When assistance came to him, he complained of a severe pain in his heel, and said, that on falling, he had heard a considerable report. He was taken up, and assisted in walking to the Hotel-Dieu, where he did not arrive without pain, being able to bear only on the point of the diseased foot, and suffering greatly if he attempted to put his heel to the ground. From the signs mentioned (3), Desault perceiving that there existed a fracture of the os calcis, made arrangements for reducing it. This he did by extending the foot on the leg, and drawing down the exterior fragment from the elevation to which muscular contraction had raised it, so as to bring it into perfect contact with the body of the bone. He then applied the common apparatus for a rupture of the tendo Achillis, with the modification already pointed out (6). In the evening venesection was prescribed: the patient experienced sharp pains at the place of the fracture; a slight swelling occurred at the ends of the toes; an anodyne was prescribed. Next day, evidently better: venesection again. Fourth day, the patient is allowed to return to his usual regimen. Eighth day, apparatus removed for the first time; fragments in contact. Fifteenth day, a second application of the bandage. Nineteenth day, bilious symptoms. Twenty-first, an emetic given in solution. Thirty-second day, further evacuations: apparatus renewed. Forty-seventh day, consolidation complete. A stiffness remained in the part for some time, but this was gradually removed by exercise. MEMOIR XVII. ON COMPLICATED LUXATIONS OF THE FOOT. § I. 1. Complicated luxations of the foot, like complicated fractures, show themselves under such a variety of forms, are accompanied by so many peculiar affections, and so many different circumstances are connected with them, that it would be difficult to lay down rules applicable to their treatment in all cases. On this subject, indeed, art is in possession of certain general principles, liable however to numerous exceptions and modifications. In the treatment of such cases, who can fix the limits between reduction, and amputation or extirpation? Who can point out, with precision, where the one ceases to be useful and becomes hazardous; while the others constitute the only resources of art? Experience and talents alone are capable of deciding on these points, and that only in the chambers of the sick. It is, therefore, less by precept than example that practitioners ought to be instructed here.