USE OF CHLOROFORM IN MIDWIFERY. AN ENQUIRY INTO THE UTILITY AND PROPRIETY OF PREVENTING THE PAIN AND SUFFERING WHICH USUALLY ATTENDS CHILDBIRTH, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR THAT PURPOSE. In the preface to this work I remarked that a great part, and, perhaps, nearly the whole, of the suffering and danger to which parturient females are exposed, arises, undoubtedly, from their bad physical education and mode of life; and that, in a more rational state of existence, it was probable that both would be so slight as to excite no apprehension. This improved state of things is much to be desired, and should, of course, be striven for by all friends of humanity. But, in the mean time, it is proper to consider whether there are any means by which those now living can be relieved in their hours of distress. The agony which many females endure at this time is so great that there are few circumstances under which relief is more needed, or would be more acceptable; and I, for one, cannot subscribe to the doctrine that such relief would be improper, unless it prove to be injurious. There are some persons, I know, who say that this suffering has been ordained for woman, and that it ought to be endured. This notion, I think, needs no refutation, it being just as unreasonable as to say that the sick should be allowed to suffer and die without assistance, because their condition has been ordained. There are others, and men of science, too, who think that the pains of childbirth are necessary to its safe accomplishment, and that they are also valuable in a moral point of view. This opinion will be examined by and by, and the facts on which it is founded, carefully analyzed; but it is first necessary to state the means of Some years ago, a celebrated physiologist, who supposed that the chief cause of pain and difficulty in labor was the size and hardness of the child's bones, advanced the theory that if these bones were less developed, and softer, the pain and difficulty would be materially lessened, if not entirely removed. He proposed, therefore, since the hardness of the bones is caused by the deposition of lime in them, which is derived, of course, from the blood of the mother, that she should avoid taking anything to eat or drink, during pregnancy, that contained lime. This, he supposed, would keep the bones of the child soft till after birth, and so allow them to give way and crush together during delivery, and thus prevent the suffering and difficulty usually experienced. It was also thought that the bones of the mother would be partially softened at the same time, and give way a little, so as to facilitate the process still more. I am not aware, however, that this theory has ever succeeded in practice, either in the human species or in the lower animals, though frequently tried. Nature will work on her own plan, and will develop the bones of the foetus, while in the womb, to a certain extent, providing she has the means to do so; and if these are withheld, she is very likely to suspend its development altogether, rather than send it forth imperfect. I have known cases where everything was withheld, for the whole period, that contained a particle of lime, and yet the child's bones were as hard at birth as in any other case; the material being, probably, taken from the bones of the mother, which might be thus weakened, and made liable to displacement, without any good result whatever. It is also a question whether such a course, supposing it to succeed, might not be dangerous in another way, by causing an imperfection in the child which its future growth could not overcome. I have known some cases where this practice appeared to have caused abortion from imperfect development, and several others in which there was too much reason to fear that the The other means are such as do not interfere, in any way, with the natural processes, but merely prevent sensation or feeling at the time of delivery. Mesmerism has been recommended, and, in some few instances, tried, for this purpose, but its success has either been so small, or its action so uncertain, that no dependance can be placed upon it, notwithstanding many persons assert its power. Opium and other powerful drugs have also been given, but so much of them is required, at that time, to produce a sufficient effect, that their use becomes dangerous. Other substances, in the form of vapour, or gas, have also been used, the effects of which only last for a short time, and are not, generally speaking, at all dangerous. Among them may be mentioned nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, carbonic acid, sulphuric ether, and chloric ether, all of which were first employed in severe surgical operations. The success of these agents, especially ether and chloroform, in preventing pain, is undoubted; nor do they appear to have any other effect, nor to prevent any necessary effort or process of nature, except in a few cases which will be mentioned further on. Many hundred operations of the most severe kind, such as cutting off limbs, removing tumors, stones, and so forth, have been performed while the patients were under the influence of these agents, and without causing them the slightest pain; in fact, many remain, during the whole process, in a pleasant dream, and cannot be persuaded, when they wake, that the dreaded operation is over. The same thing has also been observed in hundreds of cases of midwifery, both in natural labor and when instruments have been used. In numerous instances the female has been put to sleep, and safely delivered, without knowing or feeling anything whatever, during the whole time; So far as can be safely judged, from the limited time during which such means have been used, it appears that there is no danger whatever, from their employment, except when improperly administered, and in certain peculiar conditions of the system; which causes of danger will, of course, be removed by competent experience and knowledge. It is highly encouraging however, to note, though ether and chloroform have both been used so extensively and indiscriminately, both by those who understood their nature and those who did not, that the cases in which they are proved to have done injury, are not more than two or three; and in all those that I have heard of, some obvious impropriety had been committed in their use. It should be borne in mind, however, that even if the danger from them was considerable, we might still be justified in their use. It is well known that, in numerous cases, the fear of suffering, beforehand, and its severity while being endured, produce the most serious, and even fatal results. Many a patient has passed safely through the ordinary effects of a painful operation, and yet sunk from the mere effects of fear and physical