3°3 
of the urethra which had been destroyed. 
months had elapsed since the healing of the wound, all con- 
traction in the cicatrix had ceased, and it was probable that 
a passage formed of such parts would not be liable to any 
farther diminution in its calibre. 
On the other hand, I had to contend with two great diffi- 
culties : in the first place, the portion of cicatrized integument 
intended to be separated, was not of original formation; 
consequently, it was endued with less vital energy, and pos- 
sessed fewer blood vessels : secondly, it was not possible to 
allow the parts to be at rest for the completion of any curative 
process for many hours together ; the force also with which 
the urine was expelled, and the acrid nature of that discharge, 
were alike unfavourable to the cure by adhesive inflammation. 
All these circumstances having been well considered, a por- 
tion of integument was removed about an inch and half long, 
and one-third of an inch in width, on the left side of the cica- 
trix ; the groove thus formed being intended to receive the 
edge of skin to be detached from the opposite side. An inci- 
sion was then made across the perineum above and below, so 
as to pare away the callous edges of the urethra. The cutis 
was next dissected off from a portion of integument on the 
right side of the perineum, about an inch and half in length 
and half an inch broad, leaving a smooth space of rather 
more than an inch between the cut surfaces, which was 
intended to form the lining of the new canal. The integu- 
ments on the right side were now dissected up, turned over 
a catheter, and brought in contact with the opposite groove. 
The detached portion of cicatrix bled little during the opera- 
tion, and, before it could be applied to the groove, the edge 
had so livid an appearance as to create an apprehension that 
