Diseases of children : a short introduction to their study / [Fleetwood Churchill].

  • Churchill, Fleetwood, 1808-1878.
Date:
1850
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Diseases of children : a short introduction to their study / [Fleetwood Churchill]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    of functional and organic activity, with each sense exposed to vivid impressions from its own peculiar stimulus, and these concentrated, as it were, in successive and powerful impressions upon the nervous sys- tem,—it cannot be a matter of surprise that any individual organ should be liable to derangement or disordered action; much less when we reflect upon the sympathetic interdependence of organs and sys- tems, and remember how disorders of the one entail disorders in ano- ther, and how apt simple or complex disorders of organs are to entail serious disturbance in the nervous system. Under such circumstances one would anticipate considerable liability to disease during the. first month, even under the most judicious management. 16. But a little more detail will be necessary to exhibit fully the sources of disease to which the infant is exposed before, at, and imme- diately after birth. Although the foetus in utero be completely protected from external morbid impressions of the ordinary kind, yet we do not find it secure from indirect influences which-may excite disease during intra-uterine life. From the maternal blood are derived those changes which render the foetal blood suitable for nutrition and growth; if the mother be in perfect health, these changes may be expected to be of a natural and healthy character; but if she be unhealthy, whether temporarily or continuously, then a corresponding deterioration of the foetal blood may take place, and individual organs or the growth of the child may suffer. Again, it seems undeniable, though not to be established by anato- mical research, that some kind of nervous communication exists be- tween the mother and child before birth; at least it is certain that vivid impressions, bodily or mental, upon the former, may be transmitted to the latter, and injury or even death be inflicted. 17. Here, then, are two external sources of disease in the fcetus, originating in the bodily or mental condition of the mother: mischief may arise to her child from neglect of herself, from unavoidable ill health, or from excessive mental emotion. This consideration is of such importance, and appeals so directly to the most powerful feelings of womanly nature, that it ought to be sufficient to ensure an adequate attention to health in all likely to become mothers. Common sense and a little self-denial will generally secure all that is in her power. The diet and regimen generally should be arranged so as to afford her sufficient nourishment without over-feeding, and only a moderate use of beer or wine should be allowed. Exercise is necessary to health, but it should be taken moderately, and at proper times, avoiding undue fatigue, exposure to inclement weather, and wet feet.. And it should not be forgotten that rest is as necessary as exercise; so that excessive fatigue from violent or prolonged exercise, and from late hours, must be absolutely avoided. After exertion, the use of the couch or sofa, instead of a chair, is a great comfort to the patient. Her dress, too, will require care, so as to secure warmth and avoid