Observations on the properties of the air-pump vapour-bath, pointing out their efficacy in the cure of gout, rheumatism, palsy, &c. : With cursory remarks on factitious airs, and on the improved state of medical electricity, in all its branches, particularly in that of galvanism, and their efficacy in various diseases / by M. La Beaume.

  • La Beaume, Michael.
Date:
1818
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the properties of the air-pump vapour-bath, pointing out their efficacy in the cure of gout, rheumatism, palsy, &c. : With cursory remarks on factitious airs, and on the improved state of medical electricity, in all its branches, particularly in that of galvanism, and their efficacy in various diseases / by M. La Beaume. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

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    the ])ublic. They will, hy their power and efficacy, speak in a language not to be misunder- stood, ana growing confidence will banish incre- dulity. As great skill and experience, however, are indispensibly requisite to their successful ad- ministration, it may not be deemed impertinent in a publication of this kind, to submit to tlie .reader a few facts, that may enable him to judge of my fitness and capability, for a professional practitioner in medical electricity. About fifteen years ago, 1 withdrew from the busy haunts of men to enjoy the quiet of a coun- try life, and to devote myself to the study of philosophy in all its branches. Blessed with competence, 1 was contented and tranquil, and felt no wish to encrease in wealth. My only am- bition was to be useful to my fellow-creatures. Impressed with a conviction of the compara- tive insignificance of theoretic knowledge, that could not be rendered practically useful, I deter- mined from a higher motive than the love of gain, to study with a medical friend of conside- rable science and professional skill, in order to qualify me to administer with effect, to the ne- cessities of the afflicted poor. Another medical friend, having kindly engaged to co-operate witii me in that well-meant design ; we determined to apply electricity and galvanism to every case, where these powerful agents were likely to be useful. By this plan of gratuitous practice, we were soon furnished with abundant opportuni- ties of making fair and complete trials of their