Note 25 — A TREATISE (continued 4)

(Drap-fanon.) This is a piece of linen or muslin (Desault appears to have used flannel, which is not however so good) spread under the broken limb, reaching in length from one end of it to the other, and wide enough to go about twice round it. It is to be folded at its edges several times round the internal and the long external splints, in order to retain them the better, and make them bear with more steadiness and advantage on the limb. The junk-cloth and these two splints, when properly applied, form a kind of soft elastic case, in which the limb rests. This case is of service in securing the bolsters in their places. The junk-cloth is the outside piece of the apparatus, except the bits of tape which go round and secure the whole. In arranging the different pieces, therefore, on the bed or mattress, where the patient is to lie, the surgeon places the tapes first, the junk-cloth next, the bandage of strips next, and so on, in an order the reverse of that in which he afterwards applies them on the limb. Trans.