RENOVATING THE BRAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 282, 25 May 1912, Page 2 (Supplement)

RENOVATING THE BRAIN.

AMERICAN SURGEON'S REMARKABLE OPERATION.' As the result of an experiment which 'has been made at St. John's Hospital, Baltimore, it is asserted that it is possible to repair the human brain by removing decayed cells and transplanting new ones. The patient was a wealthy land-broker, named William Buckner, who snfl'ered from coma, and examinations under Xrays showed that a portion of his brain was decayed, and that the frayed tissues were causing the healthy sections to become affected, 'The case seemed hopeless, but Dr. Curbing, a well-known specialist, decided to procure the brain of another patient as snon after death as possible, and transplant a portion of it lo the skull of Mr. P.uckner. The brain had to be healthy, and from as yowng a person as possible. A child born in one of the wards died of inanition, and Dr. dishing obtained permission to remove its brain. After administering an anaesthetic, he removed the back of Mr. ISuckuers skull. lookout the entire brain, which was plated on a niece of linen beside the head, at-.d could be -ecu to pupate with each heartbeat of the patient. The diseased portion was then very carefully severed from the minor brain, and while Dr. rushing was severing the diseased section another stiryeon was traimplanting the infant's brain. The major brain was left untouched. After the transplantation the entire I brain was restored to its proper plm-e. 'and the section of the skull which had been cut out Avas replaced. Though Mr. Buckner's life is still in danger, he is reported as "improving."