Observations on strictures of the rectum and other affections which diminish the capacity of that intestine : including spasmodic constriction of the anus, the haemorrhoidal tumours (called piles) excrescences, and the prolapsus ani and the mode of treatment ... / by W. White.

  • White, William.
Date:
1820
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on strictures of the rectum and other affections which diminish the capacity of that intestine : including spasmodic constriction of the anus, the haemorrhoidal tumours (called piles) excrescences, and the prolapsus ani and the mode of treatment ... / by W. White. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    treated. “ But, however, (he says) there are other causes which tend to produce this disease. Haemorrhoids in a violent degree, rheumatism, gout, dartrous and other cutaneous diseases, when they affect this intestine, pro¬ duce in it irritation and swelling, to which, from its structure and position it is peculiarly subject.” Morgagni and others were also of the same opinion, that the com¬ plaint was the effect of the venereal virus. No doubt, a contracted state of the rectum sometimes proceeds from that cause, as has been already noticed ; but the instances are very few compared with those of simple permanent stricture, where no such cause can possibly be assigned. It is a circumstance well known to practitioners, that many persons are subject to habitual costiveness; but it \ appears to me, that the cause of such a state, has been too indiscriminately referred to a torpid or inactive state of the intestinal canal; arising (as it has been generally supposed) from a deficiency of the natural secretions, but more particularly the biliary. In old people, in delicate and debilitated constitutions, but more particular* ly where purgative medicines have been injudiciously administered, there may be some reason for adopting this opinion. But, there appears no just ground what- % ever for concluding, that in a vigorous, and otherwise healthy person, and perhaps very young too, (which is