Surgery and its adaptation into homopathic practice / by William T. Helmuth.

  • Helmuth, William Tod, 1833-1902.
Date:
1855
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Surgery and its adaptation into homopathic practice / by William T. Helmuth. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    Pus, as has already been described, is what has been termed by many writers laudable or healthy pus, and as such, resists putrefaction for a length of time; but there are very many circumstances that may cause the matter to assume different characters ; these are thus described by Mr. Miller : A chemi- cal action—perhaps the result of atmospheric contact—may be superadded to the vital action, producing by decomposition of the albumen of the serum, hydro-sulphate of ammonia, whose presence is indicated by an offensive odor, and by the black- ening of silver probes brought in contact with the pus. Putrescence may be thus begun in the fluid, while it is yet in contact with the living part. Disintegration of the surrounding textures by ulceration, is often coexistent with the formation of pus. It is then mixed with the fluid debris of the part, and in consequence, becomes more prone to chemical change. Or it may be mixed with blood either fluid or solid. It is reddened thereby, and found to contain blood discs or masses of coagula. It is then termed sanious or grumous. In those of weak systems, it is often deficient in solid matter, consisting chiefly of a thin serum; it is then termed serous. In the scrofulous and cachectic, besides being serous, it often contains flakes or masses of a curdy appearance; and to such pus the term scrofulous is usually applied. Sometimes it is impregnated with a subtle virus, as the venereal or vaccine; it is then said to be specific. Or it may be variously mixed with secretions from mucous and serous membranes, and termed in consequence, sero-puru- lent and tRuco-purulent. Such are the changes that may be noticed in suppuration, and by understanding them the student and young practitioner will often be able to trace more minutely the origin of the disease and render a more perfect diagnosis. Pus is rarely absorbed, and in the generality of instances if not assisted in its discharge by the surgeon, finds for itself an