“The * cup’ can never cure version or but through undue cup pressure they are often 
created, and unsuspected version and flexions are rendered permanent.”—Therapeutic Indica- 
tions in Uterine Displacements, by E. P. Banning, Jr., M. D. 
lAllilg»S 
IMPROVED BIFURCATED 
Uterine Elevator, 
JCOMBINED WITH JbUPPORTER, 
FOR 
PROCIDENTIA AND PLEXIONS OF 
THE UTERUS. 
The above cut represents “Banning’s Improved Abdominal Supporter” remov- 
ing visceral weight and correcting the trunkal bearings, while its attachment, 
“Banning’s Improved Bifurcated Uterine Elevator,” is supporting the cul-de- 
sac on either side. Thus, while elongating the vagina, restoring the diseased 
or overtaxed and displaced uterus (without touching it) to its normal position. 
Since the writing of the Article on Uterine Displacements in the Medical 
and Surgical Reporter of June, 1866, we have made some radical and impor- 
tant changes in our Intra-Pelvic Supports. Eirst—The changing of the 
vertical vaginal shaft from rubber to silver; Second—The abandonment of 
the vulva guard; also, elevating screw. The whole Intra-Pelvic support is 
now within the control of the patient. The vertical shaft contains a light 
spiral spring, thus guarding against undue pressure, while the attachment 
of the shaft to the upper part of the perineal spring, permits the patient to in- 
crease or decrease its elevating power at will, also to remove it without remov- 
ing the abdominal supporter. 
Practitioners write us that cases that have heretofore baffled their skill for 
years, and that have gone through the whole catalogue of Supporters and 
Pessaries, yield readily to the Balance and Elevator, when combined with the 
proper medicinal treatment. The following case amply illustrates the action 
of our Balance; Case reported by Prof. Stephen. Smith, in the Philadelphia Medical and 
Surgical Reporter: “ A young lady came under my care during the past 
winter with the following history: She was twenty-seven years of age, five 
years married, but had never borne children; of nervous temperament, had 
suffered from chorea when a child, and for the last ten years had symptoms of 
uterine displacement, which had gradually increased in severity. She had 
recently been treated in a neighboring city for the latter affection, and had 
been temporarily much relieved by the use of pessaries. 
“At the time she first came under my observation, she was suffering so 
much from a dragging sensation in the epigastric region and back, and such a 
weight in the pelvis, with pain in the left hip and thigh, that she could walk 
about only with great discomfort. She was accustomed to sing in one of the 
churches, and on Monday she would scarcely be able to sit up, oAving to the 
aggravation of her symptoms from the effort of singing. She menstruated 
regularly, and had never suffered from leucorrhcea. 
“Examination revealed retroversion of the uterus, with a certain degree of 
retroflexion, and a marked descent of the organ. The body rested upon the 
perineum, and the os was elevated somewhat toward the urethra. There was 
no tenderness of the body, and on placing the patient on her knees and elbows, 
the uterus was readily restored to its proper position, with a relief to most of 
the severe symptoms. There was no disease of the os, nor of the cervix, and 
the uterus was of about its normal size. Her affection seemed to be displace- 
ment of the uterus, without any local disease. 
“ Erom the relief which she experienced when the organ was reposited, it 
was apparent that the chief, if not the only measure required in the treat- 
ment, Avould be uterine support. By what means could that support be best 
obtained. ? The ordinary pessary I had long since discarded as a rude, un- 
scientific, and frequently dangerous appliance, preferring the sponge or astrin- 
gent applications where the former was indicated. I had, some time previously, 
glanced over the series of papers of Dr. Banning, which was appearing in the 
Medical and Surgical Reporter, and Avas struck with the rational mode of sup- 
porting the uterus, Avhen prolapsed, therein recommended, and the correctness 
of the principles laid down. I determined, therefore, to make trial of the 
instrument in this case. 
