The daily monitor leader. [volume] (Mount Clemens, Mich.) 1942-19??, 1942-05-08


grown out of brilliant ideas and
snap judgments, until we begin TO
distrust advance notices Of what
often proves to be only crack
brain" movements in the develop
ment, particularly, Of the medical
SkillS and methods.
Rhythms of Heart
Or. Geckeler has long wondered
why recorded discs are not used
more often in teaching. He COM
menced his research by using his
own equipment in recording the
tiny voices Of cricketS and katy
dds. or the heavier tones of frogs.
OF course, bird calls were Of prime
delight, and not quite SO difficult
to record. But this was for amuse-
ment, and DR.. Geckelers serious
purpose was in making 1t possible
to record for study and COMPARE
son the differing rhythms, sounds,
and murmurs made by the human
heart under conditions that were
affected by disease, or by deficien-
cies Of general conditions.
DR.. Geckeler gives much credit
to the technical director. Vincent
Liebler, and Columbia's skilled en-
gineers for anything he has him.
self been able to accomplish. The
work has meant overtime" for
which there is no possible compen-
sation. The patience and gracious
ness displayed by these highly
trained technicians made 1t pos
sible to complete job which
would eventually add materially in
making the usual physician better
able to diagnose and treat any
condition of the heart and It's
complications.
The purpose OF the recorded
sounds, which are designated as
"a complete assembly Of heart
sounds. and arrythmias" is made
to be played back on any ordinary
photograph. No one questions the
increase in heart complications,
and DR.. Geckeler believes that 1t
is most important for physicians
in general practice to have the OPP
portunitieS Of 'refresher courses"
in this speciality. These records
make It possible to study heart
of many types. while
making comparisons with Condi-
tions which they may find in gen.
eral practice.
Basis Of Treatment
Heart sounds have been record
cd for Is years. but this develop
ment is the first comprehensive
series made with modern record
ing equipment. Some fifty patients
were brought into the New York
S t u d ! os by this specialist, and
scores of cuttings" were made Of
their conditions. Normal heart &C
ton was recorded also for purpose
of comparison Not all murmurs
are due to actual valve damage,
and 1t is necessary TO be able to
distinguish SO = called functional
Certain disturbances OF
rhythm are perfectly ordinary and
hold no threat Of trouble. But the
doctor must recognize the minute
in order to establish
his basis OF treatment.
The set Of records is designated
as "stethoscopic," since for his own
study the doctor uses his Stetho-
scope, the tubes in his ears, and
the chest piece in his hand as the
record is played. The most ordi-
nary home monograph is used,
the instrument shuts out other
sounds and allows the professional
mind to be occupied solely with
the problem involved. The records
may be used again and again for
reference, thus supplying at i'm
mediate hand benefit OF consul
tatiop that is unusual
DR. Geckeler is of the Hahne-
man Medical College and Hospital
in Philadelphia. and it is scarcely
necessary to say that Columbia'S
reputation is back Of the scientific
perfection OF the records them
selves. They were only recently
made available TO the profession
and few privileged members OF
the press we're invited TO the Col
umbia studios a couple OF months
ago to hear special demonstra-
ton The occasion was enlivened
by taking the heart beats Of some
Of the neWsmen present and play
Ing them back 10 the listening
group.