FOREWORD 



INSTRITMENTS 



The first essential to the proper performance of the operations of castra- 

 tion and spaj'ing is instrnments of proper design made from material of 

 unquestioned cpiality. 



Instruments of the same external appearance — -wliich usually means noth- 

 ing 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 thej' are not satisfac- 

 tory or dependable. The best are none too good, as oftentimes an instru- 

 ment Avill make or unmake a man's reputation as an operator. 



If these operations — castration and spaying — are to be clone neatly and 

 with dexterity, antiquated instruments have no place in the operative tech- 

 nic. 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 offered to the 

 public, 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 castrat- 

 ing and spaying instruments. 



Most manufacturers of surgical instruments and their shop mechanics, 

 have little or no conception or practical knowledge of the actual require- 

 ments of the instruments which they make and sell. 



Unless the purchaser knows what he wants, he is at the mercy of the ig- 

 norant manufacturer, and is liable to make mistakes in purchasing whicli 

 will cause embarrassment later when actually engaged in operating. 



Remember that there are several grades and many designs of castrating 

 and spaying instruments. Always call for "A grade," and see to it that 

 you get exactly what you call for, and select the design best suited for your 

 requirements. 



Numerous instruments are illu.strated and described in the following 

 pages. Where only one pattern of an instrument is shown, it means that 

 in the author's opinion that particular instrument has advantages over all 

 others and is the proper one to purchase. Where two or more instruments 

 of the same character are shown, it means that the author has no prefer- 



