ant of the method of compressing severed arteries
until a surgeon could be obtained.

382. In 1846, a similar accident occurred in the suburbs of
Philadelphia. While the blood was flowing copiously, a lad, who had
received instruction on the treatment of such accidents at the
Philadelphia High School, rushed through the crowd that surrounded the
apparently dying man, placed his finger upon the divided vessel, and
continued the compression until the bleeding artery was secured by a
surgeon.

383. In "flesh wounds," when no large blood-vessel is divided, wash
the part with cold water, and, when bleeding has ceased, draw the
incision together, and retain it with narrow strips of adhesive
plaster. These should be put on smoothly, and a sufficient number
applied to cover the wound. In most instances of domestic practice,
the strips of adhesive plaster are too wide. They should not exceed in
width one fourth of an inch. Then apply a loose bandage, and avoid
all "healing salves," ointments, and washes. In removing the dressing
from a wound, both ends of the strips of plaster should be raised and
drawn toward the incision. The liability of the wound re-opening is
thus diminished.

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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?

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_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.

[Illustration: 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