Account of a Woman from Whom came a Tetter-Worm through an Ulcer in the Abdomen -- plate

Copper plate 5, which accompanies Case XI: Account of a Woman from whom came a Piece of a Tetter-Worm through an Ulcer in the Abdomen has illustrations of three different worms related to the case. The case itself was related to the author, who then went to further investigate the tale and outlines the specifics of the woman’s condition. She ultimately had a large worm exit her body through an ulcer, after suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms for most of her life. Although the author did not see the worm that exited her, be depicts three representative worms on the plate.

Figure A is described by the author as, “ A like worm I myself have seen in the Stomach and entrails of a bream,” which is a type of fish. Haller then goes on to describe other places where these fish have been found and their exact size. Figure B is a depiction of different worm he found, which was “white and, in the middle, of the breadth of a little Finger, terminating obtusely at both Ends,” much like the other worm. Haller then also goes on to describe a different worm originating in a salmon in Figure C. It is interesting that Haller focuses on these worms, found not in humans, but instead fish. They are outlined in great detail in both the text and three copper plates. There are not many of these plates, emphasizing the importance of images found on plates. This would clearly suggest the importance of worms in general health at the time, and the belief that these worms in fish had a close relationship to the worms found in humans. Certainly, Haller seems to believe physicians should be able to understand and identify these worms found in fish.