The nature and treatment of the epidemic cholera / [Robert Venables].

  • Venables, Robert
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The nature and treatment of the epidemic cholera / [Robert Venables]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    35/56 (page 31)
    tion denoted by retching, pain in the epigastrium, and a burning sensation in the stomach, with great thirst. As the serum of the blood appears to be passing off during this stage, the, obvious indication is to prevent this as far as possible, and to supply as well as we can that which is already deficient. For this purpose, a more astrin^ gent treatment is required: but we must not forget that some of the functions are suspended, and that the secre¬ tions are partly retained. Thus, the skin becomes dry from the suspension of its functions, while the secretion of the bile goes on, although the fluid itself is retained in the gall bladder, and does not flow into the intestines. In this case, we increase the quantity of calomel and Dover’s powders, and add to it Gum Kino and Catechu, to produce the necessary astringent effects. Of course the mode of combining and exhibiting his remedies, must be left to the judgment and discretion of each practition¬ er ; the principles only which should regulate the prac¬ tice can be laid down. I may, however, state, that the following formula was drawn up by me, and published by authority of the Local Board of Health of this place, and recommended under their sanction for general use : Calomel, grs. 20; Pulv. Dover!,# grs. 15 to 20; -Gum Kino, drm. |; -Catechu, scr. 1 : -Cret^e Comp. drm. 1 ; Divide into 12 powders—one to be taken in a little treacle or honey, or any thing thick, every half hour, ^ It has been objected that opinm produces congestion in the bruin. 'Fhis in the abstract I believe is true : nor does calomel even appear to l)rotect the system from the congestive effects of opium. However, when it is determined to the skin, as in Dover’s powder, congestion seldom or never