suffering. Instances have even been known in which a fear of this kind has caused death, and frequently it has given a shock from which the patient never fully recovered. There is also, frequently, great danger from the violent efforts and struggles of a person in pain, and many necessary operations are even prevented altogether by them; this is often observed in difficult labors. When insensibility is produced, however, all these causes of difficulty and danger are removed; the patient's fears are quieted, suffering is entirely prevented, and there is no struggling to prevent the necessary assistance. Supposing, therefore, that the ill effects of these agents were more certain and greater in amount than has yet appeared, it would still be a question whether In regard to the two agents now chiefly used, ether and chloroform, there is no difference in their mode of action, but the chloroform appears to be more speedy, certain, and efficacious, and is, therefore, the most valuable, but proportionably more dangerous when improperly administered. There are numerous instruments or inhalers, for administering these vapors, most of which are both costly and complicated, and all of which may be easily dispensed with. A very good plan is to take a large sponge and dip it in hot water, then squeeze out the water and pour on the ether or chloroform, and hold it over the mouth and nose. In two or three minutes consciousness and feeling will both be gone, and the patient will sink into a calm sleep which will last sometimes ten or fifteen minutes, and may be kept up as long as desired, by putting the sponge to the mouth for a few minutes whenever there are signs of waking. When it is left off the patient gradually comes round as if waking from ordinary sleep, and frequently speaks of having been in a dream, sometimes of a very pleasant character, but never knows what has taken place. No ill effects follow, but sometimes there is a little drowsiness or stiffness of the limbs, which soon passes off. A pocket handkerchief soaked in the fluid, and held over the mouth and nose will answer equally well; but whatever is used, it must not be pressed close, because a portion of air ought to enter with the vapor to prevent suffocation; and it should also be removed immediately the effect is produced. When it is borne in mind how much these requisites have been neglected, and how impure the ether or chloroform has often been, it is wonderful that more accidents have not occurred; and the fact that so few have happened under such a state of things, and with our little experience, goes far to prove that there is little or no danger at all in competent hands, with pure materials. The accounts circulated in the papers of "death from ether," and "fatal effects of chloroform," have mostly been gross exaggerations, and frequently Ether having been the first article used, I shall first give an account of its effects, and then proceed to chloroform, explaining the mode of administration, and other incidental matters, as I proceed. The best article on ether which I have met with, is a review in the British and Foreign Medical Review for April, 1847, of some pamphlets on the subject, from which I shall make an extract. In the state of perfect etherization we believe all sensation is abolished; in a less perfect state an obscure perception of external objects remains, while the sense of pain is extinct. The psychical state is various. Generally speaking, the sense of external impressions becomes at first confused, then dull, then false, with optical spectra or auditory illusions, general mental confusion, and then a state of dreaming or utter oblivion. In the majority of cases the mind is busy in dreaming, the dreams being generally of an active kind, often agreeable, sometimes the reverse, occasionally most singular; and, frequently, a great deal is transacted in the few short moments of this singular trance. Many of the patients who have undergone the most dreadful operations, such as amputation of one or both thighs or arms, extraction of the stone, excision A good many seemed to fancy themselves on the railway amid its whirl and noise and smoke; some young men were hunting, others riding on coaches; the boys were happy at their sports in the open fields, or the filthy lane; the worn Londoner was in his old haunts carousing with his fellows; and our merry friend, Paddy, of the London Hospital, was again at his fair, wielding his shelala in defence of his friends. Others, of milder mood, and especially some of the women patients from the country, felt themselves suddenly transported from the great city and the crowded hospital-ward to their old quiet home in the distant village, happy once more with their mothers and brothers and sisters. As with the dying gladiator of the poet, the thoughts of these poor people— "Were with the heart, and that was far away." Some seemed transported to a less definite but still happy region, which they vaguely indicated by saying they were in heaven; while others had still odder and warmer visions, which need not be particularized. For the purpose of obtaining information on all the points of this most interesting subject, we personally questioned all the patients in the London hospitals, who, at the period of our visits, still remained in the wards after the ether-operations. They were in all fifty-four, and the great majority had been the subjects of capital operations. They were unanimous in their expressions of delight and gratitude at having been relieved from their diseases without suffering. In listening to their reports, it was not always easy to remain unmoved under the influence of the conceptions thereby communicated, of the astonishing contrast between the actual physical condition of the mangled body in its apparent tortures on the operating table of a crowded theatre, and the really happy mental state of the patient at the time. This perfect freedom from pain is proved by every case wherein the vapor has been efficiently administered, Chloroform has been more recently introduced than ether, but has nevertheless been used quite as much, or probably more, and, in general, with still more success. It was first described, I believe, by Professor Simpson of Edinburgh, at a sitting of the medical society of that city, in November, 1847, and several cases were narrated, two of which I quote. I have employed it in obstetric practice with entire success. The lady to whom it was first exhibited during parturition, had been previously delivered in the country by perforation of the head of the infant, after a labor of three days' duration. In this, her second confinement, pains supervened a fortnight before the full time. Three hours and a half after they commenced, ere the dilatation of the os uteri was