On the treatment of iritis without mercury : read before the Boston Society for Medical Observation, August 4th, 1856 / by Henry W. Williams.

  • Williams, Henry W. (Henry Willard), 1821-1895.
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the treatment of iritis without mercury : read before the Boston Society for Medical Observation, August 4th, 1856 / by Henry W. Williams. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    H of interest that I will merely give its outlines. The symptoms were al no time very severe, never preventing him from visiting me at my house; and, but for the dimness of vision, he would not have given the disease any great attention. I have cited the case, as that which proved the most obstinate of any I have met with, its dura- lion having been till the end of April. Much of this time, how- ever, the disease exhibited merely slight traces of its presence, and would probably have disappeared had not the patient preferred to go regularly to his place of business, notwithstanding a changea- ble and inclement temperature and very frequent rains. The plan of treatment consisted in the administration of quinia and potass, iod., with good diet. Other anti-rheumatic remedies were occasion- ally given, as colchicum and Dover's powder, but with no evident effect on the disease. His recovery was perfect, the pupil becoming quite clear and free from adhesions. Case XII.—Mr. ■ , set. 40, coachman, of full habit, but, as I believe, a perfectly temperate man, came to me on the 2Lst of June, 1S56, with the following statement. Three days before, ihe heat being oppressive, he took off his heavy boots while washing his car- riage, and stood for some time Avith his feet in cold water. The right eye became sensitive, but gave him no severe pain. Yester- day he drove a dozen miles, exposed along the whole road to a bright reflection of the sunlight, and returned in the evening. Last night and this morning has had severe pain in and about the eye. The iris is congested, and its color slightly altered and dull. Much conjunctival, and considerable sclerotical, injection. Applied atro- pia. Ordered a draught containing infusion of senna and sulphate of magnesia ; five leeches to temple ; quiet; darkness ; low diet. Tinct. opii at bedtime if pain should be urgent. 23d.—He thought his eye was better yesterday, but has had an- other attack of severe pain this morning. No effect from purga.- tive. Pupil well dilated. Rather less injection of eye. Repeat alropia. Three compound cathartic pills. One pill containing quin. sulph. gr. iss., with extract gentian, before each meal and at bedtime. 24th.—Has had no occasion to take laudanum, but has some pain this morning. He took three cathartic pills without effect, and last evening took three more, which operated severely this morn- ing. Feels less pain in eye since, than he had before the operation of the medicine. Little change in appearance of eye. Repeat