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ON THE APPLICATION OF CAUSTIC AND THE ACTUAL CAUTERY TO THE ORIFICE AND INNER SURFACE OF THE UTERUS.
213 in consideration of a another against certain risks or losses to which he is exposed, or against the happening of some event. To assure the deserters of the British army would be an extensive speculation for a guarantee m%7
knowledge-namely,
stipulated
sum,
one
undertaking
party,
to
indemnify
association. Desertion will never be effectually prevented in this country by rendering the army popular-in other words, by rendering the service desirable; preferable, if possible, in the opinion of the soldiers, to the condition of the class of the population to which they formerly belonged. Liability to pains .and of the most grievous kinds will not prevent deserpenalties tion, and we have no reason to trust much to the influence of the promissory oath which a man commonly makes in perfect good faith upon his enlistment. I conclude these observations z, with an extract from the Spectator :-" Transport a person, nay, shoot and flog, if due necessity compel it, but let not a Christian man be placed on a level with a beast, or an English soldier be subject to a permanent taint of disgrace from which the humanity of his countrymen has exempted even the lowest and basest of his species:’-Iremain, yours, &c., H. M. August, 1847. Our learned to one has not referred *, correspondent to which affects the more particularly point relating branding, we the which directs that War-office order, profession; mean, branding shall be performed under the superintendence of the army surgeons. This association of the army surgeon with the duties of the provost-marshal is most disgraceful to the military profession and degrading to its medical officers.ED. L. but
___________
ADMINISTRATION OF ETHER IN MIDWIFERY
the brim
(it being complicated only by a
condition
capable o
removal) was not sufficient to require the hasty and martial practice suggested by A B C. Under the conditions described
in Dr. P. Smith’s paper, A B C’s "scientific" mode of treatment in applying the perforator before the internal heemorrhage threatened, would have been unnecessary when the child was dead, and criminal and unwarrantable whilst it was
yet alive.
I need not allude to other mis-statements and false deductions contained in the communication of your correspondent; nor do I feel disposed again to notice the attacks of an anonymous assailant.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant, FRED. R. MANSON. Park-street, 6rosvenor-square,Aug. 1847.
ON THE APPLICATION OF CAUSTIC AND THE ACTUAL CAUTERY TO THE ORIFICE AND INNER SURFACE OF THE UTERUS.
To the Editor of THB LANCET. readers of your journal are all well acquainted with the many ingenious and important improvements which have recently been made in obstetric medicine and surgery by the celebrated Dr. J. Y. Simpson, Professor of Midwifery at Edinburgh. Among these striking and fundamental novelties and innovations, may be placed in the first rank-turning the child in cases of great distortion of the pelvis while the mother is insensible from ether-tearing away the placenta instead of turning the child, in cases of placenta prævia—passing metallic sounds or pokers into the cavity of the uterus, and driving the uterus out of the cavity of the pelvis-and slitting open the os uteri in cases of barrenness. All these original and wise plans for the relief of cases which had been proved completely rebellious in the hands of other practitioners, have been duly estimated and rewarded, and have given Professor Simpson an European reputation, and placed him at the head of the obstetric physicians of Great Britain. .
