Bruises, in whatever degree, have more or less some blood and other vessels torn and injured, and may properly be considered as wounds under whole skin. It is from the tearing to pieces blood vessels, whereby the blood extravasates from their natural channels, that occasions the swelling. If the bruise is but slight, the vessels are soon enabled to circulate the humours; but if the contusion is great, the extravasated humours are apt to corrupt, and make a collection of matter; thence an aposthume and ulcer must naturally follow. Bruises on fleshy parts are not so bad by far, as on the joints, because the fibres in the muscles are more pliable, and sooner unite; the ligaments on the joints are very rigid, and extremely sensible; for which reason also, they are generally more painful and tedious in their cure. The first intention is to disperse the extravasated humour, and to strengthen the tone of the injured fibres. To this intention the parts should immediately be bathed with _spirit of wine and camphor_ (A). But if the bruise is immediately on the joints, the _linament of soap_ (B) is still superior. A bandage over the part, so as to keep it in rest as much as possible, is also of great service. If, however, the part is so very much bruised, that there appears a collection of crumous blood, and that an aposthume is actually the consequence, recourse may be had to the above poultice in order to ripen it the more, and bring it the sooner to a head; and then treat it as a common ulcer. But that seldom is the case. If the contusion is great, and the patient is full of blood, bleeding is necessary; for in such a case a fever is apt to ensue, which should be guarded against, and the patient treated accordingly. ------------------------------------------- SECT. IV. _Of Dislocations_ There are many accidents by which a limb may become dislocated; the reduction of which is a material point in surgery. But if a surgeon is not at hand, a man ought nevertheless, not to remain in that painful and deplorable state, that endangers not only the limb of becoming useless, but even the loss of life itself. I shall proceed therefore in my directions as plain as possible, avoiding every expression that may render this operation prolix.