On tuberculosis : a practical examination of the action of local inflammation in cachectic subjects in the production of tubercular consumption : read before the Medical Society of London, January 23, 1865 / by James Jones.

  • Jones, James.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On tuberculosis : a practical examination of the action of local inflammation in cachectic subjects in the production of tubercular consumption : read before the Medical Society of London, January 23, 1865 / by James Jones. 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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    ON INFLAMMATION AS AN EXCITING CAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS. Or the various theories that have been propounded by patholo- gists in explanation of the origin of tubercle, two only appear to have gained a firm position. The one, sometimes called the theory of spontaneous origin, accepts tuberculosis as an essential part in the progress of certain morbid conditions of constitution conveniently termed tubercular cachexia, and denies the neces- sity for a local exciting cause. The other maintains that tubercle is only the result of inflammation. Some years ago, the latter theory exercised so strong an influence over men’s minds, as to lead to the free use of antiphlogistic treatment, including mer- cury, leeches, and even the use of the lancet. Then came a reac- tion in favour of the former theory, introducing as its natural consequence a treatment diametrically opposite. This, not unaptly called the bcef-steak and brandy system, continues to exercise almost universal sway. The advocates of each system have laid claim to a certain amount of success; but, measured by the statistics of the Registrar-General, neither can honestly boast of much comparative superiority. It would appear, there- fore, that the time has arrived for a re-investigation of the merits of each of those theories, and as a step in that direction I ven- ture to lay before you a few observations on inflammation as an qxciting cause or local factor in tuberculosis in cases which have come under my care as an hospital physician. In taking a comprehensive view of the various cacoplastic formations found in cachectic subjects, we find a very marked analogy between them and the plasma exuded in ordinary sthenic nflammation, the chief difference consisting in the amount of heir vital capacity or power of organization. In some, the re- emblance is so great, as to amount, I think, to identity. Who, or instance, could draw a line of demarcation between tubercular nfiltration and the low plasma found in the pneumonia of debi- itated subjects ? In others it is less marked, but still assuming i strongly analogous character; and, again, in others, morphology ndicates, as their origin, a hyperactivity of the normal functions )f the organ in which they are formed (corresponding to the ■xaltation ol function attending the first stage of inflammation,