The first lines of the practice of surgery: designed as an introduction for students and a concise book of reference for practitioners (Volume 2).

  • Cooper, Samuel, 1780-1848.
Date:
1835
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The first lines of the practice of surgery: designed as an introduction for students and a concise book of reference for practitioners (Volume 2). 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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    which has a direct tendency to make the sides of a transverse wound separate from each other. Richter objects to Pibrac's bandage, that it is irksome to children, and decidedly unnecessary in all cases, because the motions of the tongue which it directly restrains, namely, those forwards, or to either side, may be hindered by applying a bandage to the jaw, and making the patient refrain from talking and mastication. The same author affirms, that such treatment has answered as well as could be desired, in numerous cases, some of which were large transverse wounds, in restless and unmanageable children. During the treatment, the patient should be allowed only liquid nourishment, which ought to be imbibed through a tube. If the wound should be so deep as almost to separate the anterior part of the tongue from the rest of this organ, the remaining connexion is not to be divided, but an endeavour made to bring about an union with the aid of a suture. DANGEROUS ENLARGEMENT OF THE TONGUE. Sometimes, when this organ is inflamed, it swells so prodi- giously, that it protrudes between the teeth, entirely fills up the cavity of tho month, nnrl obstructs speech? deglutition, and even respiration. Here, common antiphlogistic measures will not afford relief with sufficient quickness. The most effectual plan is to make two longitudinal cuts near the edges of the dorsum of the tongue, from one to two inches in length. The copious bleeding, which follows, soon brings about a diminu- tion of the swelling, and the incisions readily heal. Jourdain, by taking blood from one of the raninal veins, afforded his patient immediate relief.* In one example, the disease resisted every means, until a blister was applied to the throat.t Some inflammations of the tongue have originated from the lodgment of foreign bodies in it, as a fish-bone, or a needle. Other cases have arisen from the injudicious employment of mercury, and the excitement of a sudden and immoderate sali- vation. Many examples are connected with violent inflamma- tion of the parts about the throat. Inflammation may induce mortification, and the loss of the greater part of the tongue. Here the treatment must conform to the general rules, delivered in the chapter on mortification. When, in consequence of any enlargement of this organ, or other disease in the mouth, the necessary food and medicines * Traite des Maladies de laBouche, &c. | Richter's Anfangsgr. der Wundarzn. band. iv. p. 29.