it.
But it is a wonder, greater still, that medical men who are so
unqualified for the duties of their profession as the physicians who
were most concerned in the treatment of the above case appear to me to
have been, do not feel compelled, by the remonstrances of their own
consciences, to quit their profession, and do something for a living for
which they are better prepared.

CHAPTER XCIV.

CURE OF POISON FROM LEAD.

Cases of poisoning by lead are occurring in our country almost daily;
and it becomes a matter of much importance to know how to treat them.
Indeed, there are many who are so susceptible to the action of this
deleterious agent, that the reception of a single tumbler of water
brought through lead pipes, in a certain condition, into their stomachs,
will cause serious disturbance. I have had one patient of this
description--a Mr. E., of Worcester, Mass.

Some twenty years ago, much of the water used in the village of Dedham,
Mass., was conveyed to the village, for half a mile or so, in lead
pipes. Many who drank the water were injured by it; some of them for
life. A Mr. R., a printer, is believed to have lost his life, by disease
which was either induced or aggravated by this cause. I have, myself,
been called to prescribe for several, who were probably led into a state
of ill health by this unhealthy water. One of the clergymen of the
village suffered from it very greatly, though he is, as I believe, yet
living.

There is some difference of opinion as to the circumstances which most
favor the action of the lead, or, rather, which cause its dissolution in
the water. But, with regard to its danger, in certain circumstances,
either known or unknown, there can be no doubt. Nor can we doubt that,
in view of facts which exist, it is our duty to banish lead pipes, as
much as possible, from common use.

During the early part of the year 1855, Capt. J. H., near Boston, aged
thirty-four years, of good natural constitution and comparatively
healthy habits in general, had a slow typhoid fever, from which,
however, he finally recovered, though not without a continued liability
to a relapse. About this time, he began to use water brought to his
kitchen in lead pipes.

Late in the year 1856, he was taken down very suddenly, with fever and
great debility, and in four or five days his upper and lower limbs
became completely paralyzed. He was not able to stir so much as one of
his hands. Indeed, the whole a