The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1880-04-29
Pathetic Case OF q Child Perishing
from Being Unable to Swallow.

Mr.. Frank F. Williamson arrived
here last Monday from Ellinwood, Bar
ton County, Kas., bringing with him
his little son Eugene, aged twenty
five months. Seven weeks ago,
while in the kitchen of his fathers
house, playing about, he spied can of
concentrated I've upon shelf, and, with
childish curiosity, he reached and OBJ
tanned possession of it, instantly put
ting the can to his lips and swallowing
with unaccountable avidity portion Of
the fiery liquid before its move
ments could be arrested. Immediately
his gums and tongue began to
swell. He lay in spasms, and in few
minutes not a tooth in his mouth was
discernible. Everything that inexpe-
rienced minds could suggest was done
as quickly as possible to neutralize the
effects of the burning draught, and
medical assistance supplemented the
efforts of father and mother. In time
the swelling subsidized, and apparently
the soreness of the throat disappeared;
but still the poor child could take nour-
tea, etc., being his regular diet. When
anything solid was introduced it would
descend apparently only to the en-
trance of the stomach, where, finding
an obstruction, it would at once be
thrown up.
Ten days ago the State Medical Con-
vention was In session at Topeka, and
Mr.. Williamson determined to take his
child before this confederation of medi-
cal talent. For hours the best skill and
learning of this body were directed to
the child's case, terminating In a recon-
mendation to apply to DR.. Wood, Of
Kansas City. There the father and his
little suffering charge betook them
selves. DR.. Wood examined the case,
and said: $50 home with your child,
sir, and let Nature alone. She is the
best and most competent physician in
this case. Think the boy will get we'll"
But the father was not satisfied, espe-
cially as he had been advised to come
TO DR.. Mussey, of Cincinnati. and to
this practitioner Mr.. Williamson applied
on Monday last. DIR. Mussey made an
examination of the throat. after SUBJ
jccting The patient to the influence of
chloroform, introducing an instrument
which failed to penetrate through
structure in the esophagus, which is the
chief cause of trouble. DIR. Mussey
then desisted from further treatment,
instructing the parent, in case the child
should improve by Friday (to-lnorrow),
TO bring him for an operation. But
since Monday the poor little fellow,
instead of improving, has not been
able to swallow even fluids as well
as before. After long and frantic eff
forts, he succeeded yesterday morning
at i've o'clock in swallowing quantity
of milk, and that was all until this
morning again at eight. To witness
the childs efforts to take sufficient.
nourishment to keep him alive is the
most pathetic scene any one can be-
hold. He calls for milk, water, nice
cookies, or anything his fancy suggests
or he has been accustomed to, and al
though the instant after he drinks or
cats it all comes up again, yet he is so
plucky and frantic from hunger that he
does not desist until completely worn out.
Mr.. Williamson, the father, who does
not leave his boys side day or night, is
a son of the late DR.. Francis William
son. who died here two years since. and
the son and grandson are now at the
home Of DIR. VS. widow, in this town.
In all probability, fear of results will
deter tho father from submitting his
child to an operation tomorrow. The
case is most melancholy one-a little
child, bright and full of life when for
the time forgetting the excruciating
pangs of hunger, starving to death by
fnclMs-nnsl one which is entirely unioue
IN cause anil circumstances. Va. sscs-
riiie. Ohio. (dpra 15l. Disr,tcA 70 Civ
ejsaHslj EmQwjrer.