“On visiting the patient for the purpose of applying the instrument, I 
found her suffering from an abscess of the labia. On recovering from this 
disease, she exposed herself to cold at her menstrual period, and, as a conse- 
quence, was attacked with metritis. The inflammation was principally limited 
to the posterior wall of the uterus, which became much enlarged and extremely 
sensitive. She was now unable to stand upon her feet, on account of the pressure 
upon the sacral nerves and the tenderness of the uterus. The pressure of fecal 
matter upon the uterus in the movement of the bowels, caused the most in- 
tense anguish. The various remedies employed, both local and general, merely 
mitigated the symptoms, but gave no prospect of permanent relief after two 
or three weeks of efficient trial. 
“ On reflecting upon the case, it became more and more apparent that as 
long as the displacement continued little could be expected from treatment. 
The displacement of the organ neosessarily involved the condition which 'would finally give rise to inflammation; or, inflammation once established, 
these conditions would render it permanent. It might be compared to a dis- 
located shoulder with its attendant inflammation, the proper remedy for which 
was, not local or general means, but prompt replacement of the bone to its 
normal position, and its retention by proper apparatus. Reposition of the 
uterus and its retention in its normal relations in the pelvis, would be apply- 
ing to this inflammation the first great principle in the treatment of all acute 
inflammations, viz., place the part in such position as to secure rest, remove 
all exciting causes, and relieve congestion. 
“I therefore determined to attempt at once on the application of Dr. Banning’s 
Uterine Supporter, being satisfied, on examination of the instrument, that the 
internal pressure in the posterior vaginal cul-de-sac would leave the body of 
the uterus free from direct contact, and that the patient would readily tolerate 
it. My anticipations were fully realized; though she suffered considerably 
from the manipulations necessary to adjust the instrument, on account of the 
extreme tenderness of the body of the uterus, yet when once in position, she 
•expressed relief from the downward pressure from which she had suffered so 
much. She tolerated the instrument from that time without complaint, and 
the uterus gradually ascended, under the influence of the continued pressure, 
until it reached its proper position. The inflammation subsided, the size of 
the uterus rapidly diminished, and in about a week the patient was able to 
walk about with comfort. At the end of a fortnight she packed her own 
trunk and returned home. She has since, after an interval of several weeks, 
called upon me, and is entirely relieved of all her former symptoms. Though 
she wears the instrument still, yet when removed, she walks with ease, and 
the uterus retains its normal position. She regards herself as having entirely 
recovered from an affection which has made her life miserable for the last ten 
years. STEPHEN SMITH, M. D., 
“ Professor of Descriptive Anatomy and Clinical Surgery, Bellevue College, N. Y." 
We could give some thousand cases similar to the above, that have been re- 
ported by various medical men throughout the country. 
Respectfully, 
banninu truss and brace go., 
3 Dey Street, New York. 
E. P. BANNING-, Jr., M. D., President. 
The following is a list of our Improved Uterine Elevators and Balances, all 
of which correct the version, flexion, or prolapsus, without resting on the walls 
■of the vagina, or touching the uterus itself: 
No. 11.—Improved Curved Uterine Balance and ]Vo. I or 3 Brace 
combined, for Retroversion and Retroflexion, lias proved infallibly successful. 
No. I‘i,—The Improved Straight Uterine Balance and No. 1 or 2 
Brace combined, is beautifully and promptly effective in uterine anteversion and flexion. 
No. 13.—Improved Hinge Ring Uterine Elevator and No. [1 or 2 
Brace combined, for remedying extreme procidentia. Its effect, like that of the others, is 
immediate and painless, and acts from an external base with no weight on the vulva or vagina. 
No. (4.—lmproved Bifurcated Uteri ie Elevator and No. 1 or 2 Brace 
combined, supports the Vaginal Cul-de-Sac on either side without touching the uterus. LIST AND DESCRIPTION OF OTHER BANNING SURGICO-MECHANICAL ADJUNCTS. 
For the Profession. 
