A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 3

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53305

Title

A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 3

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1885 medical volume offers a comprehensive guide to diseases of the respiratory, circulatory, and hematopoietic systems. Edited by William Pepper, it features authoritative essays by leading American physicians on topics ranging from laryngoscopy and pulmonary tuberculosis to cardiac valvular defects and tracheotomy. The text combines clinical observation with detailed surgical techniques, providing a vital historical resource for understanding 19th-century medical practice.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III of 'A System of Practical Medicine,' edited by William Pepper and published in 1885, stands as a definitive clinical reference for the late 19th century, synthesizing the collaborative efforts of distinguished American physicians. The volume is meticulously organized into three primary sections: Diseases of the Respiratory System, Diseases of the Circulatory System, and Diseases of the Blood and Hematopoietic System. The respiratory section opens with a historical and technical exposition on laryngoscopy and rhinoscopy, tracing the evolution of these diagnostic tools from early 18th-century attempts by Levret and Bozzini to their refined application by contemporary contributors. The text provides exhaustive coverage of conditions affecting the nasal passages, larynx, and trachea, including acute catarrhal laryngitis, pseudo-membranous laryngitis, and various forms of asthma. A significant focus is placed on pulmonary diseases, offering detailed insights into croupous and catarrhal pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pulmonary phthisis (tuberculosis). The authors distinguish between acute miliary tuberculosis and chronic interstitial pneumonia, addressing severe complications such as pulmonary apoplexy, abscesses, gangrene, and cancer. The section further explores diseases of the pleura, including hydrothorax and purulent pleurisy, as well as pneumonokoniosis and syphilitic lung disease. The circulatory system section comprehensively addresses diseases of the heart, myocarditis, endocarditis, and valvular defects such as mitral and aortic stenosis and regurgitation. It details the diagnosis and treatment of cyanosis, congenital anomalies, and cardiac thrombosis. The text also covers pathologies of the pericardium, aorta, coronary arteries, and veins, including phlebitis and varicose aneurisms. Special attention is given to caisson disease and mediastinal tumors. The final section focuses on blood diseases, covering anemias, leukemias, and disorders of the spleen, thyroid, and lymphatic system. Throughout the volume, the work is richly illustrated with diagrams of laryngeal images, sphygmographic tracings of heart conditions, and post-mortem appearances of various pathologies. The contributors emphasize the critical importance of early diagnosis via tracheoscopy and laryngoscopy, the dangers of stenosis, and the necessity of palliative measures when surgical removal is not feasible. The work serves as a testament to the rigorous clinical standards and collaborative spirit of American medicine in the 1880s.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53305.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg53305.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-08-13 17:57 UTC

Categories

• Medicine