Medical science in Korea is wofully deficient. Native doctors
have but two instruments--a little flat knife-blade and a long,
sharp knitting-needle-like instrument. The former is used for
bleeding or scraping, and the latter for plunging into the body
to make an exit for the disease devil. It is always surgically
dirty and a joint is a favorite place for its insertion. Septic
conditions arise which render the joints permanently immovable.
Medical missionaries are continually called upon to give aid to
children of from eight to twelve years of age with stiffened
knees or elbows.
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