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

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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$It is often of great importance in the hypodermic use of morphia that the application he made as near as possible to the seat of pain, and this, for reasons already stated, is not always possible with the syringe. I have introduced the suppository in the manner described in almost every situation: on the mamma, on the abdomen over the womb, on the sacrum over the rectum, on the side, arms, legs, &c., with the most gratifying results and without causing any inflammation of the skin. When it is not thought necessary to choose a particular spot, I would recommend the inside of the upper arm or thigh, as the skin in this situation is loosest. Of course it is not pretended that the proceeding is entirely painless, but the pain is trivial, like the prick of a pin, when the needle is passed quickly, and the skin besides is in a manner ansesthetised by the slight pressure applied to it. The movement of the thread through the aperture is quite free from pain and should be done slowly, the end portion being left for three or four minutes before withdrawal, so as to ensure the absorption of the morphia. A few drops of warm water should be let fall on the suppository before passing it. They are made for the application of £ gr., \ gr., \ gr., and 1 gr. of morphia, although the \ gr. is the most that is generally required; the \ gr. and 1 gr. being necessary only for exceptional cases. The £ gr. should always be tried to begin with, except in cases where previous knowledge indicates the use of a larger quantity. This small quantity is often quite enough for the relief of severe pain* The advantages of this plan are that it is inexpensive, the elements employed being simple and durable; it is not painful, it is easily applied, and is not attended with any risk. It Avas indeed to extend the facility for the use of * The suppositories, with needles and directions for use, are sold in one dozen packets, by Messrs. Maekie & Co., Wholesale and Manufac- turing Chemists, 1, Bouverie Street, E.C. As some misapprehension appears to exist as to the quantity of needles required, I may state that the same needle is good for almost any number of times.$