Asiatic Cholera: A treatise on its origin, pathology, treatment, and cureWhitney, Elijah
History
Asiatic Cholera: A treatise on its origin, pathology, treatment, and cure
Whitney, Elijah
Cholera
In the employment of an anti-miasmatic principle and remedial agent,
we feel ourselves abundantly sustained, by the concurrent testimony,
of those English surgeons connected with the Medical Bureau in the
department of India, whose numerous experiments and carefully detailed
clinic cases occurring in the recent irruption and prevalence of
the disease in that section, exhibit its utility in such a striking
contrast with all former practice, as to leave no doubt as to its
direct and specific action in the cure of cholera. It is in allusion to
these experiments, and in answer to the question, what is deemed the
most successful mode of treatment, that the learned Professor Maclean
unhesitatingly observes, "Alkalies in the effervescing form, free
stimulation of the surface, and chloroform in small doses, offer the
best hope of relief." As this opinion comes from such high authority,
and is compatible with the pathology of the disease, we may, without
fear of controversy, add in conclusion, in any and every form of
medication for the cure of cholera, we must not forget that chloroform
is our sheet-anchor; and must be so combined and administered as to
meet promptly the indications required.
SECTION II.--PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION OF THE BLOOD.
ITS NON-AERATION--NON-OXYDATION.
In the preceding section we alluded to the suggestions and doctrines
advanced by the learned Dr. C. W. Bell, Physician to the Manchester
Infirmary, and late Physician to H. M. Embassy in Persia--and also
to Dr. George Johnson, of Kings College, whose views and doctrines,
relative to the Pathology, illustrative of the congestive character
and non-aeration of the blood, coincide with those of Dr. Bell. A
brief examination of their philosophy and doctrines will show very
conclusively the first direct impression of the poison--the gradually
altered condition of the blood, and the corresponding loss of nerve
power--the impeded arterial circulation and the general tendency to
congestion, as well as the altered condition and stagnation of the
blood, especially during the stage of collapse.
The question is asked, "What is the pathological explanation of this
remarkable train of symptoms?" and the answer is given, "The one great
central fact is this, that during the stage of collapse, the passage of
blood through the lungs, from the right to the left side of the heart,
is in a greater or less degree impeded." Very conclusive evidence as to
the existence of impeded pulmonary circulation during life is afforded
by the appearances observed in the heart, blood-vessels, and lungs
after death.
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