IV*. I.—The hupi ored Abdominal and Spinal Shoulder Brace is a 
general and grateful support to the pelvis, abdomen, chest, and spine, simultaneously, and by 
itself alone is ordinarily successful; but, when not so (particularly in spinal and uterine affec- 
tions), the corresponding attachments are required. 
No. ft,—The Improved Body Brace without the spinal shoulder-brace, is a com- 
fortable support to the abdomen, but is not quite so effective as No. 1 in supporting the bowels, 
spine, or chest. 
No. 3.—The Symmelrizer, or Body Balance.—This light, cool, and springy de- 
vice promptly erects the drooping figure, expands the chest and lungs, flattens prominent shoulder 
blades, slopes sharp and square shoulders, gives symmetry to the form, elasticity to the movements, 
and compels the attire to fit gracefully. Should be worn by all lax-fibred and fast-growing children. 
No. 4.—The Improved Bile and Prolapsus Aui Brace, in combination 
with Brace No. 1, is effective and easy of wear. 
No. 3.—The Improved Pregnancy Brace, for comfortably supporting the back 
and abdomen, and for improving mobility during gestation; also for preventing miscarriages by 
quieting irritation. 
No. 6.—The Improved Brace Truss is adapted to either variety of hernia, and 
also for all varieties simultaneously; has been adopted by Government as the army truss, and acts 
upon the principle of elevating abdominal weight from the hernial openings. 
No. 7.—The Improved Self-Adjusting Non-Priction Brace Trass, 
adapted for either variety of hernia, also for all varieties simultaneously, acts upon the principle 
of elevating abdominal weight from the hernial openings; cannot become displaced; no friction, 
and is light, cool, and self-adjustable. 
No. S.—The Improved Spinal Prop, for supporting the abdomen, spine, and 
chest, and for taking superincumbent weight from the spine, simultaneously, leaves the motions 
free, gives no pain, and is immediate in its effect. 
No. 9.—The Improved Bevolving Spinal Prop, for sharp angular curvature. 
No. IO.—The Improved Centripetal lievcr, for correcting lateral spinal curva- 
ture, and arresting inequalities of the hips and shoulders of young ladies; operates by shifting the 
body’s weight to the opposite foot, and so compelling the weight to gradually crush out the curve 
by reversing the force of gravity upon the spine at each point of curvature. It gives no pain, re- 
strains no motion, makes no appearance through the dress, and removes the necessity for padding. 
HOW TO , ORDER ANY OF THESE APPLIANCES IN CASE THERE IS NO AGENT 
IN YOUR COUNTY. 
First—-Give minute description of the case; Second—In spinal deformities send two photo- 
graphs of the patient’s nude back (one front, one profile). Let the physician himself measure his 
patient accurately over linen. Third—Always give complete history and state of case; especially, 
where the uterus is involved, give the precise uterine bearings and organic condition. 
How to Measure.—First, around the pelvis two inches below crest of Illium; Second, 
around chest, close by the axilla; Third, from each axilla to corresponding crest of Illium; 
Fourth, height of patient. Let the measure be taken over the undergarments, and be drawn 
snug, but not tight. Practitioners should take the measures themselves, and send in inches, not 
in tape. The instrument may be exchanged to suit, if returned immediately and in good order, 
not encumbered with charges of any kind. Address 
BANNING- TRUSS AND BRACE CO , 
3 DEY STREET, NEWYORK. 
New York, February sth, 1872. 
Having had many years’ experience in the mechanical treatment of Spinal, 
Hernial, and Uterine Diseases, as well as the benefit of the suggestions and 
experience of. several thousand medical gentlemen in this country and Europe 
with whom I have had the honor to correspond, I would respectfully offer my 
services to the profession in such cases where they may desire to send the 
patient or patients to this city for mechanical treatment. Physicians confid- 
ing cases to my care may rely on there being no tampering with the medicinal 
treatment, hut that at all times, and in all cases, an upright and strictly pro- 
fessional course will he pursued. 
Respectfully, 
President Banning Truss and Brace Co. 
E. P. BANNING, Jr., M. D.,