MARKS ^■a-^ 'T^, -fr^ |t©li# WITH INDIA RUBBER HANDS AND FEET. OFFICE AND MANUFACTORY 575 BROADWAY, NEW YORK CITY, IHreetly oppoMU' .Metropolitan Hotel. 1S?(> N. F. Tonnkb, stkam Printer. JN^^ x 4. *»■ ...:/■' ^# >«*• ■;••■■■ ^ • •.• <}**■ NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE NLM 00135^5 2 ARMY MEDICAL LIBRARY FOUNDED 1836 WASHINGTON, D.C. NLM001359452 RETURN TO NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE BEFORE LAST DATE SHOWN MAR 5 1985 j^, J) C, LI Many of my patrons have frequently solicited my portrait, and also those who u-ere not jjafro».s, but in need and in search of such assis- tance as none but those engaged in a profession which I follow can give. To gratify those, far more than myself, the above is presented. tZ-Z^if Ml A Kilv £5# - .---'.v-ii. -.ttt:-.-t=.t—--.— v«a»s# PATE NT WITH INDIA RUBBER HANDS AND FEET. 6 76 BROADWAY, New York City. NEW YORK : N. F. Turner, Steam Book and Job Printer, 163 Mercer Street. 1870. CONTENTS. PAGE. Preface, .......... 3 Introductory, ........ 4 To all whom it may concern—Description of the Artificial Limbs, . 7 How I came to invent the Rubber Feet, .- . . . 11 Economy, .... 12 Weight, . . . . . . . . 13 Artificial Limbs—from Scientific American, . . . .14 Arms and Hands, ........ 19 Limbs for Deformities, and Shortened Legs by Hip Diseases, . 20 & 95 Safety Socket, ........ 21 Amputations—Suggestions, . . . . . . .21 How soon after Amputations should Artificial Limbs be applied ? 22 & 108 Importance of applying Artificial Limbs to Children, . . .23 First Premiums, Award of Judges, Gold Medal, ... 27 First Premiums again, . . . . . . .29 Letters from Eminent Surgeons, ...... 33 Letters from Patients wearing Legs with Amputations above knee, 33 & 106 Letters from Patients wearing Knee-bearing Legs, ... 40 Letters from Patients wearing two Artificial Legs below knees, . 41 & 97 Letters from Patients wearing one Artificial Leg below knee, 45 & 101 Letters from Patients wearing Artificial Arms, . . 52 & 105 Certificate from persons wearing Artificial Limbs, Arms and Legs, . 55 Opinions of the Press, ....... 61 Prices and Terms, ........ 73 How to Remit, ......... 74 Treatment of Stumps, ....... 74 Directions to persons desiring information and wishing to purchase, . 74 Correspondents, ........ 75 Socks for Stumps, ........ 75 Government Artificial Limbs, ...... 78 Limbs fitted from measures, without the presence of patient, . 80 & 111 Branches, ......... 82 Cork Legs, ......... 82 Song—"The Cork Leg." . . . . . . ' . 84 Information for strangers visiting the city, .... 86 Centennial Medals, ........ 87 Additional notices from the Press, ..... 91 Additional Illustrations and Recommendatory letters, , . .94 Apparatus for shortened and deformed Leg, .... 95 The School-Boy's Story, ....... 98 A Word to Surgeons, ....... 108 Fitting Limbs from Measurements, Additional Information, . . Ill First Premium Award, American Institute, 1877, . . . 112 PREFACE. In presenting this work to the public, or that portion of it inter- ested in its contents and the subject it is intended to illustrate, it seems to call for a few remarks under this heading. Being mindful of the progress in inventions generally at this pe- riod of advancement in our nation's career, and knowing, by an ex- tended experience, of the increasing needs in this branch of artistic and mechanical labor, it seems proper to remind my readers and pa- trons (who do not know by perusal) that this edition is a revision, in part, of several editions heretofore published, together with additional matter pertaining to this important subject; and it seems appropriate, in this Centennial Tear, to thus revise, enlarge and set forth such points of improvement as interest our patrons, in order to mutually benefit us all. I therefor ask you in all kindness to read and consider fairly the contents of this work in its bearings upon the subject which it aims to instruct and illustrate. The work must speak for itself; and here al- Ijw me to return my grateful thanks to all those who have so liberally contributed to its pages, with such experimental facts as not only to interest, but inform the reader with such evidence as to make complete, in every particular, the simple object of this work. A. A. MARKS. 3S0967 INTRODUCTORY. Twenty-three years of arduous, perplexing, anxious, thoughtful and almost incessant labor brings me to this pe- riod in a calling, of its importance, dignity and benefits to mutilated humanity, of which others can better speak than myself. It has brought me in contact with all the grades ol human life and made me a listener to a thousand tales of suffering and distress, sometimes of such a painful nature that my anxiety was only for the end of the story. The old man of seventy years has told me how he lost his leg by his horses taking fright from a stone rolling down the bank, and running away, tearing the carriage to pieces, wounding him in several places, and breaking his leg all to pieces, as he bluntly describes it. The result was amputation above the knee. Others in middle life, too numerous to particularize here, tell the varied histories of their loss ; some, yes many, in Battle, and many by the most trifling accidents ; but those touching my sympathies most tenderly are the children's stories; one in particular comes up in my mind at the present moment: it was a little, rather frail boy of less than ten years ; his father was a farmer, and was drawing logs ; the boy was following behind the oxen when they were drawing only the loose log chain, with its long hook dangling at the end ; by some means it caught the boy's ankle, and after dragging him for a short distance by the leg, the chain ran through between two stumps, very close together; the result was it took the little fellow's foot completely off at the ankle. The little girl has told me how, when crossing the street in this great, noisy city, she was knocked down by a hack, the 5 wheels passing over her little leg, and crushing it so badly that there was no way of saving her life but by amputation of the mangled leg. It would make a great, yes, an immense book, to con- tain the many tales of suffering to which I have listened. You read them in the newspapers every day, and interesting and thrilling as they read there, they are by no means so pain- fully exciting as when told by the person most interested. It would seem as if this calling was one continuous scene of misery ; yet, looking back these many long years, I find it has not all been an experience of a sorrowful character. Maimed and mutilated persons are by no means the most miserable or unhappy, as most people are likely to think. There are some who take their losses sorely at heart, and mourn year after year over them as if they were suffering untold agony, and constantly relating their maimed condition all through life. But they are very few in proportiou to the large army of jovial and happy ones, and take them as a body, they are unquestionably full as cheerful as the average run of mankind, many frequently expressing themselves that they are very thankful, that it is no worse. The young miss and the young lad, as well as those in middle life and even old age, who " sport" their artificial limbs unknown to the world, are usually cheerful, and enjoy life and jokes to a remarkable degree. I have frequently heard them tell about persons treading upon their {artificial) toes, and begging their pardon without knowing anything obout it until the "beg pardon" was uttered by the trespasser, in supplicating tones. But, strange as it may seem, the happiest and most jolly set of fellows I have ever come in contact with is a company of maimed soldiers, especially when those from the far distant parts of the country meet by accident, and talk over their former trials, and, as it were, "fight their battles over again." You do not witness much crying and whimper- 6 ing there among a dozen or more who sometimes meet in my office ; they very soon get acquainted, and are almost sure to know something of each others' history in the war, and have some great event of their own to relate—this applies as well to one army as to the other. I have often listened to soldiers of the North and of the South, who had met for the first time, to their own knowledge, but upon talking over old matters and giving an account of their escapes, and what were not always just exactly escapes, they found they were not far apart when the bullets whistled by, and not always by, either, but could relate trivial and sometimes important incidents that the one knew of as well as the other ; they would tell how their own side were "licked" and the other side didn't know it, and nice versa, and so on. But pardon this digression from my subject. I started to write on Artificial Limbs, without intention of discussing or relating the prior causes or events calling into use the products of my labor ; but whether opportune or not, it may be interesting to some, and if it should dispel the gloom of but few persons who entertain these melancholy thoughts that they are the most unfortunate ones in the world, then this brief, historical introduction will not be without accom- plishing some good. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. My views of the requirements of an Artificial Leg are: First, ease and comfort in walking. Second, a natural motion, lightness, elasticity and stillness, combined with a graceful step. Third, reliance, stability, firmness and durability. In all these respects I claim that my Artificial Legs, with my patented India Rubber Feet, are pre-eminent. The Legs are, in the first place, made to fit the stump so as to give the greatest ease and comfort to the wearer, while it operates with freedom, firmness and elasticity. Thus all these indispensable objects are attained, without that complicated mass of machinery resorted to in other kinds of Artificial Legs. In fact, there is no machinery in them (that is, what is usually called machinery.) This fact makes the leg un- equalled in point of durability by any similar invention yet presented to the public. In giving a description of my inventions it does not require a mass of words, nor a complicated description of them to make the most ordinary mind realize and appreciate their ab- solute value, and the causes which led me to adopt and de- velop my inventions. Their various and many advantages over all others now in use, will be apparent when the follow- ing facts are fully weighed. In my opinion, it has been well understood among invent- ors and manufacturers of Artificial Legs, that there was something required to improve the foot and ankle, and give more stability and less unnecessary motion. This was needed to obviate that jerking, clapping, snapping and rattling noise, and unnatural and exceedingly unpleasant sound, both to wearers and others, so frequently heard, and by which Arti- ficial Leg wearers might be heard and observed from other persons at some distance in the street or moving about the house. Some have sought the removal of this difficulty in one way, and some another ; but most inventors have, in trying to avoid the difficulty, but added to it. By multiplying machin- ery of various kinds, although aiming to get rid of worse than 8 useless motions, they have added complication to compli- cation, by their many cords and springs which have a tendency to please the unexperienced while the limb is new and unused, but invariably displeases them soon as a little wear brings the trappings to a test, and not only warns the wearer of the in- stability of his substitute by its many unreliable and uncon- trolable gyrations and unpleasant sounds, but annoys and startles his neighbor as he passes his quiet door, and alarms the congregation when he enters the house of Public Worship, , the inventor not stopping to think that every additional cord, spring, joint or contrivance but increases the difficulties, adds to the already enormous complications, weakens the limb, and renders the invention liable to greater objections, without ac- complishing any advantages whatever. In these statements I firmly believe I express the views of a large number of inventors. At all events, I know I give my own experience, having been engaged in this calling of giving relief to mutilated sufferers for the last twenty-three years, and having also been most of my life engaged in mechanical labors of a nature both instructive and beneficial to one ac- quiring knowledge of this important art. I feel, therefore, that my labor has been well bestowed in thus being able to give to the unfortunate an Artificial Limb accomplishing every required movement and all the essentials to make the most life-like, light, easy and durable leg ever given to the public, while, at the same time it is free from all cumbrous machinery, It is the ne plus ultra of Artificial Limbs now in use, as all impartial examiners have declared. The India Rubber Foot is the base of the whole structure, and, although it is elastic, springy and light, it is also the most riliable, firm and substantial foundation that ever a poor limbless person stood or wralked upon. This I assert without fear of successful contradiction. When I first invented and applied my Rubber Feet to the Artificial Legs, I did not think they would be suitable for the delicate and fastidious. It was intended more especially for the hard-working mechanics, the farmer, and those whose lives demand toil, energy and constant exertion. But in this I was most agreeably disappointed. To my own surprise and gratification, I soon found it was equally well adapted to their wants as to any others'. Nay, more, it was just the thing for the most tender, delicate and sensitive lady in the land ; and 9 their joy and gratitude in its use, in being able to perform their many and various duties with facility, ease and symetry of motion, without noise or unpleasant observation, has been expressed to me in a great number of instances—a sentiment always encouraging and fully appreciated by every one en- gaged in giving relief to human sufferings. A word to those who have used and are now wearing the old kinds, with the movable, clattering ankle joints : Is not your step in your parlors at times taken for a squeaky, broken- down chair, or a rat or a mouse intruding in some corner of the building % Are you not, while walking in the street, some- times taken for a wheelbarrow crying for grease ; and does not your step resemble the clatter of an old shoe with the sole loose and too large for the foot % Is it not a gain to get rid of those annoying appendages and to be relieved of the great expense and trouble necessarily attending them % My patent Rubber Feet most assuredly obviate all these difficulties. I have applied them to a great number of other makers' legs beside my own, many where the legs were new, and more where they were sound, except where the springs or cords were worn out or broken, and have succeeded in making the old leg as good, and, in fact, much better in many cases than a new one of that kind. I would not state, nor have it inferred from what has been here said, that my leg will last always, under all kinds of rough usage, but this I do say, that it will outlast two of any other kind now in use (that are fit to use), and that when it does need repairs—and what thing earthly will last always ?— it will cost less and be always less troublesome than any other Artificial Limb I know of. Its simple mode of construction is conclusive to every one, that one of its important and valu- able features is its non-liability of requiring repairs, and its ease of access when repair is needed, thus rendering the ex- pense and trouble comparatively trifling. And now, after a period of over thirteen years of unparalleled prosperity, during which time they have received the most exalted and continued praise throughout this broad land in this branch of invention, yet, there is even now, and always will be, an occasional Rip Van Winkle, just waking up after his twenty years' sleep; and once in a while one turns up who does not really understand my inventions, just because they are so very simple. This trouble has arisen from the fact that 10 it has been represented in the theories of the past by those who either did not know or did not want the unfortunate ones to know that there really was any difference between Natural and Artificial Limbs. It was my object in former editions of my pamphlet to have this point clearly understood. If I failed in this point there, I shall endeavor to not do so here, but show that Artificial Limbs are Artificial Limbs, and nothing else, and all who think they are natural ones, or represent such to be the case, labor under a great mistake, to say the least of it. The human frame is such a wonderful and mysterious construction, that the few skillful artisans who ever attempted to imitate it as a whole by artificial mechanism, for any purpose except as a mere novelty, have utterly failed, and always will fail, as sure as perpetual motion is bound to fail as an invention of man. What I desire to show is that Artificial Limbs are simply mechanical construc- tions, and made to take the place of lost members of the human body, for the purpose of assistance and appearance, unitedly, for the benefit of persons who have lost such mem- bers—they are mechanical constructions and nothing else. T© what degree they have been made to benefit and assist the unfortunate ones in their journey through life is very well known to the world, and it is not my object here to in any way depreciate the great benefits rendered to mankind by any and all who have sought to relieve unfortunate humanity by such means as they have deemed proper and best in their own estimation. Every skilled inventor and engineer who rises to any dis- tinction, always seeks to avoid and do away with everything complicated in their inventions and constructions ; for instance, compare the sewing machine or locomotive of the present day with those made twenty years ago, and mark the difference ; each does ten times the labor now that they did then, and with not one-fourth part of the complications. We all know that the more complicated any mechanical construction, of whatever kind, the more liable it is to derangement and annoyance. My inventions of 1863 and 1865, after an experience of ten years in following the old theories of making Artificial Limbs with all the cords and flapping ankle-joints, &c, &c, has now become a well settled theory, thoroughly proved by long ex- perience, and not only applicable to Artificial Limbs, but is 11 also practiced to a large extent in surgery ; the ablest surgeons in Germany and other countries, as well as our own, have and are treating cases of, disease and injury to the ankle-joint where they cannot maintain the controlment of it, and are compelled, in order to save the foot, to make a passive or laxative motion, that is, such as the patient cannot control at will as formerly ; they treat it in a way to anchylose it, thus making it stiff and without any motion whatever. This system has proved to be far preferable to the flapping and uncertain step necessarily rendered by the old manner of treatment. This discovery in surgery confirms my theories in their fullest sense. I have a large number of such cases of surgical treat- ment before me, but deem it unnecessary to insert them here, as it has become a w^ell settled system of surgical practice, and proved to be of great benefit to the patient. HOW I CAME TO INVENT THE RUBBER FEET. This question has been asked me so many, many times, and answered, too, but only verbally, that it seems to me to be very pertinent, and I will here give it as brief as possible. The reader will first impress in his mind that I had been making Artificial Legs for some ten years, after the old styles, with ankle-joints, wooden feet, etc., before the production of the rubber feet. I had, during the last years of this time, become disgusted with this mode of construction of the foot, ankle, etc., and conceived in my mind the idea of a rubber foot, and had spoken of it to others, but could not settle upon a plan of attachment satisfactory to myself, supposing, as I then did, that there must be an ankle-joint. There it rested for some time, in a quandary, as it were, until one day an old patient called upon me, who had suffered for some time with a diseased and irritable stump, which was constantly dis- charging a substance which cut away the tendons and cords of the ankle-joint in a very short time, and consequently used up the leg. He asked me, rather bluntly, if I would make him a Leg all solid at the ankle, at the same time saying that he could not stand the expense occasioned by his diseased stump. I remarked, Yes; that could be done by having the heel-cord outside of the leg. He promptly replied, "Imean, make me a leg without any cords or ankle-joint." To which my answer was, "JVo. sir; it would be of no use to you." 12 He then argued that he felt sure that I was mistaken, as he had made some experiments in a temporary way that satisfied him that there was really but very little motion required at the ankle. Finally it was agreed that I should make it, and after commencing it on that new idea, and all through its con- struction, incidents kept coming to my mind of such-and-such of my best operators on Artificial Legs having frequently caused me to tighten up their joints, so as to get but very little motion at the ankle. By the time this leg was finished, applied, and worn a few days, I was satisfied that the rubber foot was all that was needed to make it complete, and at once commenced operations, and soon had them in use, by applying them first to old legs needing repairs, every one of which proved not only satisfactory but so overwhelm- ingly sought after that the success which has followed is too well known to be even alluded to here. ECONOMY. I am fully aware that there are many people in the world like a certain individual who had '' drove'' an exceedingly close bargain with a shoemaker, to make his boy a pair of shoes for four shillings. After the price had been agreed upon, the shoemaker asked: " What size shall I make them?" The purchaser answered promptly, "Make them as large as you can for the four shillings." And so it is in this business ; some think that the more they get for their money the better off they are. To those I wish to say, if they want a music- box, a rattle-box, a rat trap and an artificial leg all in one, and wish to go through the streets with a bell ringing, " Here I go with an Artificial Leg," in tones that nobody can mistake, then go where you can be sure of getting them, and your four shillings' worth too, at that; and when you get tired of that fun come and see me, I won't blame you for making the experiment, neither will I raise my price; it is every one's right to do as they please in matters of their own interest. All I ask is, read this book thoroughly, inquire of those who know from experience, and then act on your own candid judgment. 