The details of this method of healing are similar to the first; the discharge or exudation from the wound takes place in the same manner, but as there are not two surfaces to unite to each other, this exudation simply covers over the wound in the form of a whitish or pale yellow layer of _lymph_. The fluid discharge should be tolerably clear; if it tends to be thick or milk like in colour it indicates that there has been some accidental contamination of the wound, or that the vital powers necessary for normal healthy repair are below the average. It shows that the inflammatory re-action of the tissues which is the essential requisite for healing has been excessive. In this case not only has the wound been invaded by the white blood cells, which as previously explained, form the groundwork of the new tissue cells; but a further step has taken place. These white cells have been thrown off the surface of the wound and together with the exuded fluid go to form “_pus_” or _matter_. All this causes delay in the healing. But eventually the wound becomes filled up by the growth of new connective tissue cells; these continue to multiply until the surface is reached, when the uppermost or epithelial layer of the cut edge of the adjoining skin grows over it, constituting a continuous skin covering. The _defects in the healing process_ may therefore be briefly summed as being due to some interference with the natural course of physiological repair. They may be comprised under the following heads. 1) Deficient vitality of the infant. 2) Infection of wound. 3) Imperfect performance of the operation especially when the tearing through and reflection of the mucous membrane has been incomplete. These defects are to be prevented by a careful examination of the health of the infant previously to the circumcision, by the employment of Antiseptic measures, and by carefully carrying out the technique of the operation. [Illustration] CHAPTER VII. _Hæmorrhage._ Trouble from bleeding is an exceedingly rare occurrence at the circumcision of an infant, because no arteries or veins are cut through. But the possibility of its occurrence, however, remains, and therefore some points regarding it should come within the information of every Mohel. It will be his duty to apply first aid, and consequently a knowledge of the principles of the treatment of hæmorrhage should be familiar to him. There are _three varieties of bleeding_. 1st. _Capillary._ This consists of the oozing of blood from various points on a cut surface. The vessels are minute hair-like structures, and bleeding from them is invariably stopped by firm pressure. This loss of blood occurs in more or less degree at every circumcision, and in the vast majority of cases is arrested by the natural process previously explained.