completed, I placed her under the influence of the chloroform, by moistening with half a teaspoonful of the liquid, a pocket-handkerchief, rolled up in a funnel shape, and with the broad or open end of the funnel placed over her mouth and nostrils. In consequence of the operation of the fluid it was once more renewed in about ten or twelve minutes. The child was expelled in twenty-five minutes after the inhalation was begun. The mother subsequently remained longer soporose than commonly happens after ether. The crying of the child did not, as usual, rouse her; and some minutes elapsed after the placenta was expelled, and after the child was removed by the nurse into another room, before the patient awoke. She then turned round and observed to me that she had "enjoyed a very comfortable sleep, and, indeed, required it as she was so tired, but would now be more able for the work before her." I evaded entering into conversation with her, believing, as I have already stated, that the most complete possible quietude forms one of the principal secrets for the successful employment of either ether or chloroform. In a little time, she again remarked, that she was afraid her "sleep had stopped the pains." Shortly afterwards her infant was brought in by the nurse from the adjoining room, and it was a matter of no small Perhaps I may be excused for adding, that since publishing on the subject of ether inhalation in midwifery, seven or eight months ago, and then for the first time directing the attention of the profession to its great use and importance in natural and morbid parturition, I have employed it, with few and rare exceptions, in every case of labor that I have attended, and with the most delightful results. And I have no doubt whatever, that some years hence the practice will be general. Obstetricians may oppose it, but I believe our patients themselves will force the use of it upon the profession. I have never had the pleasure of watching over a series of better and more rapid recoveries, nor once witnessed any disagreeable result follow to either mother or child, whilst I have often seen an immense amount of maternal pain and agony saved by its employment. And I most conscientiously believe that the proud mission of the physician is distinctly twofold—namely, to alleviate human suffering, as well as preserve human life. In another part of the same publication Professor Simpson has another list of cases, all equally favorable. In some of these the labors were protracted many hours, and in others, operations with instruments were performed, of the most terrible character, such as would, under ordinary circumstances, have been attended with the most horrible suffering. As this article gives an instance of nearly every kind of delivery under the influence of chloroform, and contains also some admirable reflections upon its employment, I quote it in order to make the present account complete. Case 2.—Seen with Mr. Carmichael; a second labor; she began the chloroform inhalation before the dilatation of the os uteri was entirely completed; the child was expelled in fifty minutes afterwards. I kept her under the chloroform for a quarter of an hour, till the placenta was removed, the binder applied, and the body and bed-clothes were arranged and adjusted. On awaking she declared that she had been sleeping refreshingly; she was quite unaware that the child was born, till she suddenly heard it crying at its first toilet in the Case 3.—Patient unmarried; a first labor; twins; the first child presented by the pelvis, the second with the hand and head. The chloroform was exhibited when the os uteri was nearly fully dilated; the passages speedily became greatly relaxed, (as has happened in other cases placed under its full influence,) and in a few pains the first child was born, assisted by traction. I broke the membranes of the second, pushed up the hand, and secured the more complete presentation of the head; three pains expelled the child. The mother was then bound up, her clothes were changed, and she was lifted into another bed; during all this time she slept soundly on, and for a full hour afterwards, the chloroform acting in this as in other cases of its prolonged employment, as a soporific. The patient recollected nothing from the time of the first inhalations, and was greatly distressed when not one but two living children were brought in by the nurse to her. Dr. Christison, who was anxious to observe the effect of the chloroform upon the uterus, went along with me to this patient. Case 4.—Primipara; of full habit; when the first examination was made, the passages were rigid, and the os uteri difficult to reach. Between six and seven hours after labor began, the patient, who was complaining much, was apathized with the chloroform. In about two hours afterwards, the os uteri was fully dilated, and in four hours and a half after the inhalation was begun, a large child was expelled. The placenta was removed, and the patient bound up and dressed before she was allowed to awake. This patient required an unusual quantity of chloroform, and Dr. Williamson, who remained beside her, states to me, in his notes of the case, "the handkerchief was moistened often, in order to keep up the soporific effect. On one occasion I allowed her to emerge from this state for a short time, but on the accession of the first pain, she called out so loudly for the chloroform that it was necessary to pacify her by giving her some immediately. In all, four ounces of chloroform were used." Like the others, she was quite unconscious of what had gone on during her soporised state, and awoke altogether unaware that her child was born. Case 6.—Second labor. The patient—a person of a small form and delicate constitution—bore her first child prematurely at the seventh month. After being six hours in labor, the os uteri was fully expanded, and the head well down in the pelvic cavity. For two hours subsequently it remained fixed in nearly the same position, and scarcely, if at all, advanced, although the pains were very distressing, and the patient becoming faint and exhausted. She entertained some mistaken religious feelings against ether or chloroform, which had made her object to the earlier use of the latter; but I now placed her under its influence. She lay, as usual, like a person soundly asleep under it, and I was now able, without any suffering on her part, to increase the intensity and force of each recurring pain, by exciting the uterus and abdominal muscles through pressure on the lower part of the vagina and perinÆum. The child was expelled in about fifteen minutes after the inhalation was commenced. In a few minutes she awoke to ask if it was really possible that her child had been born, and was overjoyed to be told that it was so. I have the conviction, that in this case the forceps would in all probability have been ultimately required, provided I had not been able to have interfered in the way mentioned. I might, it is true, have followed the same proceeding, though the patient was not in an anÆsthetic state; but I could not have done so without inflicting great agony upon her. Case 7.