SIR,-The
PRACTICE. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SiR,-Your correspondent A B C, when he wrote the Valet ima summis letter which appeared in THE LANCET of August 7th, calling Mutare, et insignem attenuat deus, Obscura in question the propriety of the treatment adopted by myself promens : hine apicem rapax Fortuna cum stridue acuto in a case recorded in your journal the week preceding by Dr. Sustulit, hie posuisse gaudet. Protheroe Smith, evidently misunderstood the circumstances Every suggestion proceeding, therefore, from such an authoupon which he ventured to comment. He speaks of the head of the child as being fixed in the brim of the pelvis, omitting rity, is entitled to the deepest consideration and respect—a. all notice of the important fact, that it was surrounded by the respect which ought not to be affected by the statistical lower segment of the uterus,"which closely embraced it, and blunders of Dr. Simpson, pointed out so unmercifully, uncourThe os uteri was teously, and unceremoniously, in THE LANCET of last week. was interposed between it and the brim." also considerably dilated, but not fully, whilst the uterine con- The following are the Professor’s last striking novelties, which, tractions being languid and inefficient, were unable to expand no doubt, will still further exalt his reputation with the enthe otherwise dilatable os. Under these conditions, the prac- lightened citizens of Auld Reekie :"Iadopted a plan," says Dr. Rigby,of rousing the uterus tice adopted was not only " scientific," but the only treatment which could with propriety have been employed, if we except to a menstrual effort, which my friend, Professor Simpson, the inhalation of ether, which in this case ultimately proved recommended to me-viz., passing a piece of lunar caustic into the cavity of the uterus by means of an instrument, so beneficial. The child was not dead at the time the expulsion of the body took place, as stated by A B C, but lived at similar to that which has been used by Lallemand for the least forty minutes afterwards; and it was to produce uterine urethra, and painting its inner surface with it. This acts as action, with complete dilatation of the os uteri, and by this a considerable stimulant to the uterus, and if the powers are means to effect the passage of the head through the brim, and equal to the task, a secretion of catamenia generally follows thus save the life of the child, that the first dose of ergot was in the course of twelve or twenty-four hours." This painting administered. The ergot failing to produce this result, the of the inner surface of the uterus with lunar caustic," to pulsations of the cord having ceased, the pains subsiding, and rouse the uterus to a menstrual effort," might have been the patient feeling much exhausted, further interference being looked upon as dangerous before it was established by the unnecessary, she was allowed to remain undisturbed. Royal Society that the uterus is an insensible organ, and is Subsequently some pains came on, and a second dose of not provided with nerves, like the eyes, ears, nose, and every ergot was administered; but this only produced slight and in- other member of the human body, and before the wonderful efficient contractions, and these, in the course of an hour and discovery with the microscope, recently made by Dr. Simpson, a half, altogether ceased. Symptoms of internal haemorrhage that the lining membrane of the uterus actually separates now arising, it became necessary to deliver immediately, and ’, spontaneously from the muscular coat, and is expelled every Dr. Protheroe Smith’s opinion was requested in consultation. month in cases of dysmenorrhœe. The uterus having thus Before his arrival, these threatening symptoms had subsided been burked of its nerves, and of its lining membrane, by the under the employment of friction and pressure. The os, which highest scientific authorities of the country, it follows that the had now become rigid, being evidently the cause of the delay, whole practice of midwifery must, in consequence, undergo a Dr. Protheroe Smith advised the inhalation of ether, not only complete revolution, and the principles which have been conto save our patient from the pains of labour, but in the hope sidered as established on the firmest basis, must be wholly that it might likewise, by stimulating the uterus, modify this subverted and destroyed. The oldest and most experienced uu favourable condition, and thus aid in the dilatation of the os. accoucheurs will be forced back to College, and the works of Without wishing to enrol myself as an advocate for the use W. Hunter and Denman committed to the flames. of ether generally in midwifery practice, I do not hesitate to After mature reflection on the above practice adopted by Dr. Rigby, it has occurred to me that there is another method, express my opinion, that in this case its employment was attended by the most beneficial results; very powerful and and one which might prove still more efficacious "in rousing iUtJ:’!"a!1t uterine efforts being induced, and the birth of the uterus to a menstrual effort" than merely painting its effected in ten minutes after the in- inner surface with lunar caustic. It is well known that the child, il’ithout MtM
