Change of Air Considered in the Treatment of Consumption & Chronic Disease (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 Excerpt: ...sensation which we feel while examining the beatings of the artery of a consumptive person, there likewise occur the frequency and celerity of the pulse which is small, hard, quick, and somewhat irregular in the morning, and quicker, more regular, and somewhat elevated in the afternoon. Perspiration, with expectoration of pus and mucus, comes on in greater or less quantity in the advanced period of the night, and is attended by a certain obscure redoubling, as it were, of some of its dilations, which is then felt, and this, united with other attributes of the pulse, gives a certain and sure sign of the successive suppuration of the tubercles. Relying greatly, therefore, on the character of the pulse as a means of prognosis, it is incumbent on the medical practitioner not to advise convalescents change of air to any place or locality where, from natural circumstances of position, an increased pulsation is likely to be acquired, knowing full well that whatever tends, even in the slightest degree, to add, by stimulating action, an increased pulsating power in the system in diseases of the chest, will assuredly contribute to diminish the period of existence. It will be clearly seen from the foregoing observations, that my great object is to undeceive the public mind on the subject of "Change of Air," and to point out the course that ought to be pursued, in that respect, with reference to consumption, scrofula, and chronic diseases. My view is somewhat different from the ordinary one taken on these subjects, convinced as I am of the extensive mischief that has been done by a mistaken and indiscriminate recommendation of "Change of Climate," when no such change was called for. "Change of Air" requires to be employed with the same pre...