—A third labor; the patient had been twice before confined of dead premature children; once of twins, under the care of Mr. Stone, of London; the second time of a single child under my charge. The liquor amnii began to escape about one o'clock, A.M., but without pains for some time. I saw her between three and four o'clock, with the pains commencing and the os uteri beginning to dilate. In two hours afterwards, the third stage was well advanced, and the pains becoming very severe, she had the chloroform exhibited to her, and slept soundly under its influence. In twenty minutes the child was born and cried very loudly without rousing the mother. In about twelve or fifteen minutes more she awoke as the application of the binder was going on, and immediately demanded if her child was really born alive, as she thought she had some recollection of hearing the nurse say so. She was rejoiced beyond measure on her son being brought in and presented to her. Case 9.—In the Maternity Hospital; first child. Labor A sufficient number of such accounts as these could In regard to the objections to using chloroform or ether, in midwifery, it will be thought by most persons, and with good reason, too, that the safety and success which has attended their use, is itself a sufficient answer to all objections. It was at first thought, by some physicians, that the expulsive force of the womb was lessened when the pain was prevented; but this is not the case; on the contrary, it has been, in many cases, much increased. It was also thought by others that there was more danger from flooding, and convulsions, than in ordinary cases; but this is also equally at variance with truth, for it appears, beyond doubt, after a careful examination of all the cases recorded, that there is much less danger, particularly from convulsions, than when the patient is allowed to be tortured and terrified by feeling pain. Dr. Simpson remarks in another part of the article above quoted:— The question which I have been repeatedly asked is this—Will we ever be "justified" in using the vapor of ether to assuage the pains of natural labor? Now, if experience betimes goes fully to prove to us the safety with which ether may, under proper precautions and management, be employed in the course of parturition, then, looking to the facts of the case, and considering the actual amount of pain usually endured, I believe that the question will require to be quite changed in its character. For, instead of determining, in relation to it, whether we shall be "justified" in using this agent under the circumstances named, it will become, on the other hand, necessary to determine whether, on any grounds, moral or medical, a professional man could deem himself "justified" in withholding and not using any such safe means, (as we at present presuppose this to be,) provided he had the power, by it, of assuaging the pains and anguish of the last stage of natural labor, and thus counteracting what Velpeau describes as "those piercing cries, that agitation so lively, those excessive efforts, those inexpressible agonies, and those pains apparently Since the latter end of January I have employed etherization with few and rare exceptions, in every case of labor which has been under my care. And the results, as I already stated in The Lancet, have been, indeed, most happy and gratifying. I never had the pleasure of watching over a series of more perfect or more rapid recoveries; nor have I once witnessed any disagreeable result to either mother or child. I do not remember a single patient to have taken it who has not afterwards declared her sincere gratitude for its employment, and her indubitable determination to have recourse again to similar means under similar circumstances. Most have subsequently set out, like zealous missionaries, to persuade other friends to avail themselves of the same measure in the hour of suffering. And a number of my most esteemed professional brethren in Edinburgh have adopted it with success and results equal to my own. At the same time, I most sincerely believe that we are, all of us, called upon to employ it, by every principle of true humanity, as well as by every principle of true religion. Medical men may oppose, for a time, the superinduction of anÆsthesia in parturition, but they will oppose it in vain; for certainly our patients themselves and their friends will force the use of it upon the profession. The whole question is, I believe, even now, one merely of time. It is not—Shall the practice come to be generally adopted? but—When shall it be generally adopted? And, for my part, I more than doubt if any man (rejecting willingly its benefits) is really justified, on any grounds, moral or medical, in deliberately desiring and asking his patients to shriek and writhe in their agonies for a few months, or a few years longer, in order that, by doing so, they may defer, forsooth, to his professional apathy, or pander to his professional caprices and prejudices. Another objection has also been advanced against the employment of ether or chloroform, the force of which must be estimated by every one for themselves. It is well known that many, if not most of the lower animals during labor, or immediately afterward, experience certain feelings and desires stronger than at any other time; and it is supposed that such would be the case, as Notices of Dr. Hollick's Lectures. Dr. Hollick and Physiology.