The cut was horizontal on a level with the orbit, 5 1/2
inches long externally, and, owing to the convex shape of the
axe, a little less internally. Small spicules of bone were
removed, and a cloth was placed on the battered skull to receive
the discharges for the inspection of the surgeon, who on his
arrival saw at least two tablespoonfuls of cerebral substance on
this cloth. Contrary to all expectation this man recovered, but,
strangely, he had a marked and peculiar change of voice, and this
was permanent. From the time of the reception of the injury his
whole mental and moral nature had undergone a pronounced change.
Before the injury, the patient was considered a quiet,
unassuming, and stupid boy, but universally regarded as honest.
Afterward he became noisy, self-asserting, sharp, and seemingly
devoid of moral sense or honesty. These new traits developed
immediately, and more strikingly so soon as convalescence was
established.
Bergtold quotes a case reported in 1857 of extreme injury to the
cranium and its contents. While sleeping on the deck of a canal
boat, a man at Highspire was seriously injured by striking his
head against a bridge. When seen by the surgeon his hair was
matted and his clothes saturated with blood.
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