TRIALS ON NEW TREATMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1928, Page 9

TRIALS ON NEW TREATMENT

USE OF ULTRA-VIOIXT BAYS. ADDITIONAL DOCTORS CALLED IN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. Received Dec. 16, 1 a.m. London, Dec. 16. The doctors have now marshalled all the resources of medical science on behalf of the King—bacteriology, radiology, surgery, oxygen and electrotherapy. The last mentioned is now frequently used to help the heart in addition to other purposes. A bulletin issued at 11 a.m. states that in spite of a restless night the King’s general condition has slightly improved. Apart from the fact that Princess Mary cancelled her visit to cause, in the dean’s words, “The condition of the King is very grave and she does not care to be away overlong from the palace, but does not want you to think there is any seriously worse movement,” the most important development to-day was the summoning of two additional doctors, who arrived at 4.30 and left at 5.30, and then returned within Ulf an hour. These comings and goings are partly explainable by information from the palace that the doctors were waiting some hours to see the King but, as His Majesty was sleeping in the afternoon, they decided to let invaluable sleep aid their fight and did not interrupt him. Lord Dawson remained at the palace the whole afternoon, and had a long consultation with Sir Stanley Hewett. The Prince of Wales awaited the conclusion of the consultation, after which the newcomers arrived. Dr. Woods is an eminent electrologist and is radiologist in charge of the department of physical medicine and electrology of the London Hospital. He is part author of “Pericarditis with Effusion.” Dr. Howitt is an eminent Harley Street specialist, and is chief clinical assistant of the action therapy department of Guy’s Hospital, physician in charge of the physiotherapy massage departments of the Prince of Wales Hospital, Tottenham, and part author of “Observations on Light Sensitisation.”

SCIENCE OF RAY THERAPY. There was no surprise, therefore, when the bulletin revealed the adoption of a new method of attack with the names of Drs. Woods and Howitt, who are the best known experts on ray therapy treatment. The science of ray therapy has made great strides since the discovery of the medical value of X-rays and the introduction of radium, particularly in connection with the destruction of diseased tissue. It therefore played a great part in the treatment of cancer as an accessory to surgical treatment. It is now possible to enable the healing work of the rays to operate at considerable depth by the insertion of minute capillary glass or gold tubes containing radium emanations by means of surgical needles. It is understood ray therapy will be directed, in the King’s case, chiefly against the general infection. An eminent London specialist, commenting on the latest bulletin, said: “I presume the doctors mean ultra-violet ray treatment. It is known that this has been under consideration. The effect is that of a general tonic. It also acts in such a way as to destroy facteria. It increases the bacterial resistance of the blood, and it would tend to promote the healthy healing of the wound after the operation. I take it that in this case the doctors are goin<» to use it for the tonie effect and to neutralise the infection.” REASSURING INFORMATION. The night bulletin is generally regarded as satisfactory in the circumstances. It is even stated from usually reliable sources that the King’s condition is such that there is no cause for immediate anxiety. The ray therapy is simply a new method in the long and difficult struggle the doctors are waging. The King’s exhaustion is the result of the poisoning from the general infection. The fact that His Majesty had a quiet day with the fever moderating is regarded as reassuring. It is recognised that there are still many difficulties to face. The calling in of Drs. Howitt and Woods makes ten doctors in attendance on His Majesty. There are also six nurses. It was learned shortly before midnight that the King’s condition showed no change since the night bulletin. The

Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York dined at the palace and left about 11 o’clock. At midnight it was stated that the King was having a restful night, with some sleep. There was an impressive scene at the Marino Barracks, Portsmouth, when the world's champion boxer, Gene Tunney, who is a captain in the United States Naval Reserve, before presenting a football cap from American naval officer and men, said: “I would like to ask the privilege to bow my head in prayer for the speedy recovery of your King.” The whole assemblage followed suit for two minutes.

A usually well informed writer in the News of the World says the danger is that the heart may fail. Sir Stanley Hbwett had had a most anxious and trying time, made more so by suggestions from the learned and the unlearned. The Queen, on the other hand, never “fussed” the doctors.

It is said to bo a complete misapprehension that the King has been worried by numerous medical examinations by numerous doctors. This is not the case. The King has been delirious off and on. He recognised the Prince of Wales. Greeting him with the remark: “Well David, how many lions did you shoot?”