A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson.

  • Farquharson, Robert, 1836-1918.
Date:
1877
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A guide to therapeutics / by Robert Farquharson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    60/320 (page 48)
    albumen, and if concentrated absorb their watery consti- tuents and cause their destruc- tion. more dihited they are astrin- gents, hardening and constring- ing weakened parts, and check- ing unhealthy secretions. Internal Action. 1. On Circulation.—It is stated that phosphoric and acetic acids diminish the force and frequency of the pulse, and reduce the number of blood corpuscles. All the acids, however, liave the propei-ty of increasing the acidity of the blood, pro- l^ably rather by setting free another acid than by a dii-ect action on that fluid ; for by the time they enter the circulation they are themselves converted in great measure into salts by the various alkaline secretions with which they have come in •contact. They may also conti'act the •smaller blood-vessels by I'eflex ,-action, or by directly astring- ing them locally. 2. No special effects on the respiration or nei'vous system have been noted, but phos- phoric and acetic acids are •said slightly to lower the temperature. 3. Their action on secretion is interesting, and has been The action of acids in checking haemorrhage is thus explained, as there is no doubt that coagulation is encouraged by an alkaline condition of the blood. They are useful in internal haemorrhage, and to check ex- cessive perspii-ation. 3. This physiological action points to a valuable bearing