Clinical observations on functional nervous disorders / by C. Handfield Jones.

  • Jones, C. Handfield (Charles Handfield), 1819-1890.
Date:
1867
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Clinical observations on functional nervous disorders / by C. Handfield Jones. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    think of diseases as uniform entities, but as very varying and incon- stant pathological conditions. The points which I would indicate as most worthy of attention are the recognition of primary paresis of nervous centres, and its distinction from reflex paralysis, the numerous illustrations of vaso- motor nerve disorder, the theory of inhibitory action, the remarkable afiinity between paralysis, spasm, anassthesia, and neuralgia, the different quality of nervous disorder apparently of the same kind in different instances, the intimate relation of neuralgia in most instances to debility, and the importance of an accurate adjustment of reme- dies to each individual case. While I fully agree with my master, Arnold, on having an un- feigned respect for all kinds of work, I yet think that we have clear indications at the present day what kind of work is most needed, and most likely to bear fruit. While duly estimating morbid ana- tomy and minute physical diagnosis, I cannot but reiterate the wish I have several years ago expressed, that we were more earnest in inquiring into the working of our means of cure, and gaining a more thorough mastery over them. Some united mode of action might surely be devised, I care little about the particular plan, which might in the course of years give us much more certain knowledge about many things in therapeutics than we at present possess. What is the real value of colchicum in gouty disease ? Is digitalis to be specially relied on as a safe stimulant to a weak and failing heart ? Have mercury and antimony a positive control over sthenic inflam- matory action, or have they none ? Should the treatment of acute disease differ materially in town and country folk ? What is the real action of opium ? These and such questions as these I would fain have answered as the profession could answer them if the means at their disposal were effectually employed. I must not conclude without expressing my thanks to many gen- tlemen who have worked with me as clinical assistants during the past thirteen years at St. Mary's, and whose help has often aided me very greatly in studying the cases which have come before me. 49 Green Street, Park Lane.