Transcribed from the 1849 Simpkin, Marshall, and Co. edition. Many thanks to the British Library formaking their copy available.
BY
JOHN WILSON, M.D., F.R.S.,
INSPECTOR OFNAVAL HOSPITALS AND FLEETS.
SIMPKIN,MARSHALL, AND CO., LONDON;
LEGG, GOSPORT.
1849.
On admission the patient wasimmediately placed in a hot bath, from 104° to 112° ofFahrenheit, in relation to the reduction of circulatory power,and of superficial heat; diligent friction of the abdomen andextremities, according to the place and violence of the spasms,being at the same time practiced. The measure seldomfailed, except in cases of extreme collapse, to excite somewarmth, abate cramps, and lessen suffering, at least, for atime.
While in the bath, or as soon as carried from it, a drachm oftincture of opium, in aromatic water, was administered. If,as almost invariably happened, the draught was instantlyrejected, the proper practice of the hospital was forthwithcommenced and steadily pursued. It consisted of thefollowing means:—
Two grains of calomel, in bolus, every hour, or every halfhour.
p. 6Half adrachm of oil of turpentine, in two ounces of mucilage, repeatedevery hour, or every second hour; most frequently the last. In one instance it was given every half hour.
An enema, consisting of two ounces of oil of turpentine, twodrachms of tincture of opium, three ounces of mucilage, and threeounces of camphor mixture, repeated according tocircumstances.
Friction applied to cramped parts assiduously, and as forciblyas could be borne, with turpentine and olive oil.
Such, in brief, was the treatment adopted and relied on,though various auxiliaries were, from time to time, and indifferent cases, employed.
Occasionally, but chiefly when the patient represented thevomited fluid as being sour, a solution of carbonate of soda inwater was substituted for plain water, as a portion ofdrink. Sinapisms were sometimes applied; aromatics were nowand then, though seldom, prescribed; and in two cases, where withmoderately firm pulse, spasms were universal and excessivelysevere, blood was taken from the arm. Pans with hot waterwere often applied to various parts of the body, but could seldombe long borne, or kept in place, from spasms or other causes ofrestlessness in the patient.
One remarkable and gratifying effect of the turpentinedraughts consisted in what may be p. 7called their acceptability to thestomach. While aromatic and cordial mixtures were instantlyrejected, they were generally retained for considerableperiods. The turpentine injection had similar effects onthe intestines, allaying irritation and checkingdischarges. With few exceptions they arrested the flux fora time, in most instances for a considerable time. Sopowerful, in fact, was their restraining power, that they did notrequire to be often repeated. Their controllin