ANALYTICAL REVIEWS.
Article VII.—Researches into the Nature and Treatment of Dropsy in the Brain, Chest, Abdomen, Ovarium, and Skin, in which a more correct and consistent Pathology of these Diseases is attempted to be established, and a new and more successful method of treating them, recommended and explained. By Joseph Ayre, M. D. &. London, 1825.
We have read the present work with the liveliest pleasure, and we dare hope with considerable benefit, and hasten to lay a review of its contents before our readers. Dr. Ayre is already advantageously known in this country, where his Essay on Marasmus has had an extensive circulation; but we are disposed to think, that, however he might be esteemed for the talent he displayed in his former composition, he is entitled to much more credit for his able researches into the nature and treatment of dropsy. We confess that we enter upon our editorial duties on the present occasion, with the two-fold intention of offering to our readers what we regard, on the whole, as a very correct view of the pathology of dropsy, and of showing to some of our medical friends, who shudder at the mere mention of what they denominate hunch theories, that the English physicians, or at least some of the most intelligent among them, so far from considering these theories as dangerous and unphilosophical, are beginning to entertain similar views with their Gallic brethren, in respect to the inflammatory nature of many diseases too long regarded as resulting from a state of debility, and classed by nosologists among the Cachexiæ.
By most writers upon the subject, dropsy has too long been considered as a disease,—constituted into a separate class, and divided into many species. Dr. Ayre entertains, however, a very different and, we believe, a much more correct view of the pathology of this complaint; regarding it as only one in a series of effects of a disease, and not always the last of that series. He remarks, that the true disease is to be sought for in that particular condition of the solids by which the effusion is produced; and that to appreciate justly the nature and treatment of dropsy, it is necessary to understand the nature of that condition, which constitutes the disease, and of which the serous and watery effusion is merely the result.
Of all the hypotheses that have been advanced to account for the nature of the morbid state, which gives rise to general and local dropsy, there are only three which our author regards as entitled to our notice. According to these, all dropsical accumulations arise either, 1st, From a want of tone or energy in the absorbent vessels, giving rise to a deficient absorption. 2nd, From an increased exhalation of the natural fluid, through a similar want of tone in the exhalents; and 3d, From a mechanical obstruction to the free return of blood by the veins, produced by tumours of various kinds, &c., by which a greater portion of it is forced into the exhalents, and a greater effusion of their proper fluids thereby occasioned. With these hypotheses, however, Dr. Ayre is not satisfied, and he endeavours, in the following manner, to show their insufficiency.
"1st. The opinion of a want of tone in the absorbents, as a cause of dropsy, is contradicted by the fact, that in those cases, in which it is assumed to prevail, it is found, that the adipose matter, or fat of the body, is removed by the absorbents; or, in other words, that emaciation takes place to as great an extent, and as rapidly in this, as in other diseases; and emaciation can only be effected by means of absorption. Besides, in these cases of dropsy, mercury, when rubbed upon the surface, or received internally, is absorbed as readily, and affects the system as early as under other states of the body. There is also no accumulation of the fluids in the joints, or in the bursæ mucosæ in these cases, which, nevertheless would happen, if there was a general debility of the absorbent system; and ecchymoses or livid spots, though easily induced in anasarcous limbs, are likewise easily removed from them by the absorbents.
"2nd. The opinion of a want of tone or energy in the exhalants involves in it one of the following conditions: namely, either, 1st, that the fluid of dropsy may escape mechanically from them, and that the fluid thus mechanically separated may be identified in its sensible and chemical qualities with another fluid which is confessedly secreted; or 2nd, that if the fluid of dropsy be secreted, then that an increase in the quantity of a secretion may continue an indefinite period, under a decrease in the energy of its secreting vessels; conclusions to which experience and analogy are alike opposed."
In answer to the third hypothesis, Dr. A. remarks, that such an obstruction as contemplated, has never been shown to exist.
"In the case of the liver, which is commonly considered, when in a scirrhous or enlarged state, to be the seat of these mechanical obstructions, and thus, to be the cause of abdominal dropsy, we have no satisfactory instance yet shown to us, of any such precise condition of that organ. There are, indeed, numerous instances of abdominal dropsies, in those labouring under a scirrhous or enlarged state of the liver; but there are also, numerous examples of such states of the liver, as well as of the spleen and other organs, without any such effusion; and in many cases, when such effusion has taken place, it has been carried off by the natural passages or by tapping, without any return of the dropsy; and yet, without any visible change in the structural condition of the liver."
Dr. A. further remarks, that if the cause were mechanical and existed in the liver, the effect should be constant; which, however, is not the case. Besides, were this mechanical cause necessary, how could we account for the appearance of abdominal dropsy, where there is no disease of the liver, or in other cavities, where no mechanical cause is asserted to be present, and where the remedies by which the cure is effected, have no relation to such causes? Again, if the discharge depended upon a mechanical cause, the water should in every case be of a uniform fluidity, and the progress of its accumulation likewise uniform; so that the operation of tapping should have no tendency to induce a more rapid refilling of the cavity. Yet, the contrary of all this is a subject of daily observation. In addition to this, Dr. A. calls the attention to the fact, that in experiments, in which obstruction has been artificially made, by tying the vena cava for example, the experimenter has committed an error, in reasoning from the lower animal to man—assuming, that as ascites had arisen in dogs, it would in like manner have occurred in human subjects.
"But there was an effect, here overlooked, which was to be expected to take place in the abdomen of the dog, from the injury done to the surrounding parts by the operation itself, and which would be quite independent of any effect arising out of the experiment. In the human subject, the effect would be the highest form of inflammation, by which coagulable lymph or pus would be poured upon the surface of the peritoneum. There would, therefore, be inflammation excited in the abdomen of the dog; but as the lower animals are less easily acted on than man, the inflammation would in this case be in a lower degree. But every degree of inflammation has its particular product. The highest occasions a discharge of pus, whilst the lowest, when seated in a serous membrane, is a larger portion of its proper serous fluid. This, therefore, might be the product of the inflammation, which was produced incidentally by the experiment in the abdomen of the dog; and it would be just as reasonable to regard the coagulable lymph in the human subject, which would result from such an experiment, as an effect of the mechanical obstruction, as to consider the fluid effusion in the dog to be so."
In respect to those instances of diseases of the liver, connected with ascites, in which, in addition to its other morbid states, a partial occlusion of the vena portæ, by the effusion of coagulable lymph into it, is said to have existed, our author remarks, that they are very few in number, occurring, perhaps, in one out of several hundred cases of ascites with hepatic disease; and that we are justified, from analogy, to assume, that any obstruction given to the circulation by diseased vessels, would be quickly relieved by the enlargement of the anastomosing branches, and that no effusion of water into the abdomen would result from it. After referring to some cases, related by the late Mr. Wilson, in which the vena cava was completely obliterated, and no effusion took place; and some cases of morbid condition of the heart of an analogous kind, by which the course of the circulation became greatly obstructed, and yet, without being followed by effusion; our author concludes, that from these facts and others, to be presently noticed, it appears evident,
"That the dropsical effusion, in whatever part it may be seated, does not arise from any want of tone in the exhalant or absorbent system, or from a mechanical obstruction in the liver or other viscus; but, that it proceeds from a morbid action in the cellular or serous tissues, and that this action, as we shall now proceed to show, is allied in its nature to inflammation."
In support of this opinion, Dr. Ayre remarks, that all the phenomena belonging to cases of watery effusion, met with under one or other of the forms of inflammation, are common to those of dropsy. Thus the fluid, discharged under the cuticle in erysipelas or in inflammation induced by heat or a blister, or in cases of pemphigus, is a secretion, and resembles in all respects the fluid found in dropsy. In some cases of acknowledged inflammation, the fluid effused is found to vary greatly in its degree of tenuity, so as to be sometimes of quite a viscid nature. The same circumstance is met with in dropsy; the fluid of which varies sometimes in different forms of the disease, and at different periods in the same patient. With regard to the absence of pain, in ordinary cases of local or general dropsy, which, in the minds of many physicians, might seem to militate against this view of the subject,—since pain accompanies the inflammation of a blister, Dr. A. very justly says, that the difference is referrible to a different degree of sensibility of the parts affected; that, moreover, in pemphigus there is no pain, and that chronic inflammation of the serous membranes is little painful.
That the morbid action producing the effusion is only a modification of inflammation, our author thinks may be further shown by the fact that it obeys the same laws—being translated occasionally, like it, from one part of the body to another. On this subject, Dr. Ayre makes the very pertinent remark, that in these cases, the fluid alone has been thought to be translated; but that the metastasis, is without doubt, exclusively of the action which produces the serous discharge. Analogous also to what occurs in inflammation, especially of the erysipelatous kind, the action occasioning the effusion, as seen in anasarca, commences at a given point, and gradually extends from thence in a continuous course. It ought also to be noticed, that the results of common inflammation vary according to the intensity of the cause; the lowest degree of it, occasioning an increase in the quantity of the proper fluids of the part,—a higher degree, yielding for its product coagulable lymph, and a still higher one producing pus. All these several products of common inflammation, are more or less remedial of their cause; or in other words, are the immediate means of the cessation or abatement of the inflammation which produces them. This same power is likewise a property, though in a much less degree, of the hydropic effusion, when the inflammation which produces it, is idiopathic; or in other words, not created by a visceral or other disease, or some particular excitement of the general system, as is seen in cases of anasarca.
"And here," continues our author, "it may be proper to remark upon a common error, committed by those, who, mistaking the nature of the action which produces the serous effusion, look in the post mortem examination, for some of the common signs of an inflammation having existed; and who conclude, upon not finding such, that the water was derived from some mechanical or other cause foreign to the true one. But in the higher forms of abdominal inflammation, the products are pus or lymph, and these are found upon the surface of the peritoneum, with sometimes a thickening and discoloration or ulceration of its substance; whilst in the lowest form of that increased action to which the serous membranes are subject, the only product is the serous fluid, and there can be, therefore, no visible alteration produced by it in the structure of the serous tissue."
