A practical inquiry into disordered respiration, distinguishing the species of convulsive asthma, their causes and indications of cure / by Robert Bree.

  • Bree, Robert, 1759-1839.
Date:
1815
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical inquiry into disordered respiration, distinguishing the species of convulsive asthma, their causes and indications of cure / by Robert Bree. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    If a vomica, or some other inconvenience equally oppressive, exist in the lungs, the cause of the difficult respiration admits of little doubt; but even here Physicians have spoken vaguely of a mechanical obstruction, instead of explaining the fact by referring to a principle which is inherent in the animal economy, and perfectly conformable to its laws. 1 Asthma is said to be distinguished by difficulty of breathing. “ Spirandi dijjicultas* ” But it is necessary to understand in what sense this expres- sion is to be taken ; since terms may have been long applied to a disease, and received by prescrip- tion as a proof of its character, when a close examination may show the fallacy of the con- clusion. It is certain, that when no unnatural cause of irritation exists, the functions of the lungs are carried on in the calmest manner, and there is neither an excitement to a full inspiration, nor the necessity of renewing, by one effort, the whole measure of air which filled the cavities of the or- gan. The act of respiration has frequently been so imperceptible in some conditions of the body, ♦ Cullen, Nosolog.