—The second of a series of Lectures, by this gentleman, on human physiology, and the all important truths connected with our physical constitution, was attended by a full house, in National Hall, last evening. The time was well spent, and so appeared to think the audience. On the delivery of the first of these Lectures on Tuesday evening, the speaker in a comprehensive and well-digested exordium, placed himself and the subject right with the public. His manner, language and style, did the first; his sound logic, his argument, his candor and research, accomplished the second. Apart from the interesting and apposite details of the wonders of reproduction, the illustrations of the immutable wisdom of nature, which teem in the animal and vegetable worlds—which "Glows in each stem, and blossoms in each tree; Apart from all this, Dr. Hollick's Lecture was excellent as a defence of truth, a vindication of the right of free and unshackled inquiry, and as a convincing refutation of that silly, but far too prevalent opinion that there are truths of which it is better to remain in a state of ignorance. Had nothing else been imparted in the forcible and well defined exordium of Dr. Hollick than this judicious demolition of that fallacious, silly, but injurious twaddle which would forbid research to pass in advance of the old landmarks prescribed by custom, ignorance, or a spurious morality—even that would well deserve the public patronage. Truths, well set forth, will make an impression, whether their investigation be fashionable or not. There is an affinity between the capacity to learn, and the truths to be learned, which always results, when a fitting opportunity is presented, in a free inquiry, and the gentleman who is bringing, in a judicious and elevated manner, a knowledge of those fundamental principles of our corporeal existence which are abused because unknown, will accomplish more good than half a dozen teachers of higher pretensions, and lower ability. It was gratifying to observe the decorum—the sense of respect for both speaker and subject, that was observed throughout the evening, which evidently shows that those who go there are actuated by higher motives than mere curiosity; by desires more ennobling than a passing gratification; in a word, it was clear that those who composed Dr. H.'s hearers, were men who know and dare to think, and who will profit by these most useful discourses.—New York Herald, Aug. 7, 1844. The Origin of Life.—We attended Dr. Hollick's Lecture at the Masonic Hall, on Monday evening, and if we were to say we were delighted, we should but feebly express the gratification we experienced. It was, in fact, a whole series of anatomical lectures crowded into one, and that one so divested of technicalities, and rendered so concise, so intelligible to the most illiterate mind, and withal couched in such delicate as well as perspicuous language, that the most fastidious could find no fault, nor the idlest curiosity go away uninformed. The At a Meeting of the Class attendant upon Dr. Hollick's Select Lectures on the Physiology and Philosophy of the "Origin of Life" in Plants and Animals, held at the Lecture Room of the Museum, Wednesday evening, December 1, 1844, George G. West, Esq., was called to the Chair, and Samuel W. Black appointed Secretary. Resolved, That we have listened with unfeigned pleasure and interest to the Course of Lectures delivered by Dr. Hollick, and now brought to a close, and that we deem it an act of justice to him and the community, to express our entire confidence in his character, ability, and the manner of illustrating his subject, which, to use the words of a daily journal, "is couched in such delicate as well as perspicuous language, that the most fastidious could find no fault, nor the idlest curiosity go away unimproved." Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to tender to Dr. H. the thanks of the Class for his courtesy to the members in affording them every facility for obtaining information upon the subject of his Lectures, and that he be requested to repeat the Course at the earliest period consistent with his other engagements. Published in all the Philadelphia daily papers of December 14, 1844, and signed by one hundred and forty of the most respectable and influential inhabitants. (See similar Resolutions, with over two hundred names attached, in the Philadelphia daily papers of March, 9, 1844; also of March 16; and on several other occasions.) From the Philadelphia Daily Papers, Feb. 21, 1845. At a meeting of the Ladies composing Dr. Hollick's Class, held on Wednesday afternoon, February 19th, in the Lecture Room of the Museum, the following Resolutions were unanimously adopted, and ordered to be published in one or more of the city papers: Resolved, That we have listened with great pleasure and interest to Dr. Hollick's Lectures, and are happy to add our testimony to the many already recorded in behalf of such Lectures: and regarding Dr. Hollick as a benefactor of his race, and especially of our sex, we cordially wish for him abundant success, and ample reward in the consciousness of doing good. Resolved, That we will exert ourselves to induce our female friends and acquaintances to avail themselves of the great and rare privilege of obtaining the valuable instruction imparted in these Lectures in so chaste and dignified a manner. Signed on behalf of the meeting by Sarah Webb, Sec'y. SUSAN WOOD, President. decorative pointer With over 50 names attached thereto. (See also similar Resolutions, with numerous names, on Feb. 27, 1846, March 20, 1846, and on April 10, 1846, with over three hundred names attached.) Dr. Hollick's Lectures.—These Lectures continue to attract much attention, and are commended by all who hear them. During the past week Dr. H. has given a private Lecture and exhibition of his models to many of our prominent Senators and public men, all of whom expressed themselves highly gratified, and desirous that another class should be formed to accommodate their friends who had not attended.—National Intelligencer, Jan. 30, 1846. Dr. Hollick is a gentleman of no less knowledge in his profession than eloquence in his means of imparting it, and he is certainly deserving of great credit and support for his exertions in a new field of such universal importance. We commend these Lectures with the fullest confidence to the attention of our citizens.—N. Y. Sun, Aug. 6, 1845. "LETTERS FROM NEW YORK, NO. 11." " * * * * There have been several courses of Lectures on Anatomy, this winter, adapted to popular comprehension. I rejoice at this; for it has long been a cherished wish with me that a general knowledge of the structure of our bodies, and the laws which govern it, should extend from the scientific few into the common education of the people. I know of nothing so well calculated to diminish vice and vulgarity as universal and rational information on these subjects. But the impure state of society has so perverted nature, and blinded common sense, that intelligent women, though eagerly studying the structure of the Earth, the attraction of the Planets, and the reproduction of Plants, seem ashamed to know anything of the structure of the human Body, and of those Physiological facts most intimately connected with their deepest and purest emotions, and the holiest experience of their lives. I am often tempted to say, as Sir C. Grandison did to the Prude—'Wottest thou not how much in-delicacy there is in thy delicacy?' "The only Lectures I happened to attend were those of Dr. Hollick, which interested and edified me much. They were plain, familiar conversations, uttered and listened to with great modesty of language, and propriety of demeanor. The Manikin, or Artificial Anatomy, by which he illustrated his subject, is a most wonderful machine invented by a French Physician. It is made of papier mache, and represents the human body with admirable perfection, in the shape, coloring, and arrangement, even to the minutest fibres. By the removal of wires it can be dissected completely, so as to show the locality and functions of the various Organs, the interior of the Heart, Lungs, &c. "Until I examined this curious piece of mechanism, I had very faint and imperfect ideas of the miraculous machinery of the house we live in. I found it highly suggestive of many things to my mind." * * * L. M. C. [Extract from a Letter in the "Boston Courier" of Monday, June 3d, 1844, by Mrs. L. M. Child.] Dr. Hollick's Lectures.