"By the hydropic or serous inflammation, obeying the same laws which govern the other degrees of common inflammation, it follows, that upon a higher excitement being superinduced upon it, the serous effusion should cease. This, therefore, is found to happen in every case, where such higher excitement is brought on. This increased inflammation is sometimes occasioned by design or accident, and at other times, it occurs in the natural and progressive course of some disease, formed within the cavity, which is the seat of the dropsical effusion."
This is exemplified in the effects of the operation for the radical cure of hydrocele; or in the operation of tapping in some cases of ovarian dropsy; or even in some instances, of ascites from chronic inflammation of the liver, spleen, mesentery, &c. In all these cases, the serous membrane, which directly or indirectly was affected to a sufficient degree to occasion a serous effusion, takes on, from the extension of a visceral disease, or from some other cause, a higher degree of inflammation—lymph is thrown out, and the cavity becomes obliterated.
"Now from these, and similar examples, which have fallen under my observations, I think it may be assumed, that ascites, when proceeding from some visceral disease, (and the principle applies to hydropic effusions from the pressure of disease in other cavities,) does so by the gradual extension of the chronic inflammation of the internal cellular or serous tissues of the diseased organ, to its outer external coverings; and that, commencing here as from a point, the serous or hydropic inflammation is progressively propagated through the whole of the serous membrane of the cavity. By the disease within the cellular tissue of the diseased viscous increasing, a corresponding increase, in these cases, will ensue of the disease on the surface of the membrane investing it; until at length a susceptibility to take on a higher action is induced, which only requires any slight occasional cause to establish. Under this condition of an increased excitement in the peritoneal or other serous membrane, coagulable lymph is discharged into its cellular tissue, and a thickening of it takes place; until at length the operation of paracentesis, which in the early stage of the disease was attended with only inconsiderable inconvenience, becomes an adequate cause of a still higher inflammation, which terminates perhaps in suppuration; and, in the post mortem examination the serous fluid is found so mixed with coagulable lymph, and purulent matter, as to give a whey or milk-like appearance to the mass. The quantity of serous fluid, in these cases, is generally small, when compared with what was accumulated in the intervals of former tappings; for the vascular excitement which occasions the discharge of coagulable lymph, is destructive of that which pours out the serous fluid."
Dr. A. remarks, that, besides the particular facts deduced from observations on dropsy as a local disease, and which prove its relation to diseases of local excitement, there is a further support to be given to these views by various proofs that are afforded from observations upon the urine, of serous inflammation producing local dropsy, being frequently connected with one of a general kind. "So that the inflammatory state of the system becomes sometimes a cause of the effusion into a cavity, and at other times an effect of this state." After giving full credit to Drs. Wells and Blackall for their researches into the state of the urine in dropsy, our author remarks, that there are certain conclusions deducible, which appear not to have been contemplated by those gentlemen, but which are strictly accordant with the pathological views he has endeavoured to establish in the present work.
"According to these facts, it appears, that when the disease of dropsy is under a sub-acute form, and of the anasarcous kind, it is usually idiopathic, and, often originating from cold; and in this state, as well as in the symptomatic form, though in a less degree, the urine is found to contain a portion of serum. It is nearly peculiar to this disease, and denotes, according to the quantity of it contained in the urine, the amount of that excitement in the cellular tissue, and of the general vascular system, which may be termed serous inflammation: for it is met with most considerably in those forms of the disease, in which these particular states of the body are most apparent."
Serum is therefore found in greater abundance, when anasarca precedes the local dropsy, which, in Dr. A.'s opinion, denotes the operation of a general cause. This is found to be the case especially in anasarca after scarlet fever. In cases of anasarca, the skin, kidneys, and bowels are very defective in their operation. Serum is also found, though in a smaller quantity, in those cases in which the anasarca has followed the local dropsy; for the disease of the viscus, which is the cause of the inflammation in the serous membrane of the cavity, may produce an adequate degree of the vascular excitement which gives rise to a discharge in the cellular tissue. Our author sums up his observations on this subject, by remarking, that there appear to be four distinct conditions of the system by which the occurrence of serum in the urine is regulated.
"1. It is in the greatest quantity, where along with a copious and continued effusion, there is a nearly corresponding quickness in the absorption of the serous fluid, and which will occur most commonly when the general excitement precedes, and is cause of the local one.
"2. It is consequently, cæteris paribus, in a less quantity where the general hydropic excitement of the system succeeds, and is dependent on the local one.
"3. It is absent, or found only in a minute proportion, in all those cases where the local increased excitement in the serous membrane is only partially extended to the rest of the system, and where the absorption from the part is inconsiderable; as particularly happens in the encysted kinds, or,
"4. Where the effusion of the serous fluid has proved remedial of the inflammation producing it; in which case the disease, as it respects the presence of water in a part, may visibly resemble another example, and yet be essentially different from it, by the serous inflammation, which produced it in both, having ceased, on its occurrence, in one of them."
Dr. A. discovers a further evidence of the relation which dropsy bears to diseases of local excitement, in the effects it produces on the general system. Thus, during the continued effusion of serum in anasarca, there is sometimes a large quantity absorbed and carried out of the body; by which a regular draught is made upon the nutrient principles of the blood, which must naturally create effects like those arising from the continued discharge of pus from a suppurating surface. In both cases the local disease, when extensive and of long duration, will necessarily occasion an exhaustion of the vital powers, by which that condition of the system termed cachexy will be induced.
"The exhausted or cachectical state, therefore, of the system, which has been so variously accounted for, and so frequently assigned as a principal cause of both local and general dropsy, is a direct consequence of the agency of some power diminishing the vital strength at its source; and in the case of a chronic and long continued serous inflammation, it will proceed from the daily abduction from the circulation of a portion of its vital fluid: and whether it be pus or serum that is drawn from the body; or whether it be from any permanent failure in the supplies of nutriment to it, the effect will be the same, as if a certain quantity of blood was daily abstracted from the system."
Dr. A. continues to remark that, under these circumstances, a suppurating surface will readily become gangrenous, from any cause temporarily exciting it, and that, in like manner, a higher inflammation may sometimes supervene upon an œdematous limb, as in the former case, and terminate in gangrene.
"Hence, therefore, the tendency of dropsical parts to fall into gangrene, and which has been urged, as an argument, in proof of debility being the cause of the serous effusion, is only what is common to other forms of local inflammation, under a similar condition of the body."
From the view he has adopted of the nature of dropsy, Dr. Ayre thinks that the excitement of the parts, giving rise to the effusion, may be either 1st. Sub-acute or chronic. 2nd. Symptomatic or idiopathic. In other words, that it may arise from a local disease, or from the common causes of inflammation; and that these causes may be either general or particular. 3d. That the serous inflammation may be either local or general, giving rise to a general or local effusion.
After offering so copious an analysis of Dr. Ayre's sentiments respecting the pathology of dropsy, it is unnecessary to enlarge very fully on the application of his theory to the particular forms of that disease. We shall, however, offer a rapid review, of some of his opinions, and next detail the method of treatment he proposes for the cure of these dangerous maladies. We commence with hydrocephalus, which he remarks has been divided into an acute and chronic form. This division, our author thinks, is correct in a certain sense; for the disease varies much in duration,—running its course, sometimes in a few days; and at other times continuing several weeks. Yet, he continues, the terms acute and chronic must be understood as restricted to that particular form of inflammation producing a serous effusion, and not as denoting the highest and lowest degrees of common inflammation. It is from the want of this distinction that much confusion has arisen in our speculations relative to the pathology of hydrocephalus.
Dr. Ayre calls our attention to the fact, that the forms of hydrocephalus denominated by Dr. Golis hyperacute and acute, do not differ from the sub-acute phrenitis of nosologists, in which pus and coagulable lymph are the proper products, with sometimes a serous effusion into the ventricles as an accidental effect; all of which forms of inflammation, the serous membranes of the brain, and of other cavities are liable to take on; and adds:
"Now, the true hydrocephalus internus stands distinguished from these, in the nature of the inflammation of which it consists, in the same way, precisely, that the serous inflammation of the pleura, producing simple hydrothorax, is distinct from that higher degree of vascular excitement, which occasions an effusion of pus or lymph. Relatively to these, therefore, the disease is in a chronic form; and consists, we may repeat, of that lowest degree of inflammation to which serous membranes are subject, and the effect of which is to increase the natural secretion of the part, so as to cause, in regard to the brain, an accumulation of that fluid in its cavities."
Dropsy of the brain is usually divided into three stages. In the first, continues our author, vascular excitement exists, as denoted by pain in the head increasing in acuteness with the increase of the disease; and in infants by a restless movement of the head upon the pillow, moaning, occasional screamings, sickness, retching, impatience of light and noise, contractions of the pupils, delirious terrors, &c. The second stage is indicated by signs of pressure on the brain by effused fluid, and by an absence of pain, excepting upon raising or moving the head, convulsions, permanent dilatation of the pupils, squinting, blindness, slow intermitting pulse, hemiplegia, and a peculiar placid expression of the countenance, &c. The third stage is made up of some of these symptoms, together with other ulterior ones which follow the vascular reaction. On this subject, Dr. A. offers the following remarks:
"With respect, however, to the division thus formed of this disease, it is, I think, somewhat questionable, whether it be pathologically correct; for strictly speaking, the true disease is comprised between the incipient beginnings of the inflammation, and its termination by the effusion; since the symptoms which follow, and compose what are called the second and third stages, are little more than the consequences of the disease, and arise from the mechanical pressure of the water upon the brain. The progress, therefore, of what may be strictly considered the disease, should perhaps be considered as terminating with the occurrence of the effusion, which is often remedial of the excitement causing it; and the whole disorder, to be thus made up of two distinct states, the first consisting of symptoms, which commencing with the excitement, terminate with the serous discharge; whilst the second is composed of those of a secondary kind, and which are wholly dependent for their origin and continuance, on a mechanical pressure from the effused fluid."
