Amputation
the cutting off of a part which, by its injured or diseased putation of a limb was in ancient times attended with great danger of the pa- tient's dying during its performance, as surgeons had no efficient means of rethe safety of the whole body. The amputation of a limb was in ancient times attended with great danger of the patient's dying during its performance, as surgeons had no efficient means of re- シン 7 AMPHITHEATER IN THE NATIONAL CEMETERY AT ARLINGTON because it was covered with sand or sawdust. The part next the arena was called podium, and was assigned to the because it was covered with sand or sawdors of foreign nations. Among the sights were combats of wild beasts and gladiator fights. The Romans built amphitheaters wherever they went. Remains of them are still to be found in various parts of Europe; but the most splendid ruins existing are those of the Coliseum at Rome.
In recent years numerous elaborate amphitheaters have mains of them are still to be found in ties in the United States. These are used chiefly for athletic contests. Elaborate amphitheaters have also been erected as memorials, of which one of the finest examples is the amphitheater in the National Cemetery at Arlington. numerous elaborate amphitheaters have been built by some of the larger universi- ties in the United States. These are used chiefly for athletic contests. Elaborate amphitheaters have also been erected as straining the bleeding. The desired power of controlling the hemorrhage was obtained by the invention of the tournipower of controlling the hemorrhage was the skin drawn upward by an assist- Morel, and its improvement early in the next century by his countryman Petit.
The ancient surgeons endeavored to save a covering of skin for the stump, by having the ant, previously using the knife. In 1679 semicircular flaps on one or both side Lowdham of Exeter suggested cutting are known as the "circular" and the of a limb, so as to preserve a fleshy cushion to cover the end of the bone. quently used in this country.
Both these methods are now in use, and "flap" operations; the latter is most fre- Both these methods are now in use, and are known as the "circular" and the "flap" operations; the latter is most frelimb is necessary, is often, especially after an accident, one of the most difficult in surgery. The chief indications AMRITSAR for it in these cases are very extensive destruction or laceration of the skin; injury to the large vessels or nerves; severe splintering of the bones. The diseases most commonly requiring it are disease of bones or joints, especially when the discharge from it threatens to exhaust the the patient; tumors, especially cancer and sarcoma, which cannot other wise be removed; and gangrene.