Circular bandages are used for the _neck_, to retain dressings on any
part of it, or for blisters, setons, &c.; for the _head_, to keep
dressings on the forehead or any part contained within a circle
passing round the head; for the _arm_, previous to bleeding; for the
_leg_, above the knee; and for the _fingers_, &c.

816. To Confine the Ends of Bandages

To confine the ends of bandages some persons use pins, others slit the
end for a short distance, and tie the two strips into a knot, and some
use a strip of adhesive plaster. Always place the point of a pin in
such a position that it cannot prick the patient, or the person
dressing the limb, or be liable to be drawn out by using the limb;
therefore, as a general rule, turn the head of the pin from the free
end of the bandage, of towards the upper part of the limb. The best
mode is to _sew_ the bandage on. A few stitches will hold it more
securely than pins can.

[LITTLE DEEDS ARE LIKE LITTLE SEEDS.]

817. The Oblique Bandage

The oblique bandage is generally used for arms and legs, to retain
dressings.

818. The Spiral Bandage

The Spiral Bandage is generally applied to the trunk and extremities,
but is apt to fall off even when very carefully applied; therefore the
recurrent bandage, which folds back again, is generally used.

819. The Recurrent Bandage

The recurrent bandage is the best kind of bandage that we can employ
for general purposes. The method of putting it on the leg is as
follows:--Apply the end of the bandage that is free, with the outside
of it next the skin, and hold this end with the finger and thumb of
the left hand, while some one supports the heel of the patient; then
with the right hand pass the bandage over the piece you are holding,
and keep it crossed thus, until you can place your right forefinger
upon the spot where it crosses the other bandage, where it must be
kept firm. Now hold the roll of the bandage in your left hand, with
the palm turned upwards, and _taking care to keep that part of the
bandage between your right forefinger, and the roll in your left hand,
quite slack_; turn your left hand over, and bring the bandage down
upon the leg; then pass the roll under the leg towards your right
hand, and repeat this until the leg is bandaged up to the knee, taking
care _not to drag_ the bandage at any time during the process