hough he lived before the Anatomic Period. He had various lotions for
the healing of ulcers; some of these lotions were antiseptic and have
been in use in recent times. His opinions on the treatment of fractures
are sound, and he was a master in the use of splints, and considered
that it was disgraceful on the part of the surgeon to allow a broken
limb to set in a faulty position. He resected the projecting ends of the
bone in the case of compound fracture. He had a very complete knowledge
of the anatomy of joints, was well acquainted with hip-joint disease,
and could operate upon joints. Accidents were no doubt common in the
gymnasia, and practice in the treatment of fractures and dislocations
extensive and of a high order of excellence. Hippocrates used the sound
for exploring the bladder, and understood the use of the speculum for
examining the rectum, and in operations for fistula and piles. He
understood the causation of club-foot, and could cure cases of this
deformity by bandaging. He was skilful also in obstetric operations. He
trepanned the skull, which appears to have been a common operation in
his day. He had clear and sound views in reference to wounds of the
head, recognizing that trivial-looking wounds of the scalp might become
very serious. Hippocrates gave directions as to the indications for
using the trepan, and warned the operator against mistaking sutures of
the cranial bones for fracture.

He did not describe amputations as generally understood, but removed
limbs at a joint for gangrene. When necessary he made use of mechanical
appliances for reducing dislocations, and recommended doctors to furnish
their surgeries with an adjustable table, fitted with levers, for
dealing with the reduction of dislocations, and for various other
surgical manipulations. Excision of tumours was not a common operation
of Hippocratic surgery, although it had been a part of Hindu practice in
very ancient times. On the subject of _Obstetrics_, Hippocrates wrote a
great deal, and although many of his theories seem absurd at the present
day, yet, on the whole, the treatment he recommends is efficacious.
Regarding _Gynaecology_, in his treatise on "Airs, Water and Places," it
is interesting to observe that he says that the drinking of impure water
will cause dropsy of the uterus. Adams, commenting on this, has in mind
hydatids, but it is evident that both Hippocrates and his translator and
critic have mistaken hydatidiform di