Description of the distinct, confluent, and inoculated smallpox, varioloid disease, cow pox, and chicken pox / By John D. Fisher.

  • Fisher, John D. (John Dix), 1797-1850.
Date:
1829
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Description of the distinct, confluent, and inoculated smallpox, varioloid disease, cow pox, and chicken pox / By John D. Fisher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    38/122 (page 14)
    the pustule, by dividing it by a transverse incision from above downwards. The structure of the lower or deep seated portion of it is more dense and compact, but is still cellular, and is of a deeper colour than the superior por¬ tion, and contains a little fluid. In puncturing the pustules at this time, the secreted matter will usually flow out at once, which shows that although it is contained in cells, yet these are not distinct from each other, but that there is a free opening and communication among them. The general appear¬ ance of the eruption on the fourth day, or at the period when the pimples which are latest in appearing, begin to assume a vesicular form, is well rep¬ resented in plate II. The pustules, as represented in the plate, vary con¬ siderably in age, size, and general appearance. When about five days old, they are hemispherical in shape, are bounded by a red circle, and their fluid contents gradually assume an opaque and turbid appearance. Whilst these changes are taking place in the pustules, which are the first to break out, those which succeed them gradually pass through the same changes, and the parts which are thickly studded with them inflame and swell and frequently acquire a damask rose colour. As the pustules increase in size and become filled with matter, the intermediate spaces inflame and become infiltrated with effused lymph, which occasions some general swelling of the cutaneous surface. The eyelids are the parts which first begin to swell, and they frequently swell to so great an extent as to close the eyes and pro¬ duce temporary blindness. In some instances they are so much infiltrated and distended that they resemble shining inflated bladders drawn over the eyes. The other parts of the face soon swell in proportion, and present a polished and bright red surface. The swelling of the face is sometimes so extensive, that its general outlines are completely destined, and the peculiar features of the individual are no longer to be recognised. Immediately after the face, the hands, the fingers, the body, and the feet swell in proportion to the number of the pocks which are on them. The whole head is at the same time tender and painful, and it is with much suffering that the patient raises or moves it.