Hydrocephalus may occur, either as an idiopathic or symptomatic affection. As the first, it may arise, where there exists a predisposition in the brain, from various injuries inflicted on the head by slight blows;—from all the general causes of inflammation—from the sudden drying up of long established discharges—the sudden repulsion of cutaneous eruptions, or the imperfect evolution of that or other sanative actions of the system, at the close of some febrile diseases, usually denominated defect of crisis. When, on the other hand, the disease is symptomatic, it may arise from a particular cause seated within the head, or in some distant part of the body. The former variety is not common among children, and when it does occur, it is the result of some chronic disease, as a tumour or a thickened state of the arachnoid or other membranes of the brain, resulting from a former inflammation. "Sometimes, adult patients wholly recover from chronic or sub-acute inflammation, which induced the structural disease, and this last becomes, at some future period, the occasional cause of the hydropic one." At other times, the chronic inflammation continues, and finally extends to the serous membrane, giving rise to the effusion.
"The most usual cause of the disease, however, particularly in children, is an irritation which is sympathetically communicated to the brain, from a disturbance in the chylopoietic organs; and particularly from a functional disorder of the liver. The cerebral disorder, to which a derangement in the digestive functions thus gives rise, is only one of those numerous effects which arise out of sympathies, subsisting between these organs and different parts of the system. In many cases, the same sympathetic irritation is successively and variously directed to different parts of the system. It will thus leave one organ or part, and suddenly move to another; and through the operation of causes, which are not always obvious, but which have a relation to some particular predisposition, inherent or acquired. In this way, an irritation may occasion an eruption upon the skin, and thence be translated to the bronchial lining, producing a cough; and next perhaps, to the serous tissue of the brain, exciting there a turgescent or congestive state of the cerebral vessels, by which symptoms are produced, through the pressure of the congestive vessels, that simulate those of hydrocephalus; or the true disease is brought on by an arterial re-action, ensuing upon the congestion, which is resolved by a serous effusion."
Dr. Golis, from observing the marked connexion "between the turgescent state of the brain from chylopoietic disturbance, and its serous inflammation, has concluded, that it essentially pertains to it;" consequently, that "whenever it occurs, it is a part of it;" that it should be considered as forming the first stage of the disease, and that in all instances, it precedes the excitement. He has, for the same reason, constituted all the symptoms of the chylopoietic disease into the first stage of hydrocephalus. Dr. Ayre shows, however, that this state of turgescence, is not essential to the disease, and is only a sympathetic effect, which in the majority of instances, requires no treatment, (at least a very subordinate one,) other than that of the primary affection. He concludes his remarks on hydrocephalus, with the following words.
"The cerebral turgescence and disturbance, therefore, in whatever degree they may exist, are only, when sympathetically produced, to be considered as morbid causes, whose presence, where the predisposition prevails, may lead to a serous inflammation of the tissues of the brain, but which do not form, in any sense, parts of the disease itself; since, under every degree of them, they are so frequently remediable, by means which are alone available, for the removal of their distant and sympathetic cause."
Of Hydrothorax, Dr. Ayre very justly remarks, that, as its name imports and as defined by Nosologists, it consists of symptoms, which strictly speaking, pertain only remotely to the true disease—arising, as they do, from a certain disturbance given to the lungs, by the pressure of water upon them. They are only the symptoms, therefore, of the effusion, and as the excitement sometimes terminates with the occurrence of the serous discharge, its existence, in many cases, is discoverable only by its effects—there existing no signs, which clearly point out the presence of that state, previous to the appearance of the effusion; and what are usually called, by writers on the subject, premonitory symptoms, being only those of an inferior degree of the effusion which has already commenced.
Like hydrocephalus, hydrothorax may be idiopathic or symptomatic; and proceed from a local or general cause—the nature of the inflammation being the same in both cases. It may likewise be divided into an acute and chronic form. When the disease is symptomatic, and arises from a local cause, it is generally chronic. When it arises secondarily from a disease of the lungs, our author thinks, that
"The mode by which this state is induced in the serous membranes, is by the chronic inflammation that exists in the diseased organ extending to them; and not by the same form of inflammation being set up in them, by a certain sympathy or consent of parts, which, from a loose analogy, has been thought to subsist between similar structures."
All diseases of the thoracic organs, are not equally prone to occasion effusion; some of these also, are only dangerous to life, in proportion to their disposition in occasioning such an effusion; whilst in other cases, if it occurs at all, the effusion is only the sequel of a disease essentially fatal.
"To distinguish between these two conditions, is a desideratum pathology. Modern writers on pathological anatomy have prosecuted with considerable zeal and ability, their researches into the nature of the diseases of the organs within the chest, but they have done but little towards elucidating the true relation, which subsists between the diseases of the several viscera, and the serous effusions which take place into their cavities; for, by limiting their views to the disease which the post mortem examination exhibited, they have overlooked those intermediate actions or states of excitement which connect the organic disease with such effusions."
Whenever the excitement, producing hydrothorax, is idiopathic and independent of an organic disease of the lungs, heart, &c. its remote causes may be either of a general or local kind; and are the same which produce, when applied in a higher degree, or under different states of the system, the other forms of inflammation. The effusion may take place in those cases in which, the individual being predisposed, the inflammation, owing to some peculiarity in the cause, does not reach beyond its lowest grade; or in those in which the inflammation being high, and treated too late, or by insufficient means, a chronic form succeeds to the acute one, which may produce a watery effusion; or some structural disease remains and eventually becomes a cause of the effusion. The occurrence of this effect, in those latter cases, is sometimes attributed to a debility, resulting from the large depletion required in consequence of the severity of the previous inflammation.
"That such opinions, however, are founded in error, may be shown from this, that the effusion, thus imputed to debility, does not occur sometimes, until some weeks or months after the period when the bleeding was employed; and although the debility is confessedly of a general kind, yet the effusion is local, and is precisely in the very cavity where the disease existed, which required the unjustly condemned evacuations. The truth of the matter is, that in such cases, either the depletory means have been employed in an insufficient degree, or too late." "The imperfect recovery of such patients from their first attack, and, which is attributed to the depletion, arises from the disease which is left by it, and to the injudicious means, perhaps, that are employed by the too anxious attendants, with the view of restoring the strength."
Among the ordinary predisposing and exciting causes of the inflammation which produces hydrothorax, Dr. A. mentions a certain congestive or plethoric state of the circulation, which is brought on in some persons of particular habits, by indulging in the pleasures of the table, and taking little exercise. These cases are analogous to those occurring in the brain, and giving rise, by rupture, to a sanguineous apoplexy, or, by arterial reaction, inducing an effusion of serum.
Dr. A. next proceeds to the subject of ascites, the symptoms of which he remarks are at first so obscure, that the disease is sometimes with difficulty detected. The remote causes of ascites may be either symptomatic or idiopathic, and either local or general. When symptomatic, it may be seated in some diseased viscus, as the liver, spleen, or in the mesenteric glands, &c.
"To produce, however, a dropsical effusion into the abdomen from this cause, it is necessary that the disease of this viscus should be making progress; for, in its indolent state, or, in other words, if inflammation be not present in it, it is incapable from its mere bulk, as is commonly but erroneously supposed, of producing this effect." "Nor does the serous discharge always take place into the abdomen, in every case where these organs are morbidly affected, but only where their peritoneal covering participates in the disease; for the chronic inflammation in those cases, where it occasions ascites, does so by extending from the cellular tissue of the internal structure of the organ, to the serous tissue investing in it." "When ascites is an idiopathic affection, it may proceed from all the common causes of inflammation. The most frequent cause is cold, and which may act either locally or generally. When in the latter mode, the ascites is usually combined with anasarca, and the disorder generally comes on suddenly, and has a rapid progress. The vascular system is excited, and there is more than usual thirst; the blood when drawn exhibits the buffy appearance; and the urine, when subjected to heat, is found to coagulate strongly, from the large quantity of serum contained in it. In some of the severer cases, the effusion into the abdomen takes place very suddenly, and yet, by a copious bleeding the disease may be at once arrested, and the water be afterwards absorbed."
Unlike what occurs in hydrothorax and hydrocephalus, the effusion in the present form of dropsy is of inconsiderable importance, compared to the visceral disease which is its remote cause. When, however, the accumulation becomes very considerable, the pressure of the fluid may affect the organs, and more particularly the peritoneal lining, which from the irritation induced in it, may take on a higher grade of inflammation, terminating in effusion of coagulable lymph or pus, and in death. The necessity which arises of tapping, where the effusion is very considerable, proves sometimes a farther cause, perhaps, of aggravating the disease of the affected viscus, and either of renewing or extending the hydropic excitement, or of converting it into a higher or more destructive form of inflammation.
By most writers on dropsy, anasarca has been maintained to originate, in all instances, in debility, and to be curable only by a tonic and invigorating plan. It is true that some writers, especially among the ancients, (for we can hardly class Portal among the moderns,) have spoken of the disease as arising occasionally from a plethoric state of the circulation, and enforced the necessity, under these circumstances, of venesection. This view of the pathology of anasarca, although leading in many instances to a successful practice, was, however, vague and often unsatisfactory. To the late Dr. Rush, and to Dr. Parry, much credit is certainly due for their labours on this subject; but so far as we are informed, it was not until within a few years, that the subject was cleared of part of the obscurity in which is was involved, and that the disease, at least the active sort, has been referred to an irritation of the cellular tissue. Following up this opinion, and generalizing still more than the French pathologists, our author asserts that anasarca invariably consists in an inflammation of the cellular membrane of the body, with a serous effusion as its result. The accumulation, he continues, may be either idiopathic or symptomatic, and either general or local; occurring only under two forms, the one being of greater intensity that the other. In general, the disease derives all its importance from the nature of the remote cause.
"When it is idiopathic and proceeding from cold, it is usually unimportant, for though the progress of the swelling be rapid, and the appearance of the disease formidable, yet it readily subsides under proper treatment, as the effusion proves in these cases, either partially or fully corrective of its cause; and little more, under such circumstances, is required in its treatment, than to promote the absorption of the water. In some cases of general anasarca, however, the disease is more severe; for sometimes the action of the heart and arteries is increased, the urine becomes loaded with serum, and there is thirst and other indications of general vascular excitement, similar to the state which was noticed, as producing effusion into the brain, or the other cavities of the body."
