Outlines of the diseases of women / by John Phillips.

  • Phillips, John.
Date:
1897
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Outlines of the diseases of women / by John Phillips. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    79/332 (page 59)
    (3) In 1886 an entirely original theory was broached by Johnstone, in which he speaks of the endometrium as a menstrual organ. He criticises at the same time the observations of Williams, saying that the specimens were taken from women dying of acute disease, such as typhoid and tetanus, and that they were not pre- pared in the best way for observation. He looks upon the endo- metrium as an instance of adenoid or gland tissue, and not a mucous membrane, and that the hemorrhagic loss is the same for it as the blood-stream to the spleen or the lymph current to the lymphatic glands. Both Johnstone and Bland Sutton agree in the fact that the menstrual discharge is accompanied by the shedding of the epithelium of the body and the fundus, as well as that lining the utricular glands near their orifices. The Object of such a regular loss of blood is unknown, and the reason for its rhythmical appearance every lunar month is equally obscure as that for which labour occurs on a certain date. The so-called cyclical theory of menstruation explains it by believing it to be due to a general condition of the vascular system, localised in the generative organs; this is influenced by certain rhythmical changes in their nerve-centres. Lawson Tait believes that the Fallopian tubes are the starting-points of the process: he says the characteristic of tubal occlusion is pre- menstrual pain, and that in 95 per cent, of his cases in which they were removed there was amenorrhcea. Whatever the cause may be, the discharge certainly relieves vascular tension of the body, especially that occurring in the pelvis. The onset of the flow may possibly be caused by the uterus suddenly contracting, and so expelling the blood from the distended capillary vessels. The Menopause.—By this term we mean the cessation of the regular monthly illness, and the indication that the woman has passed her child-bearing epoch. Menstruation may cease gradu- ally or suddenly, and certain constitutional and general changes are found to take place. General Symptoms of the Menopause.—Since a woman's repro- ductive life may be considered as extending over about thirty years, if menstruation has commenced at the age of 14 it should cease at or about 44. The largest number, however, are said to occur at 46, although many cases go on until 50. The patient suffers from vascular changes, such as sudden heats and flushes, without any reason and entirely beyond her control; sweating may or may not follow. Headache, various neuralgias, general or local pruritus, ex- cessive flatulence, and mental alienations are not at all uncommon, and the patient may for a longer or shortgr time be hysterical and a partial invalid. These symptoms may last for a varying