An oration delivered before the Medical Society of London, at their anniversary meeting, March 8, 1834 / [William Shearman].

  • Shearman, William.
Date:
1834
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An oration delivered before the Medical Society of London, at their anniversary meeting, March 8, 1834 / [William Shearman]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    2/34
    16 •v. I place great dependance on large doses of opium and calomel in all cases after bleeding and purging. They must be exhibited in such doses as will make a decided impression on the sensorial functions, and speedily bring the constitution under the specific influence of mercury; and when we succeed in doing this, the case will generally assume a favourable character. Camphor in scruple doses, combined with opium, will be found a very efficient anodyne in cases of great restlessness with compara¬ tively little acute suffering. Digitalis, Nitrate of potass, Ipecacuanha, and Antimony, are of great value as adjuvants, but cannot be exclusively relied upon, be¬ cause irreparable mischief may take place while waiting for their operation. The infusion of digitalis is most speedy in its influence, most decided in its effects, and most capable of being controlled in its operation. In presenting to the Hunterian Society this avowedly imperfect and intentionally rapid sketch, or mere outline of one of the most obscure, interesting, and unmanageable of the complaints of women, I wish it to be distinctly understood that what I have offered has been with feelings of the highest deference. I have purposely thrown my materials together in the most familiar and colloquial style, and I am aware that I may be charged with reiteration, from a wish to press home my own painful experience and convictions. I have ventured to lay down only general governing principles, faith¬ ful pathological statements, and practical suggestions, such as will, I hope, be acknowledged to be cautious and impartial deductions from incontrovertible facts, forced on my observation at the bed-side of patients during moments of intense anxiety. Should a particle of information have been conveyed, a single doubt removed, or more correct diagnosis established, I shall deem this one of the most useful days of my professional existence. London: Printed by W. Clowes, Stamford street.