bones. Cold is unfavourable--cold water a decided mistake in such a
case.

Of course a surgeon should be employed; but if no medical aid can be
obtained, a person who understands anatomy may replace a disjointed
limb by fomenting and oiling the muscles thoroughly, and then watching
for a time when they are relaxed, and when the patient's attention is
not fixed on the joint. This is the moment to slip the bone into its
place. If medical aid can be obtained, it is always safe, while waiting
for the doctor, to foment the broken or disjointed limb. Also a wet
compress worn over the disjointed limb will, with the fomentation, make
it much easier for him, when he comes, properly to set the bones.

When two bones in any part of the body are disjointed, the cords and
muscles which tend to keep them firm in their ordinary position usually
draw the ends past each other so that they overlap. To get the joint
right, the bones must be drawn until the ends can pass each other, and
then they must be brought into their proper position. Compare the
disjointed bones with those same bones in a right position in some
one's body, and thus you will see how they may be drawn right. There is
a way of manipulating the muscles and tendons that in most cases
renders it unnecessary to use much force, therefore the inexperienced
should never draw forcibly. Sometimes a joint will repeatedly fail in
this way. In such a case it may be supported; but means must be used by
hot fomentations to strengthen the joint, and general rubbing,
especially on the spine, must be used to increase vital force.

Limbs, Drawn-up.--We have had many cases of contracted limbs, arising
from various causes. Some of these have been completely cured, even
when the tendons or _cords_ which were contracted were going to be
_cut_ by medical advice. In one case, however, of which we knew, the
medical man ordered the very treatment we employ.

In the first place we must have EXERCISE (_see_). This may be given by
massaging the back and limbs with a gentle squeezing motion for
half-an-hour twice a day (_see_ MASSAGE). Use hot olive oil for this
rubbing, and _persevere_. If the feet be sweaty, rub them with the
CAYENNE LOTION (_see_). But the effective cure will be found in the
careful and persevering rubbing and pressure.

Sometimes we find that a failure occurs in the large haunch joint
itself, and that is not only shown by pain and stiffness, but by one or
more sores that