Volume 1

Handbook of general therapeutics.

Date:
1885-7
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Handbook of general therapeutics. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.

    422/442 (page 396)
    chronic diseases a.ttended by fever koumiss exhibits, in addition to its general action, a lowering of the temperature, which not unfrequently sinks to the normal. In the first stage of phthisis (consolidation) the effect of koumiss is almost without exception successful; in the second (while the de- sti'uctive process is still limited) it acts only by improving the general condition; in the third stage (strongly marked destruction of lung- tissue) koumiss is badly borne by the patients, and only in the I'arest cases gives any relief. In catarrhs of the upper division of the alimentary canal the best results are attained, but in those only of the lower divi.sion as are associated with chronic diarrhoea. In cases of aneemia, chlorosis, malarial cachexia, &c., the koumiss treatment effects a radical cure. [P.S.—An artificial koumiss made from cow’s milk is prepared at the works of the Aylesbury Dairy Company under the direction of Dr. Vieth, and is sent out in syphon bottles. It has been pronounced ‘ exquisite ’ by the highest llus.sian authorities, and its flavour is certainly delicious. It differs from the ‘ genuine ’ koumiss in its greater stability, the fermentation being greatly pro- longed and the transition from the mild to the strong form occupying three weeks instead of as man)’' days, a great convenience to patients living at a distance. I have been i^nable to obtain any information as to the process employed in its manufacture, that being a trade secret of the company.— Translator.]