By gently tapping the mold when the cast has set, it is made to separate from the latter sufficient to permit of separating or cutting away of the mold inside of it.
The cast, when removed and dry, is coated with white shellac varnish. Upon its reverse side a note is scratched into it, giving the case number, or such information as the surgeon may desire.
The author advises the addition of a small quantity of Armenian bole to the plaster used for the cast, as it gives a less ghastly tint and aids much by its color in the cutting away of the white mold from the cast. Several of these casts, taken before and after operation by the author, have been shown in the preceding chapters.
After operation and healing of the parts a second cast is made.
Hooks can be inserted into the casts, when still soft, to hang them up by, or loops of string or wire are stuck into them, while setting for the same purpose.
Such a collection is not only of great value to the operator, but is a means of constant and absolute record, even to the extent of reproduction by photography.
The necessary data in respect to the method employed in operating, dressing, etc., is to be added to the record as generally done with medical or other surgical causes.
Preparation of Photographs.—There are some cases of which no other permanent record can be made, except by photograph. If these can be obtained, the negatives are to be printed without retouching, the prints being made on silver printing paper of the glossy type to permit of reproduction in half-tone when desired at some future time.
In printing such pictures, the eyes, or other part of the face not operated on, may be obliterated by laying strips of paper next to the negative, the part thus covered coming out white in the positive.