As wounds vary in their nature and character, the details of treatment require to be modified accordingly. There are, however, certain general principles applicable to wounds of every description which must be observed if treatment is to be made a surgical success. In this connection the chief objects to be attained are: - (l) To arrest haemorrhage; (2) to cleanse thoroughly and free the wound from all dirt and foreign matter; (3) to render the broken surface aseptic; (4) to bring the divided parts into close apposition with each other and retain them in that position; (5) to exclude all dirt and micro-organisms from the wound after adjustment; (6) to prevent movement of the part and avoid all other sources of irritation.

A certain amount of inflammatory action results when a wound is inflicted, and this will be greater or less according to its size, the period of exposure after infliction, and the mode of production. Serious inflammation tends to retard healing, and should therefore be kept under control as far as is practicable. The common practice of applying hot oils to wounds is much to be deprecated, inasmuch as they produce inflammation and increase the discharge of pus, and interfere with the healing process.