Hints on the pathology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of thoracic consumption / by J.C. Hall.

  • Hall, John Charles, 1816-1876.
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Hints on the pathology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of thoracic consumption / by J.C. Hall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    arise and so many collateral symptoms present themselves, that hardly any two cases run exactly the same course. Thus, when softening occurs, evidenced by humid crepitation, &c., (the sputa exhibiting probably under the microscope some of the elastic tissue forming the areolae of the air-vesicles,) exposure to heat or cold ought to be guarded against, and the treatment must be directed to the strengthening of the system as much as pos- sible ; counter-irritation should be employed to the chest and cod liver oil exhibited. When the last stage is established the treatment of course cau only be palliative. If the expecto- ration be excessive, in addition to cod liver oil I have found much benefit from the various preparations of tar and especially from creasote. A table-spoonful of the following mixture may be taken three times a day. R. Creasote, gtt.vi; Morphias Acetatis, gr.i; Acidi Acetici, gtt.xii; Pulv. Acaeiae, ^ ii; Aquae dist, ^ vi; Misce. It must not be forgotten that cases frequently occur in which a cavity of considerable size empties itself and ultimately be- comes nearly obliterated. “ That such cases” says Dr. Walshe, ^‘’really occur is indubitable. It has been the vanity of late years to deny this absolutely., because a scientific for ])seudo-scientific ?J explanation of the fact cannot be found ; but I am not one of those ivho refuse to accept the evidence of my senses because I am unable to comprehend what they teach me.” What has already been written when speaking of the symptoms that arise during the first period will have anticipated the remarks which might here be made with reference to night-sweats, cough, diarrhoea, sickness, &c., &c., &c. Diet. The diet must be nutritious without being too stimu- lating : a little meat or an egg may be allowed for breakfast, with cocoa or bread and milk; for dinner, white fish, meat.