To give support in cases of fracture, starch or glue bandages are sometimes employed. The former are either dipped in a basin of freshly-made warm starch and then loosely rolled before being applied, or spread upon a table and pasted over with a brush. Glue may be employed in the same manner, but the fingers need to be dipped in warm water to prevent them from sticking, as the liquid quickly cools. A starch bandage is more easily dealt with when the time comes to remove it, but glue sets more quickly at the time of application and may be preferred with a restless patient.

A better bandage than that formed of either starch or glue may be made by mixing the white of eggs with flour in such proportion as to form a paste that will readily spread upon a strip of calico or other suitable material. It requires no heat and quickly sets, remaining firm until softened by warm water when it is desired to remove it.