A letter to Mr. George Adams on the subject of medical electricity; from Mr. John Birch, surgeon.

  • Birch, John, 1745?-1815.
Date:
1792
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter to Mr. George Adams on the subject of medical electricity; from Mr. John Birch, surgeon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    While in this ftate of fufpenfc, I refolved not to try the effect of a fhock, till fome other fymptom fhould direct me further in the caufe. ]n a little time, an external inflammation ap- peared, and then I was given to underhand, that the radical cure of the hydrocele by cauftic, had been made on that fide by Mr. Fife fomc years before; 1 therefore conjectured, that fuch part of the tunica vaginalis, as had not been deftroyed, but had been left adhering to the tunica albuginea, was fuppurating. I applied a cataplafm of farina femin. lini, and the Ikin burft and difcharged. After the inflammation ceafed, hardnefs and tumor furrounded the orifice : I then paffed fhocks through the dif- ■ ■* •* > eafed part, and covered the orifice of the open- ing with liar, applying the lotion of a folution of white vitriol over it. After palling the Ihocks, the difeharge was always increafed ; the hardnefs difappeared gradually, and when the parts recovered their natural ftate, the orifice do fed. As I have occafionally the pleafure of this gentleman, I learn from him, that he not only remains w ell, but that the functions of the parts are refiored, and their fecretion perfect, though moderate. r . . t . it . • 1 / A dragoon. F