In some cases, the serous effusion appears to be translated from one part to another. Our author very justly adds, however, that this translation is not of the serous fluid, but only of the serous inflammation giving rise to the effusion. It usually takes place from one portion of the cellular membrane to another; but sometimes from this membrane to the serous tissue of the brain, chest, or abdomen.
Œdema of the feet and ankles is often symptomatic of chylopoietic disturbance, and particularly in young women, in whom the menstrual function is obstructed. In these cases, as well as in the œdema following gout or rheumatism, the swelling usually commences with considerable pain and stiffness of the parts, and hardness of the swelling.
"But the most common form of anasarca is that which is symptomatic of some visceral disease; and which, as it ordinarily appears, arises from a state of the system that answers to the hydropic diathesis of systematic authors."
This form of the disease begins in the lower extremities, and is rarely attended with strong signs of local excitement so obvious in anasarca of the idiopathic kind. Its occurrence has been referred to various causes. When combined with ascites, it is supposed to arise from pressure of the iliac veins by the fluid accumulated in the abdomen,—an opinion which our author combats by repeating, in great measure, the arguments we have already noticed.
"But here let me observe, that the denial of ascites producing an anasarcous state of the legs, from the water compressing the iliac veins, must not be understood as implying, that a mechanical compression of a vein will not in other cases produce an effect of this kind. A pressure made on the brachial vein and its branches by scirrhous glands in the axilla, is a common cause of this state. The remote cause is here, indeed, of a mechanical kind, but not so the proximate cause of the effusion. By the resistance given, in this case, to the blood's return by the principal veins of the limb, a reaction is occasioned in the extremities of the arteries leading into the corresponding extreme branches of the veins, and which reaction is in this, as in a multitude of other occasions of congestive fulness in these vessels, a sanative effort of nature to overcome the primary obstruction."
The disease has often been referred, when occurring under these circumstances, to a local and general debility; and this opinion is thought to be supported by the facts that the swelling is increased by a depending position of the limb, and diminished by a horizontal one—by the occurrence of an inflammatory state of the parts being incompatible with such a degree of debility, and lastly by the absence of preternatural heat on the surface of an œdematous part. To these pretended arguments, Dr. A. opposes, that the effusion cannot be attributed purely to debility; because the effects are in no correspondence with the assigned cause,—the debility being, in some instances of chronic and acute disease, very considerable, and the effusion small, and vice versa;—because anasarcous limbs will occur in the strongest individuals when the limbs have remained a long time in an erect posture,—because there is in certain fatal chronic diseases, a tendency in the lower limbs to take on an inflammatory action, often of an erysipelatous kind,—and because the fact of œdema increasing by an erect posture and diminishing in the horizontal one is readily explained by the greater congestion of the vessels induced in the limb by such a position, as it occurs in the higher grades of inflammation.
"And with respect to the temperature of the surface of œdematous parts not being preternaturally raised, the objection, if of any force, must apply to all, for all have this peculiarity, and yet some cases of œdema confessedly arise from inflammation; differing not, in this respect, from several other morbid states, as those for instance, of chronic rheumatism, and which are indubitably, as indicated by the nature of their causes and remedies, of a truly inflammatory kind."
Dr. Ayre, therefore, regards all these cases as secondary to a serous inflammation seated in a cavity; and lastly as arising from some disturbance in the digestive functions, by which this and other distant irritations are produced through the operation of that law of the animal economy, denominated sympathy.
Having thus offered, in the preceding pages, an analysis of Dr. Ayre's views of the pathology of the principal forms of dropsy, we must be allowed, before proceeding to the treatment of the disease, to make a few remarks. It appears to us that Dr. A. has treated the subject in a very able manner, and contributed greatly to remove many objections, that could be adduced against the opinion of the inflammatory nature of some of the more obscure cases of dropsy. We cannot help thinking, however, that he is too exclusive in his theories, and that he has rejected too positively the idea of a passive dropsy; in other words, of a dropsy independent of inflammation. Some cases of the disease which follow extensive losses of blood, (profuse uterine hemorrhages, for example) and which are cured by tonics and an invigorating diet, without the aid of diuretics, cannot always, though they may sometimes, be accounted for by admitting the existence of inflammation. Such instances have fallen under our own observations, and could not be explained by supposing that the effusion had relieved the inflammation; since there had not existed, at least as far as we could ascertain, any local inflammation. In one case it followed abortion, attended with profuse hemorrhage, and produced, not by disease, but by an accident.
In the second and fifth volumes of the Archives Générales de Médecine, Dr. Bouillaud has related many cases of partial and general dropsy, which undoubtedly originated in obstruction to the venous circulation, from adhesion of the parietes of the principal veins. It is true that Dr. A. is compelled to admit this among the causes of dropsy; but faithful to his theory, he supposed the supervention of an arterial reaction resulting in an effusion of serum. It does not appear to us, however, that this arterial reaction is admissible in all cases of the sort, and we prefer on the whole the explanation of the mechanism of the effusion, originally given, by Donald Monro, and lately by Drs. Bouillaud and Broussais, who refer it to an obstruction in the venous circulation and to a consequent deficient venous absorption. By admitting this explanation, it is readily perceived, that we admit a passive dropsy, and we think the view well exemplified by a case which occurred last summer. The individual had recently recovered from a violent attack of disease, and was left much debilitated. Induced by this circumstance to travel to the north, he had occasion to notice that when seated long in a stage with his feet depending on the veins compressed, œdema invariably came on, and that it as invariably went off the next day if he did not ride. This occurred so often as to lead us to think there could not always be an arterial reaction occasioning the effusion, and that this effect arose from the mere obstruction to the venous circulation.
In making these remarks we are not actuated by the desire of detracting from the merits of Dr. A.'s views of the pathology of dropsy; convinced as we are, that the great majority of cases of the disease, which are thought by many physicians to arise from debility, do not owe their origin to this condition of the system, but to an increased excitement of the membranes or cellular tissue. Were it otherwise, how could we account for the fact, that dropsy is generally local, whilst the debility to which it is in most instances referred, is general?
But whilst maintaining the correctness of many of Dr. A.'s views, we are inclined to the opinion, that he may do some injury to the doctrine he is advocating, by invariably making use of the word inflammation, to express that condition of the vessels, giving rise to an excessive secretion of serous fluid. We are ready to admit, and we dare hope, that few will refuse to do so, that inflammation, strictly speaking, will occasion such an effect; yet, it often happens, that effusion will occur in cases, where no inflammation can be detected. In such instances, the vessels are evidently in a state of increased excitement; or in other words, in a state of irritation, but not of inflammation, which always implies congestion. This latter morbid condition, may supervene on the irritation, and occasion a suppression of the serous effusion, and the formation of coagulable lymph or pus. It is true, it may be said, that both these states (irritation and inflammation) being an increase of the life of the part, and requiring the same treatment, may be designated by the same name. Nevertheless, to prevent confusion, and the quibbling of some of the opponents of the theory of inflammation in dropsy, we are inclined to believe, that it is better to substitute the word irritation, whenever there is merely an increased secretion, and reserve the word inflammation, to designate those cases, in which there are decided marks of local excitement and congestion, attended or not with general fever.
Dr. Ayre, adopting the opinion of Dr. Parry, regards some cases of local dropsy as an effect of a general hydropic diathesis, or of a general inflammatory action of the vascular system, occasioning a local excitement, ending in dropsy. This is a natural consequence of the views, entertained by many physicians in Europe and this country, that fever produces local inflammation. We must confess, however, that all Dr. A. has said on the subject, is not calculated to carry conviction to our minds. Thus, one of his reasons for regarding some cases, as arising from this general vascular excitement is, that they are produced by what he considers as a general cause,—as cold, for example. But cold produces local diseases, occasioning, and not preceded by, a febrile excitement; and if it can, and does occasion anasarca, who will pretend to assert, from its being a general cause, that this anasarca is a general disease? Does not cold occasion also ascites, which, in many cases, is regarded by every one as a local disease, sometimes terminating in anasarca? If so, why shall we regard anasarca, ending in ascites, as a general disease? The cases are analogous, and the action in both should not be explained differently. If the action of such a cause were really general, and extended to all parts of the body, then the effects should also be general, and the dropsy should be universal, which is very far from being always the case.
2nd. It is also said in support of this opinion, that where anasarca is idiopathic, it is attended with fever, but that this latter does not exist, when the disease follows ascites. This difference appears to us to be very readily explained by the fact, that the disease in the former case, is more acute, and that the heart sympathises more actively with the irritated cellular tissue, than in the second case, when the disease is milder, or more gradual in its progress.
3d. It is also maintained, that when anasarca is idiopathic, there exists a large quantity of serum in the urine; and this is brought forward in order to distinguish these cases from local dropsies. But it is also admitted, that serum is found in the urine in cases of anasarca following ascites. Consequently, if there be none in cases of simple ascites, and if it only appears when anasarca supervenes, the only conclusion that may be drawn from these facts, is, that anasarca is the only form of dropsy, in which serum is absorbed, and passed off by the kidneys; and if there be a greater quantity discharged when anasarca is primary, it is only because the disease is more violent, and generally more extensive. But, surely all this is far from proving, that primary anasarca is a general disease, and owes its origin to a primary arterial excitement of the whole system. When fever exists first, and terminates in dropsy, who has proved, that there existed no local irritation producing the fever, and that the hydropic irritation has not supervened by metastasis. This takes place in scarlatina and other eruptive diseases, which Dr. A. would surely not be justified in calling general diseases. Dropsy follows the suppression of cutaneous diseases, unattended with fever; consequently, when there happens to be a febrile excitement, we are at a loss to know, why we should call this latter to our aid, in our explanation of the dropsical effusion, and not account for it on the same principle, as we did in the former cases; namely, by metastasis. If febrile symptoms are sufficient to make us regard a disease as general, then there is no local disease, except when apyretic.
