A new and easy method for the subcutaneous application of morphia : without the pain, risk and expense of the hypodermic syringe / by John M. Crombie.

  • Crombie, John Mann, 1844-1883.
Date:
1873
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A new and easy method for the subcutaneous application of morphia : without the pain, risk and expense of the hypodermic syringe / by John M. Crombie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    By the same Author. THE INDUCTION OF SLEEP AND INSENSIBILITY TO PAIN, By tlie Self-Administration of Anaesthetics. “ Dr. Crombie’s Chloroform Apparatus (.Manufactured by S. Maw, Son & Thompson).—This instrument, of which we append a woodcut, is a very ingenious and useful invention. The object of the inventor has been to make it possible for persons suffering from intense pain or insomnia to avail themselves of the benefits of those smaller doses (“stimulant” doses, we should call them) of chloroform, which will produce sleep without producing coma. It is notorious that an immense number of sick persons are in the habit of using chloroform with this intention, but that they usually take it by means of a simple handkerchief or lint, which, at any rate for self-administration, is a most dangerous method, and is already known to have caused several deaths, and suspected to have caused many others. In Dr. Crombie’s instrument there is no danger of any untoward accident. The patient, lying comfortably on a sofa, or in bed, places the vessel containing the chloroform (the cap well screwed on) beside him, and puts the conical face-piece over his nose and mouth. He then proceeds to work the hand-ball with regular rhythm: this projects an exceedingly small quantity ot chloroform, at each jet, on the blotting-paper in the case. A ery soon a feeling of drowsiness conies over the patient, which renders it impossible for him to keep up the pumping move- ment, and he quickly drops off to sleep without the possibility of giving himself au overdose. We understand that this inhaler has been largely used for cancer patients, and other sufferers from painful incurable diseases, with great benefit.
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