—We cordially say to those who love a scientific treat not to fail to attend. More instruction is contained in those three Lectures, than can be mastered by a twelve month's reading.—Baltimore Clipper, March 30, 1847. WRITING DESK AND GOLD PEN PRESENTED TO DR. H. BY ONE OF HIS LADY CLASSES. Dr. Hollick—Dear Sir: The members of your class, desiring the gratification of offering you some testimonial of their personal regard, and grateful appreciation of the benefits which you are conferring upon them and their sex generally, respectfully request your acceptance of the accompanying writing desk. Were it necessary, we might repeat our assurances that your services to humanity will be, by us, long and gratefully remembered. The women of this generation have reason to rejoice that, by your efforts, a new and extensive field of information has been opened to them, whence they may derive treasures of knowledge, of immense importance to themselves and their posterity, hitherto concealed within professional enclosures. Wishing you health and happiness, we beg leave to subscribe ourselves, Truly your Friends, Signed on behalf of the class by, M. G. (500 present.) O. W. B. Philadelphia March 20, 1845. NOTICES OF BOOKS. From the New York Herald. Outlines of Anatomy and Physiology, with a Dissecting Plate or the Human Organization, by Frederick Hollick, M. D. We regard this as one of the most valuable works issued in a long time. It is a complete general treatise on anatomy and physiology, and the dissected plate answers the purpose of a model of the human frame. Dr. Hollick is entitled to great credit for his laudable desire to disseminate a knowledge of subjects that are of such vital consequence to all, but which hitherto has been monopolized by the medical profession. We commend it to all as a work of great merit and usefulness. From the Patriot, Baltimore, March 24th, 1847. Outlines of Anatomy, &c.—Dr. F. Hollick, whose history as the great simplifier of the human anatomy, so well known throughout the country, and whose public Lectures have won for him so high a reputation, has just published a work which he designates "Outlines of Anatomy and Physiology for Popular Use." This book contains a very curiously and ingeniously arranged plate, which opens by pieces, so that the different parts of the organs of the human system may be seen in all their variety, all of which are fully explained in English. The second part of this invaluable work gives a general description of these organs and parts of the system, under the division of bones, muscles, arteries, veins, &c., &c. This work should fall into the hands of every family. From the New York Argus, January 9, 1847. Neuropathy.—This is a new name, but a good one, being the title of a work by Dr. F. Hollick, whose excellent Lectures on various subjects will be remembered by many of our citizens. In this work is explained the action of Galvanism, Electricity and Magnetism; Homoeopathy and Allopathy are contrasted in theory and practice; Mesmerism is discussed, and other subjects "too numerous to mention," treated in a manner at once novel and instructive. Dr. Hollick has also published a work on "Anatomy and Physiology for Popular Use," illustrated with a new dissected plate of the human organization, of most ingenious construction. Of this work we shall have more to say anon. It is no ordinary production. From the New York Sunday Times and Messenger, Jan. 10, 1847. "Outlines of Anatomy and Physiology, for popular use," illustrated by a new dissected plate of the human organization, and by separate views. The work is designed either to convey a general knowledge of these subjects in itself, or as a key for explaining larger and more complete works. These Outlines should be in the hands of every body; and Dr. Hollick, or any one else, is a public benefactor who furthers the publication of such able, interesting, and truly important works. From the Pennsylvanian, (Philadelphia,) Jan. 26, 1847. The following in regard to two works from the pen of Dr. Hollick, of this city, we copy from the Washington Union, of the 20th instant:— Outlines of Anatomy and Physiology for popular use. By Frederick Hollick, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy, Physiology, &c.—We regard this as an eminently useful publication. It gives in a form far more condensed and intelligible than we have before seen, a very comprehensive view of the human organization. The dissected plate of the human anatomy, which forms an interesting feature of the work, is to us at least a novelty. The explanations are drawn up with great simplicity, and cannot be misunderstood by the general reader, while they, with the illustrations, will often serve to render more clear and precise the views of scientific and professional students. From the Sunday Mercury, New York. Dr. Hollick's Last Work—The Diseases of Woman, their Causes and Cure familiarly explained, with Practical Hints for their prevention, &c.—We regard this as an invaluable production, the most useful, in many respects, which has yet emanated from this distinguished author and practitioner. It is just the kind of work which has ever been wanted, and is just suitable to the excellent purpose for which it was intended; this it accomplishes most fully, and its extensive circulation must be productive of vast practical benefit. It is works of this nature and CHARACTER which really do good; which exhibit plain facts in a plain manner, and record in language simple and intelligible, knowledge of the most vital importance to the health and consequent happiness of every daughter, sister, wife, and mother in the land. The work is dedicated to the Ladies of America, and we congratulate them upon the possession of a friend at once so able, so sincere and valuable as Dr. Hollick. Burgess, Stringer & Co., of this city, are the publishers. The New York Sun says of this Book: "Burgess & Stringer have just issued a most invaluable work, being a treatise upon the diseases of women, by the celebrated Dr. Hollick. We have thoroughly examined the work, and can say without hesitation, that it should