Page:Recovery from the passage of an iron bar through the head.djvu/10

10 of his death, and have his coffin and clothes in readiness to remove his remains immediately to his native place in New Hampshire. One of the attendants implored me not to do anything more for him, as it would only prolong his sufferings–that if I would only keep away and let him alone, he would die. She said he appeared like "water on the brain." I said it is not water, but matter that is killing the man–so with a pair of curved scissors I cut off the fungi which were sprouting out from the top of the brain and filling the opening, and made free application of caustic to them. With a scalpel I laid open the integuments, between the opening and the roots of the nose, and immediately there were discharged eight ounces of ill-conditioned pus, with blood, and excessively fœtid. Tumefaction of left side of face increased. Globe of left eye very prominent.

From this date, Sept. 28th, to Oct. 6th, the discharge from the openings was very profuse and fœtid. Erysipelatous blush on skin of left side of face and head. Pulse ranging from 80 to 96. Speaks only when spoken to. Swallows well, and takes considerable nourishment, with brandy and milk; says he has no pain.

Oct. 6th–twenty three days after the injury–I find entered in my note book as follows:–General appearance somewhat improved; pulse 90, and regular; more wakeful; swelling of left side of face abating; erysipelas gone; opening discharging laudable pus profusely; calls for his pants, and desires to be helped out of bed, though when lying upon his back cannot raise his head from the pillow. By turning to one side he succeeded in rising, and sat upon the edge of the bed about four minutes. Says he feels comfortable. Appears demented, or in a state of mental hebetude.

Oct. 11th–twenty-eight day.–Very clear in his mind; states how long he has been upon his bed, how he was injured, the particulars of the explosion, and the time in the day when it occurred.