Boyd Reilly (to accompany bill H.R. no. 534) February 7, 1838 : Mr. Duncan, from the Select Committee appointed on the subject, made the following report.

  • United States. Congress. House. Select Committee on the Memorial of Boyd Reilly.
Date:
[1838]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Boyd Reilly (to accompany bill H.R. no. 534) February 7, 1838 : Mr. Duncan, from the Select Committee appointed on the subject, made the following report. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    25th Congress, 2d Session. Sep. No. 543. ] Ho. of Reps. BOYD REILLY. [To accompany bill H. R. No. 534 ] February 7, 1838. Mr. Duncan, from the Select Committee appointed on the subject, made the following SEPOST: The Committee of the House to whom teas referred the memorial of Boyd Reilly, praying that Congress ivould grant him the relief therein asked for, by purchasing the perpetual right to use his im¬ proved, apparatus for the application of pungent and, irrespirable gases and vapor to the surface of the human body, in the army, navy, and hospitals of the United States, report: That they have carefully examined the apparatus invented by said Reilly, and consider it as admirably adapted to accomplish all that could be desired in the application of the pungent and irrespirable gases to the surface of the body. The machine is portable, simple in its structure, easy of application, does not subject a weak and feeble person to fatigue during its use, and the patients and attendants are not exposed to the in¬ convenience or danger of breathing any vapor that may be applied, either while the patient is subject to its action, or while removing him from the bath. The application of vapor and pungent gases to the surface of the body is not a new remedy, but has long engaged the attention and commanded the confidence of medical men. But the imperfection of all the apparatus heretofore employed for this purpose has greatly limited the use of the remedy. Your committee believe that no apparatus has hitherto been in¬ vented by which irrespirable gases could be applied to the body in a re¬ cumbent posture, and with sufficient security to the patient and attendants against the introduction of the vapor or gas into the lungs—pboth matters of vast importance. Your committee confidently believe that the use of the pungent gases, applied by means of this improved apparatus, will be admirably adapted to the treatment of a great portion of the diseases to which persons in the military and naval service of the United States are liable, and they think will, in the end, prove the most speedy, economical, safe, and pleasant mode of treatment in all cutaneous diseases, which are numerous and fre¬ quently obstinate of cure in those exposed to the duties, hardships, and privations of the camp and the navy, as well as diseases of a rheumatic character, and those of a congestive form, common to the soldier and the sailor. Thomas Alien, print.