ABSTRACT
Ruptures Extraordinary.—Coles’s Patent Truss for single rupture has three springs, and for a double one six. The common, or German Truss, for double rupture, has but one spring generally. A mail coach or a gentleman’s carriage when compared with a common waggon, is not more conspicuous to the eye, nor when used more sensibly felt. The following lines, taken from the Lancet, No. 195, but too plainly shew how difficult a task it is to suppress real merit, even by the most powerful agency. In London’s great city, a place so renown’d For learning and arts, none so clever, Three lawyers of eminence, two had a son, One a nephew, only son of his mother. The last for advice to Sir Astley was bent, His mother and uncle to witness, He had then on his person Coles’s Patent, When Sir Astley disputed its fitness. ‘Perhaps,’ says the mother, ‘Sir Astley can tell Where we can procure something better, Though doubtless the other has done very well, Which appears by Hunt and Son’s letter.’ The second also to Sir Astley did go, His father most likely went with him, But finding a common Truss very so so, To Mr Coles straitway he took him. The latter a bandage preferr’d in his case, Which to him gave great satisfaction, When a second interview shortly took place, He related the former transaction. ‘What could Sir Astley,’ quoth he, ‘mean by saying, ‘Don’t get a Patent Truss for your son,’ Surely my money for nought I’ve been paying, The truss has been alter’d four times since ‘twas done.’ Dr. Birkbeck’s advice in the third case was given, The remedy was found quite complete, Tho’ Travers’ advice was previously taken, Neither patient had worn them a week. Manufactory, No. 1, London Bridge. (Courtesy: Wellcome Institute library, London.)
