Observations on the utility and administration of purgative medicines in several diseases / by James Hamilton.

  • Hamilton, James, 1749-1835
Date:
1811
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the utility and administration of purgative medicines in several diseases / by James Hamilton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    438/446 (page 206)
    He has had several large stools of green glutinous matter, mixed with dry hardened feces in round compact balls, amounting in all to a large quantity, sufficient to account for all the symptoms: and however singular it may appear, I have no hesitation in avowing my belief, that the feces evacuated on the 12th or 13th day were, from the com- mencement, lodged in some part of the intestines. “ From the time that his bowels began to act, the purga- tive plan was continued till all the symptoms were removed. Particular directions were given to attend to the state of his evacuations, and he now continues in perfect health. “ Glasgow, Oct. 12, 1811.” llow numerous soever and minute the histories of the cases contained in this Appendix may appear to some read- ers, their importance, in my opinion, is such as to justify my retaining them. I have reason to believe they have tended in some degree to produce a material change in medical practice, and they serve, at the same time, to establish its utility and success. They may be considered as a kind of land-marks, to guide the young practitioner in his way to the acquisition of experience; they may teach him what he will not find in books ; they may instruct him in that de- cision, steadiness, and attention so necessary to ensure success in conducting that particular administration of purgative medicines, which my inquiries and practice have emboldened me to recommend. They are therefore not to be read merely, they ought to be studied.—“-Besides these con- 7