WESTMINSTER MEDICAL SOCIETY. March 4, 1828.

WESTMINSTER MEDICAL SOCIETY. March 4, 1828.

855 In our last notice of this case, we stated was upwards of forty years of age; that she is fiftyand it is imfind we but that she draught, with an...

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855 In our last notice of this case, we stated was upwards of forty years of age; that she is fiftyand it is imfind we but

that she

draught, with an equal quantity of decoction of bark, is administered every

a saline

hour, alternating with a cupful of chicken broth. Bloodletting is seldom had portant to mention, that she had ceased to recourse to ; blisters are occasionally used. Dr. A. T. THOMSON spoke at considermenstruate. able length in support of Dr. Copland’s hysecond

pothesis.

Dr. JOHNSTONE

contended, that we have clear evidence of the nervous system being the part first affected in fever, the deWESTMINSTER MEDICAL SOCIETY. rangement of the vascular system being in many instances concomitant. In illustraMarch 4, 1828. tion of the position, that " a poisonous leaven is introduced into the blood," he referred to small-pox and other exanthemata. Dr. SOMERVILLE, in the Chair. Mr. NoRTH expressed his opinion of the DR. JAMES COPLAND, this evening, ad. inutility of the discussion, observing, that duced his views respecting the pathology when a practitioner comes to the bed-side, of fever. The substance of his opinions he does not sit down to inquire into the abwas, that the morbific matter, which he stract nature, or essence of fever, and if he considers is introduced into the system, and really were to do so, it would not avail in generates fever, first makes its impression the treatment. Mr. LAMBERT concurred in the opinions on the ganglionic nervous system ; and, of the preceding speaker ; he considered in the held parts dependence subsequently, to these nerves become affected. He con- the discussion to be even " worse than usetended, that in all cases of fever, there is, less," the subject of argument being in its at the commencement, a depression of the nature incapable of demonstration, must, and vital powers, referrible to an affection of the would ever remain, a mere matter of opinion ; nerves, which preside over organic life ; the hypothesis might, or might not be true. Dr. LEY wished to draw the attention of that the derangement of circulation, secretions, &c., which ensues in the second stage the Society to a practical view of the quesof fever, is consequent upon this disturbed tion, namely, as regards the possibility of 11 cutting short" fever. state of the presiding nervous power. With Dr. BARRY rnd Dr. TiioMsoN comrespect to the treatment, Dr. Copland considered it under three divisions ; firstly, the mented with considerable warmth on those stage of depression ; secondly, of excite- gentlemen who had asserted, that the subment ; and thirdly, of collapse, and recom- ject of discussion was useless, the latter obmended the adoption of measures suitable serving, in the course of his speech, that he to each. In the last stage of fever, he had remembered Dr. Black, of Edinburgh, exseen spirit of turpentine very beneficial ; hibiting a small gas lamp, and at the same " also, friction of the body, with camphorated time saying it was only a philosophical a of liniment, containing portion cayenne toy." The debate towards the latter end became pepper. Dr. BARRY argued in support of the opi- very interesting, chiefly from the warmth nion, that the fluids are the parts first af- manifested by the contending speakers. Dr. fected, and that the nervous system suffers Barry’s last speech being a little extravain consequence. He inquired of Dr. Cop gant, excited roars of laughter. It was ultiland, (who had asserted, that the morbific mately agreed that Dr. Copland should matter productive of fever, is chiefly taken bring forward the subject on the ensuing in by the lungs,) how it happened that the evening, in order that he might have the of reply, which he was prevented fibres of the pneumo-gastric nerves were not affected, and the ganglionic plexus alone from obtaining, by the time of the Society disturbed. Dr. Barry, in reference to the having elapsed. practice of giving emetics, as recommended by Dr. Copland, remarked, that although it was strongly condemned by B.oussais, yet LONDON MEDICAL SOCIETY. he l.ad seen emetics employed on a large scale in Portugal, and with great success. March 3, 1828. It is so customary, he said, in that country, to exhibit an emetic in the early stages of Dr. HASLAM, President, in the Chair. fever, that a room is kept in each hospital was a THERE the of for sole purpose meeting of the memreceiving patients, all of whom undergo the action cf vomit- bers of the Society this evening, prior to the ingas a preparatory measure. Subsequently, anniversary dinner, for the purpose of electno

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