We now proceed to notice the mode of treatment, recommended by our author, for the different forms of dropsy. From what we have seen, it is natural to conclude, that as Dr. Ayre regards the proximate cause of the several forms of the effusion, or in other words, the disease, to be the same under all its conditions, he will be of opinion, that "the same general principles of treatment, are alike applicable to all—subject only to such modifications, as arise from differences in the nature and intensity of the remote cause, and those general or local relations of the parts implicated in the serous effusion, with the diseases of the organs, which incidentally produce it." Founding upon these views the indications of cure, he states them to be; 1st. To remove the visceral, or such other disease or state, which, when present, proves a remote cause of the effusion; 2nd. To remove the morbidly increased action in the serous membrane or tissue, which is its proximate cause. 3d. To promote the absorption of the effused fluid.
Agreeably to Dr. A. the treatment of hydrocephalus internus, is divisible into three general heads:
"The first, consisting of means to correct, with its causes, that turgescent state of the brain, which may produce the arterial re-action and effusion; the second, of those which shall subdue the excitement, when formed; the third, to correct or relieve, as far as it is practicable, the effects of the effusion, and procure, if possible, its absorption."
With respect to the general causes, tending to produce that congestive state of the brain, precursory to its inflammation, he remarks, that they are of three kinds; 1st. Those acting through the general system, and consisting of an irritation, from some obstructed or required evacuation; 2nd. A local disease, seated in the head, or a local injury inflicted on it; 3d. Chylopoietic disturbance, acting sympathetically upon the brain. When the first of these causes appears to have been instrumental, in occasioning this condition of the brain, it is plain that it must be removed, and the obstructed emunctory corrected,—the suppressed evacuation promoted, or a new and artificial one substituted. When there exists any structural disease within the head, or a relic of a former state of excitement, a serous inflammation may be reasonably apprehended, and to avert it, the most rigid and undeviating attention must be paid to regimen, whilst cupping and leeching must be employed, and a seton fixed in the neck.
"For the object of the treatment, in these cases, is not to remove, but to avert the inflammation, and which, from the strong disposition to it, conferred by the organic disease, can only be effected by avoiding, not merely the causes of inflammation, but likewise, all those agents, which are calculated, in any way, to increase the momentum of the circulation." "Beyond those, the common precautions against morbid irritations, little else can be done."
When the turgescent state of the brain, arises from a disturbance in the digestive organs, it will be remedied, by means directed to this cause. Our author locates the primary seat of this disturbance, in most cases, in the liver; though he admits, it may occasionally be in the stomach and intestines. He places great reliance for correcting and increasing the secretion of bile, on small doses of calomel,—purging off the contents of the intestines by aperient medicines; and recommends, at the same time, the application of cups and leeches to the temples, as a measure of precaution. He very properly lays considerable stress on the necessity of combating this secondary affection of the head;
"For though the means applied, to correct the disorder in the digestive organs, may be sufficient to remove the turgescent state of the brain, which arose from it, yet, those means will have little or no control over the excitement, which that turgescent state has created; and still less can they avail in subduing an excitement, that may even survive its remote cause, and continue independently of it. By overlooking these facts, much distrust and disappointment have arisen with many, who confided in the opinion, delivered by some writers, of the uniform prevalency of chylopoietic disturbance, as a cause of this disease, and of the sufficiency of calomel to remove it."
When the inflammation exists, and is a sequel of some pre-existing structural disease in the brain or membranes, all that can be reasonably expected, is to palliate it by the antiphlogistic plan; but when it is idiopathic it may readily be cured, by the same remedies, graduated to the age and strength of the patient and to the violence of the attack. Dr. A. seems to rely principally on cups and leeches;—not excluding, in some cases, bleeding from the arm. Blisters to the summit of the head and afterwards a cold evaporating lotion to the temples, are also recommended. As soon as, by these means, an impression is made on the disease, mild diaphoretic medicines, assisted by the tepid bath, or the pediluvium, maybe prescribed;—the bowels are to be kept open by small doses of calomel, followed after two hours by a draught of some aperient medicine,—the antiphlogistic regimen should be rigidly enforced, and light and noise carefully excluded.
"Many practitioners give the mild preparations of mercury, and particularly calomel, freely in this disease, under a notion of its having some specific power in subduing it; but it never should be so used, excepting in cases where the disease is symptomatic of some functional disturbance in the liver and other chylopoietic organs, where it is calculated, in conjunction with the local bleeding, &c. to afford the most important service."
With a view of pointing out some characteristic sign, by which to distinguish those cases in which the affection of the bowels is primary from those in which it is secondary, he remarks—
"The condition of the stools at the period when a child is labouring under the disease, will afford to such persons but an imperfect notion of its true nature; for the disturbance of the brain will often create a disorder in the secretions, both of the liver and the other chylopoietic organs, producing green looking stools; and there is often a congestive state of the brain for a short time preceding the full development of the idiopathic excitement, which may, in like manner, by reacting upon the liver, create a disorder there. In cases, however, which are symptomatic of this cause, the chylopoietic disturbance will be found to have existed several days or even weeks; and the origin of the disorder, in like manner, may be commonly traced to some irregularity of diet, or other obvious causes, and frequently in infants to those which are connected with premature weaning; and sometimes even the cerebral disorder itself will have been only the last of a series of effects in the system, to which such disturbance had given rise."
Agreeably to Dr. A., it is not proper to discontinue those means, immediately upon the occurrence of what appears to be symptoms of effusion, since, frequently, these symptoms, as it respects the effusion, will immediately manifest their fictitious character, and disappear under a treatment no wise adapted to such a state, and with a rapidity, too, which equally betrays their true nature. He notices, though we believe not in its proper place, a modification of the disease in which the effusion takes place in the cellular membrane of the substance of the brain, and thinks this species more likely to be recovered from than when the water accumulates in the ventricles. He concludes this section by remarking, that
"Of the means to be employed to promote the absorption of the water, under these or other circumstances of its accumulation in the brain, little satisfactory can be said. The treatment must be founded on the use of such means as shall avert the risk of renewing an inflammation in the organ. To this end, occasional blistering the head will be proper; the diet must be spare, and the several secretions, particularly those of the kidneys, must be cautiously promoted."
We next turn to the treatment of hydrothorax and ascites. As the existence of hydrothorax in its early stage is difficult to ascertain, and as what have been called premonitory symptoms are only those proper to the mildest forms of the disease, and not of that condition of the parts which gives rise to the effusion, the treatment is somewhat difficult, and, in too many instances, our remedies are directed, not to the disease itself, but to one of its effects. Faithful to his view of the pathology of dropsy, Dr. A. remarks, that the plan of treatment to be pursued at an early stage of symptomatic hydrothorax, must consist in the use of those means which shall subdue the chronic excitement of the serous membrane, as well as the chronic inflammation of the diseased organ. To attain this end, the antiphlogistic and revulsive plans, graduated to the age and strength of the patient, and to the violence of the disease are recommended. In general the frequent application of leeches are held by Dr. A. as preferable to venesection, unless the patient be plethoric, and the disease arise from a local congestion within the chest, which, according to him, is often a cause of serous inflammation of the thoracic tissue, independently of any previous disease. Dr. Ayre calls attention to the fact, that topical bleeding is particularly adapted to correct that chronic inflammation of the serous membranes, which causes an effusion from them, and which is neither the result of any inflammatory excitement of the general system, nor of a nature to produce it; and that when properly conducted, it has the advantage of acting only slightly on the general system, and therefore only slightly on the general strength, and very considerably on the local disease. Together with leeches, blisters are to be used, and after the chronic action existing in the serous membrane is subdued by these means, a seton fixed in the integuments of the chest will be found of great utility.
The same treatment will be found equally serviceable, not only to correct the chronic excitement existing in the peritoneal membrane and giving rise to ascites, but very commonly to cure or palliate the visceral disease producing it. In respect to the very common practice of resorting to mercury in this complaint, our author makes the following judicious remarks.
"With too many practitioners, it is the practice to employ mercury freely in every case of abdominal dropsy, under the vague notion of there existing some mechanical obstruction in the liver or other viscus, as a cause of it; and under the equally vague notion, that mercury so employed will remove it. The practice, however, to speak of it in the mildest terms, is founded on erroneous views of the pathology of these diseases; and employed, therefore, as it is by some, on all the occasions in which they meet with them, must be frequently very injurious. For, independently of the injury to be inflicted by it, when given freely in some of the forms of liver disease, there is an effect produced by it on the urine, when given to a person in health, resembling that which arises from the specific excitement of dropsy. Under a salivation, the urine becomes charged with serum. Any condition of the system, therefore, approaching even to a state of salivation, must be injurious, by the tendency it must have to increase that morbid state of the body, which is nearest allied to the hydropic one. Hence the mercurial salivation has been numbered amongst the remote causes of dropsy; and the resemblance between the dropsical and mercurial excitement, thus established by the common resemblance of the urine in these states, goes far to prove this connexion; and it is not improbable, that the mercurial inflammation, when considerable, may survive its specific cause, and degenerate at length into the purely hydropic state. When, however, mercury is given in minute doses, so that these its specific morbid effects are not produced, it is capable of becoming highly useful, as we shall presently have occasion to notice."
