Where the skin has held good there is no reason why the fingers should not be put in position at once and fixed in place by a splint of plaster of Paris or other material; but if it be evident that the integument at any point has been severely strained, it is desirable to wait for a few days before the parts are put on the stretch, and there is no reason to believe that the delay will be attended by any disadvantage. The operation may with benefit be preceded by careful washing of the hand and packing with a weak solution of perchloride of mercury solution or other antiseptic, and antiseptic dressings should be applied until the incisions are completely healed. The after-treatment consists in the use of splints of various forms. The palmar splints of Mr. Adams are very convenient, but in the early periods plaster of Paris is equally satisfactory, and renders the intervention of the instrument-maker unnecessary. Whatever form be adopted it should be worn day and night for two or three weeks, and then be replaced by a well-moulded front splint of sheet iron, to be applied at night only, and kept in use for several months. The hand once set free during the day the patient is to be urged to practise friction, with passive extension and active movements of the joint, at every possible opportunity; and it is only by strict attention to these rules that permanency of the improvement can be ensured. In private practice the instructions are usually carried out with a good will, and hence relapses are exceptional. Mr. Adams and Mr. Macready estimate them as less than ten per cent. But in hospital practice the case is different. The artisan has seldom much leisure or inclination for unpleasant manipulations for which, despite the assurances of the surgeon, he sees little immediate necessity, and he frequently allows the hand to drift into a condition, which, if not worse, is at least little better than before.