Dr. Francis, in his book, “Surgeons of New York,” tells the following, which illustrates how a desperate remedy may apply to a desperate disease. The cases in reference were “peritonitis.” Dr. Smith (our “plough-boy”) had charge of the lying-in wards, under Professor Clark.
“Dr. Smith, have you ever attended a common school?” asked Professor Clark.
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you ever hear a teacher say, ‘I will whip you within an inch of your life?’” pursued Dr. Clark.
“Yes, sir; I have.”
“Well, that is the way I wish you to give opium to these patients,—‘to within an inch of their lives.’”
Dr. Smith determined to follow implicitly his instructions, and gave to one as high as twelve grains of opium an hour.
“At this extreme point the remedy was maintained for several days.
“The patient recovered, and remained in the hospital, attached to kitchen service, for several months.”
Certainly, the poor Irish, even, have their uses in New York city.