On the nature of the membrane occasionally expelled in dysmenorrhœa / by J.Y. Simpson.

  • Simpson, James Young, 1811-1870.
Date:
[©1846?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the nature of the membrane occasionally expelled in dysmenorrhœa / by J.Y. Simpson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    5 equisite data. It may not be uninteresting to add, that the absence of the mucous lining of the uterus in persons who have died after idehvery, or who have been previously subject to membranous dys- menorrhoea, may have given rise to the strong opinions expressed in former times by several anatomists, and particularly by Mor- gagni, Chaussier, and Gordon, in regard to the human uterus not befng normally provided with a mucous membrane. Not meeting Avith that membrane under some circumstances and in some cases, they were induced to doubt its presence under any circumstances or in any cases. Modern physiology has made us sufficiently acquainted with the curious fact, that a portion of the epithelial layer of the mucous ■surface of various organs, exfoliates constantly and normally during the performance of the special functions of these organs. For instance, this holds true with regard to the epithelium of the stomach during digestion, and that of the uterus during menstru- . ation. But there are few circumstances, either in healthy or morbid anatomy, so strange as that which I have attempted to prove in the preceding remarks, namely, that the proper mucous tissue of the uterus itself may, within the compass of a menstrual period, form, enlarge, separate, and again be reproduced; and further, that all this may occur and continue regularly for a succession of months, or, as sometimes happens, for a succession of years. I have no intention, however, at present of dwelling either upon the various pathological or practical views to which the opinion that I have above propounded regarding the origin and nature of the dysmenorrheal membrane, very evidently points. It is enough perhaps to remark, that the observations which I have made go to demonstrate that the dysmenorrheal membrane is not formed, as is generally believed, by a simple inflammatory effusion of plastic or coagulable lymph, and hence is not to be successfully prevented and combated by simple anti-inflammatory treatment. The action ! giving rise to it may in some cases be combined or complicated with inflammation. I have seen, for example, the membranous dysmenorrhoea in several instances co-existing with inflammatory [induration and ulceration of the cervix uteri. But essentially, the normal action of the uterus or ovaries giving rise to the formation of the dysmenorrheal membrane is not a state identical I with inflammation, but a state identical with the condition of these organs after impregnation and during the earher weeks of pregnancy. It is so far a state and product natural to one special condition of the uterus, but here occurring at an unnatural time, under unnatural circumstances, and with unnatural frequency.