Volume 1

A modern anatomy of the human spleen: to which are added, some strictures on Sir Anthony Carlisle's theory respecting the functions of that organ / [P. Mac Nolty].

  • Mac Nolty, P.
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A modern anatomy of the human spleen: to which are added, some strictures on Sir Anthony Carlisle's theory respecting the functions of that organ / [P. Mac Nolty]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ment, &c. as very commonly happens under other circumstances; as Thirdly, In intermittent fever, and the fre¬ quent recurrence of this disease, with all its baneful consequences, for we find that in the cold stage of an intermittent, when the vessels of the surface of the body are suddenly dimi¬ nished in capacity, and when, consequently, a large quantity of blood must be as suddenly determined to internal parts, the spleen must become unusually distended, at a time too when the disease deprives the patient of his appetite or accustomed desire for aliment, the stomach is therefore empty, which state of this organ is favourable to the distention of the spleen ; most, if not all the secretions and excretions are disturbed and deranged, and partially if not very materially suspended. What besides can we expect of an organ so frequently excited into excessive service of this kind, besides first increased growth, and afterwards, should the cause continue to operate, disease and lesion of structure. Those who die of ague it is well known are almost invariably carried off in the cold stage of this disease, and the spleen is found to be prodigiously gorged with blood, if not actually ruptured; more frequently, how¬ ever the disease being less urgent, scirrhous and other derangements of this organ are produced, of which I shall treat more particularly here-