Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-03-13
bleeding.

FIRST EXPERIMENTS OF A YOUNG DOCTOR.
From the commencement of nv medical stud
les had an intense desire to practice surgery in
the way of blcedin, and tooth drawing. For the
former purpose had been opening the veins of
cabbage leaves with a lancet, and when felt
competent, arlcnty wished an opportunity of
bcncftins mankind with my newly acquired
knowledge. The proprietor, physician, rcsid-
ing some blocks distant, came every morning to
see patients, and allow me to go to breakfast
onc morning near his usual hour, colored man
entered and inquired for the Doctor whom he
wanted to bleed him. Politely handing him
chair, asked him to wat. lie WIS hardly seat
ed before beg IN explaining the mode of bleed
ing, the process of which showed him on a cab
bage leaf. Honestly promising TINT I hid never
blel, offered him sixpencc, to allow me to be-
gin on his arm, throwing in strong contrast the
fact that he would have to pay the doctor fifty
cents lie readily consented, and in n shorter
space of time than could now perform it, the
banlnge was tied aroan1hs arm above the elbow,
the inverted broomstick in his grasp, and bright
stream of blood flowing freely into the wash ba-
sin. Two things only were omitted in the pro-
cess one, feeling around the vein to detect by
the throbbing if an artery was near, for the pur-
pose of avoiding that spot, and choosing another
less dangerous: the other omission was in his pos
turc; | should have made him stand up to induce
faintness rs soon as possible, instead of which |
allowed him to recline, and as he got weaker,
gradually lowered his head and body to give re-
lief until he lay on the floor, still grasping his
hroomstick. Fortunately for the poor fellow,
fainting ensucd at last, in the form of what is
called dead swoon. Perfectly unaware that
there was any cause Of alarm, l loosed the BAN
dage. and bound up til, arm. Just as finished
the doctor entered.
"What does all this blood mean:''
81 have been bleeding q man."
A bullock you mean; there's two quarts in
the bowl.''
In much alarm he listened to the history of the
case, procured assistance, and carrying the poor
fellow into the back room, laid him on the bed.
Every expedent was tried to bring him to, and af-
ter about half an ounce of ether was poured
down his throat. hartshorn applied to his nos.rs,
and his body we'll rubbed, my patient opened his
eyes in great as'onsiment, complained of being
weak, and wanted some water. 1t was given ia
him mixed with brandy, and he was finally taken
home on sprng-cart. With a solemn warning
that my days would end in a state prison or on
the gallows. was dismissed to breakfast BY my
irritated and alarmed superior. managed pref
ty we'll TO repress my exu]tation in bis presence
but the instant got into the street it broke loose
and capered along making mane a firm resolve
not to DO daunted by the doctors cnyvi Ate,
this the dotor permitted me to bleed two or three
in his presence, and then permitted me to prac
tice on all who, as he said, were foolish enough
to trust me. Despite his taunts, however, haf
considerable use for my lancet, for it was ther
the custom to get bled spring and fall to pre-
serve health. =