802 
G. A. JOHNSON. 
solution for a shorter time. On the other hand, it is of verv 
little practical value to render a wound aseptic and permit it to 
immediately become reinfected. 
It is quite generally agreed by veterinary surgeons that it 
is impracticable, if not impossible, to obtain sufficient immo¬ 
bility of the parts to secure healing by primary union, except 
in a few regions, as the lower part of the extremities, the in¬ 
guinal region, the face and the ears. 
But this should not deter us from employing the principles 
of antisepsis, but we should bend our energies toward making 
the theory apply to the case, rather than trying to make the 
case fit the theory. There is no question but that we should 
attempt to secure union by first intention when and wherever 
practical. But when this cannot be reasonably expected, we 
should try to secure union by secondary intention, that is, heal- 
ing by granulation without pus, for the formation of pus indi¬ 
cates a destructive process, and its presence always retards the 
process of repair. 
Judging from results so far obtained, I am led to believe 
that a majority of wounds that domestic animals are subject to, 
may be healed by secondary union, through the use of large 
quantities of non-irritating antiseptics in the form of a powder 
or gauze packing. By the use of a sufficient quantity of a 
preparation that will not interfere with the process of repair, 
but that will check the development of, if it does not destroy, 
pathogenic organisms, we not only prevent the introduction of 
germs, but also arrest the development of such as may have 
found lodgment within the wound. 
As a rule, a dry dressing is preferable to a liquid dressing 
for wounds that are expected to heal under a scab, because it 
will form a better protection by remaining upon the surface 
better and longer. 
While surgeons are quite generally agreed that hydrargyri 
bichloride cor. stands at the head of the list of chemical disin¬ 
fectants, the selection of the agent used will ever remain largely 
one of personal choice of the surgeon. Personally I prefer creolin 
