An inquiry into the influence of libidinous excess on the causation of locomotor ataxy or tabes dorsalis / by Thomas Laycock, M.D.

  • Laycock, Thomas, 1812-1876.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An inquiry into the influence of libidinous excess on the causation of locomotor ataxy or tabes dorsalis / by Thomas Laycock, M.D. 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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    on the glans penis is of irregular form, and there is no induration. He had no sore throat, buboes, pains in the bones, or eruption on his body with the chancres, but he had chordee for several weeks with the gonorrhea^ and frequent seminal discharges. The glans penis is singularly large and broad, as is the whole organ. He admits, but with some reluctance, that he has practised masturbation, and that he has indulged in libidinous excesses; not ascertained whether he be impotent. Last spring, whilst working in a cold, damp, and ill-ventilated Avorkshop, he was troubled with wandering pains in his back. These continued for a few.months, and then wholly ceased for about three months, when they began again with greater severity. They were limited to the lumbar and iliac regions, more particularly on the right side. After repeated local applica- tions, chiefly of amoniated camphor liniment, they greatly diminished in severity, but still continued to annoy him; when in addition he began to suffer from a loss of power over his legs, so that he could not stand unsupported, and Avas consequently obliged to give up work. He says he could move his legs and feet Avith as much force as ever, provided he was sitting or lying, but on attempting to walk he had no control over his movements. About two months asfo he had medical advice, but getting no better after treatment and con- finement to bed for seven weeks, he came to the Infirmary. On Admission.—He is a stout, muscular-looking man, with a heavy jaw, and anxious but intelligent expression. With the ex- ception of weak vision, there was no defect in the special senses. Tactile sensibility Avas somewhat impaired in the lower extremities, and he complained of slight pain in the riglit iliac and lumbar regions. No headache; sleep good; memory and poAver of attention are both impaired. On attempting to Avalk he loses control of his legs and stumbles, especially if his eyes be shut. He says that he feels Avhen Avalking as if a soft body Avas between the soles of his feet and the ground. When lying in bed he can exercise perfect volitional control over his legs, which are Avell nourished and muscular. His eyes were examined Avith the ophthalmoscope by Mr. Walker, Avho noted optic neuritis in both eyes; more distinctly marked in the left, and the Avhole retina more injected than usual. The right is much the same as the left, but probably more advanced in the second stage of atrophy. Respiratory and cardiac organs healthy; tongue clean; appetite good ; boAvels constipated; urine normal. At first the secale cornutum Avas prescribed Avith no result. Althouo-h it was doubtful Avhether the man had had syphilis or not, the