13 WEIGHT. Much is said by the manufacturers of the complicated styles of Artifical Legs, about the Rubber Feet being heavier than the wooden ones, and thereupon they try to make a great ado about it. The facts are these: The Rubber Feet are of themselves a trifle heavier than some kinds of the wooden feet; but bear in mind that the Rubber Feet require no iron hinges, bolts, coeds, glass balls, sceews, or any of the paraphernalia whatever used in the ankle-jointed trappings, in "hitching" their wooden feet to their legs. This machinery adds weight, as all must know. In many cases where I have removed the wooden feet, and applied my Patent Rubber ones in their places, I have found, by weighing before and after, that the weight of the Limb was reduced from one to six ounces by the change. My Patent Artificial Legs, with the India Rubber Feet, weigh from three to six pounds each, depending upon the weight and occupation of the persons who are to wear them, and the Artificial Legs of my patent average to be some lighter and much stronger than those made as above stated, with their superfluous appendages. ANOTHER FEATURE TO BE CONSIDERED. Among the many advantages gained by the Rubber feet over the Wooden, or hard and non-elastic kinds, which has been omitted, is the great saving in Stockings, as the Rubber leet do not wear out Stockings faster than the natural feet, while the Wooden and Hard feet are well known to wear out full ten to the natural feet one, a matter of consideration to some persons, if not to all who are required to wear Artificial feet. The following description, with illustrations, is taken "ver- batim et literatum," from the Scientific American of April 15th, 1865; 14 ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. The engravings published herewith represent Artificial Limbs, which have novel features not heretofore obtained in them. India rubber is laigely used in their construction, the feet and hands particularly being constructed of this substance. JVff.l Fig. 1 presents a full-length leg standing erect, to be 15 applied in all cases where amoutation occurs above the knee-joint. I'ry.Z Fig. 2 represents a leg to be applied where the leg has been amputated below the knee-joint, and the stump is flexible enough and sufficiently long to enable the wearer to use it in walking. It also represents the leg with the 12 16 heel compressed, and m its position after taking the step, and when firmly planted on the ground. Xf.S Fig. 3 is termed a knee-bearing leg. It is to be applied where amputation takes place below the knee, and where the stump is too short or contracted at right angles, so the knee- joint cannot be used in walking. This figure represents the leg slightly bent at the knee, and bearing well upon the toe as in the act of lifting it to take the next advance step. 17 .Fiff. S. Fig. 4 is a view of the India-rubber foot before being ap- plied to the leg. This rubber foot constitutes the main feature in the legs shown in the figures. It is made mostly of India- rubber of a very spongy, light and elastic cliaracter. A piece jT- t of willow wood, nearly filling the rubber heel at the top, or surface, where the leg rests, runs down about one-fourth of the distance towards the lower part of the heel; also forward and downwards to the joint at the ball of the foot, as shown by the dotted line. This piece of wood is the base upon which the foot is built, and is also the me- dium whereby the foot is joined firmly to the leg. The leg itself is made of light, tough willow in all cases, ex- cept the thigh piece shown in figure 2, and the front part of the thigh piece in figure 3, which are both made of leather. The entire leg and foot in all cases are covered with fine buckskin, neatly coated with a life-like, waterproof finish, making it both light and strong. It will be seen that there are no movable ankle-joints in these limbs, the necessity for which being entirely obviated by the Elastic Rubber Foot, which gives all the motion required in walking, and also the ease, firmness, elasticity and reliance, absolutely necessary in a perfect Artificial Leg. It would seem at first sight that no one could walk well on any Artificial Leg, without the moving, flapping ankle-joint, but practice proves this to be erroneous. The Rubber Foot also gives all the required lateral motion to the foot when stepping upon sideling or uneven ground. This leo* dispenses with all machinery of whatever character, and has been in use for the last two years, giving great satis- faction. Figure 5 gives a rear view of the knee joint of the long leg 18 (Figure 1). The T joint is fastened to the upper part or thigh piece of the leg, and the gudgeons of the T are held in adjustable, oblique boxes, which are easily set at an}' time by the screws passing through the caps into the main leg, so as to keep the joint to work tight and still, yet free and per- fectly flexible, the small projecting bar attached to the T with the button-shaped ball operating upon the spiral spring, so as to throw the foot forward when bent in walking, and so as to hold the foot under when bent at right angles in a sitting po- sition. This feature has been secured by a separate patent, dated March 7, 1865. Figure 6 shows a Rubber Hand, made same as the foot, of which there cannot be as much said as of the other inventions. It corresponds, however, with the others in its characteristic features of simplicity and durability, and wholly dispenses with machinery, giving a softness to the feeling and an elas- ticity which is very desirable. It is as useful as any hand yet invented, which is not probably saying much in its favor, as no art yet shown, if it ever will, can compare with "nature's handiwork." A patent for this hand has also been obtained, as in fact have all of them, through the Scientific American Patent Agency. These inventions have caused a great change for the better in the appearances, as well as usefulness to those who have lost natural limbs, and must give great relief to the maimed. These inventions, in dispensing with so much machinery, reduce the expenses of repairs very greatly, as there is no complicated gearing to get so often out of order. You see no part of the cuts representing the inside working of the leg, because there is none there to be exhibited, except the lower part of the knee spring, operating as described in Figure 5. The limbs are, of course, hollow in all cases, to render them light, as well as adaptable to covering and sup- porting the stumps they enclose and sustain.— Scientific Ame- rican, April 15, 1865. 19 ARMS AND HANDS. Fig. 7 represents an arm for amputation above elbow. In former editions there has been but little said of the arms and J^ig. ? hands, and, in reality, not enough, for their real utility is, in fact, underrated. The soft naturalness and per- fect symmetry of the hand is always secur- ed, and no possibility of getting out of re- pair render them of real service, and are fast taking the place of the wooden and other complicated kinds. It is true you can make artificial hands that perform some feats that my rubber hands cannot, in way of picking up light articles, operated by pulling cords with the opposite arm, and they appear to the uninitiated observer as of great importance; but when you come to subject it to a practical demonstration, you will find that the opposite arm is what does the work, and it might with much more ease do the work itself directly, than to have cords or straps pass over the shoulder to the artificial arm to perform its labor. Cases where both arms or hands are amputated, may be rendered of some practical benefit by these complicated machines ; but even then, if you wish to do real work, comply with the old rule—take off your coat, fix for and take right hold of it, and this artificial hand business is no exception to the rule—take out the hand, slip a nice steel, nickle- plated hook in its place, then ten times more real work can be done with it than with all the artificial hands ever invented. The knife or fork is also better used in same way. This change is made by the wearer in a moment, by the aid of a small screw-driver, carried in his pocket, accompanying the arm. The arm is not considered complete without these attachments. My invention carries with it other important features, such 20 as cases where parts of hands are amputated ; one, two or more fingers are replaced with rubber ones, to tit and adjust smoothly to the remaining hand, with the best of success and great satisfaction to those requiring them. This is entirely a new feature, and not accomplished by any other process or invention. This cut (Fig. 8) represents an appa- ratus for a deformity such as a short- ened leg, generally by hip disease. It encloses the leg and the foot, the latter resting upon the sole, as is usual and proper; it may have an ungainly ap- pearance here, but when dressed there is no apparent formidability, it neatly hides the deformity. I make them, also, with a thigh-piece, for cases where the knee-joint is weak, and support needed above the knee. The great feature of dispensing with a clattering ankle-joint is particularly important in these cases. Fig 9. Fig. 9 represents a short leg, for cases where the leg is amputated at ankle-joint or instep, and where the weight can be taken on end of stump. Such can be applied where the stump is but one and a-half inches shorter than sound leg. For Chopart' s oper- ation, a foot has to be made separate, and placed in shoe according to the peculiar shape and condition of the stump. 21 SAFETY SOCKET. This is a term given by a manufacturer of Artificial Limbs to what he claims as a new invention, whereby he takes the weight upon the end of the stump. It would appear from his setting forth of ideas, that it was an entire new discovery in Artificial Limbs. This is by no means the case. I have made them to take the weight on the end, using a pad or cushion for the stump to rest upon, over twenty years ago ; in a large number of cases ever since, and, in fact, all knee-bearing stumps take their weight on end or knee, and all other kinds of amputations take a good portion of weight upon the end where they use socks upon their stumps, such as I make and provide in all cases, and have for many years ; but the theory of taking the entire weight upon the end of the stump in all cases, is in my judgment, founded upon an experience of many years, absolutely preposterous. Those who wish can have them so with no extra charge, and there are occasionally such cases as seem to require such. My object is to treat each case as seems best, and in accordance with the wishes of the patient, after reaching a thorough understand- ing of the case in question. The word Safety is misplaced here, if I know what the word means. Ask nineteen-twentieths of all the persons who use Arti- ficial Legs, with ordinary amputations (other than knee- bearing), if they can take their entire weight on end of stump % You will not need to wait long for a strong negative answer. Theory is one thing, practice another, sometimes. AMPUTATIONS. Some Surgeons will perhaps think it rather presumptious in me to offer any suggestions in regard to the most suitable points for amputation, on the ground that such emergencies necessarily depend upon the circumstances of the case, and they amputate just where they are compelled to, by leaving the stump as long as they can Avith safety to the Patient and operation, always considering that the longer the stump, the better for the patient, this is generally the true rule to work by, as a long stump is generally preferable to a short one, but they can be too long as well as too short for the benefit of the patient. My experience of twenty-three years in making and applying Artificial Limbs to every form of amputation ever 22 performed in this country, or any other, leads me to prefer the Flap operation generally, and in thigh amputations save all the bone possible, after getting clear from the knee-joint, and room for a good flap. In amputations below the knee- joint, no leg should ever be amputated lower than three inches above the ankle-joint, (for medium sized adult person) and above that point save all that is possible consistent with the case. In cases where a toe or toes are required to be re- moved, it is undoubtedly best to amputate at the toe joints, or, if necessary, perform what is termed Choparts amputation, but in no cases, from all of the experience I have had in ad- justing and witnessed in wearing Artificial Limbs, would I consent to any amputation above this point, save above the ankle-joint at the point mentioned above. Some very impor- tant objections to unjointing or amputation about the joints, either ankle or knee are ; they are generally a very long time in healing, sometimes never heal at all, and if they do they are extremely tender, a little irritation often causes abscesses and the suffering and trouble attending these afflic- tions is lamentable, it makes the Artificial Leg cumbersome and large at the joints, with all the inconveniences that must accompany these operations. These reasons will aj)ply with equal force to arms, except in cases of amputation of the hand, where the wrist joint can be saved, then save all that possibly can be saved below it, as every inch in length or movable part in that important mem- ber is of such great value, and every Artificial Hand is of so little value that no reasonable comparison can be made be- tween them, and every humane and considerate Surgeon should never fail to preserve all he can of the hand. how soon after amputation should an artificial Limb be applied. To this very important question, which is so frequently asked, I answer : In the first place it depends entirely upon circumstances. Some stumps heal much quicker than others, depending generally upon the condition of the person and cause of amputation. My experience has proved that the most proper time is as soon as the stump is properly healed and the patient recovered from the shock, before the stump has become fleshed up, as it is sure to do immediately after this 23 has transpired, this condition is usually reached within six or eight weeks after amputation, and sometimes within a month. Being aware that patients are quite frequently advised by their surgeon to not apply an Artificial Limb until the stump is strong and hard; such advice, however, emanates from those of very limited practice, observation and considera- tion, as will be readily seen, for we all know that nothing but use makes the inside of our hands more hard and tough than the outside; nothing but exercise makes and keeps our joints flexible and strong. Allow a sound and healthy arm to hang useless by your side for a single month, and what is the con- sequence '. Every person of good common sense can answer. My long experience and treatment of thousands of cases cer- tainly entitles me to some weight on this subject, and if any person desiring information upon this subject, entertain any doubts as to the correctnessof my views, then just visit or correspond with some of those who know by actual experience, what they have learned, in this matter of serious consequence to all using Artificial Limbs. CHILDREN And young persons who loose their limbs before obtaining their growth, are generally prevented by the advice of their surgeons or physicians, without due consideration, however, from having Artificial substitutes applied, on the ground that they will out-grow them. This appears at first sight to be a very good reason, but upon giving the subject a little reflec- tion, it will be readily seen, that although the chances are that they are likely in most cases to out-grow them (this article applies more especially to legs) before they are worn out, it is not very well known that they can be lengthened at times, as required, at small expense, and perhaps it is well to here oive this bit of valuable information to those interested in such cases, that these limbs possess a very important ad- vantage over all others in this respect, on account of their being free from the internal complications of cords and springs, which sometimes compose Artificial Limbs, thus saving the largest part of the expense attending the operation of length- ening the limb to keep up with the growth of the patient. The most important point to be taken into consideration in this matter is, how shall we most benefit the tender sprig 24 of childhood and youth, who meet with these great losses, whether by compelling them to use crutches and grow up round-shouldered, hump-backed, one-sided, or otherwise de- formed in some way, as in nine cases out of ten they are from the effects of using crutches, especially for any length of time, or, to at once apply a substitute, and pay x>roper atten- tion to the use of it, and thereby keej) them in natural form, and also avoid the very unpleasant sight of crutches to the eye of the parent and public, and the mortifying effect (to say nothing of the great inconvenience) to the patient. Another very important fact should be taken into consideration, which is, that children growing up without a substitute or limb, to exercise their stump, often lose the use of it, either by its be- coming contracted or weak for want of use, it is frequently the case that they lose the use of their joints, and can never wear a limb at all, by going without for years, while obtain- ing their growth, but where the limb is applied at a proper time, and they grow up with it, the}' never seem to fully re- alize their loss, and invariably make the most skilful opera- tors in the world. No child that loses a leg at four years of age or upwards, should be allowed to go without a substitute for a single year after the stump is healed, and recovery from the shock of amputation been effected. Some are without means to secure limbs, and others will say they cannot afford it—then call upon your friends for assist- ance, or dispense with some of the superfluous ornaments of dress, or do SOME way to provide for the necessity of your unfortunate child or friend to avoid its growing up in your sight a constant spectacle of regret, and sorrow to yourself and thereby remove an almost certain barrier to its proper place in society, and its lasting welfare in mature years. Having applied Artificial Limbs to children as young as three years, and many at the age of five to ten years and up- wards, and always with the best of success (unless where they had been too long upon the crutches), thus obtaining a knowl- edge not to be mistaken in.—To those who have cases under their care of the nature here mentioned, due consideration to these statements is asked, and although differing as it does from the hasty advice generally given by the physician. weigh well the fact, and your conclusions will unquestionably be right, and your duties plain to those entrusted to your tender care and affection. 25 The following engravings clearly illustrate the absolute necessity of attention to these matters: Fig J.O. Fig. 10 represents a little girl, eight years of age, to whom I had ap- plied an Artificial Leg, as there shown, is only one case in many thus treated by myself. The feature of applying Arti- ficial Limbs to children so young is generally considered not practica- ble by parents, on the ground that they are soon outgrown, costly, and that it's only a child and no matter. It does cost something to apply, lengthen and enlarge as they grow up. Those who think it does not pay, please take this single case in view. This cut is from a photograph taken eight years ago, and that little girl is now 16 years of age. Would she now be as well form- ed, healthy, and competent to occupy her proper sphere in life, had she grown up without the aid of this substitute ? Her pic- ture (Fig. 11), taken September, 1875, shows clearly what she now is. It is very well understood, that young ladies wearing Arti- ficial Limbs, are not over desir- ous of having it publicly known: this is not an exceptional case, yet even in this case her name and address will be given, when desired by persons giving satis- factory reasons. Fig. 11. She City. resides in New York 26 Fig. 12 represents one of the most remarkable cases ever treated, or, at least, that has been reached in my twenty-three years of practice in this Fig. 1, Fig. 13. line of subsidiary art. His name is Thomas Keiir, Brooklyn, New York, 10 years of age; was run over by the cars, which caused the ampu- tation of both legs, one above, the other just be- low the knee. In De- cember, 1875 (just about a year after the accident) I applied a pair of Arti- ficials, as illustrated in this cut. In two weeks thereafter he was walk- ing very well without a cane. Two months pas- sed and he was walking and getting about, up and down stairs, and, in fact, everywhere he wished to go, without any assistance whatever, with such ease and comfort that it was absolutely wonderful for such short stumps as his. The cut (Fig. 13) shows how he appears with his limbs on and dressed. This case is another which practically exemplifies the great importance of applying these substitutes to those who are maimed in tender years. For a more extended description of this wonderful case, I refer you to the letter of Dr. Brady, on page 35, the attending surgeon. who has taken a deep interest in the lad, and kindly placed the facts in such shape as not only to make it very interesting to all seeking reliable information in these important mat- ters, but at the same time coming as it does from one whose eminence as a skillful sur- geon, wise counsellor and respected citizen, and in no way interested except for the welfare of his maimed patients, as a matter of course, bear with it such weight as it rightfully de- serves. 27 First Premiums Awarded with Reports of Judges. GOLD MEDAL. Although an inventor and manufacturer of Artificial Limbs for several years, and also an exhibitor at many of the Fairs of the American Institute and other exhibitions of Art, and having received awards of high merits from them before and as late as 1859, a Large Silver Medal from the American Institute, (the last fair held by that Institution until 1865). It is proper to state that those limbs were not of the Improved Patent, which I now make. 1865 was the first year that my limbs with the Patent India Rubber Hands and Feet, and other patented improvements were placed on exhibition in compe- tition for a premium. A Gold Medal was offered by the Board of Managers as the award for the BEST Artificial Limbs. This great induce- ment, as a matter of course, brought out a very lively compe- tition, and many cases of Artificial Limbs appeared in the Fair, and several exhibitions in walking on Artificial Limbs took place during the Fair, to the no small amusement of the large concourse of people that gathered there upon the anounce- ment appearing in the papers, that such a novel affair as a Cripple Race, was to take place. Every one has probably seen some of the many accounts of it that appeared in the public prints at the time, some of which are here published, relative to the fair as well as the race. The following is cut from the New York Times: We examined Marks' Artificial Limbs, and saw some examples of their use that were interesting and satisfactory. These limbs consist of the simplest possible conditions. The ankle is firmly attached, and depends on the elasticity of the india rubber foot, for the required facility in walking. The elegance, naturalness and efficiency of these Artificial Limbs make them almost perfect. From the New York Herald, October 16, 1865: American Institute Fair.—The cripple race, which created so much interest on Saturday last, will be repeated to-day. The manufacturers of other Artificial Legs will compete with Mr. Marks for the laurels he gained on that day. Dodworth's full band will be present. From the New York Tribune, October 16, 1865: American Institute Fair—Practical Test of Artificial Legs.