History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

Obstetrics and Gynecology 237the catheter was in place. The significance of these observations lies in thefact that this country doctor discovered a fact which was denied by theleading authorities of his time, and that he had the courage to publishhis experience. The therapeutic value of the procedure may be questioned,but not the accuracy of his observations.Maternal impressions at that time were thought by the laityto have astrong influence upon the development of various deformities and blemishesin the newborn. Dr. M. P.Hatfield pointed out that the alleged evidenceon which these claims were based was unscientific and could notstand close scrutiny.His views have stood the test of time and these olddeep-rooted superstitions, although still with us, are rapidly fading from theminds of even the more ignorant of the laity.In 1895 Dr. Will presented before the State Medical Society a classicalpaper on diagnosis in gynecology in which he pointed out the dangers ofsnap diagnoses and the need for careful, meticulous investigation of thepelvic structures by any surgeon charged with the responsibility of recommendingmajor surgical operative procedures. He deplored the tendencyto recommend exploratory laparotomy before all other sources of informationhad been investigated thoroughly in establishing the diagnosis.He strongly advocated a thorough training in palpation of normal pelvicstructures and the physiologic changes brought about by such functions asmenstruation, ovulation and pregnancy. He pointed out that various tenderareas in the pelvis might give rise to pain in that region totally unrelatedtothe genital organs, and that the discomfort associated therewithpersisted after needless surgery. This dissertation can still be read withprofit by every student of gynecology.Of all the obstetricians and gynecologists whose writings appear inthe Transactions of the Illinois State Medical Society, none has, in myopinion, displayed such keen insight, rare judgment, modesty, independenceof thought and scientific fearlessness as this country doctor—Dr. O. B.Will. This is especially noteworthy when one realizes his isolation fromother men of the specialty and from medical school contacts and specialtysociety membership which were common to his contemporaries.Thus, in resume, it is seen that the period from 1850 and 1900 wasmarked by a great advance in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologicpatients in Illinois. This advance resulted partly from the establishment oflocal medical schools which of necessity had to have teachers who hadmore than ordinary ability and experience, and partly because there weremen throughout the state who through special interest,additional trainingor just good common sense were able properly to evaluate the newerknowledge which was being gradually disseminated through this country