On a new method of applying remedial agents to the cavity of the tympanum / by Edward Bishop.

  • Bishop, Edward.
Date:
1866
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On a new method of applying remedial agents to the cavity of the tympanum / by Edward Bishop. 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.

    20/22 (page 18)
    ened, was desirous of canying out the wishes of her medical adviser. With a little persuasion she submitted to the opera- tion of catheterism, and I injected a weak solution of nitrate of silver into the Eustachian passage and cavity of the dram of the ear on each side. I ought to. state that in the left ear, where the membrana tympani was not injured, there was a continual distressing noise like the ringing of bells, and that the meatus was very dry and nearly devoid of the natural secretion of wax. The Otoscope enabled me to ascertain that on both sides the Eustachian passage was closed. The ope- ration immediately relieved her of noise, but she was in a highly nervons state, her general health being verj'- delicate, and I directed her to repeat her visit in a few days. January ?>lst.—Hearing much improved ; on the left, the very deaf side, she could hear the watch at a distance of two feet, and has no noise in the ear. Says she feels nearly cured^ and can go through her duties with comfort. Eepeated the . operation, using no other treatment, taking care, however, to let the mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal passages partake freely of the astringent application, wliich was used considerably stronger than on the last occasion. February 2>rd.—Hearing distance five feet on the left (the very deaf side), and twelve inches on the other. Again ope- rated in the presence of her medical attendant. I am induced to report this case in the present stage of the treatment, as it shows how in some instances immediate relief may be afforded on opening the Eustachian passages, and by inducing a more healthy condition of the mucous membrane. I have lately heard the objection raised that the injection even of pulverized lotion into the t}nnpanic cavity is not un- attended with danger. This is exactly what has been urged against catheterism. The truth is, any delicate operation on sensitive and important organs, if performed unskilfully and without the requisite precautions, may be made dangerous. I have now been in the habit of injecting different fluids in