A manual of the practice of surgery / by W. Failie Clarke.

  • William Fairlie Clarke
Date:
[1882], ©1882
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A manual of the practice of surgery / by W. Failie Clarke. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    slight cause is sufficient to determine some manifestation of the disease. Thus, a sprain may be followed by disease of the joint, a long walk by enlargement of the inguinal glands, or the irrita- tion of dentition—more particularly the eruption of wisdom teeth —by the enlargement of those in the neck. Tubercle is the morbid material which is deposited in lym- phatic glands, bones, internal organs, or elsewhere, as a result of strumous disease. Its essential nature and the mode of its production are involved in much obscurity. It would appear, however, to be a degraded form of plastic material, the result of an affection of the lymphatic system, produced by faulty and perverted nutrition. Tubercle is met with under two forms—either as minute beads of a gre}% semi-transparent appearance and a firm consistence; or as a soft, yellow, opaque substance like cheese. The grey granulations seem to be nothing more than the early stage of the crude tubercles.'^ Under the microscope tubercle presents a homogeneous mass, in which are seen some imperfect cells. Chemically it consists of albumen, phosphate and carbonate of lime, together with a little oil. Tubercle is never organized, and never entirely absorbed. In a few fortunate cases it withers into a dry and chalky substance; but in the great majority of instances it softens, suppurates, and gives rise to abscess. The treatment of scrofula is partly constitutional and partly local. It has been said that the disease is one of debility and faulty assimilation. Everything, therefore, must be done which can promote digestion and nutrition, and improve the general health. By careful attention to this rule the active manifestation of the disease may be prevented, even in those who have an here- ditary tendency to it. The patient should live in a pure atmo- sphere—if possible, in an elevated situation, or at the seaside. He should have plenty of sun-light, Since light so necessary is to life, Nay, almost life itself. Milton's Samson Agonistes. His diet should be plain but nutritious, including a large propor- tion of animal food, and given with regularity. His clothes should be sufficiently warm, and he should be encouraged to take a moderate amount of exercise in the open air. The surgeon must pay attention to the state of the skin and of the secretions. A mild aperient or alterative should be given occasionally ] and, if other circumstances permit, a cold, tepid, or sea-water bath