Birth - A.J. Cronin

   11th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Snapshots. Lesson No. 6: Birth -A.J.Cronin. Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answers - Summ...

  11th Standard Supplementary Reader Textbook - Snapshots.

Lesson No. 6: Birth -A.J.Cronin.

Glossary, Summary, Questions and Answers -

Summary -

The story revolves around Dr. Andrew Manson, a young doctor in a small Welsh mining town. One night, he is called to attend to Mrs. Susan Morgan, who is in labor with her first child. Her husband, Joe Morgan, is anxious but hopeful.

After a prolonged and difficult labor, Mrs. Morgan gives birth to a stillborn baby. Dr. Andrew is initially disheartened but then decides to attempt resuscitation. Using his knowledge and perseverance, he alternates between methods like hot and cold water treatment and artificial respiration. After intense efforts, the baby finally begins to breathe.

Meanwhile, Andrew is also concerned for Mrs. Morgan’s health. He ensures her well-being after the exhausting delivery. The story ends with Joe Morgan seeing his wife and baby safe, overwhelmed with gratitude.

This lesson emphasizes the importance of dedication, compassion, and the value of life. It highlights the medical profession's challenges and the triumph of human spirit and determination.

Glossary -

1. Burley - big and strong.

2. Contemplation - to think.

3. Premonition - unpleasant.

4. Stout - fat.

5. Midwife - nurse.

6. Overwrought - upset.

7. A queer lethargy - strange dullness.

8. The rustle of a cinder - the sound of a burning coal.

9. Perceptive - connected with the act of understanding.

10. Muddled - disrupted.

11. Obsessed - full of mind.

12. Morbidly - unusal.

13. Shrewish Blodwen - quarrelsome woman.

14. Wince - unhappy.

15. Idyllic - blissful, happy.

16. Resentful - angry.

17. Broodingly - uncomfortable.

18. Perceived - to notice.

19. Exertions - to move heavily.

20. Resuscitate - to make conscious.

21. Frantic - worried.

22. Ebbing - move away.

23. Flaccid - pended, weak.

24. Damp brow -

25. Lolled -stand.

26. Haggard - barbarian, tired.

27. Frown - serious.

28. Pallida - suffocation or unconscious condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, accompanied by paleness of the skin, weak pulse, and loss of reflexes.

29. Basins - water bowl.

30. Pallid - light, pale.

31. Ewer - water jug.

32. Frantically - anxiously.

33. Lax -loose.

34. Consternation - a feeling of shock.

35. Draggled - dirty or wet.

36. Stillborn - dead when born.

37. Heed - to pay attention.

38. Limp - not strong.

39. Pigmy - small.

40. Heave - to lift, pull.

41. Unveiling - ineffective.

42. Mucus - slippery aqueous secretion produced by.

43. Iridescent - different colours.

44. Blanched - pale.

45. Linoleum - carpet.

46. Scullery - a room for washing dishes and for similar work.

47. Oblivious - to ignore.

48. Miners - working in mine.

49. Wrung - squeeze.

Summary -

Reading with insight -

1. " I have done something; oh,?God! I've done something real at last." Why does Andrew say this? What does it mean?

Ans - Andrew said this because the child was born lifeless, and after the birth of the child, the mother Susan became almost unconscious. First, Andrew looked after the mother, gave her the required treatment to normalize her lower pulse, and then gave his full attention to the child. He tried to restore the breathing of the dead child by hot and cold water therapy, and rubbing the back and chest of the child, and after continuous and sincere efforts for almost half an hour, he succeeded in restoring the breath of the dead child.

Joe Morgan and Susan were expecting a baby after twenty years, and they had complete faith in Andrew, second, this birth was his first case, and as a doctor, it was his real test of the knowledge he took in college and also he wanted to keep the faith of them intact, and when he succeeded, he uttered the above words, because for a doctor nothing is greater than giving or saving a life. For him, it was a kind of great satisfaction and gratitude to God.

2. There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practicing physician. Discuss.

Ans - Textbook medicine is a theoretical science, but in actual practice, a physician may require different skills, experience, and knowledge that may vary from textbook medicine. While treating a patient, a physician can not rely completely on the medicine mentioned in the textbook, but he or she has to try different possibilities depending on the situation. Some ideal cases are mentioned in the textbook, but the physician may encounter some complex situations. There is a huge difference between these two.

In the above lesson, Andrew does not get results when he applies his theoretical knowledge but when he applies his previous experience, he saves the stillborn child. 

This is not applicable or restricted to the field of medicine but applies to almost all fields of life. We simply can not rely on textbook knowledge but we need to test different sets of rules, practical experience, and different case studies to achieve success.

3. Do you know of any incident when someone has been brought back to life from the brink of death through medical help. Discuss medical procedures such as organ transplant and organ regeneration that are used to save human life.

Ans -Arjun, a 35-year-old software engineer, was enjoying his morning jog when he suddenly collapsed on the pavement. Passersby rushed to help and called an ambulance. At the hospital, doctors diagnosed him with acute liver failure—a condition that, without immediate intervention, would be fatal.

Arjun’s only hope was a liver transplant. A suitable donor organ became available through a national organ donation program. In a race against time, a team of skilled surgeons performed the delicate procedure. The transplant was successful, but Arjun’s journey to recovery wasn’t over.

In the following months, Arjun was introduced to cutting-edge regenerative medicine to strengthen his new liver and reduce the risk of rejection. Using stem cell therapy, doctors encouraged the regeneration of liver tissue, ensuring that the organ adapted well to his body. Additionally, he followed a strict medication regimen to suppress his immune system’s response to the foreign organ.

Thanks to the marvels of modern medicine—organ transplantation and regeneration—Arjun made a full recovery. He now advocates for organ donation, emphasizing how it saved his life and gave him a second chance.

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Medical advancements like organ transplantation and regenerative medicine showcase how science continues to push the boundaries of saving lives.