If it be situated in the _Pericranium_, the Wound must be kept open, waiting for Suppuration; but if it enter the Skull, an Enquiry is to be made, whether there be a Simple Contusion, or a Fracture also. In the Contusion it is necessary to wait for the Suppuration, and the {150} fall of the Splint, and to keep the Wound open; as in the Fracture, to examine whether it be in the first Table only, or in both; it is known to be only in the first, by the Application of an Instrument, and of Ink, as also in regard that there are no ill Symptoms; but a Fracture in both Tables shews it self by the Signs; and it may be found out by making a Crucial Incision in the Flesh, to discover the Fissure. _What are the Signs of the Fracture of the two Tables of the Skull, and of the overflowing of the Blood upon the Membranes of the Brain?_ They are the loss of the Understanding at the very Moment of receiving the Wound; an Hæmorrhage or Flux of Blood thro' the Nose, Mouth, or Ears; drowsiness and heaviness of the Head, and more especially Vomitting of Phlegm; from whence may be inferr'd the necessity of making use of the Trepan. _What Consequence may be drawn from the Knowledge of the Instrument with which the Wound was made?_ It is according to the Quality of this Instrument; as it is proper to cut, prick, or bruise; if it be cutting, the Wound is more Superficial, and not subject to a great Suppuration: If it be pricking, the Wound is deeper, but of small Moment: If it be a battering or bruising Instrument, the Wound is accompany'd with Contusion, producing a great Suppuration, besides the Concussion and Commotion of the Part, which are inseparable, and often cause very dangerous Symptoms. {151} Inferences may be made also from the disposition of the wounded Person; for a strong robust Man may better bear the Stroke than a weak one; and even Anger causeth an Augmentation of Vehemency; so that all such Circumstances are not to be despis'd, in regard that they give occasion to profitable Conjectures. _What particular Circumstance is there to be observ'd in undertaking the Cure of Wounds in the Face?_ It is, that a more nice Circumspection is requir'd here than elsewhere, in abstaining from Incisions, as well as in making choice of proper Medicines, which must be free from noisome Smells; and it is in this Part chiefly that Balsams are to be used, avoiding Suppuration, to prevent Scars and other Deformities. * * * * * CHAP. IV. _Of the particular Wounds of the Breast._ _What is to be observ'd in Wounds of the Breast?_