A demonstration of the curability of pulmonary consumption : in all its stages. Comprising an inquiry into the nature, causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of tuberculous diseases in general / By Wm. A. M'Dowell, M.D.

  • M'Dowell, William A. (William Adair), 1795-1853.
Date:
1843
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A demonstration of the curability of pulmonary consumption : in all its stages. Comprising an inquiry into the nature, causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of tuberculous diseases in general / By Wm. A. M'Dowell, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

    140/284 (page 134)
    period which, although the absorption of solids is acknowledged to be more difficult than that of fluids, (128-129,) affords ample time for its accomplishment in this manner. With due diligence, however, one- fortieth part of that time will generally suffice for its accomplishment. 285. When softening occurs we have, along with it, all the terrible concomitants of the last stages of phthisis, with their necessary consequences, ulcera- tions and excavations of the lungs. (214.) 286. If the softening of tubercles is a desirable event; whatever will be productive of inflammatory action in their site, I am satisfied from observation of the effects of catarrh, pneumonia, &c, will be found a certain resource. 287. The alkalies also possess considerable sorbe- facicnt and deobstrucnt virtues. The known efficacy of the liquor potassa, in promoting the absorption and elimination of a common bile, entitles this preparation to especial consideration. Dr. Campbell, of Marylabone, in a recent treatise on phthisis, reports himself to have been more than usually successful. His reliance seems to have been almost exclusively upon this. 288. The property of preventing coagulation of albumen gives to carb. soda importance, perhaps, in character of a preventive. But independently of either solvent or sorbefacient properties, the alkalies are valuable for neutralizing acidity in the stomach, allaying neuralgic irritation, lessening viscidity of mucous, and facilitating expectoration. 289. The carbonate of ammonia, either alone, or in combination with camphor, or with quinine, is