In the treatment of simple luxations, if the contiguous skin and muscles be much inflamed, leeches ought first to be applied, and the dislocated limb kept in the most easy posture, before the reduction of the bone can be attempted; because the stretching of a limb, while the surrounding muscles are in a state of inflammation, may prove highly injurious: the upper part should likewise be held steady, while the surgeon is replacing the bone. And, as the contractile power of the muscles frequently resists every mechanical effort, they ought to be previously relaxed by emollient poultices or fomentations, in consequence of which the bone may be easily replaced.
After the operation, the limb must be kept in a relaxed state, and the bone supported with a bandage, till the parts have recovered their proper energy; but, where any visible inflammation remains, it will again be requisite to apply leeches.
If dislocation be accompanied with a fracture near the joint, such injury must be allowed to heal previously to reducing the bone. Where, however, any tumor or collection of matter near the joint is the cause of luxation, this affection may be considered as incurable; but, if it proceed from too great relaxation of the ligaments or tendons of the joint, the complaint has frequently, though gradually, been removed by supporting the limb with a proper bandage; by the use of the cold bath, and by electricity.—During the whole period, between the setting, and healing of a luxated bone, the patient must preserve the disordered part in a state of rest; subsist on mild but nutritious aliment; and carefully avoid the influence of the depressing passions.
LUXURY denotes voluptuousness, or an extravagant indulgence in whatever pleases the senses, such as the articles of food, dress, and equipage.
The utility or detriment of luxury to a State, is a subject on which great difference of opinion prevails among political writers. Nor is it easily decided, whether this predominant feature in mankind may with more propriety be called the offspring of vice or folly; but luxury doubtless increases in proportion to the influx of trade; and, though it may by prescription be justifiable at court, in public officers, or on particular occasions, yet in private individuals it will ever remain an object of just reproach. For, by increasing the expences of a family, it presents an insuperable bar to matrimonial establishments, and thus contributes to the depopulation of a country. Farther, it impairs the health and ruins the constitution of its votaries; and, as the opulent leave their rural seats, in order to reside in cities, such change is attended with many bad consequences to themselves, as well as to their numerous domestics. Thus, the country is in a manner deserted; and thence we may account for the long train of evils arising from the indolence and libertinism of a city-life.
One of the most pernicious consequences resulting from the rapid progress of luxury, is the high price of provisions, which is, in a great measure, occasioned by the keeping of useless servants, as well as of unnecessary horses: these partly consume, and partly waste, such a portion of food as might be more beneficially employed in the sup-
