American Watchman And Delaware Advertiser

Surgical Operation.—Last Sunday, a young lady of this town, the daughter of D. W. Sloan, Esq. accidentally swallowed a pin, which lodged about half way down in its passage to the stomach. In the confusion and alarm that ensued, many expedients were adopted by kind hearted and afflicted friends, such as swallowing hard substances, &c.—and by medical advice, which was immediately procured, emetics were also administered—but all to no purpose, except to render the situation of the patient more distressing. About ten hours after the accident, Dr. Emmons of this town was called in, and the remedy he applied, though simple, was to us novel and ingenious, and may be of use in similar cases, if made public. A common wire was used, about twelve inches and a half long, and doubled, with a piece of sponge attached to the end—this in a dry state was easily passed down the passage below the pin, where it absorbed moisture and became so much swollen, that in drawing it up, it completely filled the aesophagus, and brought up the pin, strongly attached to it.

The ingenuity and success of this operation reflect great credit on Dr. Emmons, and though modest merit, if consulted, might have forbidden any comment on our part, we feel that justice to him, and duty to the public, both require it.—American Advocate.