The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-09-06
SHAKING LIEUT.. eREELr WE'LL.
Surgeon Green, of the hetis. Describes the
Daily Condition OF His Patient.


Surgeon Green, of the Thetis, Describes the
Daily Condition OF His Patient.
New KBrk sun.
The story of Lieutenant Greeiy7s recovery af-
ter has rescue from Cape Sabine is given by
Passed Assistant Surgeon Edward II. Green. ID.
:. NJ, OF the relief ship Thetis. IN a conm1nica-
ton to the Medical Record. The cases of
GTee9ys six fellow survivors, IT is remarked.
we're very similar to his. The condition of ali
was SO desperate that a delay of two hours in
the camp WAS necessary before they could be re
moved to the relief vessels. Brandy. milk and
beef essence were administered
lieutenant Greelys disease is called by the
surgeon asthenia, a diminuti0n of the vital
forces. Grcely tainted after being carried to the
ward room Of the Thetis. When he was brought
30, . teaspoonful Of minced raw fresh beef was
given to him His clothes were carefully cut OF
OF him, and heavy red hannels, previously
warmed, were substituted. He was excessively
eTaaciated, and his body emitted an often
sIve pdor. His skin hung from his limbs
in flaps. His face, hands and scalp were black
with a thick crust Of SCOT and dirt He had not
washed himself or changed his clothing for ten
months He had lived a long time at a temper
ATTIRE inside the hut of from Eve to ten degrees
above zero. He was nervous and irritable, at
times almost irrational, and his ewes were wild
and staring. He insisted on talking, craving
news and demanding food, but he complained Of
no pain.
His tongue WIS dry and cracked and coated a
IL
HIS pulse was %, and soft or cofnpressible. His
skin was cold, clamrny, shriveled and sallow.
His temperature under the tongue was 9T.23
There was great muscular waste, and he was
unable to move or to stand without support. Be
fore leaving Fort Conger in August, 1883, he
weighed 1913 pounds He now weighed 100
pounds. He was carried aboard the Thetis about
ii P. N. on June p. it being then broad daylight
IN that region, and his treatment from that hour
until 8 O'Clock the next morning was a teaspoon
full of minced raw beef, alternated every half
hour with a teaspoonful of milk punch. Strict
quiet was enjoined.
On June % Surgeon Green was compelled to
allow him to read some letters from home, after
which he seemed less restless. He talked ration
ally, but showed a loss of memory in often re-
p~eating what he had previously heard He had
not closed his eyes in sleep since his rescue.
There was excessive constipation. The treat
ment was the same as during the night, except
that fnely-cut raw onion was added to the
minced beef, and half an ounce of milk punch
was gwen every two hours.
On the next day, june "a, although he had yet
had no sleep. and he showed a great desire to
talk and read, there were signs OF Improvement.
He was less persistent in demanding food. mis-
tongue presented a moister appearance, he began
TO complain of soreness in his limbs, and his
heart sounded stronger. Surgeon Green had
him sponged with tepid water and briskly rubbed
with fannela He gave him a small quantity Of
oatmeal thoroughly boiled, beef essence and
scraped beef and onion.
@ On LIE nSAt Qdy, Ju18 Cd, 1IfeuEenanG Af6e1V
slept for the first time. He awoke after two or
three hours, much refreshed. He talked with
out excitement, and his tongue and skin began to
look more natural. bis muscles felt sore, and
his ankles were pulled.
On the next day, June 26, his mind was tran
gull, but there was a loss Of memory Of words.
He was allowed to sit up in bed and read a little,
He slept six hours. For the first time since his
rescue medicine was given him, some muriate of
iron.
On the next morning he got eight ounces Of
broiled steak, and on the following day, June28
he dressed himself and sat up for two hours
His food was now gradually increased from day
to day, and he continued steadily to improve
On July / he was well bundled up, and allowed
to sit on deck for an hour IN the sunshine. On
July II the Thetis arrived at St Johns.
Lieut.. Greelys muscles were now filing out
rapidly, and he was allowed to 60 on shore and
take exercise. Here, Surgeon Green says, the
Lieutenant an error in diet at the
American consul's table, and suffered for two
ton. On July %, for the first time. he was al
lowed to eat three square meals. Six weeks af
ter his rescue he had gained 49 pounds. He
gained IS pounds the first week, Is pounds the
second week, 8 pounds the third week, Z pounds
the fourth week. 81 pounds the fifth week, and 1
pounds the sixth week. Surgeon Green adds,
under the head Of remarks"
Vital depression, as exhibited by the tempera-
ture, not marked; digestion fairly good all the
time; nervous system soon claimed. Microscopic
examination of blood disappointing exhibiting
no unhealthy character of red blood globuies
Liver not secreting. Large gain IN weight, due
to rapid assimilation of food, owing to a great
muscular waste.a