Compressed air as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of consumption, asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases / by Archibald Simpson.

  • Simpson, Archibald, 1790-1847.
Date:
1857
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Compressed air as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of consumption, asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases / by Archibald Simpson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    treatment by means of the a Bain d’air comprime.” He appears to have been led to this investigation by a consideration of the effects produced on the system by the ascent of high mountains and in balloons, which are, in a great measure, merely an exaggeration of what many experience frequently on a sudden fall of the barometer. Now, as in the opposite condition, under increased pressure of the atmosphere, opposite sensations are experienced, indicative of a more active and healthful state of the system, he was led to expect that, under proper management, a still further increase of pressure might be of advantage in the treatment of some diseased conditions. M. Tabarie further considered that an element so indispensable as at¬ mospheric air to the existence of all organised beings, ought also, by modification of its physical and chemical qualities, to become an inexhaustible source of beneficial influence on the system. It appears that Dr Junod, unaware of M. Tabarie’s researches, applied himself, about the same time, to a similar course of investi¬ gation ; but, from an essential difference in the method of application, he does not seem to have arrived at equally satisfactory results with M. Tabarie, his coadjutor M. Bertin of Montpellier, and Dr Pravaz, Director of the Orthopaedic. Institution of Lyons, the latter of whom commenced the use of the air-bath in 1836, apparently immediately after the announcement of the results of M. Tabarie’s researches. The treatment by compressed air, then, has been in use for the last twenty years; and appears, from the works of Bertin and Pravaz,1 not only not to have disappointed, but to have far ex¬ ceeded in success, the anticipations formed of it. Let us now describe the apparatus necessary in this mode of treat¬ ment, and the manner of its application. The air-bath is a chamber constructed of iron plates, rivetted to¬ gether like those of the boiler of a steam-engine, so as to be per¬ fectly air-tight, provided with a close-fitting iron door, and several small windows, each of a single piece of strong plate-glass. The interior, lined with wood, is furnished with seats, a couch for weak patients, means of communication with the attendant by a bell or whistle, and a contrivance for passing in or out small articles, such as letters, without disturbing the pressure of the air inside. A steam-engine, of power proportioned to the size of the chamber, works a pair of force-pumps, which communicate indirectly with the chamber by a pipe opening under its floor, which is pierced with numerous small apertures, so that the air may enter with as little noise as possible. From the roof of the chamber, a pipe similarly arranged passes out; and this is furnished with a screw-valve, by means of which the amount of air passing off may be regulated, 1 Etude Clinique de Vemploi et des effete, du Bain d’air comprime dans le traite- meyit de diverses maladies, etc. Par M. E. Bertin. Paris 18o5. Essai sur VEmploi Medical de Vair Comprime. Par le Docteur Cli. G, Pravaz, Lyon. 1850.