Chapter VIII: IT also happens, tho’ but seldom, that the CHILD is born with a

close _Fundament_; and _that_ sometimes shut up by the single SKIN, and sometimes by a _fleshy Substance_: In the first _Condition_, there appear some _livid Marks_ of the MECONIUM thro’ the _Skin_, which feels soft to the _Touch_. Upon which occasion, an _Apertion_ must be made with a small _Incision-Knife_, a-cross, not long-ways, that it may the better receive a _round Form_, and not so easily grow again together; which however must be done with great Caution, that the SPHINCTER of the _Rectum_ may not be hurt: And the _Meconium_ being afterwards voided, whether by a _Suppository_, _Clyster_, or otherways; the _Orifice_ is to be stopp’d up with a _Linnen-Tent_, anointed at the beginning with ROSE-HONEY, but afterwards with some drying and cicatrizing _Ointment_, such as UNGUENTUM-ALEUM, POMPHOLYX, _&c._ Dressing it always as often, and as soon, as the _Excrements_ are evacuated, lest the _Apertion_ should turn to an ULCER.

BUT in the other _Case_, where the FUNDAMENT is stopped up with _Flesh_, that neither any Mark nor Appearance of the RECTUM is seen or felt, whereby its true _Situation_ may be known, or the proper place where the _Aperture_ ought to be made; The _Operation_ is much more difficult, and the INFANT but seldom escapes the fatal Consequence of this _Misfortune_: Which Difficulty notwithstanding, we are diligently to do our Best upon such Occasions; to which End, an _Apertion_ must be made within _half_ an Inch of the CHILD’S _Rump_, being the certain place of the RECTUM; which in the _interim_ must be perform’d with the greatest Care and Judgment by a small _Incision-Knife_ with one Edge, turning the _Back upwards_, and thrusting it so forward, until the _Aperture_ be made big enough for the _Excrements_ to pass thro’, always prudently regarding the SPHINCTER as above; upon which the _Wound_, &c. are to be dressed and order’d, as in the preceding _Case_.