The faeces of children and adults : their examination and diagnostic significance with indications for treatment / by P.J. Cammidge.

  • Cammidge, P. J. (Percy John), 1872-
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The faeces of children and adults : their examination and diagnostic significance with indications for treatment / by P.J. Cammidge. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    of thaolaxine. As a rule no benefit is experienced for two or three days, as it takes that time for the preparation to traverse the bowels. In some instances a course of treatment lasting two or three weeks will suffice to restore the regular functions of the bowels, but in others it has to be continued indefinitely, although very often in much reduced doses. Another substance which is not absorbed in the ahmentary tract, and gives bulk to the fasces, is liquid paraffin. On the whole it is more generally useful than agar-agar, for it gives rise to very soft stools that are easily passed, and moreover tends to soothe the inflamed mucous membrane of the stomach and bowel in cases where there is a catarrhal affection. Neville Wood and Schmidt have both advocated its use, but the latter advises the addition of a small quantity of cascara to the paraffin, the mixture being known as pararegulin. Liquid paraffin is given in doses of one to four or six drachms daily, the larger quantities in divided doses throughout the day, and the smaller in a single dose at night. It may be taken plain in capsules or in the form of an emulsion, of which the following is one that I frequently employ* :— B.- Paraf&ni Liq. 3!] 01. Olivae 3ij 01. Ricini 3ss Glycerin i 3j Some use the semi-solid paraffin (paraffinum molle), and give it between bread as a sandwich. A purely- chemical stimulation of the intestinal mucous membrane, as compared with the mixed mechanical and chemical irritation produced by the measures already mentioned, can be induced by a variety of drugs. Some, such as the vegetable purgatives and various alkaloids, act on the nerve-endings and muscles of the intestinal walls, producing increased motor activity; others, hke the salts of mercury, irritate the mucous membrane ; while others again, as for example the saline purges, cause an increased flow of secretion into the bowel and so stimulate its activities. When selecting a purga- tive, the object to be attained must be borne in mind, and the choice be guided by several considerations. In the first place, it must of course be efficient, that is to say, the stool produced must at least be formed of all the fasces accumulated beyond the splenic flexure * A similar preparation containing: Calc. Lact. gr. v 01. Amygd. Amar. TI\J Aq. Chloroforrai ad 3] If Paraffin! Liq. 7j 01. OlivcE 3j 01. Ricini n\x Casein. gr. x 01. Amygd. n\l Sod. Bicarb. gr. v has been placed on the market by Messrs. Callard & Co. under the name of nutritive cream.