Clinical lectures on the diseases of women and children / by Gunning S. Bedford.

  • Bedford Gunning S., 1806-1870.
Date:
1872
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Clinical lectures on the diseases of women and children / by Gunning S. Bedford. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    occupied, she does not complain of the palpitation.” The hearing of these two questions, gentlemen, you must at once perceive. They establish the interesting fact—a fact which will be appreciated by this girl, for it will dry up her tears, and substitute happiness for sorrow— that the palpitation is not the result of organic disease of the heart. In the palpitation arising from structural lesion of this organ, wo do not find that the disturbed action ceases at night, or is suspended on taking exercise—but, on the contrary, the two characteristics of organic disease of the heart are unceasing palpitation night and day, with an increase in the heart’s impulse when exercising. The first point of inquiry having been ascertained, whether the palpitation be due to organic or functional disturbance, the question becomes greatly simplified by the fact that it is solelv functional. The causes of functional derangement of the heart are numerous. Dyspepsia, abnormal menstruation, the approach of pubertyj indigestion, gastric repletion, depressing mental emotions, as also joy, etc., are among the common causes of palpitation. If you will look at the little girl before us you will observe, in addition to what we have gathered from the statement of the mother, an absence of those signs which usually indicate organic disease of the heart. There is, for example, no tumefaction of the face—the pulse is regular—no intermit- tcnce—no oedema of the extremities, etc., etc. In a word, gentlemen, you have before you a case simply of functional disorder of the heart— and if you will revert to the history of the case, you will, I think, find sufficient to account for the unnatural action. 1. This girl is thirteen years of age—the advent of puberty is at hand; 2. She is constipated, with dejection of spirits; 3. She is extremely nervous, and easily fright- ened ; 4. A friend has informed her that she has disciise of the heart. Here, then, are several influences in combination, either one of which is sufficient, under ordinary circumstances, to produce the leading symp- tom in this case—the palpitation. The indication is quite manifest. The constijiation—always the source of disturbed action, if not of dis- ease—is the first object of attention. When this is removed, and the bowels properly regulated, the nutritive functions must be improved by the judicious use of the vegetable and metallic tonics. This, with exercise in the open air, a visit to the sea shore if possible, and agreeable influences such as will contribute to a cheerful mind, will restore this girl to health. Treatment:— ]J Hydrarg. c. Greta . gr. viij To be followed in the morning by §j of castor oil. The following compound rhubarb mixture will be found beneficial in preserving a solu* ble state of the bowels, and of improving Pulv. RheL * . . . digestion: • • • 3j Sodifi Carbonat • • • 3ij Pulv. CalumbiB • * • 3U Aquae Menthae pip. ) • • • M. Aquae Puns ' A table-spoonful three times a day.
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