WOUNDS OF THE ARTICULATIONS. 
91 
Several methods have been adopted in its use. 
1. The budding-irony raised to a white heat, is introduced 
upon the wound to rapidly carbonize the tissues, and produce 
a solid eschar. Hurtrel d’Arboval has even recommended 
this plan in large and extended wounds.* We, on the 
contrary, think that it should not be had recourse to, because 
it increases the solution of continuity, and retards the healing 
process. 
2. Cauterization in points is sometimes applied all round 
the wound. This is preferable to the preceding method, as 
its action is more like that of a vesicant. MM. Lecoq and 
Renault have both spoken of this plan of using the cautery. 
S. Cauterization across the wound , or in lines near to it, with 
a view to produce either derivation or compression, has 
perhaps an equal number of supporters. 
M. Tisserant has published several observations which 
have been communicated to him by M. Feuvrier, and which 
are in favour of this treatment. Cooling lotions were used 
some days previous to the use of the cautery, in order to 
diminish the inflammation. *j* It is not to be denied that 
cures have been effected by this procedure, and we could add 
some facts to those already known, but this method has not 
many advocates, in consequence of the blemishes which 
invariably follow its application. 
Chemical Caiistics. — The employment of these agents is 
somewhat limited, but they are held in higher esteem than 
the actual cautery in the treatment of articular fistulas . 
Various substances, differing in their activity, have been re- 
commended ; the principal ones are Alum. Calcinat., Cupri 
Sulph., Eau de Babel , and Hyd. Bichlorid. 
Calcined Alum is but a slight caustic, and is therefore very 
frequently inefficient. M. Lecoq has, as before stated, some- 
times obtained good effects from its use, in conjunction with 
slight compression. J 
The application of the sulphate of copper (the English 
method) has often not accomplished the desired effect, as it 
does not act with sufficient power upon the tissues. 
The medicament, termed Eau de Babel , is stronger, and 
sooner produces an eschar upon the periphery of the fistula. 
This agent has been prescribed by M. Mercier ; the results, 
however, that we have seen, arising from its application, have 
not been favorable, because the granulations which follow 
* Hurtrel d’Arboval, Dictionnaire de Medecine et de Cliirurgie Yeteri- 
naires, 1833, p. 146. 
t E. Tisserant, Loco citato, p. 157. 
+ E. Lecoq, Recueil, 1840, p. 416. 
