The modern practice of physic : exhibiting the character, causes, symptoms, prognostics, morbid appearances, and improved method of treating the diseases of all climates / by Robert Thomas.

  • Thomas, Robert, 1753-1835.
Date:
1822
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The modern practice of physic : exhibiting the character, causes, symptoms, prognostics, morbid appearances, and improved method of treating the diseases of all climates / by Robert Thomas. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    it will be most advisable to do it by the laxative medicines here prescribed,* assisted now and then with aperient clysters. The necessity of carefully inspecting the alvine discharges in remittent fever cannot be too strongly inculcated, as it affords the best or principal index as to the regulation of our employing pur- gative medicines. In this fever, as well as typhus icterodes, the submuriate of mer- cury, combined with rhubarb or jalap, may be regarded as a valua- ble remedy, where we wish to carry off putrid feculent matter from the bowels, and there is at the same time any degree of nausea or vomiting present; as from the smallness of its bulk, it may pos- sibly be retained on the stomach when every other purgative might be rejected. After these evacuations, and where there is no delirium present, an opiate will be found of great service in quieting the commotions induced either by the spontaneous or artificial discharges, and in enabling the patient to retain on his stomach both nourishment and medicines. In the remittent fevers of warm climates, as well as of temperate countries in the hotter seasons of the year, the best effects are to be derived from cold affusion, or throwing cold water over the patient; but it is to be understood that the height of the paroxysm is the proper time for the application of the remedy. The sensations of neat are then strong; the headach is violent, and delirium fre- quently runs high. By employing the remedy at an early period, we may be able either to arrest the disease precipitately, or bring about an early solution of the paroxysm ; but at the least we may for the most part so ameliorate its aspect, as that from an obscure remittent it will soon become an intermittent of a distinct and re- gular type. Where signs of congestion, or irregular action, pre- sent themselves in the abdominal or biliary system, and the disease is recent, it will be advisable, previous to having recourse to affu- sion, to premise proper evacuations. In the progress of the disease, where much debility has arisen. * 1. gj Potassa? Tartrat. 3ij. Infus. Sennae, f. §jss. Tinct Jalapai, 3i M. ft, Haustus. Vel, 2. R Pulv. Rhei, gr. x.—xv. Hydrargyr. Submuriat gr. v. Syrup, q. s. M. Fiant Pilul. iv. pro dos. Vel, 3. R Hydrargyr. Submur. gr. v. Pulv. Jalap, gr. xv. M. ft. Pulvis. * 1. Take Tartrate of Potass, 2 drachms. Infusion of Senna, one ounce and a half. Tincture of Jalap, one drachm Mix them for a draught. Or, 2. Take powdered Rhubarb, from ten to fifteen grains. Submuriate of Mercury, five grains. Common Syrup, as much as will form the mass, which divide into four pills, to be taken at once. Or, 3. Take Submuriate of Mercury, five grains. Powdered Jalap, fifteen grain?. Mix them, and take them for a dose,