Thermometric observations on pneumonia / by Thomas Wrigley Grimshaw.

  • Grimshaw, Thomas Wrigley, 1839-1900.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Thermometric observations on pneumonia / by Thomas Wrigley Grimshaw. 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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    eight, who came under my care in Steeven’s Hospital (when recently acting for my friend Dr. Burke), there was con- siderable pleuritis with the pneumonia; the patient was also attacked with scarlatina, during the progress of the pneumonia. The temperature on admission to hospital (3rd day) was 103°'5; it fell on the 5th day, but rose again on the 6th to 184°, rather to my astonishment as all the other signs and symptoms had improved. On the 9th day the scarlatina eruptions appeared, so the rise on the 6th day may have been and probably was due to the accession of the scarlatina. The tempemture in this case was maintained until the 19th day (when it was still 100°‘4); on the 20th day it fell to 98, and a few days afterwards the patient was allowed to get up. In this case the highest temperature I ever recorded in pneumonia (104°'6) was noted, but not during the scarlatina attack. These cases are fair examples of severe cases of pneumonia, one compli- cated, the others uncomplicated. In three cases I have observed a difference in temperature on the healthy and affected sides; of one of these unfortunately I have no notes, and my observations were not continuous; in another the difference was only 0 75 of a degree; in another of the girl just referred to (see note, case 3), there was on one occasion a difference of 1°'25; in others 1°'5 and 1° difference; January 21, 3rd day.—Pulse very weak, 120 ; respiration, 48 ; temperature, 103° 6. 4tli day.—Pulse weaker, 120 ; respiration difficult, 55 ; temperature, 102°‘8 ; right lung affected at base. 6th—Distinct friction sound posteriorly on left side ; great dyspnea ; countenance anxious; respiration, 48 ; pulse, 108; temperature, 100. In the evening the patient was much worse, and some pleurite stitches occurred on the left side. 6th.—Better; respiration much easier, 40 per minute ; pulse, 126; temperature, 104° ; nisty sputum nearly gone. 7th.—Much better ; respiration much more healthy ; rusty sputum ceased; bron- chitic sputum ; diarrhea ; respiration, 34 ; pulse, 120 ; temperature, 103°'2. 8th.—Delirious and restless during night; pain in head ; tongue dry and brown ; pulse very weak ; symptoms typhoid ; respiration, 40; pulse, 130 ; temperature, 103 ; scarlatina eruption well marked on arms and legs; but slight sore throat. 9th.—Better; eruption fading ; crepitus still distinct at back on both sides ; respi- ration, 44 ; pulse, 104° ; temperature, 98°‘4. Several relapses occurred, the temperature rising on four occasions to 104°, and above 104°. February 7th.—Temperature fell to normal, but pulse still quiet. On February 10th he was able to sit up. He gradually gained strength, and was discharged from hospital on February 26th, 1869. The treatment consisted of nitrate of potash and quinine internally ; wine in large quantity up to twenty ounces per day. Blisters, poultices, and turpentine stupes were applied externally. On one occasion leeches were applied to the temples to relieve headache.