On Compression of the Artery in Amputation at the Shoulder

Sik,?On the 26th of May I had occasion to perform an amputation at the shoulder joint for osteo-myelitis of the humerus of 10 years' standing. The coracoid process of the scapula was carious, and part of it required removal. During theoperation the axillary artery was compressed by simply pressing one end of the office ruler, which was about an inch in diameter, into the axilla. The end of the ruler was covered with a folded piece of lint. The pressure thus exerted stopped the pulse instantly. The hands of the assistant, who was holding the ruler, were not in the leiist in the way, as they were at the distant end. The advantages of this plan appear to me to be very great. I found it easy and most effectual. It does not tire, the assistant's hands, although it enables him to use great force ; it does not interfere with respiration, and a jet of blood (in tying small arteries) can be elicited in almost no time and stopped with equal quick-