[ 376 ] 
when it has been properly made, and the cure of the 
wound judicioufly conducted; yet I have fometimes ob- 
ferved, notwithltanding the utmoft judgement and at- 
tention, fome appearance of want of mufcular fubftance 
to form a Avell-fliaped ftump. And in whatever method 
an amputation has been performed, a very ftrait ban- 
dage fhould by all means be avoided in the fubfequent 
treatment of the wound, for obvious reafons; namely, 
becaufe it obftru6ts circulation, and is an impediment to 
nutrition. The condition of the patient, the ftate of 
the limb, and the part of it where the operation is fome- 
times found abfolutely neceflary to be performed, with 
other concurring circumftances may prevent the forma- 
tion of a good Hump under the moft fkilful manage- 
ment, whether the lingle or double incilion v/as prac- 
tifed, according as the furgeon fliall find reafon to de- 
termine his choice, by duly exercifing his judgement 
in this nice point. Conlidering the different degrees 
of attachment and adhelion of the mufcles, by means 
of the cellular membrane, if kept firmly together with 
the ftrait narrow band, as has been deferibed, it is evi- 
dent, they will be more evenly and regularly divided 
by the fingle than by the double incifion; for when the 
mufcles are laid bare, if a ftimulus of any kind is ap- 
plied to their fibres, it is evident, they will contrail more 
or lefs, according to their different attachments, and dif- 
ferent degrees of irritability : and for this reafon an even 
fedtion will not eafily be effected, unlefs the whole inci- 
lion 
