Manual of Aseptic Surgery

to reply. Firstly, "modified antiseptic method " should have been " modified aseptic method ; " this is, I believe, a printer's error for the context reads " using antiseptic, lotions for instruments, towels and hands during the operation, and antiseptic powders and dressings afterwards." This could only apply to a modified aseptic and not antiseptic method. Secondly, Major Newman is in error over the " obvious " inference which he has drawn. My remarks were " exception must be taken to the statement that the dresser should rinse his hands in the bowl of lotion provided before proceeding to the next case," and I gather both from his book and his letter that he considers this is sufficient, or what becomes of his pertinent question? As regards the question as to whether I re-perform the whole process of sterilisation between dressing one case and proceeding to the next, it would have been pertinent if he had asked when I did not do so. Lastly, on page 103, speaking of iodoform, Major Newman writes " Its routine use as a dusting powder in aseptic wounds is pointless if not actually harmful," and yet he advises its use in chronic and psoas abscesses treated by incision, scraping and suture ; this I think may fairly be called inconsistency. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully,