- Email: [email protected]
BOROUGH OF REIGATE.
the
strength
a
i
solid Thompson, of Kettltby Thorp, near this place. The sausage-machine, not for- was carefully put up with four long splints, and kept liquor. By these simple means years’I[ fortnight. Starch bandages were then applied. Two
with bark and
meat, chopped with
small,
acid,
and feed well with
hand
malt of tolerable existence may be obtained, instead of months of miserable torture, the result of "high art" in surgery. You have so lately given space to an abstract of a paper I read at the Medical Society of London, upon the general subject of arrest of cancer, that I forbear to trespass upon your columns further, and remain, Very obediently yours, T. WEEDEN COOKE, M.R.C.S., Surgeon to the Royal Free and Cancer Hospitals. Upper Berkeley-street, Portman-square, Aug. 1858.
getting wholesome
-
THE TREATMENT OF DYSENTERY
fracture so for a or three weeks after, he could walk, and when I made my last visit, there was little or no difference between the two thighs. After reading your article on ’’ Starch Bandages and Limp Opinions," I determined to call on the first opportunity, and carefully examine the thigh, and ascertain what amount of thickness or deformity existed at the end of six months. I have done so this day, and after the most careful examination I can detect 110 difference between the thighs. The child can walk, run, and jump as well as ever he could, and I am confident that if any surgeon presumed to give an opinion as to the existence of fracture six months ago, founded upon any difference, discoverable by sight or touch, between the two thighs in this healthy, plump child, he would say that the thigh had never been broken. I therefore think that the z’ evidence given by the surgical witnesses in opposition to the claim of Mr. Garland was not founded on well-ascertained facts, and that charity ought to have led them to givealess
I
To the Editor of THE LANCET. Sin,—Observing in THE LANCET of July 31st and August 14th an account given by Surgeon Docker, of the 2nd Battalion 7th Royal Fusiliers, of his successful treatment in cases of acute dysentery, at the Mauritius, by large doses of ipecacuanha, I felt much pleasure in noting the satisfactory results of the treatment; but it appears that ipecacuanha was not the only
unqualified opinion.
I am,
Briba, Aug. 13th, 1858.
Sir,
your obedient servant, JAnzES B. JAMES B. MOXON, M.R.C.S., &c.
M.R.C.S.,
remedy employed.
I have had to treat the MEDICAL REFORM. of acute and chronic dysentery. Strange to THE To the Editor LANCET. of say, at one time I was a great advocate for the combination of and often in with calomel and me allow the favour of a reply to the letter opium, ipecacuanha ipecacuanha SIR,-Will you large doses by itself; but I decidedly found ill results from the signed " Walter Sumpter, M.D.,"in last week’s LANCET. On latter, and therefore relinquished it. The Mauritius is not far turning to the "Directory," I find that this gentleman obtained from Ceylon, but it may be a peculiarity of the former place his diplomas as late as 1856 and 1857-a rather early claimant that certain treatment may do good there, wbich, long before of the privilege of censorship in medical matters, some might Mr. Docker tried it, I found useless in an adjoining tropical suggest. Mr. Sumpter speaks truly when he observes that station. Nothing deteriorates sooner in tropical climates than plenty of qualified assistants are to be had; but is he aware ipecacuan, though it may look apparently good; this I know that in many instances medical men prefer the unqualified from practical experience of the drug, which I haveinspected man for various reasons, the least of which is, that it sometimes in H.M. medical stores on foreign stations. My friend may happens that the stern realities of life, together with a needy overlook this, and attribute his success to a harmless powder. position, have given some of them a solidity of character, as I will tell him the result of my treatment in many cases of well as a practical knowledge of their business, not overlooked acute dysentery in tropical stations. If taken at the com- by the liberal practitioner, and in contrast with the self-immencement of the disease, in less than twenty-four hours I portance and superficial knowledge (frequently so) of your have relieved my patient of all symptoms of acute disease; but newly-fledged " M. R. C. S." Mr. Sumpter speaks of his non-invidious feelings, and detreatment, though bold, must be judicious, or a fatal mistake will arise. A pulse that indicates acute inflammation must be servedly eulogises his medical brethren as "our benevolent altered quickly. Such is always an unmistakable sign in the ranks." His letter, however, may be looked upon as somewhat acute disease. Let forty-eight hours pass over: we all know in the rear of a benevolent bias-nay, is it speaking too strongly the then likely results of acute mflammation of the bowels. I if it is suggested that such a communication bespeaks a narrowhave never feared to order blood-letting freely by leeches, or minded feeling rather. I think so from certain observations general bleeding to syncope, at the commencement; six hours contained in it; and as regards the remarks concerning Christian afterwads, four grains of calomel and a "dose of castor oil; and progress, &c. &c., it is submitted that this is but a poor speciwhen the oil had acted, a weak dose of eau de vie" and mor- men of logical parallelism, and clearly out of place in the phia. In twenty-four hours my patient was out of all danger’ matter, except for the purpose of wondering which of the from acute dysentery. Such is my treatment from experience, thousand and one" sects of religionists this gentleman may and I havealways felt pretty certain of its results. Many honour with iiis patronage. coffee-planters in Ceylon can testify to this in themselves. In Lastly, it is respectfully hoped and believed that numbers of chronic cases I have found the most valuable relief from the medical men will still support the intelligent and respectable use of an infusion of the rind of the fruit called mangosteen, assistant of this class, giving him his chance’midst the struggles principally grown at Singapore and Penang: this I combined of life to earn his daily crust, in return for a due performance with morphia. of his humble office, and even though he be an opprobrium to I do not wish to detract from the benefit of Mr. Docker’sgentlemen of Mr. Sumpter’s persuasion, such as your corretreatment in cases of dysentery, but only to show how thespondent is-namely, , same substance which he considers invaluable, "ipecacuanha," AN UNQUALIFIED ASSISTANT. Congleton, August, 1858. I have found next to useless. If the junior medical officers now proceeding to India would make a simple note of my treatment of dysentery, I am certain BOROUGH OF REIGATE. they will be saved much anxiety and labour. MR. EDWIN JAMES, Q.C., CANDIDATE FOR ITS REPRESENTATION I am, Sir, yours obediently, IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. J. McGRIGOR MCGRIGOR CROFT, CROFT, M.D., Clevedon, Somerset, Late Staff-Surgeon Late to H.M. H.M. Forces. Forces. To t7te Editor of THE LANCET. :staff-Surgeon to August, 1858. SIR,-I was much gratified by seeing your remarks relative to the election for the borough of Guildford. As the friend of THE LATE TRIAL AT YEOVIL. the profession, I sincerely hope that Mr. Onslow will be sucLANCET. To the Editor of THE cessful, and that he will receive the support of all the medical SIR,-The ignorance and uncharitableness of those surgeons practitioners in the neighbourhood. The candidature of Mr. who, in the County Court of Yeovil, deposed, on the faith of Edwin James, Q.C., for Reigate is an interesting event. He an examination made six months after the fracture of a child’s is well known to be a zealous friend of the profession, and on thigh, that no fracture had ever existed, are without excuse. many occasions he has spoken of their utility and importance Nothing but the strongest possible evidence could justify any- in the highest terms of commendation. The Act we have just one, much more a brother surgeon, in bringing such a damning obtained is, I presume, only the first of a series, and it would charge against the moral cha.r&eter of a surgeon. That such be of immense consequence to have such a friend as Mr. James would prove in the House of Commons. He has a powerful and strong evidence does not exist, I am in a position to prove. Six months ago, I was called in to a case of transverse frac- commanding intellect, and his oratory is of the highest order. ture of the thigh in a child aged three years, the son of Wm. He could not fail to exercise great influence in the House, and While
most
serving in Ceylon and China,
severe cases
.
211
he is destined for one of the highest places in our courts of law. I call, then, upon our professional brethren in the metropolis to use any just influence they may possess with friends at Reigate in zealously supporting Mr. Edwin James a sa candidate for a seat in the House of Commons. I am, Sir, yours very truly, A SURGEON AND MEDICAL REFORMER OF TWENTY YEARS’ STANDING. London, Aug. 18th, 1858.
Dr. OWEN EVANS said he considered it of the utmost importthat the vaccine matter should be taken from a perfectly healthy person. The injuries complained of might have been produced by impure matter or the use of an unclean lancet. There was no danger in vaccinating adults or infants, if proper preparatory steps were taken. Considers that the plaintiff ought to have had two doses of aperient medicine previous to his being vaccinated, to guard against any inflammatory symptoms which might be produced. Has known vaccine to fail. By Mr. SLEIGH.-Did not consider that the symptoms arose from improper treatment. They might have arisen from other causes. The most healthy subjects are sometimes attended by inflammatory symptoms. Out of some hundred of cases under his own practice few have turned out inflammatory. Would advise re-vaccination if the small-pox were in the house. Mr. SLEIGH, having addressed the jury, called Mr. CREASY, the assistant-judge at the Middlesex Sessions, who deposed that Leonard, his son, was vaccinated by Mr. Meehan, and that the child was perfectly healthy when the vaccine matter was taken from him to vaccinate the plaintiff’s family. Mr. MEEHAN said he was a F. R. C. S., and the vaccine matter used was taken from Leonard Creasy; and he had also used it in the family of Lady M’Adam, and some young ladies at the Clergy Orphan School. No untoward symptoms appeared in the latter cases. The vaccine matter used was perfectly pure, the lancet was clean, and all due skill and care were used. He had heard of no charge against him until he saw the plaintiff. Mr. CHARLES PROPERT, M.R.C.S., considered that the symptoms would not have appeared without the introduction of vaccine matter; but he had often met with similar cases when this matter had been of the most pure character, and under the most skilful treatment. He did not attribute the undue symptoms, in the slightest degree, to defendant’s treatance
’# We earnestly hope that the recommendation of our correspondent will not be without result. On every occasion for the election of a candidate for a seat in Parliament, the profession should use its proper influence in promoting the success - of men who have declared for a good cause. We feel confident that the presence of such a man as Mr. Edwin James in the House of Commons would prove of immense advantage to the profession. He thoroughly understands the question of Medical Reform, and he enforces his argument with a power of oratory which at present at the bar is unequalled. -ED. L. SIR CHARLES BELL’S PAMPHLET. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR.,-I have read the correspondence between Dr. BrownSéquard and Mr. Ward in your journal with some interest; and I should like to be favoured with your opinion with respect to the desirableness of getting Sir Charles Bell’s pamphlet reprinted, (if not contrary to the law of copyright, or anything - of that description.) It occurred to my mind, that the publication of it might lead to an increased investigation and acquaintance with the important anatomical and physiological facts elucidated in Dr. Brown-Sequard’s lectures. If it should prove to be advantageous, I could communicate with Mr. ’Ward. Hoping to hear further concerning the subject,
ment.
By Mr. RUSSELL.-It was quite possible that, if impure matter dirty lancet had been used, blotches would have appeared.
or a
Had had as many as three thousand cases of vaccination under his treatment. Mr. MARSON, surgeon to the Small-pox Hospital, stated H. PARRATT. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Aug., 1S58. that as many as fifty thousand cases of vaccination had come under his practice. Such effects, as stated, were often produced, particularly in stout persons of advanced life. A nurse MARYLEBONE COUNTY COURT. in the hospital, aged forty-four, was then suffering from inflammatory arm, and had been ill in bed for three weeks, (Before J. L. ADOLPHUS, Esq., and a Jury.) although other patients vaccinated from the same matter had PENNEY v. LUCAS AND MEEHAN. speedily recovered. He did not consider it at all necessary to administer aperient medicine as a preparation : he had never done so. The blotches mighthave appeared independent of TIlTs action was brought to recover £50 damages, which the vaccination. plaintiff alleged that he and his family had sustained through Mr. LEESE, M.R.C.S., had vaccinated sixty thousand persons. the want of skill and malpractices of the defendants in their Symptoms might have occurred although the purest matter occasionally followed vaccination. Very prefessional duties as surgeons. The items were four weeks’ was applied.in Blotches cases of adults, swelling occurs in the glands of commonly, loss of time, £30 ; twelve months loss of the plaintiff’s niece’s the arm, which depended greatly on the habits of life of the services, X17 17s.; expenses of family, for change of air, £20 ; patient. and servant, £1la. Mr. HAMMERTON, M.R,.C.S., comfirmed the latter witnesses. Mr. Russell, instructed by Mr. G. Keene, appeared for the In summing up, the learned JUDGE said, that if he had had the case to decide without the aid of a jury, he should a of and Mr. merchant, York-place, Bayswater ; plaintiff, it at a much earlier period; but when so Sleigh, instructed by Mr. W. F. Cooper, was for the defendants. have stopped a charge as malpractices or unskilful treatment was grave The court was crowded with members of the medical profesbrought against medical gentlemen, he thought it better to sion. hear all the evidence, and let the jury decide. No evidence Mr. PENNEY stated that the defendants had attended his had been produced that impure matter or a dirty lancet had family for some years, and in April, 1855, his daughter was been used; and it was monstrous to conjecture such to have attacked with small-pox, and Mr. Meehan recommended that been the case when so many eminent medical men had spoken the whole of the family should be re-vaccinated, which advice so highly of the defendant’s skill. was taken. No medicine was given to the adults, and the family The jury immediately gave a verdict for the defendant. In a week’s were vaccinated from the same vaccine matter. His Honour gave full costs. time, witness’s arm began to swell, and a large lump, the size *** The verdict of the jury in this case was perfectly just: of an egg, formed under the arm, which gave him great pain, and did not go away until he had taken a quantity of medicine there appears to havebeen not the slightest ground for the f&r a whole month. He was confined to his bed for a fortnight, action. It is probable that the plaintiff was advised to the and was unable to transact business for a month. Mr. Sharpe by some person who had an improper motive to His niece was ill serve. If he had been was called in, and he applied lotions &c. governed by his own judgment and twelve months, from the operation. After she had been vacthe action would possibly never have been insticinated, blotches came out all over her body. She was twenty- feelings, The case too clearly the perils which a shows but tuted. had and health. seven years of age, previously enjoyed good She had to go to Guernsey for her recovery. His wife and medical practitioner has to encounter, even when discharging servant were ill a fortnight. in the most honourable manner the onerous duties of his proBy Mr. SLElGH.- Went out of town shortly after being vac- fession. A very young practitioner might have been ruined cinated. Did not send for the defendants when his arm began to swell. Did not complain of bad treatment until after the by such an action; but, fortunately, Messrs. Lucas and Meehan defendants brought an action to recover X22 13s., the amount live in a fortress which can successfully resist any number of of their bill. (This action ended in a caveat. ) such unjust assaults.-ED. L. I
am, Sir,
yours
respectfully,
I
,
proceedings .
’
t
212
strength
a
i
solid Thompson, of Kettltby Thorp, near this place. The sausage-machine, not for- was carefully put up with four long splints, and kept liquor. By these simple means years’I[ fortnight. Starch bandages were then applied. Two
with bark and
meat, chopped with
small,
acid,
and feed well with
hand
malt of tolerable existence may be obtained, instead of months of miserable torture, the result of "high art" in surgery. You have so lately given space to an abstract of a paper I read at the Medical Society of London, upon the general subject of arrest of cancer, that I forbear to trespass upon your columns further, and remain, Very obediently yours, T. WEEDEN COOKE, M.R.C.S., Surgeon to the Royal Free and Cancer Hospitals. Upper Berkeley-street, Portman-square, Aug. 1858.
getting wholesome
-
THE TREATMENT OF DYSENTERY
fracture so for a or three weeks after, he could walk, and when I made my last visit, there was little or no difference between the two thighs. After reading your article on ’’ Starch Bandages and Limp Opinions," I determined to call on the first opportunity, and carefully examine the thigh, and ascertain what amount of thickness or deformity existed at the end of six months. I have done so this day, and after the most careful examination I can detect 110 difference between the thighs. The child can walk, run, and jump as well as ever he could, and I am confident that if any surgeon presumed to give an opinion as to the existence of fracture six months ago, founded upon any difference, discoverable by sight or touch, between the two thighs in this healthy, plump child, he would say that the thigh had never been broken. I therefore think that the z’ evidence given by the surgical witnesses in opposition to the claim of Mr. Garland was not founded on well-ascertained facts, and that charity ought to have led them to givealess
I
To the Editor of THE LANCET. Sin,—Observing in THE LANCET of July 31st and August 14th an account given by Surgeon Docker, of the 2nd Battalion 7th Royal Fusiliers, of his successful treatment in cases of acute dysentery, at the Mauritius, by large doses of ipecacuanha, I felt much pleasure in noting the satisfactory results of the treatment; but it appears that ipecacuanha was not the only
unqualified opinion.
I am,
Briba, Aug. 13th, 1858.
