On a form of bronchitis (simulating phthisis) which is peculiar to certain branches of the potting trade : a graduation thesis to which was awarded the gold medal of the University of Edinburgh, August 2, 1864 / by Charles Parsons.

  • Parsons, Charles.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On a form of bronchitis (simulating phthisis) which is peculiar to certain branches of the potting trade : a graduation thesis to which was awarded the gold medal of the University of Edinburgh, August 2, 1864 / by Charles Parsons. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    some portions tiiis is solid, or rather negatively firm, and in others thickly fluid, like black grease or cream, depending probably on the more or less advanced stage of the softening process in each case. But another and perhaps co-extensive source of this pigment is to be found in the inhalation of CO2 to which these potters are liable in the stoves or drying-rooms. The stove itself {i.e., the furnace) is a very common afiair, certainly not tight at the seams, and allowing the free escape of CO2 in the process of combustion. It is supplied abun- dantly with coal, that a high temperature may be main- tained, and CO2 therefore is very rapidly generated. The workshop is very imperfectly ventilated, so that a considerable quantity of CO.^ expired by the operatives accumulates and is again inhaled by them. May this not be the origin of the carbonizing process of the protein substance contained in the blood-cells men- tioned in the quotation from Wedl ? Continental writers have entertained various opinions relative to the formation of pigment in the pulmonary organs, but have failed to throw much light on the .subject. Bichat supposes it to be owing to small bronchial glands extending along the surface of the pleura. Bre- schet beheves that it is formed by the blood exhaled into the cellular tissue, stating that its chemical com- position leads him to that conclusion. Trousseau says that it is produced by a misdirection of the natural pigments of the body, resulting from age, climate, or disease. Andral says that the black appearances are the result of secretion, and that it is more manifest as the individual advances in life. Heasinger agrees with Trousseau. Ltienner appears to be doubtful as to the real orisjin of the Ijlack matter.