—The Eractical test of the merits of Artificial Legs on exhibition at the American nstitute Fair, on Saturday evening, was both novel and attractive. It con- sisted of a walking match along the centre aisle of the Fair building. Three gentlemen entered the list, and gave a specimen of their facility in walking on these substitutes for natural legs. The first contestant, Mr. Bates, was a 28 tall, heavy man, over six feet high, and weighing over 200 pounds. He wore a pair of artificial legs he had used less than three weeks, and there- fore walked somewhat unsteadily. The second competitor, Mr. Auzburger, followed, wearing but one artificial leg. He walked a fourth of a mile with- out a cane in four minutes with apparent ease, and was warmly applauded. Mr. Frank Stewart closed the performance, wearing two artificial legs, ap- plied just below the knees. He walked a half mile in nine minutes without a cane, with so much spirit, ease and naturalness, that he was frequently ob- structed and taken hold of by persons who could not believe that he wore two artificial legs, and he was finally obliged to take the large stand and ex- hibit the legs and feet to the audience, when he was loudly applauded. All of these gentlemen wore the artificial leg and patent India-rubber foot manu- factured by Mr. A. A. Marks, No. 575 Broadway, there were two other gentlemen present, each wearing two of Mr. Marks' legs, having lost their own while in the service of their country. This walking match originated with Managers Carpenter and Ely, and was superintended by the managers in person, the object being to enable the thousands of legless soldiers to avail themselves of the benefits of a fair trial of the real working merits of the many artificial legs constantly thrust upon their attention. There are several exhibitors of artificial limbs in the Fair, most if not all of whom are expected to give a sample of the walking capability of their respective limbs at the walking match which takes place this evening at 8 o'clock. A prize will be awarded to the most successful maker. The Soldiers'1 Friend, of November, after giving a very general account of the races, &c., closes with the following: Several other exhibitions took place during the fair. The gold medal was awarded to Dr. Marks. The ''Rubber Foot," manufactured at this estab- lishment under special patents, has an elasticity and durability that must make the limb welcome to every wearer. The award of the Committee, after a careful examination, is a high testimonial in its favor. The following official report and decision of the Judges, speaks for itself: ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. The Judges on these important Articles were Professor J. M. Carnochan Professor J. C. V. Smith, and James Knight, M. D., and after a careful and extended examination and practical testing of the various kinds of Limbs on exhibition, awarded the First Premium GOLD MEDAL to Mr. A. A Marks for his limbs with India Rubber Hands and Feet. The above cuts avefac similes of both sides of the MEDAL awarded as stated in the above report. There never was before, in all probability, such a thorough test, impartial and searching investigation in every way and 29 too, by so many eminent persons as composed the Judges and Jurors, too, as it were, on this very important trial. FIRST PREMIUM AGAIN. The American Institute held no Fair in 1866, but in 1867 it again put forth its energies, and held the most successful and brilliant Exhibition, far outdoing its many preceding instruc- tive entertainments, known as the 37th Annual Fair. The contest was again in- vited. The By-Laws of the Institute had been changed in such a manner as to require the Judges in their in- vestigations to take into consideration all THE DIFFERENT ARTI- CLES OF THEIR CLASS OF WHICH THEY HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE WHETHER ON EXHI- BITION OR NOT. The Chairman of the Board of Managers stated publicly at the close of the Fair that the Board had determined to elevate the standard of excellence in articles on exhibition, by de- clining to give the First Premium to any Article, unless it was pronounced by com- petent judges of GREAT utility and equal or superior to any like article known to them whether on exhibition or not. The result on Artificial Limbs is found in the following official report: 30 No. 238. Marks' Patent Artificial Limbs, have frequently been before the Institute, and continue to sustain their former reputation. Professor A. K. Gardner, j J. C. V. Smith, VJn J DAVID L. MASON. Late of Co. B, 38th Wis. Vol. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Charleston, South Carolina, February 15th, 1876. MR. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir:—Please allow me to say for publication in your pamphlet, that I have worn your Patent Artificial Leg since 1868, and it has done excellent service. No better evidence is needed than the fact of my recent purchase of a new one from you. r Yours trulv, J. W. SMYSER. 50 [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Hamilton. Butler Co., Ohio, February 15th, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I take great pleasure in saying to you that the Patent Arti- ficial Leg made by you and furnished me on government account last year, gives entire satisfaction, and from what I know of other kinds, and from a use of yours for over ten years, I most cheerfully recommend it as every way superior to any in use. Yours respectfully, MARTIN SEIFORD. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] West Randolph, Vermont, February 15th, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I am very much pleased with my new Artificial Leg, although I have not worn it much, for the one you made me over five years ago is perfectly good yet. I have had two legs of other makers before I tried yours, they were both very unsatisfactory. I wish for no better leg than yours with patent rubber foot. Yours sincerely, L. H. GOODRICH, Late Co. B, 6th Vermont Vols. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Orange, Essex Co., New Jersey, February, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I wish to say, through your pamphlet, to all whom it may concern, that your Patent Artificial Leg proves to be the best after years of hard usage, and I know pretty well about the other kinds too, from wearing them. Yours truly, THOMAS J. SPRAWL, Late Corporal Co. C, 12th Regt. N. J. Vols. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Rock Ridge, Colorado Territory, March 2d, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—Please accept a few lines from my hand. I have worn one of your legs for the last four years ; I find it durable and convenient ; have plowed, harrowed and mowed with it, and also done most all kinds of farm work. Have attended balls and danced with any of them. Am much pleased with it. Would not exchange it for any other kind I have ever used or seen. I take much pains in recommending it as the best. Yours truly, JOHN A. CASE, [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Vergennes, Vermont, February 11th, 1876 A. A. Marks. Esq. : Dear Sir :—I take great pleasure in recommending the Artificial Leg of which you are the patentee, as, in my opinion, it is the best now in use I have worn one of ----, lateral motion, and one of-----, but consider 51 yours is altogether superior to them in every respect. The wonderful ease and naturalness of movement of your India-rubber Foot cannot be excelled or equalled. Verv truly vours, SIDNEY M. SOUTHARD. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Newark, New Jersey, February 9th, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—It is with great pleasure I recommend your Patent Artificial Legs. Having used others with ankle motion, I am able to judge the differ- ence and the advantages of your Patent Rubber Foot ; there is no rattling or breaking down in these. I have given yours nearly six years' trial, without cost of one cent, and in so doing have proved the real merits and great satisfaction it has given me. I have done all kinds of farm work on it with comparatively no difficulty, which is something worth talking about for one with a stump but two and one-quarter inches long, below the knee. Yours respectfully, STEPHEN B. ANDREWS. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Pittsburgh, Pa.. 74 Grand Street, February 10th, 1876. Mr. Marks : Dear Sir:—After several years of experience in the use of your Patent Leg, as well as those of different other manufacturers, and after extensive observation and enquiries among wearers of Artificial Limbs, I most earnestly and emphatically recommend your Patent Legs with Rubber Feet as the safest, most convenient and durable in the United States. Yours truly, JOHN G. JAMES. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Napanee, Lanox Co,, Ont., Canada, February loth, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I am glad to have an opportunity of placing in your hands, for publication, my experience and views of your Patent Artificial Legs. My six years of constant labor and exercise on your Patent Limbs, after a few years of experience on other, and more complicated substitutes, tells me that yours is in all respects by far the best in every essential feature, and over 50 per cent, more durable. The Rubber Foot suits me and I want no other now. Yours &c, J. P. HANLEY, Agent Grand Trunk Railway, Napanee, Ont, [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Canaan Four Corners, Columbia Co., New York. February 9th, 1876, Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—Having worn one of your legs over five years, and after a thorough trial of another kind, I can safely say that yours is the best. Your Rubber Foot does away with that tormenting rattle and expense of repairs at the ankle. I cheerfully recommend yours as in every way preferable. Respecfully yours, CHARLES H. GROVES, [LEG BELOW KNEE\] Boise City. Idaho Territory. March 4th, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks: Dear Sir:—In giving my testimony upon the subject of Artificial Legs, will say that I was supplied in 1865, by----with a leg, which never gaye me any comfort, and then broke down too, in less than two years, then it was so noisy too, even from the first, if I had to go on a side-walk or hall it sounded like a drove of mules going across a bridge. I purchased one ot your make in 1868, with Rubber Foot, which fitted me well, and 1 am still wearing it, never being troubled with; loose, flapping joints, or cords being out of repairs ; on the contrary, the foot has a firm, noiseless, natural move- ment, superior to all other Artificial Legs, second only to the natural one. I have applied for another one and shall be on for it the last of the month. Yours respectfully, RICHARD McCLOY, 10th Regt. N. Y. Cav. Vol. ARTIFICIAL ARMS. "Without making any pretense that Artificial Arms are in any sense equal in ntility and usefulness to Artificial Legs, yet of their real and comparative merits, I submit the follow- ing testimony ; all can judge of its reliability. From, Hon. Ira, Buckman, Member of Assembly, Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—It was my unfortunate lot, in the month of May, 1863, to meet with an accident by which the amputation of my right arm became neces- sary. After being confined to my bed and room some eight months from the loss of my arm and other injuries received at the time, I was permitted to take a position with that large but unfortunate class of my fellow-beings, who, like myself, have lost a limb, and must be what is commomly called a cripple, the balance of our sojourn here ; yet, with all the fearful forebodings that are forced upon the cripple's mind, there is yet a " balm in Gilead." What the beacon light is to the home-ward bound mariner, are A. A. Marks' Artificial Limbs to the unfortunate. To think that he can again pass in mixed assemblages of his fellow-citizens without being gazed upon or point- ed at, or, what is still worse, to hear that harsh, but oft-repeated exclamation, " there is a cripple !" I have not only worn your Artificial Arm, but have shaken hands with a gentleman and his wife, both of whom called on me repeatedly when my arm was amputated. Neither of them discovered that they had been shaking an Artificial Hand, nor did some dozen other intimate acquaintances recognise it, forgetting for the time being, from its natural appearance, the loss of my arm. Your Artificial Limbs need no eulogy from me. They only need to be seen and applied to be appreciated by the unfortunate. As a mechanic, it might be well to ask the question, where are the weak points in your limbs ? After a careful examination I fail to find even one ; so compact, so light, so simple of construction, and yet so well calculated to perform all the various functions that art can do for which they were intended, that further remarks from me seem unnecessary. Very truly yours, IRA BUCKMAN, 145 South Fifth Street, Brooklyn, E. D., N. Y. 53 Artificial arm for amputation below the elbow, but so near the joint as to render the joint useless, therefore operating same as in case the amputation was above the elbow. Methodist Book Concern. 805 Broadway, New York City. March 20th, 1876. Agents—R. Nelson, D. D. J. M. Philips. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—Over four years constant use of your Patent Artificial Arm with Rubber Hand, and by prior experience for several years of other kinds, enables me to bear testimony to both the good qualities of yours and its superiority to others. It serves every useful purpose that any other can serve, and in wearing it I am not annoyed by the sensation, awakened by a noisy, clattering machine, or a rigid, unwieldy wooden hand. The Rubber Hand is much more agreeable, while its soft flexible substance much more nearly resembles a natural hand. Very truly yours. R. NELSON. [ARM. BELOW ELBOW.] Mount Sterling, Madison Co., Ohio, January, 1869. A. A. Marks, Esq. : Dear Sir :—I have been wearing the Artificial Arm which you made for me in February, 1864, ever since the first day I got it, with the very best of success. I think it is the best arm made for utility and convenience, for the reason that it is so simple in construction. It will never get out of repairs, because there is so little machinery about it, and to all who wish to get an arm that has practical utility as well as neatness, I would certainly recom- mend your patent. Yours respectfully, S. B. YEOMAN, Late Colonel 43d Reg't Col'd Tooops, [ARM. BELOW ELBOW.] Sherwood, Cayuga Co., New York, May 7th. 1865, Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I seat myself to inform you how I am getting along with my Artificial Arm, which you made me. Really, I am doing so well with it that I don't know in what particular point to speak. I am at work on the farm, as I used to do before the war, doing all kinds of work, such as plowing, sowing, and everything. In fact, your hook arrangement is just the thing for a farmer, and I do so much more with it generally, that it more than gives good satisfaction. Truly yours, BENJAMIN F. GOULD. Late Private Co. I, 3d New York Vols. 54 [ARM, BELOW ELBOW.] New Hamburgh, Dutchess Co., New York, February 10thr 1876. Mr. Marks : Dear Sir :—I have used the apparatus you made me for my arm, and find it a great benefit, and would not be without it at any price for hard work. It is a great benefit for working with long handled tools, such as shovels, spades, forks, &c. I can work with ease, and do as much as I ever could. Handling large bales, 400 to 500 lbs., I find it a great help to me ; also, in driving ; and if my arm was longer below the elbow, I should be able to do still better. Yours truly, WILLIAM SHAY. [ARM, BELOW ELBOW.] Kelamazoo, Mich., 137 Main Street, February 14th, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir :—I most cheerfully recommend your Artificial Hand as being the best I ever used. Have worn the one I now have for twelve years ; it never gets out of order. Yours truly, H. S. PARKER. **[ARM. BELOW ELBOW.] Office of James H. Golden, County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Mainstee, Michigan, March 1st, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks: Dear Sir :—I ordered a hand of you in 1872, and must say that I am well pleased with it. It has done good service, and is good yet ; has cost nothing for repairs. I would not part with it if I could not get another. I remain, as ever, yours truly, JAMES H. GOLDEN. Note.—It will be observed that the names of other makers alluded to in the letters published herewith, are left blank, this is done, not by the desire of the writers, but as the- publisher does not wish to disparage the work of any competitor in this calling by this publicity (no matter how high or how low their standing may be), thus keeping their names from the many thousand readers of this pamphlet, but in consideration of his duty to himself and to those who feel themselves victims of having a troublesome and unreliable substitute fastened upon them by the adroit exhibition of highly finished frail jumping jacks, in the shape of Artificial Limbs, as embellished by ingenious and fascinating words will not refuse to give these names to individuals when privately requested, neither will he conceal the numerous and various specimens of Limbs left at his office by those who. have renewed their understandings upod a firm, reliable and more satisfactory basis. 55 The following certificate and extended list of signatures thereto, is apparently superfluous, in addition to the already long list of recommendatory letters, ecc, already printed in the preceding pages, but it must be borne in mind that patrons of this line of art are scattered widely apart, and all over the wide world ; they are generally very desirous of seeing some one using an Artificial Limb, if possible, before purchasing, and in order to place every possible means of reliable infor- mation in my power, in the hands of those seeking relief from lost limbs, and wishing to purchase, I have given an oppor- tunity to some of my patrons to assist me and at the same time assist their fellow nnfortnnates who do not possess that knowledge in thus securing the most reliable information that is possible to be had with the least possible trouble and in a form not to be mistaken ; as is fully and clearly shown by the long list of names, signed in every case by their own hands to the following CERTIFICATE. The undersigned respectfully state that they are now using and have used for a reasonable time, Marks' Patent Artificial Limbs, and are aware that the leading features in their mode of construction consists in the India Rubbee Feet and Hands, and are made with no movable ankle or finger joints, and without the complication of bolts, cords, springs, screws, &c, formerly nsed in Artificial Limbs ; the Elastic Feet and Hands being substitutes for the joints. And, furthermore, we also state that we have used other kinds and makers' limbs, with the joints, cords, &c, and from our experience with the different kinds, we cheerfully bear testimony that the Patent Artificial Limbs made by Mr. Marks, are in no respect inferior on account of their noted simplicity of construction, in dispensing with the joints, etc., but, on the other hand, we find in them a great relief from the cares and annoyances attending the complicated styles, and find that we experience greater ease, comfort, elasticity, still- ness, safety, and naturalness, with these than with the other kinds, and also demonstrate the important fact that they are at least one hundred per cent, more durable than any other form of constructed limbs we have ever used, or have any knowledge of ; and recommend them most earnestly to all requiring Artificial Limbs, as the best. 56 Major M. F. WATSON, 5th Artillery, U. S. A. (Retired), Montrose, Cum- berland Co., Maryland. Leg, above knee. **Mr. SIMEON GILLIS. Recorder, Bryan, Williams Co., Ohio. Leg, below knee. " FREDERICK LARRANAGA, Lima, Peru. Leg, above knee. " GEO. W. GRAHAM, Post Master, Rushford, Filmore Co.. Minn. Leg, knee bearing. " AZARIAH A. GRANT, East Arlington, Vermont. Leg, below knee. Rev. ALFRED BLAKE, Gambier, Knox Co., Ohio. Leg, above knee. Mr. HIRAM J. CLARK, Insurance Agent, Binghamton, New York. Leg. above knee. " D. B. WALKINGTON, Merchant, Belfast, Ireland. Leg, above knee. ** " J. C. SWITZER, Iowa National Bank, Iowa City. Iowa. Leg, knee bearing. Capt. ROBERT CATLIN, Co. D, 5th Regt. U. S. Artillery (Retired), West Point, New York. Leg, below knee. Mr. WILLIAM J. SMALL WOOD, Beatyville, Lee Co., Kentucky. Leg, below knee. " JOHN McGUIRE, 31 Grand Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Leg, below knee. " W. D. BRENNAN, late Capt. 124th Regt. N. Y. Vols. Leg, below knee. " JOHN S. BIRD, Harrall, Decatur Co., Georgia. Leg, below knee. ** " E. B. EDDY, Bank President, Plainview, Wabasha Co., Minn. Arm, below elbow. " F. W. HARNEY, Jersey City Ferry, New Jersey. Leg, above knee. " TIMOTHY O'BRIEN, Binghampton, N. Y. Both Legs, below knee. " J. W. FARNSWORTH, Worcester, Mass. Leg, below knee. " WILLIAM WICK, 262 Railroad Ave., Jersey City, New Jersey. Leg, below knee. " DAVID M. GREEN (Post Master), Clayville, Oneida Co., New York, Leg, knee bearing. " W. H. PACE, Railroad Agent, Communipaw, N. J. Leg, below knee. " C. F. SCUDDER, Merchant, Binghamton. New York. Leg, belowknee. " ARTHUR T. COLBURN, East Somerville. Middlesex Co., Mass. Lea below knee. Dr. T. W. WEEKS, No. 11 North 10th Street, Phila. Pa. Leg, knee bearing. **Mr. DANIEL MEAGHER, Machinist, 46 N Street, Sacramento City Cal Leg, below knee. **Rev. GEORGE BOSLEY, Cayuga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio Arm below elbow. Mr. JOHN G. POTTS, Printer, 181 Clinton Street, New York Citv Lea below knee. - ' y' " CHARLES A. FAAS, Jeweler, Plainville, Norfork Co., Mass Lea below knee. y' " J. C. BUXTON, Grand Central Depot, N. Y. City. Leg, above knee. " JAMES SHELL, Carters Depot, Carter Co., Tenn. Leg below knee. " JOSEPH A. PETTET, Glenbulah, Sheboygan Co., Wisconsin. Lea below knee. ^' " GASPER GEIST. Detroit, Michigan. Arm, below elbow. .)< Mr. ABRAM D. CLARK, No. 10 Tollman Street Brooklyn, New York. Leg, above knee. ^ EDGAR B. STEELE, Carthage, Jefferson Co., N. Y. Leg. below knee. J. H. GUNTHER, Hinton, West Virginia. Leg. below knee. PLINY P. LAIRD, Palmyra, Wayne Co.. N. Y. Leg, below knee. „ D. W. PRITCHARD, Delaware, Delaware Co.. Ohio. Leg, above knee. HENRY BILLMAN, Van Wert, Van Wert Co., Ohio. Leg, below knee. MORRIS CHARTIERS. Beaver Creek. Cloud Co., Kansas. Leg, below knee. y JOSIAH DURAN, Auburn, Maine. Leg, above knee. " JOHN S.. BRANNON, Glenville, Gilmer Co.. West Virginia. Leg, belou-.kuee. y H. A. BROTTS, Seville, Medina Co., Ohio. Leg, below knee. ■ LEANDER A. ROBB, Burgettstown, Pa. Leg, below knee. B. M. LAMPMAN (Patent Roofing), Rutland. Rutland Co.. Vt. Lea, below knee. " SMITH B. PRITCHARD. Waterbury, Conn. Both Legs, below knees. JACOB G. SHIRK, Chambersburgh, Penn. Leg, below knee, RICHARD O'KEEFE, Nat'l Home, Augusta, Maine. Leg, below knee. - JOHN CAVANAUGH, Platteville. Grant Co., Wis. Leg, below knee. EDWARD BARRY, Punxatawney, Jefferson Co., Pa. Leg, above knee. • W. H. DENISTON, Van Wert, Van AVert Co., Ohio. Leg, below knee. " JOHN D. SMITH. Rockford, Winebego Co., Ills. Leg, below knee. " DANIEL W. FOOT, Waterloo. Iowa. Leg, below knee. *' P. McCARTY, Contractor, Bergen Street, between Carlton and Van- derbilt Aves., Brooklyn. Leg, below knee. 41 GEO. F. DRESSOIR, Felts Mill, Jefferson Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. " HENRY AUZBURGER, Machinist, 56 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, New York. Leg, below knee. " EDWARD COLE, Merchant, Lexington. Green Co., New York. Leg, knee bearing. " JOHN W. MERSHON, Cabinet Maker, Waverly Leuzerne Co., Penn. Leg, below knee. " NORRIS CHAMBERLAIN, Farmer, Pelham, Hampshire Co., Mass. Leg, below knee. " AUGUST WANDREY, Madison, Wisconsin. Leg, below knee. " RUFUS TILBEE, Matteawan, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. " RODERICK GRAHAM, Printer, 13 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. Leg, above knee. " RORERT MARTIN, 741 East 6th Street, N. Y. City. Leg, below knee. " CYRUS D. RIDENOUER, Hagerstown, Maryland. Leg, below knee. " JOHN ASHELMAN, New Philadelphia, Pa. Leg, below knee. " WILLIAM GRIFFIN. 