the
214 He used it, of course, through the speculum, applying a stick of it freely, with a proper caustic holder, to the ulcerated and indurated surfaces. It required to be rubbed or held strongly for a time against the part which was to be destroyed. In general, a piece, three quarters of an inch, or The decomposition an inch in length, was melted down. produced by it often caused a hissing sound. If the indura. tion is extensive, and the whole cannot be removed at once, increased action and absorption are set up in what remain’., and the parts adjacent become softened and diminished in size. Absorption in this was truly one of the results or con. sequences of inflammation, though still an undescribed termi. nation. In some aggravated cases, two or more applications simile. of the caustic are required at intervals of eight or ten days. One of the most striking and original inventions of Dr. Dr. Simpson has never seen pelvic cellutitis or any other bad Simpson is a metallic instrument, which he calls a uterine results follow. The appearance after the operation is as if a sound or bougie, but which I am accustomed to call the portion had been clean cut out with the knife. A large quanuterine poker, from its form and uses: It is a bent metal tity of vinegar and water is immediately thrown up through rod, with a knob at the end; and the method by which I now the speculum to neutralize the potassa, and prevent it from propose to rouse the uterus to a menstrual effort, where itinjuring the sound parts. A copious purulent discharge will not perform its functions, but manifests a wayward dis- usually flows for several days, requiring the use of astringent position, is to heat Dr. Simpson’s uterine poker to white heat, washes or zinc ointment pessaries. When the whole of the pass it rapidly through the orifice, and make the lining mem- induration is once removed, the remaining ulcer heals rapidly brane of the uterus feel the full force of the incandescentand permanently. An ulcer over an indurated part may be metal. The experiment which I have now suggested will, cicatrized; but it is almost certain to break out again and I trust, soon be performed by Dr. Rigby and his friend, Pro- again till the induration itself is reduced." So far ironi. fessor Simpson, and it will not fail to rouse the uterus to a cally; but is not every man in the profession called upon to menstrual or some other effort, or some other still more! resist and denounce such barbarous inhumanities as are here striking and salutary action, and frighten away all its mala- recommended by Drs. Simpson and Rigby ?-I am, Sir, your dies, whatever they may be. As the finger of the operator obedient servant I. IRONS, M.D., F.R.P.S.E. might be seriously burnt in conducting this experiment, I August, 1847. propose that it should previously be covered with asbestos. The fortunate results of this rational practice will soon, I hope, be communicated to the profession by these eminent men, whose sense of justice will naturally lead them to ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.—The following gentlemen, acknowledge, to the fullest extent, the honour to which I feel entitled for this most original and important suggestion. having undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma But these grand discoveries and novelties of Professor of this College, were admitted members at the meeting of Simpson, which threaten to revolutionize the science of mid- the Court on the 13th inst.,-viz.: Messrs. Alfred Godfray, wifery, are trifling compared with that which has just been St. Helier’s, Jersey; John Rose, London; Robert Muriel, Ely; announced through the medium of the Professor’s trumpet- Gloster Thomas Yelloly, Brigg, Lincolnshire; and Alfred Wilthe Monthly Journal of Medical Science, No. lxxxviii. p. 71. liams, Scarborough. APOTHECARIES’ HALL.—Names of gentlemen who passed The admirable effects produced by destroying the os uteri with potassa fusa are thus described; and if any timid prac- their examination in the science and practice of medicine, titioner should be afraid of the white-hot poker being intro- and received certificates to practise, on Thursday, August duced into the cavity of the uterus, and entertain some sus- 12th, 1847:-Benjamin Fielding Matthews, Bedford; Joseph picion of the truth of the conclusions of Sharpey and his col- Meldon Dempsey, Wilderness-row; Thomas Green, Grasmere. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.-FIRST EXAMINATION FOR THE DE’ leagues, with respect to the sensibility of the uterus, they GREE OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE.—Examination for Honours.