Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-09-22
From the Alton Telegraph, Aug. 10.


CASE OF ExcIsroN OF WEN, WITHOUT
PAIN, IN THE MEsMERIc sTATE.-lhis OPP
Grafton was performed by Dr. Benz. +. Ed
wards. at his residence in this city, ON tues
day morning last, in the presence ola number
of spectators. The patient is young lady
about eighteen years of age, the daughter Of
Mr.. - Eyres, Of Upper Alton. The wen
was situated upon the left side OF her face !;
the base Of il was one inch and seven-eighths
in length by one inch and five elghths in
width the upper part Of it being Just oppo-
site and near the opening of the car. 1t
commenced forming when she was about
two years old, and has been gradually in
creasing. Several months since, she APP
piled to DR.. Edwards for advice in regard TO
having it taken out He then informed her
that if he could succeed in placing her in
mesmeric state, he could remove the wen
without pain.
A few subsequent experiments convinced
the Doctor that Miss Eyres was susceptible
of the mesmeric influence TO degree SUI
ficient to warrant him to attempt its removal
in this state, Of which she was accordingly
informed Circumstances, however, pre-
vented her at that time, from submitting to
the operation, and for some months past she
has been residing at Springfield. Her great
desire to have the wen removed, and from
the fact that it was becoming painful, indu-
ced her to return Cor the purpose of having
it taken out. The patient had been consid-
erably agitated during the morning. She
was seated in room in which there were
number Of gentlemen, most of whom were
strangers to her, and DIR. Edwards placed
her under the mesmeric influence in about
five minutes. After ascertaining that she
was in a profound sleep, an incision was
made, one inch and three-eighths in length,
and the tumor was removed.
Although the operation was necessarily
prolonged to nearly fifteen minutes-the
Doctor not being able to use freely but one
hand, and as it was necessary for him to act
at the same time in the double capacity of
mesmerizer and operator-yet the patient
sat with the hands quietly resting in the lap,
the countenance was placid and serene, and
the whole attitude that of repose not the
slightest trace Of mental emotion was per-
ceptble, not a twlnge or movement OF any
kind was visible, or the least change in res
piration. She was kept in the mesmeric
sleep Just one hour. Previous TO awaklng
her, the Doctor excited the organs of tune
and mirthfuness, to both of which re-
sponses were obtained She was also put
in communication with Mr.. g., whom she
Immediately recognized, and in answer to
his question whether she had felt any pain
from the operation, replied that she had not
As soon as she was awakened she placed
her hand upon the bandages and asked
"What is this 2" The Doctor, fearing that
she might disturb them, Immediately remov-
ed her hand and replied, 81 have taken out
your wen" She looked about in perfect
astonishment, and interrogatingly repeated,
"I'dken out my wen'" Eyes" replied the
Doctor, "you know that told you | would
take it out without your feeling it," 81
know that you told me you could" she
laughingly replied, "but did not believe
it." She appeared to have no remem-
brance of any thing that had taken place.
II would be difficult to determine which par
ty evnced the most delight and astonish-
ment-the one having witnessed this novel
and most astounding phenomenon, or the
other who had been unconscously and al
most magically relieved from an increasing
and troublesome tumor
Numerous cases of surgical operations
without pain, in the mesmeric state, have
been reported in England several, also,
have been reported in this country, but this
is believed to be the first that has been per-
formed west of the Alleghanies.