Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

Uncommon case of Depletion.

A communication from Dr. John R. Lucas, of Mecklenburg, published in the last "Enquirer," printed at Richmond, in Virginia, relates a remarkable instance of the violence and obstinacy of acute inflammation, which is not unworthy of notice.

The patient was Captain James Niblett, of the same county; a man thirty years of age, of a full and plethoric habit of body, when in health, and accustomed to daily exercise on foot, of a bilious aspect. His complaint was an inflammatory affection of the lungs. Dr. Lucas visited him at intervals from the 29th of May last to the 8th of August in the present year; during which period, blood letting was almost the only remedy prescribed. Emollient medicines were administered during the time, but merely for the purpose of harmonizing the state of the bowels, and preventing costiveness. Depletion seems to have been, from first to last, relied upon by Dr. Lucas; and the result of the lancet's reiterated application afforded the most ample testimony of its efficacy. The loss of blood sustained by Mr. Niblett was truly astonishing; and we subjoin an account of it, in the words of Dr. L. himself.

"From the 28th May to the 28th July, (observes Dr. L.) Captain Niblett lost by measurement 600 ounces blood, and by weight 668 ounces, 6 drachms; being, it is presumed, the largest quantity ever drawn from the veins of any human being in the same length of time by medical advice; and for the person to bear it and do well. He was bled 50 different times, and the blood every time was covered with a thick, strong white coat, and lost from 4 to 20 ounces each time. He was cupped, and had leeches applied daily for several weeks, exclusive of the bleedings at the arm and the discharge from the seton."

* An ounce of blood by measure, weighs 9 drachms and 11 grains.