The second set of symptoms, or effects, are those which have been
already described under the name of hectic, the production of which
has formerly been explained. This action, when slight, has been called
weakness, and has been considered as dependent upon the quantity of
the discharge; but, for the reasons formerly mentioned, this cannot be
admitted. The cure of this state is to be attempted, by lessening the
local action, at the same time that we give soups, and other articles
of nourishing diet, with a moderate proportion of wine, if this do
not quicken the pulse, and produce heat of the skin. Anodynes in the
evening, by procuring rest, will also be useful; but none of these
remedies will produce their proper effect, unless the patient respire
a pure air. Bark is considered as useful in these cases; but, unless
good diet be conjoined, it is not of much benefit. If, however, we give
the means of increasing the quantity of vital power, bark, by inducing
an action more nearly resembling the natural one, will be serviceable;
but, for this purpose, it must be exhibited in full doses. It is from
giving this medicine too sparingly, and in cases where other causes,
tending to counteract its effects, such as poor diet, bad air, &c.
are allowed to remain and operate, that bark has been brought into
disrepute.
When the general action is very considerable, then the exquisite
hectic is induced, and the situation of the patient becomes alarming.
When the local action is simply the suppurative or ulcerative action,
we may consider that the general disease is also simple, and are to
attempt the cure by the remedies which have been just now mentioned.
In conjunction with such local applications as tend to check the
local action, we must have recourse to all those means which tend
to strengthen or renew the natural action of the system in general;
for which purpose, we must attend, in the first place, to all the
particular functions, or individual parts; and, in the second, to
the whole in the aggregate. Under the second head are included bark
and wine, with moderate exercise[42], and proper diet; in the choice
of which, we must be directed by the nourishment which is yielded,
and by the capability of digesting the articles which we employ. In
general, milk, soups, and jellies, answer best. Under the first head
are included such remedies as tend to promote digestion, such as steel,
bitters, mineral acids, &c. although in general the bark will supersede
their use. The state of the bowels must also be attended to, avoiding
costiveness on the one hand, and diarrhœa on the other. The secretion
of the skin must also be regulated, stopping the colliquative sweating,
if possible, by getting up for some time when it commences[43].
Lessening the quantity of bed-clothes, for a few minutes, will also
sometimes interrupt it; but when it has continued long, it can only be
checked by removing the diseased action[44]. A full dose of the bark
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