--those produced by a knife, or some
sharp instrument.

2684. 2. _Lacerated, or torn wounds_--those produced by the claws of an
animal, the bite of a dog, running quickly against some projecting blunt
object, such as a nail, &c.

2685. 3. _Punctured or penetrating wounds_--those produced by anything
running deeply into the flesh; such as a sword, a sharp nail, a spike,
the point of a bayonet, &c.

2686. Class 1. _Incised wounds or cuts_.--The danger arising from these
accidents is owing more to their position than to their extent. Thus, a
cut of half an inch long, which goes through an artery, is more serious
than a cut of two inches long, which is not near one. Again, a small cut
on the head is more often followed by dangerous symptoms than a much
larger one on the legs.--_Treatment_. If the cut is not a very large
one, and no artery or vein is wounded, this is very simple. If there are
any foreign substances left in the wound, they must be taken out, and
the bleeding must be quite stopped before the wound is strapped up. If
the bleeding is not very great, it may easily be stopped by raising the
cut part, and applying rags dipped in cold water to it. All clots of
blood must be carefully removed; for, if they are left behind, they
prevent the wound from healing. When the bleeding has been stopped, and
the wound perfectly cleaned, its two edges are to be brought closely
together by thin straps of common adhesive plaster, which should remain
on, if there is not great pain or heat about the part, for two or three
days, without being removed. The cut part should be kept raised and
cool. When the strips of plaster are to be taken off, they should first
be well bathed with lukewarm water. This will cause them to come away
easily, and without opening the lips of the wound; which accident is
very likely to take place, if they are pulled off without having been
first moistened with the warm water. If the wound is not healed when the
strips of plaster are taken off, fresh ones must be applied. Great care
is required in treating cuts of the head, as they are often followed by
erysipelas taking place round them. They should be strapped with
isinglass plaster, which is much less irritating than the ordinary
adhesive plaster. Only use as many strips as are actually requisite to
keep the two edges of the wound together; keep the patient quite quiet,
on low diet, for a week or so, according to his symptoms. Purge him well
with the N