cures, where even the loss of the entire bone has been supplied by means of a callus[53]; besides, the deformity of the limb does not take away the total use of it[54]. FOOTNOTES: [52] The observations of M. Muzel, p. 83. confirm my opinion, where he says, that all those on whom amputation was performed on account of carious bones, died in consequence of it. [53] Such is that mentioned by Scultetus, _Armentar. Chirurgicum_, _obs._ 81. in which we see a callus supply the place, not only of the tibia, but also of a part of the fibula, which he had extracted, and at the close of the cure, the patient walked without the help of a staff.----See also the Medical Essays of Edinburgh, vol. i. p. 312.----_Ubersatzt durch D. Carl. Cristian Krausen_, _p. 51_. And the same Essays, vol. v. p. 371. mention one much more surprizing, “for the whole tibia of one leg came out, and the tibia of the other leg separated in small pieces. Nevertheless the patient, who was a boy of 10 or 11 years of age, in four months was able to walk without crutches, with his legs straight, and continued well afterwards, and fit for country work.” These cases are so much the more decisive in favour of the method I employ, as the callus much more easily repairs the fragments of bone taken away by the surgeon after an external hurt, and where there is no morbid cause, which was very considerable in the case I have cited. [54] See § XXXVI. SECT. XL. It now remains, that I should say something concerning cancers; on which subject I shall be brief, as it has been treated of by very able hands[55]. If the complaint be recent, the constitution good, if internal medicines and outward applications have produced no effect, the vitiated part must be extirpated before the disease takes root, and communicates the infection farther. But the greater number of those who have the misfortune to be attacked with this disease, putting off the amputation from time to time, it happens when they do resolve on it, either that it accelerates their death, or the humour falls upon another part: For this reason, the operation for extirpating it, should be performed much more seldom than it is[56]; and it were greatly to be wished, that physicians would endeavour to find out some remedy for this horrid disease, without having recourse to amputation; but it is not my intention to dwell on this topic. FOOTNOTES: [55] See the Dissertation of M. Kattschmied, on this subject.