LECTURE III.
OF
ACCIDENTS,
AND THEIR
Proper Method of Treatment.
I Shall now proceed to the actual assistances that the human body stands in need of, when the order of health is impaired. This is the noblest office, in which mankind can possibly give aid to each other.
Health is certainly the greatest blessing this side of the grave; and what service can we render to our fellow creature, so valuable, as to assist him in the hour of distress.
From this consideration it naturally follows, what caution it also requires, and how circumspect every one ought to be, who takes upon him that noble office.
Before therefore I begin this important lecture, let me request of the reader the strictest attention, and never to act before the ailment, as well as the method of treatment is thoroughly understood; since nothing less than health, and even life itself, is liable to be the forfeit of a fatal error.
Mankind are ever liable to accidents, how cautious soever their conduct in life may be: But seamen, particularly are more so; not only from their occupation, but from the precariousness of the element on which they are dependant, and which so often exposes them to the most imminent danger.
I shall divide the accidents of bodily dangers, into falls, wounds, bruises, dislocations, fractures, scalding, burning, and drowning; and treat on each part separately, in as plain a manner as is in my power.