A case of amputation at the shoulder-joint / by E.R. Peaslee.

  • Peaslee, E. R. (Edmund Randolph), 1814-1878.
Date:
1853
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A case of amputation at the shoulder-joint / by E.R. Peaslee. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    And can any thing more than this be accomplished in any common case of erysipelas in the way of internal medi- cation ? Violent cathartics, whether mercurial or otherwise, are generally very injurious; and none at all are required unless indicated by the state of the alvine secretions, and which are, however, almost invariably deranged at the com- mencement of the attack. I have substituted the tinct. ferri muriat. for the sulph. quinine in this disease, for a few years past, and believe it not only acts as well as a tonic, but, even more than that remedy, modifies the capillary circulation, and thus prevents the extension of the inflammation. Fifteen to even twenty-five drops may be given to an adult, every three or four hours ; and it is not contra-indicated by delirium, (even as in erysipelas of the scalp or face,) nor by a pulse of 120 or mora. But neither these, nor any other remedies which I have seen administered internally, have any decided apparent effect, in abridging the duration of the disease in the part first affected. It will continue a week at least, and usually about ten days, even though it remains confined to a small surface. Of local applications, the nitrate of silver, and some others, will sometimes prevent its extending, but generally will not. The patient's comfort is, however, essentially augmented by such applications as will exclude the air, and also cool the surface, if there is a sense of excessive heat, or diminish the sensibility if there is much pain. V. But though the patient triumphed over all other op- posing circumstances, he would probably have succumbed to the profuse suppuration which ensued, had it not been for the judicious and assiduous attentions of Dr. Lincoln, his attending physician. Although himself still more advanced in life than the patient, and incessantly pressed at the time by his profes- sional duties, he nevertheless visited him twice or thrice daily, for several weeks in succession, frequently also purchasing for him the food best calculated to sustain him; and this with a certainty that no pecuniary compensation would be rendered. And while I feel a pleasure in recording the successful termi- nation of this case, I enjoy at least an equal gratification in recognizing, here, the generous conduct by which it was finally secured.