The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1847-01-12


Kse~' = Gazette gives the details
OF an extraordinary operation performed at North
ampton, on the oath ult.. by DR.. Smith, a sur.
geon-dentls OF that place, in the presence OF DR..
Woodward and several other gentleman. The
subject was young man from Conway who pro-
posed to have the whole number of teeth extract.
ed from his upper jaw, (ffteen in ally for the pur
pose OF receiving set of artificial teeth. His
teeth were set with uncommon firmness. and he
could never bring himself to consent 10 their ex.
traction, until he heard of the effects of the ano
dyne vapor now in use We copy the most ma
terial details of the process:
The first attempt to inhale the yapor was not
successful The patient was considerably agita-
ted, and, in consequence inhaled at the mouth
and through the nose so much of comman air
that profound sleep was not produced. His
pulse ran up TO over 100 and he said he fell
strangely. But on assurance from DR.. Wood
ward that the vapor would not hurt him, he pla,
ed the instrument TO his mouth and in a very
short time his eyes were closed, and the muscles
OF his hands and arms relaxed as in proGonnd
sleep. DR.. Smith then took his forceps and ex
tracted three OF the double teeth, using his utmost
strength to some OF them for they were confined
nfmneSS.
tent then walked up. DR.. Woodward asked him
how he felt. First rate,'' said he. Did vou
dream?" inquired DR.. W. "Yes.'' continued
he, 81 had first rate dream - but he could NOT
tell what 1t was He repeatedly declared that he
felt no sensation of pain.
The vapor afterwards administered four
several times, and three teeth were extracted
during each period OF insensibility, DR.. Smith
pulled twice on one OF the teeth before he could
remove it, and then considerable piece of the
jaw was drawn out with it. On another tooth ne
oroke par OF stout forceps. But from first to
last, the patient protested that he felt NOT the
slightest pain. The last time he inhaled the
vapor, about minute and half elapsed before
ne was insensible, and he remained unconscious
not over minute. The time required AT nre.
Vlous limitations of the vapor TO produce sleen
and the periods OF Inconsistencies were not no
ted by the watch !; but we should iudee that
both were little longer than at the last opera.
ton.
His sense of hearing was not entirely dorman,
Al one time he heard the doctor calling for his
iorceps; and at another, when a napkin was call
ca Ior 70 protect his bosom from the blood trick.
ing down his breast, he heard what was said
and placed his hand upon his breast. But gen
orally he appeared TO be wholly insensble as to
what was going on in the room His pulse did
not increase during the operation. and At tho
close, by an accurate count was IO4. The ma
uent complained OF no uneasness at any time.
on returning to consciousness, but Sigh diz.
ziness in the head. Al the close of the opera.
uons, which had been spread along over am hour
ne appeared to be little weak and exhausted
The young man was heard from three DAVIS af-
ter the operation his gums wege doing weIl.aDd
he had experienced no ILL., effects from the yanor
This is certainly signal triumph of science over
one of the sources OF human suffering.