Peter Parker Collection

Artist: Lam Qua (1801-1860)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Case Summary from Peter Parker's Journal.

April 17, 1837. "Lew Akin, age 12 years, had a steatomatous tumor on the right hip, of a magnitude that required the paitnet to lean forward when she walked, in order to preserve her balance. April 27, the usual indemnity being given by the parents, the tumor was removed in two minutes and fourteen seconds. Its circumference (exceeding that of her body) was 2 feet at the base, and much larger at the middle; it was very slightly attached, and consisted of concentric layers of fatty substance, seperated from each other by a surrounding serous membrane, till near the center it was found of a much firmer structure, resembeling cartilage. It weighed 5 catties, or 7 pounds avoirdupois. In one week the whole was so far healed that the child was able to walk about the room without pain to herself or injury to the wound."

"I am indebted to Lamqua, who has taken and admirable likeness of the little girl, and a good representation of the tumor. The more interesting cases that have been presented at the hospital, he has painted with equal success, and uniformly says that as there is no charge for 'cuting,' he can make none for painting."