On gun-shot wounds of the extremities, requiring the different operations of amputation, with their after-treatment: establishing the advantages of amputation on the field of battle. To the delay usually recommended, &c. &c &c., with four explanatory plates / By G. J. Guthrie.

  • Guthrie, G. J. (George James), 1785-1856.
Date:
1815
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On gun-shot wounds of the extremities, requiring the different operations of amputation, with their after-treatment: establishing the advantages of amputation on the field of battle. To the delay usually recommended, &c. &c &c., with four explanatory plates / By G. J. Guthrie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Placed in an erect position on a field pannier, with the remains of the arm extended, the subclavian artery was compressed above and below the clavicle with the padded handle of the screw tourniquet, by Dr. Armstrong, now of Mount Rath, Queen’s County, Ireland. The cuticular incisions were made, the muscles next in order divided, and the head of the bone turned out; no vessels spouted : The assistants carefully attending to their compres- sion, the last separating incision was made, and the arm removed without the slightest jet of blood. I allowed the compression above and below to be raised in turn, purposely to shew its effects, and they both succeeded equally well. I then tied the vessel with a three threaded ligature. All pressure on the subclavian artery being taken off, the anterior and posterior circumflex arteries shewed themselves, and were tied. The pulsation of the axillary artery being very evident, and no haemorrhage appear- ing after a little delay, the parts were brought together without force, leaving only a single line of incision. The patient did not say a word during the operation, which lasted but a few minutes, and was exceedingly thankful for its performance when finished. He was put on his blanket and mat, and apppeared to have suffered but little. Ciudad Rodrigo being stormed that night, I did not see him until the next morning, when he was evidently beyond hope of recovery, from the injury sustained on his side : he died at night. I sent his