On the wasting diseases of infants and children / by Eustace Smith, M.D.

  • Smith, Eustace, 1835-1914.
Date:
1899
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the wasting diseases of infants and children / by Eustace Smith, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by University of Bristol Library. The original may be consulted at University of Bristol Library.

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    forms of chronic disease. Amongst others : in long stand- ing cases of chorea great benefit may be derived from energetic massage of muscle and manipulation of joints, so as to excite active muscular waste, while at the same time the increased tissue wants are satisfied by a copious dietary: in rickety children, whose backs are especially limp and powerless, very evident increase of strength quickly follows regular and vigorous shampooing; and in obstinate costiveness important results can be obtained by systematic kneading of the abdomen combined with suit- able frictions. Rubbing with cod-liver oil is useful in weakly children, especially if the weakness is associated with irritability of stomach and poor digestion. By this means a consider- able amount of nourishment may be introduced into the system. But oily frictions, or the mere application of oil to the surface of the body, have another object besides that of supplying nourishment. When the oil, slightly warmed, is smeared over the body with a piece of fine sponge, and the child, wrapped in flannel, is afterwards placed in his bed or cot, one of the first effects noticed is a profuse general perspiration. This is accompanied some- times by a little erythematous eruption, which resembles the rash of measles. At the same time, any irritability of the nervous system is quieted, and the child soon falls into a tranquil sleep. A third effect is an increase in the quantity of all the secretions: the urine is more abundant, mid the functions of the liver appear to be rendered more active, for, according to the observations of Bauer of Tubingen, the stools, from being green and sour-smelling, become yellow and natural. To produce these effects, it is not essential that cod-liver il he employed. Other oils will be found equally effica- cious, and are, indeed, generally to be preferred, on account of the disagreeable smell of the fish oil, which is often a source of discomfort. Through its influence in promoting