General observations on the elimination, catalysis and counter-action of poisons : with especial reference to oxaluria and ague / by J.A. Easton.

  • Easton, J. A. (John Alexander), 1807-1865.
Date:
[1858?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: General observations on the elimination, catalysis and counter-action of poisons : with especial reference to oxaluria and ague / by J.A. Easton. 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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    of both causes combined. I would not have the reader to sup- pose, however, that I regard uric acid and gout as synonymous, interchangeable terms which are descriptive of some general mor- bific cause. On the contrary, I regard these phenomena merely as effects, but I submit that the very constancy of their association throws some light on the kind of previous action which manifests itself in their simultaneous production. In support of this opinion we have only to look at the habits and manner of living of those who are the subjects of gout in its most familiar and unequivocal aspects, and at the class of persons on whom it inflicts its unwel- come visitations. As a general rule, does it not select for its vic- tims those who indulge in highly nitrogenous articles of diet, and in whom, consequently, actual over-production of uric acid, irre- spective altogether of deficient elimination, must follow as a matter of course ? The well-known experiments made by Leh- mann on himself, with the view of determining the amount of uric acid excreted under the use of different kinds of diet, are conclusive as to the power which we have either to create that acid in excess, or to diminish it, as we think proper, by the mere quality and quantity of our food. By undeviating observance, then, of the peptic code, enjoining strict conformity with its salubrious regu- lations, aided by pure air, regular habits, moderate indulgence in sleep, and healthful exercise of mind and of body, we may do much to counter-act even a hereditary tendency to that condition of the system, which, if not controlled by such hygienic checks, may generate uric acid in excess, and characteristic bodily suf- fering as its concomitant. And in the cases of those actually suffering from the disease, what adjuncts to medical treatment are so beneficial, as the dietetic restrictions and the general hygienic counter-action to which I have just referred ? Further, the gouty diathesis may display itself in other forms and among a different class of patients. If it has been proved that oxalic acid is a product of the oxidation of uric acid, and if it has been rendered probable—and, a fortiori^ if more extended observation shall make it certain—that the former acid is the associate, or material exponent, of that manifestation of the gout poison known as neuralgia, then we can easily understand how the working and middle classes, taking more exercise, and necessarily con- suming more oxygen than the idle and the luxurious, may exhibit the kindred products, oxalic acid and neuralgia, as their manifes- tation of the gout poison, rather than uric acid and pain in the joints. If these views be correct, then we may have some con- ception of the circumstances which regulate the several evolutions of the one, internally generated, poison, and may learn how the state of the system which produces it may be counter-acted, or rather prevented, witli little assistance from medicine, and by depending chiefly on dietetical and hygienic means.