The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-08-02
THIRTY YEARS BELFAST.
Distressing Result of OverdOsing
with CaIOmeI.

Hazelton PA Special in Philadelphia
on the 1st of August next Andrew burst,
of Drums. will have. been thirty years bed
fast. He is now eighty-seven years of age;
a scant white beard covers his cheeks, APP
parently he is as hale and hearty as his
a large farm and provides comfortably for
his family, including the Invalid, For
his daughter at Drums. During that time
he has never gotten out of bed, and it is
seven years since he even sat up in bed.
The circumstances surrounding the case
are as extraordinary as such instances are
rare. Prior to his prostration, Mr.. burst
was in good circumstances, and being we'll
educated he never found ii necessary TO
made to do hard work was at the advice of
he gave it up. The causes leading to his
present, condition, it seems, were compli.
his relatives. a PHYSICIANS ignorance was
the prime cause of 1t: 1t appears that he
Iessness in his earlier life. and to relieve
himself used narcotics. morphia principally.
Naturally the habit grew upon him, and
he purchased and administered the dose
tend to improve his condition, but on the
came more pronounced and a constitutional
ailment followed. He then lived in Sun
bury, but his family was distributed
of them were comfortably situated.
1t was while visiting some of these rel
oIlNCo tlldl a NOClOl was CdHCu uHOI. j
diagnosed the mans ailment according to
his own idea, and in prescribing for him
come TO the patient at once. The dosing
of calonel was continued. The effects of
this poisonous, drug when its use is contin-
ued is we'll known to medical science.
Paralysis or total prostration is sure to
follow, if means of removing it from the
system are not resorted to. This the friends
of Mr.. burst claim, was neglected by the
doctor. Whether il was ignorance or negli-
the mans life.
The correspondent drove over to Drums
the other day and called on SQUIRE Gil
more, in whose house the invalid lies. His
daughter, Mrs. Gilmore. conducted the Wis
itors to the sick room. where they were
slightly elevated in bed by pillows and
resting on one elbow lightly. He was then
ever leaves him and his head was band
aged.
Some years ago this pain in his head be-
skull to Open. While not so severe since,
the pain prevents him from sleeping. and
Beyond the quantity necessary to induce
sleep he has no further use of the drug
during the day. Strange, to say, thirty
years OF constant use in his present con-
dition shows no III effects.
1t is said that where calomel poisoning
ence, and where the removal of it from the
system has been neglected, the drug. can
he'd taken such 2 firm hold that when an
effort 20 remove 1t was made it was done
without effect, and the poisoning influences
had gotten beyond control. There was no
relief for him then. His lower limbs began
TO weaken. Slowly but surely all power
lef- them. and within a year after he had
first been Frustrated he was entirely help
less. The poison had permeated his whole
system. Fog years he lay unable to turn
or move himself in any way.
With the aid Of powerful drugs given
him in an effort TO Offset the effects of the
calomel as far as possible he was re-
lieved 20 some extent. noticeably i'm his
arms. His lower limbs. no wever. gradu-
ally wasted away until now they appear
ossifed. His body. too, has lost all elias
ticitv below his breast.
Despite the inValid's absolute helpleSs-
ness end the failing of bodily strength his
appetite remains good, while his internal
organs continue 20 perform their several
functions naturally and regularly.
Many eminent physicians nave visited
him.. but all declare the case n homeless
one. and unite i'm pronouncing ii the most
remarkable which ever came under their
observation.