Some observations on the present epidemic catarrhal fever, or influenza: chiefly in relation to its mode of treatment. To which are subjoined historical abstracts concerning the catarrhal fevers of 1762, 1775, and 1782 / By Richard Pearson.

  • Pearson, Richard, 1765-1836.
Date:
1803
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Some observations on the present epidemic catarrhal fever, or influenza: chiefly in relation to its mode of treatment. To which are subjoined historical abstracts concerning the catarrhal fevers of 1762, 1775, and 1782 / By Richard Pearson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    effect^ and what are the circumstances most fa¬ vourable to its action^ are points which have not yet been duly investigated. As it is the fever which constitutes the essence of this disease^ our first attention should be directed to it, and not to the cough (except when it is accompanied with a true peripneumony) ; otherwise, by prescribing only for one of its symp¬ toms, we shall make but little impression upon .the general morbid affection. We are not therefore to begin the cure with pectoral medicines, but with such remedies as are capable of acting upon the system at large, through the medium of the stomach and intestinal canal. Such are emetics, and mercurial and antimonial cathartics. A bad taste in the mouth, oppression about the epigastric region, and nausea, indicate the use of an emetic; which, however, may not be neces¬ sary, where those symptoms are wanting. Whether an emetic be administered or not, the bowels should be moved by a dose of calomel, joined with about half its weight of the Pulv. Anti- monialis Ph, Lond.