Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 July 1916 — Whittles Violin Fingers. [ARTICLE]

Whittles Violin Fingers.

In order to become a more proficient violin artist Mark Sandfort, a member of an orchestra here, had a piece of flesh taken from each of sis fingers. The incisions were drawn together and sewn up with horse hair. The operation was performed by Dr. H. S. Hickok, and Sandfort will be able to remove the bandages soon. Sandfort has won a reputation as a violinist. However, his execution of musical selections was not as good as he desired it to be. He hit upon a plan. He would have his fingers whittled down. He waited until the season closed and had the operation performed. Six of his fingers, three on each hand, were cut open, a piece of flesh™, taken from each and the sides drawn together and sewn with horse hair. Sandfort was under an anaesthetic for several hours during the opera tion. He is convinced that when the bandages are removed he will be able to play both the violin and piano much better than before the operation. According to physicians, this is the first time that an operation of this kind has been performed.— Wichita (Kan.) Cor. New York Sun