Materials for an alphabet to the science of medicine : embracing an enquiry into the nature of the mind and passions : addressed to the Medical Society of Philadelphia / by James Pendleton Jun.

  • Pendleton, James.
Date:
1804
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Materials for an alphabet to the science of medicine : embracing an enquiry into the nature of the mind and passions : addressed to the Medical Society of Philadelphia / by James Pendleton Jun. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    our view to aphthalmia. In this disorder, we see the serous vessels distended with red globules, the admission of which must not be ascribed to a di- minished sensibility, but to a prostrated tone ; for the sensorial power is preternaturally increased, the vessels being much more sensible of the ope- ration of stimuli, than previous to the inflamma- tion, but they cannot contract from the applica- tion of stimuli, because their mechanical power is lost. An increase of sensorial power, though attended with a departure of tone, may be readily seen in the inflammation of all delicate vessels. Doctor Hunter, in speaking of the fel- on, says, there is an increased action but a de- creased power j* by which he could mean nothing more than increased sensibility and an injured tone. This prostration of tone, with an increase of sensorial power, is not confined to delicate ves- sels, but may be seen in all cases of indirect debi- lity. An increase of sensorial power in fever is very manifest, when the tone is much injured, for the pulse may be quickly raised by a stimulus that would effecT: no alteration in health. And I may here ask, if indirect debility was attended with a diminution of sensorial power, (which is the estab- * It is very easy to conceive that increased excitement may attend a lessened tone, but the pulse is feeble, be - cause the contraction is not full or complete ; which I shall prove to he the most favorable state for the in- crease of secretions.