Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-06-24
AN OPERATION.
From an unpublished work, called the "Ro
nance Of Anatomy."

DYJ. S. JONES.
You urge there is no romance in our pro-
fcssion.'
TO be sure l do; things happen quccrly
sometimes, and we make strange acquaiat-
ances in the course of our practice, | admit ;
but that any thing positively romantic. as tho
word is understoodSo in the practice OF
surgery, l deny
'Charles,' said the elder of the two, light
your scgar and listen. Two years before
received my degree the events narrated here,
occurred He opened a portfolio, and COM
menced reading as follows: During peri
cd of time occupied by me in a tour through
the New England States, in the year 1S3-,
l was on board steamboat, crowded with
passengers. The state of Maine had attrac-
tlons for me and TO one of its towns was
destined. Among the many groups that
we're enjoying the sight of the sea in their
chosen positions on the steamers deck, a
few hours after our departure, the attention
of many observers was attracted more par
ticuIarly to family party of three persons
AN elderly gentleman of intellectual ap-
pearance, and two young ladies his daugh-
ters; one an invalid, the other an incarna-
ton Of health and beauty. The object of
their journey-the restoration of the health
of the afflicted one, by change of scene, and
the magic potency, in many cases of the in
vigorating sea breeze. Having selected a
seat near this party, for no motive of listen
ing their discourse the earnest manner of
the elder of the ladies prevented any other
result. | heard her fathers repeated cau-
tons, and he earnestly entreatcd her to be
careful if size remained upon the deck alone.
There is no danger, father said she.
would not wish to be the slave of fear
For the first time had become interested
in her character, and silent prayer went
forth from my heart, that her path through
life should be guarded from the fear she
seemed with all her soul to despise. left
the deck as her Understanding fresh cau-
ton with, ELLEN, my dear, hope no harm
will come of your want of care'-led the
younger sister to the cabin below.
A short time afterwards, while standing
near the place appointed for the engineer,
watching she movements of the complicated
machine, with powerful precision propelling
MS against wind and tide, some dozen miles
per hour, on sudden the engine stopped in
obedience to the signal bell and heard con-
siderable buslle on the deck above. A fish,
ing boat had attempted to cross the track of
the steamer, and to avoid collision, the abrupt
stoppage had been deemed necessary by the
captain. The fishing boat passed in safety
by, and the steamer was again under full
steam. AS walked leisureIy to the after
part of the boat, | saw a crowd near the
ladies' cabin, and borne in the arms of her
father, apparently dead, was the young lady
whom | had left and who subsequently be-
came an object of intense interest to MANY
on board. hcsltated in forcing my way to
her, supposing that it might be a case of
iainting, and there were enough TO apply the
r"~nh;"s nsna! On such occasions. After
the lapse OF few minutes, from the auitate,i
appearance of those vino had accompanied
the young lady into the cabin, it was evident
to me that serious accident had occurred.
| entered the cabin with the captain, and be-.
held reclining upon a settee, the form of that
lovely girl, to all appearance dead, her father
and sister bending over her in agony, cha
fling her temples, pressing her white hands,
calling upon her name in vain, their anguish
subsding in floods of tears. Messengers had
been despatched to the different parts of the
boat, to ascertain if there was among the pas
sengers surgeon who could ascertain the
nature and extent of the injury. No one had
yet been found. | asked how the accident
occurred, aud was informed that when the
boat stopped, the young lady was leaning
over the rail of the promenade deck, the
passengers anxiously rushing TO one side, as
the fishing boat passed, caused the steamer
to carcen, when the poor girl fell on the deck
below, striking her head upon corner of the
cabin-box. A medical gentleman entered
the cabin, accompanied by young man.
Upon examination, it was found that the
skull of the young lady was fractured, and
every symptom indicated compression of the
brain. This intelligence was impaired to
the unhappy parent of the girl, with the can
did acknowledge that her situation wa.
one of iminent peril. Can nothing be done
TO save herl' said the weeping father; the
sister had been removed in an almost un.
conscious state from the cabin, and was il
the care of some of the ladies'. The physi
clan replied that there was but one hope tt
rest upon-an operation, and that skillfull,
and speedily performed. what operation
said the father, holding her head in his hands
and waiting reply IN brea,hless anxiety.
'Trepanning,' quietly responded the ply
siclan, and briefly explained his meaning
A silence of some duration ensued.
when this dreadful operation is perform
ed, what is the chance of recovery 2 gasp
ed the father, Selling the physician by tn
arm.
THAT must depend upon circumstances
was his reply.
Save her life. Ellen my child-my CHILD
Poor girl, It's an awful thing to think OF. II
as you say, it must be done, for Heaven
sake lose no time
Il have no instruments fit for the purpose
nor would undertake it if | had. Ii need
a more experienced hand than mine.
never even saw it done. From the book
only know its nature and manner of pro
ceedng.'
The Captain remarked that he had a cas-
of instruments on board the boat of the