Few things were more pleasing or valuable in Abernethy, than his modesty and his sense of justice. He knew his superiority well enough, but he measured it—as Science shows us all should do—with reference to what was still beyond him, and not by the standard afforded by the knowledge of others. His sense of justice was, we think, never appealed to in vain. The following letter has appeared to us significant in relation to these points. Amid the peaceful glories of a useful profession, there is nothing that sinks deeper or interests our regard more, than a man, in the hour of success, remembering what is due to others. We think this remark particularly applicable to the late Mr. Tait, in the following case. The letter from Abernethy was obligingly sent us by Mr. Tait's son and successor. The remarks with which Mr. Tait concludes his case, are as creditable to the writer as to him whom they were intended to honour.
We have stated that Mr. Abernethy had been the first to extend the application of John Hunter's celebrated operation for the cure of aneurism, to a vessel nearer the heart (the external iliac artery), on which Mr. Abernethy placed a ligature in 1797. Mr. Tait, of Paisley, had an extraordinary case of aneurism in both lower extremities, so high up as to oblige him to place a ligature on the external iliac artery on both sides of the body. The case occurred in an old dragoon, and the two operations were performed at separate times, with great judgment and with complete success. The case of course made some noise, and was highly creditable[71]. In closing his account of the patient, Mr. Tait observes: "The complete success which has attended these operations, while, certainly, it affords me one of the highest gratifications the practice of my profession can procure me, chiefly affects Mr. Abernethy.
"Accident has placed under my care a case which, so far as I know, is unparalleled in the history of surgery, and it has been cured; but I have only put in practice what every surgeon of the day ought to have done. When, thirty years ago, Mr. Abernethy formed the firm resolve of cutting open the walls of the abdomen and seizing the external iliac artery, he made a mighty step in advance, he formed an epoch in the history of his profession. John Hunter, upon reflecting on the hæmorrhage proceeding from the vessel below the sac, after an operation in 1779, when Mr. Broomfield, 'for security,' had tied the artery three or four inches above the aneurism, had probably the first glimpse at his great improvement of tying the artery, in cases of aneurism, nearer the heart. His eminent successor has extended the principles of the illustrious Hunter.
"So firmly impressed was Mr. Abernethy with the certainty of ultimate success, that, nothing daunted by the unfortunate issue of his two first cases, he persevered, and at length successfully secured the external iliac artery. His steps have been followed by a host, till at length it needed but such a case as mine to add the finishing touch to his well-earned fame. In doing justice to the merits of such men, we act but the part of prudence; since, if we do not, indignant posterity will.
"Paisley, January, 1826."
The following is Abernethy's reply to a communication from Mr. Tait on the subject, and couched in a tone, just in relation to Mr. Hunter, modest and characteristic as regards himself.
"TO DAVID TAIT, ESQ.
"SURGEON, PAISLEY."Dear Sir,
"I have read your interesting case in the 'Edinburgh Journal,' but have no comments to offer. I have therefore only to thank you for the honourable mention you have made of me. The progress of science has given us reason to confide in the anastomosing[72] channels for carrying on the circulation. The only question necessary to be decided was—would large arteries heal when tied? Every case confirmed that point, and therefore there was little merit in perseverance. Nevertheless, I feel grateful for your good opinion, and with congratulation and best wishes,
"I am, dear sir,
"Yours very sincerely,
"John Abernethy.""Bedford Row, July 14."
(Post mark 1826.)
The following portion of a note, necessarily mutilated by the suppression of professional matter, we copy as a written evidence of his not in any way appearing to alter or add to a treatment which he approved. It is written to a highly esteemed member of our profession, Mr. Beaman, of King Street, Covent Garden. Mr. Beaman had sent a patient alone to Mr. Abernethy, who, having seen him, gave him the following note:
"My dear Sir,
"The patient says"—here the symptoms referring to the point to be investigated are stated—"and if this be true, I have no wish * * * * nor can I suggest better treatment than that which you have adopted.
"Yours very sincerely,
"John Abernethy."(No date, post mark 1825.)