be in the hands of every mother who cares for the health of her daughters, and every woman who values physical and mental well-being. Dr. Hollick and his publishers have done a public benefit by issuing such a book." From the New York Sunday Times. Dr. Hollick's great work, The Diseases of Woman, which will be found advertised in another column, is truly a valuable production, and well sustains the author's well-earned reputation. It is a complete practical treatise on female diseases, scientific enough for a medical man, and yet so plain that every body can understand it, and so delicately written that even the most fastidious cannot object to a single passage. Much of the matter it contains is quite new in this country, even to medical men, and of the greatest interest and importance. The anatomical plates are superb, and the whole book is excellently got up. Every adult female in the land should read this book; the information it gives would prevent an incalculable amount of disease and suffering, if possessed in time; or it will teach the best way to cure it when unfortunately established. WORKS PUBLISHED BY DR. HOLLICK. OUTLINES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, BY FREDERICK HOLLICK, M. D. This is the most complete, and at the same time most simple work ever issued on the subject. It is illustrated in a novel manner, by a large colored Plate of the Human Organization, which dissects by means of separate layers, from the surface of the Abdomen down to the Spine, showing all the Organs in their proper places, all connected together, and many of them in sections! the whole being colored to life. This plate is on an entire new plan, nothing of the kind having ever before been invented; it is almost as complete as a model, and is invaluable for private study, for teachers, and for Medical students. The explanations are familiar, and divested of technicalities: and it is still further illustrated by separate wood-cuts throughout the work, and a beautifully engraved portrait on Steel of the author. One volume, quarto, bound, price One Dollar. Third Edition. NEUROPATHY; OR, THE TRUE PRINCIPLES OF THE ART OF HEALING THE SICK. BY FREDERICK HOLLICK, M. D. Being a complete practical treatise on the use of GALVANISM, ELECTRICITY, and MAGNETISM, in the cure of disease, and a comparison between their powers, and those of Drugs or Medicines. These two works are published by T. B. PETERSON, No. 98 Chestnut-st., Philadelphia, and for sale by Booksellers and News Agents generally throughout the United States. THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. A complete popular Treatise on the Philosophy and Physiology of Reproduction, in Plants and Animals, with a detailed description of human generation. Illustrated by colored plates of the male and female systems. New being at every stage, &c. Published by Nafis & Cornish, 268 Pearl street, New York. Price $1. Thirtieth Edition, with additional Plates and various improvements. N. B.—This is the only popular and yet strictly scientific work on the Generative Functions ever yet published. THE DISEASES OF WOMAN, THEIR CAUSES AND CURE FAMILIARLY EXPLAINED; With Practical Hints for their prevention and for the preservation of Female Health. By F. Hollick, M. D. Especially designed for every Female's Private Use. Burgess, Stringer & Co., corner of Broadway and Ann streets, New York, and for Sale by all Booksellers. Second Edition. Price $1—300 pages, beautifully bound, and illustrated with numerous splendid Anatomical Plates. By remitting $1 in a letter to T. W. Strong, 98 Nassau-st., N. York, it will be forwarded to any part of the Country. decorative pointer No Female should be without it. The above works, along with the present one, constitute a complete practical and popular Library of Anatomy, Medicine and Physiology. They have all been purposely designed for the instruction of non-professional readers, but at the same time are so scientifically correct, and so complete, that they would serve as text books for Medical students. The favor they have already met with, and the extensive circulation they have attained, is proof that they both meet the wants of the public and enjoy its approbation. From the Boston Mail, March 7, 1848. Dr. Hollick's Separate Lectures to Ladies and Gentlemen on Physiology.—The importance of adult persons, of both sexes, understanding themselves, and their natural relations, must be obvious to every thinking mind. The present ignorance on these matters is, undoubtedly, the chief cause of the vices and sufferings which so extensively prevail, and our only hope of a beneficial change must be founded on a proper system of public instruction. This instruction is difficult to impart we admit, and there are but few men qualified for imparting it. We have no hesitation, however, in saying that Dr. H. is one of these men. He knows how to preserve in his subject all that intense interest which it intrinsically possesses, and yet to divest it of everything in the slightest degree obnoxious to censure, or even distrust. He has a happy faculty of making every thing easy to be understood, and yet avoiding the slightest approach to undue familiarity. All who attend, express themselves both surprised and delighted, and unhesitatingly recommend his Lectures wherever they go. Many of the most eminent Ladies in our city were among his auditors last week, and were unreserved in their expressions of approbation, both for the Lecture itself, and for the becoming modesty and true refinement that characterised its delivery. The present series, which commence to-day, has been anxiously expected, and will no doubt be numerously attended by both sexes, but particularly by the Ladies, many of whom were unable to gain admission last week. THE GOLD MEDAL PRESENTED TO DR. HOLLICK, BY THE LADIES OF PHILADELPHIA. TO GIVE LIGHT TO THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS Presented to FREDERICK HOLLICK M.D. by the Ladies who attended his Lectures on Physiological Science, delivered at Philadelphia, March, 1846, as an expression of their approbation of the knowledge therein conveyed, and as a testimonial of personal regard. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO LADIES! THE PATENT ELASTIC AND MEDICATED PESSARY; FOR THE RELIEF AND PERMANENT CURE OF PROLAPSUS UTERI, OR FALLING OF THE WOMB; Prolapsus Vagina, Rupture of the Bladder or Intestine into the Vagina; Retroversion, or Anteversion of the Womb; and also, in many cases, of Leucorrhoea, or Fluor Albus; invented by Dr. Hollick, and first described in his "Diseases of Woman." This Instrument is certain to cure all the above named diseases, where a cure is possible. It can be worn with perfect ease by young or old, summer or winter, night or day, without the slightest inconvenience. It is made of a soft elastic material, which never corrodes, and which gives way to the slightest motions of the body. It can never become displaced, nor fail to effectually support the parts, and is so light that it only weighs one ounce. decorative pointer This is the only Instrument of the kind ever invented, and certainly the only one that can cure Falling of the Womb; or be worn with ease, to relieve it, when incurable. Dr. Hollick is the only person who keeps it, as he has no Agent any where, at present. N. B.