On a form of bronchitis (simulating phthisis) which is peculiar to certain branches of the potting trade : a graduation thesis to which was awarded the gold medal of the University of Edinburgh, August 2, 1864 / by Charles Parsons.

  • Parsons, Charles.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On a form of bronchitis (simulating phthisis) which is peculiar to certain branches of the potting trade : a graduation thesis to which was awarded the gold medal of the University of Edinburgh, August 2, 1864 / by Charles Parsons. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    reiiiain permanent. There is always more or less secre- tion from the bronchial tubes, but not sufficient to, - attract attention or to hinder from working. It is only when the winter weather sets in, when they catch cold, and the symptoms are.exaggerated, that they are driven a second time to the Infirmary. Then we learn that ever since their first illness they have suffered from shortness of breath (or as they express it, have been touched in theii- breathing ), and a short cough; that lately they have been getting weaker, and the dyspnoea and cough have increased in severity so much as to render them unable to follow their employment any longer. AVlien this state of things once obtains, it is commonly pereistcnt, modified only by atmospheric changes or constitutioiial disturbance. Meanw'hile ana- tomical changes are taking place in the structures of the lungs, till a condition is reached such as that in the cases narrated, which is no longer consistent with the proper performance of function and the maintenance of life. What arc those changes i Independently of the thickening and hypertrophy of the wfjlls of the bronchial tubes resulting from inflammation, the presence of fine dust acting as a foreign body creates irritation of the mucous surface, followed by exudation from the bronchial membrane in which probably the dust is imbedded. In this way the tubes become narrowed directly, and re- spiration is impeded; and indirectly by the pressure of infiltrated exudation-matter which sometimes extends beyond the waJls of the tubes, and encroaches on the adjacent lung substance. This diminution of calibre and constriction may gradually lead to obliteration of the finer bronchi, and to collapse of the air vesicles in Avhich they terminate. Nay more, it is not impossible