— can have no doubt about the safety and propriety of passing a stick of potassa fusa into the cavity of the uterus, and Anatomy and Physiology: Bridgwater, Thomas, (exhibition destroying the offending membrane by this mild and harm- and gold medal,) King’s College; Morris, James, (gold medal,) less escharotic. The account of the demolition of the os University College; Lynch, C. John, King’s College; Chuckeruteri is headed,Treatment of Inflammatory Induration of butty, Soojoo Coomar, University College; Shelley, Hubert, the Cervix Uteri by deep Cauterization with Potassa Fusa." Guy’s Hospital; Devenish, Weston Samuel, Guy’s Hospital; Cauterization, your readers are aware, strictly means "burn- Cubitt, R. George, King’s College.-Ohemistry: Cubitt, George Robert, (exhibition and gold medal,) King’s College; Lynch, ing with red-hot irons." "Dr. Simpson stated that his own observations fully con- John Cox, (gold medal,) King’s College; Clapp, W. T. G. W, firmed the recorded opinions of Dr. Bennet and others, regard- University College; Drew, J., Manchester Royal School of ing the general dependence of leucorrhoea upon inflammatory Medicine; Morris, James, University College; Shelley, Hubert, ulceration and induration of the cervix uteri. He had found Guy’s Hospital; Bridgwater, Thomas, King’s College; Ball, inflammatory enlargement and induration of the tissues of the R. D. University College; Chuckerbutty, Soojoo Coomar, cervix uteri very frequent in practice, and existing, in fact, University College; Devenish, S.W., Guy’s Hospital; Willett, in most cases of very chronic and aggravated leucorrhoea. J., Guy’s Hospital.—Materia Medica and Therapeutic: In practice, he had seen it mistaken for the induration and Devenish, S.W., (exhibition and gold medal,) Guy’s Hospital; ulceration of carcinoma, &c. Formerly, in the treatment of Lynch, J. C., (gold medal,) King’s College; Morris, James, these common cases, Dr. Simpson had employed the frequent University College; Drew, J., Manchester Royal School of local applications of leeches, counter-irritation to the sacrum, Medicine; Bridgwater, Thomas, King’s College; Clapp, W. &c., with the use of pessaries of mercurial and iodine oint- T. G. W., University College; Black, C., Edinburgh School ment, keeping the indurated tissues imbedded in these appli- of Medicine; Willett, J., Guy’s Hospital; Shelley, H., Guy’s cations, &c. The cure in this way is tedious, and months are Hospital; Jago, J. W. P., London Hospital; Chuckerbutty, often required before the indurated parts become reduced. S. C., University College. KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-The funds of this institution Various local escharotics, partly to destroy the indurated tissues by direct decomposition, and partly to soften down have just been enriched by the munificent donation of one the remainder by mere inflammatory action, had been, in thousand pounds as a legacy, under the will of the late Miss modern times, employed for the same purpose, and with much Colyer, of Farningham, Kent. HOSPITAL FOR THE BLIND.-A hospital for the blind is to Dr. Simpson had in more certain and expeditious effect. this way employed, in a number of cases, nitrate of silver- be now erected in Gand, with a sum of money-100,000 francs often applied Vienna paste (potassa cum calce) and nitric - left by the late Mr. Van Caneghem for the purpose. BuSTS OF MM. PARISET AND LISFRANC.-The Academy of acid. He stated the particulars of a case which he had treated successfully, four years ago, with nitric acid, and he Medicine of France has determined to erect a bust of their had lately seen the patient in perfect health. It was at the late honoured perpetual secretary, M. Pariset. The bust 15 time supposed that she had cancer uteri. Latterly, Dr. Simp- to be executed in white marble, and placed in the hall â son had abandoned this and other escharotics, and now meeting of the Academy. The bust of the late eminent always used the common potassa fusa. He had found it far Baron Lisfranc, it has been decided by the council 01 the more manageable, speedy, and certain, than any other method. Parisian hospitals shall be placed in the hospital La Pitie.
practice. It is stated to give no pain, because the uteri is insensible, having no nerves, according to the researches of M. Jobert. Why should not the "bouton a fer rouge" be passed through the orifice, into the cavity of the uterus, and rubbed freely against the whole lining membrane? No pain nor inflammation could be excited in such a lifeless, insensible mass, as the most renowned physiologists of the age now consider the uterus to be; and, probably, if the mucous membrane were really destroyed by the actual cautery, the uterus would gain by exchanging an old for a new mucous membrane, as the personal appearance of every individual is considered improved by exchanging an old for a new coat. Your readers, I hope, will excuse the homeliness of the of this bold os
,
,
Medical News.
