HAMMOCK

n. Hasm'o!1k. Fr., hamac. Ger., Hangematte. It, amaca. Sp., hamaca. An oblong net or piece of cloth suspended by each end; used to convey an Injured person in a ve el, railway car, or other vehicle, as it decreases jolting. It is also used in applying a plaster bandage in injuries or disease of the spinal column, [a, 34.] Dry-cold-bath h. An arrangement of cold water pipes in the form of a h., in which a fever patient is placed to reduce the temperature, [a, 34.] Scoutetten's h. An apparatus consisting of four semicircular iron rods the extremities of which are fastened in strong wooden strips, similar strips placed laterally and midway in the curve giving stability to the framework. From the lateral bars is suspended a strong cloth the free extremities of which are sewed to form a casing for holding rods of iron or wood. The h. is used for fracture of the leg. [a, 34.] [s. 284]