Observations on the utility and administration of purgative medicines in several diseases / by James Hamilton.

  • Hamilton, James, 1749-1835.
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the utility and administration of purgative medicines in several diseases / by James Hamilton. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    tutes part of the fecal evacuation which is made di- rectly from the intestinal canal. It is probable that this fecal residue is discharged into the more capacious colon, where the ilium enters it by a lateral opening, so contrived, that the contents of the colon cannot be returned. This circumstance makes a distinction between the functions of the small- er and larger intestines, which is not commonly notic- ed. The former complete the preparation of the nourishment, and afford opportunity of its being ab- sorbed ; while the latter receive and detain the fecal part till after it has accumulated, and perhaps under- gone certain changes, when it is voided in a given quantity, and at stated intervals. Besides, the intestines exhale and throw off fluids which have become noxious in consequence of changes which they undergo in the body. The intestinal canal, therefore, serves the double purpose of repairing waste and of preventing decay. In this latter function, which I am solely to consider, the intestines co-operate with the other excretory organs, the skin, the lungs, and kidney. All these organs have, in respect of this their common relation to the system, a dependence upon one another, and any of them will compensate, to a certain extent, and for a limited time, the interrupted action of the others. Nevertheless, their full activity is necessary to the enjoyment of perfect health, and the continuance of life; and the regularity of the intestinal evacuation is connected, in a particular manner, with the well-being and healthy state of the stomach and intestines themselves. The urine and perspirable matter pass off immediately after being secreted, and do not load the organs which separate them. The unnatural detention of these excretions has indeed a more or less remote, and often fatal, affect upon the general system; but the skin and the kidney remain uninjured. It is otherwise with the intestines: secluded from that communication with the atmos-