Observations on the remarkable effects of iodine, in bronchocele and scrophula : being a translation of three memoirs / originally published in the Bibliothèque Universelle ; by J. R. Coindet.

  • Coindet, Jean François, 1774-1834.
Date:
1824
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the remarkable effects of iodine, in bronchocele and scrophula : being a translation of three memoirs / originally published in the Bibliothèque Universelle ; by J. R. Coindet. 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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    which I have elsewhere insisted upon as a strong indication of the internal disorganization mentioned above. In short, every symptom led me to believe, that that disease had actually begun to establish itself. My hopes of any essential relief, of course, were very small; but the facts already stated, clearly pointed to the sort of aid that it was necessary to attempt to procure for her. Leeches were applied to the tender part of the abdomen; and an ointment containing the hydriodate of potass was rubbed upon it. The action of the bowels was regulated by mild aperients; and, latterly, the hydriodate of potass was also administered internally. Two blisters were applied in the course of the treatment. The result of these remedies has been a restoration of the healthy feel of the abdomen; the swelling, tension, and hardness, having been altogether removed. The ftmctions of the alimentary canal have be- come more natural; the pulse has diminished in frequency; the countenance has lost its expression of distress, and she has decidedly acquired flesh and strength. Possibly some may say, that this was merely an example of what has been denominated chronic peritonitis, which was removed by bleeding and blistering. I think it of conse- quence to express my clear conviction, that it was not so; and that it belonged unquestionably to diat family of diseases, to which tubercles give the character. For an explanation of what I mean by this statement, I must refer the reader to what I have said in my Enquiry, when treating of the dif- ference between tuberculous and inflammatory affections of the serous membranes. That the present case belonged to the former, I infer from the history of its progress. It commenced insidiously; ad- vanced slowly; and had reduced her to the state which I have already described, in spite of the use of appropriate re- medies, which had been judiciously employed before she came under my care. Symptoms may have been mitigated by the means employed; but the disease itself was not ar- rested ; and it was in full progress to a worse condition, when I first saw her. This accords exactly with my experi- ence in similar cases, as given in the Enquiry, And, if I except this single instance, I have seen no example of this form of disease on which any decidedly favourable impression has been made. The facts detailed in this chapter touching the use of iodine, will be held, I doubt not, by my professional bre- thren, to confirm the reports of this medicine as given by