In conjunction with bleeding and other means just noticed, drastic purges have an important influence in subduing the disease; not merely by removing the water, but likewise by contributing to subdue the chronic excitement which occasions its effusion. This latter effect Dr. A. very justly refers to the counteraction and irritation these medicines excite on the mucous membrane of the bowels, by which the excitement of the serous tissue or of the diseased viscus is removed. He remarks that drastic purgatives are sometimes inadmissible in ascites, when an affection of the liver or mesentery is its remote cause, and there is a tendency to a spontaneous diarrhœa, which even the mildest purgatives would increase. "In the case of the mesentery, such a mode of treating dropsy would speedily destroy the patient." Dr. A. ought, perhaps, to have explained the real cause of the danger attending the practice, and not referred it merely to the tendency to diarrhœa, which itself can only be an effect of a morbid condition of the bowels. The fact is, that most cases of hepatitis, and all cases of mesenteric disease, are attended, whether as cause or effect we care not, with inflammation of the stomach or bowels, which purgatives can only tend to aggravate. In general, the practice of administering drastic purgatives is more serviceable in hydrothorax, and especially in anasarca, or in idiopathic serous inflammation of the peritoneum. Dr. A. prefers the gamboge to all other medicines of the same class, and gives it to the amount of four or five grains in a single dose, with the same quantity of some aromatic powder, and triturated with a few crystals of the supertartrate of potassa; or in urgent cases of hydrothorax, he prescribes ten or twelve grains, divided into four doses, one of which is to be given every three hours. When the strength admits of it, the purgative may be given every four or five days.
Dr. A. next notices diuretics.
"The sensible operation of these medicines," he says, "as is well known, is to promote the secretion of the kidneys. There appears to me, however, to be farther effects produced by them upon the system, or particular parts of the system, which is not referrible to the mere evacuation of a certain quantity of fluid from the body; and these effects, it is probable, consist in promoting the natural discharges by this and, perhaps, the other emunctories, whose partial suppression may either produce this disease, or serve materially to continue it; and likewise in occasioning a derivation of blood to the kidneys, and therefore to a part distant from the morbid one; and that thus, whilst they are contributing materially to the removal of the fluid, they are serving like the purgative, an important end, in assisting to subdue the cause of it. The medicines which I am accustomed almost entirely to rely on in this disease, are the powder of dried squill and digitalis, given in combination in the form of pills, and in doses, which, from their smallness, will probably excite no little surprise in the minds of some of my readers. The dose of the squill is something less than a grain, and of the digitalis only a sixth part of a grain, given uninterruptedly every third or fourth hour."
To render these medicines more effectual, a third or half a grain of calomel may be given nightly, and an infusion of dandelion, or some other popular diuretic, may be taken ad libitum. Our author speaks in terms of merited disapprobation of the practice pursued by some physicians, of allowing their patients daily, potions of gin punch, with the view of aiding the operation of the diuretic medicine, and supporting their strength. He shows, that, although by these means the water may be promptly evacuated, the disease is not cured, and the effusion is soon renewed with redoubled violence and danger to the patient.
In the idiopathic form of hydropic inflammation, attacking the serous membranes of the chest and abdomen, and which, agreeably to our author, may be strictly local, or consist in a general specific excitement of the system, leading to a general watery effusion, the lancet is particularly advantageous, and should be had recourse to. The pulse is generally hard, the blood exhibits a buffy appearance, and the urine coagulates when subjected to heat. Leeches, in pretty large numbers, must also be used, as well as all the remedies already enumerated. But as in these cases, which according to Dr. Ayre are more common among females than males, and among the younger than those of middle and advanced age, the disease is of a more acute nature, a greater reliance is to be placed on an active antiphlogistic plan; and if this be steadfastly persevered in, comparatively little difficulty will be experienced in effecting a discharge of the water.
When hydrothorax occurs after scarlatina, and is combined with anasarca, its course is generally rapid, and the cure difficult; partaking, as it often does, of the two-fold state of debility and excitement. When detected early, the lancet must be promptly used. Cups and leaches, followed by the warm bath, blisters, and cathartics, must also be resorted to.
"Diuretics, which are so beneficial in the less acute forms of dropsy, are commonly too inert and slow in this, unless given in doses to act immediately upon the vascular system, when the infusion of digitalis, as given by many practitioners in all the other states of the disease, may be resorted to; since the treatment here is not so much to remove the water, as to prevent, if possible, its farther effusion; for when a discharge suddenly takes place into the chest after scarlet fever, it will generally prove fatal, even though the quantity collected be inconsiderable, and only such as would occasion, if gradually effused, a moderate degree of inconvenience to the lungs."
In respect to tapping, our author remarks, that the circumstances calling for this operation are, where, from the very considerable accumulation of water, and the consequent distension it occasions, a permanent and morbid stimulus is given to the peritoneal membrane, by which its serous inflammation is perpetuated or increased; or where so much pain and irritation are produced, as to risk inducing a similar disease in the chest, and of bringing on likewise an ulcerative form of inflammation in the peritoneal lining of the abdomen.
"Whilst the objections to its employment consist in the danger which is incurred, where there is much visceral disease, of its causing a destructive form of inflammation in the peritoneum; and the probability of its occasioning, under the most favourable condition of the disease, a more rapid renewal of the serous accumulation."
Our limits not allowing us to enter on the treatment of ovarian dropsy, we proceed to offer a few remarks on the means recommended by Dr. A. for the cure of anasarca. As in the treatment of every other form of dropsy, it is necessary, in attempting the cure of anasarca, to advert to the nature and causes of the disease.
"If it be idiopathic, and unconnected with any dropsy of a circumscribed cavity, and the pulse at the same time be soft, and the urine free from serum, it may be treated solely with the view of procuring the absorption of the effused fluid, as in such cases, the watery discharge in all probability will have removed, in a considerable degree, the excitement which caused it."
It is in such cases that recoveries take place under almost any plan of treatment, and that bark and other tonics have been found beneficial. Their utility, however, in these cases is very limited, consisting only in aiding the removal of the effects of the disease, and keeping up the strength of the system, whilst the absorbents perform their function, and remove the fluid. Dr. A. recommends, in these cases, puncturing and bandages; but he very justly adds, that they must not be employed, whenever there remains any inflammation in the parts, as they would then tend to aggravate it.
"To œdematous swellings, in which the serous local inflammation, whether symptomatic or idiopathic, still subsists, I am accustomed to direct the application of leeches and cold evaporating lotions, observing not to commence the use of the latter, until twelve hours after the leeches have been used, that inflammation may not be produced in the wound." "When anasarca arises from a general excited state of the system, as denoted by the pulse, and by the serous quality of the urine, venesection becomes necessary, combined with the use of leeches, applied to the extremities, or to those parts of the body, in which the serous tissues are most affected, along with the active use of the general means already alluded to."
In anasarca, an error is sometimes committed, especially by young practitioners, of estimating the degree of danger, and the necessity for active treatment, by the single consideration of the extent of the œdematous swelling. This, however, should be guarded against, as the swelling may be very considerable, and the disease subsided, or of little consequence; whilst, in other instances, the reverse may be the case. In the first instance, where the disease is not seen early, the treatment must sometimes be limited to those means which promote the absorption of the water, and neither venesection nor leeches will be required. In such cases, the practitioner must be guided by the state of the pulse and urine; the presence or absence of vascular excitement; the history given of the case up to the period when visited, and particularly by the progress of the swelling.
"When the dropsy of the skin is considerable and long protracted, and symptomatic of some visceral disease, as it most commonly is in these cases, and is attended by a serous state of the urine, and a general failure of the strength, the cachetical state of the system may be considered as established, and the treatment is then beset with difficulties. For the general means, which are useful in the earlier states of the disease, and when the vital strength is entire, become injurious in this, by the tendency they have, aided by the effects of the visceral disease, to diminish farther the vigour of the system; whilst, at the same time, the treatment, which is suited to support the declining strength, can contribute nothing towards lessening the constitutional and local diseases, but will frequently increase the morbidly excited state of the circulation, which, analogous to what occurs in diabetes, will continue and increase under the most decided marks of general constitutional weakness. Pending the continuance of that inflammatory state of the system, in which the urine is charged with serum, the debility will be mainly derived from that drain of its nutrient parts, which is thus established in the body, assisted by the weakening effects of the organic disease. If blood be drawn, it will be found, in many of these cases, to exhibit the usual signs of inflammation; and the treatment of the tonic kind, when employed to support the strength, will be found to act unfavourably.
"The plan to be pursued must consist in the use of such means as shall assist the powers of digestion and assimilation; so that, by a highly nourishing but plain diet, the drain from the system may be somewhat counteracted; and, at the same time, the cause of the effusion is to be corrected by the use of local depletion and blistering, and by the temperate employment of those general means, which are useful in the less aggravated forms of the disease."
The diet of patients, in the symptomatic forms of dropsy, should be plain and unirritating; and in the idiopathic states, the antiphlogistic regimen should be rigidly enforced; particularly an abstinence from all fermented liquors, until the inflammatory period of the disease be removed. The clothing should be moderately warm, and selected of that kind, best suited to promote the insensible perspiration of the surface.
Before taking leave of Dr. Ayre, we cannot omit adverting, in a very few words, to a circumstance noticed in his preface, and which we think of some importance. He remarks, that if, in the prosecution of his task, he has had no acknowledgments to make to any individual as his guide and authority, he is nevertheless indebted for many important facts to the writings of the late Dr. Wells, and of Drs. Blackall, Abercrombie, and Duncan, jun. and particularly to the system of pathology of Dr. Parry. He further remarks, that he entertained and taught for many years, the views advocated in this work, and that, after the manuscript had been sent to press, he had seen a copy of an abridged edition of the elaborate Dictionnaire des Sciences Medicales, in which the doctrine of dropsy, maintained in the larger work, is relinquished; whilst others are given in their place, conformable, in the main, with those which it is the object of his treatise to establish. Now it would appear, from these expressions, that Dr. Ayre wishes to inculcate the idea, that the English writers, whom he has cited, were the only ones who had published anything valuable, and conformable to his doctrine; and that prior to 1823, the year of the publication of the Dictionary above mentioned, the French entertained very different views of the pathology of the disease. We think it our duty, however, to rectify our author in this respect, and to show to our readers, that, even allowing full credit to Drs. Wells, Blackall, Abercrombie, &c. for their researches into the nature and treatment of dropsy, the American, French, and Italian pathologists are entitled to a much larger share than is allowed to them in the present work. A few references will be sufficient. Many years ago, our celebrated Rush taught, that general dropsies "depend on a certain morbid excitement of the arteries;" and that hydrocephalus, "in its first stage, is the effect of causes, which produce a less degree of that morbid action in the brain which constitutes phrenitis." In 1812, Dr. Breschet, of Paris, published an excellent dissertation on active dropsies. In the early writings of Broussais, though more particularly in the propositions prefixed to his Examen, the opinion is maintained, that all active dropsies depend on irritability, either primary or secondary, of the serous and cellular tissues,—a theory more closely allied to Dr. A.'s, than all that is contained in the writings of Drs. Wells, Parry, &c. But what, perhaps, is more to our purpose, Dr. Geromini, of Cremona, published a work, in 1816, on the origin and cure of dropsy, in which he compares the dropsical accumulation to that of serum produced by the inflammation of a blister, or by fire; and in which he also maintains, that a slight inflammation occasions a flow of limpid serous fluid, whilst a higher degree gives rise to the formation of pus. From these circumstances, he concludes, that the hydropic fluid, which contains little albumen, is the product of a lower grade of inflammation. In the same work, he finally asserts, that in more than 200 individuals who had died of dropsy, he invariably found marks of inflammation or its effects; views which our readers will readily discover to be nearly allied to those supported by Dr. A. In making these remarks, however, we do not wish to be understood as asserting, that the theory advanced by our author did not originate also with him. We have too favourable an opinion of his honesty, to accuse him of plagiarism. Our sole intention has been to render unto each the degree of praise to which he is entitled, and, by pointing out this coincidence of opinion, to derive a further proof of the correctness of most of the pathological views, so ably defended in the present work.
