Part 25 (2/2)

381. Relate the first incident showing the utility of every person knowing the proper method of arresting the flow of blood from divided arteries. 382. The second incident. 383. How should ”flesh wounds” be dressed?

_Observation._ The union of the divided parts is effected by the action of the divided blood-vessels, and not by salves and ointments.

The only object of the dressing is to keep the parts together, and protect the wound from air and impurities. _Nature_, in all cases of injuries, performs her own cure. Such simple wounds do not generally require a second dressing and should not be opened until the incisions are healed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 80. The manner in which strips of adhesive plaster are applied to wounds.]

384. In wounds made by pointed instruments, as a nail, or in lacerated wounds, as those made by forcing a blunt instrument, as a hook, into the soft parts, there will be no direct and immediate union. In these cases, apply a soothing poultice, as one made of linseed meal, and also keep the limb still. It is judicious to consult a physician immediately, in punctured or lacerated wounds, because they often induce the most dangerous diseases.

385. Wounds caused by the bite of rabid animals or venomous serpents, should be immediately cleansed with pure water. In many instances, the application of suction, either with ”cupping gla.s.ses,” or the mouth, will prevent the introduction of the poisonous matter into the system by absorption. When this is effected, cover the wound with a soothing poultice, as one made of slippery elm bark.

What should be avoided? How should the strips of plaster be removed from a wound? How is the union of the divided parts effected? 384. How should punctured and lacerated wounds be dressed? 385. What is the treatment of wounds caused by the bite of rabid animals?

_Observation._ Although animal poisons, when introduced into the circulating fluid through the broken surface of the skin, frequently cause death, yet they can be taken into the mouth and stomach with impunity, if the mucous membrane which lines these parts is not broken.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 81. _a_, _a_, Representation of wounds on the back part of the arm and fore-arm _b_, _b_, Wounds on the anterior part of the arm and fore-arm. By bending the elbow and wrist, the incisions at _a_, _a_, are opened, while those at _b_, _b_, are closed. Were the arm extended at the elbow and wrist, the wounds at _a_, _a_, would be closed, and those at _b_, _b_, would be opened.]

386. The proper position of the limbs favors the union of wounds. If the incision be upon the anterior part of the leg, between the knee and ankle, extending the knee and bending the ankle will aid its closing. If it be upon the back part of the leg, by extending the foot and bending the knee, the gaping of the incision will be diminished.

When wounds occur upon the trunk or upper extremities, let the position of the person be regarded.

386 Does the proper position of the limbs favor the union of wounds?

CHAPTER XX.

ABSORPTION.

387. ABSORPTION is the process by which the materials of nutrition are removed from the alimentary ca.n.a.l, to be conveyed into the circulatory vessels. It is likewise the process by which the particles of matter that have become injurious, or useless, are removed from the ma.s.s of fluids and solids of which the body is composed. These renovating and removing processes are performed by two sets of vessels

ANATOMY OF THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS.

388. The vessels that act exclusively for the growth and renovation of the system, are found only in the alimentary ca.n.a.l. They are called lacteals. The vessels whose sole function is to remove particles of matter already deposited, are called _Lym-phatics_. The radicles, or commencement of the veins, in many, and it may be in all parts of the body, perform the office of absorption.

_Observation._ This fact accounts for the capacity of the venous system exceeding the arterial. Had the veins no other function to perform, beside returning the blood that had been distributed by the arteries, it would be reasonable to suppose that this system would be less than the arterial, but the reverse is known to be true.

389. The LYMPHATIC VESSELS, in structure, resemble the lacteals. They exist in great numbers in the skin and mucous membranes, particularly those of the lungs. Though no lymphatics have been traced to the brain, it is presumed that they exist there, as this part of the body is not exempt from the composition and decomposition, which are perpetual in the body. These vessels are extremely minute at their origin, so that in many parts of the system they cannot be detected without the aid of a microscope.

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