The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1869-04-01
The Earth Closet and Treatment OF
Wounds.

fection of human faces-and thus became
she pioneers of reform that promises
not unspeakable relief from the gravest
annoyance of our lives, but the preven-
tion Of the greatest waste of the fertility
of the earth, it is just that you should be
communicated an outgrowth of this sys-
tenn that offers if possible a still greater
benefit to suffering humanity.
One Of the experimental commodes
sent out by the Earth Closet Company
was placed at the disposal of DR.. Addinell
Hewson, of the Pennsylvania Hospital Gin
PHILADELPHIA. Its Introduction into
the surgical ward, where it has been for
two weeks in constant use by about twen-
ty patients, and has been subjected to the
severest test possible, has been SO entirely
satisfactory that it is proposed to substl-
tute earth closets for water closets wher-
ever these exist in that institution.
At the time Of its introduction there
was lying in the ward q patient suffering
from very severe compound fracture of
the lower leg, The wound was in an un-
healthy condition, and its exudation,
amounting to a pint in twenty-four hours,
were so offensive as to cause a sickening
and eTen dangerous stencil, that the ex-
cellent ventilation of the ward and the
use of the usual disinfectants were hard
" able even to mitigate. 1t occurred to
Dr. Hewson to test the power of dry
earth to absorb this odor, as it had that
of excrement The effect was magical
Not only was the offensiveness entirely
overcome, but the effect on the character
of the wound itself was such as no pre-
vous treatment had been able to compass.
The suppuration was, within few days,
so reduced that the daily dressing of a
single half pint of earth was not even sa-
turated the edges of the flesh wound
lost their infamed character the intense
pain of the sore was entirely relieved, and
a healthy granulation has ensued.
Such an indication of newly found
healing agent was not disregarded.
On Monday last, being in Philadelphia,
[ was invited to attend the morning dress
ing of the earth treated wounds. This
is what | saw:
First-two patients suffering from SER
ious varicose ulcers, after prolonged suf-
fering, and with little relief from the
usual treatment, have ceased to be often
sive to their wardmates they find their
sores growing daily smaller ; all pain and
Inflammation have left them, and they
feel the certainty of an early cure.
Second-A railroad brakesman whose
hand was-a year and a half ago-crush-
ed between the coupling heads of two
cars, and who has never been free from
pain, and seldom from intense pain ;
whose hand from the wrist to the knuck
les was fostering mass of carlous bones
and inhamed flesh, and whose system had
been so reduced that he could not have
survived the amputation which alone can
entirely relieve him, is now happy in free
dom from pain His flesh wound has
taken on healthy character, and his
strength is fast returnining. He even
hopes to save his hand, but the long con-
tinued decay Of the bone makes this i'm
possible.
Third-Another brakeman suffering
from precisely similar injury, in no re-
spect less serious, but received within a
few days, was Immediately treated with
dry earth. Its constant application has
entirely prevented inflammation, and a
healthy healing of the flesh and knitting
of the bone will soon return him to his
duties with two useful hands.
Fourth-A farm laborer, on Friday
last, had three of his fingers nearly cut
off and his hand fearfully torn by horse
power hay cutter. Since the first appli-
cation of the dry earth Ga few hours after
the accident) he has been free from pain
and he will save his hand.
Fifth.-On Saturday last laborer, en-
gagged in breaking up condemned shells,
exploded one that was charged. The pow
der burned his face and arms, and (ser-
iously) one of his knees, which was struck
by fragment of the iron that completely
shattered the knee pan. His burns and
the fracture were Immediately dressed
with dry earth, and freedom from pain
and the absence of inflammation have
been as marked in his case as in the 9th
ers. Without this dressing the knee
Joint must inevitably have become involv-
ed, and the leg must have been lost
Now, the wound is evidently healing, and
I (although it is too early to speak positi-
vely) there is every reason to hope that
the only result of the injury will be stiff
knee.
Sixth-Within few nays woman
was brought to the hospital with her neck
and large part of her body very severely
and dangerously burned. That she could
escape long weeks of agony was beyond
hope. Yet on Monday her eye was clear
and calm and her voice was when the doe
tor asked her how she felt, she said she
was a great deal better, aud that she hac
no pain.
Senventh-Last Wednesday an entire
breast was removed for cancer, and th'
wound was dressed with dry earth. L
is now healing rapidly. There has beer
no Inflammation and no suppuration, anC