WOUNDS 33 



frigate in the Bay of Naples, having so many men 

 woundec), as Tvell as the Captain, the surgeon of the ship 

 required assistance ; consequently, a signal was made to 

 VEsjyoir, a small brig in company, to send their doctor 

 on board, which they speedily did in the person I have 

 ah'eady described ; he was then only assistant-surgeon, 

 or doctor's mate, as small vessels are not allowed a full 

 surgeon ; indeed, that was a degree, I believe, our friend 

 never attained, however his abilities may have deserved 

 it. 



On his coming on board his attention was drawn by 

 his superior to the Captain, who lay in his cot in the 

 cabin, with his shoulder dreadfully smashed, to all 

 aj^pearance suffering the greatest agony, and drifting 

 fast into the vast and fathomless ocean of eternity. 



After examining the fracture with as much care and 

 tenderness as the seat of the wound and his own rous'h 

 nature would allow, he gave it as his opinion that the 

 injured limb might with safety be removed ; and being 

 asked by the other how he proposed to do it, he replied, 

 by taking it out of the socket. 



The patient, overhearing this conversation, said he 

 would not submit to any experiment, as he was convinced 

 the wound was mortal, and he wished to await his end 

 in peace. Our Hibernian friend, upon this, calling to 

 his aid a little of that persuasive eloquence so peculiar to 

 his countrymen, assured the Captain it was no experi- 

 ment at all, for the operation had already been performed 

 with success by Sir Astley Cooper, an account of which 

 he was in possession of, and would, with his permission, 

 read it to him. Having done so, the Captain asked him 



VOL. II. D 



