Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 188
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
Object nameBreast, Carcinoma, Cancer and Fungated Sores, Mounted wet tissue
DescriptionSection of a breast showing a hard carcinoma situated deep beneath the surface of the skin.
This malignant neoplasm was treated with 'Plunkett's Powder', which resulted in the hardening of the skin at the site. Aggressive chemical treatment such as this, or the use of arsenic, was a method commonly used by the 'cancer-curers' of the time, not always with great success.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in a circular glass jar with glass lid.
Materialglass (material), alcohol (70%), silicone
Dimensions
whole height: 208 mm
whole diameter: 73 mm
whole weight: 960 g
whole diameter: 73 mm
whole weight: 960 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, pages 108-9.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9).
TranscriptSection of a breast, with a hard carcinomatous tumour formed deep beneath the skin. One of the axillary glands, enlarged and indurated, is connected with the breast. The skin over the tumour has been superficially ulcerated in consequence of the application of "Plunkett's powder".
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 1, page 625.
NotesAlso in Proger 1966-72.
TranscriptOf the Treatment. - No cure has yet been found; for what I call a cure is an alteration of the disposition and the effect of that disposition, and not the destruction of the cancerous parts. But as we have no such medicine, we are often obliged to remove cancerous parts; which expiration, however, will often cure as well as we could do by changing the disposition and action. Arsenic seems to have some power of this kind, and its effects might be increased, by being used internally and externally; but its use is very dangerous, and I am afraid insufficient for the disease. This is a remedy which enters into the empirical nostrums which are in vogue for curing cancer; and among which Plunkett's holds the highest rank. But this is no new discovery, for Sennertus, who lived the Lord knows how long ago, mentions a Roderiguez and Flusius, who obtained considerable fame and fortune by such a composition. I was desired to meet Mr. Plunkett, to decide on the propriety of using his medicine in a particular case: I have no objection to meet anybody: it was the young one; the old one is dead, and might have died himself of a cancer for aught I know. I asked him what he intended to do with his medicine. He said, "To cure the patient." "Let me know what you mean by that: do you mean to alter the diseased state of the parts? or do you mean by your medicine to remove the parts diseased?" " I mean to destroy them," he replied. "Well then, that is nothing more than I or any other surgeon can do with less pain to the patient." Poor Woollett the engraver died under one of these cancer-curers: he was under my care when this person took him in hand. He had been a life-guardsman, I think, and had got a never-failing receipt. I continued to call on Woollett as a friend, and received great accounts of the good effects; upon hearing which, I said if the man would give me leave to watch regularly the appearance of the cancer, and see myself the good effects, and should be satisfied of its curing only that cancer, (mind, not by destroying it,) I would exert all my power to make him the richest man in the kingdom. But he would have nothing to do with me, and tortured poor Woollett for some time: till at last I head the sound testicle was gone, and at length he died.
SourceClift 1830 Part 1
NotesCatalogue number 638
TranscriptA section of a scirrhous breast, with a lymphatic gland contaminated before suppuration had taken place in the breast. From a case in which Plunkett's powder had been once applied.
