lar and admitted to the institution,
Three years ago an X-ray was applied
to test the condition of his lungs. The
examination disclosed that the pin,
which McMann readily remembered to
have swallowed, was lodged in his left
lung and was causing serious trouble
with that organ.
It was found that an operation would
be impossible and treatments were ap
plied to alter the course of the pin, the
patient being kept continually in a re
clining position upon his left side.
About a year ago X-ray examina
tions showed that the Iolnted little in
truder had altered its course and was
headed for the patient's heart. At one
time it was located within half an inch
of the heart's left ventricle and the
life of McMann was despaired of.
The pin, however, changed its
"schedule" and started in a downward
direction. Its progress was anxiously
watched and the physicians decided
that when the traveler got below the
diaphragm an' operation could be per
formed successfully.
Three months ago it penetrated the
diaphragm and lodged in the muscles
of McMann's back, where the action of
the muscles forced it rapidly down
ward. It was observed that each day
the pin was becoming. farther removed
from the vital organs and the all-im
portant operation was delayed until
conditions were most favorable.
An examination recently disclosed
the wanderer close to the surface in
the muscles of the calf of the pa
tient's left leg, whence it had traveled,
closely following the bones of the
limb. A simple operation was per
formed and the pin, looking little the
worse for wear, removed.
