The influence of the atmosphere, more especially the atmosphere of the British Isles, on the health and functions of the human frame : embracing observations on the nature, treatment and prevention of the principal diseases resulting from sudden atmospherical transitions ; and unfolding original views and fundamental principles for the prolongation of life, and conservation of health. To which are added practical researches on the pathology, treatment, and prevention of gout and rheumatism in all their proteian forms. An essay / by James Johnson, M.D.

  • Johnson, James, 1777-1845.
Date:
1818
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The influence of the atmosphere, more especially the atmosphere of the British Isles, on the health and functions of the human frame : embracing observations on the nature, treatment and prevention of the principal diseases resulting from sudden atmospherical transitions ; and unfolding original views and fundamental principles for the prolongation of life, and conservation of health. To which are added practical researches on the pathology, treatment, and prevention of gout and rheumatism in all their proteian forms. An essay / by James Johnson, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

    32/310 (page 18)
    IS PNEUMONIA^ If Ave narrowly observe the operations of these, we shall^ in most cases, find the functions of the skin first deranged. That diapnoe or insensible perspiration which just keeps the skin soft and of a natural temperature and f^el, is checked. The balance of the circulation is slightly dis- turbed. It oscillates from the surface to the centre and back again, as is manifested by the slight chills and flush- ings, that succeed each other. But that tlie balance is chiefly broken by a determination to the interior or larger vessels, with a torpor of the capillaries on the surface, is proved by the almost constant sense of chilliness and incli- nation to keep near the fire which we feel in catarrhal and other pulmonic complaints. The capillaries in the lungs sympathising with those on the surface, the blood is not transmitted through them with the same facility as before; and hence a plethora is kept up in that organ, till the com- plaint is removed. Nature seems to effect this by an in- crease of action in the exhalent vessels and glands spread over the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes, where an eifusion or secretion takes place in the form of an expec- toration which gradually relieves the turgescence in the lungs, as it is brought off by coughing, till the functions of the skin and respiratory organs at length resume their healthy standard. It is easy to conceive that from this lowest grade of pul- monic disoider, denominated catarrh, up to the highest state of inflammation or pneumonia, the effects will be in proportion to the violence and duration of the atmospheri- cal causes, already pourtrayed, and also according as the constitution, and particularly the lungs, have suffered de- terioration by previous attacks. The rationale here attempted points directly to the mea- sures of relief—viz. to determine to the surface, restore the functions of the skin, and relieve the respiratory organs. Thus in the milder degrees of pulmonic disorder, result- ing from atmospherical vicissitudes, tepid diluent drinks, moderately warm clothing, and a certain degree of abstem- iousness, effect the two first objects. But whenever the balance of the circulation is so far broken as to cause any considerable degree of pulmonic inflammation, marked by pain in the chest, cough, and want of freedom in respi- ration, accompanied, of course, by febrile symptoms, then the lungs are to be relieved by more active measures ; other- wise the most serious consequences may ensue directly by