Anatomy and physiology : designed for academies and families / by Calvin Cutter.

  • Cutter, Calvin, 1807-1873?
Date:
1847
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Anatomy and physiology : designed for academies and families / by Calvin Cutter. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    to a post mortem examination. He had removed from his finger, previous to the examination, a 'hang-nail,' and the poison from the dead body was brought in contact with the part denuded of cuticle, and through the agency of the absorb- ents it was conveyed into the system. Puncture any part of the scarf skin with the finest instrument that has upon its point the smallest conceivable quantity of the vaccine virus, or small-pox matter, and it will be brought into contact with the absorbent vessels, and through their agency conveyed into the system. The result is, that persons thus operated upon, have the small-pox, or, the vaccine disease. In removing the skin from the bodies of animals that have died of disease of any kind, and in handling or managing sick persons or animals, we should see that the cuticle is not broken or otherwise injured; safety and health require this caution. When we expose ourselves to poisonous vapors, we should observe the same caution. It would be beneficial to tanners, curriers, and those who handle substances that may contain poisonous animal matter, to have definite information on this topic. We have known many instances, in which tan- ners have had introduced into their systems, the poisonous animal matter upon hides, through small ulcers upon their fingers or hands. From these sores there would be seen small red lines, extending up the arm. These swelled tracts indicate an inflammation of the large absorbent trunks, that have been irritated and diseased by the passage of poisonous matter through them into the system. In case of an accidental wound, it is best immediately to bathe the part thoroughly in pure water, and to avoid all irritating applications. In some instances, it would be well to apply lunar caustic immediately. When shrouding dead bodies, or removing the skin from animals that have died of disease, it -would be well to lubricate the hands with olive-oil or lard. By so doing the minute portions of the skin, from which the cuticle had been removed, would be protected. In all cases, where there is an ulcer or sore, the part should be covered with something impervious to fluids, as court-plaster, before exposing the system to any animal, vegetable, or min- eral poison. Relate the case of Dr. W. of Boston. What precaution is necessary in removing the skin from animals that have died of disease ? Have persons ever been injured for want of this caution ? What directions are given when the cuticle is broken ?