OCR Text |
Show Hit lv‘luctuation of opinion. and practice in fever. membranes also. There was reason to conclude that part of The symptoms, the mischief had continued since the first accident. Other examples might be adduced, equally striking. From these and from what Ihave myself seen, I must infer that in serious diseases, affecting the head, when bleeding is determined upon and the action of the tem- poral artery such as to promise a free flow of 16.5 \ singly considered at least, which call for and prohibit the lancet, are sometimes distressingly similar. For in the early stage the pulse maybe. almost abolished, the actual heat of the body greatly lowered, and yet free bleeding succeed, as indubitable examples attest, nay, perhaps free bleeding is essential to recovery."‘ Accurate practical acquaintance blood, the Iancet should be applied there. The objections are such that one must wonder how they could have been raised by men of information. The effect on the opened artery delirium, pulse, by turns quick and slow, almost insensible, sometimes spreads instantly to the whole of the body cold, spasms, convulsions, and bilious vomiting. similarly affected vascular system; and when this communication of altered action is not so sudden, it is probably more certain than after piercing a distant vein; though from this too, I am well aware that we have instances of great and sudden clranges.-The jugular vein, in the circumstances specified, appears the next proper vessel to open. For those various circumstances in the ordinary fevers ot'hot climates and in the most ma- lignant of' our own, which render bleeding rev * A person had successively chills, heats, stupor, phrenit ic He rejected every thing offered to him-«3 clyster could not be administered with the help of six robust men. On the second day, Dr.Sumeire, who had been before deterred from bleeding by the pulse, was encouraged to open the jugular vein by considering the attack as arising from exposure to the sun. The flow of blood had an instantaneous effect. The patient. became calm at the very moment, but remained oppressed (assoupi). In two hours he took broth,- skin became a little warm, signs of recollection in the evening, night pretty tranquilsunext day, his former state returned. In the evens ing, when he was oppressed, cold and affected with tremor, the bleeding was rcpeated---scarce was the vein opened when (white, I refer to the most able original ob~ he became sensible, smiled and spoke-~-the pulse grew free and regular, and he recovered---Mr. Hunter, we know, ob- servers. served fits of actual heat and coldness in apoplexy. They will be perused with anxious attention by all, who have the chance of taking upon themselves the responsibility of principai actor in those tremendous scenes.-~ The In a (use like the above, it does not seem so difficult to perceive that the brain is oppressed, and probably similar symptoms always, and the period of the disease generally but not always, will afford grounds for decision. No one can need to be warned against mistaking the coldness at the close of fever 9 2 for WM MO |