An improvement in the mode of administering the vapour bath, and in the apparatus connected with it; with plans of fixed and portable baths for hospitals and private houses, and some practical suggestions on the efficacy of vapour, in application to various diseases of the human frame, and as may be beneficial to the veterinary branch of medecine [sic].

Date:
1809
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An improvement in the mode of administering the vapour bath, and in the apparatus connected with it; with plans of fixed and portable baths for hospitals and private houses, and some practical suggestions on the efficacy of vapour, in application to various diseases of the human frame, and as may be beneficial to the veterinary branch of medecine [sic]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

    24/156 (page 12)
    must prove highly gratifying to the feelings of mothers. I flatter my- self, however, that a much greater number, when it is used by en- lightened practitioners, will be restored. I will farther add, it’s use may be above all other means applicable in cases of people suffocated by dele- terious vapours, in mines, in wells, or in the holds of ships, and in the recovery of drowned people. A description and plate of the apparatus will be given in the second number. In a practical point of view this case, among many others, has been a guide to me in a great variety of instances. In the first place it proves, that very many children, and even grown people, as will be hereafter shown (see Case Mrs. Holehouse, No. XI.), are reduced to a dying state by diseased irritation only; and the number of both, that thus die, is incalculable. It is true, when the constitution is impaired by any con- siderable disease, or greatly altered structure, or organic defect in any of the principal viscera, perhaps it may be hereafter found, that the use of vital air is as ineffectual to produce a cure, as any other remedy. At all events, whoever is led, to try the use of vital air in such diseases, should be well aware, how far he ought to go, and never to give it but with a very cautious hand. Indeed it should be used only as a mild alterative, combined with proper remedies to support the constitution, and palliate urgent symptoms. In such cases I have very often omitted it’s use alto- gether, as it’s tendency to excite arterial action is very frequently con- siderable *; for every scientific practitioner will be convinced, how in- effectual all human means must be, in extensive diseases of the lungs, the liver, and other viscera'(■, especially when combined with loss of substance * I was consulted in such a case by the late honourable Mr. P. Curzon, and the honourable Mr. justice Duller, also a lady in consultation with Mr. Heaviside, and feveral ladies of rank at the west end of the town, where I avoided giving vital air for the above reasons. t See Morgagni’s Dissections, and Dr. Bailie’s Morbid Anatomy. from