BLISTERS.
It is the testimony of honest and capable practitioners, that these are far more liable to do harm in pregnancy than at other times.
Dr. Dewees asserts that he had known two cases of abortion caused by the use of blisters, although he acknowledged they had, in some cases, been advantageously resorted to as a means of preventing that evil. But how, it may be asked, are physicians to know when to use them, and when not? This no man can tell. Nor have we any need of blistering at this or any time, because there are better means, which are entirely safe.
The same able author whom I just quoted, tells us that blisters are much more likely to produce strangury during pregnancy than in other cases; and that when this occurs, it is almost sure to be followed by the most distressing and untoward symptoms. Entire retention of urine sometimes follows the use of cantharides in these circumstances, which can only be relieved by the use of the catheter. There is also, at such times, not unfrequently so distressing an inclination and violence of effort to void urine, as to be surpassed only by the agony of labor itself. Bloody urine has sometimes followed the use of a blister; and a discharge of mucous from the internal surface of the bladder has continued, as a consequence, for a long time after. “It is true,” observes a distinguished author, “these are extreme cases; but they nevertheless occur, and should, therefore, suggest a great deal of caution in their employment, especially in the more advanced periods of gestation.”