DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
807 
it forms an artificial scab, which prevents intrusion as well as 
the growth of organisms within a wound. They are applied by 
dusting over the wound and surrounding area just before the 
fabric dressings are adjusted, and the thicker they are applied 
the more perfect will they perform their mission. There are a 
number of others recommended, but it is indeed difficult to find 
one so effectual as iodoform sugar. Whether for sutured or 
open wound treatment its effects are equally leading. The 
unpleasant odor of iodoform is an objection, but if it is not per¬ 
mitted to touch the clothing its odor can be dispelled from the 
hands by washing them in vinegar or dilute acetic acid. Boric 
acid and iodoform tannin are also valuable agents for our pur¬ 
poses. The former is commendable for packing a large cavity 
while the latter is particularly indicated in dressing a large 
excoriated surface. It will form a thick impervious scab. 
Pine Tar and Balsam of Fir. —Both, but especially pine 
tar, have many indications as adjuncts for dressings. In foot 
wounds they can be incorporated with the oakum and muslin 
so as to form the most perfect protection imaginable against 
infection. Their consistency as well as their antiseptic pro¬ 
perties recommends them for this purpose. In other portions 
of the body they are indicated for all wounds that will not 
secrete profusely. It must never be forgotten that bandages 
are often required to perform the function of drainage by ab¬ 
sorbing the wound secretions, in which instance they should 
be porous. But when the secretions are limited the dressing 
should be made as occlusive as possible and tar is the one 
material for the purpose. 
Hoof Dressings .—In city practice especially, nail pricks, 
hoof cracks, corns, quittors and coronet treads are very common 
foot wounds. It is not the intention here to transgress into 
the domain of their surgical treatment any farther than is. ab¬ 
solutely necessary to render the subject of occlusive dressings 
comprehensible. The reader might first be reminded that in 
dealing with each of these lesions it is the duty of the surgeon 
to patiently make the wound perfectly sterile and then protect 
it perfectly. This feat is neither an impossible nor impractical 
undertaking and must therefore soon replace the old method 
of dealing with foot wounds. The foot of the horse is in such 
close contact with the dirtiest part of the stable—the floor— 
that its wounds are easily infected if not protected properly. 
Open wound treatment or even treatment with only nominal 
bandaging is no doubt the one reason why foot wounds are so 