1632 Sixteenth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. Leg, above knee, " FREDERICK H. BENNETT, Georgetown, Fairfield Co., Connecticut. Leg, below knee. **Hon. T. ROBB, Deyerman, Dawson's Station, Feyette County, Penn. Leg, below knee. 58 Mr. WARREN BAKER. Worcester, Mass. Leg, beloiv knee. AARON BYINGTON, Somerville, New Jersey. Leg, below knee. CHRISTIAN MAY, Watertown, Dodge Co., Wis. Leg, below knee. R. B. ETHEREDGE, Rutledge, Morgan Co., Georgia. Leg, below knee. LEWIS JONES, South Norwalk, Conn. Leg, above knee. H. D. CLARK, Humboldt, Nebraska. Leg, below knee. CHARLES A. SARGENT, Copperas Hill, Vermont. Leg, below knee. JOHN McCLASKEY, Recorder, Toledo, Tama County, Iowa. Leg, above knee. CHARLES H. ROGERS, 25 Debevois Place, Brooklyn, New York. Leg, below knee. JOHN C. O'BRYAN, Marietta, Lancaster Co., Pa. Leg, below knee. PETER PAULSON, Harness Maker, Rushford, Filmore Co.. Minn. Leg, above knee. WILLIAM CLOSS, Black River, Jefferson Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. P. M. FAIREY, Branchville, Orangeberg Co., S. C. Leg, beloiv knee. S. F. FELLOWS, Athens, Bradford Co., Pa, Leg, above knee. THOMAS FIELDSON, 612 N. 4th St., St. Louis, Mo. Leg, below knee. D. M. JONES, Alderman, Hyde Park, Luzerne County, Pa. Legr above knee. LUTHER LUCORE, Farmer, Benzette, Elk Co., Pa. Leg, below knee. WILLIAM MILLER, Clarkstown, Rockland Co., New York. Leg, below knee. ELLIS HUMPHREY, Book Keeper, Middle Granville. Washington Co., N. Y. Leg, above knee. WILLIAM HARVEY, Tippecanoe, Fayette Co., Pa. Leg, below knee. JOHN A. CRAWFORD, Harness Maker, Masonville, Delaware Co., New York Leg, above knee. PHILEMON CAYWOOD, Lindley, Grundy Co., Mo. Leg above knee. ROBERT TAGGERT, Wheeling, Cook Co.., 111. Leg, above knee. E. A. TILLOTSON, Lancing, Michigan, Leg, beloiv knee. Mrs. ANGELINE FLEEZER, Marbledale, Litchfield Co., Connecticut. Leg, abov knee. Mr. JAMES BOYLE, 43 Grand Street, Brooklyn, E. D., New York. Leg, below knee. " H. R. HORSFORD, Hudson, New York. Leg, below knee. " E. D. SCOFIELD, Passaic, Passaic Co., New Jersey. Leg, above knee. ** " Mrs. AGATHA KRUGER, Albion, Jackson Co., Wis. Leg, below knee. Mr. JOHN BRANDT, 197 Broadway, New York. Leg, above knee. ** " J. F. PRIOR, Northfield, Rice Co., Minn. Leg, below knee. " JOSEPH C. STEVENS, Bloomfield, Essex Co., New Jersey. Leg above knee. ** " JOHN H. BURNHAM, Amity, Yomhill Co., Oregon. Leg, below knee. •; GEORGE D. STINEBAUGH (County Clerk) Franklin Co., Kansas. Leg, below knee. **Mrs. S. A. LINDER, Eugene Gty. Lane Co., Oregon. Leg, aboVe knee. 59 Mr. HUGH McANULTY. Painter. Bay Shore, Suffolk Co., New York. Leg, beloiv knee. ^^ WILLIAM R. RALPH, Engineer, 162 Prince Street, New York City. Leg, above knee. J. L. COLE, Green, Butler Co., Iowa. Leg, below knee. GEORGE W. McDOUGAL, Newark, New Jersey. Leg, knee bearing. JEREMIAH KEADY, Blacksmith, cor. Cook and Tremont Streets, Baltimore, Maryland. Leg, above knee. " GEORGE AV. KENYON, Hebron, Potter Co., Pa. Leg,, below knee. * " WOODAL EASTMAN, Farmer, South Atselic, Chenango Co., New York. Leg, above knee. " WMM. WHITE, Farmer, Williamson, Wayne Co., New York. Leqr above knee. v " REUBEN HALL, Oil City, Pa. Leg, below knee. * " JACOB PALMERTER, Collector of Customs, Pittsburgh, Clinton Co., New York. Leg, knee bearing. " JOSEPH L. STEELE, Cherry Creek, Arapahoe Co., Colorado Terri- tory. Leg, below knee. *Mrs. MATILDA REED, Vinton, Benton Co., Iowa. Leg, above knee, Mr. WILLIAM H. HAMLIN, Indianapolis, Ind. Leg, above knee. " MICHAEL R. HOGAN, Meriden, Conn. Leg, below knee. " CHAS. R. KASMIRE, New Bedford, Mass. Leg, below knee.. " FREDERICK J. LAAVRENCE, AVood Haven, Queens Co., New York. Leg, above knee. " JAMES H. KYNER, Norfolk, Nebraska. Leg, below knee. * " JAMES W. BARNES, Farmer, Louisville, Blount Co., Tennessee. Leg, above knee. " DAVID L. MASON, AVinona, Minn. Leg, below knee. Mrs. ALFRED ROBERTS, New Dorp, New York. Leg, knee bearing. Mr. THOMAS R. GIBSON, 37 Ritch Street, San Francisco, California. Leg, below knee. ANDREW JOHNSON, Branchville, New Jersey. Leg, below knee:. R. E. LAWHON, Atlanta, Georgia. Leg, below knee. WILLIAM DORNSCHEIDTE, 47 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York.. Leg, below knee. JOSEPH HENNENLOTTER, 460 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York. Leg, above knee. WILLIAM WORTS, Brooklyn, E. D., New York. Leg, below knee. CHRISTOPHER HAFFERN, 273 Tenth Avenue, New York City, Leg,. below knee. REUBEN A. HEALEY, Cross Mills, Charlestown, Rhode Islands Leg, below knee. » EDWARD A. NELLIS, Winstead, Conn. Leg, below knee. 60 " CHARLES MCDOWELL, Clayville, Oneida Co., New York. Leg, above knee. ** " CHARLES GUMMELL. Calverton, Baltimore, Aid. Leg, below knee, " RICHARD CLEARWATER, Newport, Vermillion Co., Indiana. Leg, beloiv knee. ** " H. C. CARA'ER, Farmer, College Springs, Page Co., Iowa. Leg, beloiv knee. " ALBERT HAUSBECK, 156 Green St. Jersey City, N. J. Leg, below knee. " JOSEPH TROAAr, 605 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. City. Leg, above knee. " E. E. BACON, Rochelle, Ogle Co., Illinois. Leg, below knee. " JOHN SEEREY, Bridgeport, Conn. Leg, above knee. " GEO. F. BAILEY, Jeweler, 11 Maiden Lane, New York City. Leg, above knee. ""• " LYMAN H. NORRIS, Barrington, Yates Co., Y. Y. Leg, below knee. " A. B. HOAVELL, Lawyer, Eastern, Pennsylvania. Leg, above knee. " JOHN FITZGERALD, Front St., Newburgh, Orange Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. ** " F. McGUIRE. Farmer, Jacksonville, Chickasaw County, Iowa. Leg, beiow knee. " WALTER S. KANE, 30 Broad St., New York City. Leg above knee. " JOSEPH LOMAS. Collector, Newburgh, Orange Co., New York. Leg, below knee. ** '{ ABRAM S. MORRIS, 924 C Street, Washington, D C. Leg, above knee. " D. S. HERMANCE, R. R. Agt., Hemstead Queens Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. " WM. FRANCIS, Holland Patent, Oneida Co., N. Y. Leg, knee bearing. " D. E. ISHAM, Westfield, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. Leg, below knee. " JAS. S. McDANOLDS, State Librarian, Trenton, N.J. Leg, kneebearing ** " JOHN KENNADY, Mountain Lake, Minn. Leg, below knee. " CUTLE H. RIST, West branch, Richmond Co., Wis. Leg, above knee. ** " ANTHONY BERTRAND, Merced Falls, California. Arm below e'bow. " DAVID HERSHBERG, 154 Attorney St., N. Y. City, Leg, below knee. ** '• WILSON, ANDREW W., Marysville, Yuba Co., Cal. Leg, knee bearing. '• BEERI SERVISS, Apple River, Jo Daviess Co., Ills. Leg, below knee. ** " HENRY SMITH, Apple River, Jo Daviess Co., Ills. Leg, abov knee. " A. L. RUSHMORE, Conneautville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Leg, above knee. " JOSEPH Y. PAXTON, McPherson, Kansas. Leg, below knee. 61 The Press has spoken of these Limbs in flattering and very complimentary terms on many occasions, but find room only for the following articles at this time : From the American Eclectic Medical Review, Aug., 1866. MARKS' PATENT ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. These Limbs are beyond all question the most perfect and simple ever made, and their indorsement by the American Institute at its last Annual Fair was but a just tribute to their unquestionable excellence. The principle of the India Rubber Feet and Hands is the true one; and the remarkable skill and extensive experience of Dr. Marks in this branch of surgical appliances is unexcelled in this country or the world. We recommend Marks' Artificial Limbs—unqualifiedly—to all surgeons. and to all who may require the aid of such appliances. ARTIFICIAL LEGS ON SKATES. [The following communication is handed in by a friend, in whose knowl- edge of the facts we have full confidence. We have frequent inquiries in regard to the manufacturers of Artificial Limbs, and we deem any facts in relation to them interesting to disabled men. We witnessed the walking match refered to by our correspondent, and from the testimony of those who have used both the Ordinary Limbs and the Rubber Feet, we imagine that the latter would become a favorite.—Ed. Soldier's Friend.] The time has not long passed since it was considered a wonder to see a person walking with apparent ease upon one Artificial Leg, but when an unfortunate feUow who had lost both of his propellers was enabled to walk, even with two canes, it was thought so remarkable that few would believe it without witnessing the feat with their own eyes, But we have recently seen something far exceeding this in novelty and success. We saw a young man skating leisurely along on the Central Park Lake, with both hands in his pockets, and without any assistance of staff or cane. It is true he did not carve out with exquisite neatness and precision, an elegantly spread eagle, neither did he leap over the heads of his fellow skaters, but his movements were easy and graceful, and no one would suspect any thing unusual, except that he might be a beginner. This was really the case, as he had then put on skates only a few times. Our attention was called to him by some one who knew him personally, or we should not have thought that among that vast throng there was one who sought the merry sport upon two wooden legs. We should not call them wooden, for the quiet skater was no less a personage than Mr. Frank Stewart, who wears the Artificial Legs with Rubber Feet, invented and manufactured, by Mr. Marks, 575 Broadway, in this city. Mr. Stewart ran, or walked, the race at the Fair of the American Institute last year, and made the unprecedented time of half a mile in nine minutes, with no assistance whatever, and was still anxious to proceed declaring he could make the next half mile in the same time, but was prevented by the crowd. The Gold Medal for Artificial Limbs, was awarded to Mr. Marks, at the American Institute Fair, 1865.—Soldier's Friend, January, 1866. 62 The American Phrenological Journal of October, 1869, published a lengthy and comprehensive article on Artifieial Limbs, from which will be found the following extract and engraving of Mr. Stewart: ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. It is but a few years since the person who was unfortunate enough to lose a part of his leg, was obliged to stump about, like poor " Tommy Taft," in Mr. Beecher's "Norwood," for the rest of his life, or, what was worse, to swing himself through the world on crutches. There have been various ingenious and useful devices to obviate the old stump-leg, as well as to do away with the crutches, and these inventions have served their purposes with more or less convenience and pleasure to the wearer and his friends. Since the beginning of our great re- bellion ten thousand maimed soldiers have called upon the inventive talent of our citizens, and now we have the pleasure of presenting, for the consider- ation of our readers, the Artificial Limbs with India-rubber Hands and Feet, in- vented and manufactured by Mr. A. A. Marks, 575 Broadway, New York. We give also an engraved likeness of Mr. Frank Stewart, who has had both legs amputated below the knees, and wears, of course, two artificial legs. One amputation is within two and a half inches of the knee-joint, the other five or six inches below it, yet with his two ar- tificial legs he walks very briskly and very much better than many men hav- ing corns, who would resent the imputa- tion of being lame. The dotted lines across the legs show where the amputa- tions were made. He uses a cane, but can walk without it. We see nothing in the artificial line which gives so natural a step as this. AVe are informed that Mr. Marks has been authorized to furnish artificial Limbs, at the expense of the Govern- ment, to commissioned officers, soldiers and seamen of the United States army and navy, who may have been maimed in the service of their country It is a source of great pleasure to us, and must be to everybody, that the maimed soldier, without special charity from personal friends, should thus be enabled to procure, at no expense to himself, the best possible substitute for the limbs which he has sacrificed for the honor and freedom of his country We recommend all persons who are interested to make an investigation tor themselves of this work, and we doubt not they would be pleased anH profited thereby. "" 63 From the New York Dispatch, September 16, 1866. Artificial Limbs.—In another column of this paper the reader will find an advertisement under the above heading. These Artificial Limbs are the invention and manufacture of A. A. Marks, Esq., of No. 575 Broadway, this city. We have seen some of these limbs, and examined the peculiar sim- plicity of their construction ; we have also seen them in practical use, and have been truly astonished with the naturalness and grace with which they walk. They remind us of the great advance made in the steam-engine by being shorn of its former and many complicated parts, to its present simple and im- proved condition. Mr. Marks dispenses with the ankle joints in his legs and its complications, by substituting a foot made mostly of India-Rubber, of a very tough, elastic and desirable character, thereby giving the wearer a more reliable, natural and perfect limb than we have heretofore ever seen. At the Fair of the American Institute last year, there was a very spirited contest for the Gold Medal to be awarded to the inventor of the best limb, and although there were many contestants, Mr. Marks' limbs carried off the prize. Mr. Marks is a pioneer in this line of art having been engaged in his profession for the last fifteen years, and after much study and many experi- ments has attained to those special improvements, which he patented some four years since. The government some time since adopted his limbs, thus enabling our heroic soldiers who have lost their limbs in defence of their country, to secure them free of charge. We have given these inventions more than a, passing notice, as we think they effect important changes and improvements in the construction of implements for the relief of our unfortunate fellow beings, and more especially as they emanate from one who has labored for many years in this branch of a noble work, and whose present standing as an inventor and gen- tleman needs no further recommendation at our hands. The following Editorial Notice appeared in the New York Tribune of September 16th, 1868. ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. The inventor who can make a machine to do its work with the least machinery is considered by all good judges as the best. Simplicity of con- struction, in everything, is not only its beauty, but its best recommendation. In nothing is this rule more applicable than to substitutes for lost limbs, especially when applied to our brave soldiers and seamen, who sacrificed their own precious limbs to save our country. We find the above qualifications well exemplified in Artificial Limbs invented and manufactured by A. A. Marks, 575 Broadway, which seem to combine every feature of utility and comfort to the unfortunate wearer, while their simplicity of construction must render them durable and unlikely to get out of order. The soldier or citizen who places himself under the care of Mr. Marks will find a competent, prompt and reliable friend, a man well known as an energetic, hard worker, of large experience as an inventor and mechanic in a profession both honorable and beneficial to the human race. He publishes a pamphlet descriptive of his productions, which he sends free to all applicants. 64 The New York Dispatch, of October 24, 1869, contained the following Editorial notice which is here reprinted verbatim: Very few persons in proportion to our population, are required to use Artificial Limbs, yet in looking into the matter a little, we find there are many thousands among us, needing and using those useful inventions of art, and many persons use them with such ease and naturalness, that their misfortune is never known by the public, and often but by very few of their ac- quaintances. In examining Mr. Marks' large case of Artificial Limbs at the Fair, our attention was attracted to a very genteel and pretty little girl of about ten years of age, who presented us with a card which read :' 'A. A. Marks* Patent Artificial Limbs, 575 Broadway, New York," and upon the opposite side we found a portrait of the little girl above mentioned, taken in different positions, one of which represented her as she appeared before me with her sweet, honest face and lovely black eyes, and skipping about apparently as sound in limb as in body and mind, but another view represented her sitting and exhibiting her misfortune, showing that her left leg was amputated just below the knee. She informed us that she had used it for over two years, and with perfect ease. We saw her afterward walking about the Fair without exhibiting any signs whatever of her loss. We are informed that Mr. Marks has hundreds of patients who testify to the great utility and assistance they receive from his valuable inventions—many, too, who have lost both legs, and with these substitutes are enabled to attend to their vocations. These limbs took the first premium in 1865 and 1867, and will, beyond doubt, do the same this year. His cases of limbs are constantly attended by some one wearing either one or two of these substitutes, and attract a large share of interest at the Exhibition. From the Illustrated Weekly, New York, Dec. 18, 1875. We have been particularly interested in reading a pamphlet issued by A, A. Marks, No. 575 Broadway, New York, explaining the construction of the Artificial Limbs produced at his extensive factory, which must be placed at the head of all institutions of the kind on this continent. Established in his business about twenty years, Mr. Marks has succeeded beyond expectation in the endeavor to produce the most perfect substitute possible for a lost limb, either arm or leg. All the limbs manufactured by him are light and strong, elastic and uncomplicated, and admit of such use as is perfectly wonderful. Persons wearing his legs—we intend no joke- find themselves able to walk long distances, to work in the fields or the store and, in the case of ladies, to perform all their domestic duties, including going up and down stairs, without weariness and want of grace, so that their wearing artificial assistances of this nature may not be known to their associates. This is true even of persons necessitated to wear two Artificial Legs. The foot is of India Rubber—as are the hands made by Mr. Marks- light and elastic, and the joints are so constructed as to obviate noise and stiffness. It has been found that children from four years and upwards wearing legs of Mr. Marks' manufacture, can indulge in their childish sports and grow up in vigorous health, instead of feebly moving by aid of crutches We need not add that the inventor has achieved a brilliant success in his business, and that persons and institutions of eminence have cheerfully accord- 65 ed their expression of the utility of his inventions, which those who have used them know best how to appreciate. We cordially indorse the verdict of the judges at the Forty-fourth Fair of the American Institute, lately held in this city ; '• A\ e regard them (Air. Marks' Artificial Limbs) as superior to all oth- ers in practical efficiency and simplicity." We may add that Mr. Marks has received numerous medals from the judges of this institution, the first dated as far back as 1859. From the Toledo Blade, Toledo, Ohio, Aug. 26, 1875. WONDERFUL IA1PROVEMENTS IN PATENT ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. The limbs manufactured at the establishment of Dr. A. A. Marks, 575 Broadway, New York, we are warranted in saying, from personal examin- ation, are beyond any question the most perfect ever made, and their indorse- ment by the American Institute at its last annual Fair, was but a just tribute to their unquestionable excellence. The principle of the India Rubber feet and hands is the true one, and the remarkable skill, and the twenty-two years' experience of Dr. Marks in this branch of surgical appliance, is simply unexcelled in this country or in the WORLD. They are recommended and fully indorsed by all leading sur- geons throughout this entire country. GRAND ARMY RECORD—ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. Science and the industrial arts present no higher evidence of progress than that observable in the perfection of surgical appliances designed to replace portions of the human form, removed by innumerable causes. The require- ments of an article of this description are not only to come as near as possi- ble to nature in appearance, but in the uses of the lost part. Take the leg for example. It should not only look the counterfeit of Nature ; but, its wearer must be able to walk, dance, run, skate, or do anything as before his misfortune, and at the same time have the limb conform to his person. Of the truly ingenious and vastly useful devices for these purposes, exam- ples have recently come under our notice, which show conclusively that the best articles of this description ever devised by man's ingenuity, and one wliich fully meets the requirements, is the Artificial Limbs, with India Rubber hands and feet, made by Dr. A. A. Marks, of this city, and which are now in such extensive use throughout the whole country. Consisting of the simplest conditions, availed of with most consummate ability, it is a model of elegance, naturalness, and efficiency, and fully deserve the high encomi- ums it has recived from medical and other scientific sources, from the Government, the press, and public generally. Of course Dr. Marks' peculiar features in perfecting Artificial Limbs, are secured to him by letters-patent, and he is the sole manufacturer of them. Those interested can send to his office or manufactory, No. 575 Broadway. New York City, and procure a work, gratuitously, which con- tains a full description of his products, testimonials from thousands who are now using them ; accounts of medals, diplomas, and other evidence of 66 approbation awarded them. By a special Act of Congress, the Surgeon- General of the United States has commissioned Dr. Marks to supply these limbs to commissioned officers, soldiers, seamen and others, free of charge under stripulated regulations. Those afflicted, or having friends deprived of their limbs, should communicate with Dr. Marks. From the Davenport Democrat, Davenport, Iowa, Febru- ary 10th, 1876. SUBSTITUTED HUMANITY. The imitation of portions of humanity with all those movements which which are peculiar to the substituted limb, has arrived at a perfection which is marvelous. The victim of patriotism or the sufferer from an accident who requires the amputation of a member can now be supplied with hand or foot, arm or leg so perfect in contour, and so elegant in action, that the sense of loss is reduced to a minimum. Especially is this the case with Marks' pat- ents, which are made with rubber hands and feet so exactly facsimile that none but the wearer is cognizant of the substitution. Mechanical surgery, carried thus to perfection, ranks in importance with those other inventions and discoveries which have made America the leading nation of the world in the alleviation of suffering humanity. Dis- abled soldiers and citizens should apply at once to A. A. Marks, 575 Broad- way, N. Y., for a descriptive catalogue published by him, which also contains instructions how to make application for the government supply of artificial limbs. The New York Evening Mail of November 12th, 1875, in giving an account of the most prominent articles on exhibition at the American Institute Fair, alluded to this subject, as follows: Undoubtedly, one of the most valuable features of the whole exhibition, is the display of Artificial Limbs, made by Dr. A. A. Marks, of 575 Broadway, New York. The beautiful young lady who attends the case of goods entered by Dr. Marks, has been wearing one of his Artificial Limbs for the last eight years. A photograph is distributed at the Fair, showing her as she was at the age of eight, and as she now appears, which very beautifully illustrates a specialty in his business in applying Artificial Limbs to children. These limbs are constructed with India-rubber Hands and Feet, and are models of elegance, naturalness and efficiency ; in short, they are the best articles of this description ever devised by man's ingenuity. They are now in extensive use throughout the whole country, and have received the highest indorsements from medical and other scientific sources, from the government, the press, and the public generally. An illustrated pamphlet, giving full description of the limbs, opinions of eminent surgeons, and testimonials of hundreds who are now using them, can be procured gratuitously by addressing as above. 