Facts and observations relative to the fever commonly called puerperal.

  • Armstrong, John, 1784-1829.
Date:
1819
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Facts and observations relative to the fever commonly called puerperal. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    to err on the side of precaution, than to pursue an opposite line of conduct. As anxiety of mind materially contributes to produce this disease, it should always, if possi- ble, be timely allayed. But when the puerperal fever is known to be prevalent, the greatest at- tention and address will be requisite to remove the solicitude of pregnant women ; for such is the constitution of human nature in general, that they are irresistibly drawn to the consider- ation of the existing calamity, though conscious that not to think of it would be best in their condition. If, therefore, an alarm be abroad, the practitioner must, above all things, aim to inspire the apprehensive patient with a complete confidence in his powers of prevention ; nor must he ever use doubtful language upon the subject, since, if he once betray the least fear, as to her security, from that moment no faith will be placed in his professions. Sedentary employments, too stimulating, or too spare a diet, night watchings, fashionable dissipations, and irregular habits of every kind, seem to predispose pregnant women to puer-