On the treatment of cancer by the regulated application of an anæsthetic temperature / by James Arnott.

  • Arnott, James (James Moncrieff), 1794-1885.
Date:
1851
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the treatment of cancer by the regulated application of an anæsthetic temperature / by James Arnott. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    27/34 (page 27)
    ticularly to this point, and ascertained that there was not the least sensation either of pain or of cold. Although the efficient application of frigorifics to external parts is, generally speaking, a very simple affair, it must not be concealed that it is very much otherwise when they are to be applied to parts so deeply seated as the womb. The prac¬ titioner must make himself thoroughly conversant with the remedy before he attempts to use it in such cases ; and even the most expert will often fail in their first trials. On this account, it will be advisable that whosoever undertakes this mode of treatment, will first familiarize himself with the more easy application of frigorifics in the treatment of those diseases where it is only necessary to apply them to the surface of the body; and should the application to cancer of the uterus fail in his hands, he must candidly determine whether the failure is to be attributed to want of potency in the remedy, or want of skill or expertness in the administration of it. A few directions may be added, and a brief recapitulation made of points already mentioned, with a view to remove these difficulties ; for it is proper to observe that if this treatment be imperfectly carried out, mischief instead of benefit may be the result. I have heard of a case where much irritation was caused by an awkward attempt to apply a frigorific in cancer, which was more naturally than fairly attributed to the remedy instead of the faulty mode in which it had been applied. The truth being, that if congelation be effectually made, not only is there no irritation as a consequence, but the part is rendered, for a long time, incapable of this morbid condition. It is of importance, particularly in the first application of congelation, to choose the most fitting time; and that will generally be when there is much pain present. As this will be certainly and completely relieved in a few minutes by a proper application of the frigorific, the patient is at once reconciled to the proceeding. The greatest difficulty which the practitioner will have to contend with in very advanced cases, is that indif-