C H A P. XXV.
Of the Operation of the Hydrocephalus.
This Operation is perform'd when it is necessary to discharge watry Humours out of the Head: If these Waters lie under the Skin, a very large Opening is to be made with a Lancet, and a small Tube or Pipe left therein to let 'em run out. If the Water be situated between the Brain and the Dura Mater, the Membrane is to be perforated with a Lancet, after the Trepan hath been apply'd, according to the usual Method, of which we have already given some account: Cauteries and Scarifications may be also us'd to very good purpose in this Disease.
C H A P. XXVI.
Of the operation of cutting the Tongue-String.
When the Ligament of the Tongue in Infants is extended to its Extremity, they cannot suck without difficulty; and when grown up, they have an impediment in their Speech.
This Ligament may be cut with a little pair of Sizzers; to which purpose the Thumb of the Left-hand being laid upon the Gum of the lower Jaw, to keep the Mouth open, the Tongue may be rais'd upward with the Fore-Finger of the same Hand, and the Sizzers may be pass'd between the two Fingers, to divide the String as near as is possible to the Root of the Tongue, avoiding the Vessels: If an Hæmorrhage happens, recourse may be had to Styptick-Waters. Afterward the Nurse must take care to let a Finger be often put into the Child's Mouth, to prevent the re-uniting of the String.