Directory_and_Chronicle_1841 — Page 476

1841.

Report of M. M. S. Hospital at Chusạn.

457

cine. They themselves used tiger's bones, ginseng, and other things; · but acknowledged that their remedies were not very effectual. Some were pressing in their intreaties for a supply of quinine, which could not be given, as the quantity on hand was very inadequate to the large demands for it.

The two cases of paralysis of the arms from torture, occurred in respectable men. One of these was in the country, endeavoring to buy provisions and other things for sale in the city, when some Chi- nese soldiers seized him, and having beaten him severely, tied his arms behind him round a tree for a length of time, until he had lost all power of motion. The other man had some property, of which he was robbed by a party of thieves, who then tied his arms behind him in the same manner. Both these cases were benefited by medical

treatment.

Opiam smoking. It was said, by one or two householders, that this was a very common practice among the respectable people, who usually lived in Tinghae, even affecting one third, some said one half, of these persons. But few of them, however, presented them- selves at the hospital, desiring medicine to cure them of the habit. Occasionally, persons were seen in private houses using the opium pipe, but no considerable data were afforded, whereby to judge re- garding this subject.

Elephantiasis prevails to a great extent throughout the island, and many cases were seen in which fearful ravages had been committed by this disease. It presented itself much more frequently in Chusan than it does at Canton, but from what cause is not apparent. Some of the incipient cases were slightly benefited by frequent purgatives, repeated bathing of the limbs with warm water, followed by the use of stimulating liniments. But the period during which the cases were attended to was not sufficient to show whether the benefit: would be permanent or not.

Psora, and other cutaneous diseases, existed among the people in much the same degree as in other parts of China.

In the case of opening into the trachea, the disease commenced nine years ago, when a small abscess appeared in front of the trachea : this increased in size and probably a large slough came away, and ulceration went on till in course of a short time, an opening was made into the trachea just below the cricoid cartilage, and this en- larged until it attained its present size-three quarters of an inch in diameter, and comprising the whole breadth of the trachea, and is now stationary; the edges have not cicatrized, but secrete a small

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