_Of Bruises._
Bruises, in whatever degree, have more or less some blood and other
vessels torn and injured, and may properly be considered as wounds under
whole skin. It is from the tearing to pieces blood vessels, whereby the
blood extravasates from their natural channels, that occasions the
swelling. If the bruise is but slight, the vessels are soon enabled to
circulate the humours; but if the contusion is great, the extravasated
humours are apt to corrupt, and make a collection of matter; thence an
aposthume and ulcer must naturally follow.
Bruises on fleshy parts are not so bad by far, as on the joints, because
the fibres in the muscles are more pliable, and sooner unite; the
ligaments on the joints are very rigid, and extremely sensible; for
which reason also, they are generally more painful and tedious in their
cure.
The first intention is to disperse the extravasated humour, and to
strengthen the tone of the injured fibres. To this intention the parts
should immediately be bathed with _spirit of wine and camphor_ (A). But
if the bruise is immediately on the joints, the _linament of soap_ (B)
is still superior. A bandage over the part, so as to keep it in rest as
much as possible, is also of great service. If, however, the part is so
very much bruised, that there appears a collection of crumous blood, and
that an aposthume is actually the consequence, recourse may be had to
the above poultice in order to ripen it the more, and bring it the
sooner to a head; and then treat it as a common ulcer. But that seldom
is the case.
If the contusion is great, and the patient is full of blood, bleeding is
necessary; for in such a case a fever is apt to ensue, which should be
guarded against, and the patient treated accordingly.
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