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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    tluit particles of tine dust may find their way into the minute air-cells themselves, and induce changes in them similar to those which take place in the air-tubes. But this induration-matter may impede the function of the lung-substance in another Wcay, by obliterating the vessels distributed to it and cutting off its supply of blood, so that atrophy of the tissues follows ; and by (obstructing the capillary circulation local congestion is favoured, and the blood but imperfectly oxygenated. Hence arises distressing dyspnoea and a dusky hue of the face. Under circumstances such as these it is, I apprehend, that the emphysema recorded is apt to occur. Many are the theories that have been offered in explanation of its mechanism, and none of them is entirely satisfactory. Most of them have some truth in them, but not the whole tnith. Neither of them is applicable in every instance. Dr. Williams maintains that distension is the con- sequence of extra work thrown upon the heidthy vesicles, the air-cells communicating with the plugged bronchi (in bronchitis) escaping inflation. To this it might be ••bjected, and very justly, that at the end of inspiration we have in the healthy chest 131 cubic inches of air, ;ind the lungs can take up 119 inches more, if force be used, without causing emphysema; hence the lungs must be more than half useless for emphysema to Tollow as a consequence! Dr. Gairdner holds that when a lung is atrophied from any cause, if the chest expand normally, the residual lung must follow that the vacuum may be filled. This theory, however, seems to me to be untenable, for in phthisis we find that diminished capacity is compensated for by increased frequency of respiration. In pneumonia, too, the same phenomenon is observed;