knowledge-namely,
stipulated
sum,
one
undertaking
party,
to
indemnify
association. Desertion will never be effectually prevented in this country by rendering the army popular-in other words, by rendering the service desirable; preferable, if possible, in the opinion of the soldiers, to the condition of the class of the population to which they formerly belonged. Liability to pains .and of the most grievous kinds will not prevent deserpenalties tion, and we have no reason to trust much to the influence of the promissory oath which a man commonly makes in perfect good faith upon his enlistment. I conclude these observations z, with an extract from the Spectator :-" Transport a person, nay, shoot and flog, if due necessity compel it, but let not a Christian man be placed on a level with a beast, or an English soldier be subject to a permanent taint of disgrace from which the humanity of his countrymen has exempted even the lowest and basest of his species:’-Iremain, yours, &c., H. M. August, 1847. Our learned to one has not referred *, correspondent to which affects the more particularly point relating branding, we the which directs that War-office order, profession; mean, branding shall be performed under the superintendence of the army surgeons. This association of the army surgeon with the duties of the provost-marshal is most disgraceful to the military profession and degrading to its medical officers.ED. L. but
___________
ADMINISTRATION OF ETHER IN MIDWIFERY
the brim
(it being complicated only by a
condition
capable o
removal) was not sufficient to require the hasty and martial practice suggested by A B C. Under the conditions described
in Dr. P. Smith’s paper, A B C’s "scientific" mode of treatment in applying the perforator before the internal heemorrhage threatened, would have been unnecessary when the child was dead, and criminal and unwarrantable whilst it was
yet alive.
I need not allude to other mis-statements and false deductions contained in the communication of your correspondent; nor do I feel disposed again to notice the attacks of an anonymous assailant.-I am, Sir, your obedient servant, FRED. R. MANSON. Park-street, 6rosvenor-square,Aug. 1847.
ON THE APPLICATION OF CAUSTIC AND THE ACTUAL CAUTERY TO THE ORIFICE AND INNER SURFACE OF THE UTERUS.
To the Editor of THB LANCET. readers of your journal are all well acquainted with the many ingenious and important improvements which have recently been made in obstetric medicine and surgery by the celebrated Dr. J. Y. Simpson, Professor of Midwifery at Edinburgh. Among these striking and fundamental novelties and innovations, may be placed in the first rank-turning the child in cases of great distortion of the pelvis while the mother is insensible from ether-tearing away the placenta instead of turning the child, in cases of placenta prævia—passing metallic sounds or pokers into the cavity of the uterus, and driving the uterus out of the cavity of the pelvis-and slitting open the os uteri in cases of barrenness. All these original and wise plans for the relief of cases which had been proved completely rebellious in the hands of other practitioners, have been duly estimated and rewarded, and have given Professor Simpson an European reputation, and placed him at the head of the obstetric physicians of Great Britain. .
