A clinical lecture on the primary treatment of injuries : delivered at the New-York Hospital, November 22d, 1837 / by Alex. H. Stevens.

  • Stevens, Alexander H. (Alexander Hodgdon), 1789-1869.
Date:
1837
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A clinical lecture on the primary treatment of injuries : delivered at the New-York Hospital, November 22d, 1837 / by Alex. H. Stevens. 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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    this point, that the blood does not freely circulate in the brain. Weakened or oppressed circulation, the pressure of a clot, or broken bone, in depres- sion of the skull, alike imply a want of circulation in some part or in the whole of that organ. This condition of the brain from whichever of these causes it may have been induced, transmits to the heart and stomach the same shock : thus we have retching and vomiting in apoplexy from conges- tion or extravasation of blood in the head; and the same symptoms in depressed skull, the same in crushed limb, the same after excessive bleeding, or an extensive burn. As respects the Prognosis, an experienced eye will form it rather from the general aspect of the case than from any particular symptom. The countenance of the patient is undoubtedly the index by which practical men are most governed. A fallen jaw and half closed eyelid, with irregular rattling respiration and coma, indicate approach- ing dissolution. Intelligence enough to answer simple questions respecting his physical condition, indicates a more moderate injury; and if the head be the chief seat of the injury, forms the ground of very favourable prognosis. Long continued coldness without rigour or returning heat, and con- tinuing in despite of remedies, leaves little room