Report, etc., etc / by James George Davey.

  • Davey, James George, 1813-1895.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report, etc., etc / by James George Davey. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    and constituting thereby an exception to a general rule,—in¬ asmuch as puerperal (mental) disorder is commonly associated with a certain “abandonment” of speech and conduct the very converse ctf every thing like ^^hypochondriasis. On ad¬ mission this patient presented certain signs of a phlogistic (sthenic) diathe^; the head felt somewhat hot, and the countenance was more or less flushed, and the capillary sur¬ face every where looked injected. The functions of assimila¬ tion were much out of order, and what was a very material point, the catamenia had not made their appearance since her last confinement. Leeches were applied, from time to time, to the inguinal regions and behind the ears, and free purgation was prescribed with much benefit. Cold applications were used to the head, whilst the aid of the hip bath, &c., was sought to still further divert the force and frequency of the circulatory system. Occupation of mind and employment of body completed the cure. The symptoms of mental disorder slowly passed away, and all the indications of feminine health were, after a time, established. M. W. left the Asylum, perfectly well, after a residence of ten weeks. A. K., set. 42. Insane some time. The mental disorder of this person seemed the effect of poverty, i. e., insufficient food, and physical discomfort of various kinds,—added to the persistance of those old and depressing associations, which if they did not absolutely beget her derangement, very cer¬ tainly aggravated it, and that not a little. Her admission into the Asylum was the prelude to a good and wholesome dietary, to sufficient clothing, and to comfortable shelter; to cleanliness, order, and plenty; and what is a very material point, to a new and altered existence: and the result of all these was her speedy restoration to health. After two months she was discharged, cured.