Centenary of the first public operation under an anæsthetic in Europe carried out at University College Hospital by Robert Liston on 21st December 1846.

Date:
1946
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Centenary of the first public operation under an anæsthetic in Europe carried out at University College Hospital by Robert Liston on 21st December 1846. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    varying from the i/3500 to the 1 /2500 of an inch. The cells are filled with granular matter, and have not a distinct nucleus, are globular in form and appear to have a distinct envelope. It is Professor Liston’s opinion that these bodies are the remains of extravasated blood. Some discharge took place from the cavity left, but this nearly healed up prior to his admission to the hospital. Present state. Health good, cheerful, appearance that of a person in good but'not robust health. Right knee much swollen, 2 aper¬ tures the size of a small pea about an inch apart and over the tibio- peroneal articulation which is thought to be affected, a probe passes superficially beneath the integument 3 or 4 inches both inwards and upwards. A thin serous discharge is given out. Pulse 80. Ordered to have full diet and milk 1 pint. Nov. 24. Ordered to remain in bed. Syr Ferri Iodidi 1 drachm ter die. Nov. 25. Today Professor.Liston examined the sinus with a probe, which passed freely up from the aperture to opposite the head of the tibia, an incision was made opposite the tibio- peroneal articulation and the finger passed down, bare bone was distinctly felt, the outer head of the tibia. The wound was plugged but prior there was an attempt made to ascertain whether the diseased portion of bone were loose, this was found not to be the case. Water dressings ordered and complete rest. Nov. 26. Sleep much disturbed this last night in consequence of an unruly patient in the private ward above. Yesterday was much purged with Pil. Aloes cum Hydrargyro gr. x. Complains of want of appetite. Pulse 70. Tongue furred. Ordered a chop daily, also beef tea 1 pint, and porter r pint. Nov. 27. At the usual time of visit appeared much the same, 1 o-| a.m. a violent attack of pain in the whole affected limb came on and this was accompanied by rigors. The double inclined plane and hot fomentations were ordered at noon. 1 p.m. The pain extends from the hip to the toes and increases in severity. Hirudines xii to the kneejoint which has increased in size and is puffy. R/ Pulvis Ipecacuanhas comp. gr. x statim. 3 p.m. Sickness, one or two tablespoonfuls of dark matter ejected. Complains of headache. Pulse 100. Dosed towards night, but slept little during it and not able to occupy the recumbent position owing to the pain. Nov. 28. At 6 a.m. suffered much from the pain in the joint which was somewhat relieved by fomentations. The joint is now