DISEASES FROM SEPTIC INFECTION OF WOUNDS. 315 



stopped, we bring the wound together by stitches or ligatures 

 (Fig. 70). As rule, the ordinary knot-stitch with antiseptic silk 

 is used, although we may connect it with other forms, such as the 

 extension-stitch (Fig. 70). Small wounds do not, as a rule, re- 

 quire drains. The wound should be compressed for several minutes 

 by means of an antiseptic sponge, and after that painted with 

 tincture of benzoin comp. If the position of the wound allows, 

 we must apply a firm compact, dressing over every wound that 

 is sititched; if it is a simple one, the dressing may remain until it 

 is entirely healed — that is, for about one week. If we have a 

 large wound, however, with flaps, caverns, etc., it is advisable to 

 place drains in the wounds and change the dressing after three or 

 four days. Instead of collodion dressing in such wounds, use anti- 

 septic powders, such as sulphonal and boric acid, or painted with 

 tr. benzoin. These should be applied to the wound itself, directly 

 on the line of the severed skin. 



Lister's dressing in its original form is very rarely used at the 

 present time. The author has been in the habit of covering ordi- 

 nary sewed wounds with a thin layer of salicylic or carbolic gauze, 

 and over it a dry, aseptic muslin bandage, and over this a damp 

 starched gauze bandage. The latter has the advantage of forming 

 a stiff envelope, becoming dry on account of its starchy contents, 

 and exerting a certain hold on the injured member. If a serious 

 rise of temperature takes place, the dressing must be immediately 

 removed and the directions followed which are given under the 

 head of " Wound Fever." When the bandage has been displaced, 

 and when it has been moistened by the wound secretion, it must 

 also be changed. 



Wounds which heal under a dry soab are generally superficial. 

 These do not require to be closed by means of stitches, and they 

 seldom are licked or irritated by animals. We use in these cases 

 the following method of treatment : 



After thoroughly disinfecting the wound and its neighborhood, 

 by means of caustic agents (nitrate of silver, chloride of iron, 

 burnt alum, or with a thermo- cautery), we produce an artificial 

 scab, or we cover the wound surface with collodion. The latter 

 is recommended in common lacerations. As a rule, no dressing 

 is used. The scab loosens after some time and falls off. When 

 we are obliged under certain circumstances to leave a wound open 



