Account of a case of successful amputation of the thigh during the mesmeric state, without the knowledge of the patient : read to the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society of London, on Tuesday, the 22nd of November, 1842 / by W. Topham and W. Squire Ward.

  • Topham, Sir William.
Date:
1842
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Account of a case of successful amputation of the thigh during the mesmeric state, without the knowledge of the patient : read to the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society of London, on Tuesday, the 22nd of November, 1842 / by W. Topham and W. Squire Ward. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    The third time I saw him, he was suffering great agony, and distressed even to tears. I com- menced by making passes, longitudinally, over the diseased knee : in five minutes, he felt com- paratively easy; and, on proceeding further to mesmerise him, at the expiration of ten minutes more, he was sleeping like an infant. Not only his arms were then violently pinched, but, also the diseased leg itself; without his exhibiting any sensation : yet this limb was so sensitive to pain, in his natural state, he could not bear even the lightest covering to rest upon it. That night, he slept seven hours without interruption. After constantly mesmerising him for ten or twelve days, a great change was observed in his appearance. The hue of health returned; he became cheerful; felt much stronger ; was easier, both in mind and body; slept well; and reco- vered his appetite. On the 22nd of September, he was first ap- prised of the necessity of an early amputation. The communication seemed almost unexpected ; and affected him considerably. I, this day, tried the experiment of mesmerising him against his will; proceeding by contact with the hands.