Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-04-20
THE NATIONS PATIENT.
He Spent the Sabbath in His Library
Chatting With the Memben Of
His Family.
An Interview with DIR. Elliott, the Spss1'
siist Who Made tho Microscopic Ex-
amination Of the Tissues
From the Throat.
THE PATIENTS CONDITION,

THE PATIENTS CONDITION.
New YORK, April 2O.-General Grant
arose shortly after six O'Clock Sunday morn.
ing, feeling much refreshed after several
hours sleep. He took some solid food with
relish and passed most Of the day In his
chair in the library, chatting with members
Of his family, ex-senator Chaffee and DR..
Newman. During the afternoon the street
became unusually crowded and on one Occa-
sion when the General showed himself at
the library window nearly every one in the
street raised their hats, to which the General
responded with a military salute. During
the evening the General appeared somewhat
tired and lay down on his bed for over an
hour.
DIR. George r. Elliott the distinguished
young specialist who made the microscopic
examination of the tissues taken from the
Generals throat, the result of which was
published in the Medical Record, giving the
public its first intimation that the illustrious
sufferers disease was of cancerous nature,
arrived in Boston Saturday to attend con-
sultation. DIR. Elliott was seen by reporter
and kindly consented to be interviewed.
Yes" said he, in reply to question, 81
made the microscopic examination which
revealed the true nature Of the disease. In
making the diagnosis, many things were
taken into consideration beside the micro
scOpical test, viz: the clinicle history of the
case, the age and physical condition of the
patient, etc. The microscopical findings
were characteristic of epitheliama, or epi-
thelial cancer. That is the least malignant
Of all forms of cancer. One great reason
for the popular apprehension i'm General
Grants case is that people have not made
any distinction between the benign and the
malignant form of cancer. The kind of
cancer General Grant Is suffering from Is
localized disease; other kinds tend to affect
the internal organs; this does not. 1t is very
superficial in its character. On the face, a
cancer of this superficial character often
times remains fifteen years without pro-
ducing any serious trouble. The disease Is
slow in its progress and does not effect the
system materially, often 1t comes to a stand
still, and an indefinite period OF in
activity progresses again. In General Grants
ease, the trouble being in the throat
1t becomes much more severe, but
still the disease of the same SUI
perfcial character. There are many
serious results which ensue from the
location Of the trouble in the throat 1t in
terferes with the eating and produces cough
ing spells. i was surprised that his cOndi-
ton was so low as 1t was stated to be two
weeks ago. / do not think it was due to the
local disease entirely. Indeed, his condition
could not be explained by the local disease,
other things contributed their share"
ITO what do you refer?'
II presume it is well known that General
Grant is pretty well broken-dOwn man.
Before medical attention was directed to his
| 10 hi
debilitated. The cancer, was, of course, an
important factor in producing hazardous
condition, but 1t could not be
explained on that ground alone
1t Is not the nature of the disease to lead
to such serious constitutional effects except,
Of course, in its latter stages. There Is at
present standstill, but the disease Is likely
to go on and progress In Its course at any
moment"
Has General Grant been in as critical a
condition as the public generally imagined?'
1.-The bulletins have not warranted the
construction placed on them by the public.
OF course he has been In very low condi-
ton, as DIR. Shrady said, but the bulletins
never prophesed that the end was nigh"
SLOW about that eventful Thursday
morning: wasn't death expected then?'
81 don't think he has been In any imme-
diate danger of death at any time. His i'm
proved condition at present is not out of
keeping with the nature of the disease He
will have spells when 1t will seem that he
is improving, or at least holding his own,
but relapses are sure to follow.
As regards the criticisms made as to
his treatment they have come largely
from those who have had no opportunity tc
examine the case. / ink the treatment
has been wise and conservative. The ply
sicians watch the progress of the case and ara
skillful physicians and better able to Judge
than outsiders. / think General Grant will
eventually die, but when is a question, be-
cause of the slow progress of the disease
There is no immediate danger, however, and
indeed everything tends to the conviction
that his life will be prolonged for con.
siderable period"