Remarks on the use of the bromides in the treatment of epilepsy and other neuroses / by W.B. Kesteven.

  • Kesteven, W. B. (William Bedford), 1812-1891.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Remarks on the use of the bromides in the treatment of epilepsy and other neuroses / by W.B. Kesteven. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    USE OF THE BROMIDES IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY AND OTHER NEUROSES. Mr. President and Gentlemen :—I do not pretend to liave anything original to bring tuider yom notice; but, solely witb tbe desire of contributing toward tbe attainment of pre- cision in the employment of remedies, I venture to ask the at- tention of the Society for a short space of time to a few remarks upon the use of the Bromides in certain of the Neuroses. The combinations of Bromine with iron, ammonium, and potassium, have only of late years attracted the attention of the medical profession in a degree at all commensurate with their importance. Soon after their first introduction, some thirty years ago,, they fell into unmerited disuse, probably through their having been administered in too small doses. They are now, how- ever, recovering their position, and from being looked upon with doubt, and even disfavour, they are in danger of becom- ing the fashion. Their properties are, moreover, somewhat vaguely stated in woi'ks on Materia Medica. Thus, they are styled, Altera- tives, and Deobstruents, (whatever those may be). Seda- tives, Calmatives, Soporifics, &c., and, they have, as it seems to me, been prescribed in a somewhat indefirdte manner. My experience of the uses of these medicines being restricted by the limited range of private practice, I fear I shall appear presumptuous in bringing my small number of cases under your notice. Any inferences, however, that may be founded thereon will perhaps be allowed to be more reliable from the fact that the patient and his family, and what I may briefly call his tendencies, are known to me ; whilst also that he is more regularly under my observation, I have prescribed the bromides in Epilepsy, Laryngismus, Convulsions, Chorea, and certain nervous Headaches; in Melancholia, and in acute mania. For the other purposes referred to I have not seen that they possess any advantages over Iodides.