A treatise on the epidemic puerperal fever as it prevailed in Edinburgh in 1821-22. To which is added an appendix containing the essay of the late Dr. Gordon on the puerperal fever of Aberdeen in 1789-90-91-92 / [William Campbell].

  • Campbell, William, 1788-1848.
Date:
1822
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A treatise on the epidemic puerperal fever as it prevailed in Edinburgh in 1821-22. To which is added an appendix containing the essay of the late Dr. Gordon on the puerperal fever of Aberdeen in 1789-90-91-92 / [William Campbell]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    seems as if exhausted. When the attack is severe, the eye is frequently suffused with tears, and the pupil dilated. The condition of the tongue is not less deserving attention. In general its upper surface is white and moist, except the raphe and margins, which in severe cases have a red fiery appearance.* ‘This state of the tongue, of which we cannot offer a better description than to compare it to the colour of milk and water, is highly characteristic of inflammation of the abdominal viscera. I have not seen it brown and parched in the beginning of Puerperal lever, except in one or two cases, although such appearances are frequently remarked in the advanced stages, when the teeth also become encrust- ed. It is sometimes so hard and parched that it may justly be compared to a piece of leather ; and when brown, it appears exactly like the tongue of a person labouring under a severe attack of typhus fever. For * The tongue besides being dry in inflammation of the uterus, is also covered with a slimy foulness which renders it clammy.—Astruc, vol.ii. p.13. The tongue on examination commonly appears white, but seldom foul, and is soft and moist to the touch. A red line will sometimes run up the middle of it, &e.—Hulme, p.4. The tongue in most cases was white, but soft and moist; in those, however, which were long protracted, it became dry and rough, having the same appearance as in typhus. —Gordon, p.5. In the commencement of the disease, the tongue is generally white and moist, but it is various in its appearance. — MS. Professor Hamilton’s Lectures. The tongue was much paler than usual.— Armstrong, p-2. Enfin la langue est ordinairement humide, et chargée d'un limon blanc. —Doulcet, p.4. The tongue was never encrusted, -except.the disease was of long continuance or improperly treated, it was generally moist and soft, &c.— Hey, p. 32.