ON TORSION OF THE ARTERIES. 
315 
order to give the experiment a fair chance, 1 would not enclose 
it in the forceps, but I cut through it. A jet of blood spirted 
out; I then seized the vessel as quickly as I could, and began 
to turn the forceps; but before I could effect more than a turn and 
a half, I lost my hold on the artery. I was vexed, and paused, 
waiting for the renewed gush of blood, that I might seize the 
vessel again; but, to my surprise, not a drop more blood came 
from the arterial trunk—that turn and a half had completely 
arrested the haemorrhage. I can safely say, that not two drachms 
of arterial blood were lost. 
The wound was sponged clean: there remained only the 
slightest possible oozing from two or three points: the flaps were 
brought together, secured by the ordinary sutures, and the 
proper bandages applied. The weight of the tumour was now 
ascertained, and which was twenty-two ounces. 
There was no after bleeding, nor any unpleasant occurrence; 
but the wound, which was nearly six inches in length, was closed 
in little more than three weeks. 
I regard the use of the artery forceps, and the slipping of these 
inefficient instruments, as a fortunate occurrence, and as setting 
the question, as to the practicability of this mode of operating, 
perfectly at rest; but, most assuredly, I will be better provided 
another time. 
I cannot help thinking that, while in the human being torsion 
bids fair to supersede the ligature, it will, in our practice, drive 
that relic of the olden and debased state of our profession, the 
application of the cautery in these cases, fairly out of the field. 
In docking, there cannot be a doubt that it will be found readily 
practicable, and quite effectual; and our patients will escape 
much torture, and tetanus lose many a victim. The principal 
danger in castration arises from the severity with which the iron 
is applied, and sometimes necessarily so, or from the inflam¬ 
mation set up by the caustic or the common clams. He will 
essentially promote the cause of science, and, what should be as 
dear to all of us, the cause of humanity, who will avail himselfof the 
opportunity which country practice affords of putting the effect 
of torsion to the test. The colt, the sheep, the calf, will be fair 
subjects for experiment. The cautery, as it regards the first, and 
the brutal violence too frequently resorted to in operating on the 
others, have destroyed thousands of animals. A noble course lies 
before you, gentlemen. Go on and prosper! and be your reward the 
thanks of your brethren, and the pleasing consciousness of res¬ 
cuing your patients from the unnecessary infliction of torture. 