SIR,-The
PRACTICE. To the Editor of THE LANCET. SiR,-Your correspondent A B C, when he wrote the Valet ima summis letter which appeared in THE LANCET of August 7th, calling Mutare, et insignem attenuat deus, Obscura in question the propriety of the treatment adopted by myself promens : hine apicem rapax Fortuna cum stridue acuto in a case recorded in your journal the week preceding by Dr. Sustulit, hie posuisse gaudet. Protheroe Smith, evidently misunderstood the circumstances Every suggestion proceeding, therefore, from such an authoupon which he ventured to comment. He speaks of the head of the child as being fixed in the brim of the pelvis, omitting rity, is entitled to the deepest consideration and respect—a. all notice of the important fact, that it was surrounded by the respect which ought not to be affected by the statistical lower segment of the uterus,"which closely embraced it, and blunders of Dr. Simpson, pointed out so unmercifully, uncourThe os uteri was teously, and unceremoniously, in THE LANCET of last week. was interposed between it and the brim." also considerably dilated, but not fully, whilst the uterine con- The following are the Professor’s last striking novelties, which, tractions being languid and inefficient, were unable to expand no doubt, will still further exalt his reputation with the enthe otherwise dilatable os. Under these conditions, the prac- lightened citizens of Auld Reekie :"Iadopted a plan," says Dr. Rigby,of rousing the uterus tice adopted was not only " scientific," but the only treatment which could with propriety have been employed, if we except to a menstrual effort, which my friend, Professor Simpson, the inhalation of ether, which in this case ultimately proved recommended to me-viz., passing a piece of lunar caustic into the cavity of the uterus by means of an instrument, so beneficial. The child was not dead at the time the expulsion of the body took place, as stated by A B C, but lived at similar to that which has been used by Lallemand for the least forty minutes afterwards; and it was to produce uterine urethra, and painting its inner surface with it. This acts as action, with complete dilatation of the os uteri, and by this a considerable stimulant to the uterus, and if the powers are means to effect the passage of the head through the brim, and equal to the task, a secretion of catamenia generally follows thus save the life of the child, that the first dose of ergot was in the course of twelve or twenty-four hours." This painting administered. The ergot failing to produce this result, the of the inner surface of the uterus with lunar caustic," to pulsations of the cord having ceased, the pains subsiding, and rouse the uterus to a menstrual effort," might have been the patient feeling much exhausted, further interference being looked upon as dangerous before it was established by the unnecessary, she was allowed to remain undisturbed. Royal Society that the uterus is an insensible organ, and is Subsequently some pains came on, and a second dose of not provided with nerves, like the eyes, ears, nose, and every ergot was administered; but this only produced slight and in- other member of the human body, and before the wonderful efficient contractions, and these, in the course of an hour and discovery with the microscope, recently made by Dr. Simpson, a half, altogether ceased. Symptoms of internal haemorrhage that the lining membrane of the uterus actually separates now arising, it became necessary to deliver immediately, and ’, spontaneously from the muscular coat, and is expelled every Dr. Protheroe Smith’s opinion was requested in consultation. month in cases of dysmenorrhœe. The uterus having thus Before his arrival, these threatening symptoms had subsided been burked of its nerves, and of its lining membrane, by the under the employment of friction and pressure. The os, which highest scientific authorities of the country, it follows that the had now become rigid, being evidently the cause of the delay, whole practice of midwifery must, in consequence, undergo a Dr. Protheroe Smith advised the inhalation of ether, not only complete revolution, and the principles which have been conto save our patient from the pains of labour, but in the hope sidered as established on the firmest basis, must be wholly that it might likewise, by stimulating the uterus, modify this subverted and destroyed. The oldest and most experienced uu favourable condition, and thus aid in the dilatation of the os. accoucheurs will be forced back to College, and the works of Without wishing to enrol myself as an advocate for the use W. Hunter and Denman committed to the flames. of ether generally in midwifery practice, I do not hesitate to After mature reflection on the above practice adopted by Dr. Rigby, it has occurred to me that there is another method, express my opinion, that in this case its employment was attended by the most beneficial results; very powerful and and one which might prove still more efficacious "in rousing iUtJ:’!"a!1t uterine efforts being induced, and the birth of the uterus to a menstrual effort" than merely painting its effected in ten minutes after the in- inner surface with lunar caustic. It is well known that the child, il’ithout MtM
