626 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



but always operate without pain or danger. The following is a good 

 cathartic ball : — 



Barbadoeu aloes, powdered 4 dr. to 1 oz. 



Hard soap , 3 to 4 dr. 



Ginger 1 dr. 



Water . . 1 dr. 



Oil of cloves. .'. 10 drops. 



Beat the soap, oil of cloves, and water together in a mortar, so 

 as to form a paste, and if necessary use more water. This being 

 done, add the powdered aloes and ginger, and beat the whole into 

 a ball. ■■'"•• 



Bleeding, 'or Phlebotomy. 



The operation of blood-letting is now almost discarded in 

 modern practice. It is simple, and can be performed by almost any 



Fig. 937.— Raising (he Vein. 



one with a steady hand. For its performance , a fleam and blood- 

 stick are required ; the star of the fleam should be large at the 

 shoulder, to make a sufficient opening to allow a free flow of blood, 

 and the blade should be broad, to prevent its sinking in when the 

 vein is deep. The jugular vein of the heck is usually selected to 

 bleed from- The head should be moderately raised and slightly 

 turned off, the eye next the operator being covered by the hand of 

 the assistant holding the head. The left side is easiest operated 

 on; the vein is raised by the pressure of the third and little fingers 

 of the left hand, which holds the fleam. It is most superficial about 

 two inches from the angle of the jaw, consequently' this point is 



