Hysteria : the history of a disease / by Ilza Veith.

  • Ilza Veith
Date:
1970, ©1965
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Hysteria : the history of a disease / by Ilza Veith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    89/128 (page 83)
    no disease. After the interval of a few minutes, pointed pressure on the second lumbar vertebra produced the same symptoms as at first. On examining the surface I observed the mark of a cicatrix of about three inches in length run- ning along the side of the affected vertebra, and on inquiry I learned that one surgeon whom the family had consulted had deemed it necessary to look within and below the sur- face, under the supposition that there might possibly be a tumor or some morbid growth, the removal of which would be conducive to her recovery ! Nothing, however, was found, and the excision of a small portion, I presume of the erector spinas muscle, afforded no permanent relief; at least no benefit had arisen from the operation at the ex- piration of many months, when 1 was requested to see her. It struck me that this was carrying the experiment of oper- ative surgery rather far, but I did not make any remark to that effect at the time. I certainly made an inquiry as to the product of the operation, and the father of the young lady told me that he was shown something, but he was not competent to state exactly the nature of the substance re- moved. On discussing the pathology of the case with the family and the attending surgeon, I expressed my conviction of the hysteric nature of the disease, and that the lady was capable of exertion could she be induced to attempt it. I saw at once that I had failed to convey my own convictions to the family, that my opinion was not satisfactory, and that in the judgment of the lady's father, a very sensible person, the opinion of one man could not outweigh that of the many, and that the testimony of the many was the safer guide. The patient returned to her couch, on which she