Observations on the properties of the air-pump vapour-bath, pointing out their efficacy in the cure of gout, rheumatism, palsy, &c. : With cursory remarks on factitious airs, and on the improved state of medical electricity, in all its branches, particularly in that of galvanism, and their efficacy in various diseases / by M. La Beaume.

  • La Beaume, Michael.
Date:
1818
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the properties of the air-pump vapour-bath, pointing out their efficacy in the cure of gout, rheumatism, palsy, &c. : With cursory remarks on factitious airs, and on the improved state of medical electricity, in all its branches, particularly in that of galvanism, and their efficacy in various diseases / by M. La Beaume. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    18/84 (page 18)
    kind, in helping obstructed vessels to unload themselves. The mode in which it must act is cer- tainly agreeable to sound theory; and the more it is put in practice^ the oftener will facts occur to confirm what 1 now say, 1 not only view it as valuable to remove local affections of the ex- tremities, but also to afford relief to other parts of the body, where obstructions may have taken place. There are some complaints, which would often be greatly mitigated, if not always removed, by its power in producing a general and copious sweat over the whole frame, such as in the diabetes, dropsy, and other maladies, where the skin is parched, dry, and hard. In general, it will be well to pump out the air gradually, and to see the effects of a partial exhaustion of the machine ; for its being done too siuldenly, would allow the air iji the circulating fluids to exert its spring with too great force, producing acute pain, &c. The machine, by having a condensing pump fixed to it, might be used as a bracer, and that with beneficial and powerful effects. Was 1 not so far advanced in life, and so much en- gaged in other avocations, I would with gladness have devoted my time to the use of it; thoroughly convinced that it would prove useful to the distressed, and honourable to myself. Wishing you, dear Sir, the favour of God, which is better than life, and all that life contains. I am, Your friend and obedient servant, James Hamilton.’^ “No. 7, Artillery-Place, April 8, 1801.