[ <544 1 
fuch Cafes, the raoft cold aftringent Fomentations. 
In this and the like, they might have been very 
proper; cfpecially if a Portion of Spirit of Wine 
camphorated had been added to prevent Mortifi- 
cation. 
It fometimes happens, that though the annular 
Perforations of the abdominal Mufcles are dilated by 
the Operation, yet the Hernia canno.t be reduced. — - 
I believe, as the Guts were diftended to fo enormous 
a Bulk in this Man, it would have been impracti- 
cable. In fuch Cafes may it not be proper to prick 
them with a Needle, to let out the Flatus, as is com- 
monly pra&ifed in fmali Wounds of the Abdomen , 
where the Inteftine thrufts out, and becomes fo turgid 
with Wind, that it cannot otherwife be returned? 
In fome ventral Ruptures (as they are called) this 
alfo may be neceflary.- — I find Mr. Sharp , in his late 
excellent Piece of Surgery, approves of this Method, 
from an old English Practitioner, who had often ufed 
it with Succefs. 1 am perfuaded, Pn natures in this 
Manner are much Id's dangerous than the Operation ; 
and believe, in fuch Cafes, may be more effectual.- — - 
It is a common thing with Grafters and Cattle-Doc- 
tors, to prick the Guts of their Sheep and Bullocks 
with great Succefs, when, by feeding on Clover, or 
frefh young Grafs, their Guts become fo vaftly dif- 
tended with Wind, as would otherwife certainly 
kill them. May not a very fmali hollow Needle 
with Perforations, as in that ufed by fome inftead of 
the Trocar for a Earacenthejis , be more proper than 
a common Needle? May not the hernial Tumour 
be perceived to be chiefly flatulent by its being in 
fome 
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