[55] See the Dissertation of M. Kattschmied, on this subject.
[56] When the cancer is evidently the consequence of an external
accident, neglected or injudiciously treated, amputation performed in
time, may effect a cure; but when the disease has come on gradually,
without being able to assign any external cause for it, I have almost
constantly observed, although it be performed in time, it accelerates
the patient's death; and sometimes after having been made undergo a
degree of torture more painful than that of the cancer itself. It
is hoped, that the virtues of hemlock will make the frequency of
amputation in these cases be discontinued: It appears, however, by the
conclusion of the section, that Mr. Bilguer had not seen Dr. Stork's
pamphlet.