357

CHAP. L.

OF SURGERY.

TO describe all the operations of surgery, and to point out the dif-feient diseases in which these operations are necessary, would extendthis article, far beyond the limits allotted to it: we must therefore con-fine our observations to such cases as most generally occur, and in whichproper assistance is either not asked, or not always to be obtained.Though an acquaintance with the structure of the human body is indis-pensibly necessary to qualify a man for being an expert surgeon, yetmany things may be done to save the lives of their fellow men in emer-gencies by those who are no adepts in anatomy. It is amazing withwhat facility the peasants daily perform operations upon brute animals,which are not of a less difficult nature than many of those performed onthe human species; yet they seldom fail of success.

Indeed, every man is in some measure a surgeon whether he will ornot. He feels an inclination to assist his fellow-men in distress, and ac-cidents happen every hour which give occasion to exercise this feeling.The feelings of the heart, however, when not directed by the judgment,are apt to mislead. Thus one, by a rash attempt to save his friend, majsometimes destroy him; while another, for fear of doing amiss, stands'till and sees his bosom friend expire without so much as attempting to.elievc him, even when the means are in his power. As every good manwould wish to steer a course different from either of these, it will nodoubt be agreeable to him to know what ought to be done upon suchemergencies.

1

OF BLEEDING.

No operation of sargery is so frequently necessary as bleeding; itought therefore to be very generally understood. But though practisedby midwives, gardeners, blacksmiths, &c. we have reason to believe thatvery few know when it is proper. Even physicians themselves havebeen so much the dupes of theory in this article, as to render it the sub-ject of ridicule. It is however an operation of great importance, andmust, when seasonably and properly performed, be of singular serviceto those in distress.

Bleeding is proper at the beginning of all inflammatory fevers, aspleurisies, peripneumonies, &c. It is likewise proper in all topical in-flammations, as those of the intestines, womb, bladder, stomach, kidneys,throat, eyes, &c. as also in the asthma, sciatic pains, coughs, head-achs,rheumatisms, the apoplexy, epilepsy, and bloody-flux. After falls,blows, bruises, or any violeut hurt received either externally or inter-nally, bleeding is necessary. It is likewise necessary for persons wh«