“Medical Commission of Massachusetts. The opinion of the members of this Board having been frequently asked as to the value and importance of lint in the treatment of surgical cases, they beg leave to say that they are satisfied that there are other means that in most cases would be more useful, and in all equally so. They refer to old linen and cotton compresses, wet or dry, and soft sponges, which would, in almost if not in every instance, be found to answer all purposes likely to be accomplished by the use of lint.

George Hayward, Chairman.                              J. Mason Warren,

John Ware,                                                        S. Cabot, Jr.,

S. D. Townsend,                                                   R. M. Hodges

Boston, September 5, 1862.”

Reference Data:

Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 67, by Masssachusetts Medical Society, New England Surgical Society, 1863, page 127