Morell Mackenzie and Crown Prince Frederick: an unpublished manuscript from the Royal Society of Medicine Library.

The story of Morell Mackenzie and his involvement in the case of Crown Prince Frederick III (the future Emperor of Germany) is as well known as it is controversial. The consequences of the case were profound, both medically and politically. Most documents concerning the case are affected by varying degrees of bias, and as a result our understanding of the true events is incomplete. We present a brief summary of the case, and review an unpublished manuscript which adds to our understanding of the events. This manuscript is supportive of Mackenzie's early management of the Crown Prince's illness and acknowledges the importance of the case in medical history.

The laryngeal mask airway in tonsillectomy: the surgeon's perspective.

The laryngeal mask airway presents certain advantages in the management of the airway during general anaesthesia. However, from the surgeon's perspective, there have been reports of problems occurring when the laryngeal mask airway is used in tonsillectomy. This study of 90 patients undergoing tonsillectomy suggests that surgical access is inferior with a laryngeal mask airway and the weight of tonsillar tissue excised is less. In addition the laryngeal mask airway needs to be changed to an endotracheal tube during the procedure in 11.4% of patients.

Ancient schwannoma masquerading as parotid pleomorphic adenoma.

Pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland is common. We report a typical case of a parotid gland swelling which clinically, radiologically and cytologically represented a pleomorphic adenoma. Only following surgical excision and histological examination however, was the true diagnosis of ancient schwannoma made. Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid gland tumours.

An in vitro study of tracheostomy tube cuff herniation and inflation characteristics.

Seven of the most commonly used tracheostomy tubes used in the UK were tested for cuff herniation and creasing in synthetic tracheas corresponding to the shapes and sizes found in vivo. Results demonstrated that only two tubes of one particular brand herniated and that creasing occurred in tubes disproportionately large for the trachea used. A discussion of modern tracheostomy tube manufacture is included.

Analysis of rhinomanometric data based upon a model of nasal airflow and logarithmic transformation of the data.

Estimation of nasal airflow, flow asymmetry and nasal valve stiffness was performed using anterior rhinomanometry in a group of 12 normal subjects and a group of 12 patients suffering from nasal obstruction. The method, based upon a simplified mathematical model of nasal airflow and utilizing logarithmic transformation of inspiratory pressure and flow data, improved the sensitivity and specificity of rhinomanometry and gave a more comprehensive index of nasal function.