A practical guide to the administration of anaesthetics / by R.J. Probyn-Williams.

  • Probyn-Williams, R. J.
Date:
1901
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical guide to the administration of anaesthetics / by R.J. Probyn-Williams. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    of an operation, a mouth-prop may be found more convenient than a gag. Tongue-forceps (Fig. 3) do not vary much in pattern, but there should be a sufficient number of slots on the ratchet to allow of varying pressure being exerted on the tongue, so that the forceps need not be closed more tightly than is necessary to prevent the tongue from slipping out when they are pulled forward. Fig. 3.—Tongue Forceps Time of Day for Operation. The best time for the performance of a serious operation is undoubtedly in the early morning about nine o'clock. The patient may be expected to have awaked after a more or less refreshing sleep, and to be in what has been called the state of greatest vitality. Should the early morning for some reason be unsuitable, the next best time is the early afternoon, preferably about two o'clock. In the case of children the early morning is especially to be preferred, as they may then be kept in ignorance of any unusual occurrence till the actual time of the operation. Preparation of the Patient. When called to administer an anaesthetic, there is seldom time or opportunity for the anaesthetist to suggest any details for the preparation of the patient, but he should be prepared to give any advice when called upon.