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 glasses," 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.

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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?

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_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.

[Illustration: 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.

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

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CHAPTER XX.

ABSORPTION.

387. ABSORPTION is the process by which the materials of nutrition are
removed from the alimentary canal, 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 mass 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 ex