Observations on certain dropsical affections which are successfully treated by blood-letting / by J. Abercrombie.

Date:
[1818]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on certain dropsical affections which are successfully treated by blood-letting / by J. Abercrombie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    is removed. If the disease has been of longer standing, the progress may be slower and less favourable; and, even after the pulmonary affection has been entirely removed, a course of diuretics may be required for carrying off the swelling. These different states ot the disease will be illustrated by the following examples:— Case I.—Mrs A. aged about 40. 28th November IS 15. Was affected with cough j oppression of the chest; a feeling of tight- ness in breathing; and considerable pain under the sternum, which was increased by the cough, and by a full inspiration. There was general anasarca, which was first observed in the face, but was most considerable on the limbs. Pulse of natural frequency, and good strength. Had been ill about a week. Urine scanty, and not coagulable. Was bled to ^xx. To take diluted sulphuric acid, and liquorice lozenges. 29. --The breathing was easier, but not quite relieved; swel- ling diminished. Was bled again to ^ xv. 30. Breathing quite relieved; anasarca gone; urine copi- ous. ^ Dec. 6.—Continued free ft’om complaint. Case II.—Mr H. aged 2G. 5th June 1817. Was affected with general anasarca, which was very considerable on his legs and thighs, and in a smaller degree on his body and face; his voice was tremulous and anxious ; his breathing was quicker than natural; and he felt a degree of tightness and oppression in breathing, but without pain and without cough ; pulse a little frequent, and rather small ; urine scanty, and high-coloured and not coagulable. He first felt his breathing uneasy on the morning of the 2d ; in the course of that day he observed the swelling in his legs, and a little in his face; it had been increas- ing every day, and extending higher up. Was bled to 5 xvi. To use diluted sulphuric acid. b.—breathing quite relieved ; swelling gone ; urine still thick and scanty ; pulse 76 ; blood not bully, 7—Free from complaint; urine copious, and of a natural appearance. 9. Continued well, and resumed his usual employment. isrT^f « printer, aged 46, (3d December ieen arobferved obseived in his face; it was most considerable on the