3228. The pierced compress is made by folding up a square piece of linen five or six times on itself, and then nicking the surface with scissors, so as to cut out small pieces.
3229. It is then opened out, and spread with ointment.
3230. It is applied to discharging surfaces, for the purpose of allowing the matter to pass freely through the holes, and is frequently covered with a thin layer of tow.
3231. Compresses are also made in the shape of a Maltese cross, and half a cross, sometimes split singly, and at other times doubly: or they are graduated by placing square pieces of folded cloth on one another, so arranged that they decrease in size each time.
3232. They are used for keeping up pressure upon certain parts.