On the diseases of the chest : being contributions to their clinical history, pathology and treatment / by A.T.H. Waters.

  • Waters, A. T. H.
Date:
1873
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the diseases of the chest : being contributions to their clinical history, pathology and treatment / by A.T.H. Waters. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    mation, the vital changes of the part involved are too active. I do not say that the vital powers are too that there is increased vitality; but that the molecular changes of the part are too rapid. When, in such cases, we administer alcohol, we often see a rapid arrest of these changes, and an absorption of the effused products; and I cannot but think that this result is due, not simply to the general influence of the remedy in improving the nutrition of the body, and in giving increased power to the heart; but, also, to its local action on the capillaries and tissues of the affected part. It is very remarkable to see the large quantities of alcoholic liquids—wine, brandy, etc.,—that are borne in disease, even by persons who have previously taken, whilst in health, little or none, without any of the ordinary physiological effects being produced— without the occurrence of intoxication, of headache, of furred tongue, or of disturbance of the stomach. In the preceding chapters of this work, I have given many instances of the effects produced by alcohol in acute thoracic diseases, and of the rapid convalescence from these affections, which followed the liberal administration of wine or brandy. It would take me far beyond my limits were I to consider the effects produced by alcohol in certain chronic affections ; but I cannot dismiss the subject without one or two remarks as to its ordinary use. From the influence which it exercises in certain states of disease, indications may be gathered for its use in conditions of health. From the various circumstances of constitution and habits of life, the moderate use of alcoholic beverages appears, in many persons, to be attended with great benefit. Those who argue against the proper use of alcohol, from the ill effects pro- duced by its abuse, appear to me to miss the question entirely; and they might, on like grounds, attack the use of tea, or coffee. No doubt, the highest development of physical strength can be obtained without the use of spirits in any form whatever. Could we, indeed, all live the life of the athlete—breathe pure air, take exercise largely, and keep our digestive organs in a high state of efficiency—we might dispense with alcoholic liquids. Whilst,
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