The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1880-07-29
WIS 1T DEATH?

One frequently hears, nowadays, of
the injection of medicine into the veins
by means of hypodermic syringe, as
one Of the new-fashioned modes of cure.
Ny own experience in the matter,
limited as it is, may be useful as a
warning both to physicians and suffer
ers, and it may be interesting, first, be-
cause it is real !; secondly, as we must
die some time OF other, I suppose most
of us wonder now and then how it will
feel. Now, if what I went through was
not death, it was at least SO near it that
as far as physical sensation went it was
practically the same thing. "a
had been i'll for some time, suffering
from frequent returns of severe pains,
which the doctors thought might be
rheumatic, or neuralgia, or might be
something else. At any rate, they could
not hit upon the medicines either to re-
ieve these pains or to prevent their
recurrence. Meanwhile, they were ex-
perimenting, and I was getting weak
and thin; SO it was determined to try
and ease me of my misery, if even only
for time, in hopes that nature would
gather little strength, and perhaps
succeed in doing what the doctors had
failed in-curing me-. ,c3I.r p. .Ca.
I had great objection to taking
opium, on account Of its well-known in
furious effects, and had borne great
deal of pain rather than take it. The
doctors, however, overcame my objec-
tions by assuring me that the injection
of morphine under the skin was not at
tended with the same injury to the con-
stitution, and was usually more efica-
cious in cases like mine than any other
way of taking the drug.
Accordingly, I was furnished with a
very small syringe, which would hold just
the right dose, to the end of which was
attached sharp-pointed gold tube about
the size of sailors needle. A small
bottle of morphine was also provided,
and I promised faithfully to use it &C
cording to directions on the return of
severe pain. My medical attendant was
very anxious to try it then and there
himself, but, as at the time of his visit
was enjoying an interval of ease, ]
would not consent to this, feeling conf
dent-as, indeed, he himself did-of my
capacity to administer it, and being
without anxiety as to the result.
That night, before going to bed, sew
eral severe twinges, which had been al
me for an hour or more, gave unmistak
able warning Of another night Of sleep
less torment, unless I could find relic
Bomewhere. OF course thought of the
little syringe. If I had had any appre
tensions about the effects, I certainly
should have had some assistance a
hand; but I am an unimaginative indl
vidual, taking things as they come, so
said goodnight, went to my room ane
locked the door as usual. When m,
preparations for the night were com
plete took my new friend out Of tn
pretty little morocco case and filed tn
syringe only about two-thirds full of tn
solution, for such were the doctor
orders, as I had never previously take1
morphine in any way it is to this pre-
caution + probably owe my life. Then
according to instruction, I pinched u
piece Of the calf of my leg tightly be
tween the finger and thumb Of my lei
hand, inserted the point Of the tube un
der the skin with dexterity which
remember pleased me at the time, as
thought what skillful surgeon Nigh
have been lost to suffering humanity b
the untoward circumstances Of my earl
life, and gently introduced into my sy'
tenn the magic fluid which was to reliey
me of all my suffering. It did it with
vengeance, andwith unexpectedrapidit.
too.
@ The first sensation was Of somethin
not belonging to me crawling under n
kin, and mounting rapidly up my BAG
bone, spreading thence oil over my box
..s Is it went. This was not at all paint
10 me, nor was / alarmed by it; fc
N though certainly very peculiar ai I took f'o|