CHAP. XVIII.
OF CONSUMPTIONS.
A consumption is a wasting or decay of the whole body from an ulcer, tubercles, or concretions of the lungs, an empyema, a nervous atrophy, or a cachexy.
Dr. Arbuthnot observes, that in his time consumptions made up above one-tenth part of the bills of mortality in and about London. There is reason to believe they have rather increased since, and we know from experience, that they are not less fatal in some other towns of England than in London.
Young persons, between the age of fifteen and thirty, of a slender make, long neck, high shoulders, and flat breasts, are most liable to this disease.
Consumptions prevail more in England than in any other part of the world, owing perhaps to the great use of animal food and malt liquors, the general application to sedentary employments, and the great quantity of pit-coal which is there burnt; to which we may add the perpetual changes in the atmosphere, or variableness of the weather.
CAUSES.——It has already been observed, that an inflammation of the breast often ends in an imposthume: consequently whatever disposes people to this disease, must likewise be considered as a cause of consumption.
Other diseases, by vitiating the habit, may likewise occasion consumptions; as the scurvy, the scrophula, or king’s evil, the venereal disease, the asthma, small-pox, measles, &c.
As this disease is seldom cured, we shall endeavour the more particularly to point out its causes, in order that people may be enabled to avoid it. These are:
——Confined or unwholesome air. When this fluid is impregnated with the fumes of metals or minerals, it proves extremely hurtful to the lungs, and often corrodes the tender vessels of that necessary organ.
——Violent passions, exertions, or affections of the mind; as grief, disappointment, anxiety, or close application to the study of abstruse arts or sciences.