The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-07-05

HISTORY Of the case of Mr.. 6. W. Benson since
he came under my professional care, May 22d, 1887,
much condensed and hurrcdly written.
found upon my first Investigation, line of de-
narration well established, and occupying the
whole pOsterior surface oi the neck from occiput to
first ceryical yertebrae and latterly between the
two sterno cleido mastoidae Il have never seen as
much surface involved as present in this easel
The subject was about middle-aged; a man Of fine
physique aud untrammeled by the rayages Of vice
or immortality. To these facts attribute his recoy-
cry more than to the surgical excellence Of his at
tendant.
At the time of first seeing the patient some three
weeks after the inception OF the trouble it was too
late for the surgical operations suggested as
means OF Fastening the decay and death OF diseased
tissues. My endeav0r was TO get rid of this diseased
mass as rapidly possible and at the same time 10
avoid any piaemic tendencies. Iinstitu ted a strict
y anticeptc course and applied poultices Of char
coal ana ground haXseed with anticipates. The
constitutional treatment Alternative and tonic
used citrate Of iron and quinine, with a detenna-
ted elixir Of eallsaya and the sulphide of calcium
Tor its well known Alternative properties To induce
| sleep and Obtund the poignant pain which is so
| characteristic, | used Bromida and morphia and
| atropia tablets.
By dint OF close application and frequent visits I
was enabled to save him from much Of the pain
generally experienced. l will not dwell upon the
vlcissitudes OF my patient but suffice il 10 say that
| he made my duties very much less tedious and my
hopes OF recovery more probable by granting to me
| nus utmost ana complete confidence. We made a
fight which the Bard Of Avon most tritely renders
I'VE will not demand success, HoratiO; well do
better; vel command it.n
The diseased and decaying tissues were under
strictly antceptc precautions, not allowed TO be
| annoying aud although the thermometer was be-
| tween eighty and nsnety degrees there was not
during the whole progress OF the case any unpleas
| ant odor.
On the night OF the 18th OF June, after the last
yestige OF slough had disappeared and when gran
ulations were springing up with magic growth and
| everything portenuous OF on early and complete
| recovery hemorThage developed from many points
| and before | reached my patient (being instantly
summoned, but not receiving the message promptly
| l failed to reach my patient for twenty or thirty
| ninutesl, he was completely exsauguined, pulse
mere thread, aud large wash bowl beside him full
| ly two-thirds filled with blood My heart had many
| missgiyings as entered the chamber of my grand
od hero for he had, himself, compressed the caro-
tide as long as he able and directed others TO
| continue II until reached him, and altogether he
was making grand fight against fearful odds He
| gave me conhding smile l entered the room
and Immediately surrendered his position as sur
geon TO me- l removed Immediately all dressings
and applied a solution of persulphate of iron with
| instant and speedy control OF bleeding. For few
days only the progress OF his case extended and
| now, am happy to chronicle the patient is rapid
~ regaining his strength, appetite good, sleeps well
| and, with my consent leaves tomorrow Tor his
beautiful home on Cumberland Island
J. DENHAM PALMER, NJ. d.
Fernandina, Fla, June 18th, 1888.