[ 45 6 ] 
of removing a complaint, which totally difables the 
patient, and too frequently terminates in the lofs of 
the limb, when negledted. And I am more particu- 
larly inclined to recommend this practice, as I am 
convinced, that this difeafe is out of the reach of fuch 
applications, as are of fervice in other difeafes of thefe 
parts, whofe fituation is more fuperficial that is, 
on this fide the ligament, in which is contained the 
iynovia. 
William Drury, aged 28, by bufinefs a porter, 
was put under my care, on the 5th of September, 
1754, for a diforder in his knee. Upon enquiry, 
it appeared greatly fwelled, was attended with ex- 
ceflive pain, which was continual : there was not 
the lead; degree of inflammation upon the integu- 
ments ; the patient was incapable of bending his 
knee in the lead; degree, or of fetting his foot to the 
ground. He could get no red;. The diforder arofe 
without any accountable caufe, and had been only 
of three weeks (landing. Upon placing one hand on 
the outfide of the knee, and by patting with the other 
on the infide, it was eafy to difcover a flu&uation j 
on which account I judged it advifeable to make an 
opening into the tumor, which I did by incilion on 
the upper and inflde of the knee-pan, as this was 
the mod prominent part ; upon which, a thick, gela- 
tinous fluid, deeply tinged with blood, was difcharged 
in a full dream to the quantity of fourteen ounces. Af- 
ter the whole of it was evacuated, I pafled a probe 
thro’ the wound, whfch went under the knee-pan : 
the wound was fuperficially drefs'd with lint, and the 
whole of the knee was covered with a pultice of drong 
beer-grounds and oatmeal. The patient complain’d 
of 
6 
