SHADE OF PROGRESS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 72, 18 December 1928, Page 11

SHADE OF PROGRESS

MADE BY THE KING BULLETINS GIVE RISE TO MORE OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK ' APPLICATION OF RAY - . THERAPY The bulletins indicate, that the King has made a shade of progress in the right direction, and have given rise to a more optimistic outlook despite the knowledge that an arduous struggle is ahead. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.-United Service.) London, December 16. This evening Dr. Woods and Dr. Howitt, two experts on ray therapy, attended a consultation at the Palace with Sir Hugh Rigby, the surgeon who performed the King’s operation, Sir Stanley Hewett and Lord Dawson. „ „ To-night’s bulletin was as follows: —“The King has had a quiet day, and the improvement in His Majesty’s condition noted this morning has been maintained.” The bulletin is signed by Sir Stanley Hewett, Sir Hugh Rigby,, and Lord Dawson. (Australian Press Association.) London, December 16. To-day’s bulletin is the most hopeful for some days, and to-night’s particularly indicates a shade of progress in the right direction. To quote an authoritative expression they have given rise to a more optimistic outlook, despite the definite knowledge that an arduous struggle is inevitably ahead. The first application of fay therapy was given 'to-night just before the bulletin. Though administered by the experts, Dr. Howitt and Dr. Woods did not sign the bulletin, and state that they do not sign any future bulletins. Lord Dawson paid a brief visit this afternoon, and returned at 6.30, accompanied by Dr. Howitt and Dr. ■Woods. The three were in consultation with Sir Stanley Hewett, after which the ray treatment followed. Dr. Howitt and Dr. Woods left the Palace at 7 o’clock. His’Majesty slept for some time in the afternoon, and the Queen was able to leave the Palace. She lunched at the Duke and Duchess of York’s Piccadilly residence, and afterwards took a short drive, being welcomed by the crowds on returning’to the Palace. The Prince of Wales visited the Palace in the morning, and returned in the evening. He left after he had heard the latest report. Growth of Light Healing. ' The use of ultra-violet rays on the King is the greatest single piece of recognition yet given to. electro-ther-apy. The growth of light healing is one Of the outstanding developments of medical science, in which the British are in the forefront .with the .finest ultra-violet ray apparatus in the world. The King’s physicians soon realised that the system was being called to aid them in the fight. The apparatus is easily portable, and was placed on a stand beside the bed. and connected with the ordinary light circuit. 'While His Majesty’s chest and back were bared, both the King’s doctors wore dark glasses, as the effects of the rays on the naked eye are injurious. Ray treatment usually begins with one short application each day in the chest or back, which is exposed for half a minute only. The following exposure may last a minute, and the third two minutes, or alternatively two applications a day each for one minute may be necessary, to allow the patient to become gradually accustomed to the rays. Longer than half a minute at the beginning will produce the equivalent of severe sunburn. Effects of Treatment. The treatment usually soothes the patient and gives a feeling of wellbeing. Many frequently ask for longer applications, because they induce a sensation of returning strength. It is this effect of giving greater power of resistance which the doctors hope to create. The valve treatment of empyema has been proved ten times over. Evidently the doctors resorted to it as the result of added knowledge by operation. It is stated authoritatively to-night that if the King is able to maintain, or perhaps increase, the slight improvement that has taken place, the anxiety will in some measure be allayed. Lord Dawson and Sir Hugh Rigby left at 8.30, and Sir Stanley Hewett stayed the night. A famous specialist informed the “Daily Express” that only experts can administer the ray. Exceptionally good results have been achieved tu combating the effect of infection as well as reviving the general strength of the patients. The rays act on the blood through the skin, and stimulate the blood resistance. The rays also have the recuperative effect of strong sunlight and raise the whole tone of the system. < ... ’■ GOOD RESERVE OF STRENGTH PRAYERS FOR RECOVERY (Rec. December 17, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 16. At Buckingham Palace, the latest bulletin is regarded as reassuring. The fact of the improvement in His Majesty’s condition after a restless night indicates that the King has still a good reserve of strength with which

to continue the fight against general infection. It is regarded as satisfactory that the temperature and the pulse are not mentioned. The doctors consulted for an hour and a half before the bulletin was issued. The Duke and Duchess of York called at the Palace, and accompanied the Queen and Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles to service at the chapel. The Roman Catholic churches in the Nottingham Diocese, in view of the King’s illness, celebrated a solemn exposition of the blessed Sacrament. The Bishop circularised the clergy: “I beg you to exhort the people to pray that His Majesty may be restored to health, and that God may preserve for many years the precious life of the justly beloved sovereign. We cannot get on without George the Fifth. He has been an example to all. and a most valuable head at the time of the great crisis we have been passing through. Personally. I feel that the great blow is not going to fall.” NO SUSPICION OF TUBERCLE PROVED BY USE OF RAYS (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 17, 7.5 p.m.) London, December 17. The latest report from the Palace states that there has been no change in His Majesty’s condition since the evening bulletin. The “Daily Chronicle’s” medical correspondent states: “It is noteworthy that the tonic ultra violet rays are harmful in cases of consumption. There has been a suggestion (hit underlying the empyema from which His Majesty is suffering there might be a focus of tuberculosis. This is definitely negatived by the use of the rays. ' If there had been a suspicion of" tubercle the rays would not have been used. The London light clinic was founded two years ago through the aid of gifts exceeding £200,000 by an anonymous piiilantiiropmt.”