Controversy Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway
two weeks later william whatton replied. disputed weatherill s claim action taken staunch blood flow had been handkerchief, , pointed out first action on arrival @ eccles vicarage had been seal huskisson s femoral artery. stated had great experience similar injuries time army doctor during peninsular war, , none of them [military surgeons] have ventured upon operation chances decidedly against success . pointed out survival rate amputations among soldiers similar injuries—considerably healthier elderly huskisson—was no better 15% when attempted after injury. instead, cited advice of leading surgeon george james guthrie amputation not survivable until patient s pulse had stabilised , initial shock settled. whatton pointed out huskisson s pulse did not stabilise , in convulsions entire time whatton attended him. weatherill did not accept whatton s defence. continued maintain delays in staunching blood flow unforgivable , , huskisson dying there had been nothing lose attempting surgery....