—The article is Patented: but, besides this, no imitations, however similar, can be depended upon, because the Original is impregnated, in a peculiar manner, known only to the Inventor, with a substance which imparts its Medicinal Power, and without which it would be comparatively inefficacious. All the old fashioned Trusses, Supporters, Pessaries, &c., are entirely superseded by this Instrument, which can only be obtained from Dr. Hollick, New York, who will also give the necessary directions as to its use and application. It may be sent any distance. Price—Five Dollars. ADVERTISEMENT. Dr. Hollick is daily receiving numerous Letters from all parts of the country, the answering of which has hitherto been a great tax on his time, already sufficiently occupied; he is therefore compelled to announce, that in future he cannot attend to any which merely request advice, unless they contain the customary fee of Five Dollars. Address, Dr. Hollick, New York. Transcriber's Notes Page 39 states, "In Plate VII. the line marked † crosses the upper strait, or brim of the Pelvis," but there is no † in the original image. On page 341, Chapter XXIII was incorrectly labeled Chapter XXII. That has been corrected here. Minor punctuation errors were corrected on pages vi, 4, 13, 19, 90, 141, 151, 200, 202, 206, 215, 258, 271, 301, 313, 323, 346, 457, 460, 464. Inconsistencies in hyphenation and capitalization have been retained. Original spellings have been retained except in the cases of these apparent typographical errors: Page 29, "situate" changed to "situated." (This is the part situated between...) Page 53, "tha" changed to "that." (Thus some authors asserted that...) Page 56, "barenness" changed to "barrenness." (...or, in other words, which produce barrenness...) Page 64, "Tincoe" changed to "TincÆ." (The Os TincÆ, or mouth of the Womb.) Page 116, "is" changed to "in" in two instances. (...Womb in a first pregnancy, and in a female...) Page 138, "expeeted" changed to "expected." (...or before the expected period...) Page 156, "foetal" changed to "foetal." (...and covered with the foetal membranes...) Page 183, "rotale" changed to "rotate." (...the head is compelled to turn, or rotate...) Page 203, "cephalio" changed to "cephalo." (...it is called the right cephalo iliac position...) Page 238, "langour" changed to "languor." (...falls into a quiet and pleasing langour...) Page 240, "signs" changed to "sign." (...and if there is no sign of its coming...) Page 243, "subseqnent" changed to "subsequent." (...being done in their subsequent labors.) Page 247, "asphyxated" changed to "asphyxiated." (...are most likely to become asphyxiated...) Page 253, "capble" changed to "capable." (...she thinks herself stronger, and more capable...) Page 255, "presentatious" changed to "presentations." (...very unfavorable presentations of the foetus...) Page 257, "unforseen" changed to "unforeseen." (...alarmed when unforeseen difficulties occur...) Page 281, "developement" changed to "development." (The development of the head cannot be ascertained...) Page 307, "cause" changed to "causes." (Still such presentation occasionally causes...) Page 311, "presentatations" changed to "presentations." (...most dangerous of all the presentations...) Page 313, "and" changed to "any." (...child and pelvis from any other cause.) Page 323, "recommeuds" changed to "recommends." (Mauriceau recommends that women...) Page 333, "continuanee" changed to "continuance." (...the continuance of pregnancy to the full period...) Page 333, "inadmissable" changed to "inadmissible." (The plug is here totally inadmissible...) Page 341, "honr" changed to "hour." (...may be preserved for an hour or two...) Page 341, "amni" changed to "amnii." (...and then if the liquor amnii...) Page 349, "introdueed" changed to "introduced." (When the first blade is properly introduced...) Page 371, "distate" changed to "distaste." (This means a complete distaste...) Page 380, "meat" changed to "neat." (A neat spoonful should be drunk...) Page 385, "weaknes" changed to "weakness." (...a state of weakness and exhaustion.) Page 385, "chlid" changed to "child." (...than dangerous, except to the child...) Page 395, "unles" changed to "unless." (...unless very large, they cause...) Page 397, "truely" changed to "truly." (...as truly so as those on the limbs...) Page 408, "mattrass" changed to "mattress." (...lie on her back, on a hard mattress...) Page 409, "accummulate" changed to "accumulate." (...and makes it accumulate in the womb...) Page 413, "ocurrence" changed to "occurrence." (...which may account for the constant occurrence...) Page 418, "ccnclusion" changed to "conclusion." (In conclusion it should be remarked...) Page 422, "temblings" changed to "tremblings." (...then follow tremblings, numbness of the limbs...) Page 426, "spmptoms" changed to "symptoms." (...after the first symptoms of the disease...) Page 436, "two" changed to "too." (...or too unremittingly, particularly...) Page 441, "oocasional" changed to "occasional." (...occasional doses of James's Fever Powder...) Page 441, "James' fever powders" changed to "James's Fever Powder." (...occasional doses of James's Fever Powder...) Page 445, "recommened" changed to "recommended." (Mesmerism has been recommended...) Page 445, "develope" changed to "develop." (...will develop the bones of the foetus...) Page 450, "crowed" changed to "crowded." (...on the operating table of a crowded theatre...) Page 452, "minmtes" changed to "minutes." (...the child was expelled in fifty minutes afterwards.) Page 455, "throngh" changed to "through." (...with unusual difficulty through the brim.) Page 457, "humau" changed to "human." (...natural parturition in the human mother.) Page 459, "coporeal" changed to "corporeal." (...principles of our corporeal existence...) Page 460, "1840" changed to "1846." (March 20, 1846) Page 464, "Peansylvanian" changed to "Pennsylvanian." (From the Pennsylvanian, (Philadelphia,) Jan. 26, 1847.) On page 240, an extra "an" was removed from the phrase "...to wait more than an hour..." On page 456, the word "of" was missing from the phrase "...after a careful examination of all the cases recorded..." On page 457, an extra "of" was removed from the phrase "the superinduction of anÆsthesia." |
|
