An introductory lecture, intended as a recommendation to a more careful investigation of the constitutional origin of local diseases, on principles deduced from the opinions of Hunter and Abernethy / delivered at the Finsbury Dispensary, by George Macilwain.

  • Macilwain, George, 1797-1882.
Date:
1834
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introductory lecture, intended as a recommendation to a more careful investigation of the constitutional origin of local diseases, on principles deduced from the opinions of Hunter and Abernethy / delivered at the Finsbury Dispensary, by George Macilwain. 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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    with the atmosphere, at others, inextricably involved in the general phenomena of specific diseases, and which are included in the catalogue of poisons, using that term in the full extent of its technical application. As structures on which these influences primarily act, consideration suggests,—1st. The skin: 2dly. the vis- cera of the chest: 3dly. the chylopoietic viscera : and, again, the nervous system. If this sketch do not pre- sent you with a comprehensive view of the sources of diseased action; (for I say nothing of accidents in this place;) you will find difficulty, in suggesting any malady which the profession would hesitate to admit might be properly classed, under one or other of the divisions it implies. The question is then, were such divisions recognised by Mr. Abernethy? and the answer is, undoubtedly they were—and in a very marked manner. How largely did he expatiate on the influence of the nervous system,—how much on that of the air we breathe,—how much, on the im- portance, both generally and locally, of regulation of temperature,—how original and interesting was he on the subject of poisons,—and how clear and convincing, on the influence of diet, and the con- dition of the digestive organs. What, then, becomes of the charge of seeing all diseases through one medium ? How is such a charge r^concileable for one moment, with an enlightened and enlarged physio-pathology,—(to use one of Mr. Abernethy's own words,) which professed to place its very founda- tion, on the sympathy of the whole body with all its parts. No, Gentlemen, I can assure you, from