What ought first to be consider'd in a Wound of the Head?
Two things, that is to say, the Wound it self, and the Instrument with which it was made; for by the Consideration of the Wound, we may know whether it be Superficial or Deep; and by that of the Instrument, we are enabled to make a truer Judgment concerning the Nature of the same Wound.
What is a Superficial, and what is a Deep Wound in the Head?
That is call'd a Superficial Wound in the Head, which lies only in the Skin; and that a Deep one which reacheth to the Pericranium, Skull, or Substance of the Brain.
What is to be apply'd to a Superficial Wound?
It is cur'd with a little Queen of Hungary Water; or else with a little Balsam, laying upon it the Surgeon's Plaister, or that of Betony. But if the Wound or Rent be somewhat large, it must be clos'd with a Stitch.
What is to be done to a Deep Wound?
If it be situated in the Pericranium, the Wound must be kept open, waiting for Suppuration; but if it enter the Skull, an Enquiry is to be made, whether there be a Simple Contusion, or a Fracture also. In the Contusion it is necessary to wait for the Suppuration, and the
fall of the Splint, and to keep the Wound open; as in the Fracture, to examine whether it be in the first Table only, or in both; it is known to be only in the first, by the Application of an Instrument, and of Ink, as also in regard that there are no ill Symptoms; but a Fracture in both Tables shews it self by the Signs; and it may be found out by making a Crucial Incision in the Flesh, to discover the Fissure.
What are the Signs of the Fracture of the two Tables of the Skull, and of the overflowing of the Blood upon the Membranes of the Brain?