The modern practice of physic : exhibiting the character, causes, symptoms, prognostics, morbid appearances, and improved method of treating the diseases of all climates / by Robert Thomas.

  • Thomas, Robert, 1753-1835.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The modern practice of physic : exhibiting the character, causes, symptoms, prognostics, morbid appearances, and improved method of treating the diseases of all climates / by Robert Thomas. 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.)

    21/1098
    PRACTICE OF PHYSTC. CLASS I. PYREXI/E, oh FEBRILE DISEASES. '.The character assigned to this class of diseases is, increased heat and frequency of the pulse, after a shivering, accompanied with a disturbance in many of the functions, and diminution of strength, especially in the limbs. ORDER I. FEBRES, or FEVERS. It is impossible to give a concise and proper definition of the disease known by the name of fever, as it has no symptom invari- ably attendant on it, which can point out its real nature or essence. The pulse is exceedingly various in such cases : it may be small, weak, slow, contracted, and unequal; or it may be strong, quick', full, and regular ; hard or soft, according as the fever is at the commencement, increase, height, or in the remission and termi-* nation ; or as the genus and nature of the (e\ev may chance to differ. So, also, the heat may be equally diffused, or confined to particular parts : sometimes the external parts are cold, with a sense of internal heat; at others, there is general heat or cold over the body ; and sometimes the heat is not greater than what is natural. Sometimes the face is pale, and at others it is red or swelled ; now it has the natural look, a<nd now the reverse of this, The eyes are heavy, languid, and sad ; or red, and impatient of light ; they are prominent, distorted, or wild ; shining, dull, or ghastly ; sometimes bedewed with tears, and deprived of their usual lustre. The tongue is generally dry, chapped, scabrous, red, white, or variegated ; often covered with mucus ; but not unfrequently moist and natural, without any thirst. The breath- ing is frequent, hot, unequal, or impeded ; the breath h often offensive. The appetite is usually extinct; but, in a few instances, some desire for food remains. Sometimes the urine is ciude and watery ; at others, red and thin ; or often thick, soon becoming turbid, and depositing a sediment; sometimes it is of a natural appearance. To these symptoms are added, pains in different parts of the body ; depression of strength, and watchfulness; or. on thr- other hand, heaviness, stupor, or imbecility of mind,