Page:Encyclopædia Britannica, Ninth Edition, v. 7.djvu/496

476 

FIG. 3. Inspiration (Dr Silvester s method).

FIG. 4. Expiration (Dr Silvester s method).

Dr Silvester s method is more generally practised that that of Dr M. Hall, its special advantages being that it com mences by imitating inspiration, and more completely distends the chest. But we are of opinion that the combina tion of the two methods as recommended above should undoubtedly be practised in every case. It has frequently been pointed out that in fatal cases of drowning the right auricle of the heart is very much dis tended ; and it has been plausibly urged by Professor Struthersof Aberdeen (Edinburgh MedicalJoiirnal, 1857, p. 418) that the movements of respiration may be successfully imitated, and air may enter the lungs, and yet the patient may not recover in consequence of the stoppage of the action of the heart. He recommends that blood should be drawn from the external jugular vein, so as to relieve the engorged auricle, which, from its distension, is paralyzed. The abstraction of a small quantity of blood is all that is required to effect this from half to one or two table-spoonfuls. Finally, as a last resource, galvanism must be had recourse to. Both this and the blood-letting must be practised by a qualified medical man ; but it is important to know that the methods of Dr Hall and Dr Silvester can easily be learned by any one, and that, if early and perseveringly applied, they are attended with a large measure of success. The treatment must be continued for at least eight hours, should there be an absence of extreme pallor, and while any heat of the body remains. The question of the treatment of the drowned cannot be regarded as definitely settled, and the plans of Hall and Silvester have from time to time been subjected to criti cism. Among the latest suggestions is that of Dr B. Howard of America, who, by means of what he terms his &quot; direct&quot; method, which mainly consists in pressure of the chest from above (the patient being placed on his back), claims that air is more easily introduced into the lungs, and that the expansion and contraction of the chest are more perfectly attained (see Lancet, August 11, 1877). At the meeting of the British Medical Association at Man chester 1877, Dr Howard practically demonstrated his plan on the living subject, and there can no doubt that involuntary respiration was readily produced. Further evidence, however, is necessary from actual cases of sus pended animation.

 DROZ, (1773-1850), a French writer on moral and political subjects, was born on October 31, 1773, in the city of Besangon, where his family had furnished men of considerable mark to the legal profession. His own legal studies led him to Paris in 1792 ; he arrived on the very day after the dethronement of the king, and was present during the massacres of September ; but on the declaration of war he joined the volunteer bataillon of the Doubs, and for the next three years served in the army 