Sentence:  [T]he portion [of the nail] which projects beyond the fingers or toes should be excised, so that it may not prevent the motions of the hands or feet. If the nail has no very considerable thickness, this may be done wit a pair of strong scissors, after it has been softened by the employment of the <WSD>footbath</WSD>. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A small basin or bath designed for soaking or washing the feet.