Case X.—Cancer of the Lip.

16th Oct. 1867.—Strictly speaking, this should have been noticed under the head of 'Trifles.' What! call cancer of the lip a trifle? Certainly. Because such sores are not generally real cancers at all, but mere local incurable sores, with hard cartilaginous edges, that won't heal by any applications; and though they will certainly kill the patient if neglected, they may take twelve or fifteen years to do so, which allows ample time to excise them with a bistoury, a slight operation almost invariably successful. Be this as it may, I happened to have such a case in hand before hearing of the sulphur cure. I told the patient at the first that it must come to the knife; but as it had only existed some six weeks, or thereby, beginning with a small blister that never healed, he might try a little salve in the first place. Some three weeks of the salve doing no good, it was agreed to cut it out any day he chose to come to me. But people have a natural affection for their lips. It was always to be done 'some day;' but before that day came, I came into possession of the sulphurous acid. So, on the 5th October, I gave him a small phial of the acid mixed with glycerine, and told him to keep a piece of lint constantly wet with it on the sore. Having more important cases to attend to, this case was neglected till two days ago. On calling to ask for him, the patient being out, his wife told me it was no better. 'But the truth is,' says she, 'it has never had a chance. He won't be seen with white lint on his lip, and is scarcely ever at home.' 'Indeed!' exclaimed I, 'and your husband in such imminent danger of his life!' which being interpreted, means, 'Please, ma'am, advise him to give the lotion a trial.' Strangely enough, even this device was not sufficient, for, on calling to-day, I found that the lotion was still neglected, or imperfectly used. Not to be done with such an unruly patient, I changed my tactics. 'Here have I now been your family doctor for many years, and during that time have done you all the good I can. You cannot refuse such a small favour as allow the lotion fair play for two days' time. This lotion is a new thing, and I am exceedingly anxious to test its powers. Your lip is but a trifling sore, but most unhealing; if it can cure it, what a lesson it will teach me how to cure other things of more importance!' This appeal had the desired effect. I applied the lint myself to-night (16th October), and he promised to keep within doors for two whole days, and keep the lint always wet with the lotion. The result shall be stated on the 18th.

18th October 1867.—Unsuccessful. For a short period (for the healing powers of sulphurous acid seem a question of hours rather than of days) it promised well. But my opinion is, it must come to the knife. I will try for a few days longer.

22d October 1867.—'Delenda est Carthago.' I excised the sore to-day with the aid of my professional brother, Dr. A. Kello. It is almost gratifying to find one case of failure. Amid all my eager searching for flaws, positively I was beginning to fear that the most serious flaw of all was hurting the material, by improving the therapeutical resources of the profession!