C H A P. V.
Of the Fracture of the Ribs.
When a Rib is broken, one of the ends pusheth into the Breast, sometimes on the outside; and sometimes the Ends lie against each other. In order to reduce it, the Patient being laid upon the sound Rib, a Plaister of Mastick is apply'd to the Fracture; and it is drawn out violently; so that sometimes this Attraction brings back the Bone, which is advanc'd into the Breast; but the surest way is to make an Incision therein, to raise it up with the Finger.
If the Rib appear without, the Patient is to be set in a a Chair, and oblig'd to bend his Body on the side opposite to the Fracture, holding his Breath, with which he must puff strongly, without letting it forth, in order to dilate the Breast, whilst the Surgeon thrusts the Rib into its place.
The Dressing and Bandage.
A Bolster is to be apply'd to the Fracture, with two little Pieces of Paste-board pass'd in form of a St. Andrew's Cross; and another Bolster upon the whole Dressing, on which is also laid a large square Paste-board cover'd with a Bolster. The Bandage is made with a Napkin folded into three Folds, which is put round the Breast, being sow'd and supported by the Scapulary; which is a Band six Fingers broad, perforated in the middle, to let in the Head. The two ends of the Scapulary are fasten'd before and behind to the Napkin.