That of dissolving 'em is without doubt the most successful, and that which ought to be us'd as much as is possible; nevertheless some Cases are to be excepted, wherein the Tumours
or Abcesses are Critical and Malignant; for then the way of Suppuration is not only preferable, but must also be procur'd by all sorts of means, even by opening; which may be done upon this occasion, without waiting for their perfect Maturity.
What are the Precautions whereto a Surgeon ought to have regard before he undertake the opening of Tumours?
He must take care to avoid cutting the Fibres of the Muscles, and in great Abcesses, to cause all the corrupt Matter to be discharg'd at once, to prevent the Patient's falling into a Swoon.
Ought the opening of Tumours always to be made longitudinally, and according to the direct Course of the Fibres?
No, it is sometimes necessary to open 'em with a Crucial Incision, when they are large, or when a Cystis or Membranous Vehicle is to be extirpated.
How many sorts of Matter are there that issue forth in the Suppuration of Tumours?
There are four sorts, viz. the Pus, Ichor, Sanies, and Virus.
What isPus?
It is a thick Matter, and white as Milk.