The mending of a broken bone, though somewhat tedious, is by no means
difficult, when the integuments are not torn. Let the limb be gently
distended, and the broken ends of the bone placed in contact with each
other. A piece of stiff leather, of pasteboard, or of thin shingle,
wrapped in a soft rag, is then to be laid along the limb, so that it may
extend an inch or two beyond the contiguous part. The splints are then
to be secured by a bandage of linen an inch and a half broad. After
being firmly rolled up, it should be passed spirally round the leg,
taking care that every turn of the bandage overlaps about two thirds of
the preceding one. When the inequality of the parts causes the margin to
slack, it must be reversed or folded over; that is, its upper margin
must become the lower, &c. The bandage should be moderately tight, so as
to support the parts without intercepting the circulation, and should be
so applied as to press equally on every part. The bandage may be
occasionally wet with a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water.