On the nature, causes, prevention and treatment of acute hydrocephalus, or water-brain-fever / [Thomas Smith].

  • Smith, Thomas, 1813-1887.
Date:
1845
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the nature, causes, prevention and treatment of acute hydrocephalus, or water-brain-fever / [Thomas Smith]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    is often the objection made to any recommendation of habits of activity, during pregnancy, that females, so situated, are more easily exhausted by any un¬ usual exertion. Facility of exhaustion arises chiefly from languid digestion. Those who cultivate a vigorous condition in this important process, have little to fear from exhaustion. Before I conclude this chapter, it may be as well that I should allude, though incidentally, to the pernicious effects of blood-letting during gestation (pregnancy,) too often practised, especially amongst the lower orders, whose only reason for desiring its employment is, 66 that they are pregnant.” It is a most dangerous error, and, in some cases, causes irreparable mischief. In the plethoric and those labouring under any sudden or serious ailment, the judicious employment of the lancet may not only he desirable, but absolutely indispensable; yet even here, the cautious practitioner will not forget that a tendency to abortion, or miscarriage, may be in¬ duced by its operation; and he should thoroughly satisfy himself of the positive necessity for the de¬ traction of blood, ere he assays to abstract it. Having thus premised my observations on the pregnant state, I shall now proceed to that in which the child may be said to assume an independent existence; and first of the period of lactation.