The Present Method of Inoculating for the Small-Pox: To which are added, some experiments, instituted with a view to discover the effects of a similar treatment in the natural small-pox — John Shaqi
The Present Method of Inoculating for the Small-Pox: To which are added, some experiments, instituted with a view to discover the effects of a similar treatment in the natural small-poxDimsdale, Thomas
History
The Present Method of Inoculating for the Small-Pox: To which are added, some experiments, instituted with a view to discover the effects of a similar treatment in the natural small-pox
Dimsdale, Thomas
Smallpox -- Vaccination -- Early works to 1800
A quantity of this medicine should be carefully prepared at once, in
order to make the division more exact.
On the fourth or fifth day, upon applying the finger, a hardness is to
be felt by the touch. The patient perceives an itching on the part,
which appears slightly inflamed; and under a kind of vesication is seen
a little clear fluid; the part resembling a superficial burn. About the
sixth, most commonly, some pain and stiffness is felt in the axilla;
and this is a very pleasing symptom, as it not only foretells the near
approach of the eruptive symptoms, but is a sign of a favourable
progress of the disease. Sometimes on the seventh, oftener on the
eighth day, symptoms of the eruptive fever appear; such as slight
remitting pains in the head and back, succeeded by transient shiverings
and alternate heats, which in a greater or less degree, continue till
the eruption is perfected. At this time also it is usual for the
patient to complain of a very disagreeable taste in his mouth, the
breath is always fetid, and the smell of it different from what I have
ever observed in any case, except in the variolous eruptive fever.
The inflammation in the arms at this time spreads fast; and upon
viewing it with a good glass, the incision, for the most part, appears
surrounded with an infinite number of small confluent pustules, which
increase in size and extent as the disease advances. On the tenth or
eleventh day, a circular or oval efflorescence is usually discovered,
surrounding the incision, and extending sometimes near half round
the arm, but more frequently to about the size of a shilling; and
being under the cuticle, is smooth to the touch, and not painful.
This appearance is also a very pleasing one; it accompanies eruption;
every disagreeable symptom ceases; and at the same time it certainly
indicates the whole affair to be over; the pain and stiffness in the
axilla also going off.
The feverish symptoms are for the most part so mild, as seldom to
require any medicinal assistance, except a repetition of the same
medicine that was directed on the second night after the operation; and
on the following morning this laxative draught, to procure three or
four stools;
Infusion of sena two ounces, manna half an ounce, tincture of jalap
two drams.
These are given as soon as the eruptive symptoms are perceivable, if
they seem to indicate any uncommon degree of vehemence.
It has been observed, that by attending to the progress of infection,
we may be able to prognosticate, with some degree of certainty, the
event of the distemper in general. Particular incidents will ever
happen, but not sufficient to destroy the propriety of general rules.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account