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TO SIR J. M'GREGOR, M.D., &c.
848 The wife of the last mentioned gentle- gratuitous assumption, but is, neverthecomplained of a pain in her shoul- less, true. der, which prevented her from using the I found the subscapnlaris muscle arm. So much for " the magical effects of the affected ; a needle was passed obliquely needles," and their antipathy to the up to the hiit, under the posterior inferior angle of the scapula, and into the enemy-pain ; which, being driven from muscle ; a sharp pain was felt ; an instant the sacrum, flew to the gluteus, to the after the patient declared herself quite " " well, and moved her arm about with I imminent breech," there making a perfect ease. The needle was withdrawn stand." Two needles °° routed him thence at the end of half a minute: no further into the biceps," whence he finally posted inconvenience was felt. in the bastion of the gastrocCASE 8.—A lady applied to me, suffer- nemii, in the line of attack. Expelled ing under violent pain in the deltoid, this position also, the victory seemwhich had deprived her of appetite rest for three days and nights. She had ed complete. " Six hours after," howused embrocations without having receivever, the enemy made another attack, pd any benefit from them. Two needles introduced into the muscle, performed a but was soon repulsed—hastamque reShe raised her ceptat ossibus haerpntem, " leaving the cure in three minutes. arm to her head, and turned it about in patient in quiet possession of the field!" every way, in wonder and astonishment, at the sudden and effectual relief she had Doubtless, the author receives all the " so unexpectedly received. blessings " and thanks which successThis brief detail will, I trust, recomful generals are wont to receive. We mend acupuncturation to the timid praca success to own. titioner, with eqnal my only doubt, whether he ought not to have As respects the modus operandi, 1 have a corona muralis. His despatches are proceeded in every case according to the in recommendation of Mr. Churchill, his interesting. useful little wotk on acupuncturation, to which I beg to refer the readers of THE LANCET for further information on the subject. I may just observe, that the cases on which I so successfully operated were all simple local rheumatism; in only TO SIR J. M’GREGOR, M.D., &c. one case did blood issue from the punctures made by the needles, and that but I shall not here hazard an a small drop. SIR,—In a late number of the Ilfol’nil1g hypothesis of the modus operandi of acu- Herald, I observe a letter, signed SENEX, puncturation on the animal economy; addressed to you, complaining of the but, at the same time, 1 am ftee to con- very long period that surgeons of the fess myself sceptical on the creed, that army have to serve before they can retire. its effects are produced ley the escape of Senex deserves your thanks, and those air from the cellular membrane through of all army surgeons, for having brought the punctures made by the needles ! This the matter before the public ; however, I conclusion is not proved, neither do I must say, although his statement is inbelieve it can be. The very form of the contestably true, itisrathershort; thesnhinstrument is a barrier to the escape ject ought to have been treated more in de air, and, moreover, the cure is often per- tail. He truly states that the military formed before the needles are withdrawn, officer may sell his commission and reand frequently by causing acute pain in tire, after having served 21 years ; but the act of introducing them. These are lie might have added, that the surgeon oremises that warrant a very different with a broken constitution cannot retire conclusion in the rationale of the effect until lte attains the age of 53, while the of acupuncture, than the escape of air; military man may retire still in the but what that conclusion is, I know not, vigonr of manhood, at the age of 37 ; and but I believe it to depend on some of I leave you, Sir, to consider, the expendithose mysterious operations of nature ture of time and money which must have that will ever be beyond the reach of accrued during the acquirement of classihuman ken, and which by consequence cal and medical knowledge, as Senex constitute the ne plus ultra of physiologi- truly observes, unassisted by any ’ nublic institution." cal research. This may be considered man
and
himself
from
of
a
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it is not too much to assert, that no army in the world can boast of a more efficient and intelligent body of menthan ,our army surgeons. You, Sir, have witnessed in the field, and have often expressed in terms of becoming eulogy, your entire satisfaction of their conduct. The medical officers have presented you with testimonials of esteem and friendship, and have, to your utmost wishes, given their full support to your benevolent views, without which assistance you conld not have carried into effect the Fund for the relief of Medical Officers’ Widows, an institution which affords ample proof of your solid judgment and
VISIT OF BARON LARREY TO THE HOSPITALS. GUY’S.
