Cyclopaedia of the Practice of Medicine Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1875 edition. Excerpt: ...pain in the back, the vomiting, and the tormenting headache moderate or cease entirely; the delirium abates, and a salutary rest, or even sleep, ensues. Such absolute comfort as is experienced at this time in varioloid occurs very rarely in variola vera. As soon as the contents of the pustules begin to be purulent, the febrile condition, which had been greatly lessened during the eruption, again augments in a notable manner (Febr. seoundaria s. suppuration). Sometimes this suppurative fever (most frequently in the case of very sensitive persons, women and children) is ushered in by a chill, or by repeated chills, and continues from three to six, or even eight days, according to the severity of the case. When moderate, the temperature at evening rises to about 39-39.5 C. = 102103 F., and (in the absence of complications) seldom rises above 40 C. = 104 F., and then only in the severest critical cases. The form of the curve in this stage is very different from that in the initial fever. It has chiefly the remittent type, and daily variations of nearly 2 F. are not rare. The pulse fluctuates between 100 and 120 beats in the minute. The course and height of the suppurative fever are, in uncomplicated cases, directly dependent upon the cutaneous affection, its intensity also being greater the severer the dermatitis. VVith the suppuration the other sufferings of the patient, who rejoiced too soon in the eruptive stage, again undergo a marked increase. With considerable augmentation of the pain, and an increasing sensation of heat, great disquietude and absolute sleeplessness usually again occur. The headache returns, and the disturbances of the sensorium, especially delirium, form a complication as fatal as it is frequent. ' In severe...