A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 2

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

45313

Title

A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 2

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive medical reference detailing general diseases and digestive system disorders, authored by leading American physicians of the late 19th century. This volume offers authoritative insights into conditions ranging from rheumatism and gout to gastric ulcers and intestinal obstructions, presenting etiology, symptoms, and treatment protocols for the era.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume II of 'A System of Practical Medicine,' edited by William Pepper and compiled by prominent American authorities, serves as a definitive clinical guide to general diseases and disorders of the digestive system. Published in 1885, this volume systematically addresses a wide array of conditions, beginning with general ailments such as acute articular rheumatism, gout, rachitis, scurvy, and hereditary syphilis. The text provides detailed etiological analyses, distinguishing between temperate and tropical prevalence and outlining specific age demographics and occupational risks. For instance, acute rheumatism is noted as an affection of early adult life, with statistics from London and Montreal hospitals validating age-related incidence rates. The work extensively covers digestive ailments, categorizing them by anatomical region. It details diseases of the mouth, tonsils, pharynx, and oesophagus, followed by functional and inflammatory stomach disorders, simple and malignant gastric ulcers, and various intestinal conditions including indigestion, constipation, cholera morbus, and intestinal obstruction. Special attention is given to liver diseases, pancreatic disorders, peritonitis, and abdominal gland affections. The authors integrate clinical observations with statistical data to validate their findings, citing specific case histories and pathological results. A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the transmissibility of syphilis, debating theories on its duration and impact on heredity. The text explores whether tertiary symptoms represent fresh outbreaks or non-contagious sequelae, concluding that the risk of transmission diminishes significantly after the secondary period. Throughout, the authors employ a rigorous, evidence-based approach, reflecting the collaborative effort of experts from institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins. This work stands as a substantial historical record of late 19th-century medical practice, offering enduring value for understanding the evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for chronic and acute ailments. The volume concludes with a detailed index of contributors and illustrations, underscoring the comprehensive nature of this medical reference.

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Categories

• Medicine