With respect to the os femoris, I do not know that any person hitherto has attempted to amputate it at its upper extremity with success: The arm has been successfully taken off at the shoulder, though but very rarely[33]. Every body knows that the most able surgeons only allow of the amputation of the thigh at its lower part, a little above the knee; but even supposing it could be safely taken off in the middle, when the bone is neither shattered, nor fissured higher up, the operation will prove useless when it is done, as has so often been the case with our wounded men. The difficulty attending the amputation of the upper parts of the thigh, is so considerable, that surgeons rather chuse to abandon to their fate those wounded men where it appears necessary, than to undertake it; and I own I am of the same opinion with them. If, nevertheless, a case occured, wherein the death of the patient appeared certain if amputation was not performed, and if the operation could afford any hope, I would even prefer taking the limb off at the articulation, rather than at any other place; for although it be extremely difficult, it prevents, at least, the inconveniences and accidents which a stump might occasion[34]. But as there can be no necessity for this operation, but in consequence of the large arteries being wounded, by following the method I shall point out § XXXV. it will be rendered unnecessary, and disputes concerning it may be laid aside: For it is very certain, that the most dangerous accidents even of this part, may be remedied, like those in other parts, by joining to the method of treatment I have already mentioned, the operation I shall describe § XXXV. providing it be performed in time, before the patient be exhausted, and almost dying, from the effects of the hurt being too long left to itself. But the apprehension which patients have of the pain which deep incisions into the fleshy parts would occasion, prevents extracting the pieces of bone which compress or irritate the parts around; as also from cutting through the membranes that are overstretched, and cause a constriction; from giving a vent to impacted matter, and from conveying the medicines to the parts where they ought to be applied. The consequence of all this is, that the proper remedies are applied too late, and the patient sinks under the pressure of the accident.