The object which the author has had in view in the preparation of the following pages, has been, to present to the younger surgeon and to the student, information relative to the art of bandaging, and to some other points of importance in the practice of surgery. These are subjects which are but slightly alluded to in systematic courses of lectures, or in most of the published treatises on the science; yet the necessity of a familiar acquaintance with them will be readily acknowledged by every surgeon of experience.
In the collection of the materials for this volume, the author has availed himself very freely of the knowledge of others, as exhibited in books, and of his own opportunities in hospitals and in private, of gaining practical acquaintance with the subjects of which he has treated. He trusts that he has not failed in his intention, always to give due credit to all from whom he has taken information. Originality can scarcely be expected, in a work of this kind, excepting perhaps in its composition.
The book is divided into five parts. Of these, the first embraces a description of the implements, if such a term be admissible, with which the ordinary duties of the surgeon are accomplished.
