It is known when in opening the Median Vein, the end of the Lancet hath met with some Resistance; when the Patient hath felt great Pain, and afterward when the Tendon apparently begins to be puff'd up, and the Arm to swell. A Remedy may be apply'd to this Accident thus; after having finish'd the Operation, a Bolster steep'd in Oxycratum is to be laid upon the Vessel, a proper Bandage is to be made, and the Arm must be wrapt up in a Scarf: If the Inflammation that ariseth in the Part be follow'd with Suppuration, it must be dress'd with a small Tent; and if the Suppuration be considerable, it is necessary to dilate the Wound, and to make use of Oil of Eggs and Brandy, or Arcæus's Liniment, with a good Digestive; as also to apply Emplastrum Ceratum; to make an Embrocation on the Arm with Oil of Roses; and to dip the Bolsters in Oxycratum to cover the whole Part.
Is it not to be fear'd that some Nerve may be wounded in letting Blood?
No, they lie so deep that they cannot be touch'd.
Under what Vein is the Artery of the Arm?
It is usually situated under the Basilica.
What Course is proper to be taken to avoid the Puncture of an Artery in letting Blood?
It must be felt with the Hand before the Ligature is made, observing well whether it be deep or superficial; for when it lies deep, there is nothing to be fear'd; and when it is superficial, it may be easily avoided by pricking the Vein either higher or lower.
What is to be done when an Artery is open'd?
If it be well open'd, it is requisite to let the Blood run out till the Person falls into a Syncope or Swoon, by which means the Aneurism is prevented; and afterward the Blood will be more easily stopt: It remains only to make a good Bandage with many Bolsters, in the first of which is simply put a Counter or a Piece of Money; but a bit of Paper chew'd will serve much better, with Bolsters laid upon it in several Folds.