A treatise on the inhalation of the vapour of ether, for the prevention of pain in surgical operations; containing a numerous collection of cases in which it has been applied. With the names of the operators, history of the discovery ... / [James Robinson].

James Robinson

Date:: 1847

Credit: A treatise on the inhalation of the vapour of ether, for the prevention of pain in surgical operations; containing a numerous collection of cases in which it has been applied. With the names of the operators, history of the discovery ... / [James Robinson]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

43/80 (page 31)

$3] (the boy) died last week, and a post mortem inspection disclosed extensive peritonitis, and a disease of the colon of some standing. “* Yours, truly, ““C, Aston Key. “¢ January 27th, 1847. ** St. Helen’s place.” “¢ 4], Finsbury Square, “¢ Jan. 28th, 1847. ** DEAR Sir,—The patient died of peritonitis, in addition to which a post mortem examination exhibited a bladder highly diseased, and a morbid condition of the kidneys and colon. ‘“‘T am, yours obediently, “James MorGan. “* J. Robinson, Esq.” LONDON HOSPITAL. On Thursday afternoon an Irishman was brought into the London Hospital with a compound fracture and dislocation of the tarsal bones of the foot. The man, after considerable reluctance, at last consented to amputation of the leg, provided the pain was in some way diminished. The vapour of ether was had recourse to, and applied in the presence of Dr. Pereira, and a numerous assembly of medical gen- tlemen. In five minutes the inhalation proved successful, and in less than another the leg was amputated by Mr. Adams, the patient during the time giving sly winks and facetious nods to those surrounding him. During the intervals of the inhalation his observations were of the most facetious character, forcing from the bystanders involuntary laughter, and converting that which to the poor fellow was a most tra- gical event into little short of a farce. Upon removing the ether he called out, ‘‘ Hold hard there a bit: let’s have another go at the grog,’’ which he drew in with the greatest avidity. Not for one moment during the operation did he exhibit the slight- est symptoms of pain, but, on the contrary, his countenance was expressive of the greatest hilarity; and at the conclusion of the operation, after the effects of the ether had passed off, he could scarcely believe that his leg had been so painlessly removed. His ideas whilst under the influence of the vapour were similar to those of a person enjoy- ing a pleasant dream ; he had fancied himself walking in the streets of Cork with his sweetheart, and to use his own expressions, ‘‘ enjoying most pleasurable sensations.”’ He has slept well during the night, and is in every respect progressing favourably.— Times. John T , an Irishman, aged twenty-nine, was brought into the London Hospital in consequence of an accident received in St. Katherine’s Docks. A cask of sugar fell upon the outer side of his left ankle whilst he was attempting to raise it. A compound dislocation of the astragalus was produced, and the head of the bone was forced through his stocking. He was brought immediately to the hospital. The following was the condition of parts when admitted :— There was a transverse wound, of about three inches in extent, over the tarsus, through which the astragalus attached to the lower end of the tibia protruded. The bone was fractured across its neck, and it was somewhat comminuted be- neath ; the lower end of the tibia was much contused, but not fractured ; the upper surface of the calcis was fractured, and the posterior tibial artery com- pletely divided, but no bleeding occurred. The sole of the foot was turned outwards, asin Pott’s fracture; no fracture of the fibula could be felt. From the extent of the injury, I had no hesitation in recommending the immediate re- moval of the limb. He refused to submit to the operation until he was told that it could be done without giving him any pain, and he then readily assented. He was put under the influence of the vapour of ether, and the leg was ampu- tated below the knee, by the double-flap operation. Many vessels were secured, and the fiaps were brought together with the interrupted suture. After the amputation, the man, on being questioned, said that he had felt no pain, but that his sensations were of a very pleasant description: and whilst securing the arteries, after the effect of the vapour had somewhat subsided, he begged$