hereafter, a summary of what has been done with the vapour of ether, and our own deductions concerning its modus operandi.

[From the Boston Weekly Advertiser.] MR. EDITOR,-I was much surprised this morning by a letter in your paper from Dr. Flagg, in which he says he shall take possession of the invention for preventing pain in surgical operations. This letter seems to be nothing but a repetition of a series of remarks by Dr. Flagg, in the Medical and Surgical Journal of last week, in which he attacked the writer of a former communication to that journal. Below is a reply to Dr. Flagg, from the Medical Journal of to-day. I have only a few remarks to add to it.

liberty to examine how far Dr. Flagg has sus-
tained his position.

The history of inventions is well known. Some
fortunate individual makes a discovery: this indi-
vidual is frequently not he who has investigated"
the most deeply or theorized the longest upon the
subject; though the discovery itself is all the
evidence the public can require of his right to
receive for it an equivalent. But no sooner is the
discovery announced than a multitude of indi-
viduals begin to recognise their own claims to a
reward; and we hear that "there was nothing
new in the discovery"; "they were quite near
it"; "they had produced the same effect." It is
rare, however, that a man who offers no evidence
of any participation in a discovery, as in the pre-
sent instance, openly avows his intention to share
in the profits. This point deserves further con-
sideration.

Dr. Flagg talks a great deal in your
columns of "right," "the broad principles of
The inventors of a method of producing in-
right," and "morality." He says, "my sole aim sensibility by inhalation have shown an almost
in the matter has been for the right." Now, un- infallible way of annihilating the pain of some of
less he can show, and I do not know any body else the most formidable surgical operations. If any
that can, that, to use his own words, " it has been plan were to have been devised for promoting the
known and published for some years that the comfort of the race, it would have been difficult
vapour of sulphuric ether would produce the
to suggest one so wide in its application as that
visible effects now said to be discovered": "that which should obliterate sensibility at will; which
the vapour of sulphuric ether, if inhaled into the should mitigate the sufferings of those who are
lungs, will produce such a state of unconscious-called upon to endure pain in its most atrocious
ness as to admit of some brief yet severe ope- forms. If any individuals have bestowed this in-
rations in surgery,"unless he can show this, estimable boon upon the race, they have a right
the invention is original with those whose names
to look to their race for a substantial return in
the patent bears, and Dr. Flagg, in using it for his
some shape or other. Who, then, are these in-
own advantage on "the broad principles of right dividuals? I can find no evidence that the in-
and morality," seems to me to be considerably vention would not have slept for twenty years
more zealous than consistent. About the patent longer, had not Drs. Morton and Jackson de-
I have nothing to say; I am perfectly satisfied and
monstrated it to the public.
content with the legal advice I have long since
taken. I subjoin the article alluded to from the
Boston Medical and Surgical Journal.
19, Tremont-row.

W. T. G. MORTON.

1 SIR, I observe, in the last number of your
journal, an article entitled "The Inhalation of an
Ethereal Vapour, to prevent Sensibility to Pain,
&c.," signed by J. F. Flagg, M.D., a considerable
part of which is devoted to comments upon a
paper of mine in the same journal of the date of
Nov. 18, 1846. Any one who will trouble him-
self to examine that paper will find there a
narrative of physiological facts observed by my-
self, with a few concluding remarks connected
with the patent right, intended chiefly to inform
the medical profession, at the request of the in-
ventors, that every practicable facility would be
afforded to them in their use of the new process.
It was far from my intention to take part in
any differences likely to arise from the invasion
of the patent, and I indulged the belief that I
had avoided any points of a controversial
character.
**It may be necessary, however, to notice one or
two points in the communication of Dr. Flagg,
but I do so with regret, that they thould have
emanated from so respectable a quarter. I dis-
claim any interest of any kind whatever in the
matter under discussion, except the heartfelt de-
sire I have, in common, I believe, with almost
every man in the community, that full justice
should be done to the inventors of a method by
which the whole human race is benefited; and I
regret that an article embodying, as I believe this
does, the views of those who would appropriate
to their own advantage the discovery of others,
should have first emanated from a gentleman for
whose position I entertain, in common with
others, much respect.

I am free to say, that I believe many persons besides myself would have been gratified if this invention could have been issued to the world unfettered by any restrictions of law or private right; but when your correspondent, in his anxiety to take possession of the invention, refuses to allow to Drs. Jackson and Morton any right to their discovery, or to admit any "apology" for the patent, I am ready to show what I consider their right to be, and shall also take the

I have no prepossession in favour of the tribe of ex post facto inventors, who always settle, like parasites, upon every recent invention of any pecuniary value. Either the discovery was previously made, or it was not. If it was, we have only the alternative of supposing that the fortunate individual saw fit, for some inexplicable reason, to keep in his own bosom a secret which he knew to be of inestimable value to the whole human family. I prefer to believe that it was not.

But what sort of claim is now made to previous knowledge upon the subject? Is the maid-servant mentioned by Dr. Christison, who died in the cause, to be held as the discoverer? or the gentleman who recovered from his lethargy? or yet, your correspondent who" almost fell asleep"? Obviously not. These facts were mere suggestions, pointing to a hypothetic principle; and it was the business of those who received such hints to have pursued them till the single fact was generalized and the principle established. Drs. Morton and Jackson have done all this. They have struck out a new path; and even when future science shall have abridged and improved the present method, or substituted another for it, it will not detract in the slightest degree from the merit of the original discoverers of a great and novel principle.

It is fair to presuppose that your correspondent has ample grounds for availing himself of this discovery, without offering to the inventors a recompense. I shall examine these, as far as I am able to understand them. And, first, let me separate the question of legal right from that of common right and justice. With the former I have nothing to do. It can only be decided by those who possess competent legal knowledge Your correspondent exclaims, "What is patented? A power? A principle? A natural effect? The operation of a well-known medicinal agent? I doubt the validity of such letters patent. It would seem to me like patent sunlight or patent moonshine." This figurative expression of Dr. Flagg's legal opinion may be of great value, but it may be mentioned that the inventors have, on the other hand, the opinions of several eminent authorities, and also that of the commissioners at Washington, that the patent is perfectly valid and tenable. Leaving, then, for those who are competent to it, the discussion of the law of the questions, I shall inquire on what grounds of professional right, or

of common justice, your correspondent proposes to appropriate this discovery?

In the first place, he objects to the use of patent or secret medicines. "I shall not," says he, obtain and use it as a secret medicine; I shall not purchase and use it as a patent medicine,” apparently on the ground that "the enlightened and regular medical faculty of Massachusetts are associated, and have arrayed themselves against all secret remedies or patent medi. cines, and therefore cannot feel themselves at liberty," &c. &c. "But," says he in another place, "I shall use it." The scruples of your correspondent lie, then, not against the use of the discovery, but against the purchase of it. I shall attempt to remove all hesitation he may have on this point.

In so doing I may state that, as far as my humble influence was concerned, I urged the adoption of the new method in one, at least, of the early cases which occurred at the hospital, without consulting the by-laws of the Massa chusetts Medical Society, in full reliance upon the wisdom and liberality of the framers of that code. A subsequent examination of it has confirmed my position. I am unable to find any law bearing directly or indirectly upon the present case. The tenth by-law of the Massachusett's Medical Society is directed, as I understand it, against any one who shall publicly advertise or offer to cure disease by medicine the composition of which the advertiser makes fa secret. It deals with the question of proclaimed secrecy; and in my view is directed against that prudish class of prac titioners whose ostentatious solicitude to conceal their wares is their only chance of persuading people of their value. The same remarks apply to the fifty-eighth by-law. I leave others to judge of the propriety of applying such restrictions to a method which has been voluntarily announced to every surgeon who has used it, and of which the immense utility is universally conceded. I am un able to discover that your correspondent bas here any ground for his scruples about purchasing a right.

But, says he, "no one can restrict them from using what is used for the relief of suffering hu manity." It is, then," suffering humanity" which compels them to share in the equivalent which the public is returning to the inventors. But why not send “ suffering humanity" to Dr. Mor ton, or call him to its aid? Dr. Morton has made ample arrangements for its reception at No. 19, Tremont-row, or for its relief at the houses of other dentists. When the papers coolly announce "the best method in use for narcotizing patients," or "the improved method," I for one enjoy the audacity of those who assert their intention to have a share in any profits to be made. But it is painful that any man should be compelled by his conscience to receive a part of the substantial gratitude of suffering humanity, when they to whom alone its gratitude is due have made ample arrangements for its relief.

I confess my inability to follow your corres spondent in a large part of his argument, and shall therefore only allude to it. He says:" The free use of the article has been ceded to the sur geons of the Massachusetts General Hospital, and these gentlemen would receive it or adopt its use on no other condition, of course, than that of knowing what it was, and having full and free control of it for that institution. Hence, I ask, why I must now purchase the right to use it?"

I can only interpret these logical sequencse upon the ground that your correspondent confounds the question of secret and that of patent, and infers that what is no longer secret is no longer patent. It is understood that the matter was secret just so long as was necessary to secure patents here and elsewhere, and no longer. But the fact of its subsequent publicity does not change the question of property. The discovery and the patent right still belong to the inventors; and your correspondent, and whoever else of us wishes to avail himself of it, must accede to their very reasonable terms. It remains to say a word

MEDICAL TIMES. Sna be colgars kas radis to nodelsdor

inhalation be continued the pupil will be observed
to turn beneath the upper eyelid and remain
operator can commence.
fixed. Three or four inhalations more, a
more, and the

means

Pam, Sir, your obedient servant, voiv 10 Pris 01 TO 901 JAMES ROBINSON, 7, Gower-street, Bedford-square, Jan. 16,

These remarks are not offered from a desire for spondent in the Medical Times has excited them. reputation, but because a letter from a corre

the rationale of the effect of ether in preventing Your correspondent offered an explanation of pain from surgical operation, but failed to afford it, although Dr. Searle displays no little chemical ingenuity in his explanation.

depends on its rationale, which must first exhibit The philosophy of an explanation, of course, a base on which to rest.

with regard to three very inoffensive" apologies," Mr. Charles Guthrie, one of the surgeons of that two of which" your correspondent considers to institution, performed the operation of lithotomy be without force," while the total incorrectness of the main part of the third must be apparent The patient was a man of rather spare figure, and on a young man with the most complete success. to all." I am unable to see that your corre- aged about twenty-five. At three years of age spendent has invalidated the force of the two In operations which are protracted, and require first. With the intention of testing the correcthe had suffered from a stoppage of the urinary any length of time, cut off the vapour by m ness of my statement, that certain secrets are conpassage, but by the use of the catheter he of the stopcock attached to the apparatus ; permit ventional among dentists, I have applied to three he had been free from the disease. Three hose five or six times, again turn on the vapour was relieved, and until about three years ago the patient to breathe the atmosphere through his of the most eminent dentists of this city, and to years since he was again attacked, but, want-breathing alternately atmospheric air and the whom I can refer your correspondent, who do ing the courage to undergo an operation, he vapour of ether, at intervals of half a minute, not hesitate to state that they are so. Dr. Flagg still holds that he "does not length temporarily relieved. During the past six tion of the operation, when the mouthpiece may be But if bore his infirmities for some time, and was at until within two or three minutes of the comple know of anything, which is practised in den- months, however, he has been suffering the most removed with perfect safety as to the result. tistry, even relating to the mechanical depart excruciating torture, and the presence of a calment, which is kept secret by duly educated den-culus in the bladder having been ascertained be tists," I know no way in which, according to his yond all doubt, he was advised to submit to Oven views, he could, contribute more directly to an operation while under the influence of etheric the cause of "suffering humanity," than by volun- vapour. Mr. Guthrie, having obtained his conteering to communicate to "duly educated dentists," for the mere equivalent of the time occu- fore two o'clock the patient was brought into the sent, Wednesday was appointed, and shortly be pied in so doing, a concise account of his methods in some of the more recondite departments of his blage, including several personages of distinction theatre of the institution, where a large assem art-for example, in the composition and manufacture of mineral teeth. I am confident that the and eminent medical men, had previously arnumber of applicants, who would amply compenrived by invitation. Amongst those present we obsate him for his time, would testify at once to the &c. The patient having been placed on the opeserved Prince Jerome Bonaparte, Lord Dalmeny, demand for this sort of knowledge, both in town rating table, the apparatus by which the vapour is and in the country, and to the general apprecia- inhaled was applied to his mouth. For some tion of his skill. two minutes a want of consciousness became permoments it had no perceptible effect; in about ceptible to the observer, and in less than four minutes the patient was in a perfect state of insensibility. The operation was now commenced by Mr. Guthrie, and in about three minutes a rough stone, considerably larger than a hazel-nut, was extracted from the bladder. Another minute, and the operation was completed, the patient not having betrayed the slightest symptom of pain from its commencement to its close, On being removed from the table the poor fellow remained in a state of unconsciousness for a few moments, but after the lapse of about four minutes, during which interval he had been placed in bed, he regained his senses perfectly. On being ques. conscious of what had taken place during the preceding few minutes, he replied, that he was cognizant of nothing save having enjoyed a plea.. sant dream, in which he fancied himself at his native village, in Norfolk. His pulse, it should be stated, remained perfectly calm, and, so far as nience from inhaling the ether. It is needless to contact is now comparatively under human concould be ascertained, he had suffered no inconveThe endowment of the nerves with sentience of say the result was extremely gratifying to all as-trol. To obtain which, acceleration of arterial sembled, and to none more so than the operator circulation is at first promoted, because it will be... s to con of Thursday, we have ascertained that the patient energy; and as energy of the arterial circulation is himself. [Since the above appeared in the Times followed of necessity by exhaustion and loss of is going on well, is free of pain and suffering, and diminished, congestion of the veins filled with ex is delighted with the result of Mr. Guthrie's ope- hausted blood is induced, which is asphyxia. ration.]

I have been led to exceed my intended limits, because I was desirous of answering, in some measure, a class of objectors, of whom I regret that your correspondent should be the representative. No one can doubt that an inestimable discovery has been made. Though it may be regretted that it has not been made free to all, yet the inventors have an undoubted legal right to pursue with regard to it whatever course may seem to them best. They have made arrange ments which place it at the command of any who are disposed to avail themselves of it; and I cannot but think that the community, if not the Government, will be forward in recognising the magnitude that, I am not ambitious of controversy, and that claims. I have only to add I shall make no further communication upon this part of the subject, unless the position I have here assumed shall seem to me to be in any way invalidated.

Your obedient servant,

44

HENRY J. BIGELOW.

Boston, Dec. 4, 1846. N. B. I had occasion, a few days since, to tie the femoral artery of a patient who was unable to pay for the operation. I found no difficulty in obtaining the gratuitous use of the method, nor do I conceive that others would, in similar circumstances. It may be added that the patient was wholly unconscious of the dissection.

-H. J. B.

We are informed that Mr. Lawrence performed one of the most painful surgical operations-extirpation of the eye-on Friday last, with the assistance of vapour of ether. The patient inhaled the vapour for two or three minutes, by which he was kept in a quiescent state for five or six minutes. During this time the operation was completed. The patient, on recovering, expressed his belief that the vapour had failed, and could not be convinced that the operation was already performed until assured that such was the fact by an old servant. Mr. Hooper attended and administered the vapour by means of a similar apparatus to that constructed by Mr. Robinson.

Operations on the teeth have now become of daily occurrence, so that there is little interest in reporting them, except to those who happen to be novel operators under the new method, and who are delighted to see their names in print.

The two patients operated on at Guy's Hospital last week are progressing towards convalescence.

9

1

Avery important and highly successful instance of the application of ether occurred on Wednesday at the Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital, where

[To the Editor of the Medical Times]
SIB,-Having now administered the vapour of
rations painless in a great number of cases, at our
ether for the purpose of rendering surgical ope-
metropolitan hospitals and at my private residence,
with perfect success, permit me, if not encroach-
ing too much on your valuable columns, briefly
to state the appearance of the patient, when under
the influence of the vapour, which indicates the
proper time for the operation to commence.

become numerous and satisfactory to those medi-
As my own operations on the teeth have now
cal men who daily witness them, I will not occupy
the time of your readers by entering into details.

allow the patient to inhale the vapour three or
At the commencement of the inhalation, always
four times without closing the nose. The nosə
being closed, observe carefully the appearance of
cases, after about a minute's inhalation, to be con-
the eye, the pupil of which will be found in most
siderably dilated. After eight or ten more inspi-
for a period varying from two to three seconds;
rations the pupil will remain stationary and fixed,
it will then turn towards the upper eyelid, and
this motion will be repeated several times. If the

us inquire into pain and its cause. Pain is always To understand the wonderful effect of ether, let attended with pressure of arterial or vivified blood in that part that is painful. Where there is not that pressure there is no pain. Sentience being living creature, in ratio to their distention and the tenant of the nerves and declarative to the consequent pressure from arterial and vivified blood, we experience pain. In proportion as that arterial distention ceases is pain mitigated. The cause of that distention is in the increased action of the arteries forcing onward to their extremities their contents, which extremities become gorged, and the nerves capable of declaring that state. are sentient of pain. The surgeon's knife, from to it an increased flow of blood. Thence the the sentience of those nerves, calls or determines nerves of touch impinge the sentient organization with the sensation of pain.

To suspend the painful function of touch, without suspending the functions of other sentient organs or their impinges, has been the wonder of this age, and is the subject of my remarks..

No excitement can take place without exa haustion of its cause, and then follows depression. In this fact lies the explanation of the syncope of touch, which inhalation of ether induces that a~~ surgical operation may be performed.****oofs me

vivification of arterial blood arises from the absorp The learned doctor has yet to show that the tion of oxygen, although its bulk be reduced by respiration. I beg to suggest that the vivification of arterial blood, beyond the absorption of nutritious fluids, is the effect of electric fluid being im bibed in the action of respiration of air in terrestrial! animals, and of water in aquatic animals.

and water I need not here attempt to prove. In The presence of that fluid in oxygenated air deed

have truth in their character, you will adapt them beginning of them I intended, but trust, if they demy remarks are already longer than at the...' to the scientific times.

› I am, Sir, respectfully,

G. R. SKENË.

22, Haverstock-hill, Jan. 18. ad b.

The inhalation of ether was employed, and the ap-in a chair, and made to inhale the vapour. After
paratus consisted of a plain tube and mouth-piece forty seconds she was thrown into the desired
of wood, inserted into an ox bladder. About 3x of condition; the tumour was removed; and
ether were added to 3iss. of water in the bladder, though it required the greatest care, being di-
and the latter extended by atmospheric air, intro rectly over the brachial artery, and occupied two
duced by means of a common pair of bellows. minutes in extirpation, the patient was perfectly
The patient was directed to expire, and the ether unconscious.
was immediately applied. In four minutes sh
appeared unconscious, and the pulse, which before
the application was slow, but full, was now dimis
nished in strength and frequency.18*

wine.

The removal of the breast occupied about five minutes, in the middle of which animation was apparently returning, but, upon the ether being again inhaled three or four times, she relaxed into her previous state. After the removal, and previous to the sutures being applied, we found it necessary to give her three or four glasses of (pa Nadleų jasato aspro a Previous to the sutures being applied, the effects of the ether had quite passed off, and I thought the opportunity a good one to observe the difference, if any, whilst under its influence and without. Not only was there motion of the lips, but also slight expression of pain on their application, which during the operation were both entirely absent. In answer to the inquiry if she felt any pain, she replied," I do not know whether I did or not", which must be, I think, positive proof that she did not.

Yours truly,: EDWARD SAYLE. King Staith-square, Lynn, Norfolk, Jan. 18.

On Thursday afternoon an Irishman was brought into the London Hospital with a compound fracture and dislocation of the tarsal bones of the foot. The man, after considerable reluctance, at last consented to amputation of the leg, provided the pain was in some way diminished. The vapour of ether was had recourse to, and applied in the presence of Dr. Pereira, and a numerous assembly of medical gentlemen. In five minutes the inhalation proved successful, and in less than another the leg was amputated by Mr. Adams, the patient during the time giving sly winks and facetious nods to those surrounding him. During the intervals of the inhalation his observations were of the most facetious character, forcing from the bystanders involuntary laughter, and converting that which to the poor fellow was a most tragical event into a scene little short of a farce. Upon removing the ether he called out," Hold hard there a bit, let's have another go at the grog," which he drew in with the greatest avidity. Not for one moment during the operation did he exhibit the slightest symptoms of pain, but, on the contrary, his countenance was expressive of the greatest hilarity; and at the conclusion of the operation, after the effects of the ether had passed off, he could scarcely believe that his leg had been so painlessly removeri. His ideas whilst under the influence of the vapour were similar to those of a person enjoying a pleasant dream; he had fancied himself walking in the streets of Cork with his sweetheart, and, to use his own expressions," enjoying most pleasurable sensations. He has slept well during the night, and is in every respect progressing favourably. sdi tedi woEy 3 39

་ང་

After the removal of the tumour, one of the
surgeons said, " Mary, how do you feel?" "Quite
well," said she." Have you felt any pain?"
"No!"—"The operation is over." "Can it be
possible? God bless you, gentlemen!!"

[To the Editor of the Medical Times.]
SIR Although I have devoted much time to
making mouthpieces and valves for inspiration of
vapour of ether, and respiration also, I must bear
testimony to the merits of Herapath's system of
using a bladder with a large mouthpiece attached
to it, and this I have formed with the hollow end
of a small elephant's tusk, or the tip of a wal-
rus's tooth, with a large hole made through it.
In my most successful cases, half an ounce of
fresh-drawn sulphuric ether has been placed in the
bladder and well shaken; the bladder has then
been inflated, and the tube placed in the patient's
mouth; owing to its size the corners of the mouth
become air-tight during the inspiration. Expi-
ration into the bladder appeared to me to facili.
tate the syncope, which in a good subject, to
whom I can refer, came on in a quarter of a
minute, and remained altogether half a minute;
and this person assured me that he experienced
no pain whatsoever during the extraction of the
tooth. After consciousness returned, a faintness
remains some minutes, rendering restoratives ne-
cessary.

With re

I fear with children some difficulty will exist, as
the pungency of the ether, and a coughing which
immediately comes on, create too much alarm.
But to delicate females easily acted on, and whose
health requires all absence of fright and excite-
ment, I recommend it most strongly.
gard to strong men, I would not as yet recom-
mend the vapour of ether. I hope, however,
that soon instruments of different dimensions,
and modified in strength, will be employed, and
necessary rules will be laid down, when expe-
rience has better taught us its principles of appli-
cation. I would recommend dentists, unless
medical men, in general to refrain from its use.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
S. WAITE.

The inhalation of the vapour of ether has been applied by Mr. R. Lucas, of Liverpool, to the relief of pain during operations on the brute creation. A tumour was removed from a Newfoundland dog while under its influence. Not only was the tumour removed without pain, but the dog has gone on satisfactorily since the operation.

the influence it may have on the consequences of operations. It would appear, at first sight, that by preventing pain, agitation, and loss of vital force, which almost all operations cause, it could not but be favourable. It remains to be seen whether this favourable condition may not be overbalanced by the influence of this ethereal intoxication : for, in order to arrive at the desired result, it must not be forgotten that the dose may be pushed to a poisonous extent. Whatever there may be in this restriction, we cannot but perceive in this discovery a method by which many physiological questions may be answered. and many practical applications made in a large number of lesions and diseases in which it will prove a powerful palliative, if not an efficacious remedy. We shall not neglect to give our readers information of what is done in this matter."

