REMARKS ON THE TREATMENT OF OPEN JOINTS. 149 
confine it within the bounds which nature has marked out for it, 
and thus preserve a proper glibness for the motion of the bones,, 
and prevent that attrition which is oftentimes productive of so 
much mischief. Now, what plan shall we pursue for the accom¬ 
plishment of this primary object? How shall we best block up 
(the term, though vulgar, is expressive,) the canal which allows 
of the passage of the synovia? Various methods have been 
adopted with success—the actual cautery—stimulants to the 
external wound—adhesive straps—sutures—and a peculiar ban¬ 
daging, introduced by Mr. Thomas Turner, of Croydon. 
I shall not now stay to analyze the respective and comparative 
merits of these plans: they are all directed to the same end, viz. 
the closing of the cavity ; but there is yet one mode of treatment 
upon which I wish to make a remark or two ; I mean the 
application of digestive ointment, and continual warm fomen¬ 
tations. 
We all know that the cavity of a joint presents an exception 
to the general rule of mucous membranes having an external 
outlet: a joint is circumscribed—it has no external outlet; yet 
the lining membrane possesses the peculiarities and properties of 
a mucous membrane, and consequently, under inflammation, is 
predisposed to take on the suppurative process. Now, is it 
desirable that we should induce this state of suppuration ? Is 
it desirable that the healthy secretion of synovia should be 
changed into the morbid secretion of pus ? Certainly not. 
Ought we not rather to use all our endeavours to ward off this 
alteration in the functions of the membrane, and to preserve it 
in such a state that synovia, and not pus, may be poured from 
its secerning vessels? Decidedly, yes. But let us suppose that 
it was our wish, and our most effectual method of combating 
the case, to encourage the process of suppuration ; how should 
we best accomplish our object? Why, most certainly by the 
use of digestive ointment, fomentations, poultices, &c. This 
treatment is pursued at the Veterinary College. Not the slightest 
effort is there made to produce adhesive inflammation in the 
external wound, or to prevent the exit of the lubricating fluid ; 
but every plan is brought into requisition that is any way 
likely to keep open the joint, and to induce a morbid secretion 
from the synovial membrane. But let us not confine ourselves 
to mere words. I will adduce “ Ov ywirtt, •” (t not 
the theory, but the practice.” During a residence of fourteen 
months at the Veterinary College, I do not recall to mind one 
successful case of decided open joint. This is a broad assertion, 
and may appear somewhat bold and uncalled for on my part; 
but I happen to be one of those unfortunate individuals whose 
