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  • Walter E. Dandy Letter 09/20/1914

    The Johns Hopkins Hospital

    Baltimore, Md.

    September 20, 1914

    Dear Mother and Father,

    Well, you don't seem to be bothering much about the war, but I think you had better come back now while the coming is good. It is about the right time of year now and I think you had better start back right away. Take the Lusitania or Mauretania. They are as safe as American boats, but I wouldn't wait any longer.

    I have been out yesterday looking for a little suburban place. I haven't seen any just right but will look further as soon as you cable me.

    Have had a wonderful week of surgery. Did my first cerebellum and it went beautifully. I have now had every brain operation which has been done. I also did two more Gassignan ganglion cases-Cushing's supposedly hardest operation. Also did a little boy with an old brain abscess as you will see from the enclosed clipping. It was a bully case. He had 60-70 epileptic spells a day before the operation but has not had any since. They are so tickled. He cannot keep from praising me and thanking me every time he sees me. He is one of the city's attorneys. They are very nice people.

    The man I took the spinal cord tumor from is now walking around. He has done beautifully. I have really had wonderful success so far.

    The old woman I removed the Gassignan ganglion from was very feeble and did not look as though she would stand an operation but she did beautifully.

    But Heuer is back and my palmy days are probably over, but still it may all turn out to be the best-you can't always tell. He told me confidentially that Dr. Halsted almost put me in as resident ahead of McClure but thought I would be better trained if I did not get the residency so soon. I am still worrying about Chicago, but I don't know what to do. Heuer wants me to stay. He says he will only take neurological surgery temporarily and I will surely get it, but I don't like the prospects of the small salary. He thinks I will have a hard time bucking the profession in Chicago. I haven't much more news to give you this time.

    Your loving son, Walter

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