Prize essay, on fistula lachrymalis / by Robert W. Haxall.

  • Haxall, Robert W. (Robert William), 1802-1872.
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Prize essay, on fistula lachrymalis / by Robert W. Haxall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    As the disease advances towards its second period, a co- pious secretion takes place within the Sac, distending this organ in proportion to its quantity, and if it be not check- ed, causing its disruption: ^\*fofg%!N^tf Htajwfttal ift\^e^%>, the inflammation assumes a more shining and » darker tint; a soft, yellowish or whitish spot may be de- tected upon some portion of the inflamed surface, fluctua- tion is perceptible, and if the bistoury of the operator does not produce an artificial opening', a true Fistula Lachry- malis must be the result. When either of these conditions happens, the disease is found to progress towards its period of decline; the remaining inflammation gradually abates, the contents of the Sac having found an outlet are dischar- ged, they assume a healthier aspect, the tears are observed to be mingled with them, and sometimes the Fistida closes, or may be made to close by art. True it is, that such a termination has happened ; and this is but the fair side of the picture. When a course so auspicious is found not to take place, the lining membrane of the Nasal Duct must be affected with induration or thickening, stricture or adhesion of its walls. As a conse- quence of either of these conditions, a repetition of the symptoms already enumerated must follow : it sometimes happens too, that the Lachrymal Canals are irreparably in- jured by the violence of the inflammation or mismanage- ment, a state of things which possibly may require the ultimate destruction of the Sac. The pathological remarks advanced under the first division of our subject, may he referred to here. They teach us that a failure of absorp- tion bv the Puncta, or an obstruction in some part of the