Having then subjected the part for a few seconds to the spray of ether, which renders it insensible, a cork is placed behind to form a firm support, and the aperture made by a three-cornered steel punch. A silver or gold wire is then inserted and left for two or three days, when it is carefully oiled and moved. In a week the canal is usually healed.
No base metal should ever be worn in the ears, and no gold less than eighteen carats fine, as the substances used in the alloy of lower grades are liable to irritate and inflame the skin. Heavy rings should not be worn by girls, as the lobes are quite elastic, and may stretch out of all proportion. When from violence the lobe of the ear is torn, or when the aperture for the ring becomes inordinately large, a simple and quickly-performed operation will restore the member to its natural shape. The edges are pared, and by being held in contact soon grow together.
