They are the loss of the Understanding at the very Moment of receiving the Wound; an Hæmorrhage or Flux of Blood thro' the Nose, Mouth, or Ears; drowsiness and heaviness of the Head, and more especially Vomitting of Phlegm; from whence may be inferr'd the necessity of making use of the Trepan.
What Consequence may be drawn from the Knowledge of the Instrument with which the Wound was made?
It is according to the Quality of this Instrument; as it is proper to cut, prick, or bruise; if it be cutting, the Wound is more Superficial, and not subject to a great Suppuration: If it be pricking, the Wound is deeper, but of small Moment: If it be a battering or bruising Instrument, the Wound is accompany'd with Contusion, producing a great Suppuration, besides the Concussion and Commotion of the Part, which are inseparable, and often cause very dangerous Symptoms.
Inferences may be made also from the disposition of the wounded Person; for a strong robust Man may better bear the Stroke than a weak one; and even Anger causeth an Augmentation of Vehemency; so that all such Circumstances are not to be despis'd, in regard that they give occasion to profitable Conjectures.
What particular Circumstance is there to be observ'd in undertaking the Cure of Wounds in the Face?
It is, that a more nice Circumspection is requir'd here than elsewhere, in abstaining from Incisions, as well as in making choice of proper Medicines, which must be free from noisome Smells; and it is in this Part chiefly that Balsams are to be used, avoiding Suppuration, to prevent Scars and other Deformities.