THE veteran Larrey visited Guy’s Hospital twice during the last week ; on Tuesday, and again on Saturday. On the first occasion he was accompanied by Sir Astley Cooper, and spent a considerable time in viewing the preparations contained in the New Museum ; which, by the bye, we may remark, bids fair to excel the one Sir Astley has been robbed of. The Baron, afterwards, passed through few of the wards ; he made many inphilanthropy. After all, what has been done for the quiries on the different cases, and commedical officers ? Senex, in his laconic mented on them with great freedom and frankness. A case of spasmodic wry way, ridicules the brevet, and trusts to neck was shown to him, in which he rehis readersfor reflections on this new commended ice to be applied to the head, species of medical distinction. and the moxa to the neck. This proposed Senex entreats you to seek information lan of treatment threw a sarcastic smile ! respecting the sentiments of’ medical offi- on the face of the English Baronet. It cers in a very proper quarter, where I being intimated to Baron Larrey, that a have not the smallest doubt you will find general wish prevailed to see him apply his statement verified. , the moxa, he appointed Saturday for that What the army surgeons expect, and purpose ; and on that day, at noon, he trust you will obtain for them, is, either came in a coach, accompanied by his ftiend Dr. Wade. The patient selected the option of retiring after 25 years vice, or, that two years service in the on this occasion, was a man tabont ing chronic disease of the knee-joint. East or West Indies, or coast of Aftica, a great number of pupils had assemshould be rated as three years with a view to retirement. bled, it was determined to perform the in the theatre. The cone It is generally considered, that a disof moxa used by the Baron, was cominclination exists in the head of a certain posed of lint or cotton, dipped in a weak office, to extend any further advantages solution of nitre; it was of about three to medical officers ; this I cannot belirve, of an inch in length, and of the quarters nor shall I ever give credit to such a same thickness. The instrument called groundless conjectme, until it shall have the porte-moxa, employed to fix the cylinbeen clearly ascertained that a propoder on the spot where it was to be apsition has been submitted for the relief of plied, consisted of a metallic ring, which medical officers and rejected. was fixed by means of a screw into a I entirely agree with Senex, that from wooden handle, about four inches long. the benevolent disposition known to pre- There were three small knobs of ebony vail in the highest quarter, there is every on the lower part of the riug on which reason to suppose that an application it tested, and it was, consequently, prefrom you, on behalf of your medical vented from coming in contact with the brethren, would not he fruitless ; and skin. (The ebony is used on this occathough it were unsuccessful, you could sion, being a bad conductor of caloric.) not fail to receive the most sincere return The upper extremity of the cone, held in of gratitude from those who look upon the porte-moxa, was now set on fire, and the lower end placed on the fore part of you as their finend and protector the knee, which it was intended to canteI remain, Sir, rise. The combustion was kept np with a Your obedient servant, large blow-pipe, until the whole of the moxa was consumed ; it had occasioned A MEDICAL OFFICER. an eschar of the size of the hilger nail. P. S.—Allusion is made in the Lctter to The Baron immediately applied some the head of a cei rain office; at the Board, spirit of wine to the knee, which, he said, should a surgeon ask any favour, the w:.u!d prevent the surrounding inflamJeady answer is,—You know Lord P. mation. The patient did not express much pain during the operation opposes me in every thing. No.101.
I
ser-
under
As
operation
and
himself
from
of
a
-
it is not too much to assert, that no army in the world can boast of a more efficient and intelligent body of menthan ,our army surgeons. You, Sir, have witnessed in the field, and have often expressed in terms of becoming eulogy, your entire satisfaction of their conduct. The medical officers have presented you with testimonials of esteem and friendship, and have, to your utmost wishes, given their full support to your benevolent views, without which assistance you conld not have carried into effect the Fund for the relief of Medical Officers’ Widows, an institution which affords ample proof of your solid judgment and
VISIT OF BARON LARREY TO THE HOSPITALS. GUY’S.
THE veteran Larrey visited Guy’s Hospital twice during the last week ; on Tuesday, and again on Saturday. On the first occasion he was accompanied by Sir Astley Cooper, and spent a considerable time in viewing the preparations contained in the New Museum ; which, by the bye, we may remark, bids fair to excel the one Sir Astley has been robbed of. The Baron, afterwards, passed through few of the wards ; he made many inphilanthropy. After all, what has been done for the quiries on the different cases, and commedical officers ? Senex, in his laconic mented on them with great freedom and frankness. A case of spasmodic wry way, ridicules the brevet, and trusts to neck was shown to him, in which he rehis readersfor reflections on this new commended ice to be applied to the head, species of medical distinction. and the moxa to the neck. This proposed Senex entreats you to seek information lan of treatment threw a sarcastic smile ! respecting the sentiments of’ medical offi- on the face of the English Baronet. It cers in a very proper quarter, where I being intimated to Baron Larrey, that a have not the smallest doubt you will find general wish prevailed to see him apply his statement verified. , the moxa, he appointed Saturday for that What the army surgeons expect, and purpose ; and on that day, at noon, he trust you will obtain for them, is, either came in a coach, accompanied by his ftiend Dr. Wade. The patient selected the option of retiring after 25 years vice, or, that two years service in the on this occasion, was a man tabont ing chronic disease of the knee-joint. East or West Indies, or coast of Aftica, a great number of pupils had assemshould be rated as three years with a view to retirement. bled, it was determined to perform the in the theatre. The cone It is generally considered, that a disof moxa used by the Baron, was cominclination exists in the head of a certain posed of lint or cotton, dipped in a weak office, to extend any further advantages solution of nitre; it was of about three to medical officers ; this I cannot belirve, of an inch in length, and of the quarters nor shall I ever give credit to such a same thickness. The instrument called groundless conjectme, until it shall have the porte-moxa, employed to fix the cylinbeen clearly ascertained that a propoder on the spot where it was to be apsition has been submitted for the relief of plied, consisted of a metallic ring, which medical officers and rejected. was fixed by means of a screw into a I entirely agree with Senex, that from wooden handle, about four inches long. the benevolent disposition known to pre- There were three small knobs of ebony vail in the highest quarter, there is every on the lower part of the riug on which reason to suppose that an application it tested, and it was, consequently, prefrom you, on behalf of your medical vented from coming in contact with the brethren, would not he fruitless ; and skin. (The ebony is used on this occathough it were unsuccessful, you could sion, being a bad conductor of caloric.) not fail to receive the most sincere return The upper extremity of the cone, held in of gratitude from those who look upon the porte-moxa, was now set on fire, and the lower end placed on the fore part of you as their finend and protector the knee, which it was intended to canteI remain, Sir, rise. The combustion was kept np with a Your obedient servant, large blow-pipe, until the whole of the moxa was consumed ; it had occasioned A MEDICAL OFFICER. an eschar of the size of the hilger nail. P. S.—Allusion is made in the Lctter to The Baron immediately applied some the head of a cei rain office; at the Board, spirit of wine to the knee, which, he said, should a surgeon ask any favour, the w:.u!d prevent the surrounding inflamJeady answer is,—You know Lord P. mation. The patient did not express much pain during the operation opposes me in every thing. No.101.
I
ser-
under
As
operation