(623)
send you the particulars, will perhaps open the eyes to some that are opinionated. I would not relate the story but very plainly, without embarassing it by any Ratiocinations; not but that there was good matter to discourse upon, both during the time of the Transfusion, and after it. Some believed, that the vomiting came from the eating much Bacon half an hour before the Operation: Others, considering the pain in his Kidneys during the Transfusion and the swelling of his Stomach, which was presently follow'd by Evacuations above and below, do believe, that the new Blood entring in great quantity, caused a plenitude, and a fermentation in the great Vessels, which could not but be follow'd by all those effects. To which may be added, that almost all those, into whose Veins other Liquors than blood have been injected, have found the same Accidents.
It is also not yet agreed on, what was the cause of the lassitude, that obliged this man to keep his bed for some whole days: Some say, it proceeded from the disorder consequent to the entry of new blood into his Veins: Others have look'd upon it as the effect of a kind of Rhumatism he had got, lying stark naked in the streets; and have thought that he became not sensible of those pains, but after the recovery of his reason; just as those that have a hot Feaver do never complain of weariness, but after the abatement of the Fit.
There hath also been very differing discourse of that black colour in his Urine some days after the Transfusion; some alledging, that it was caused by some Veins, which having been opened from too great a fulness, discharged themselves into the Kidneys and Bladder: Others believing, that it was a black choler, discharging it self by the Veins, and which being retain'd before, sent up Vapours to the Brain capable to trouble the functions thereof.
I shall here suspend my judgment, resolved not to declare my thoughts, till have made many Experiments more; for I know very well, that in 50 we have made upon Brutes, we have found it but twice that the recipient Animal pissed blood after it, and, as far as I can judge, I believe I have infallible ways of preventing all such disorders; and I have proposed to my self, a manner of preparation and treatment, which the Patient may be made to observe both before and during the operation, to render it more beneficial. For 'tis not to be doubted, but measures are to be taken to dispose the body for Transfusion, as well as for all other operations to be undertaken with success. But we need not repent for not having observed them in this case; it appeared much better what the Transfusion all alone could do, and no cause hath been given to prejudiced men to impute this cure to the Preparation, rather than to the Operation it self.
We hear of many other sick persons, who possibly may find relief from this Experiment. I shall not fail to let you know the success of it in good time.
