Elements of the theory and practice of medicine ; designed for the use of students and junior practitioners / by George Gregory ... [etc.].

  • George Gregory
Date:
1835
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Elements of the theory and practice of medicine ; designed for the use of students and junior practitioners / by George Gregory ... [etc.]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    Chap. 3.] ELEPHANTIASIS GRiECOIlUM. 003 by Rhazes, it has received the appellation of Elephantiasis Arabum. To avoid ambiguity, these complaints must be con- sidered distinct from each other, and from the cutaneous dis- eases already noticed. ELEPHANTIASIS GRJICORUM, OH TUBERCULATA. This disease consists in numerous flattened glossy tubercles, of a reddish colour, and of variable sizes, from a split pea to that of a large nut, occupying chiefly the face, ears, and limbs, sometimes, although rarely, extending to the trunk of the body. As the disease advances, some of the tubercles crack and ulcerate. On the extremities, from the accompanying lan- guor of the circulation, gangrene has been khown to take place. Nothing can be conceived more hideous than the aspect of the body under an aggravated degree of tubercular elephantiasis. In the early periods of the disease, the constitution does not sympathize. At a later period, the mind becomes depressed and melancholy, the general health gives way, and the patient sloviTly and miserably sinks, generally from supervening bron- chial inflammation. Tubercular elephantiasis occurs chiefly in hot climates. The East Indies afford numerous instances of it. It has been seen in this country, and we are indebted to Mr. Lawrence for the details of a case observed by him in 1814.* The pellagra of Italy is closely allied to it.-f- It has for its proximate cause a cachectic habit of body, the result of unwholesome diet, want of cleanliness, and damp air. It is strongly suspected to be hereditary. The disease is almost incurable. Tepid baths, soothing applications, and vegetable alteratives, such as sarsaparilla and guaiacum, with a nourishing diet, are recommended. Mercury is considered as pernicious. Dr. T. Heberden has recorded a case cured by bark.;}: Arsenic has also been found useful. Every thing seems to show that the disorder is intimately con- nected with langiiid circulation, and deficient vitahty. A tonic plan of diet and medicine seems therefore indicated.^ In the Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, || there is an account, by ■ Medico-Chirurgical Transactions, vol. vi. t Ibid. vol. viii. p. 1. Dr. Holland on The Pellagra of Lombardy, t TransacUons of the London College of Physicians, vol. i. p. 23. § Ibid. vol. V. p. 297. o / > I