Clinical observations on the use of opium in low fevers, and in the synochus : illustrated by cases : with some previous remarks on the epidemic fever, which prevailed in 1785 at Oxford, and in the neighbouring counties : in a letter to John Badeley, M.D. ... / by Martin Wall, M.D.

  • Wall, Martin, 1747-1824.
Date:
1786
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Clinical observations on the use of opium in low fevers, and in the synochus : illustrated by cases : with some previous remarks on the epidemic fever, which prevailed in 1785 at Oxford, and in the neighbouring counties : in a letter to John Badeley, M.D. ... / by Martin Wall, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

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    ( »6 ) pernicious influence, not only to the exclu- lion of this valuable medicine, but to the introduction of the too general ufe of Anti- mony, even in cafes of debility and pu- trefcence, where its operation is at beft pre- carious, perhaps prejudicial, -j- Analogy too • Many authors, particularly Dr. Slant and Dr. Campbell, have remarked the impropriety of the long continued ufe of an- timonials in low fevers, and the falutary efFc&s of opium in the advanced ftages of fuch complaints : perhaps the cafes here- after defcribed may fliew, that the ufe of opium is admiffible much more early ; and that, fo ufed, efpecially if an emetic be premifed to relieve the ftomach and prima? via? from the pppreffion of accumulated or vitiated bile, it will often greatly Ihorten the difeafe. I hope however it will not be hence ima- gined, that I am prejudiced againft the employment of anti- mony. I know its efficacy in all diforders of an inflammatory type; and its Angular ufe in evacuating bile in remittent and intermittent fevers.—On this account James's Powder and Tartar Emetic have attained a high degree of reputation ; and, perhaps, by this mode of operation, they have fometimes produced the beft efFefts in fevers accompanied with Angular deje&ion of mind and apparent mufcular debility : but, it is well known, how often fuch fymptoms depend folely on the ftate of the ftomach, and to diftinguifh this ftatc, and prefcribe accordingly, is the proof of true medical fagacity, improved by experience. Every practitioner can add his teftimony to the truth of Dr. Jamei's arTertion in very numerous cafes. But the human mind is ever prone to adopt general laws ; and hence the efficacy of the celebrated Fever-powder has been fuppofed to be univerfal. It is the rafli, ill judged and pro- mifcuous ufe of it in the hands of Empiricifm, which pro- nounces it fpecific in all fevers, which I condemn. I find an obfervation