The classification, pathology, & general treatment of morbid growths / by John Hughes Bennett.

  • John Hughes Bennett
Date:
[between 1857 and 1870?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The classification, pathology, & general treatment of morbid growths / by John Hughes Bennett. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    It is easy to understand how varieties may in this way be multiplied, and how new names may be scientifically given to rare forms of tumour: for instance, Syphonoma, or tubular growth, described by Ilenle ; Cylin¬ droma, by Billroth ; Heteradenoma, by Robin ; &c., &c. Further varieties have been made to express one or more combinations of these elements, and hence the terms Fibro-cystic, Fibro-cartilaginous, Fibrosarcoma, and so on. Indeed, this kind of nomenclature admits of further extension, and such terms as Fibro-epithelial, Angio-cystic, Cystic- adenoma, OsteO'-fibrous, and so on, might be employed with advantage. When, also, growths have a certain resemblance to, or largely partake of, the structures and substances referred to, while their real nature is not absolutely or altogether the same, the words Fibroid, Adenoid, Chon droid, Osteoid, Colloid, Hcematoid, Fungoid, Encephaloid, Mye¬ loid, Cancroid, <fcc., have been employed. All these words and modes of expression, as they are founded on anatomical facts, may, if carefully applied, be useful in designating the structure and nature of morbid growths. But distinctions founded on presumed vital properties are objectionable. What ideas, for instance, ought to be attached to the terms innocent and malignant ? I have known the most innocent growths not operated on by the surgeon, and allowed to kill, in consequence of his believing them to be malignant, and very malignant ones not touched at that early period when their removal was likely to be beneficial, in the hope that they would go away of themselves. Distinctions sought to be established on such theoretical considerations are not only erroneous in principle, but have proved most injurious in practice. II. Pathology. The general pathology of morbid growths comprehends a consideration of their origin, development, propagation, and decline. It is impossible to over-estimate the importance of this subject, as a knowledge of it can alone furnish us with correct principles of treatment. Doubtless many facts are yet to be discovered as to the structure, chemical compo¬ sition, and mode of formation of morbid growths ; but enough has been ascertained of late years, from combined histological and chemical research, to necessitate great modifications in the views previously held regarding them. The following account is derived not only from careful study of what has been written by others, but from a large amount of original investigation. Origin of Morbid Growths. All morbid growths consist, 1st, in augmented development of pre-existing textures (so-called homologous or homasomorphous growths); 2nd, of new elements which have no previous existence in the economy
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