Compresses are made of pieces of linen, calico, lint, or tow, doubled
or cut into various shapes, according to the purposes for which they
are required. They are used to confine dressings in their places, and
to apply an equal pressure on parts. They should be free from darns,
hems, and knots. Ordinary compresses are square, oblong, and
triangular. Compresses are also graduated by placing square pieces of
folded cloth on one another, so arranged that they decrease in size
each time. They are used for keeping up pressure upon certain parts.