Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Fall

FALL, or the act of tumbling from an erect posture, or from a higher place, is sometimes attended with serious consequences; especially if it should be neglected in the beginning. Hence the necessity of examining the whole body, whether the fall has been productive of violent bruises, dislocations, or fractures; in which cases surgical aid should be immediately procured. But, if the person fallen, remain motionless, and in a swooning state; or in order to prevent him from fainting, it may be useful to administer a wine-glassful of sweet oil of olives, which will greatly tend to calm and compose the whole body.

After a fall from a precipice, or high place, it will perhaps be necessary to open a vein; but we cannot approve of that superstitious remedy, on this occasion, advised by the late Prof. Bradley; according to whom, the blood issuing from the comb of a large cock, and gradually drunk, after every clipping with a pair of scissars, gives so much vigour and strength to the wounded, as to enable him to be dressed.