Domestic medicine and surgery : with a glossary of the terms used therein / by J.H. Walsh.
- John Henry Walsh
- Date:
- 1875
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Domestic medicine and surgery : with a glossary of the terms used therein / by J.H. Walsh. Source: Wellcome Collection.
22/846 (page 2)
![the one being generally, and probably always, accompanied by temporary or permanent change of structure, while the other is never attended bj' any- thing more than temporai-y disturbance of function. 4. As the scientific term “normal” signifies healthy, so the word “diseased” is replaced by “abnormal” in modem language, when it is intended to be very precise. Sect. 3.—iNrurnNCEOFTEMPEmvAiENT ON HE..n,TH AND DISEASE. Ti. Both the healthy and diseased conditions of the hummi body ai-e con- siderably modified by what is calied the “temperament” of the individual. This term, like many others which we shall meet with, is so well known as tciircely to need description; and yet When we come to define it we are at a loss, since it is almost impossible to carry out our ideas with language which wiil be accurate enough rvithout being prolix. Suffice it, therefore, to. say, that it is chiefly marked by a dificrence in external form and com- plexion, though most probably there is also a corresponding change in the internal organs. Hence, it is only necessary to describe each kind, in order to show what the meaning of the term “temperament” really is. 6. It is usual to group these varia- tions under four heads—1st, the san- guine ; 2nd, the phlegmatic; 3rd, the bilious; and, 4th, the nervous tem- perament. Some authors modify these still further, by usmg the terms nervo- lympkatic, sanpuinco-ncrvoiis, hilio-ner- vous, &c., to mark the compounds of two temperaments; but thc%o minute attempts at definition are scarcely desirable for common purposes. 7. The sanguine temperament is indicated by a general fulness of form, without excess of fat; tlie muscles being well developed and firm, if tlie healtli is good. The blood circulates actively in vessels of good size, as marked by a full and rather frequent pulse. The complexion is florid, and generally fair, the hair liglit, and the skin soft and transparent. Both body and mind are excitable, and capable of sudden exertions; and the passions gener.ally run high. 8. The phlegmatic, sometimes des- cribed as the lympliatic temperament, iaknomibya roundness of form, not caused by fulness of muscle, but by an accumulation of fat. Tiie blood vessels are small, and the circulation is languid, as is the case with most of the functions of the body. The hair is of a middle shade, the complexion devoid of colour, and generally opaque. The features are round and full, and the expression of countenance devoid of character and energy. 9. The nervous temperament is attended by a s]>are and slight form, with slender but firm muscles; circu- lation quick, and easily acted on by external impressions; complexion pale, but clear; eyes sparkling, and of all colours : features sharp, and expression animated, and changing with every new impression; mental faculties acute, and apt to re-act upon the bodily organs. 10. The bilious temperament is ac- companied by a fuU and firm outline, generally of an abrupt and angular form; features strongly marked, and countenance sombre, with a firm ex- pression of character. The complexion is dark, and somewhat sallow; eyes and hair usually dark-brown or black; circulation well marked, and the blood vessels large, especially the veins on the surface. The character is generaily decided and energetic, and there is a capability of long-continued exertion, both bodily and mental. 11. These several tempcr.ament.s are variously influenced by external cir- cumstances, both in ordinary health and in a state of disease. Thus, tiie nervous temperament will often be suited to a quiet and secluded as well as relaxing situation, which would be wholly unfitted for the bilious, So, with regard to absolute disease, (ho sanguine is most prone to infliunmation and other acute disorders of the circu- lation. The phlegmatic is liable to congestion and glandular enlargcmenl.s; the bilious to disorders of the stomach and liv iT, with their attendant evils; and. lastly, to the nervous tempera-](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b28103142_0024.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
