Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1901-09-28

then and there was certainly not due to
any want of forethought on the part of
the operator, whose skill in his line no
one can question. The only answer
must be that such a thorough examina-
ton of the parts was impossible at the
time. Still it seems hard to explain
why all the gentlemen on the case were
SO satisfied with the real nature Of a
wound that they obviously knew moth
ing about.
'sThe Medical Record was exceeding
~ anxious on this point and earnestly
called attention to the possibility of
there being a wound of the pancreas or
kidney, or BOTH Unfortunately, as the
sequel too well shows, we were right in
at least one particular. Another matter
is that which referred to the desirabili-
ty of an X ray examination to locate
the ball. The Record urged this as of
the greatest Importance, and yet, with
the apparatus atshand, it was repeated
ly and publicly stated that such an ex-
animation was not at all necessary. In
fact, it seemed safer to guess than to
be sure.
What comment suggests itself in
this connection when even at the au-
topsy, so far as can be ascertained at
present, it was not considered worth
the trouble to search for the, ball be-
yond a certain point? What excuse
must be offered to the public for the
utter inability to find the bullet even
in the dead body?
Cali these matters may, however, be
properly explained when the fuller ac-
sount of the postmortem is given to
he medical and lay public.
MANY different theories have been
offered by the medical attendants con-
corning the cause of gangrene of the
bullet track. By some the condition
is charged to a poisoned bullet, by 9TH
ers to the leakage of pancreatic juice
into the bullet sinus and by still 9TH
ers to mere lack of recuperatiye energy
n the tissues involved.
con these points, however, the profess
sional is willing to suspend judgment
pending the completion and publication
of the official reports Of the postmor-
tenn examiners. Viewing the strictly
surgical aspects Of the case in the
light of the autopsical demonstrations,
certain points Of treatment might nat
ural1y suggest themselves.
'tEvery one knows that such an in
jury as existed in the presidents case
is uniformly fatal, The most favora-
bic result that could have been expect
ed was the healing of the wound and
the possible establishment Of f1stula-
in this case a permanent, narrow duct
opening on the surface of the body.
This would certainly be infinitely bet
ter even as a tentative measure than
accidentally leaving leaking kidney
or pancreas in a closed cavity to work
such mischief as was manifested in
the gangrenous condition of the sur 4
rounding tissues in the case in CUES
ton.
ALLOWING that the bullet had actual
ly lodged in the muscles of the back,
also that the muscle was within easy
reach, it would be following good
surgical rule to establish drainage by
the most direct route posteriorly. This
course, however, could not be followed,
as the bullet, on account OF the I'M
fortunate conditions already noted, was
not accurately located.
"Under the circumstances, therefore, |
and taking everything into considera-
ton, it is comforting to note that all
was done for the distinguished patient |
that was possible. In fact as was re
peatedly stated by the operator, the |
case was fatal one from the start.
'In thus remarkfng upon the public |
aspect Of the case it is only for the pur-
pose Of getting at the truth and learn |
ing, perhaps, useful lesson. In the |
same spirit we can afford to view the |
strictly professional side. To err is hui
man, but wisdom comes from expert
ence. SsE+zss4sea ,E.s<+~ go
ut is safe to say that under like cir
cumstances in future the gentlemen
concerned would act somewhat differ
emily. We sincerely trust that they at
least would not then be asked to ex-
plain why they allowed lost ball to
be buried with the victims body"