Old news from Armidale and New England

The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, Saturday 28 February 1874

Flesh Wounds.— Every person should understand how to treat a flesh wound, because one is liable to be placed in circumstances, away from surgical and veterinary aid, where he may save his own life, the life of a friend, or of a beast, simply by the exercise of a little common sense. In the first place, close the lips of the wound with the hand, and hold them firmly together to check the flow of blood until several stitches can be taken, and a bandage applied. Then bathe the wound for a long time in cold water. Should it be painful, a correspondent says, take a panful of burning coals and sprinkle upon them common brown sugar, and hold the wounded part in the smoke. In a few minutes the pain will be allayed, and recovery proceeds rapidly. In my case a rusty nail had made a bad wound in the bottom of my foot. The pain and nervous irritation was severe. This was all removed by holding it in the smoke for fifteen minutes, and I was able to resume my residing in comfort. We have often recommended it to others with like results. Last week one of my men had a finger nail torn out by a pair of ice tongs. It became very painful, as was to be expected. Held in sugar smoke for twenty minutes the pain ceased, and promised speedy recovery.