The nature and treatment of dropsy: Considered especially in reference to the diseases of the internal organs of the body which most commonly produce it. Part I and II Anasarca and ascites. To which is added an appendix containing a translation of the work of Dr. Geromini on dropsy. From the original Italian / By Edward J. Seymour.

  • Seymour, Edward J. (Edward James), 1796-1866.
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The nature and treatment of dropsy: Considered especially in reference to the diseases of the internal organs of the body which most commonly produce it. Part I and II Anasarca and ascites. To which is added an appendix containing a translation of the work of Dr. Geromini on dropsy. From the original Italian / By Edward J. Seymour. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    239/250 (page 211)
    ideas, a method which appeared to the greater num- ber, supported by facts, viz. the stimulating one—that is, precisely the one opposed to what is called for to subdue the pathological process which constitutes the source of dropsy—it is not to be wondered at that, in following such a course, they should have been little fortunate in the cure of the disease; more espe- cially the physicians at the conclusion of the eighteenth century, who were not permitted by the laws of ex- citability to adopt at the same time evacuants, except when, by good fortune for their patients, they de- ceived themselves in their judgment of the vital action of the latter medicines. But we have with sufficient reason established—be- sides having demonstrated that dropsy is a morbid collection of fluid of new formation, or consisting of a morbid secretion formed by the surfaces of the parts where it is found—that the pathological condition taken on by these surfaces, which enables them to produce the disease, is no other than inflammation. This, we say, we have proved from the four following facts :— ]. That the dropsical fluid differs from that which naturally exhales from the cavities of the body. 2. That it is exactly similar to what is visibly pro- duced by inflammation. 3. That it is found only with organic alterations, undoubtedly the product of inflammation.