Publication information |
Source: Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Source type: journal Document type: editorial Document title: none Author(s): anonymous Date of publication: November 1901 Volume number: 1 Issue number: 2 Pagination: 69 |
Citation |
[untitled]. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association Nov. 1901 v1n2: p. 69. |
Transcription |
full text |
Keywords |
McKinley assassination (personal response); William McKinley (medical care: criticism). |
Named persons |
William McKinley. |
Document |
[untitled]
Since our last issue the world has been profoundly
shocked and grieved by the murder of President McKinley. To the people of the
United States, particularly, his death was felt as a personal affliction.
People of all shades of political opinion had learned to love him, not alone
for his patriotic statesmanship, but for his beautiful private life and his
exemplification of lofty Christian virtues.
A great deal has been said in the newspapers and
medical journals about the treatment given the distinguished patient by the
physicians and surgeons in charge. So far as the surgical treatment of the stomach
wounds is concerned no criticism can be offered; but the medical and dietetic
management of the case ought to be characterized as fatal blundering from beginning
to end. The story is one of untold hypodermics of morphine, strychnine, codeine
and digitalis and many useless and exhausting enemas, nutrient and other, leading
up to the crowning mistake, on the sixth day after the infliction of the wound,
when solid food was given. From that hour the president failed rapidly, in spite
of, and maybe because of, the heart-sickening exhibiton [sic] of castor
oil, calomel and a heroic series of useless and deadly stimulants. Let us hope
that the newspaper report that the president's physicians have sent in a bill
for $100,000 is a gross exaggeration.