The pathology and treatment of syphilis, chancroid ulcers, and their complications / by John K. Barton.

  • Barton, John K. (John Kellock), 1829-1894.
Date:
1868
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The pathology and treatment of syphilis, chancroid ulcers, and their complications / by John K. Barton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in strumous subjects this sympathetic irritation is apt to go on and increase so as to form a considerable swelling, which may be re- solved by suitable treatment, but if neglected may go on to suppu- ration. It resembles a constitutional bubo, or one arising from some irritation on the foot or leg; its progress will be greatly in- fluenced by the condition of the sores, and also by the state of health or natural constitution of the patient. That the virulent bubo of the chancroid is produced by the absorption of the poi- sonous matter by the lymphatic vessels and its effect upon the glands, is proved by the fact of the specific and virulent character of the pus found in the gland. The pus absorbed by the lymphatic vessels is carried up to the nearest gland, and is then stopped, it seems never to pass further ; but the effect of its detention in the gland is to inoculate it, and make a series of chancroid ulcers in its interior; these secrete inoculable pus in their turn, and so this kind of bubo must necessarily suppurate; the morbid action taking place in the infected gland excites an inflammatory action in the surrounding areolar tissue, so that the bubo is formed usually of two parts—a simple external inflammation, and a specific or virulent in- ternal one. If when suppuration has taken place, some of the simple pus from the inflamed areolar tissue be inoculated, no re- sult is obtained; but if the gland is opened, and pus from it be used, then a chancroid ulcer is formed. It veiy commonly happens that the virulent pus from the gland inoculates the whole interior of the bubo, so that it is converted into a large chancroid ulcer before the bubo bursts or is opened. I have seen the discharge from such a bubo produce a number of characteristic chancroid sores on the skin of the thigh and scrotum, where it happened to lodge accidentally. We cannot always be certain at its commencement whether it is the simple or virulent bubo which is forming, but if it begins to form very soon after the appearance of the sores, during their gi-eatest irritation, it may be assumed to be the simple form, and well- directed effoi-ts will probably prevent suppuration ; if, on the other hand, it does not begin to form until the ulcer has existed some