A letter, containing some observations on fractures of the lower limbs : to which is added, an account of a contrivance to administer cleanliness and comfort to the bed-ridden, or persons confined to bed by age, accident, sickness, or any other infirmity / by Sir James Earle.

Date:
1807
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter, containing some observations on fractures of the lower limbs : to which is added, an account of a contrivance to administer cleanliness and comfort to the bed-ridden, or persons confined to bed by age, accident, sickness, or any other infirmity / by Sir James Earle. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    calf and heel; for instance, where there is a deep wound leading down to the bone on the inside of the leg or ankle, if it lies on the outside it is evident that a cavity must be formed in which the matter will be retained, and which, being in continual contact with the bones, must create great mischief, as it can only be wiped away, and that very imperfectly, once or twice a-day* when the wound is dressed. In this case, some- times by placing the leg on the heel, an effectual current may be given to the matter, so soon as it is formed; the good effect of which on the wound will soon be perceived. In short, in all those cases where there are wounds, in which i a depending opening can be effected by the position on the heel, it is to be preferred. Except in such and similar cases to those just mentioned, I am, as I before observed, a strong advocate for placing broken legs on tfye outside.