Sir,
your obedient servant, JAnzES B. JAMES B. MOXON, M.R.C.S., &c.
M.R.C.S.,
remedy employed.
I have had to treat the MEDICAL REFORM. of acute and chronic dysentery. Strange to THE To the Editor LANCET. of say, at one time I was a great advocate for the combination of and often in with calomel and me allow the favour of a reply to the letter opium, ipecacuanha ipecacuanha SIR,-Will you large doses by itself; but I decidedly found ill results from the signed " Walter Sumpter, M.D.,"in last week’s LANCET. On latter, and therefore relinquished it. The Mauritius is not far turning to the "Directory," I find that this gentleman obtained from Ceylon, but it may be a peculiarity of the former place his diplomas as late as 1856 and 1857-a rather early claimant that certain treatment may do good there, wbich, long before of the privilege of censorship in medical matters, some might Mr. Docker tried it, I found useless in an adjoining tropical suggest. Mr. Sumpter speaks truly when he observes that station. Nothing deteriorates sooner in tropical climates than plenty of qualified assistants are to be had; but is he aware ipecacuan, though it may look apparently good; this I know that in many instances medical men prefer the unqualified from practical experience of the drug, which I haveinspected man for various reasons, the least of which is, that it sometimes in H.M. medical stores on foreign stations. My friend may happens that the stern realities of life, together with a needy overlook this, and attribute his success to a harmless powder. position, have given some of them a solidity of character, as I will tell him the result of my treatment in many cases of well as a practical knowledge of their business, not overlooked acute dysentery in tropical stations. If taken at the com- by the liberal practitioner, and in contrast with the self-immencement of the disease, in less than twenty-four hours I portance and superficial knowledge (frequently so) of your have relieved my patient of all symptoms of acute disease; but newly-fledged " M. R. C. S." Mr. Sumpter speaks of his non-invidious feelings, and detreatment, though bold, must be judicious, or a fatal mistake will arise. A pulse that indicates acute inflammation must be servedly eulogises his medical brethren as "our benevolent altered quickly. Such is always an unmistakable sign in the ranks." His letter, however, may be looked upon as somewhat acute disease. Let forty-eight hours pass over: we all know in the rear of a benevolent bias-nay, is it speaking too strongly the then likely results of acute mflammation of the bowels. I if it is suggested that such a communication bespeaks a narrowhave never feared to order blood-letting freely by leeches, or minded feeling rather. I think so from certain observations general bleeding to syncope, at the commencement; six hours contained in it; and as regards the remarks concerning Christian afterwads, four grains of calomel and a "dose of castor oil; and progress, &c. &c., it is submitted that this is but a poor speciwhen the oil had acted, a weak dose of eau de vie" and mor- men of logical parallelism, and clearly out of place in the phia. In twenty-four hours my patient was out of all danger’ matter, except for the purpose of wondering which of the from acute dysentery. Such is my treatment from experience, thousand and one" sects of religionists this gentleman may and I havealways felt pretty certain of its results. Many honour with iiis patronage. coffee-planters in Ceylon can testify to this in themselves. In Lastly, it is respectfully hoped and believed that numbers of chronic cases I have found the most valuable relief from the medical men will still support the intelligent and respectable use of an infusion of the rind of the fruit called mangosteen, assistant of this class, giving him his chance’midst the struggles principally grown at Singapore and Penang: this I combined of life to earn his daily crust, in return for a due performance with morphia. of his humble office, and even though he be an opprobrium to I do not wish to detract from the benefit of Mr. Docker’sgentlemen of Mr. Sumpter’s persuasion, such as your corretreatment in cases of dysentery, but only to show how thespondent is-namely, , same substance which he considers invaluable, "ipecacuanha," AN UNQUALIFIED ASSISTANT. Congleton, August, 1858. I have found next to useless. If the junior medical officers now proceeding to India would make a simple note of my treatment of dysentery, I am certain BOROUGH OF REIGATE. they will be saved much anxiety and labour. MR. EDWIN JAMES, Q.C., CANDIDATE FOR ITS REPRESENTATION I am, Sir, yours obediently, IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. J. McGRIGOR MCGRIGOR CROFT, CROFT, M.D., Clevedon, Somerset, Late Staff-Surgeon Late to H.M. H.M. Forces. Forces. To t7te Editor of THE LANCET. :staff-Surgeon to August, 1858. SIR,-I was much gratified by seeing your remarks relative to the election for the borough of Guildford. As the friend of THE LATE TRIAL AT YEOVIL. the profession, I sincerely