MEDICAL INVENTIONS.-An interesting paper on a pneumatic inspirator, for the protection of dry-grinders and others from dust and noxious vapours, was brought before the Society of Arts, June 3, 1846, and its purposes explained by Mr. Startin, the surgeon of the Cutaneous Institution its inventor, by which it would appear to be applicable to the breathing of gases or heated air and also as a diving apparatus. We learn that the consideration of this subject will be resumed on Wednesday next, the 27th inst.; and the matter is especially interesting to the profession at this moment from the fact that Mr. Startin has modified his instrument for the purposes of inhaling ether, iodine, opium, mercury, &c., which will furnish medical men with the best and cheapest means yet employed for these purposes. We believe that we are authorized in stating, that as low a sum as half a guinea will furnish the com. plete apparatus, which has been entitled the Pneumatic Inhaler. We purpose presenting our readers with a copy of Mr. Startin's paper next week.

Mr. Edwards reports a successful case of the use of ether, in amputation of the thigh.

MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE.

INDEPENDENCE AND DUTIES OF HOS-
PITAL SURGEONS IN FRAMING HOSPITAL
REPORTS.

PROFESSOR SYME AND THE EDINBURGH IN-
FIRMARY.

[To the Editor of the Medical Times.] SIR,-Without entering on the merits of the question presently at issue betwixt Professor Syme and the Managers of the Edinburgh Infirmary,

who, it is proper to remark, are annually elected, and not house-governors for life, as in many English published by its author in the Edinburgh newspapublic charities-the accompanying copy of a letter,

3

The following observations on the new appli-pers, will not, it is thought, be unacceptable to the cation of ether are extracted from the Gazette profession-all more or less interested in duly maintaining the independent action of their brethren Médicale. They show that the attention of our in public medical institutions. While we would French neighbours is beginning to be awakened: Both the English medical and political journals of that power which may be necessary for securing not withhold from managers of hospitals one iota are filled with interesting details of the employ- to the public the fullest possible benefit of all [From the Jersey and Guernsey News of Jan. 16.]ment of inhalation of ether as a means of promedical charitable institutions, it will not be denied, On Thursday morning, Drs. Preshow and ducing insensibility during surgical operations, we believe, that, beyond this, all unnecessary interCleatent removed as large tumour from the left We have been aware of this discovery for some ference with the medical attendants must be not arm of a female residing at St. Clement's, by a time, but as it was at first especially a question of only galling in the extreme to their feelings, but, perfectly painless operation: this being the first drawing teeth without pain, we waited till the re-eventually, hurtful to the institutions themselves. time that the inhalation of etliereal vapour has sults had acquired a certain amount of notoriety The grievances complained of are sufficiently laid been applied for such a purpose in Jersey, and the before we made mention of it. Numerous trials open in the letter itself; and it remains for the results have been most satisfactory. The above have been repeated by surgeons worthy of con- contributors to the hospital to decide at their next named gentlemen tried the effects of ethereal fidence, and the result has proved such as was general special meeting early in February, we bevapour upon themselves, by means of the instru- announced in almost all the cases. We must then lieve whether they shall view them as really such ments used by Messrs. Herapath and Robinson, receive this discovery as a new and precious conor not. At a public meeting held only a few days and also recommended by Dr. Collyer, but without quest of science in the cause of humanity, and previous to the date of Professor Syme's letter, Dr. producing the desired effect. They have, how offer a short notice to our readers." After giving Christison stated, that "the appointment of the ever, devised a most complete instrument, com- short notes of some of the more important cases surgeon's clerk, or the house-surgeon, not being bining the principles of the various instruments with which our readers are familiar, our worthy vested in the surgeon, was the keystone to the sk now in use, and have produced a machine ren- contemporary concludes in the following words:- whole"; though, from circumstances that have dering the vapour powerful to any degree, and "All the English surgeons appear to be com- since transpired, Mr. Syme, it is believed, does by. perfectly manageable. Atomi pletely reassured as to the possible inconveniences no means look on this as such, though no doubt a of this method. None have at present considered considered by him as a part of the management s

On Thursday morning the patient was placed
-75 o Adugme is 33701 9
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334

THE MEDICAL TIMES.

requiring amendment. Dr. Christison at the same
time stated, that, even in the medical clinical wards,
where the clerks are entirely under the control and
appointment of the physician, he had not been able
to comply (in deference merely to the recom
mendation of expedieney of the Senatus Acade-
micus) with the demands of the managers, without
a mental reservation."

