Without these two precious methods of investigation we could scarcely have arrived at any degree of precision or certainty in thoracic pathology and might have been not unlike the old physicians and surgeons, 'who would swear,' as Morgagni says, 'that there was fluid in the chest when in reality there was not a single drachm, or perform paracentesis of the thorax upon a duke for an empyema which did not exist.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh
Two or three leeches may be applied over the mastoid, but should the pain persist or should rupture of the membrane appear imminent, paracentesis must be carried out.
"Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition."
Alexander Miles Alexis Thomson
When it is required to perform the operation of paracentesis thoracis, this distribution of the vessel should be borne in mind; and also, that the farther from the spine this operation is performed, the less in size will the vessels be found.
"Surgical Anatomy"
Joseph Maclise