6? The Editor of the Stamford Advocate, a large weekly newspaper of long and first-class standing, published at Stam- ford, Connecticut (a large, populous, rural town, thirty-three miles from New York City, on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad), after paying us a hasty call on a recent occasion, gave an account of his visit in the editorial columns, which is here republished verbatim et literatim : ART PRACTICALLY EXEMPLIFIED. While on a visit to the city a short time since, we made a call at the celebrated manufactory of Artificial Limbs, owned and carried on by Mr. A. A. Marks, at 575 Broadway, and although we had known before some- thing of this establishment, we were surprised to see and learn of the real extent and magnitude of what we had always before considered quite an insignificant business. Mr. Marks is, with but a single exception, the oldest manufacturer and inventor in the United States, in this line. He started in the business in a small way nearly a quarter of a century ago, and has grad- ually increased it until his patrons are numbered by the thousands, and are scattered in almost every part of the globe. While there, he showed us a fine specimen of a full length Artificial Leg made for a gentleman in Buenos Ayres, South America, for whom he had made one a few years ago, and he was so well pleased with it that he had again sent this long distance for a duplicate. Mr. M. showed us another for a young man in the northern part of California. One also for a Miss of twelve years old, who lost her limb by a mowing machine when she was but three. More than a dozen more were shown us either finished or in progress of construction, for persons of various occupations, and scattered widely over the world, some of a peculiar historic character. But more than this, he showed us the practical working of one particular case that was well worth seeing, He was a snugly built boy of eleven years of age. Mr. M. says : " Tommy, let the gentleman see you walk," upon which he started off without a cane, at an easy gait, with a slight limp in the right leg. We thought it excellent walking for any one with an Artificial Leg, and so expressed ourselves, supposing, of course, that he was wearing but one Artificial, but when informed that the solid little fellow was walking on a pair of Artificial Legs, and shown his photograph taken with his hare stumps, this told the story so clear that no doubt could be entertained of his actual condition, and that the little fellow had lost one leg just below the knee and the other above, and yet he walks well and for long distances without any cane. This case has excited much wonder and comment where the boy is known. Dr. Samuel Brady, of Brooklyn, has written a brief yet very concise account of this wonderful case. He amputated the limbs after the mutilation by the railroad cars. Mr. M. then called our attention to a young man of about twenty-six years of age, who was walking about the large reception room, and informed us that he was wearing a pair of artificials also. From his easy manner and steady step none would for a moment suspect he was in any way disabled. This personage has been in Air. M.'s employ for nearly a dozen years, there- fore grown from a mere boy in an occupation which accident compelled him to patronize, and in which he steadily labors in assisting others who, from accident or disease, are similarly circumstanced. 68 The inventor was awarded a Gold Medal for the Best Artificial Limbs at the great Fair of the American Institute, in 1865, and also the highest awards of that time-honored institution at every exhibition since. Mr. Marks has a peculiar faculty of making those who call on him feel interested in his humanitarian work. He certainly has developed this peculiar business to a wonderful extent. Many a brave soldier has had his life made happy by having his missing leg or arm replaced with one of Mr. Marks' artificial ones. The nation owes him a debt of gratitude for his untiring efforts in this department. Mr. M. is a resident of Riverside. He lives on his fine farm on the banks of Long Island Sound, a short drive from our village, where his life and tastes are beautifully exemplified by his ornamental surroundings on the breezy shore. His orchards and well tilled grounds yield ample harvests. Thus he shows an ardent love for nature's quiet and pure attractions, as well as for the development of art in his singular though necessary profession. Appletorts Journal of June 19th, 1875, contained the following article. It treats upon other subjects than Limbs, bnt Artificial is the theme, and it is so ably handled that the reader cannot help but be instrncted as well as amused in its perusal PATCHED UP HUMANITY. It is quite appalling how callous we have grown to the tendency of the fair sex to amplify Nature by artificial means, we no longer look upon Sophronia's mass of back-hair with suspicious dread. The most gallant of men, the weakest dupe of feminine arts, is not deceived by it ; nor does he suppose that it indicates any real deficiency as in the natural supply. He recognizes and sanctions it, not as a snare, but a graceful concession to fash- ion ; and the women themselves do not seek concealment. I have watched fair girls—girls with sunshiny tresses waved across their brows, enter the store of a perruquier on Broadway without a blush—without a moment's care for observers—and I have seen them boldly comparing the shade of their cast-off, lack-lustre braids with new ones, which they have purchased under the very eyes of prying men. The propriety of thus amending Nature whenever fashion demands, seems to be generally conceded, not only in the matter of hair, but also in many other things, and I am much too discreet a person to find fault with that which meets the approval of so many. I will go even so far as to say that it may be partly a good tendency, in the interest of candor and against deceit, for while the custom is extant it is surely better to be honest about it. If Mrs. B---has the misfortune to be sallow, and finds her complexion improved by the use of anthosmimos, at two dollars a bottle, we should be glad that the pejudices of her neighbor do not compel the poor lady to be hypocritical over it; and the understanding that Fanny's profusion of hair is not wholly her own will spare dear Edgar many a heart-pang after marriage. 69 But there is also a tendency to substitute as well as to amplify Nature. Formerly, a cripple was a cripple, and hobbled through the world an object of pity to sympathetic elders, and of derision to wicked youngsters. An unfortunate with one eye had no means of hiding his defect, and the loss of the arms made a person helpless. Even when artificial legs were first intro- duced, they were so imperfect that no one was deceived by them. They had movable, clattering ankle-joints, which betrayed their wearer at every step, and his entrance into a parlor was mistaken for the complaint of a broken- down chair, or the squeak of a rat. When he moved in the street, people turned round, expecting to see a wheelbarrow in want of grease approaching, and when—awful moment!—he cast himself on his knees before his adored one, his impassioned utterances were accompanied with rattling noises, which suggested the unrest of a fallen spirit in torment. Naughty little boys whistled the tune of the " Cork Leg " in his presence, and his whole life was made miserable by the rude queries of persons who wanted to know all about his misfortune. Such improvements have been made in late years, however, that, in ah but sense of touch, an artificial leg performs the most important duties of a natural one, allowing the wearer to walk, run, or sit with ease, and to endure an astonishing degree of fatigue in an upright position. It is noiseless, and only an expert can detect it. The foot wears a real boot, which can be removed at pleasure ; the knee and ankle joints work without a creak, aud the whole mechanism is, as one maker eloquently says, "at once a beauty and a joy forever." The form is perfection, the instep really arched, and the ankle-trim. The calf swells with exquisite gradations, and recedes toward a well-shaped knee. The surface is smooth and glossy as satin, and delicately tinged with a color between a soft pink and a luscious creaminess, as unlike the abnormal and offensive redness of a ballet-girl's fleshings as blush rose is unlike a flaunting dahlia. A wooden leg, pure and simple, is a perpetual reminder of the wearer's bereft condition. It can never be mistaken for any thing more than the shallow mechanism it is. But the modern artificial leg is a complete illusion, and the wearer himself may easily forget its unreality. Coming home in the evening from a day of toil, and throwing himself into an arm-chair for a consoling smoke, he can take off his boots and put on his slippers in the most natural manner possible. His stockings—prosaic necessity—need changing once a week, and I have heard of men who gratified their inordin- ate vanity by clothing their rubber feet in the softest of silks. Then, if he be of a utilitarian turn, with little care for trappings and seemings, he can discard the limb altogether when he is seated, and put it in a corner like an umbrella or a walking-stick. Or, if he has the native habit of sitting with his heels elevated above his body, he can continue to enjoy that delusive pleasure by resting his artificial leg on the window-sill while he sits upon the lounge in a more comfortable posture. A thousand advantages suggest themselves and therein we find an example of the excellent law of compen- sation which atones for so many of our grievances. But when we glance through the neck of the leg, so to speak, our feel- • o- • ffer a revultion. We see that all the external beauty and tenderness, Sf the lustre and refinement of tint, only serve to hide a combination of ugly iron bolts, rods, and screws, which give the thing its movements. 70 The outer case or shell is made of wood, wrought by a carpenter's chisel, and when we rap it with our knuckles it gives fourth a hollow, sepul- charal sound. The delicate texture of the surface is the result of a coating of some kind of fine enameled leather, which makes the wood more durable and handsome, and prevents it from splitting or cracking. So the artificial leg aesthetic is dismissed from our minds, and we have only to consider the practical leg as a thing of mechanical ingenuity and utility. Resting on a soft pad, the natural limb fits into the socket of the artifi- cial, and the latter is held in its place by a strong elastic brace worn over the shoulders. The knee-joint is formed by a broad convex surface of the thigh- piece working in a corresponding concavity in the leg-piece, or vice-versa, and these articulating surfaces, as the manufacturer calls them, are held in position by a horizontal steel tube. But we shall only involve the reader and ourselves in attempting to elucidate dry technicalities, and hence we shall leap to a more interesting part of the subject. We have seen what the artificial leg is ornamentally. and we have hinted at its possibilities, but we have given you no idea of how varied and extensive these possibilities are. We know a gentleman with a passion for pedestrianism, an excellent skater, who moves on two artificial legs, and yet this is nothing. In a pamphlet before us there are several pages filled with the experi- ences of crippled men whose infirmities have been relieved, not by the all- potent grace of winking Madonnas, nor by the talismanic touch of sainted hands, but by the dexterity of artisans in human-repair shops. A brevet major of United States Volunteers, -who -was cut in two during the war writes, '' I walk six miles every day without a cane or other assist- ance." Another martyr of gunpowder declares, ';I am employed in a loco- motive-works, and with the aid of an artificial leg I am able to support a large family." Think of supporting a large family on an artificial leg, and dandling a babjr on an artificial knee ! And what a sermon and example it is to those "who complain that they connot afford to marry with even the two natural limbs at their service ! This is not all, however. '• Being fond of sport, I have frequently started from home early in the morning and have not returned until night, spending the whole day in hunting-exploits, and accomplishing altogether about fifteen miles' distance." This same hero is member of a fire-department, and is often in active service. If you saw him in the street you could not discover his imperfections, for, beyond a slight limp, his gait is steady and easy. Still another writes, " With my artificial leg I have visited the Highlands and all the noteworthy scenery of Ireland, AVales, England, Germany, France, and Switzerland, and have ever found it all I desired while on horse- back, on foot, or at rest." A fourth states that he is a farmer, and that he has built a stone-fence while wearing an artificial leg, mowed and cradled, spread and pitched hay and made himself generally useful. We imagine that the wearers of these artificial limbs grow attached to them, as to a meerschaum pipe, and it occurs to us that there must be a large amount of satisfaction in taking one's leg off and rubbing it up and down in a fondling way. Some connoisseurs—for there are connoisseurs even in 71 this—have collections of legs—week-day legs, Sunday-legs, dancing legs, and ridmg-legs, each expressly made for a distinct purpose. But this is vanity and leadeth only unto vexation of spirit. Concluding we will speak of one other thing in the human-repair shops —the artificial eye, which has been brought to such a state of perfection by a French oculist of latter days that it effectually disguises the greatest defect. Formerly it never fitted well in the socket; but now it exactly imi- tates the natural eye, and for fifty or a hundred dollars you can obtain a melting blue orb, a wistful gray, or a fiery black. The New York Commercial Advertiser, Saturday, August 26th, 1876, contains the following Editorial Notice, which is copied verbatim et literatum. COUNTERFEITING NATURE. "Mechanics are artisans and ought to be paid in gold," said Ben Johnson, and surely no branch of mechanical art can be better thus defined than that of the manufacturer of artificial limbs upon the most recent and perfected principles. Our attention was called to this subject in such a way as to cre- ate a deep interest, thus compelling a searching and thorough investi- gation, which suprisingly revealed to us the extent of this business. Our surprise at the immense number of cripples was made apparent by facts entirely unknown to us ; such as the war records which figures in round numbers ^2,000 cripples among both the blues and grays. This list is much increased by the railroad and innumerable catastrophes to which attention is daily excited through the press. To say in all, A HUNDRED THOUSAND comprising the list, would be approximating below the mark. The causes are numerous and varied, as are the causes of death. Now, why are we so ignorant of this vast catagory of maimed humanity ? The question is self-answerable from the standpoints of human nature and the perfection achieved by manufacturers in counterfeiting human members; human nature will compel a fair young legless damsel to conceal her loss, and would as unhesitatingly deceive others of her actual condition as a man with a glass eye would others of his one-sided observation. If, too, a cripple can conceal his misfortune by the application of a serviceable appendage, money is not spared to meet this end. We felt in our conceit that we knew about all worth knowing concerning artificial limbs, bnt this was cleverly '' knocked out" of us by a formal visit to the establishment of probably the largest manufacturer of the United States, if not in the world, that of Mr A. A. Marks, No, 575 Broadway, this City. There, we witnessed miracles. Mr. Marks has devoted nearly a quarter of a centuary to the ameliorating of the condition of the unfortunate crippled world ; a shrewd, keen mechanic, with skill taste, and ingenuity to back him, he still operates his forces in this subsidiary art. We witnessed the application of the real article to the patient, and pain- fully studied his countenance as it changed from that of anticipation to that of realization, or from gloom to joy. and finally to its normal pleasant expression, then came fourth the ejaculation, " Well, lam again on two legs, as sure as I live, and how strange it seems !" A second visit to this estab- 72 lishment made us spectators of tilings stranger than fiction. We were introduced to Air. John W. January, of Illinois, late corporal Company B, Fourteenth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, a clever-looking fellow, but a subjcet of two artificial legs. His elastic, lively, and natural step, made us incred- ulous, but facts revealed themselves, and we listened to the sad story of this late soldier, which we deem worthy of a succinct recital here. We insert it for the edification of the reader. The regiment in which he held his dignified post was one in that famous Stoneman raid which started from Atlanta ■with the determination of liber- ating the prisoners at Andersonville, but which in the attempt was surprised by an overpowering force of the enemy, and he with many others were made prisoners within the very stockade from which they intended to rescue the loyal inmates. He was subsequently transfered to Florence, S. C, Avhile there imprisoned, prostrated by a fever, his feet, by frost, or some unknown cause, literally rotted off. Being sympathized with by four others in a similar manner, the awfulness of his condition was less apparent to himself—all this occurred while Sherman was moving towards the sea and up through the State with his invincible force. Mr. J. informed us that when transfered to our lines he was probably the most emaciated skeleton who ever left the army alive, as he weighed but fifty pounds. He was taken to David's Islatad with his comrades, and there, particularly through the aid of the Ladies' Union Relief Association, recuperation took place. He told us how he had tried other styles of legs ; how he was obliged to discard them and return to his old friend Mr. Marks ; how he recovered his health ; the amount of labor he performs (having the care of a large farm in Illinois). He now goes home well equiped for a series of years. We had scarcely aroused ourselves from the silent emotion occasioned by the impressive and heartrending story of Mr. J. when we were introduced to Mr. Frank Stewart, probably the champion on two artificial legs in the world. A young lady also attracted our attention—sympathy rather—for to consider one of so beautiful and commanding form and captivating demean- or to be destitute of her lower extremities was sad ; but there she was, as fair as a picture just in good condition, favored by age, and a good wooden leg, to claim her amoroso and give her assenting yes to the connubial life. These cases to which our attention was attracted were in the employ of Mr. Marks, who inferred that he gave preference to his subjects, and that others in similar conditions were in his factory. They practically illustrated the great utility Mr. Marks' substitutes afford the wearers. His labors have not been confined to the United States alone ; in looking over his list, we learn of them being spread far and near in South and Central America, Europe, and Asia—even in the most remote parts of the earth are to be seen his perambulators. We are assured that he has received most flattering and appreciative letters from his patrons in these parts, which we hope will stimulate him in his future labors for our friends afar off. 73 PRICES AND TERMS. For Artificial Legs, applicable to any usual point of amputation, either above or below knee joint, $100 00 Artificial Arms, for cases where amputation is above the elbow joint, - 75 oo Where below, and stump of sufficient length to use the elbow joint, - - . 50 00 For applying Rubber Feet to other kinds of Legs, for each foot, - - . . . 20 00 For applying Rubber Hands to other kinds of Arms, for each hand, - - - - - . - 15 00 For extensions for Legs where shortened by hip disease or other deformities, also for feet ap- plied in cases of Symes' operations, and also for parts of hands, the prices have to be arranged according to the special cases, after such cases are clearly understood. Payment is required with the order, or if the party prefer, they can pay half in advance, and the balance when the Limb is completed. Parties at a distance who object to remitting the whole amount with the order, and desire their Limbs sent to them by Express, can pay the balance on delivery of the Limb, pro- vided they will pay the trifling extra expense of collecting. Being aware that some persons object to thus pay for a Limb, before receiving it, they should bear in mind that this is an article made expressly to order, and if not taken by the person for whom it is made, it i» a great chance if it fitted one in a hundred other applicants whom it was not made for. Thus is readily seen the necessity of advance payment, or part of it least, at the same time the Patient can rest confident of just as good a Limb and just as good a fit as they could were no payment made until after the Limb was delivered, and in case any mistake or bad fit occurs, the maker holds himself strictly responsible for any deficiency in this respect caused by his own or workmen's mistake or carelessness, and will remedy them without extra charge whenever they occur, which is very seldom. 