66

At the same meeting, and though without expressing any decided opinion as to the point at issue, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Adam Black, Esq., bookseller, was pleased gratuitously to state, that in his intercourse with society, necessarily pretty extensive, he had nowhere met with a more wilful or obstinate class than that of medical men, which, if seriously meant by his lordship, did not seem to be entertained by the meeting as otherwise than a passing joke at the expense of the profession. But to resume.

and Morning. A Owns of Salts and Three haperth
and twenty oures a table sponful to be taken Night
of Irapiera Mixed in a quart of Water A small Gin
Glass to be taken every night." After he attended
him, Mr. Powell gave him a box of pills.

called: Stated that the deceased applied to him,
Mr. H. P. Powell (late postmaster, Dowlais)
and asked him if he could give him something for
a certain disease; he told the deceased he had from
2s. for the medicine, which consisted of a box of
his late uncle a recipe ; deceased gave him (witness)
pills, containing one drachm each of calomel, rhu-
barb, and jalap, divided into 32 pills, one of which
was to be taken night and morning.

The jury, after hearing medical evidence from
Mr. Russell showing that the death originated in
that the disease killed the man.
this maltreatment, returned a verdict to the effect

GOSSIP OF THE WEEK.

Surgeon E. Scott Docker, from the 60th Foot, to WAR-OFFICE, Jan. 15.-2nd Foot: Assistantbe Assistant-Surgeon, vice Jopp, promoted in the 36th Foot.

well known to the medical profession as the Senior Painter Vincent, Esq., so long and so deservedly ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL, John Surgeon of this institution, has just resigned his appointment, and, on doing so, generously prefunds of the hospital. Mr. Vincent is the oldest sented the treasurer with the sum of £100 for the of Surgeons, of which institution, we believe, he member of the Court of Examiners of the College will be succeeded in the hospital by Mr. Lawrence. has been twice elected president. This gentleman Surgeon. A sharp contest is going on for the office of AssistantThe candidates are, Messrs. Paget, M'Whinnie, and Pennington.

A Dr. Lovell, a disciple of Priessnitz, has had a verdict of 66 manslaughter in the first degree" autopsy gave evidence of arachnitis and perisitting on the body of Martha Higgs, who had been brought against him by a coroner's jury at Enfield, treated on hydropathic principles by him. The

carditis.

Dr. Davidson

The methods of reporting cases, in public, in the Edinburgh Infirmary, must be pretty well known to the profession. They are briefly and neatly detailed in the preface to the widely-known work brought to an issue by the representatives of the "On Purgative Medicines," of the late Dr. Hamil- late Dugald Stewart and Messrs. A. and C. Black, THE LAW OF COPYRIGHT.-The trial just ton, forty years physician to the Infirmary, in Edinburgh, as involving important legal where the cases thus reported are there stated "to points, and disclosing some curious literary facts, possess an authenticity peculiar to themselves; and, in the establishment of medical facts, may be relative position of author and bookseller has death of this eminent physician. produced as an authority that cannot be controwe think worthy of some special notice. TheIt is with extreme regret that we announce the OBITUARY.-DEATH OF DR. DAVIDSON, M.D. verted." And, whether rightly deserving this eulogy suspicion and dissatisfaction, arising mostly from few days ago seized, as we understand, with inflamor not, no change, it would appear, in the mode the utter ignorance of authors of the details of mation or other affection of the chest, which carried been one too frequently beset with unpleasant was out in his usual practice last week, but was a of keeping these public records, had ever been publishing, and of booksellers of the pangs of him off on Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Davidson was thought of till March, 1844. Had anything then authorship. occurred, the public will ask, on the part of the searching trial like the present discloses nothing unobtrusive character, and fond of literary pursuits, medical men or their clerks (in the surgical de- but the liberality and honour of the bookseller, when not engaged in professional acquirements and We are glad, therefore, when a partment, necessarily the resident-surgeon), to showing that a truly liberal sum had been practice. In his younger days he visited different an accomplished scholar-rather of a retired and render such deviation from the old and established awarded, acknowledging the power of the author, parts of the Continent, and succeeded the late Dr. practice necessary or proper? For the sake of the and the estimation of the public for the really Abercromby as Queen's Physician for Scotland. managers, and of the institution itself, we hope excellent. The last copyright law settled that The doctor was, we believe, about sixty years of such explanation will be given as may prove satis- the articles contributed to a periodical belong age; he has been for some years a widower, and has factory; though it is evident such change, whether meant or not, necessarily conveyed to the public be published separately without the consent of whose sad bereavement the public will feel deep a want of confidence in the physicans and surgeons, the author. In the present instance it was en- sympathy.-Jan. 1, at his residence, in St. John'sto the proprietor of such periodical, but cannot originally the principal supporters, as they have deavoured to be maintained by the representative street, Hereford, Frederick Brame Glasspoole, Esq., left a family of several young daughters, with ever been the best friends, of this most useful in- of Dugald Stewart that the essay (although M.D., in the forty-fourth year of his age.—On the stitution. So far as brought out in the speeches at £1,600 was paid for it) was intended only for the 14th instant, at Warwick, aged seventy-nine, the public meetings, or in the correspondence, the sic volo, sic jubeo, of the managers would appear and not for the re-edition of that work, incor- of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, to be the only reasons hitherto assigned. Supplement of the Encyclopædia Britannica," regards the profession in general, one thing is William Blenkinsop, Esq., a member of the council pretty evident, that on the liberal adjustment of Cadell and other authoritative witnesses, howAs porating all the supplementary and much addi- and more than fifty years a medical practitioner in tional matter. the questions involved may ultimately rest the The evidence of Mr. Robert the above-mentioned town. -independence, in public life, of our best hospital idea was considered preposterous, and an immesurgeons and physicians, and eventually the in-diate verdict given for the defendants. During ever, put the matter in so strong a light that the terests of medical charitable establishments themselves, for reasons too obvious to require enume

