A treatise on etherization in childbirth : Illustrated by five hundred and eighty one cases / By Walter Channing.

  • Channing, Walter, 1786-1876.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise on etherization in childbirth : Illustrated by five hundred and eighty one cases / By Walter Channing. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    ance, in instrumental cases, from the use of an agent which can produce total or partial insensibility. I have used ether once only in puerperal convulsions. The general convulsions had spent themselves; the rhonchous breathing only remained, with occasional stiffening of the extremities. On respiring ether for a few minutes, the breathing became easy, noiseless; and the patient appeared to enjoy a ten minutes' sleep, perfectly relaxed. On return of the hard breathing and muscular rigidity, the inhalation was always suc- cessful in removing them. She remained unconscious from the first attack of convulsions, and died within twenty hours from the birth of twins. I have never used chloroform in cases of parturition, but, on other occasions, have found it more speedy in its effects, and less exciting than ether. — Sincerely, your friend, Dr. Channing. A. L. Peikson. From Marshall S. Perry, M.D. Boston, Feb. 15, 1848. When I am asked, as I am frequently, what I think of the use of ether in labor, my answer is, it is going through a series of experi- ments which will result, I have no doubt, in some definite rules, by which it can be administered with safety and benefit. — Yours, &c. M. S. Peeey. [Note. — Since above was received, Dr. Perry has communicated to me verbally some cases of natural labor, in which he has used chloroform very successfully, and a second of arm presentation, in which his success was as perfect as in the first. — W. C] From J. H. Lane, M.D. 1. Ether used in ten cases; chloroform in four cases, all natural; and labor not severe. 2. From one to six ounces ether; from two drams to one ounce chloroform. 3. From five minutes to several hours. 4. Usually very soon. 5 and 6. I have generally used it, only to take off the acuteness of suffering, and not to produce entire unconsciousness and continued insensibility. 7. Nothing requiring very special remark. In some cases, labor- pains seemed to be strengthened under its use; in other cases, the pains seemed to be somewhat diminished in force, but not entirely suspended.