_What Course is proper to be taken to avoid the Puncture of an Artery in letting Blood?_ It must be felt with the Hand before the Ligature is made, observing well whether it be deep or superficial; for when it lies deep, there is nothing to be fear'd; and when it is superficial, it may be easily avoided by pricking the Vein either higher or lower. _What is to be done when an Artery is open'd?_ If it be well open'd, it is requisite to let the Blood run out till the Person falls into a _Syncope_ or Swoon, by which means the Aneurism is prevented; and afterward the Blood will be more easily stopt: It remains only to make a good Bandage with many Bolsters, in the first of which is simply put a Counter or a Piece of Money; but a bit of Paper chew'd will serve much better, with Bolsters laid upon it in several Folds. _If the Arteries cause so much trouble when open'd accidentally, why are those of the Temples sometimes open'd on purpose, to asswage violent Pains in the Head?_ By reason that in this place the Arteries are situated upon the Bones that press 'em behind; which very much facilitates their re-union. _Are not the Arteries of Persons advanc'd in Years more difficult to be clos'd than those of Children?_ Yes. {208} _Are there not Accidents to be fear'd in letting Blood in the Foot?_ Much less than in the Arm; because the Veins of the _Malleoli_ or Ankles are not accompany'd either with Arteries or Tendons; which gave occasion to the Saying, _That the Arm must be given to be let Blood only to an able Surgeon, but the Foot may be afforded to a young Practitioner_. * * * * * {209} A TREATISE OF _Chirurgical Operations_. * * * * * CHAP. I. _Of the Operation of the Trepan._ This Operation is to be perform'd, when it is inferr'd from the Signs of which we have already given a particular Account, that some Matter is diffus'd over the _Dura Mater_. The Trepan must not be us'd in the _Sinus Superciliares_, by reason of their Cavity; nor in the Sutures, in regard of the Vessels that pass thro' 'em; nor in the Temporal Bone without great necessity, especially in that part of it which is join'd to the Parietal-Bone, lest the end of this Bone shou'd fly out of its place, since it is only laid upon the Parietal; nor in the middle of the Coronal and Occipital-Bones, by reason of an inner {210} Prominence wherein they adhere to the _Dura Mater_; nor in the Passage of the Lateral _Sinus's_ that are situated on the side of the Occipital. If the Fissure be very small, the Trepan may be apply'd upon it, altho' it is more expedient to use this Instrument on the side of the Fissure in the lower part; neither is the Trepan to be set upon the Sinkings; and if the Bones are loosen'd or separated, there needs no other trepanning than to take 'em away with the Elevatory.