Record of Cases Treated from June to December 1847 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 Excerpt: ...in any direction. I had included the spine to make all secure, and it also was rigid. At this stage of the proceedings the endurance and forbearance for which some have given me credit on many trying occasions, broke down completely exhausted, I am sorry to relate. For, whatever might be the anomalies and apparent contradictions, (only so to our ignorance) observed throughout this case, there was one great consistent, ever present fact before us from first to last; the impossibility of bending a rigid limb without causing intense pain, and bringing on convulsions even, nevertheless, in spite of all experience, and my warnings of the probable evil consequences, it was attempted to bend his rigid spine and neck, and convulsions would have followed as they did yesterday, if I had not interfered, and protested that I would not be concerned in such proceedings. Half an hour before this Dr. Jackson had suddenly applied a bottle of carb. ammonia to his nose, and he instantly drew back his head, --I was now requested to try what could be done with the sense of smell. In a few minutes, he showed the most perfect indifference to the fumes of ammonia held close to his nose for some time, and when he appeared to feel the irritation, he said that he only felt a heat in his neck. Yesterday, it will be remembered, the heat was in the chest. His nose was found to be also insensible to pricking, and his tongue likewise. Seeing this, a large bodkin was given to him, and he was desired to prick his body and face; and say where it hurt him. He lightly touched his arm and shoulder, saying it hurt him, and then carried the bodkin to his cheek into which he stuck and bored it repeatedly (sometimes lifting up thick folds of the skin twice transfixed) in so shocking a manner, that I..