On the treatment of new formations of benign character in the larynx / by Lennox Browne.

  • Browne, Lennox (Isaac Lennox), 1841-1902.
Date:
1875
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the treatment of new formations of benign character in the larynx / by Lennox Browne. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    CONSIDERATIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF NEW FORMATIONS OF BENIGN CHARACTER IN THE LARYNX. The introduction into medical practice of the laryngoscope, by Professor Czermak, more than sixteen years ago, opened up a new and even yet unexhausted territory for observation and treatment—a territory equalled in importance by that of no other technical instrument for exploring the deeper cavities of the body. The laryngoscope alone of all such instruments is useful alike to physiologist, medical observer, and prac¬ titioner. To the physiologist it reveals an absolutely clear and undis¬ torted anatomical image of the organ in performance of its various normal functions ; and by its aid facts of the greatest physiological in¬ terest have been discovered or perfected. To the medical observer an equally clear image of the organ and the exact nature of the lesion are revealed. Further, like the ophthalmoscope it may give early warning of pulmonary, cardiac, cerebral, or other disease. And, lastly, the laryngeal mirror directs the hand of the practitioner to apply with accuracy topical treatment to the spot or surface which may be subject to morbid action. All these advantages have combined to make the laryngoscope, at first considered a mere physiological toy, in a very short space of time an instrument of immense power for good, and, it may be added, also for evil. It is, I suppose, an unquestionable fact, that many more ophthalmic operations are now performed than previously to the discovery of Helmholtz. Certainly, the vaginal speculum and uterine sound have robbed of much wholesome fear surgical interference with the cavity of the womb. But as the laryngoscope surpasses all these other instruments, by combining completeness of revelation with opportunity for precision of local treatment, so also has its reputation suffered in far larger proportion from excessive instrumental inter¬ ference with the organ over which it holds sway. It is some years since