days, but must 
be cleaned and dressed at least twice daily. A stream of water from a vessel or 
sponge should be allowed to run over it, to wash away the pus; but the wound 
must not be pressed by a sponge or rag, for it would retard healing. After 
thorough bathing and cleansing, fresh antiseptic gauze should be applied; and 
it may be dry, but if linen is used it should be kept moist with the carbolic acid 
solution. 
Lacerated wounds are generally inflicted in fighting. They are irregular in 
shape, seldom bleed much, but often inflame, sometimes mortify, and hardly 
ever heal by “first intention.” In the treatment of such the first thing is to 
secure absolute cleanliness, removing with a gentle stream of water and a soft 
sponge or rag, all dirt, hair, etc., and then the torn skin should be dried with a 
soft cloth. This preparatory treatment is absolutely necessary, for a mere 
scratch, if irritated by the presence of a particle of dirt or other foreign matter, 
may in consequence become badly inflamed, and even an abscess form. After 
the wound has been cleaned and dried, its edges should be brought as nearly 
together as possible, a little iodoform powder be sprinkled over it ; and, finally, 
the compress and bandage be applied. 
Wounds of this nature at first generally require dressing once each day, and 
after the third or fourth day, twice daily, otherwise they cannot be kept clean. 
The dressings ought also be wet at least two or three times a day. It were 
better still if they be kept constantly moist ; and the employment of the carbolic 
acid solution is very generally advisable. , 
If a wound becomes much inflamed and evidently very painful, and an ab- 
scess threatens to form, poultices of flaxseed meal must displace other dressings 
for a time. 
The parts surrounding a severe, contused wound are broken or torn; the 
edges are irregular or rough; there is less gaping than in either incised or lace- 
rated wounds, and but little bleeding. The treatment of such wounds is very 
similar to that already advised for lacerations. The fact should be kept in mind 
that the cleansing process is more difficult, therefore it must be very thorough. 
It can be accomplished by means of a soft sponge and tepid water. 
One of the best dressings for wounds of this character is the compound tinc- 
ture of benzoin, because it seals them up completely and thereby protects them 