hope that Mr. Onslow will be sucLANCET. To the Editor of THE cessful, and that he will receive the support of all the medical SIR,-The ignorance and uncharitableness of those surgeons practitioners in the neighbourhood. The candidature of Mr. who, in the County Court of Yeovil, deposed, on the faith of Edwin James, Q.C., for Reigate is an interesting event. He an examination made six months after the fracture of a child’s is well known to be a zealous friend of the profession, and on thigh, that no fracture had ever existed, are without excuse. many occasions he has spoken of their utility and importance Nothing but the strongest possible evidence could justify any- in the highest terms of commendation. The Act we have just one, much more a brother surgeon, in bringing such a damning obtained is, I presume, only the first of a series, and it would charge against the moral cha.r&eter of a surgeon. That such be of immense consequence to have such a friend as Mr. James would prove in the House of Commons. He has a powerful and strong evidence does not exist, I am in a position to prove. Six months ago, I was called in to a case of transverse frac- commanding intellect, and his oratory is of the highest order. ture of the thigh in a child aged three years, the son of Wm. He could not fail to exercise great influence in the House, and While
most
serving in Ceylon and China,
severe cases
.
211
he is destined for one of the highest places in our courts of law. I call, then, upon our professional brethren in the metropolis to use any just influence they may possess with friends at Reigate in zealously supporting Mr. Edwin James a sa candidate for a seat in the House of Commons. I am, Sir, yours very truly, A SURGEON AND MEDICAL REFORMER OF TWENTY YEARS’ STANDING. London, Aug. 18th, 1858.
Dr. OWEN EVANS said he considered it of the utmost importthat the vaccine matter should be taken from a perfectly healthy person. The injuries complained of might have been produced by impure matter or the use of an unclean lancet. There was no danger in vaccinating adults or infants, if proper preparatory steps were taken. Considers that the plaintiff ought to have had two doses of aperient medicine previous to his being vaccinated, to guard against any inflammatory symptoms which might be produced. Has known vaccine to fail. By Mr. SLEIGH.-Did not consider that the symptoms arose from improper treatment. They might have arisen from other causes. The most healthy subjects are sometimes attended by inflammatory symptoms. Out of some hundred of cases under his own practice few have turned out inflammatory. Would advise re-vaccination if the small-pox were in the house. Mr. SLEIGH, having addressed the jury, called Mr. CREASY, the assistant-judge at the Middlesex Sessions, who deposed that Leonard, his son, was vaccinated by Mr. Meehan, and that the child was perfectly healthy when the vaccine matter was taken from him to vaccinate the plaintiff’s family. Mr. MEEHAN said he was a F. R. C. S., and the vaccine matter used was taken from Leonard Creasy; and he had also used it in the family of Lady M’Adam, and some young ladies at the Clergy Orphan School. No untoward symptoms appeared in the latter cases. The vaccine matter used was perfectly pure, the lancet was clean, and all due skill and care were used. He had heard of no charge against him until he saw the plaintiff. Mr. CHARLES PROPERT, M.R.C.S., considered that the symptoms would not have appeared without the introduction of vaccine matter; but he had often met with similar cases when this matter had been of the most pure character, and under the most skilful treatment. He did not attribute the undue symptoms, in the slightest degree, to defendant’s treatance
’# We earnestly hope that the recommendation of our correspondent will not be without result. On every occasion for the election of a candidate for a seat in Parliament, the profession should use its proper influence in promoting the success - of men who have declared for a good cause. We feel confident that the presence of such a man as Mr. Edwin James in the House of Commons would prove of immense advantage to the profession. He thoroughly understands the question of Medical Reform, and he enforces his argument with a power of oratory which at present at the bar is unequalled. -ED. L. SIR CHARLES BELL’S PAMPHLET. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SIR.,-I have read the correspondence between Dr. BrownSéquard and Mr. Ward in your journal with some interest; and I should like to be favoured with your opinion with respect to the desirableness of getting Sir Charles Bell’s pamphlet reprinted, (if not contrary to the law of copyright, or anything - of that description.) It occurred to my mind, that the publication of it might lead to an increased investigation and acquaintance with the important anatomical and physiological facts elucidated in Dr. Brown-Sequard’s lectures. If it should prove to be advantageous, I could communicate with Mr. ’Ward. Hoping to hear further concerning the subject,
ment.
