bulk during the last two years, and the breasts were fully developed; in short, she appeared to be in a state of pregnancy.
The patient being laid on her back, I pushed a double-edged scalpel through the hymen, which was very thick and tough; beginning at the upper part just below the meatus. Nearly four pints of tar-like fluid gushed out; after which I continued the incision down to the perineum. An aperture was thus made capable of admitting two fingers, into which a plug of lint was introduced.
Before the whole of the menstrual fluid was discharged, the young lady became hysterical, and continued in that state while I remained with her, which was a period of four hours; and my engagements compelled me to leave her in that condition, under the care of the practitioner in attendance, from whom, on the third day after the operation, I received the following letter:
March 28, 1833.
" My dear Sir,—I feel much pleasure in informing you that our patient is, in many respects, relieved. The muscular action of the bladder has returned, and nature effects her own purpose with perfect consciousness. The bowels are relieved. There is still a discharge, a little corrosive in its character, but not grumous. I have, this morning, passed a sponge, without any difficulty, during a paroxysm of hysteria. The hysterical affection still continues with severity, but, I can say with propriety, that she is progressively, although slowly, improving.
With best regards, and thanks for your attention,
I remain, my dear Sir, your's, &c."
"To J. M. Coley, Esq."
