28 PROPERTIES OP THE GUTTA. 
the common loop bandages around the whole,—that is one at the 
top, one in the middle, and, and one at the lower end. Let the foot 
be supported by a foot board, and a case of Gutta put over the 
dorsum of the foot, to bear off the pressure of the small band¬ 
age generally used to secure it to the board. Having done this, 
the Surgeon need not cause his Patient another twinge of pain 
until he thinks he can use the leg, or he deems the bone sufficient¬ 
ly united to bear the weight of his patient. If it be a compound 
fracture it will only be necessary to untie the loop bandages, sepa¬ 
rate the edges of the Gutta splint to the required distance, wash 
and cleanse the limb without shifting any thing except the dress¬ 
ings, and having done so, shut it up again. The most perfect 
cleanliness can be maintained, as the Gutta is not affected by any 
amount of ablution: neither is it soiled or rendered offensive by 
any discharge, all which washes off as easily from the Gutta case 
as from oil cloth. I have had a patient where the Tibia protruded 
through the integuments fully two inches, walking about in six 
weeks from the injury, with a leg as straight and well formed as 
ever it had been. It is quite obvious therefore that if it answers 
so well for compound, it will answer equally, if not better, for 
simple, fractures; and that any brok*i bone capable of receiving 
mechanical support can be supported by the Gutta better than by 
any other contrivance. For it combines lightness and smoothness, 
durability and a capability of adjustment, not possessed by any 
other known substance. All new experiments have to run the 
gauntlet of opposition, and I do not suppose that these recommenda¬ 
tions will prove an exception to the rule. But all I ask of any 
Surgeon is to try the experiment ere he argues on its propriety, 
and I feel fully convinced that all other splints and bandages will 
be consigned to the tomb of the Capulets. There are some other 
uses for which I have tried this substance, viz., as capsules for 
the transmission of the vaccine virus, which ought to keep welt 
when thus protected, for it is most perfectly and hermetically 
sealed. But I have not had sufficient experience in this mode of 
using it to pronounce decidedly on its merits. I am at present 
trying the effects of it on Ulcers, by enclosing the ulcerated limb in 
a case of Gutta so as to exclude all atmospheric air, and, so far, the 
experiment promises success. 
