Tourner un ouvrage, Fr. In fortification, to turn a work. This is effected by cutting off its communication with the main body of the place, and taking possession of the gorge. Tourner le flanc, to turn the flank. Tourner l’aile droite ou l’aile gauche, to turn the right or left wing. Tourner un poste, une montagne, to get into the rear of a post, mountain, &c.
TOURNIQUET, Fr. A turnstile. It likewise signifies a swivel or iron ring.
Tourniquet, Fr. Among artificers, a species of firework composed of two fusees, which, when set fire to, produces the same effect as the Soleil Tournant.
Tourniquet, (Tourniquet, Fr.) In surgery, an instrument made of rollers, compresses, screws, &c. for compressing any wounded part so as to stop hæmorrhages.
The common Tourniquet is very simple, consisting only of a roller, which, with the help of a small stick, serves to stop the effusion of blood from large arteries, in amputation, by forcibly tying up the limb. The things required in this operation are, a roller of a thumb’s breadth, and of an ell in length; a small cylindrical stick, a conglomerated bandage, two fingers thick and four long; some compresses of a good length, and about three or four fingers breadth, to surround the legs and arms, and a square piece of strong paper or leather, about four fingers wide. By the British regulations published in 1799, for the better management of the sick in regimental hospitals, every surgeon and assistant surgeon is directed to have, among other surgical instruments, a certain number of tourniquets; and serjeants, &c. are to be taught the method of using it.
In May, 1798, two tourniquets were directed to be sent to each English regiment, the rest are to be made by the men of the regiment; and besides one to each person who will be taught the use of it, it is necessary to have four for every hundred men.
The non-commissioned officers, band, and drummers of every regiment, are to be taught the manner of applying it according to instructions sent down from the surgeon general’s department.
TOURNOIS, Fr. Tournament.
TOURS Mobiles, Fr. Moveable towers. These were made use of in remote ages; and although the invention of them has been attributed by some to the Greeks and by others to the Romans, it does not belong to either; for we read of moveable towers in Ezekiel. The curious may derive much information on this head from the Chevalier Folard in his translation of Polybius, page 536, tom. ii. See [Moveable Towers].
TOURS bastionnees, Fr. See [Tower bastions].