It may be said that infected wounds now so seldom occur that it is unnecessary to discuss their treatment. No wounds should become infected except in cases in which operation is performed during acute infections.
The abuse of wounds frequently observed is the reason for this paper, which will include chiefly suppurative wounds following abdominal and vaginal sections. Infected wounds, however, require much the same care irrespective of their location.
SUPPURATIVE ABDOMINAL WOUNDS
The treatment which I employ is as follows: An infected abdominal wound is covered with a hot moist non-irritating dressing of gauze. The gauze is kept moist with boric acid or normal salt solution. The dressing is covered by a protective layer of rubber tissue, oiled paper or silk to prevent evaporation. Heat is supplied by a hot-water bag. This dressing is changed from one to three times daily, depending on the amount and character of the