In preparation for the application of an artificial leg, and as soon as it is healed sufficiently to permit it without pain or irritation, the stump should be kept tightly bandaged from the end up to the knee, if the amputation be below, or up to the body if the amputation be above the knee. The bandaging will diminish and solidify the stump, leaving it in a much more desirable condition for fitting and rendering the successful use of a leg more a matter of certainty. If neglected, the chances are that a soft, flabby stump will be the result, which will rapidly reduce after the patient begins the use of a leg, but a refitting or an uncomfortable amount of filling up in the socket to compensate for the shrinkage of the stump will be necessary in order to walk with the least degree of ease or satisfaction. The remaining joints, particularly the knee joint, should be kept in motion as much as can be conveniently, every day; this will prevent their becoming anchylosed (stiff and inflexible). Should this warning come too late, and the joint is already anchylosed, it should be gently and gradually exercised, and oily, relaxing applications applied until straightened and flexible. A free daily use of the cold water bath and brisk rubbing will prove beneficial. An application of a solution of tannin and alcohol will toughen the skin, and in many cases it would be an excellent thing to continue the use of this solution after an artificial leg has been applied. _How Soon After an Amputation_ There is a diversity of opinion as to how early a substitute may be applied. Many surgeons strongly urge that an artificial leg cannot be safely fitted for several months after cicatrization occurs, while, on the other hand, some manufacturers of artificial limbs claim that a leg can be satisfactorily fitted just as soon as the stump has healed, no matter if it be but five or six weeks after the amputation.