by Brendan Hamilton.
A collage of text fragments from The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion (1861-65)
I.
A conoidal ball entered.
II.
A peculiar ‘leaden’ feeling had been observed. Complains of difficulty of speaking. Portions of bones received without history. A fatality of 45.9 percent. Meagre details are reported.
III.
The Atlantic coast is remarkable for the size and fine flavor of its oysters. They have been extensively prescribed. Light omelets are suitable for convalescents. In a few cases, however, eggs disagree. The cooked flesh of various mammals and birds is sometimes admissible. The use of finely hashed raw meat is advantageous. Precautions should be used in the employment of fresh fruit. Fish as a rule are best avoided.
IV.
The operation was neat and made a perfect stump. A depression of vital forces should be noted. The thread being fine and rotten, I dreaded to pull it even gently. A steady sinking. The stump healed. The stump broke open. Milk punch was administered. The stump looked well. The stump was dressed with lead sutures. The stump ordered brandy. The stump craved noon. The opium stumped midnight, cavity. Discharge of pus extraordinary. Vapors severe. Fragments of bone removed. Violent pain in the stump. Appetite capricious. Spontaneous stump. A straw-colored jelly-like stump, steadily stump. The stump rallied under stimulants. This was a robust young man.
V.
The immediate cause of death was supposed to have been imprudence in eating oysters. The mucus membrane was of a lively red.