the
214 He used it, of course, through the speculum, applying a stick of it freely, with a proper caustic holder, to the ulcerated and indurated surfaces. It required to be rubbed or held strongly for a time against the part which was to be destroyed. In general, a piece, three quarters of an inch, or The decomposition an inch in length, was melted down. produced by it often caused a hissing sound. If the indura. tion is extensive, and the whole cannot be removed at once, increased action and absorption are set up in what remain’., and the parts adjacent become softened and diminished in size. Absorption in this was truly one of the results or con. sequences of inflammation, though still an undescribed termi. nation. In some aggravated cases, two or more applications simile. of the caustic are required at intervals of eight or ten days. One of the most striking and original inventions of Dr. Dr. Simpson has never seen pelvic cellutitis or any other bad Simpson is a metallic instrument, which he calls a uterine results follow. The appearance after the operation is as if a sound or bougie, but which I am accustomed to call the portion had been clean cut out with the knife. A large quanuterine poker, from its form and uses: It is a bent metal tity of vinegar and water is immediately thrown up through rod, with a knob at the end; and the method by which I now the speculum to neutralize the potassa, and prevent it from propose to rouse the uterus to a menstrual effort, where itinjuring the sound parts. A copious purulent discharge will not perform its functions, but manifests a wayward dis- usually flows for several days, requiring the use of astringent position, is to heat Dr. Simpson’s uterine poker to white heat, washes or zinc ointment pessaries. When the whole of the pass it rapidly through the orifice, and make the lining mem- induration is once removed, the remaining ulcer heals rapidly brane of the uterus feel the full force of the incandescentand permanently. An ulcer over an indurated part may be metal. The experiment which I have now suggested will, cicatrized; but it is almost certain to break out again and I trust, soon be performed by Dr. Rigby and his friend, Pro- again till the induration itself is reduced." So far ironi. fessor Simpson, and it will not fail to rouse the uterus to a cally; but is not every man in the profession called upon to menstrual or some other effort, or some other still more! resist and denounce such barbarous inhumanities as are here striking and salutary action, and frighten away all its mala- recommended by Drs. Simpson and Rigby ?-I am, Sir, your dies, whatever they may be. As the finger of the operator obedient servant I. IRONS, M.D., F.R.P.S.E. might be seriously burnt in conducting this experiment, I August, 1847. propose that it should previously be covered with asbestos. The fortunate results of this rational practice will soon, I hope, be communicated to the profession by these eminent men, whose sense of justice will naturally lead them to ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.—The following gentlemen, acknowledge, to the fullest extent, the honour to which I feel entitled for this most original and important suggestion. having undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma But these grand discoveries and novelties of Professor of this College, were admitted members at the meeting of Simpson, which threaten to revolutionize the science of mid- the Court on the 13th inst.,-viz.: Messrs. Alfred Godfray, wifery, are trifling compared with that which has just been St. Helier’s, Jersey; John Rose, London; Robert Muriel, Ely; announced through the medium of the Professor’s trumpet- Gloster Thomas Yelloly, Brigg, Lincolnshire; and Alfred Wilthe Monthly Journal of Medical Science, No. lxxxviii. p. 71. liams, Scarborough. APOTHECARIES’ HALL.—Names of gentlemen who passed The admirable effects produced by destroying the os uteri with potassa fusa are thus described; and if any timid prac- their examination in the science and practice of medicine, titioner should be afraid of the white-hot poker being intro- and received certificates to practise, on Thursday, August duced into the cavity of the uterus, and entertain some sus- 12th, 1847:-Benjamin Fielding Matthews, Bedford; Joseph picion of the truth of the conclusions of Sharpey and his col- Meldon Dempsey, Wilderness-row; Thomas Green, Grasmere. UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.-FIRST EXAMINATION FOR THE DE’ leagues, with respect to the sensibility of the uterus, they GREE OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE.—Examination for Honours.