Ad52 Description of a Sofa for the Use of 
The invention appears to have long occupied the humane at- 
tention of Mr. James. Seventeen years since, an account of a 
machine invented by this gentleman for’fractures of the legs and 
thighs appeared in the Encyclopedia Britannica, which is still 
highly approved of by the faculty in general. 
Attestations to the great utility of the present invention have: 
been given by the highest authorities in medicine and surgery. 
The following letters form but a small part of the flattering tes- 
timonials with which the inventor has been honoured. 
“ Lincoln’s Inn Fields, July $1, 1813. 
* Dear sir,—I have carefully inspected the drawing of the 
sofa, which you have invented for patients who are incapable of 
moving by their own exertions. 
“ Jt appears to me that this invention is very superior to any 
other that I am acquainted with, for such purposes. The sim- 
plicity of its construction, and the ease with which the body and 
limbs can be moved into the most’ favourable positions, must 
' greatly contribute to the comfort of the patient. 
«I remain, dear sir, yours faithfully, 
“ HENRY Cine. 
* To Samuel James, Esq. 
sao ag: Herts.” 
* Russel Square, Nov. 15, 1813. 
«| have attentively examined the sofa so admirably contrived, 
and so ingeniously constructed; the discovery of Mr. Samuel 
James, surgeon, at Hoddesdon. 
“ It facilitates the motion of the whole body, or any distinct 
part of it, without any exertion on the side of the invalid, and 
without any painful effort ; it is therefore calculated to afford the 
greatest relief in cases of gout or rheumatism, in fractures, and 
all other external injuries whére surgical aid is necessary. It keeps 
the diseased parts’in the most tranquil and relaxed situation: it 
preserves them ina steady and uniform postion, so that external 
injury is avoided, It has, likewise, the advantage of being so 
commodious and accommodating, as to assume the appearance 
of an elegant sofa, 
‘ (Signed) .Wm. SaunpErs, M. D.” 
« Aldermanbury, Nov. 18, 1813. 
“ My dear sir,—It must be known to every person engaged 
in the management of the sick, that the instances are innume- 
rable in which it is of the greatest moment, as in severe affec- 
tions of the chest, compound fractures, &c. that the patient 
should be furnished with the means of having his body easily 
placed, 
