Volume 1

Original cases with dissections and observations illustrating the use of the stethoscope and percussion in the diagnosis of diseases of the chest; also commentaries on the same subjects selected and translated from Auenbrugger, Corvisart, Laënnec and others / by John Forbes.

  • Forbes, John, Sir, 1787-1861.
Date:
1824
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Original cases with dissections and observations illustrating the use of the stethoscope and percussion in the diagnosis of diseases of the chest; also commentaries on the same subjects selected and translated from Auenbrugger, Corvisart, Laënnec and others / by John Forbes. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    stration; and itis impossible not to yield to opinions founded on such a basis, assent of a very different kind from that which follows the contemplation of a mere sympathetic symptom. We may deem lightly of a quick pulse, or a hurried respira- tion, or an acute pain, because we know that all these may accompany an affection of the most temporary kind, and of no danger ; but when we know that the fleshy sound, or absence of respiration, over one side of the chest, can only arise from a great organic change, it is impossible that we can regard such a sign but as one of the highest consequence, and as worthy to determine our prognosis, and direct our practice. I would therefore advise the young auscultator, not to act upon his earlier explorations, unless the practical indications fur- nished by them accord with those which are supplied by the common symptoms. A little learning, may, in this case, be truly a dangerous thing. I am even disposed to recommend some degree of the same caution to the most experienced; since 1 think it may be laid down as an axiom, that in proportion as we consider our diagnostics certain, ought we to be cautious not to misapply or misconceive them. After these remarks on the general subject to which this volume is devoted, and on those parts of the work derived from external sources, it will be expected that I should say some- thing, in this place, relative to the nature and form of that por- tion of it, for which I am exclusively responsible. It will be seen, by a reference to the Table of Contents, that the Cases consist of Diseases of the Heart and Pericar- ie Chronic Pleurisy, Hydrothorax, Chronic Peripneu- ony, and Asthma. With one or two exceptions, I have excluded all the more acute inflammatory affections, and have altogether omitted cases of Phthisis. Of the parti- cular selection and exclusion made, I do not know that any other. explanation is necessary, but the general one, that it was never my intention to give examples of all the dis- eases of the chest., I may say, however, that the particular choice made, was directed partly by the relative frequency of