129
Palpitation, from supposed organic derangement, but which did not prove fatal.
Thomas Hood, aged 40, a patient of Mr. Callan's, a surgeon, in Liverpool, consulted me in the month of February, 1828, for a violent palpitation of the heart, which, although it allows him to pursue his usual employment of a shoe-maker, is easily roused into morbid action, accompanied by much pain, and a very visible external fullness extending up to the left clavicle; which pain he always finds relieved, by holding himself quite erect, and inclining to the opposite side. This affection commenced about five years previously, and the patient was under Mr. Callan's treatment for several months, without deriving any material benefit. Dr. Renwick was then consulted, who directed bleeding, blistering, and diuretics, but with no better success. He then went to Ireland, his native country, for change of air, but finding himself worse, he soon returned, and sought the advice of the late Dr. Vandeburgh, of this town, by whom he was salivated, under the impression that his palpitation was symptomatic of hepatitis; which treatment had little or no effect upon the heart affection; all were now convinced that disease of that organ existed, which opinion was confirmed by the gentlemen of the Liverpool Infirmary, when he became a patient of the late Dr. Mc Cartney, who advised an issue to be inserted between the shoulders, and which was kept discharging freely for three months. The situation between the shoulders was preferred on account of his having great pain, and a violent fluttering beat, distinctly felt there; and when the
