THE CAUTERY AND THE SETON. 
297 
proper quantity of caloric, and to cause it to penetrate suffi- 
ciently deep. If it is necessary to have a light hand during the 
application of the cautery generally, it is more particularly so 
when it passes over the skin that covers osseous tumours, or 
which forms the folds of many articulations, or which is the seat 
of old cicatrices. It is also necessary to pass the cautery more 
rapidly during the commencement of its application than when 
it has begun to cool, in order that the quantity of caloric intro- 
duced may be equal through the whole length of the line. 
8. Care should likewise be taken so to dispose of the lines that 
they may not form too acute angles, and that, without ever crossing 
each other, there may be space enough between them so that the 
whole breadth of the bands of integument which separates them 
may not be acutely inflamed, and that the bands do not crack, 
or separate, or detach themselves from each other, and form 
unsightly cicatrices. 
9. When it is necessary to increase the action of the caloric, 
and to bring the points by which it has been transmitted nearer 
to each other, it will be advisable to introduce the cauterization 
by points between the lines, and where the action of the fire is 
most required. 
10. The number of times that the cautery iron should pass 
over the same line will necessarily depend on the disease, the 
temperament of the subject, the thickness of the skin, &c. In 
general, the iron has been applied sufficiently severely when the 
lines present a dull golden colour, and little drops of a red sero- 
sity are appearing on the surface. It is, however, of considerable 
importance, with regard to the effect intended to be produced, 
that this colour shall be the result of repeated passings of the 
cautery iron brought to a manageable heat. 
11. The lines may take different directions, but they should 
always have reference to the nature of the case. 
a. When it is thought to be necessary to cauterize the whole 
surface of the leg, from the knee or the hock to the coronet, as 
in cases of chronic engorgement of these parts, the fire may be 
applied in longitudinal and parallel lines ; but many surgeons 
draw a vertical line on the centre of each side of the leg; and then, 
oblique lines from above below, and more or less distant from 
each other, according to the nature of the case, are drawn to- 
wards the anterior and posterior face of the leg, and usually at an 
inclination of about forty-five degrees. When the limb is en- 
gorged to double or treble its natural size, instead of a central 
line on each side of the face, two are made, in the interval and 
on either side of which these oblique lines are drawn. 
b . In the great majority of instances the anterior face of the leg is 
