of cure. A young, growing,
robust patient whose vis vitae is active is amenable to treatment which
one with a waning constitution and past mature energies would be unable
to endure, and a docile, quiet disposition will act cooperatively with
remedial measures which would be neutralized by the fractious opposition
of a peevish and intractable sufferer.

The fulfillment of three indications is indispensable in all fractures.
The first is the reduction, or the replacement, of the parts as nearly
as possible in their normal position. The second is their retention in
that position for a period sufficient for the formation of the
provisional callus, and the third, which, in fact, is but an incident of
the second, the careful avoidance of any accidents or causes of
miscarriage which might disturb the curative process.

In reference to the first consideration, it must be remembered that the
accident may befall the patient at a distance from his home, and his
removal becomes the first duty to be attended to. Of course, this must
be done as carefully as possible. If he can be treated on the spot, so
much the better, though this is seldom practicable, and the method of
removal becomes the question calling for settlement. But two ways
present themselves--he must either walk or be carried. If the first, it
is needless to say that every caution must be observed in order to
obviate additional pain and to avoid any aggravation of the injury. Led
slowly, and with partial support, if practicable, the journey will not
always involve untoward results. If he is carried, it must be by means
of a wagon, a truck, or an ambulance; the last being designed and
adapted to the purpose, would, of course, be the most suitable vehicle.
As a precaution which should never be overlooked, a temporary dressing
should first be applied. This may be so done as for the time to answer
all the purposes of the permanent adjustment and bandaging. Without thus
securing the patient, a fracture of an inferior degree may be
transformed to one of the severest kind, and, indeed, a curable changed
to an incurable injury. We recall a case in which a fast-trotting horse,
after running away in a fright caused by the whistle of a locomotive,
was found on the road limping with excessive lameness in the off fore
leg, and walked with comparative ease some 2 miles to a stable before
being seen by a surgeon. His immediate removal in an ambulance was
advised, but before that vehi