The morning news., 1891-11-21
MAY CONQUER LocKJAw.
Extraordinary Case of Young Fred.
erick Falter Puzzles Physicians.
From, the Nom VorL ua~oIJ

Extraordinary Case of Young Fred.
erick Falter Puzzles Physicians.
From the New York Herald.
ATLANTIC CITY N. j., Nov. 1S.-A re-
markable case of lockjsw has been exciting
the great interest of physicians in this city,
and has caused them to hunt through their
books for precedents. In fact, almost every
doctor in the country is taking an in terest
in the case, as it is said to be the first of its
kind that has ever come directly under their
notice.
The patient is q young German, Frederick
Falter, about ~ years old, who has for a
fortnight suffered in the clutches of the
dread disease. For the last thirteen days
nearly every muscle of his body has been
rigid and drawn 70 such a tension that
he has been unable to lie ID a natural posi-
tion.
Should he survive another day the physi-
clans in attendance think they will be able
TO save his life, which, upon the authority
of a leading practitioner, would be the sec
ond case on record In the United States to
his knowledge.
STEPPED ON AN UPrURNED NAIL.
Falter was in the employ of John S.
Taylor, baker, aud while at work he ac-
cidentally stepped upon an upturned nail ,
which deeply penetrated the flesh OF the
foot. At the time he took but little heed of
the wound, and merely put bandage ab ,ut
his foot. In few days the wound healed
and the accident was forgotten.
According to his statement it was about
ten days after he had stepped upon the nail
that the poison began to manifest itself in
his system. He first experienced q slighs
stiffening of the muscles of his jaw. He
paid no attention whatever to these symp-
toms, not knowing their import, and think
ing at the time it was merely slight cold
in his head.
Only few days elapsed before he was
compelled to call to his assistance DR.. j. B.
Thompson, who, upon discovering the nat
ure of his patients disease, resorted to the
usual remedies, of which choral is an i'm
portant ingredient.
The result of nearly all cases OF lockja jaw
has been the death of the patient not later
than eight days after the symptoms have
developed. But in this instance Dr. Thomp-
son has great hopes OF the ultimate recov-
cry Of is patient. who has displayed re-
markable vitality.
SEIZED WITH SUDDEN SPASM
All the pain Falter experiences is from
sudden spasmodic contractions of the mus
cles Yet unaffected. These cause him to
twist violently and during such paroxysms
he displays unnatural strength. Otherwise
he is in good physical condition, having
good appetite sleeping we'll and conscious
of what is going on. He firmly adheres to
the belief that he will recover. He has no
relations 10 this country and is being cared
for by Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Muth, with
whom he boards in North South Carolina
avenue and who are doing everything in
their power to alleviate his sufferlngs.
DR.. Thompson bases his only hope of the
recovery of his patient upon his sturdy
frame and good health. He expresses the
opinion that after the disease has run its full
course Of two weeks the chances of the re-
covery of his patient will be better Until
that time careful nursing and attention
would be required to help nature in its work
of combating the poison that permeates the
system of the invalid.