An appeal to the medical profession, on the utility of the improved patent syringe, with directions for its several uses, shewing ... the validity of the ... claims of the patentee / [John Read].

  • Read, John, 1760-1847
Date:
[1825?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An appeal to the medical profession, on the utility of the improved patent syringe, with directions for its several uses, shewing ... the validity of the ... claims of the patentee / [John Read]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    without being in the least able to prevent it. If, however, I had been acquainted with the instrument which has been since invented, I should have used it with the probability of success. This instrument enables us not merely to re¬ move the poison from the stomach, but to throw in water in considerable quantities, and to introduce stimulating reme¬ dies after the opium is removed, for the purpose of restoring the functions of the Nervous system; and this in cases where *j 7 emetics cannot be even swallowed. I certainly do expect the happiest results in such cases from the invention of this instrument. The man who first suggested such an idea de¬ serves well of his country, and they who oppose it until the instrument has been fairly tried and found useless, must be destitute of understanding. Persons who object to a pro¬ position merely because it is new, or who endeavour to detract from the merit of the man who first gives efficacy to a new idea by demonstrating its usefulness and ap¬ plicability, are foolish, unmanly, envious, and illiberal objectors; they are unworthy of the designation either of professional men, or of gentlemen.”—Lancet, Vol. lit No. 0, page 174. In speaking of the treatment of poisoning by the oxy- munate of quicksilver. Sir Astley remarks : “ It may appear that I am disposed to think too well of the instrument to which I before adverted, when I state that 1 believe the Syringe may also be successfully employed for the purpose of removing the oxymuriate of mercury from the stomach. I should certainly prefer if to any other means; but instead of using .simple water, I should throw in a quantity of soap and water, then withdraw it; I should repeat this operation until the stomach was entirely cleansed. It has been suggested that although this instru¬ ment may be used with success for the purpose of removing the vegetable poisons from the stomach, yet it would not
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