74 Persons coming from a distance, and waiting for their Limbs to be fitted and finished, will receive particular atten- tion, and not be detained on expense unnecessarily. Two days is as long as they are generally required to wait, yet sometimes three, but never over that time, unless by some unavoidable and unexpected cause. HOW TO REMIT. In making remittances it is preferable to purchase a Draft on some Bank in this City, to my order. If this is not convenient send by Postal Order. Should the amount exceed $50.00 it is necessary to procure more than one, as $50.00 is the largest amount for which an order is issued. Have Postal Orders made payable at Station A, New York City Post Office. Where neither of these facilities can be had, it is best to send the currency in Registered Letters, which can be done in any Post Office. But for small sums of $5 00 or under it is just as well to send in currency in an envelope, securely sealed, without registering. TREATMENT OF STUMPS. It is very important that the Patient observe great care in treating the stump : move the joints freely to prevent contrac- tion and preserve the natural motions. Keep it well band- aged from the end upward, in order to reduce and solidify the flesh as much as possible, as it secures a better and much more perfect fitting Limb, and renders it much more useful and satisfactory, in all respects. Bathing with cold water and vigorous rubbing is also highly beneficial. DIRECTIONS TO PERSONS WISHING TO PURCHASE LIMBS. Write me a, full statement of your case, stating the precise (as near as convenient) point of amputation, whether above or below knee or elbow, condition of stump and time of amputa- tion, and you will receive a blank, giving directions how to take the measures, &c. (free of charge) and any information asked for. This should be done before taking a journey to the manufactory, as in man}' cases the journey is avoided, by /.) having the limb fitted from the measures without the party coming to the manufactory at all, a very desirable considera- tion to many where means are limited, or the distance far to travel Address, A. A. MARKS, 575 Broadway, New York City. CORRESPONDENTS Are very earnestly requested to be as clear and brief as they consistently can be in their communications, and also equally as earnestly desired to write plain, and give their address in full—Town, County, and State. All communications are answered as prompt as possible. If no answer is received to letters it must be understood that either their letters were not received, or that we are unable to read them, (which is frequently the case). The amount of labor required in the correspondence alone, connected with this business, is more than one person ought to do, and when long and sometimes uninteligible letters, that an hours time cannot decipher, with the aid of half a dozen others, it might as well be admitted that somebody is liable to lose their patience (if they have any), and that somebody,. too, may possibly get a short answer, if any. This is said in all kindness and will not (is trusted) give any offence, but on the contrary encourage more care in writ- ing communications, and if in nothing else, thereby save a great amount of precious time. SOCKS FOR STUMPS. It is frequently asked by persons in want of Artificial Limbs (who have not worn them and consequently know but little about them, or their adjustment) " Is the socket of the Artificial Limb padded, or what keeps the stump from coming in contact with the wood, or other hard substance of the Artificial Limb ? " In answer to this question you are informed that my system of shielding and protecting the stump is by using a 70 neat and well fitting sock, of very fine soft woolen yarn, knit to fit the stump as well as the best fitting stockings or socks do your feet, the sock to extend from the body to end of stump. I have knitting machines, of the best and most improved kind, constantly at work manufacturing socks, and can furnish them at short notice, to fit any stump, in case they are not among my assortment of some hundreds, constantly kept on hand. One sock is always furnished without charge, with a new Artificial Limb. Orders for any quantity not exceeding four pounds can be sent by mail, to those desiring them. Seeing the necessity of something of this kind, I adopted this feature of making and supplying these now considered indispensable articles in the year 1868, and it has proved to be quite a business of itself, and of great benefit to those com- pelled to wear Artificial Limbs. They are very well adapted to wear on the stump as soon as it is healed, and before applying the Artificial Leg, in order to keep the stump warm and help to compress and strengthen it. Price each. Per doz t, 50 ets. $5.00 60 ets. 15.00 60 ets. 6.00 70 ets. 7.00 70 ets. 7.00 80 ets. 8.00 80 ets. 8.1X1 90 ets. 9.00 90 ets. !).00 $1.00 10.00 I am prepared to furnish these Socks at the following rates, wholesale and retail, giving at the same time a system of sizes in accordance with their measurements: No.l. No. 2. " " " " " •' over 15 inches " No. 3. " " " over 10 inches and not over 15 in length, and 15 in. or less in circum. " No. 4. " " " " " " " over 15 in circumference, " No. 5. " " " over 15 " " 20 " 15 or less in " No. 6. " " " u " " • " " over 15 No. 7. " " " over 20 " " 25 " 15 or less No. 8. " " " " " " " " over 15 No. 9. '■' " " over 25 " " 30 " 15 or less No. 10. " " " " " " " " over 15 % doz. sold at the same rates as per doz. In some cases of amputation below knee, a short sock in addition to the full length one is required, to come up only to the knee joint. For such cases, No. 1 or 3 is most suitable. In taking measures for Socks, please adhere to the following instructions : First, take the length of stump from body to end, inside, then circumference at body and at a distance of about 3 inches apart, in the following manner : Length of Stump, - Inches- Circumference at body. .... " 3 inches from body, - 6 " " " Q " " _ . " 12 ... &c, &c. If the measures are from Stump below the knee and to come only to the knee, then commence at knee and state length from centre of knee joint to end., circumference at knee, and so on down same as in all other cases. If for knee bearing stump, take measure same as in cases where the knee joint is used and flexible. Where a single Sock, or less than half a dozen is ordered, the price is at single rates, and sent by mail, at my expense of postage, but where half dozen and upwards are ordered, they are sold at dozen rates, and the purchaser is required to pay the postage m advance, in addition to the price of Socks. No. 1 Sock weighs 14 to 16 ozs. per doz. No. 5 Sock weighs 26 to 30 ozs. per doz, No. 10 Sock weighs 50 to 64 ozs. per. doz. The postage is two cents every two ozs., and every fraction over. By these figures it is all easily arrived at. The cash must accom- pany all orders, (77) 78 ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. To Commissioned Officers, Soldiers and Seamen of the United States Army and Navy, under new laws and regu- lations of 1870, 1872 and 1876. Artificial Limbs have been furnished by the Government to our Nation's Defenders, who suffered amputations, free of cost to them, ever since the year 1862. The first law pro- vided but one limb for each amputation; but, in 1870, new laws were passed to supply new limbs, as soon as they could be made, and every five years thereafter. In 1872, the law was amended to include as follows: "Shall apply to all Officers, xon commissioned Offi- cers, ENLISTED AND HIRED MEN OF THE LAND AND NAArAL FORCES OE THE UNITED STATES ; WHO, IN THE LINE OF THEIR DUTY AS SUCH, SHALL HAVE LOST OR SUSTAINED BODILY INJURIES, DEPRIA^ING THEM OF THE USE OF ANY OF THEIR LIMBS, TO RE DETERMINED BY THE SURGEON GENE- RAL of the Army. Section 2.—That the transportation allowed for having Artificial Limbs fitted shall be furnished by the Quartermaster General of the Army. Section 3.—That the term of five years, specified in the first section of the act approved June 17, 1870, entitled an act to provide for furnishing Artificial Limbs to disabled soldiers, shall be held to commence in each case with the filing of the application under that act." When fully explained it means this :—where the applicants neglect or fail to make their first application under "this law of 1870,'' that is just so much time lost to them, as their second term commences just five years from the date of the receipt and filing of the first application, in the Surgeon Gen- eral's OFFICE. All manufacturers of Government Limbs are required to furnish Bonds of two securities of five thousand dollars each, for the faithful performance of their work, and the Bonds are required to be renewed every five years. The following letter from the chief Clerk of the Surgeon General's office explains itself: 70 War Department, Surgeon General's Office, Washington, D. C, May 14th, 1875. Mr. A. A. Marks, No. 575 Broadway, New York City. Sir:—I am instructed by the Surgeon General to ac- knowledge the receipt of your Bond, as a manufacturer of Artificial Limbs for the United States Government, said Bond bearing date May 13th, 1875. It has been examined. found satisfactory and placed on file. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, SAMUEL RAMSEY, Chief Clerk. Having been a Government Manufacturer for so long a term, and also having received a very large portion of the Government orders, especially under the issues of the laws of 1870, the first Twenty Government orders were in my favor, showing an eagerness of the soldiers to secure my Patent; and ever since then the proportion has continued to in- crease in my favor, especially in this section, the records show that my Limbs are selected by the soldiers in preference to others. Blanks and instructions complete for filling them up, are sent free in all cases to soldiers who wish to apply for Limbs, and also for transportation to come for them, which covers all parts of the United States. In 1874 Congress passed a law increasing the Pensions of all disabled soldiers whose amputations were at or above THE ELBOW OR AT OR ABOVE THE KNEE OF LEG, to tweiltV-four dollars per month, in place of eighteen dollars per month as before, Proa'ided that no Artificial Limb should be fur- nished to such persons; but this law is now virtually annulled by a recent act which passed just before the close of the first session of the Forty-fourth Congress, and was approved by the President, August 15th, 1876. It reads as follows: " Be it enacted, etc. : That every Officer, Soldier, Seaman and Marine who, in the line of duty in the Military or Naval Service of the United States, shall have lost a Limb or sus- tained bodily injury, depriving him of the use of any of his 80 Limbs, shall receive, once every five years, an Artificial Limb, or appliance therefor, as provided and limited by existing Law, under such regulations as the Surgeon General of the Army may prescribe ; and the period of five years shall be held to commence with the filing of the first application, after seventeenth day of June, 1870. -Provided, that this act shall not be subject to the proviso of an act entitled An Act to Increase Pensions,' approved June 18. 1874."' It will here be seen that the soldiers and seamen are all upon the same footing now, so far as Artificial Limbs are concerned, without any regard whatever to the rate of pen- sions, or to the act of June 18, 1874 ; and those with amputa- tions at or above knee, or elbow, are in the same conditions, as incase no such act had been passed ; neither have they lost any time by that act, as their second five years' term will date back to the expiration of the first five years, same as all other cases. Plain, common sense people select plain and common sense articles. The uncomplicated instruments of war proved the most effectual and most serviceable, and the soldiers know it; and the same rule applies with equal force to Artificial Limbs. My old soldier patrons need no assurance from me now, that they will be fairly dealt with. Those who have no prac- tical knowledge of my limbs or of my reputation as a friend of the soldier, and have no other means of obtaining such knowledge, will do well to correspond with some whose names will be found in the preceding pages of this pamphlet. Artificial Limbs Made and Fitted from Measures avithout the presence of the patiext, Is an important feature to those residing at great distances from the manufactory. It would hardly be expected that persons living in South America, Mexico, Europe, or even our own far off States and Territories, would like to incur the ex- pense of money, time and labor of such a journey, to visit New York City, to obtain my Patent Artificial Limbs ; this would in most cases prevent their ever obtaining Limbs at all. 81 It is already very well known that my Patrons are scat- tered well over the civilized portions of the world, and too that they do not all come here for then limbs. Our experience is so extensive in this line, that it will appear to some that there is no necessity of alluding to this subject here, but to others it will be information very gladly received^ Among the long list of recommendatory letters from patients, and also the long list of names subscribed to certificate on page 55 of this pamphlet, there is scattered among them many who have thoroughly tested the system of having their limbs fitted from measures. Those cases are marked thus ** as explained on page 35. Persons desiring further information from those having had the experience will do well to write them upon the subject. It will be seen that many of them reside but a short dis- tance from the manufactory, or comparatively so, taking into consideration the rapidity and convenience of railroad and steamboat traveling, some under 200 miles. But let it be clearly understood that it is alivays prefer- able to have the patient present to befitted, and if it suits the convenience of such patient, it is not my business to enquire into the extent of their journey. Persons ordering limbs to be fitted without their presence, are required to take great care in taking measures. Suitable blanks, with full instructions, are always sent for that purpose. Should errors occur, they are generally discovered upon a thorough examination before the limb is made, and new blanks returned for new measures and drafts, which generally ac- complish the desired object. Too much care cannot be had in taking the measures, and they cannot well make mistakes if they adhere strictly to the directions that are plainly given upon the blank. There are some cases where amputation is performed at or below ankle-joint, or at wrist in arm, where a plaster cast is needed to insure a good fit; but these cases are very few (and ought to be less); but all usual amputations are treated with gratifying success, and at a great saving of time and money to the purchaser. Printed Instructions are always sent with every leg, giving full directions for adjusting the Limb, and treating the stump in all its bearings, which is very important, especially to new beginners. 82 BRANCHES. I am frequently asked if I have any Branch at other points, to which the answer No ! is given. Convenient and beneficial as it would be in some cases to the patrons, it must be understood that it is not every, even first class, workman that is competent to fit Artificial Limbs as they ought to be fitted, even with the presence of the patient. Some will make a far better fit with good measures without the, patient than others will with, and it is just as easy to send measures two or three thousand miles as to send them a short distance, and the cost of Expressing is trifling compared to a journey. It is impossible to have a Branch in every Town, or even every large City, and although I have had in contempla- tion, and nearly effected arrangements for Branches in several instances, have now fully come to the conclusion to continue to concentrate all my facilities at one point, as the best under all circumstances for my patrons and for myself. CORK LEGS. The wonderful power of song has been well exemplified in the old song of the "Cork Leg.-- When but a mere lad, I remember with striking clearness of going off for a long way through the lonely woods, on a clear autumn night, to visit what is termed in old Connecticut a burning Coal Pit (a process of converting wood into charcoal by fire and heat: the wood is set up in a large pile and covered completely over with turf, then set on fire, and kept burning in a smouldering way for weeks, and requires constant watching day and night.) One of the watchers was a noted song singer, and frequently enter- tained his nightly visitors with some favorite songs. On that night, among others, he sang the song of the Cork Leg, which was then entirely new to me, and made a very lasting impres- sion ; indeed, all my way home it kept ringing in my ears how the Cork Leg started off at break-neck speed, taking him with it around the world, as it were, until the poor man was all knocked to pieces, and nothing left but the Cork Leo- itself and that was still going. Well, I reckon it is going yet, for that old song is still ringing in my ears, and ever since my first entering into this S3 not exactly " Cork" Leg business, it really seems as if it was continually ringing in everybody else's ears, for hardly a day has passed during the last twenty years but one or more have asked, either by voice or letter, if I made "Cork Legs," and, although I have answered that question thousands of times, I will here answer and explain, (I hope to the satisfaction of all who read the song,) that, although there is sometimes cork used to a very limited extent in the construction of Artificial Legs, and many have said that they had seen legs made of cork entirely, yet with a tolerable degree of perseverance I have exercised all the inquisitive powers I have had to spare, either physically or historically, to get hold of a Cork Leg that could be positively located and fastened somewhere ; but all my efforts have proved a total failure, and I give up in utter despair of ever finding one single Artificial Leg made of cork. If anybody has one, I should be glad to see it, and would purchase it at a reasonable price, as the most valuable of all my captured trophies of ancient and modern inventions of Artificial Legs. So, here, my friends, you have in this sketch, not what I know about farming, or what I know about Artificial Legs in general, but what I do (and if you please to so consider it), what I don't know about Cork Legs. I don't suppose there is anybody living but who has heard of or read this old song, but there may be some yet unborn who will, as a matter of course, be required to get hold of this mythical old invention, so I will here print the real original thing itself, that all who read it may know Just exactly what the Cork Leg is without any mistakes, much as it has amused the youthful ear and enchanted the credulous minds of childhood in listening to the songster's vivid portrayal of the Cork Leg, thereby entertaining in a measure the whole world ; (or, at least, I have good reason to think so, for I have never conversed with any one on the Cork Leg subject that has not either heard it sung or talked about in some way). In this way it has done some good, but in another direction it has done mischief, for many unthinking, unlucky ones have been wofully disappointed by anticipations created in the Cork Leg song (fabulous and unreasonable as it is), as they really supposed it would not only get up and walk off itself, but would take them along with it, without an effort of their own. 84 Should this have the effect to, in a reasonable degree, satisfy those enquiries about Cork Legs, and at the same time dispel the false illusions heretofore created in the imaginary minds of many, the object of this explanation will be accomplished. THE CORK LEG. i I'll tell you a tale now without any flam, In Holland there dwelt Mynheer Von Clam, Who every morning said, " I am The richest merchant in Rotterdam/' Ri tu, di nu, di nu, di nu, Ri tu, di ni nu, ri tu, di nu, ri na. II. One day, when he had stuff'd him as full as an egg, A poor relation came to beg ; But lie kick'd him out without broaching a keg, And in kicking him out he broke his leg. Ri tu, di nu, etc. III. A surgeon, the first in his vocation, Came and made a long oration ; He wanted a limb for anatomization, So he finished his jaw by amputation. Ri tu, di nu, etc. IV. "Mr. Doctor," says he, when he'd done his work, '' By your sharp knife I lose one fork ; But on two crutches I never will stalk, For I'll have a beautiful leg of cork." Ri tu, di nu, etc. V. An Artist in Rotterdam 'twould seem, Had made cork legs his study and theme; Each joint was as strong as an iron beam, And the springs were a compound of clock-work and steam. Ri tu, di nu, etc. b5 VI. The leg was made, and fitted right; Inspection the Artist did invite ; Its line shape gave Mynheer delight, As he fixed it on and screw'd it tight. Ri tu, di nu, etc. VII. He walk'd thro' squares and pass'd each shop i Of speed he went to the utmost top; Each step he took with a bound and a hop, And he found his leg he could not stop! Ri tu, di nu, etc. VIII. Horror and fright were in his face ! The neighbors tho't he was running a race; He clung to a lamp-post to stop his pace, But the leg wouldn't stay, but kept on the chase. Ri tu, di nu, etc. IX. Then he call'd to some men with all his might, "Oh! stop this leg, or I'm murder'd quite !" But, though they heard him aid invite, In less than a minute he was out of si^ht. Ri tu. di nu, etc. X. He ran o'er hill and dale and plain, To ease his weary bones he'd fain ; Did throw himself down, but all in vain— The leg got up, and was off again. Ri tu, di nu, etc. XL He walk'd of days and nights a score ; Of Europe he had made the tour: He died—but though he was no more, The leg walk'd on the same as before ! Ri tu, di nu, etc. 86 INFORMATION FOR STRANGERS VISITING THE CITY. I am constantly receiving letters from persons asking for information as to the proper course to take to reach my office ; convenient hotel accommodations, &c. In order to place this information in the hands of all desir- ing it and thereby avoid the necessity of a written correspond- ence upon the subject, will say that my Office, 575 Broadway, is located between Prince and Houston Streets, directly opposite the Metropolitan Hotel; a little over two miles from Grand Central Depot, where the New York, New Haven & Hartford, Harlem, Hudson River, and New York Central Railroads terminate in one immense depot. It is a trifle over one mile, but not two, from nearly all the other usual Railroad, Steamboat and Ferry landings in the city. I mention these distances because the rate of fare to be charged by hacks is governed by a city ordinance, thus: for conveying one passenger or more for any distance not exceed- ing one mile, %\\ for over one mile and not exceeding two, $1.50 ; for over two miles and not exceeding three, 82. They have no right to charge any more for three or four passengers than for one, and are not allowed to charge anything for chil- dren under eight years of age when accompanying adults. It will be seen that they have a right to charge two dollars from Grand Central Depot, and one dollar and a half from most of the other points of landing, and no more. It is always best to make a definite bargain with the hackman before entering his hack or cab, and then hold him strictly to it. But my office is easily reached (or within a few steps of it) by street cars or stages, at the trilling fare of 5 or 10 cents. It is best to make inquiries of a policeman at the depot or landing as to the proper route to take—they are stationed there for the purpose of directing as well as protecting strangers. First-class hotel accommodations as well as rooms, separate from board, and also restaurants and dining saloons in abundance, comprising all the different rates of fare, are in close proximity. It is often the case that persons upon leaving home, wish to inform their friends how to reach them by mail or telegraph. If such communications are directed to them, and to my care,' it can be done with no inconvenience to me, as I have a box for such purposes specially designated in my office; also the services of a Fire-proof Safe for valuable papers, can be'had. In short, all persons dealing with me and stopping in the city, will find this CENTRAL LOCATION not only a conve- nient point to reach, but can make it head quarters if they- choose, with perfect welcome. It is very well known as an OLD STAND, having occupied these premises for the last fifteen years. 