On a new method of treating certain diseases of the cervix uteri / by Robert Ellis.

  • Ellis, Robert.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On a new method of treating certain diseases of the cervix uteri / by Robert Ellis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    14/24 (page 14)
    annoyance of the nitrous fumes evolved, and not less im¬ portantly the apprehension found to be occasioned by the sight of two batteries in work, I generally arrange them outside a window, and altogether out of sight, the wires alone entering the apartment where I operate. The cylindrical form of cautery is perhaps the most universally useful, but when necessary, small olive-shaped pieces of porcelain may be used, which can be made to order at the potter’s. Such olives should have a cylindrical stem, to fit into the socket formed by the upper part of the silver tube. The pain of this operation is generally less than that of applying the solid nitrate of silver to the cervix uteri. This will not appear surprising to those who are familiar with the application of the electrically-heated wire to the relief of toothache. The instantaneous operation of the cautery appears to destroy the sensation of the parts to which it is applied. If a lower degree of heat were used, it might then be somewhat more painful. In the great majority of instances in which I have used it, the persons have said they felt little or no pain, and they have gene¬ rally considered the simple operation of dressing with nitrate of silver a more serious one (in regard of the sensations experienced) than the application of the actual cautery. So little apprehension has arisen in the minds of those on whom 1 have used this instrument, that in no instance where it might have been proposed have they expressed a fear of the repetition of its use. It is necessary to remind the reader that, however pain¬ less the operation may comparatively appear, it is never¬ theless one which requires prudence and discretion in its