Pathological inquiries ; or an attempt to explain the phenomena of disease and philosophically to direct the methods of cure / [Sir George Smith Gibbes].
- George Smith Gibbes
- Date:
- [1820?]
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: Pathological inquiries ; or an attempt to explain the phenomena of disease and philosophically to direct the methods of cure / [Sir George Smith Gibbes]. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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![6f medicines of the emetic tribe, as ipecacuanha, squill, and the several preparations of antimony. The admitted use of the Bath waters, in cases of this- description, proves the advantage arising from giving assistance to the languid powers of these re-active organs. If we vary as we will the doses of the above medi- cines, in some cases, we cannot attain the precise action necessary to the cure of some stomach affections. It is, therefore, of importance to join other medicines with them, for the definite purpose of making them act in the proper manner. Thus, in some irritable stomachs it may be useful to join a small quantity of opium, henbane or hemlock, with the purgatives and emetic ingredients. In other cases some stimulants become necessary, as cayenne, ginger, &c. Some habits will not bear aloes, and others are peculiarly affected by rhubarb ; but in all cases the cure depends more upon the actions which are produced by the medicines, than upon any specific quality in the medicines themselves. The natural and curative distur- bance can be traced in many eases, and the object imisf be artificially to bring about that curative process, in those cases where fiat ore is not equal to the task herself. It appears quite inconsistent with all just reasoning on these subjects, to admit the system which has of late been much recommended of relinquishing for diet almost all vegetable food, and of substituting drinks, containing ardent spirit, for the more refreshing beverage of table beer, and the weaker mixtures of light wines. It is true that the latter disturb the stomach more than the former, but these disturbances become ultimately more salutary ; particularly if the natural re-active process, comprehended in these affections, be assisted and modified by medicines, such as those above described, and which further those actions which of themselves naturally pro- duce a cure in some cases. In 24] et seq. the outline has been explained of the Important functions of the brain. The increased actions Of the vessels of the head, the flushed countenance, and the mental excitement which follow the use of vinous and ardent liquors, point out the almost immediate sympathy which exists between the stomach and the brain. Over excitement of one organ, as vvell as the other, leads to debility and collapse, and a reciprocal action attends their respective functions. The actions of these organs in a state of health, qui- p](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b29291689_0111.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