87 UNTINNIAIi HDALS. TWO IN ONE YEAR. ~^gl! 1L i^§p= A YEAR PROLIFIC WITH AWARDS FOR Marks' Patent Artificial Limbs, One from the great International Exhibition of Philadelphia, where our nation held its great World's Fan, at the age of one hundred years, and surpassed, in point of success, all other nations who have had their shows; and, in this branch of Invention, I feel confident in saying that my Exhibit excelled all others. It comprised over thirty specimens—from a mammoth full length Artificial Leg, large enough for a giant eight feet high down to an India Rubber little finger for a young lady—all displayed in an elaborate show-case, and attended by persons wearing one or a pair of Artificial limbs with such perfection that, so far as visitors were concerned, the attendant might just as well have worn Nature's own; for none detected or observed the fact unless their attention was specially called to it. The result proved highly beneficial and remunerative during the Exhibition, and the Award is such as to satisfy the ambition of any reasonable exhibitor. The following pages represent the Medal, Report of Judges and Award by the Centennial Commission. The other Award from the no insignificant exhibition of the American Institute, of New York, where another display of the needs of maimed unfortunates occupied one of the most prominent locations in the building, and for quality, assortment and merit, no equal has ever been exhibited in the list of that time-honored institution, now numbering its forty-fifth exhibi- tion from which TEN First Premium Awards have now been made for these inventions, thus making eleven Awards in so many years, which embody the highest grades ever iriven for productions of this class. ^ The Centennial Award of the American Institute, Report of Judges, &c. will be found on page 90. These Engravings correctly represent the FACE and REVERSE side of the GREAT BRONZE CENTENNIAL AWARD MEDAL. (88) B//.B (No. 335.) PHILADELPHIA, 1876. The United States Centennial Commission has examined the report of the Judges, and accepted the following reasons, and decreed an award in conformity therewith. Philadelphia, December 11th, 1870. report oisr a.w.ajr:ds. Products: Artificial Limbs, with Rubber Hands and Feet. Name and Address of Exhibitor: A. A. MARKS, 575 Broadway, New York City, The undersigned, having examined the product herein described, respectfully recommends the same to the United States Centennial Commission for Award, for the following reasons, viz: UTILITY, WORKMANSHIP, AND ADAPTATION TO PURPOSE INTENDED. HENRY H. SMITH, Professor of Surgery, (Signature of Jiulgv.j APPROVAL OF GROUP JUDGES. H. K. OLIVER, SPENCER F. BAIRD, EDWARD CONLEY, CHAS. STAPLES, Jr., B. F. BRITTON. M. WILKINS, A true copy of the Record. J. FRITZ, JAS. L. (LACUIORN, COLMAN SELLERS, Francis A. Walker, Chief of the Bureau of Awards. Given by authority of the United States Centennial Commission. ^^^5»r-^G.|| _ A. T. GOSHORN, Director-General. J. L. CAMPBELL, Secretary. (89) J. R. HAWLEY, President. ijl) A. A. Marks, For the Best Artificial Limbs 1876. NO. 2. These Engravings represent the exact size, form and inscription (face and reverse side), of the CENTENNIAL AWARD GOLD MEDAL, as fully set forth in the following extract of the printed rules and regulations of the American Institute. THE CENTENNIAL MEDAL. " This Medal (of Gold) is to be awarded only for a machine, product, or process, exhibited this ' Centennial Year,' at the 45th Exhibition of the American Institute of the City of New York. It can be awarded only for a machine, product, or process of great value, decided importance, and of more than usual merit, and then only by a majority of the whole Board of Trustees, upon the written report of three Judges, whose report shall certify to the above requirements, and after said report shall have been approved by a majority of the whole Board of Managers," Thus showing the ordeal through which the Report must pass before becoming an award complete. Copy of the Judge's Report in Department 3, Group 5, Division A, at the 45th Exhibition of the American Institute, held in the City of New York, October 1876. No. 72, ARTIFICIAL LIMBS A. A. MARKS, 575 Broadway, New York City. "We consider these Limbs remarkable for Simplicity of construction, Durability, Efficiency, and Comfort to the Wearer. We think them entitled to the highest com- mendations, and believe that their merits call for an award of the CENTENNIAL MEDAL, which we respectfully recommend." FRANCIS A. THOMAS, M. D. CHARLES W. PACKARD, M. D. } Judges. j. r. McGregor, m. d. The above Report was duly confirmed by the Board of Managers and Trustees of the American Institute. JOHN W. CHAMBERS, Secretary. 91 ADDITIONAL NOTICES FROM THE PRESS. The following Lecture is taken from the Medical and Surgical Reporter, of April 14th, 1877, published in Phila- delphia, being a recent case of treatment in Snrgeiy, as well as substitution, and showing, as it does, how slight accidents frequently lead to serious consequences. Professor Sayre is known the world over as one of the most skilful, and successful, surgeons of this advanced age of surgical practice, and especially as one who never fails to exhaust every means of his exalted skill to save limbs, before resorting to amputa- tion ; but the Professor* s own words tell the story so plain and clear, that even these few comments appear to be super- fluous. LECTURE. CONVALESCENT CASES—RESULTS OF OPERATION FOR PHIMOSIS. A Clinical Lecture by Professor Lewis A. Sayre, at Bellevue Hospital, February 14th. 1ST7. Reported Stenographically for The Medical and Surgical Reporter, by N. W. Cady, M. D. Case 6. —Mary Cashen. Here is a little girl I feel proud to show you __Look at that smiling face, compared with what it was when she came here several months ago. The operation was performed three months ago. You will recollect this girl came here with chronic disease of the knee-joint, which she had had ever since she was seven months old. From the age of seven months on, she remained with her knee in a state of chronic inflam- mation. It was plastered, and issued, and fired and iodined, and she took internal remedies all the time, until within a few weeks of the time when she came here, but she never had extension and counter-extension, to over- come reflex muscular contraction. The muscles contracted in such a way as to produce a complete luxation backward of the leg upon the thigh, so that the head of the tibia lay in the intercondylic notch. You will recollect that the leg and foot were models of symmetry and beautv, never having been stepped upon, or never having worn a shoe. The disease had so thoroughly involved the joint, that an exsection alone could not save the limb. If a resection had been performed, the leg would have been too short to walk upon, and on that account I decided to perform an amputation upon the knee-joint, leaving the patella to form the end of the stump. You will observe that the cicatrization is complete. There were two or three sinuses at the lower end of the femur and one under the patella, but I preferred to trust to Nature for curing the inflammation, and the result has justified my choice. The sinuses soon ceased to discharge, and the girl was sent out from the hospital with a perfect stump. 92 Mr. A. A. Marks, the Instrument maker, No. 575 Broadway, has been kind enough to present to this little girl an artificial leg, and I feel undei great obhgations to him. He makes, as I think, altogether the Best Artificial Leg I have ever seen, simply because of its durability and simplicity. The foot has no joint at the ankle, and this is where the great advantage comes in. The core of the foot is a small solid piece of wood in the shape of a foot, only much smaller. This core is covered with a thick and heavy layer of India rubber, so that from the instep to the toes, and back to the heel, the foot is simply solid spring rubber. The elasticity of the toes and heel compensates for the absence of the ankle joint, and in walking there is none of the jarring, dot-and-go-one walk so characteristic of the jointed leg. With this rubber foot she can walk with the STEALTHY, NOISELESS TREAD OF A CAT. The spring and elasticity of the foot is a positive comfort to the patient. The following newspaper accounts of the painful accident that occurred to Master Geo. E. Sill, son of Lieut-Grov. Sill, of Connecticut, on the 18th August, 1877, is a repetition of what we frequently read in the daily papers. This is one of five cases—all of whom have ordered my Patent Artificials—the accidents in reference to which having occurred within the last three years to youths from ten to sixteen years of age, and within 160 miles of this city, where they lost both legs by the steam cars, and all in a similar manner. In this case the Arti- ficials were applied within eleven weeks from the time of the accident, and the stumps were sound and well healed, the patient having received the best of care and nursing at his luxurious home, under the treatment and advice of the emi- nently skilful surgeon and physician, Dr. Curtiss : Journal and Courier, New Haven, Conn., Monday Morn- ing, August 20, 1877. A SAD AFFAIR. A Son of Lieut.-Governor Sill Terribly Injured. A sad affliction came to Lieut. Gov. Sill and family on Saturday after- noon, and which will be deeply deplored by their large circle of friends. Mr. Sill's son, aged 16, was thrown under the wheels of the Shore Line train at Stony Creek, and both his feet were cut off a few inches below the knees. The young gentleman was endeavoring to get off the train to rejoin his father, who, with his family had been stopping at Frink's, while it was passing through Stony Creek, and, simultaneously a brakeman endeavored to get on, and in the collision, young Sill fell to the track. The terrible accident was seen by a number of bystanders, who were almost paralyzed at the sad sight. As soon as possible, the unfortunate young man was lifted and conveyed to the nearest place of shelter, and the best medical care obtainable procured. A dispatch was sent to Dr. Curtiss, of Hartford, to meet the party on their arrival at New Haven, and they arrived here in the caboose of the next freight train, at about half-past five o'clock. The Hartford physician came on the down express. The up express was delayed in order that he might meet the party. The caboose was then added to the up train, and the party left for home. The injured young man was con- scious, and bore up with great fortitude. It was a sorrowing party which accompanied the Lieutenant Govenor and his injured son home. A num- ber of the young man's Hartford associates came with the doctor. It was feared that another surgical operation might be necessary should the young man survive. In the Hartford Courant, of August 21st, published at Hartford, Conn., appeared this notice: YOUNG SILL'S CONDITION. Yesterday all symptoms in the case of George Sill, son of Judge Sill, were favorable, and there is every hope that he will recover. His feet are amputated, but if he survives, will have the use of his lower limbs, and, with the modern appliances of invention he can be supplied with artificial extremities, so as to be able in time to move about comfortably, even with- out the use of a cane. The present mayor of Springfield, Mass., gets about readily with artificial feet. The fact that the young man can be so well pro- vided for, is at least comforting, considering his terrible misfortune. The same newspaper of Monday, November 5th, 1877, also contained the following, (he had then been wearing his Artifi- cials but three days): ON HIS LEGS AGAIN, Lieutenant-Governor Sill's son George, who had his legs cut off at Stony Creek last summer, has returned from New York City, where he has been having a pair of Marks' Artificial Legs fitted to him. Young Mr. Sill finds that he can use his artificial limbs very easily, and manages to move about with little trouble even at the present time. The limbs are really wonderful, and when the young irjan gets accustomed to their use, it is probable that he will be able to move so easily that few, if any, strangers would imagine him deprived of both his natural pedestals. The Patent Legs are the best invented, and are made by A. A. Marks, 575 Broadway, New York. Young Mr. Sill is to be congratulated on his speedy and complete recovery from so severe an accident. The Pock Island Union (Rock Island, Illinois), of August 23, 1877, in an article relating to Marks' Patent Artificial Limbs, closes in the following words : Mr. Marks is one of our oldest, and most reliable manufacturers, and his limbs are generally acknowledged to have NO superiors. They have taken the First Premium at the leading expositions in the world, as Gold Medals in Mr. Marks' possession testify. Quite a number of soldiers living in this and adjoining counties, are using these limbs, and speak in the highest terms of their excellence. 94 The New York Trade Journal, of June 2d, 1877, published a lengthy article concerning these Artificial Limbs which, although very interesting, is too long to republish here in full. We simply quote a few lines of the closing sentences :— There are many more cases of equal importance, but we will not state them here ; those who desire particulars should by all means get his book— that tells the story to a large extent. Although we are not in need of his services and not particularly interested, yet we could not help reading it all through, and feel well repaid for it in the amount of valuable statistical information, and the plain matter-of-fact way in which he treats the subject. Mr. Marks is commissioned by the Surgeon-General, to make Artificial Limbs, supplied at government cost, and not only his limbs, but himself also, is a great favorite among the disabled soldiers, and the records show that he does a large portion of the government work. His name partakes of the Hebrew accent, and we expected to meet such a personage, but found it was in name only. He is a native of Connecticut, as were his parents and grand parents on both sides before him. He is genial to his numerous patrons and callers, and in his calling, especially liberal to the poor that are crippled, not infrequently donating a limb to a poor helpless orphan. ADDITIONAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND RECOM- MENDATORY LETTERS. It would seem that there was already a sufficient number of letters of this character in the preceding pages of this pamphlet, and such is virtually the fact, but in a business of this description, where one's patrons are scattered all over the wide world as it were, and new cases daily applying for imformation, and many of them desirous of seeing, if possible, some one using the real article they are in need of, or if too far off to be visited, that they can read what they have to say, being desirous to afford as far as I consistently can, this desired imformation, have invited a few additional persons to contribute their experience and views for publication. This invitation has been very liberally responded to, as the following letters show, which will, I trust, be con- sidered as ample evidence, to be contained in a work of this character, published at considerable cost, for entirely gratui- tous circulation. 95 APPARATUS FOR SHORTENED AND DEFORMED LEG. This case of deformity is very ably illustrated by the Engravings. Fig. 17 Fig. 1*. Fig. 17 displays the deformity in Us real form, with the apparatus standing ready for application. Fio- 18 places the two together and in practical use. The further description and history of the case is given on the following page by Dr. Cuzner himself, whose ability to describe and practically illustrate, speaks fontselt. 96 Peekskill, Dutchess Co., New York. October 24th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks : Dear Sir:—Sometime ago you wrote to me with regard to how much I was benefited by the Artificial Limb (or apparatus rather), you had adapted to my deformity. In reply, I would beg leave to state that during the whole time that I have been afflicted with this deformity (37 years), I have never found relief before. I have been operated upon, surgically, three times during my life ; the Tendon Achilles cut each time, with no favorable result. At times I have been compelled to use a crutch, and always a cane, upon which I took much of my weight. Since I have been using the Apparatus, my walk has improved almost to perfection, and my comfort, more than I can express in words. I now walk with comparative ease ; sometimes using a cane, more from force of habit than necessity. I only wish it had been applied years ago, I should thereby have saved myself much distress and suffering, as well as mortification. Nothing could reach my case to do me any good but your Elastic Rubber Foot, that comes in here so complete, where there is no room for a joint, (if one was ,needed, even in any case). My nearly two years' experience with this ap- paratus, has fixed me up so completely, that nothing could induce me to dispense with it. Hoping that your life may be spared for many years to continue to benefit other unfortunates as you have me, Yours very truly, A. T. CUZNER, M. D. The following case of Mr. Sassaman, is almost precisely like Dr. Cuzner's, in every respect: [APPARATUS FOR SHORTENED AND DEFORMED LEG.] Pennsylvania R. R. Office, 233 South 4th St., Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. A. A. Marks : October 10, 1877. Dear Sir:—It gives me sincere pleasure to inform you that the Appara- tus made by you has answered my greatest appreciations, by concealing my deformity, and enabling me to walk in a natural manner. "Walking instead of being laborious, has now become a pleasure, and I can now walk as long a distance, and as rapidly as most persons, without tiring. On account of the durability, strength and simplicity, I could not conceive anything more suitable for the purpose. Yours truly and gratefully, HENRY SASSAMAN. 97 **[BOTH LEGS AMPUTATED JUST BELOW KNEE.] FITTED ENTIRELY FROM MEASUREMENTS. Missoula, Montana Territory, October 23, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—Replying to an enquiry, I have to say that Both of my Legs were amputated (owing to freezing in this neighborhood) about four inches below the knees, in March, 1862. I walked on my knees until November, 1867, at which time I commenced wearing a pear of-----limbs. Those limbs done good service, and I was satisfied with them for nearly ten years, although they often needed repairs on feet and ankle joints, how- ever they finally wore out and a new pair of Artificials became indispensa- ble. Parties in whom I have the greatest confidence recommended your Patent Limbs as the best of all. Consequently, I had measures taken, forwarded them to you with the cash, and in return received a pair of limbs of your manufacture. The fit was as near correct as possible, needing only a little sand papering to make them fit perfectly. I have worn them now about three months. The sores created by the old broken legs have healed, and I feel more comfortable than I have for the past two years. At first the stiff ankles seemed a little awkward, but I soon became used to the Rubber move- ment of the toes and heel, and am enabled now to walk on level ground without acane-and on any other ground with one cane with an EASY, NOISELESS, AND ELASTIC STEP. I am really very much pleased with the limbs, so'far as comfort and ease in walking is concerned. Your limbs are well finished, and besides the India Rubber Feet there are other improvements worthy of notice, such as the suspenders, etc. The ABSENCE of ALL SPRINGS AND CORDS in the interior of the limbs saves a good deal of annoyance, the only joints being the knee joints They are easily kept in order. The appearance indicates that they are as durable as any limbs manufactured, but as I have worn these only a few months, cannot speak of their durability by experience, as I will be able to hereafter. I am well satisfied with the legs and would not now exchange them for any other patent that I have seen. Respectfully yours, CHARLES SCHAFFT. 98 [BOTH LEGS BELOW KNEES.] And here you have a tale from real life, correctly and elaborately illustrated ; it is not from a far off foreign land or painted as a tale of fiction and romance, but the place is here, not twenty miles from the city of New York, and the hero is a lad of but fifteen winters, residing at home with his doting parents, and a school-boy of high promise. Fig. 19 exhibits the mutilated condition in which the ugly wheels of the railroad cars left him, with the excep- tion of the well trimmed stumps, as prepared by the humane and skillful surgeon, (and they are model stumps too, that no good surgeon would ever be ashamed of). His Artificials are undressed, and, like his stumps, well exposed to view ; in this fix he is like a locomotive off the track—helpless AS A BABE. Fig. 19. Fig. 20 is the same lad in his winter dress, and mounted upon his skates, enjoying his favorite winter sport. Of what he does in various ways, during the varied seasons of the year and with what degree of ease and comfort he does it von will learn from himself, in all the simplicity of youthful integrity. I shall not ask you to read, but am confident you will not miss 99 THE SCHOOL-BOY'S STORY. Fig. go. Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., N. Y. Mr. A. A. Marks, October 2d, 1877. Dear Sir:—You invite me to tell my story, and I will accept the invitation. Over two years ago I was accidentally run over by the railroad cars, whereby I lost both my legs below the knees. I have now been wearing a pair of your Patent Artificial Legs for over a year, and, in my opinion, with wonderful success, for I certainly thought that my boyhood fun and sport was annihilated by the loss of my legs. I had read in your book about how other boys had met with similar misfortunes, and after getting your assistance, had gone on in their accus- tomed ways, with but comparatively little inconvenience, but thought there must be some stretching in the way some of their cases were set forth; and, although I felt that I was as smart as most of them (of my age especially), I did not for a moment think that I would ever come up to what others had done, who were fixed like me ; but I guess I am not much behind any of them now, for I go to school just about as well as ever, and go out and play ball and other games, with the other boys,.as I did before losing my legs. I remember when I was at your office getting the legs, that you asked me if I used to skate, and I told you I did, and was a good skater ; 0074097�204� 100 then you said I could skate very well by the next winter. I guess you have not forgotten how I laughed and discredited your prophetic assertion, but 1 kept up a constant thinking how I would be sure and try it soon as ice came, and try the skates I did, and although they felt rather funny to start with, it was not long before I could skate as well as most of the boys. You need' not think that I like wooden legs so well to skate with as to advise other boys to cut off their legs so as to be as well off as I am—none of that thing at all; so don't flatter yourself that all the boys here are going to get up some excuse to lose their legs so as to skate with me on a race in the winter time, for I shant do it, and hope you will never have another chance to fix up any boys or girls either like me. But, Mr. Marks, without any more joking, it is a wonderful satisfaction to me, to my parents, and all my re- lations and friends, to see how extremely well I get along in everything I want to do; going to school is of course not much, so far as the legs are con- cerned, but on Saturday and vacations I go out boating on the Sound, climb hickory trees, and shake off the nuts almost as spry as any of my playmates, but my real best fun is in the skating, and truly he has got to be a smart boy that beats me on the ice, if you don't believe it, then come and see me next winter, or ask the neighbors, for a great many came—and some even a long way too—to see me cut a circle, the pigeon wing, &c, last winter. In some things I really do have the advantage, for I can strap my skates just as tight as I like, and it don't hurt my feet, and my toes don't trouble me in getting cold either. O, these rubber feet are the real things next to the natural ones and no mistake, here I have worn them so long and used them rough enough too, and they are good yet. "Whoever says that your Artificial Legs are not the best, don't know what they are talking about, in my opinion. Yours very truly, james Mcdonald. It will be seen by the following that Boys are not alone in the calamities of the world. You are here invited to read a lively, cheerful letter from the pen of a SCHOOL GIRL. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Chatham Village, Columbia Co., N. Y. Mr. A. A. Marks, October 29, 1877. My Dear Sir :—Having used one of your beautiful Artificial Limbs with Rubber Foot for eight months with the utmost satisfaction, ease and com- fort, can truthfully recommend it to all who may have the misfortune I had. My leg was amputated when I was twelve years old, and after several en- quiries I was fortunately directed to you for a substitute, and it is so lifelike I sometimes forget that I have an Artificial Leg on, for I can walk, run, and jump almost as good as ever I did. I earnestly wish all having the misfor- tune to lose a limb should know the value and worth of your beautiful Rub- ber Foot, so good and yet so simple, without the noise and clatter of others that I have seen in use. Yours respectfully, ELLEN E. BURNS. 