Pain and anaesthetics : an essay, introductory to a series of surgical and medical monographs / by Valentine Mott.

  • Mott, Valentine, 1785-1865.
Date:
1863
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Pain and anaesthetics : an essay, introductory to a series of surgical and medical monographs / by Valentine Mott. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    extended use of anaesthetics in naval and military practice. I am satisfied that if, in their operations, the pain were more generally prevented many lives would be saved which are now lost from the shock to the nervous system, and that, in all severe cases, the prospect of recovery is better and the subsequent inflammation is milde^when an anaesthetic has been used. ^ To this conclusion I have not come hastily. Of so much import have I always regarded the prevention of the pain of operations, and so desirable, if it could be practically effected, that ten years before the introduction of anaesthetic vapor I listened patiently and attentively to the claims of animal magnetism to this power to produce insensibility; but found, and I may say with unalloyed regret, that when fairly brought to the test, its most ardent friends were compelled to admit its utter inefficiency, and even since the invention of an aes- thetic inhalation, I have carefully tested the power of other agents, such as nitrous oxyde, to produce insensibility to pain, but still consider none of them deserving of mention when compared with chloroform or aether. In conclusion, perhaps I may say, that these observations and reflections have been made during the intervals taken from a business still pressing, at a time of life when most men desire repose. They are given to the cause of American nationality, and may claim to be at least an old surgeon's offering on the altar of his country. The flag of our Union, the glorious Stars and Stripes, has repeatedly protected me in foreign lands beneath its broad folds, and if what I have written here shall be in any measure successful in prevent- ing the sufferings and prolonging the lives of that noble army who are now serving under my country's banner, I shall receive my reward.