The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1901-06-13

executed in certain way, there
must be logical reason for so
doing. The rules laid down in
these articles are to be followed to
prevent serious complications arising
later, not from the wound itself, but
from allowing non. sterile or septic
substances to come in contact with the
wounded surface. A clean wound will
readily heal, an unclean one develops
complications which often result in
the loss of limb, and frequently in
loss of life.
All wound infection is caused by
bacteria. Bacteria, are micro-organ-
isms, divided into three chief classes:
I, Microcci, which are cells, either
found singly or in chains; II, the
Bacilli, which are rod shaped cells,
found singly or in swarms; Ill, the
Bacteli ia found in chains and masses.
All these different forms are commonly
spoken of under the general heading of
Bacteria. They all have the property
of marvellous reproduction, millions
being generated from single bacillus
in few hours. Ali bacteria are of
vegetable origin.
Natur. produces and pours out upon
wounded surface an albuminous sub
stance intended as areparative material.
Some bacteria act either directly or by
chemical products formed by coming
in contact with this substance, and
thus producing what is called pus.
At first this is confined to the surface
of the wound, but later penetrates into
the tissues themselves. Sometimes
they 60 so far as to enter the general
circulation, with severe results. When
ever a wound which has been in contact
with septic substance heals without
the formation of pus, we know that
nature was able in the struggle for
supremacy to conquer. The history of
epidemic diseases Caused by bacteria)
has proven that severe cold does not
kill many bacteria, the disease reappear-
ing upon the return of the warm
season. But moist heat, boiling water
or steam will kill every variety of
bacteria.
The terms Aseptic Surgery and Anti
septic Surgery are often noticed. The
meaning of these two terms is as
follows: BY Aseptic Surgery is under
stood the employment of known means
chemical and mechanically in the
sterilization of the hands, instruments
and all dressings used, also the tissue
area of the wound is sterilized. Anti
septic Surgery is the embodiment OF
all the details of Aseptic Surgery and
in addition the use of chemicals upon
the wound surface during and after
the completion of the operation. The
use of antiseptics is intended to kill OF
weaken the power of any germs which
possibly have infected fresh wound
If supperation is already established
these chemicals stop fermentation ant
protect the patient from the more
severe local and constitutional effects
of wound Infection. The most dreaded
infection is that of the Petanus Bacillus
which is the Bacillus of lockjaw. Th'
result is generally fatal, though som'
cases of cure are recorded.
From the foregoing it will be seel
that the main requisite is cleanliness
Many wounds heal after being grossl.
maltreated, but one may tempt fat
once too often. Simple wounds, no
needing surgeons care, may b
dressed as follows: First thorough
wash the wounded surface with no
water. A superficial washing is use
less. If not of too large an area, tn
wound may now be sealed wit