By Mr. RUSSELL.-It was quite possible that, if impure matter dirty lancet had been used, blotches would have appeared.
or a
Had had as many as three thousand cases of vaccination under his treatment. Mr. MARSON, surgeon to the Small-pox Hospital, stated H. PARRATT. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Aug., 1S58. that as many as fifty thousand cases of vaccination had come under his practice. Such effects, as stated, were often produced, particularly in stout persons of advanced life. A nurse MARYLEBONE COUNTY COURT. in the hospital, aged forty-four, was then suffering from inflammatory arm, and had been ill in bed for three weeks, (Before J. L. ADOLPHUS, Esq., and a Jury.) although other patients vaccinated from the same matter had PENNEY v. LUCAS AND MEEHAN. speedily recovered. He did not consider it at all necessary to administer aperient medicine as a preparation : he had never done so. The blotches mighthave appeared independent of TIlTs action was brought to recover £50 damages, which the vaccination. plaintiff alleged that he and his family had sustained through Mr. LEESE, M.R.C.S., had vaccinated sixty thousand persons. the want of skill and malpractices of the defendants in their Symptoms might have occurred although the purest matter occasionally followed vaccination. Very prefessional duties as surgeons. The items were four weeks’ was applied.in Blotches cases of adults, swelling occurs in the glands of commonly, loss of time, £30 ; twelve months loss of the plaintiff’s niece’s the arm, which depended greatly on the habits of life of the services, X17 17s.; expenses of family, for change of air, £20 ; patient. and servant, £1la. Mr. HAMMERTON, M.R,.C.S., comfirmed the latter witnesses. Mr. Russell, instructed by Mr. G. Keene, appeared for the In summing up, the learned JUDGE said, that if he had had the case to decide without the aid of a jury, he should a of and Mr. merchant, York-place, Bayswater ; plaintiff, it at a much earlier period; but when so Sleigh, instructed by Mr. W. F. Cooper, was for the defendants. have stopped a charge as malpractices or unskilful treatment was grave The court was crowded with members of the medical profesbrought against medical gentlemen, he thought it better to sion. hear all the evidence, and let the jury decide. No evidence Mr. PENNEY stated that the defendants had attended his had been produced that impure matter or a dirty lancet had family for some years, and in April, 1855, his daughter was been used; and it was monstrous to conjecture such to have attacked with small-pox, and Mr. Meehan recommended that been the case when so many eminent medical men had spoken the whole of the family should be re-vaccinated, which advice so highly of the defendant’s skill. was taken. No medicine was given to the adults, and the family The jury immediately gave a verdict for the defendant. In a week’s were vaccinated from the same vaccine matter. His Honour gave full costs. time, witness’s arm began to swell, and a large lump, the size *** The verdict of the jury in this case was perfectly just: of an egg, formed under the arm, which gave him great pain, and did not go away until he had taken a quantity of medicine there appears to havebeen not the slightest ground for the f&r a whole month. He was confined to his bed for a fortnight, action. It is probable that the plaintiff was advised to the and was unable to transact business for a month. Mr. Sharpe by some person who had an improper motive to His niece was ill serve. If he had been was called in, and he applied lotions &c. governed by his own judgment and twelve months, from the operation. After she had been vacthe action would possibly never have been insticinated, blotches came out all over her body. She was twenty- feelings, The case too clearly the perils which a shows but tuted. had and health. seven years of age, previously enjoyed good She had to go to Guernsey for her recovery. His wife and medical practitioner has to encounter, even when discharging servant were ill a fortnight. in the most honourable manner the onerous duties of his proBy Mr. SLElGH.- Went out of town shortly after being vac- fession. A very young practitioner might have been ruined cinated. Did not send for the defendants when his arm began to swell. Did not complain of bad treatment until after the by such an action; but, fortunately, Messrs. Lucas and Meehan defendants brought an action to recover X22 13s., the amount live in a fortress which can successfully resist any number of of their bill. (This action ended in a caveat. ) such unjust assaults.-ED. L. I
am, Sir,
yours
respectfully,
I
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proceedings .
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