16. The apprehension of mischief resulting from the admission of air to the articulating surfaces, would no doubt, in this case, have restrained most practitioners: but, even supposing this apprehension to be well founded, ought it to deter the surgeon from adopting the only possible mean of effecting a reduction, and of thus putting an end to the alarming state of things arising from the displacement of the bones? Desault proved in numerous instances, that the apprehensions of authors respecting such cases have been greatly exaggerated, and that it is practicable to cure wounds that penetrate into the cavities of joints, in the same manner as if they were simple wounds, and with but very little more danger to the patient. Yet it would seem, that the tediousness of the cure and the exfoliation of the bones, arose, in the present case, from the opening made into the joint, and perhaps also, in part, from the disposition and habit of the patient. Finally, in those alarming injuries of the joints, unconnected with external wounds, where practitioners have looked to no resource but that of amputation, Desault has, in a short time, and without any dangerous occurrence, restored to the subjects the free use of their limbs. The following case, drawn up by Plaignault, is a proof of this. CASE V. Pierre Phipe, aged twenty-four, fell, on the 20th of February, 1788, from an elevation of more than twenty feet: lighting on his foot, he turned it outwards, sunk instantly to the ground, and was unable to rise again. He was carried home, and from thence to the Hotel-Dieu. Desault examining him on his arrival, discovered a luxation of the foot outwards, and of the astragulus forward and upward: the patient’s sufferings were great. Convinced that the most effectual method to relieve these was to reduce the luxation, the surgeon undertook it immediately, pushed the astragulus into its place without difficulty, and with a report which was heard by every one present, while the bones of the foot were brought into their proper situation by means of extension. In an instant the pains vanished and the motions of the foot became easy. The necessary apparatus was applied. The activity of the pulse called for blood-letting, which was immediately performed. A low diet was prescribed. On the two following days blood-letting was repeated, both on account of the active state of the pulse, and of a considerable swelling which took place in the joint. The apparatus was kept constantly wet with vegeto-mineral water. Eighth day, somewhat better: echymosis gone. Fifteenth day, the apparatus laid aside. From this time the foot was gently moved every day. Eighteenth day, the patient able to stand on the affected foot without pain. Twenty-sixth day, walks with the assistance of a staff. Thirty-ninth, walks without limping, and enjoys all the motions of the foot. Discharged. § V.