For the better curing of these sorts of Wounds, it is requisite to be inform'd of the Quality of the Fire-Arms by which the Wounds were made, in regard that a Musquet is more dangerous than a Pistol, and a Cannon much more than a Musquet; as also to examine their situation and concomitant Accidents; for by how much the more complicated they are, so much the greater is the danger. Then the Patient must be set (as near as can be) in the very same Situation and Posture wherein he remain'd when the Wound was receiv'd, in order to discover the direct Passage of the Wound by the help of the Probe, with which a search is to be made, whether a Bullet, or any other extraneous Bodies, as Wood, Flocks, Linnen, or Stuff as yet stick in the Wound; so that Endeavours may be us'd to take 'em out thro' the same Hole where they enter'd, care being more especially had to avoid making {156} Dilacerations in drawing 'em out: But if the Operator hath endeavour'd to no purpose to remove these extraneous Bodies, let him make a Counter-Opening in the opposite Part, where he shall perceive any hardness, nevertheless without touching the Vessels; thus the Incision being made, he may readily draw 'em out with his Fingers, or some other Instrument. If the Bullet sticks so far in a Bone that it cannot be taken away without breaking the same Bone, it is more expedient to let it lie therein; but if the Leg or Arm-Bones are very much split or shattered, then the Amputation of 'em becomes absolutely necessary. The Pain and Inflammation of the Part may be asswag'd by letting Blood, topical Anodyns, cooling Clysters and Purgations; but in case much Blood hath been already lost, Phlebotomy must be omitted. The Clysters may be made with Decoctions of Mercury, Mallows, Beets, a Handful of Barley and Honey of Roses. Some Surgeons are of Opinion that the Patient ought to be purg'd every other Day, and even on the very same Day that he receiv'd the Wound, if his Strength will permit; however very gentle Purges are to be us'd upon this occasion, such as Cassia, Manna, Tamarins, Syrrup of Violets, and that of White Roses. In the mean while Anodyns may be compounded to mitigate the Pain; as Cataplasms or Pultisses made with the Crum of white Bread, Milk, Saffron, the Yolk of an Egg, and Oil of Roses us'd hot; which last Ingredient is of it self a very good Anodyn. But to asswage great Inflammations, Oil of {157} Roses, the White of an Egg and Vinegar beaten all together, may be laid on the neighbouring Parts. At first it is necessary to apply spirituous Medicines to the Wound, and Pledgets steep'd in camphirated Brandy, are admirable for that purpose; but if there be a Flux of Blood, styptick Waters, or other astringent Remedies may be us'd, still remembring that all these Medicaments must be apply'd hot. To promote the Suppuration of these contused Wounds, a Digestive may be made of _Oleum Rosatum_, the Yolk of an Egg, and _Venice_ Turpentine.