Article VIII.—An Essay on Venereal Diseases, and the Uses and Abuses of Mercury in their Treatment. By Richard Carmichael, M.R.I.A. With Practical Notes, &c. by G. Emerson, M. D. Philadelphia, J. Harding, 1825; pp. 360.
One of the most important improvements in practice, which modern experience has established, is the reformed method of treating venereal diseases.
To the labours of several distinguished military physicians and surgeons of Great Britain, we are chiefly indebted for the facts and researches connected with this interesting subject. And although we may have much to learn in regard to the true nature of these complaints; yet the plan adopted by Mr. Carmichael, of determining their distinct pathological characteristics, and applying the remedies accordingly, is the only one likely to subvert the empirical routine of prescribing mercury on all occasions, a practice which derives such strong support both from the indolence and prejudices of the profession.
In this country, many eminent practitioners have contributed to restrain the abuse of mercury; and it is believed, that Professor Chapman has for many years, in his lectures, disseminated the most enlightened doctrines on this point. Dr. Harris and other surgeons of the navy have made a fair trial of the non-mercurial treatment, and with the most satisfactory results.
The great object, so desirable of attainment, is to form a correct discrimination between the diseases, which may be cured or benefited by the exhibition of mercury, and those which do not require this medicine, or become aggravated by its use; for it seldom fails to do injury, when its advantages are not very obvious.
Mr. Carmichael has taken the most conspicuous part in this investigation for the last fifteen years, and from the extensive theatre, in which his inquiries were conducted, has had the best opportunities of arriving at the truth. He, therefore, who undertakes the management of these affections, may be justly pronounced culpable, if he neglect to make himself acquainted with the experience of this eminent surgeon.
In this enlarged and improved edition of his work, several subjects have not been treated of so copiously by the author, as was requisite to render it acceptable as a book of reference; but the judicious notes of Dr. Emerson, whose attention has been profitably directed to the investigation of venereal diseases, have well supplied the deficiency.
A brief outline is here presented of the contents.
The author describes the various symptoms in plain and intelligible terms; rejecting such unmeaning appellations as syphiloidal, pseudo-syphilis, &c. as designating no particular phenomena, and therefore of no use in describing a disease.
He thinks there is a plurality of venereal poisons, and has divided the disease into four classes, from their different primary and secondary symptoms; making the eruptions on the skin the most certain criterion of distinguishing them from each other. These classes are:—the papular venereal disease; the pustular; The phagedenic; and the scaly venereal disease. The latter is the true syphilis.
First, the Papular. This is the most common disease, and the most easily cured. Its primary symptoms are, a simple ulcer without induration, without elevated edges, and without phagedena. Sometimes there is a patchy excoriation of the glans penis, attended with a purulent discharge. This disease and gonorrhœa are caused by the same poison. The constitutional symptoms are:—fever; pain in the head, shoulders, and larger joints, pain in the chest; dyspnœa; a papular eruption on the forehead, chest, and back, sometimes extending in a more scattered way over the extremities. It is often attended with iritis. It never gives rise to nodes. The sore throat is different from that of syphilis; the latter having deep excavated ulcers. If buboes accompany it, they are mostly of an indolent nature. The eruptions do not all appear at once; but follow each other. When on the decline, they are of a pale red or copper colour, not scaly, as in syphilis, but papular; disappearing and recurring repeatedly, and ending in desquamation.
Remedies.—Venesection; cathartics; antiphlogistic regimen; antimonials, combined with decoction of sarsaparilla. Alterative does of calomel and antimonials, when the eruption declines.
The local treatment consists in astringent washes and simple dressings.
Iritis is to be cured by venesection, cathartics, mercury, blisters, and belladonna.
This disease will yield to the powers of the constitution. Mercury is always injurious in the early stage.
Second, Pustular venereal disease.
Primary ulcer of a reddish-brown colour; borders closely on the phagedenic character. The edges raised and well defined; not excavated, but on a level with or above the surrounding skin. In the commencement, a small itchy pustula; distinguished from the ulcer attending the papular disease by its well defined and elevated edges, and by the absence of the smooth fungous surface of the former; from the phagedenic by its well defined margin and its corroded-like surface, and the absence of acute pain; and from chancre by the absence of the callous edges and base. These ulcers are of a chronic nature, showing little disposition to spread. The ulcers from buboes partake of the same character, the edges being hard and the ulcer disposed to burrow. These edges Mr. C. removes with the knife. The disease is rendered extremely obstinate, where full courses of mercury have been given. The more closely the eruption approaches the papular, the more mild and manageable will be the disease.
Constitutional symptoms.—The eruption is pustular, and often exhibits simultaneously new pustules; also scabbing ulcers, the crusts of which fall off, and leave discoloured patches of skin after healing. For these ulcers of the skin, the best remedies are, sulphur fumigations, nitro-muriatic acid baths, and ointment of tar and sulphur.
Remedies.—Rest; gentle astringents; mild ointments; antimonials and sarsaparilla:—for the constitutional symptoms; venesection; cathartics; antimonials; sarsaparilla.
Mercury is decidedly injurious, until the disease is on the wane, when alterative doses may accelerate the cure.
Third, Phagedenic venereal disease.
The primary ulcer has a corroded appearance. It exhibits neither granulations nor induration. It spreads sometimes rapidly, sometimes slowly; healing in one part, while ulcerating in another. It is mostly situated on the glans and prepuce, and often attended with hemorrhage. In this disease, buboes most frequently appear.
The sloughing ulcer occurs also in this disease. Mercury is extremely pernicious, always rendering the disease more inveterate and rapid in its progress.
Constitutional symptoms.—High fever precedes the eruption, but abates afterwards. Nocturnal headachs; tenderness of the scalp; slight dyspnœa; tenderness of the sternum on pressure; soreness of the chest; an eruption of tubercles, or pustules, or spots of a pustular tendency, which quickly degenerate into ulcers, with thick crusts, that heal from the centre, while they extend from the circumference, with phagedenic borders. The crusts are often of a conical figure. The ulceration of the throat is of the most formidable nature. It commences in the form of a small white aphthous sore; which usually attacks the velum or posterior part of the pharynx, mostly the latter. It extends rapidly, destroying the parts, and at last attacks the bones. It often attacks the larynx, after which, the patient seldom recovers. The affection of the bones of the nose is never joined with the papular eruption, nor with the scaly syphilitic lepra; but in every case with the pustular description, and when scales and ulcers were present. At the time of the eruption, pains in the knees, wrists, and ankles occur, attended with swelling and redness. He has never seen nodes in the disease, except in cases where mercury had been given. Full courses of mercury introduce the disease into the deep seated parts; for the bones are seldom or never affected in this disease, unless mercury has been given.
Remedies for the primary symptoms.—Absolute rest; venesection; nauseating doses of antimonials; warm poultices and fomentations; opium; hyosciamus and cicuta in sufficient doses to lessen pain and irritation. For the sloughing ulcer, stimulating applications are often useful; such as Venice turpentine or balsam copaibæ, mixed with olive oil.
For the secondary symptoms:—Venesection; antimonials; sarsaparilla; Dover's powder. Mercury increases the ravages of the disease, except when on the wane, when it may be given in alterative doses, with safety and advantage. For the pain in the head, a blister to the nape of the neck. If the eruption appear scaly, then mercury is likely to be useful. If the throat and skin are affected, muriate of mercury in solution, and decoction of sarsaparilla. If the ulcer in the throat be small, touch it with the oxymel æruginis, or solution of nitrate of silver, grs. v a x to an ounce of water; but if there exist extensive ulcerations, fumigations with red sulphuret of mercury ought to be employed.
Fourth, Scaly Venereal Disease, or Syphilis.—Primary ulcer of a circular form, excavated, without granulations, with matter adhering to the surface, and with a thickened edge and base. The hardening is very circumscribed, not diffusing itself gradually or imperceptibly into the surrounding parts, but terminating rather abruptly. Its progress is slow, sometimes assuming a tawny appearance.
Constitutional symptoms.—Sometimes the skin, at other times the throat, is first affected. There is headach, restlessness, and fever. The scaly eruption appears, but does not relieve the fever, as in the other diseases. This eruption commences with a small hard reddish protuberance; and as it advances, the sides are raised, and centre depressed or flat, and covered with thin white scales. It terminates in ulcerated blotches. This eruption appears on the forehead, breast, back of the neck, and groin; often in large copper coloured blotches, in parts near the hair. The ulcers of the throat mostly affect the tonsils, and come on without much previous pain or swelling; although there soon appears a considerable excavation of the tonsil, attended with evident loss of substance. The ulcer is foul, with thick white matter adherent to it, which cannot be washed away. The bones then become affected, those nearest the surface being most liable to attack; such as the tibia, sternum, clavicle, and cranium.