ration.

AN OLD INFIRMARY PUPIL. Banks of Lochleven, Jan. 16.

MEDICINE IN WALES.

A coroner's inquest was held at the Owain Glyndwr Inn, Dowlais, before William Davies, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of James Evans.

66

-a sum

truly national work, "The Encyclopædia Bri-
the trial the magnitude of the expenses of this
tannica," seventh edition, in twenty-one volumes,
quarto, was shown, and it was proved to have
been no less a sum than £125,667 9s. 3d.-
which, when considered as the venture of two pri-
vate individuals, is truly creditable to our native
the following are the most important :-
enterprise and energy. This amount, of course,
includes every item of expenditure, among which
Contributions and editing
Printing.
Stereotyping
Paper

Bookbinding

MORTALITY TABLE.
For the Week ending Saturday, Jan. 16, 1847.

ALL CAUSES....
Zymotic (or Epidemic, En-
SPECIFIED CAUSES... 1291
demic, and Contagious)
Diseases

Causes of Death.

Average of

Total.

5 Winters.

1291

1068 1061

169

183

SPORADIC DISEASES.

18,610 1 4

Dropsy, Cancer, and other

3,317 5 8

Diseases of uncertain or
variable Seat

114

Diseases of the Brain, Spinal

112

£22,590 2 11

Eliza Davies, widow, sister of the deceased, stated that he kept his bed one month previous to his death; he died on Thurday night last, December 17; his age was nineteen years last March; he lodged with her at her house, near Pontgelly vailog; For the contribution of the dissertation in dis27,854 15 7 Mr. Lewis, druggist, gave him medicine, which cost pute Dugald Stewart received from the firm of Engraving and plate printing 11,777 18 12,739 12 2 1s. Gd.; salts was part of it; could not exactly Constable and Co. £1,600, and for the accom1 say how long previous to keeping his bed, but sup-panying dissertations by Sir James Mackintosh posed nearly a fortnight or three weeks; that was six or seven weeks before his death. Thigins, collier, gave him some medicine three Professor Playfair's dissertation is not precisely and Sir John Leslie the present proprietors of Richard the " weeks previous to his death, in one bottle contain- stated, but, if paid for at the same rate as Sir Encyclopædia" paid £1,030. The cost of ing one pint and a half of mixture, and another of John Leslie's, it could not fall short of £500. one pint of mixture, of which he was to take one tablespoonful night and morning, and for which he paid, bringing up the total expenditure for the For editing the volume the sum of £320 was charged him 9s. 2d. ! Of this outlay only £106,526 had as yet been reliterary labour of this volume alone to £3,150. sale of the stock, which, as it embraces the works turned to the proprietors; but we trust that the many years, will ultimately reward the spirit and energy of its projectors. of so many celebrated men, must continue for Weekly Newspaper. Douglas Jerrold's

Richard Thigins was then called. He stated that he gave deceased a small bottle containing balsam copaiba, spirits of nitre, Fryar's balsam, and elixir vitriol, likewise the following recipe, which was handed to the coroner and jury: Ten grains of groovesuplement to be desolved in spirits of wine and a pint of frensh Brandy to be Desolved four

....

Diseases of the Lungs, and
Marrow, Nerves, and
Senses....
of the other Organs of
Diseases of the Stomach,
Diseases of the Heart and
Respiration
Blood-vessels.....
Childbirth, Diseases of the
Liver, and other organs
of Digestion
Diseases of the Kidneys, &c.
Diseases of the Skin, Cellu-
Uterus, &c.
Rheumatism, Diseases of
Old Age..
the Bones, Joints, &c.
lar Tissue, &c.
Violence, Privation, Cold,
and Intemperance.................

130
6.495 7-695
To be enabled to make a good analysis of the
790 blood in its normal state, we shall find that some
70 precautions are necessary as to the manner of col-
lecting it. The blood, as we have already said,
becomes rapidly impoverished in solid materials by
repeated venesections. Some experiments, per-
formed on this subject by M. Prevost, give the fol-
lowing result:-

A strong healthy cat was bled freely from the carotid. Its blood yielded