An inaugural dissertation on pulmonary consumption

An inaugural dissertation on pulmonary consumption

The attention of Physicians has for several years past been excited to the consideration of that inveterate enemy of the human race, the Consumption. Several works have been published, new remedies proposed, and the practice of former physicians revived with modifications and amendments, in the treatment of this disease. At one period, Consumption had been so long considered without the reach of remedies, that it had almost ceased to excite the enquiries of the learned in medicine. Fortunately, however, the spirit of enquiry has revived; and it is believed that the treatment of this dreadful malady has been so far improved, that many are rescued from its grasp, and the sufferings of those who are still its victims, are materially mitigated. Notwithstanding, it appears that in this city the mortality from Consumption has increased rapidly of late years. Formerly, its climate was considered remarkably salubrious, and diseases of the lungs were rare. Lieutenant Governor Colden, in a series of remarks on the climate and diseases of New-York, made seventy years ago, has the following observations: The air of the country being almost always clear, and its spring strong, we have few consumptions or diseases of the lungs. People inclined to be consumptive in England, are often perfectly cured by our fine air; but if there be ulcers formed, they die. The climate grows every day[Pg vi] better, as the country is cleared of the woods; and more healthy, as all the people that have lived long here testify. This has even been sensible to me, though I have lived but about twelve years in this country; I therefore doubt not but it will in time, become one of the most agreeable and healthy climates on the face of the earth.[1] These anticipations have not been realized; but, on the contrary, Consumption has become the prevailing disease of our city. The causes of this increase of the disease are numerous. We are told by Dr. Rush, that it is unknown among the Indians of North America; that it is scarcely known by those citizens of the United States who live in the first stage of civilized life, and are generally called the first settlers; that it is less common in country places than in cities, and increases in both, with intemperance and sedentary modes of life; that ship and house-carpenters, smiths, and all those artificers, whose business requires great exertion of strength in the open air, in all seasons of the year, are less subject to this disease than men who work under cover, and at occupations which do not require the constant action of their lungs. By applying these facts to the situation of this city, the causes which have produced the increased mortality from consumption, become evident. 1. The growth of the city, and consequent state of the atmosphere, most distant from that of the pure air of the country. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 68772
Author: Delafield, Edward
Release Date: Aug 17, 2022
Format: eBook
Language: English
Publication Date: 1816
Publisher Country: United States