'A Patient in 1892' Information Sheet

The following entry is for Friday, the 16th of December, the day of his operation.

" This is the dreaded day. Mealtime comes, no meals for me after 6am. Cup of tea small piece of bread and butter, nothing more all day.

...Here I laid all day expecting to be carried into the Theatre. No life in me this day. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 opposite my bed tried to keep me jolly.

2.30. Nurses came and dressed me. Now ready for the operation. I laid here until about 4.30 pm.... in came the stretcher.

Soon was 22 laid on and carried to the Theatre...Doctors and Students seated all around. In the midst I saw Nurse and Mr Jacobson. This is the Gentleman who operated on me. When taken in I was told to look at the lights, just to take my attention off the place.

I noticed all kinds of things, which I trust I shall never see again. The India rubber bag was passed under my nose and I was asked not to breathe. Soon I found a strange sensation possessing me as though one that sent me sound asleep. The last words I heard were: "This young man has health and strength before him." This was said by Mr Jacobson.

Then I knew no more....

Knew nothing more until I woke at about 6.20 and found myself screaming and crying. I cried for Sister...The first I remembered I had clenched the Sister by the hand."