— can have no doubt about the safety and propriety of passing a stick of potassa fusa into the cavity of the uterus, and Anatomy and Physiology: Bridgwater, Thomas, (exhibition destroying the offending membrane by this mild and harm- and gold medal,) King’s College; Morris, James, (gold medal,) less escharotic. The account of the demolition of the os University College; Lynch, C. John, King’s College; Chuckeruteri is headed,Treatment of Inflammatory Induration of butty, Soojoo Coomar, University College; Shelley, Hubert, the Cervix Uteri by deep Cauterization with Potassa Fusa." Guy’s Hospital; Devenish, Weston Samuel, Guy’s Hospital; Cauterization, your readers are aware, strictly means "burn- Cubitt, R. George, King’s College.-Ohemistry: Cubitt, George Robert, (exhibition and gold medal,) King’s College; Lynch, ing with red-hot irons." "Dr. Simpson stated that his own observations fully con- John Cox, (gold medal,) King’s College; Clapp, W. T. G. W, firmed the recorded opinions of Dr. Bennet and others, regard- University College; Drew, J., Manchester Royal School of ing the general dependence of leucorrhoea upon inflammatory Medicine; Morris, James, University College; Shelley, Hubert, ulceration and induration of the cervix uteri. He had found Guy’s Hospital; Bridgwater, Thomas, King’s College; Ball, inflammatory enlargement and induration of the tissues of the R. D. University College; Chuckerbutty, Soojoo Coomar, cervix uteri very frequent in practice, and existing, in fact, University College; Devenish, S.W., Guy’s Hospital; Willett, in most cases of very chronic and aggravated leucorrhoea. J., Guy’s Hospital.—Materia Medica and Therapeutic: In practice, he had seen it mistaken for the induration and Devenish, S.W., (exhibition and gold medal,) Guy’s Hospital; ulceration of carcinoma, &c. Formerly, in the treatment of Lynch, J. C., (gold medal,) King’s College; Morris, James, these common cases, Dr. Simpson had employed the frequent University College; Drew, J., Manchester Royal School of local applications of leeches, counter-irritation to the sacrum, Medicine; Bridgwater, Thomas, King’s College; Clapp, W. &c., with the use of pessaries of mercurial and iodine oint- T. G. W., University College; Black, C., Edinburgh School ment, keeping the indurated tissues imbedded in these appli- of Medicine; Willett, J., Guy’s Hospital; Shelley, H., Guy’s cations, &c. The cure in this way is tedious, and months are Hospital; Jago, J. W. P., London Hospital; Chuckerbutty, often required before the indurated parts become reduced. S. C., University College. KING’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL.-The funds of this institution Various local escharotics, partly to destroy the indurated tissues by direct decomposition, and partly to soften down have just been enriched by the munificent donation of one the remainder by mere inflammatory action, had been, in thousand pounds as a legacy, under the will of the late Miss modern times, employed for the same purpose, and with much Colyer, of Farningham, Kent. HOSPITAL FOR THE BLIND.-A hospital for the blind is to Dr. Simpson had in more certain and expeditious effect. this way employed, in a number of cases, nitrate of silver- be now erected in Gand, with a sum of money-100,000 francs often applied Vienna paste (potassa cum calce) and nitric - left by the late Mr. Van Caneghem for the purpose. BuSTS OF MM. PARISET AND LISFRANC.-The Academy of acid. He stated the particulars of a case which he had treated successfully, four years ago, with nitric acid, and he Medicine of France has determined to erect a bust of their had lately seen the patient in perfect health. It was at the late honoured perpetual secretary, M. Pariset. The bust 15 time supposed that she had cancer uteri. Latterly, Dr. Simp- to be executed in white marble, and placed in the hall â son had abandoned this and other escharotics, and now meeting of the Academy. The bust of the late eminent always used the common potassa fusa. He had found it far Baron Lisfranc, it has been decided by the council 01 the more manageable, speedy, and certain, than any other method. Parisian hospitals shall be placed in the hospital La Pitie.
practice. It is stated to give no pain, because the uteri is insensible, having no nerves, according to the researches of M. Jobert. Why should not the "bouton a fer rouge" be passed through the orifice, into the cavity of the uterus, and rubbed freely against the whole lining membrane? No pain nor inflammation could be excited in such a lifeless, insensible mass, as the most renowned physiologists of the age now consider the uterus to be; and, probably, if the mucous membrane were really destroyed by the actual cautery, the uterus would gain by exchanging an old for a new mucous membrane, as the personal appearance of every individual is considered improved by exchanging an old for a new coat. Your readers, I hope, will excuse the homeliness of the of this bold os
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Medical News.