Observations placeholder
Hack Tuke, Daniel – Healing - Ascites cured by the threat of paracentesis
Identifier
026157
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
As described in Illustrations Of The Influence Of The Mind Upon The Body In Health And Disease, Designed To Elucidate The Action Of The Imagination - Daniel Hack Tuke, M.D., M.R.C.P.,
PART II. THE EMOTIONS.
CHAPTER XI. INFLUENCE OF THE EMOTIONS UPON THE ORGANIC OR VEGETATIVE FUNCTIONS (CONTINUED).
In the following case of ascites, for the genuineness of which I can vouch, the fluid was rapidly absorbed, and the action of the kidneys increased:
A woman, aged about 45, was attended by Dr. B — , in a small town in Devonshire. He found medicines perfectly useless, and was, therefore, determined to try his hand (his first essay) at paracentesis.
He intimated to the patient what he intended to do on the following morning, which alarmed her much; in fact, nearly frightened her out of her wits. He invited two of his medical friends to assist him in the operation. The trio were duly ushered into the sick-room — but no operation ! The fluid had vanished, discharged chiefly by the bladder. They found the poor creature exhausted, blanched and as thin as a lath. The abdomen was bandaged, and the worthy doctors walked back to the surgery to consult, and unriddle the mystery.