Observations on the use of emetics in constipation of the bowels : communicated in a letter to John B. Beck, M.D. / by David Hosack.

  • Hosack, David, 1769-1835.
Date:
1822
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the use of emetics in constipation of the bowels : communicated in a letter to John B. Beck, M.D. / by David Hosack. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    # * 8 3d. That in the commencement of constipation, or in its more advanced stage, when the symptoms of inflammation have been subdued by the lancet, emetcs may be very advantageously exhibited both for the purpose of removing the hepatic obstruc- tion and of counteracting the spasmodic constriction and pain ordinarily attendant upo tlvs disease. 4th. That the salutary effects which have been occasionally derived from injections of tobacco smoke are attributable to the general relaxation, the nausea, and in some cases, the vomiting, which that narcotic produces. 5th. That the benefits that have in like manner been obtained in some cases from the use of tartarized antimony, administer- ed by ityection, are to be accounted for by the nausea and vo- miting that have been the effects of its operation, but which are to be obtained with more certainty from the same medicine given by the stomach, and to the extent of full vomiting. In like manner, inasmuch as a torpid state of the liver and a diminished secretion of bile are generally known to constitute a part of the proximate cause of dysentery,* we obtain a satisfac- tory solution of the salutary operation of injections of ipeca- cuanha in that disease, as advised by Dr. Thomas Clark ;t but which effects are more certainly to be obtained from the use of ipecacuanha given by the stomach, as prescribed by Sir John Pringle, or of tartarized antimony, as recommended by Senac. With the hope that these facts, and the principles deduced from them, may lead to a more satisfactory view of the patho- logy and treatment of the disease which is the subject of this communication, I am, Dear Sir, Respectfully and truly your's, DAVID HOSACK. Dr. John B. Beck. * See Dr. Monro, Cleg-horn, Pringle, and Girdlestone. f Observations on the diseases of the East aud West Indies, by Thomas Clark.