OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

From the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal.

The editor of the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, under date of Dec. 6, 1855, speaking of Lewis's Improved Portable Syringe, says:—

"Portability, durability, neatness, and efficiency are qualities which render any apparatus as nearly perfect as possible, and they are certainly possessed by this. The piston moves admirably, and its action requires hardly any more exertion from the person working it than does that of the elastic bottle attached to certain of these instruments.

"There is a great convenience, it is true, in avoiding the use of the pump, as is effected by Dr. Mattson in his arrangement, and the stream of fluid is thrown (or can be) more continuously; but the lasting nature of the metallic chamber and rod, together with the ease of working the latter, are equivalent excellences.

"This apparatus is adapted to both rectal and vaginal uses, and a small pipe is added for use in the case of children.

"One great advantage claimed by the proprietor, and which commends itself at once to the judgment, is the simple construction, and more than that, the lasting nature of the valves. A ball, accurately fitting, supplies the place of the leather or India rubber valves most commonly employed. It is evident that an important object is here attained; the valves cannot get out of order. If, in taking the syringe apart, the ball should accidentally drop, it tells its story as it falls, and is instantly replaced; no renewal is needed, except there be actual loss, when a common marble, if round, will answer the purpose.

"There are many occasions when it is necessary to use a thick, tenacious fluid for injections; for such purposes, this syringe can have no rival. With delicate flapping valves, these substances would decidedly interfere, and continual change and repair be demanded. With this simple and efficient arrangement, we can hardly conceive it possible for the instrument to get out of working order. In cases where it is imperative to give nourishing enemata, such as gruel, broths, &c., the above conditions are absolutely essential to success, and also to the final integrity of the apparatus.

"As a general thing, the more simple the machinery, the easier its use, and the more universal its application. Complicated arrangements, while they are far more readily disordered, puzzle the unskilful, and sometimes even foil the accustomed hand: their fate is, commonly, to be thrown by in disgust.

"Those who need such aids (and there are few who do not, occasionally, at least,) cannot do better than to supply themselves with this instrument. Every family should possess effectual artificial means of this description, to meet those exigences to which the sluggishness of nature or disordered health may give rise. Were enemata more used in this country, we could safely dispense with much purgative medicine given by the mouth; and when this can be done, we are sure that physicians as well as patients will gladly embrace the opportunity.

"Printed directions accompany each box which contains the syringe. For travellers it is perfectly adapted, not only from its compactness, but from the ease of cleansing it. It is afforded at the very reasonable price of three dollars and fifty cents, and it deserves a large sale."

From the Boston Daily Journal, Dec. 18, 1855.

"Lewis's Improved Portable Syringe.—This is a new and beautiful instrument, which is worthy the attention of Physicians and families, and which we are confident will come into general use for the purposes for which it is intended. It is perfectly simple in its construction, and very efficient in its action, and it can be used by an invalid without any assistance or difficulty, and is not in the least liable to get out of order."

From the Boston Daily Chronicle, Dec. 5, 1855.

"Valuable Medical Invention.—The attention of physicians and others interested, is called to an Improved Portable Syringe, invented and sold by Mr. Thomas Lewis, No. 166 Washington street, of this city. We have seen the instrument alluded to, and although there are many now in use for the same objects, yet we have the authority of several of our first physicians for saying that none approach this invention in perfectedness of plan or execution. The syringe is plainly and simply constructed, not liable to get out of order, and can be used with the utmost facility by the invalid. Directions for its use are plainly and amply set forth on the case, and each instrument is fully warranted."

From the Boston Daily Evening Telegraph, Dec. 3, 1855.

"Portable Syringe.—Our attention was called a few days since to an improved Portable Syringe for domestic use, which is of great value. It is superior to any other which has yet been invented, and must, we think, be preferred by physicians and others who are obliged to use such an instrument. While it is very simple in its construction, it is perfectly adapted for the purposes for which it is designed. Its size is such as to make it a very portable and convenient apparatus for traveller's use."

From the Worcester Mass. Journal of Medicine, April, 1856.

Lewis's Improved Portable Syringe: We take occasion to call the attention of our readers to the "Domestic Injecting Apparatus" manufactured by Thomas Lewis, No. 166 Washington Street, Boston. It is decidedly the best construction of metalic syringe that we have ever seen. It has many important advantages over any other form of syringe. Its construction is such that the valvular apparatus seldom gets out of place. It is small and convenient, enclosed in a neat box, and may be conveniently carried in almost any way. The objections commonly urged against the metalic syringe, are in this improvement wholly obviated. Its long flexible tube allows a convenient self-application. Persons having the syringe need not the aid of an assistant.

Connected with the syringe are full directions with reference to its use, and the advantages to be derived from it. The mass of people are but little aware of the great benefits derived from the frequent use of common water injections. This want of practical knowledge arises more from the want of a good instrument than any other cause. We can strongly recommend Lewis's Improved Syringe in this particular. Physicians themselves would always find it advantageous to recommend a good instrument of the kind to their patients.

From the New Hampshire Journal of Medicine.

Lewis's Improved Portable Syringe, which is advertised in this number, will be found on examination and in use to be one of the most perfect instruments in the market. It is so simple and its several parts fit with so much accuracy that there is little chance of its getting out of repair, and its price is so low as to place it within the reach of every family who desire an injecting apparatus.

From the Boston Weekly Dispatch.

Improved Portable Syringe, or Domestic Injecting Apparatus; manufactured by Thomas Lewis, Boston.—There has been a great variety of attempts to perfect an instrument of this sort for Domestic Use. The French have led the way. We remember, while in Paris, to have examined a great variety of Syringes, and also while in England. Before leaving Liverpool, we paid £1 for one, which we supposed would never need repair; but it has failed. We have taken great pains to secure the best article in this country; for, to a dyspeptic such as we have been for twenty years, the Syringe is invaluable. In passing through Washington Street, we accidentally met with the instrument now on our table, and which we have tried with complete success. We think we must say that Mr. Lewis has really met the want of the community in producing a Syringe at once portable, simple, and combining all that will be desired. We understand that Dr. Jackson and other eminent physicians of our city have recommended it for general use. We trust Mr. Lewis will be amply rewarded for his excellent labor in the extensive sale of his instrument. Call at 166 Washington Street.

From the Boston Advertiser.

We were shown to-day, an instrument manufactured by Mr. Thomas Lewis, 166 Washington Street, which in its operation is superior to any we have ever seen before. It is simple and effective, dispensing altogether with Leather or Rubber valves, (which are so liable to get out of order,) and instead round mineral balls are used, these, by the peculiar construction of the parts, can never get out of place, or wear so as to prevent its perfect operation at all times.

It is so constructed that it may be used without assistance, and is well adapted to children, as well as adults. The importance of every family having one of these instruments is fully set forth by the testimony of the medical faculty of this city, which is furnished in a small book, which contains full directions, receipts, &c.