The remedies for syphilis are full courses of mercury, for both primary and secondary symptoms; except where a tendency to phthisis, or a delicate constitution forbids them. He thinks syphilis a rare disease now, compared with what it was formerly.
Article IX.—Remarks on some Means employed to destroy Tænia, and expel them from the Human Body.—By Louis Frank. M. D. Privy Counsellor of her Majesty, Maria Louisa, Duchess of Parma. [Lond. Med. Rep. April 1825.]
The symptoms produced by the presence of tape worm in the human body, are exceedingly distressing, and the sufferings of the patient are increased, by the obstinacy, with which these animals resist the operation of the most disgusting, and even painful and dangerous remedies. Improvements in the mode of attacking and expelling them, therefore, should be gladly received, and widely made known.
The numerous reports which we have received, concerning oil of turpentine as a remedy for tænia solium, have already given to that remedy the highest character; but many cases have been only partially relieved by it. The ol. tereb. seems to be capable of causing the separation and expulsion of portions of the animal; but while the head remains unexpelled, it is supposed to be capable of reproducing the joints, to a degree not yet ascertained. If we may believe medical writers, the tænia has been observed of the enormous length of 700 feet. It is probable that the reproduction, after the loss of large numbers of joints, is often very rapidly effected; as was the case in a patient treated at the Carey Street Dispensary, mentioned in their report for Aug. 1813,[18] This person always discharged very considerable quantities of joints or fragments, after the use of oil of turpentine; after which he remained free from the complaint for a few months, until the tænia recovered a troublesome magnitude; when it was again easily reduced to less uncomfortable dimensions.
We are not able to state positively, how long the oil of turpentine has been in use as a remedy for tænia. The Carey Street Report for Feb. 1810, informs us, that a mechanic in Durham, having been very successful in the treatment of tænia by means of this article, the circumstance was communicated by Dr. Southey, of that place, to Dr. Laird of London; and it was accordingly prescribed in doses of ℥ss. to [Symbol: ounce]ij. at several of the London charities. It had been found, says the report, that ol. tereb. might be thus given, as safely as so much gin, and frequently caused the expulsion in two hours: Dr. Knox says it has been in use in Germany for fifty years for the expulsion of tænia.
The experience of Dr. Knox, concerning tænia, at the Cape of Good Hope, is the most extraordinary that we are acquainted with. Dr. Sparman, the traveller, had observed, that worms were exceedingly common in the northern parts of the colony; but Dr. Knox, who was there in 1819, did not notice any special prevalence of verminous disorders, "previous to Oct. 1819, when the tape worm became so general among the troops, as to resemble an epidemic."[19]
Most of these troops had been employed on a short campaign to the east of the great fish river. They had been compelled to live on very bad beef and mutton, driven and starved half to death; and Dr. Knox thinks he has proved, that the tænia in these cases did "arise from the use of unwholesome animal food; from the flesh of animals, which had been diseased." Two out of five of the troops, who had been thus employed and fed, were affected with worms. Of a detachment of 86 vigorous, healthy young men, 36 were found, on inquiry, to have tape worm. Those who remained in the colony did not suffer so much, as those who had been out on the campaign, the ratio being as one to four; whereas of the others, it was two to five. Dr. Knox had ample experience of the utility of turpentine during this singular prevalence of tænia. Concerning the 36 men above mentioned, he says, "the cure of all, who chose to adopt the means, was easily effected by small doses of the spts. of turpentine, after the failure of purgatives and various other remedies."
He considers ol. tereb. as the most efficacious remedy. He does not approve of large doses, because of headach, vertigo, and delirium, which have been produced by them in "many patients."
"I have generally found," says he, "that from one to two drachms of ol. tereb., given in a little water, morning and evening, for three successive days, were sufficient to destroy the tænia solium, (even in the most obstinate cases,) and cause it to leave the intestines, without the aid of any purgative medicine." He advises, however, to give a little castor oil each day about noon.
It has been a very common observation in regard to the dose of turpentine, that the patient suffers more cephalic distress when it is given in small quantity, than in a large dose. The writer of this has been obliged to desist from the exhibition of oil turpentine, in doses of ℨij twice a day, in consequence of a vertigo so considerable, as to alarm and distress his patient very much. Perhaps there might have been in this case some peculiar liability to nervous excitation, which in another patient would not have been worthy of much notice. Dr. Knox's opinion is of great weight.
The celebrated remedy of Chabert, Dr. Knox thinks, owes its efficacy to the ol. terebinth. combined with it.
Dr. Frank, whose name stands at the head of this article, was informed by the celebrated helminthologist, Dr. Bremser, at Vienna, in 1814, that he had for ten years preferred the use of Chabert's remedy, and with invariable success.
Chabert was a veterinary surgeon of Alfort, who used the animal oil of Dippel in many diseases of animals, as well as those of men. This oil he often gave for the purpose of removing tænia in his animals. He often combined it with spt. terebinth. and gave equal parts of these substances, in doses of ℨi.[20] The London Medical Repository states, that Chabert's remedy is prepared from
| Ol. Corn. Cerv. Fœtid. | 1 part. |
| Ol. Terebinth, | 3 parts. |
These are well mixed, and left at rest four days; they are then distilled in a sand bath, till three-fourths of the liquor has passed over. It must be kept tightly stopped, out of the light.[21]
The great objection to Chabert's remedy is its disgusting flavour; which is the more obnoxious, because the remedy must be continued for a length of time. Dr. Frank cured two persons affected with tænia solium, after considerable perseverance with it: he cured two other persons with a preparation as follows:
| Ol. Terebinth. | ℥ss |
| Æther Sulphuric. | ℨij |
| Pulv. G. Arab. | ℥ss |
| Aq. Flor. Chamam. distil. | ℥xvj m. |
| Two spoonfuls morning and evening. | |
Four of these mixtures were sufficient to cure the patients, who remained well two years afterwards.
A fifth patient, unable to take the last named medicines, was cured by the boluses subjoined:
| Sem. Santonic. pulv. | ℥ss |
| Pulv. Jalap. | |
| Ferri Sulphat. aa | ℨi |
| Ol. Corn. Cervi, | gtt. viij. |
| Syrup. | q.s. |
| Make 20 boluses. | |
One to be taken morning and evening. These 20 boluses being repeated three times, the patient found himself perfectly well. In the above 5 cases, the tænia was discharged in fragments.
Dr. Frank does not say much concerning the bark of pomegranate root, which has come into vogue lately as a remedy for tænia. He refers to the Med. Chirurg. Transact. Vol. XII. for accounts by some English physicians, and remarks, that Dr. Gomez, the Portuguese physician, had cured 14 cases with this bark.
Dr. Pollock (vide Ed. Med. and Surg. Journal, Oct. 1819) treated a child, aged 14 months, with the decoction of bark of pomegranate root, so far back as the year 1811. This infant, under the use of the medicine, discharged at several times upwards of 30 feet of tænia solium, and was cured. We learn also from the Med. Repository,[22] that MM. Deslandes, Sourya, and Bourgeoise, have employed pomegranate with great success; that the decoction generally expelled the worm in two hours; that it sometimes occasioned vomiting and griping pains; and that it has been a common remedy for tape worm, in the East Indies, and among the blacks of St. Domingo.
From the same source we are informed, that the French pharmaceutists recommend, before boiling the bark, that it should be allowed to swell (macerate) in cold water. ℥ij of bark should be boiled in lbij of water to ℥xii. Of this decoction, [Symbol: ounce]ij may be taken every half hour. The worm is here said to be passed often in twelve hours instead of two. It may be necessary to continue this plan four or five days, taking care to suspend the medicine, in case any vertigo, or intestinal disease supervenes. A dose of castor oil is recommended after the 4th bottle; even though the worm be happily for the patient expelled.
In the Revue Medicale is a case, in which pomegranate succeeded in discharging three ells of tænia; but the patient broke off the worm in attempting to extract it with too much violence. This circumstance recalls us to the consideration of Dr. Frank's communication. He recommends much caution in the extraction of those portions of tænia, which have remained partly in the intestine; and says that Dr. Cagnola proposed touching the extruded portion with prussic acid, in hopes of killing the whole animal by means of this violent poison. Dr. Garleke adopted this plan on an extruded portion of four inches in length, and in one hour afterwards the whole animal came away dead. Dr. F. suggests, that the electric shock might weaken the tænia, so as to cause it to let go its hold, and thus be unresistingly extracted. Brera recommended that the worm should be tied with a piece of silk. In this manner, it is retracted into the bowel, but begins to descend again not long afterwards. He dissuades from any attempt at forcible extraction, which excites the most distressing sensations in the bowels, and causes the risk of bringing on convulsions.
We are informed by Dr. Frank, that a surgeon of St. Petersburg succeeded by passing the worm through a canula, and the canula through the sphincter ani muscle, so as to obviate the resistance caused by its contraction. In this manner, he easily succeeded in withdrawing the tænia whole, which is always desirable.
The writer of this article succeeded in removing many pieces of tænia from a female, by means of the tincture of black hellebore, given in doses of a teaspoonful for another object. The patient has since been affected with the same symptoms, and took to-day, Oct. 19th, in doses of ℥iss, repeated every hour, sixteen ounces of a decoction of the rind of pomegranate fruit, (none of the cort. rad. being procurable); after which she took a dose of castor oil. It is said, we know not on what authority, in a French journal, that this preparation possesses the same powers as the root. It may be so; but this patient had no discharge of the tape worm, after swallowing the whole of this very astringent decoction, and following up the plan by taking [Symbol: ounce]iij of ol. ricini.
Perhaps the tænia had been effectually destroyed before. She has seen none of the joints for 18 months. The accounts, however, of the expulsion of tænia by the bark of the root, are so encouraging, that we have much pleasure in recommending it to the notice of the medical public in this country.