Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-08-15

waiting for during these years of suf-
fering. When he was first taken to
Bellevue there was some hope of saw
ing his life. but that hope speedily de-
parted when 1t was found that by no
means known were the doctors able
to stimulate Precipitation in any of
the affected parts. Meanwhile the dis
ease was spreading slowly and surely,
and at last hope of stopping 1t was en-
tirely abandoned. Vapor, Russian and
Turkish baths failed to aid. Applica-
tions Of heat We're absolutely useless
and recourse was even tried In wrap
ping him up in blankets and placing his
feet as near as they could be placed
with safety to red-hot stove. None
enough to affect in the slightest the
dread malady which affected him. Had
1t not been for the placing of the great
new ovens in the hospital he would
shortly be corpse. Now, however,
there is hope of saving his life. More
than this, there is every prospect not
only of stopping the encroachments of
the disease, but of relieving parts al
ready affected. Indeed, the ossifica-
ton, If 1t can be so spoken Of, has
been removed from his arms entirely
except from the fingers, and his legs
have been revived from thigh to knee.
With continued treatment 1t is expect
ed that the calves and fingers and feet
will be saved, and that Palmer will be
able to resume his daily life where he
left off four years ago, cured and
healthy man.
The Disease Held Him Fast.
Twelve years ago Palmer was first
afflicted with rheumatism. He grew
worse in spite of the various treat
ments which lie underwent. Finally
his legs and arms began to draw UP
and. shriyel, and 1t was not long ere
he was helpless cripple. No thought
of sending him to the hospital occurred
to his family until four years ago
when lie was suddenly affected by the
deadening of his limbs. First his feet
were affected. And then the calves
and hands. There seemed every pros
pect of the Whole body succumbing tc
the fearful trouble and great interest
was manifested by physicians to see
how long he could live. When his feet
were first deadened they were affected
as though frozen. They became as colo
as in death and then gradually stiffen
| ed, No strength was sufficient to move
them. Then, as the ankles and calves
| followed. recourse was taken to the
various processes recited above to see
| If something could not stave off Tho
trouble. Finally, when the thighs were
similarly stiffened, 1t was impossible
| for him to do else than breathe anf
absorb his food. The arms came next
starting with the finger tips. Thi.
spread much more rapidly and in les.
than a month the entire limbs were
rendered useless. 1t was at this stage
that the baking process began. None
of the doctors really thought any effec,
could be produced upon Palmer. ID
was n month before the slightest en-
couraging sign was seen. 1t was motto
ed during this time, however, that NJ
Ill effect was produced, SO treatment
was persevered in. After this length
of time single drop of perspiratior
was noticed on one thigh, so small tina
1t was feared that 1t might be water
dropped upon him by some means
However, the next day more beads ap
peared, and from that time on per
| splratlon was steadily induced. There
was no let up, and 1t was not fort
night before the flesh became soft ant
pliable, although there was still III
evidence of power 1t was not unit
recently that any power was developed
and then only by constant massaging
AS the arms We're affected quicker thai
the lower limbs, SO they yielded more
readily to the treatment. They wer,
In due course treated similarly. Whel
once the disease began to be dissipat
ed in them it was speedily conquered
Less than three weeks ago they wer,
still held in the marble grasp. To-da,
all but the fingers have been released
The fingers and toes are now drawn
up against the palms of his hands AM
soles of the feet. The flesh of TIL,
calves has become pliable and soft ant
the knees are almost released from
their captivity. In another fortnigh
1t is expected that everything, excep
possibly the digits, will be well again
The cause of the trouble has been /;
deposit Of calcium salts In the tissue.
covering the bones in the parts affect
ed The flesh has fallen away unit
the man has become little better thai
4 skeleton, except for his trunk. Hi
| weight was down to eighty pounds
and tile limbs were reduced to hal
their usual size. Since the restoration
of power he has taken on flesh rapid,
in the relieved parts, and he nov
weighs over hundred pounds. Hi
normal weight since the beginning o
his illness until the ossifcation began
,roo a hort 20 pounda Rofnra ho xyn,