An improvement in the mode of administering the vapour bath, and in the apparatus connected with it; with plans of fixed and portable baths for hospitals and private houses, and some practical suggestions on the efficacy of vapour, in application to various diseases of the human frame, and as may be beneficial to the veterinary branch of medecine [sic].

Date:: 1809

Credit: An improvement in the mode of administering the vapour bath, and in the apparatus connected with it; with plans of fixed and portable baths for hospitals and private houses, and some practical suggestions on the efficacy of vapour, in application to various diseases of the human frame, and as may be beneficial to the veterinary branch of medecine [sic]. 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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[ 35 ] cveiy thing that was directed by different physicians, for nearly three years, until it became a constant tertian ague; the violence of which Eo much exhausted her strength, that she was seldom more than a few hours from the bed, at any one interval. Connected with this state of reduced strength, a very great enlargement of the spleen, or ague cake, as it is called in Kent and Essex, occupied the whole of the abdomen on the left side, causing a great pressure on the vessels there situate, so as to produce oedematous swellings of the lower extremities. Early in the disease a jaundice had accompanied the complaint, and the countenance of Mrs, P., at the time I was consulted, which was in May, 1798, indi- cated an obstruction of the liver also. This was rendered more probable, from jaundice having continued one whole year during her long illness. Under such circumstances, I scarcely knew what to advise. After some hesitation, however, I recommended a trial of vital air, hoping thereby to give such energy to the constitution, as to enable tonic remedies to cure the disease. After ten days, giving the air diluted in the proportion of one quart to forty of common air, I had the satisfaction to observe, that the paroxysms of ague and fever were much less violent, and of shorter duration; while the usual effects of warmth, perspiration, and V sleep followed the inhalation of the air. By gradually increasing the proportion of vital air in each dose, the leading symptoms of the disease were arrested in their progress. I then directed a mild use of steel, and in a fortnight the ague entirely disappeared. By continuing this altera- tive plan of vital air, occasionally keeping the bowels open, and persever- ing in the use of steel as a tonic, slie was perfectly recovered in the space of a month. At this period her complexion became healthy, her appetite good, and sleep natural: it appeared to me likewise, that the enlarge- ment of the spleen was considerably lessened. This, however, I did not consider of much consequence; but on calling to see her at distant periods of time, I now know, that not the least remains of this enlarge- E ment

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