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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    changed for an instant; his whole frame rested, uncontrolled, in perfect stillness and repose ; not a muscle or nerve was seen to twitch. To the end of the operation, including the sawing of the bone, securing the arteries, and applying the bandages,—occupying a period of upwards of twenty minutes,—he lay like a statue. Soon after the limb was removed, his pulse becoming low, from the loss of blood, some brandy and water was poured into his throat; which he swallowed unconsciously. As the last bandage was applied, I pointed out, to one of the sur- geons and another gentleman present, that pe- culiar quivering of the closed eyelids, already alluded to. Finally, when all was completed, and Wombell was about to be removed, his pulse being still found very low, some sal vola- tile and water was administered to him: it proved too strong and pungent, and he gradually and calmly awoke. At first, he uttered no exclamation; and, for some moments, seemed lost and bewildered: but, after looking around, he exclaimed, I bless the Lord to find it's all over! He was