101 The following letter from Gen. Tillson should be read by ♦every interested person. [ARTIFICIAL LEG BELOW KNEE.] Hurricane Granite Company—Davis Tillson, Proprietor. Rockland, Maine. . . „ October 11, 1877. A. A. Marks. Esq., Dear Sir:—I have worn your Rubber foot for nearly two years, and am much pleased with it. I have worn an Artificial Leg some twenty years and was positive that an ankle joint was a necessity. I began the use of your foot with many doubts and misgivings, all of which have been dissi- pated by experience. First, it does away with the very DISAGREEABLE NOlSE of other kinds of Artificial feet. Second, the soft, spongy rubber heel PREVENTS the JAR to the LIMB and person in walking. Third, the ankle being rigid and strong, having no joint or moving machinery DOES NOT GET OUT OF ORDER. Mine has not cost a cent for repairs, or given me a moment's trouble since I began wearing it. It is a Very Decided Improvement in Artificial Feet and I heartily commend their use to all persons wearing Artificial Legs. I am yours respectfullj", DAVIS TILLSON. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Salem, Oregon. October 20, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks. Dear Sir :—In reply to your enquiry concerning my leg, I will say that it is entirely satisfactory in all respects, and for durability especially it cannot be surpassed. Since I left your office last May I have taken my annual trip to the mountains, and have been to the top of the highest peaks of the Cas- cade Mountains, six thousand feet high (except those covered with snow.) hunting deer, &c, and returned safe and sound, and there is not a break or crack as yet in the leg or foot. It is needless to say that after that trip that I am satisfied. Yours truly, GEORGE WILLIAMS, First Lieut. U. S. Army. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Mr. A. A. Marks, My Dear Sir :—I take pleasure in writing to inform you of the fact that your Artificial Limb with Rubber Foot has given me entire satisfaction in the time that I have been wearing it. I can wear it with comfort and walk •with more ease than I could with any ankle joint limb. And for my part, I prefer the soft, easy step of the Rubber foot to the constant jar caused by the ankle joints. Dear Sir:—Please remember as you read this that I am relating facts as I proceed. You will recollect that when I came to you to be fitted, my stump was in a sore, painful, swollen, and irritated condition, which had been the 102 case for several months previous, and it was so even up to the time of the adjustment of your limb. Notwithstanding all this, I wore your make of limb the first day with comparative comfort, and greatly to my surprise, the swelling entirely ceased and the stump is almost healed, and it has a much healthier appearance. Indeed, if I had not found this relief, I could not have accepted my present position. In conclusion, I must add, that I am deeply thankful to you for placing me on my feet I am most truly yours, CHARLES H. SCHULTZ, Sup*t and Lay Reader of "Educational Home." 49th St. & Greenway Av., West Philadelphia, Penn. p, s.—I will with pleasure give immediate attention to whomsoever you may refer to me either in person or by letter. C. H. S. * * [LEG BELOW KNEE.] No. 1310 Carpenter St., Philadelphia, Penn. October 7, 1877. Mr. A .A. Marks, Dear Sir :—Allow me to give testimony upon the merits of your Artificial Limbs, for I only wonder that I did not see their great advantage before. I have worn an artificial limb of a good make for over four years, but since I have worn yours, must give it the decided preference. The fit is re- markably good and made from measurements taken and sent you without my going to New York to be fitted. The elasticity of the foot, so natural to the real one, together with the simple mode of construction, and to the great advantage of being eighteen ounces lighter than the one I had been using, makes it very desirable. I cheerfully recommend your Patent Limbs to all needing substitutes for lost limbs. Yours respectfully, EDWARD F. LEE. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Horse Heads, Chemung Co., N. Y. October 8, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—It gives me great pleasure to recommend your Artificial Limbs, as I am conscious that I can do so to almost any extent and not over- estimate their merits. I know I have given mine a thorough trial, having worn it every day, with perhaps one or two exceptions, for over two years, and that with all the comfort one can expect, and more than I ever ex- pected until I commenced wearing yours, after having worn four different makers, namely. ********* And I can truly say I would not exchange the Leg of your make which I now wear for any or all of the other kinds on any account whatever. In a word, as a mechanic, I consider your Artificial Legs as near perfect as- can be. Yours respectfully. CHARLES P. CASE. 103 [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Office of D. S. Crawford. Attorney at Law and Collection Agent. West Point, Nebraska. October 13, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—It affords me great pleasure in recommending your Artificial Legs to all who are unfortunate enough to require the use of your valuable invention. I have worn two ankle joint legs that did not prove satisfactory. The joints would become lo©se and keep up a very annoying clatter. This diffi- culty is obviated entirely in your patent, besides making a much stronger and more durable limb. I have worn this for 18 months, and is as good as new yet, I might say better, because it is easier to walk upon than when new, and the more I use it the better I like it. Yours truly, DANIEL S. CRAWFORD. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Kingston, Ontario, Canada, October 9th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I have worn the Artificial Leg purchased of you last October every day since, and my business requires that I shall be on my feet during summer season from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M., and I have never lost an hour since I put your leg on. Never used a cane unless going a long distance from home. You can use my name at any time. Yours truly, F. S. REES. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Elizabeth City, New Jersey, October 3d, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I have worn the ----- Leg and the -----Leg, but neither give me as good satisfaction as yours, and I can cheerfully recommend them to amr one who wishes to purchase an Artificial Limb. They are, without doubt, the best I have ever used, and anyone having the good fortune to obtain one cannot fail to speak of them in the highest terms. Yours truly, F. V. MEEKER. 104 The following short letter is from a boy only 11 years of age, who lost his leg some two or more years ago, and had been using one of another make until within the last three months: [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Ilion, Herkimer Co., New York. November, 14th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—Your leg is a perfect success, and I would not ask for anything better in every respect. Yours truly. ^JOHNNY ROCHE. [LEG BELOW KNEE]. Bowdon, Carrol Co., Georgia, September 21st, 1876. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I have been using one of your Artificial Legs for over five years with great ease and comfort, and it is still doing good service, I shall certainly get another of your make when this is worn out, for I am confi- dent that yours are the very best made in all respects, especially for one so far away from the manufacturer as I am. Yours very truly, JAMES R. BARROW. [LEG BELOW KNEE.] Kearney, Buffalo Co., Neb., October 15th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I have often thought of sending you a recommend, but think it is unnecessary. Will say that my limb is perfectly satisfactory, and after getting accustomed to it, I walk full as well as with the ankle joint, and there is none of that clattering and cracking which every leg with an ankle joint is sure to bother the wearer with more or less. You will get mv next government order, if I live until that time. Yours &c, D. W. ROE. [LEG FOR AMPUTATION IN ANKLE JOINT.] (As represented in Fig. 9, on page 20.) 106 Bedford St., New York City, November 10th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—In looking over your books you will find that you made me a government leg over seven years ago, I am still wearing the same and with entire satisfaction. None but those that are intimately acquainted with me 105 have any idea that I am wearing an Artificial Leg. You will remember that my case was a difficult one to treat, it being an amputation of the foot, leaving part of the heel, and shortening the leg about one inch and a half, you will also be likely to remember the one I had before with the crazy an- kle joint, cords, &c. I remember all about how it wanted fixing very often to keep in order, which is directly the opposite of your Patent. I find yours with Rubber foot superior in all respects for mv case and want no other. Yours respectfully, GEORGE F. MORSE. [ARM BELOW ELBOW.] Canton, Ohio—Wrought Iron Bridge Company. Isaac Vance, Special Agent for Western Penn., Pittsburg, Penn., November 5th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I would say for the benefit of the unfortunates who have to use Artificial Limbs, that I have tried four or five of the leading manufac- turers' Patents of Artificial Arms. There are none that I have tried that gives me the satisfaction that yours have. All of these clap-trap, cat-gut arrangements will get out of order in a very short time. They are about half the time at the manufacturers for repairs and fixing the machinery, which makes it very unhandy when you are three or four hundred miles away from where they are made. Yours Need no Repairs. Yours very truly, ISAAC VANCE, Late First Lieut. Co. E, 140th Regt., Penn. Vol. [LEG ABOVE KNEE.] Pawling, Dutchess Co., New York. October 13th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I am very well pleased with my leg. I have had abundant opportunites to know something about Artificial Legs, and I have never seen or used any that operate any better than mine. I don't want to say any- thing against any other leg, and there may be even better ones in the mar- ket all I desire to say is that I am satisfied with mine. Yours very respectfully, HENRY PIERCE, M. D. 106 [LEG ABOVE KNEE, FOR BOY ELEVEN YEARS OF AGE]. Philadelphia, Penn., October 11th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks. Dear Sir :—The Artificial Leg you made for my little brother (eleven years of age) has far exceeded my most sanguine expectations. He was only six years old when his right leg was amputated above the knee, leaving a stump of only four inches. For seven years he walked on crutches. One week after applying the Artificial Leg he was walking with the aid of a cane, a half mile to, and from school. He now walks two miles daily. I am much pleased with it also, because it is perfectly noiseless. Very respectfully yours. Note.—This gentleman prefers to not have his name appear publicly, but the pub- lisher is at liberty to give it privately to any who wish. [ARTIFICIAL LEG ABOVE KNEE,] Brooklyn, Kings Co., New York. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—I wish to contribute my testimony in favor of your Patent Artificial Limbs. The many years of experience I have had in wearing the different kinds compels me to pronounce yours far superior to any I have used. I can walk faster and easier with yours, and always feel that degree of security not found in any other, which is of itself enough to give it a de- cided preference, without speaking of the general advantages they combine to embrace. Yours very truly, JAMES PERRY. * * [LEG ABOVE KNEE.] New York, February 28th, 1865. Mr. Marks, Dear Sir :—I have used Artificial Legs of various kinds for over twenty years, and flatter myself that I ought to be a good judge concerning all the requirements connected therewith. After using your Artificial Leg, with your Patent Rubber Foot attached, for some six months, I take much pleas- ure in giving my testimony of the great merits thereof. In point of excel- lence it far exceeds my anticipation, and you are fully aware that thev were not underrated when I first had my attention call to it. The first great advantage is, that I walk much easier, far better, and more natural in every way than with the other legs which I used. I feel safer and am relieved from that constant care in walking that always troubled me heretofore. It is, in fact, a relief that I never expected to obtain in any 107 Artificial Leg. My very short stump (only four inches from body) prevents me walking as well as those with a better stump; but this leg seems so much lighter and always so reliable that I cannot well communicate the high esti- mation m which I hold your new leg with the Rubber Foot. It needs but to be known to be adopted by all sensible people who require Artificial Legs. 1 would no more think of exchanging this leg for any other that I ever saw, than I would of having my sound leg amputated for the purpose of applying thls- Yours. &c. F. E. WORCESTER. Mr. Worcester has recently purchased a New Leg, after using the one referred to in the above letter for over twelve years, his address is 333 Main street, Buffalo, New York. **[LEG ABOVE KNEE, %% INCH STUMP]. Moline. Rock Island Co., Illinois. October 12th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks. Dear Sir:—I have worn Artificial Legs fourteen years, and during that time have used four different kinds, being satisfied with none until getthig yours ; and I will say, without fear of successful contradiction, that your Patent Leg is the best I ever wore or saw. I would advise all who want a leg that they can depend upon, to get one from you. The length of ni}T stump is but three and one half inches, and I wear your leg all day long the year round, without trouble. Yours truly, WM. H. ROYSTON, Late of Co. C, 2nd Iowa Infantry. * * [LEG ABOVE KNEE.] Philo, Muskinghan Co., Ohio. October 12th, 1877. Mr. A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :__I wish to say to fellow unfortunates that I received one of your Patent Artificial Legs with Rubber Foot, (fitted from measure) with which I am highly gratified ; there is no noise whatever attending the leg, it is so simple in construction ; no rattling about the ankle like other kinds, I earnestly recommend them to all needing anything of the kind. Truly yours, SILAS W. FICKEL. 108 How Soon After Amputations should Artificials be Applied. A WORD TO SURGEONS. On pages 21-2-3, I aimed to elucidate fully upon the sur- gical part of this profession, and still feel that what is said there is ample and clearly to the point, But I am continu- ally harrassed by enquiries concerning the proper time for applying Artificial Limbs after amputation, some surgeons recommending their patients to wait for a year before applying an Artificial, and many patients in following such advice are required to enjoy the benefits of it by finding at the end of this long period (which in many cases is wasted in idleness,) a stump enormous in size, wanting in strength, and deficient of the essential qualities of a good operating stump. Fortunately for the maimed sufferers the surgeons are not all ignorant of the true principles of cause and effect. Some are considerate and take a practical and rational view of the subject, and advise their patients accordingly. I apprehend some will say that I am seeking my own interest in these argu- ments, which I don't deny. I am desirous to not only apply all the Artificial Limbs to the maimed unfortunates that I can obtain orders for in an honorable way, but am also desirous that they shall do the unfortunate patron the most possible good, the interest of both parties is particularly mutual in this respect, as must be readily seen by every candid and considerate person. In or- der to obtain the views of reliable medical and surgical au- thorities upon this subject, I have invited such expression from one whose practical as well as medical and surgical knowledge enables him to treat the subject understandingly upon all points. I trust the following correspondence will be read by all interested parties. 109 575 Broadway, New York City, October 13th, 1877. Stephen G. Cook, M. D., New York City. Dear Sir :—Your experience as a surgeon and physician and more espec- ially as United States Government Inspector of Artificial Limbs, purchased by the Government for the disabled soldiers, enables you to exercise a prac- tical as well as theoretical knowledge upon the important question of what constitutes a proper period to elapse after amputation before applying Ar- tificial Limbs. Upon this question (which is very important to the maimed,) eminent sur- geons differ very widely, and I desire to obtain your opinions for publication, and trust you will contribute a full expression of your views upon the sub- ject. Yours very truly, A. A. MARKS. New York, November 3, 1877. Mr, A. A. Marks, Dear Sir :—Your letter, asking my opinion as to the length of time necessary to intervene between the amputation of a limb and the applica- tion of an artificial one, has been received, and in response I would say that I would allow just as long a time to elapse as is necessary for the thorough healing of the stump, and no longer. In my opinion there are at least three good and sufficient reasons why the interval should be brief, to wit: 1st. Because by disuse, the muscles left by the amputation—and which in the future are to control the action of not only the stump, but also the Ar- tificial Limb thereto attached—become undisciplined: that is to say, they lose the nice co-operation there is naturally between them and the will power. That muscles act under the strictest discipline, needs no further evi- dence than to watch the skillful movements of any trained artisan, and compare them with the bungling efforts of the unskilled, the untrained, the undisciplined. After an amputation the muscles left are necessarily for a time unused, and if left too long, lose the power of responding to and being governed by the will. The application of the Artificial Limb is the first impulse that arouses them from their long period of inactivity; hence, in my opinion, it should be applied just as soon as practicable after the stump has healed. 110 2nd. My second reason is based upon the old physiological law. that "ac- tion increases strength." Compare the muscular development of the black- smith, the boat rowers, the trained athletes and gymnasts, with those of gentlemen of leisure and pleasure, and the adage needs no further proof. The muscles of an amputated limb not only become undisciplined, but they also become atrophied, shrunken and effeminate, and the longer they are unused, the more atrophied they become. This shrinking of the muscular tissues is supplemented by a deposit of adipose tissue (fat), so much so, that sometimes when the manufacturer of Artificial Limbs is applied to, he finds, instead of a hard and firm stumj>, what has more the appearance of a mass of quivering jelly. 3d. My third reason is applicable to the loss of a lower limb only, and refers to the use of Crutches. Under the most favorable circumstances, it is a difficult task to learn to use an Artificial Leg skillfully and naturally, a task that some learn much more readily than others, the same difference existing between individuals in this respect as in learning a science or a trade. The patient who has learned to balance himself upon a pair of crutches, and to get along as rapidly and almost as easily as before he was injured, is very apt to become both discouraged and disgusted when, on the application of an Artificial Limb, he discovers he has to learn the art of locomotion all over again. Under such circumstances, unless possessed of more than the usual share of energy and determination, he is too apt to lay the Artificial Limb one side for intervals too long to enable him to become speedily ac- customed to its use. For these and other reasons which might be mentioned, my experience of over twenty years as Surgeon both in civil and military life, as well as In- specting Surgeon of Artificial Limbs for the U. S. Government, has led me to the conclusion that the period of time that should elapse between the healing of the stump and the application of the Artificial Limb, cannot be too brief. Yours very truly, S. G. COOK, M. D. New York City. Ill FITTING LIMBS FROM MEASUREMENTS. Additional Ixfohmation. The importance of this feature in applying Artificial Limbs is such that it seems proper that those interested should have all the facts that they can in relation to it, and in order to avoid answering long letters that I am constantly receiving, making special inquiries upon this subject, and for which I am too limited in time to write out in full, I will here inform my readers that this feature in fitting from measures only, is largely on the increase with me. I find, by referring to ray books, that out of the last hundred Artificial Limbs (Legs and Arms) manufactured by me, thirty-six were fitted from measures ; this constitutes an increa.se in proportional num- bers,__and I also find a general increase in satisfactory results, which arises not only from my improved method of taking the measurements with the clearly defined instructions upon the blanks (thus enabling the patient to take the measures, or have them taken, so full and correct, that to receive incorrect and wrong measures is the exception and not the rule), but also my long and extensive experience in accomplishing the work in fitting the limbs. I take special pride in this feature, and where the measure- ments are accepted, as satisfactory, assume the responsibility of a good fitting limb, with the understanding that in case any alteration is found to be necessary after a thorough trial, that such alteration will be made without any extra charge, the purchaser to pay the express charges of returning ; this is required so seldom (not over one in fifty cases), that the risk of either party is comparatively nothing, especially when tak- ing into consideration the expense, time, and fatigue of a long j ourney. 112 1 8 7 7. Another FIRST PREMIUM Awarded BY THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. Extract from report of the Judges at the 46th Annual Fair of the American Institute, of New York City. (No. 4,23). ARTIFICIAL LIMBS. A. A. Marks, After a full and impartial examination of the articles above described, the undersigned Judges make report that we consider this exhibit of great value and entitled to recognition. Charles W. Packard, M. D., Francis A. Thomas, M. D. Augustus Viele, M. D., Judges. Upon this report the Board of Managers awarded the lIDAl ©Is ilFIllOEIff, A true Copy of the Report on file.—John W. Chambers, Secretary. What this award means is explained by the following ex- tract from the printed by-laws of the Institute : "The Medal of Superiority may be awarded for on article or process of great value, upon the recommendation of a majority of the Judges, and confirmed by a majority of the whole number of the Board of Managers." Thus, from 1865 to 1877 inclusive, the HIGHEST AWARDS for exhibits of this class have been made for these Artificial Limbs by this time-honored Institution. The Medal is of BRONZE, same as all of the Award Medals of the Institute, at the present time, like those on page 29, except in the inscrip- tion which is in accordance with the award. WHAT ISTEED OF COMMENT P .1111 22 1946 fe: ■'#•■ V^ . ■. « .•. ■ ••■•■V" *<■ NLM001359452