Observations on ulcers of the legs, and other parts : shewing that the most obstinate and intractable cases may be speedily cured by mild methods of treatment : to which are appended some remarks on scrofulous disorders / by Archibald Maxfield.

  • Maxfield, Archibald.
Date:
1842
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on ulcers of the legs, and other parts : shewing that the most obstinate and intractable cases may be speedily cured by mild methods of treatment : to which are appended some remarks on scrofulous disorders / by Archibald Maxfield. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    the diseased leg being generally soaked the greater part of the time in a poultice, with little or no improvement in the local disorder; but frequently- exhibiting a very marked deterioration of the bodily health. But in almost every case of ulcer of the leg, the usual declaration of the medical atten- dant to the patient is,— You can do nothing without rest. My experience, however, has brought me to the conclusion that, with very few exceptions, much good may be done without it; and that the cure can be even greatly promoted in a large proportion of them, by an opposite course of proceeding. During the cure of ulcers, therefore, more than ordinary rest may be considered un- necessary ; whilst constant confinement is often injurious both to the general health and the local disorder. The exceptions to this remark on the advantages of exercise, are cases attended with active inflammation, as erysipelas, phleg- mon, &c. where perfect repose forms an essential part of the treatment, until the inflammation is subdued; but the recommendation of it should be limited to cases of this description, and to the duration of the inflammatory action. Well-adjusted compression is the great substitute for rest, in relie^dng pain and vas-
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