An introduction to the study of practical medicine : being an outline of the leading facts and principles of the science, as taught in a course of lectures, delivered in the Marischal College of Aberdeen / by John Macrobin.

  • Macrobin, John, 1804-1879.
Date:
1841
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the study of practical medicine : being an outline of the leading facts and principles of the science, as taught in a course of lectures, delivered in the Marischal College of Aberdeen / by John Macrobin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    But in this state of the vascular system, besides excess in the quantity of the blood, there is generally also an excess of its fihfine and red globules, whereby it is possessed of a more stimulating and nutritive property. And thus, plethoric persons are, as respects both the quantity and quality of the fluids, in a condition the very opposite of that which prevails in anemia :—which, though more frequentry the concomitant or consequence of a preexisting disease, especially of malignant tumours—of chlorosis—scorbutus—pur- pura, and other states of the general system, which have been usually classified by Nosologists under the head of cachectic dis- eases—is nevertheless sometimes a primary and independent (Idio- pathic) morbid condition : in which case the anaemia may be owing lo accidental inanition, improper food, depressing passions, want of invigorating air and exercise, absence of solar heat and light, (cir- cumstances which appear adequate to the production of scurvy and purpura apart from the use of salted provisions,) and probably also to certain conditions of the nerves of organic life concerned in the process of assimilation. Accordingly, in consequence of excess in the quantity and quality of the blood in one case, and deficiency in these respects in another, the different functions of the body will either be subjected to undue stimulation, or to a defective excita- tion. Whence the nutrition of the body will be excessive in the former instance, and manifestly defective and atrophied in the lat- ter; and whence, also, the treatment applicable to the one and the other of these conditions of the vascular system, will, in most, though probably not in all particulars, be directly opposite :—tonic remedies and tonic regimen being indicated when anaemia, simple or complicated, is present; while for plethora, moderate depletion and other antiphlogistic measures will be required. Although, in either case these respective modes of treatment must not be urged too far or too precipitately; seeing that plethora is by no means invariably associated with strength of constitution, nor anaemia, purpura, and scorbutus (though in their general character asthenic disease,) always free from increased action of vessels, tending to inflammation. When the plethora is great, and has been of some duration, a certain deviation from the strictly healthy actions of the system will generally be observed to take place. In which case there will arise (often independently of any other obvious cause,) certain minor derangements of function ; of which the following are some of the most usual indications :—General oppression ; languor and lassitude ; listlessness and inaptitude for mental and corporeal ex- ertions ; an easily accelerated circulation—the pulse being com- monly quicker, fuller, and less compressible than in perfectly nor- mal states of the system ;—and as the functions of the nervous, as well as of the vascular system are oppressed, the whole secretions and excretions of the body become irregular and defective, thereby adding to the plethora. But should this undue excitation of the different organs and