St. Landry democrat., 1879-07-26
Domestic Surgery.
A DELICATE OPERATION WHICH \ son
AND DAUGHTER PERFORM Upon
THEIR MOTHER.
(Cuuierianl pa.( News.


We have Just come into possession Of
the facts of remarkable circumstance
which occurred in this vicinity some
time since A middie-agcd lady, who
resides near WellerS, Pa, a few miles
from this city, whose name is omitted
by request of fricnds, was afflicted by
that terrible disease, scrofGla, the seat
OF the disorder being III her head. She
suffered terrible agony from the pres
sure OF the diseased Uranium upon the
brain, and her physician decided that
the only means of relief was tie removal
of the top of her skull. lie never at
tempted the operation, however, fear
ing she might die from its effects. The
woman continued to suffer, and her son,
who was afflicted with the same disease.
determined to take the risk and perform
the operation. He was considerable OF
Il mechanical genius, and lie soon con-
strllcted It fine saw for the purpose, tie
material used being Wire from an Old
hoopskirt. After he had finished the
instrument, although he had 30 surgical
knowledge, he began the operation OF
saving through the skull at IL point
about two inches below the summit OF
the Uranium.
After working some time at the opera
ton the young man WIS taken i'll aud
died. After his death the lady's dangh
ter a young lady OF nineteen OrtWcnty,
decided to continue the work, and did
SO, Succeeding in removing the top OF
; her mothers head, relieving the terri
bic pain and probably saving lcr life.
She was occupied several days in the
operation, which was Il delicate and
dangerous one, ordinarily only 10 be
performed hy the most skiilful surgcOn.
h,,I i,ntr,
driven too deep and penetrated the
delicate covering nf the brain, instant
death would have resulted, and that
some accident OF tie sort did rot occHr
is one OF the most astonishing facts
about the matter. She undertook the
operation as Il desperate resort, and the
exercise OF nerve which sustained her
was wonderful. Once, while working,
She tainted, and frequently shc would
throw down the saw, declaring she
would go no further. Her mother,
whose enormous will-powcr WHs not
! less wonderful, always urged her to
proceed, saying: Il" II can stand it, you
should DO the same, as it is the only way
of saving my life No alErstEiytic was
used, and the afflicted woman carefully
watched and directed the operation.
As stated, instantaneous relief fol-
ltN Gu liC ltttiDh stl ot tiIt NIStdSli bUIitj
although the disease was not crauiCated.
The removed bone was replaced by
silken cap, carefully fitted. The opera
ton was performed over six months
ago, and the lady was at last accounts
alive and cheerful, though, Of course,
confined to limited sphere OF action.
She took Il very philosophical view OF
the affair, and seems grateful that relief
was afforded, although she will remain
a remarkable one, aud if the facts We're
met with in a work OF fiction, the story
would probably be regarded as clever
but ar-ietched fabrication /" one OF the
whole clotll.' But the case is well
authenticated, and we have stated the
facts, without addition or change us We
obtained them from reliable source.