Case I. Hysteria—Five Years’ Illness—Operation—Cure in Two Months.
D. E., æt. 26, single; admitted into the London Surgical Home Oct. 12, 1859.
History.—She had been a dressmaker in Yorkshire to all the best families around, but for the last five years had been so ill as to render her unable to do any work, and had been entirely supported by her former customers. When in that neighbourhood, on a professional visit to a lady, I was requested to see, amongst others, this poor ci-devant dressmaker. Her physiognomy at once told me the nature of the case; she was much attenuated, having for a longtime been unable to retain any food, always being sick, with great pain, immediately after meals. She had constant acid eructations; was so weak as to be at times unable to cross the room; complained of a burning, aching pain, with great weakness at the lower part of the back. Her catamenia were irregular, with much leucorrhœa; bowels generally costive. She was very melancholy, and expressed a most earnest desire to be cured. I advised her admission to the “Home,” and on October 15, I divided the clitoris subcutaneously. This being my first operation, I did not know the consequences of performing the operation in this manner. For two days the hæmorrhage was profuse and uncontrollable. Sleep was procured by opiates. I ordered ℥ij of olive oil to be rubbed into her chest every night, with a view to nutrition of her attenuated frame. A moderately generous diet was given, but no stimulants. She was quite well in two months, and has never since had a day’s illness. She resumed her occupation as a dressmaker, and recovered nearly all her former customers. 1865.—I have heard almost yearly of this patient, and lately had a letter from the lady to whom I previously referred, saying that my patient is perfectly well and in robust health.