[38] The troublesome symptoms which I have here enumerated, happen seldomer when the limb is entirely carried off by the ball, although the concussion caused by the compression of the air must be greater in this case, than when the ball has only grazed; a circumstance which might induce one to call in question the justness of my remarks in this section. But these doubts will vanish, when we reflect, that in a contusion there is no discharge of blood, whereas it is very considerable in cases where the limb is intirely carried off; and thus, the remedy is here a consequence of the accident itself, since this hemorrhage effects what we would wish to effect by artificial bleeding; in contusions, where there is no discharge of blood, it removes obstructions, and disperses the extravasated humours, which are the consequences of concussion. SECT. XXXII. As I object to the amputation of contused limbs, it is reasonable I should point out the method of treating such contusions: I prevent the troublesome symptoms they produce, or disperse them if they have already appeared, by frequent bleedings, and by the exhibition of such medicines as attenuate the blood, resolve what is too gross, remove what is obstructed, and render fit to be reabsorbed what is extravasated. I join with them such as, by gently evacuating by stool, unload the vessels; and I afterwards give such things as brace up the fibres, and restore the natural crasis of the blood. I have found no medicine more effectual to attenuate the blood, and resist the febrile disposition, than a powder, consisting of nitre, Epsom salt, cream of tartar, and true Armenian bole[39]. FOOTNOTES: [39] I have not experienced a better medicine in such cases, than the plentiful use of oxymel. TISSOT. SECT. XXXIII. The external applications for a contused limb should vary, according to circumstances, or according as the contusion has caused a mortified slough, or has not. If it has not, but nevertheless the bone is fractured, the applications should be of a very mild nature. In such a case I make no incisions, but I endeavour to bring the two ends of the bone together, to place them in their natural position, and to keep them in it, by means of compresses and bandages, as in the common simple fractures: I constantly stupe the whole dressings with discutient and vulnerary fomentations[40], and exactly follow the plan laid down § XIV. by which means I have almost always happily cured contusions of this kind.