Page 86 - An essay on the diseasesof the jaws, and their treatment

64 AN ESSAY ON THE become more distinct. I proposed to open tliis abscess immcdiatel}'-, and let tbe matter escape in the most favourable direction under the chin, with a view thereby to allow the other external sores to heal as soon as possible, but I was again prevented by the timidity of my patient. Determined, however, to lose no time, I advised an immediate consultation with Mr. Lawrence, who entirely con- curred with me in my opinion, and kindly undertook the opera- tion. The discharge of matter was considerable, and the imme- diate relief, as well as the further favourable result of the treatment, was very evident, and highly gratifying to the patient. The abscess was dressed in the same manner as the other sores, and particular care taken to keep the puncture open. April 26th. All the parts affected were doing remarkably well; the matter being now regularly discharged, none could collect in the diseased antrum, or in the under jaw, and granu- lation was therefore greatly facilitated ; the upper diseased max- illary cavity, as well as the diseased gums and sockets, was rapidly recovering its healthy condition, and the external sores were daily improving. April 29th, May 3rd, and 7th. The cure continued to pro- gress most favourably, and the general health of the patient to improve. May 10th. The whole mouth and the diseased parts were rapidly proceeding towards a perfect recovery; but the patient complained of a violent cold which ho had contracted since his previous visit. May 21st. I received a note from the father informing me that his son was very ill, and particularly desirous of seeing me at his residence in Westminster. I went immediately and found liim confined to bed by a violent attack of erysipelas, a malady very prevalent at that time in "Westminster. The patient was under the care of Mr. Pearse, the regular medical attendant of the family, and Dr. Jas. Johnson, who had been called in con- sultation; but although all the aid medical care and skill could afford was thus had recourse to, the malady proved fatal on the 26th of May.