The origin of contagia : in relation to prevailing theoretic views and scientific applications / by A.M. Brown.

  • Brown, A. M. (Alexander Menzies)
Date:
1884
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The origin of contagia : in relation to prevailing theoretic views and scientific applications / by A.M. Brown. 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.

    18/18 (page 16)
    tetany, and the like supply a list illustrative of such a nature and too often misread. A probable explanation, though unsuspected even by our experts in pathology, lies in the toxic physiological action of the cadaveric alkaloids—the ptomaines—to whose place, in the pathology of inoculation, animal or human, by whatever mode, the attention of the scientific interested in the question is for the first time directed. I believe this is the case; and it need not surprise us if an inference so important is destined shortly to be brought within the ranks of demonstrated facts. As the results of my investigations on the role of the cadaveric alka- loids in the pathology of inoculation with the putrid products of animal bodies, and more particularly man’s, will shortly be submitted to the notice of the scientific, in conclusion, it only now remains for me to add, that the object of this paper must be evident. It is merely a review of the respective claims on our acceptance of those two scientific views with reference to the origin and nature of contagia, and to endeavour, in the first place, to vindicate the one more commonly held than understood (now seriously assailed) which regards the microzyme or morbid germ as but a part, and not the whole; and, in the second place, to refute the other, which is new and of the schools, in showing that inoculative and prophylactic methods based thereon are in theory defective or illusory, in practice dangerous or pernicious. In how far, or in what measure, the object is accomplished, the science of the future will decide—the paper and its subject calls for due con- sideration. 2gy Keppel Street^ Russell Square.