Ars chirurgica a compendium of the theory and practice of chirurgery in seven books ... shewing the names, causes, signs, differences, prognosticks, and various intentions of curing all kinds of chirurgick diseases ... : to which is added Pharmacopoeia chirurgica, or, The medical store, Latin and English ... / by William Salmon ...

I. THE old form of the Chest was this: It was first di∣vided into three parts, 1. The Left Hand part. 2. The Middle part. 3. The Right Hand part; and each part has an Upper and a Lower division: The upper of which is to be taken out, and put in again at pleasure, to make way to come at the things which are in the lower part.

II. If the length of the Chest be five Feet, from inside to inside, the breadth may be 20 Inches, and the depth 20 Inches; and this is the best proportion, whether it be greater or lesser than the num∣bers limited: and the upper and lower parts may be divided one from another just in the mid∣dle.

III. If the length be five Feet, the Left Hand may be two Feet of the length, the middle part one Foot of the length; and the Right Hand part two Feet of the length; which divisions may aptly e∣nough serve both for upper and lower parts.

IV. The breadth of the Chest at either end (both for upper and lower parts) may be divided into five divisions; and the length of each end may be divided equally into seven parts; leaving the middle part to contain the In∣struments,

Weights, Scales, Tow, Rowlers, &c. as the Chirurgian shall think most fit for his Occa∣sions.

V. According to this division, each end of the Chest will have twice thirty five divisions, viz. 70 parts, and both ends one hun∣dred and forty; for 5 × 7 = 35 × 2 = 70 the num∣ber in either end, and 70 × 2 = 140 the contents of both ends, and such a number of Medicines an ordinary Chest may contain.

VI. But if the Chest be larger, you may encrease the number of the Divisions in proportion to its large∣ness, to make it receptive of what quantities and numbers you please.

VII. This is the old form of the Chirurgians Chest, which is well enough known to most, but the Contrivance thereof not so absolute∣ly convenient and useful as might be wished for; for which cause sake we shall here propose a new form, having greater con∣veniencies, more security, less trouble, and vastly more useful.

VIII. Let it be made absolutely in the form of a Nest of Drawers; two Feet and eight Inches high; 20 Inches deep backwards: and three Feet three Inches from in∣side to inside in length; or four Feet four Inches, or five Foot five Inches, according to the number and quantity of the Me∣dicines it shall contain: and let the divisions go all perfectly home to the Back.

IX. Let the length, (if it be but three Feet three Inches) be divided into six equal parts, and the heighth into five, dividing the uppermost row into two divisi∣ons only, for keeping of Instru∣ments, Box of Weights, Tow, Rowlers, and other Necessaries belonging to the Chirurgick Practice.

X. The four under rows then be∣ing divided into six equal parts, will make the whole Nest of Boxes to consist of twenty four several Drawers: let each Drawer be divided broadways into two e∣qual parts, and backwards into six equal parts (so as to take the divisions out if you think convenient) so will the whole Nest contain 288 several Boxes, nearly 2¾ Inches square.

XI. If you make it four Feet four Inches in length, then divide it into eight equal parts, which multiplied by four, the number in height, makes thirty two several Drawers; each of which being divided, as the former broad∣ways, exactly in the middle, and backwards into six equal parts, will make your Nest of Drawers to contain 384 several Boxes, which will hold as many several Medicines, or half as many, (by diminishing their numbers, and augmenting their quantities) or a quarter of the number, ac∣cording as your Occasions may require.

XII. To this Repository thus constituted, let be affixed two sub∣stantial Doors, which may open in the middle, one of which is to have Bolts above and below on the inside to keep it fast and firm. The other a substantial Lock in the middle, to keep them close∣ly shut, that the Drawers may

not fall out of their places.

XIII. Thus have you a Recepta∣cle large enough for any ordinary Practice whatever, which may contain (tho' of the least size) 288 several Medicines; or 144 if you double their quantities; and 72 if you Quadruple them; which is a thing very considera∣ble, to be kept in order in so small a place; and the top of it will serve as a Table to lay your Instruments on, dispense Medi∣cines, spread Plaisters upon, &c.