On diseases of the throat and windpipe; as reflected by the laryngoscope a complete manual upon their diagnosis and treatment

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 Excerpt: ...the reverse in the adult. I am free to admit that the operation has saved life in a few instances, and it must not be discarded in croup. Moreover, I will assert that when it has proved unavailing, it has not been due to that proceeding itself. Notwithstanding all this, however, we are justified in trying the most powerful revulsives, in preference to tracheotomy. Emetics of a very strong decoction of senega are what I have used in desperate cases, and I found them serviceable in saving life and effectually expelling the fibro-albuminous exudation. But the senega must be used with an unsparing hand as "to the strength of its decoction--it can do no harm whatever; and I generally prepare it myself for administration at the residence of the child, and give it with my own hand. In five instances that were looked upon as utterly hopeless, and too bad almost for tracheotomy, the strong decoction of senega saved life, expelled the false membrane, prevented its reformation, and a cure resulted. The way of preparing this decoction is as follows: Take two ounces of the good root of senega, well bruised or broken up, and boil it in a pint and a half of water in a small saucepan down to a pint, strain and cool it, and administer it in doses of a dessert-spoonful every ten minutes, until free vomiting takes place, with expulsion of the membrane. It may be repeated, if necessary, but it is only in such cases where other remedies fail, that this strong decoction should be employed. Carbonate of ammonia may be added sometimes, in the dose of a grain or half a grain, after the emetic influence is produced, and occasionally the mixture may be given by the rectum; it is as well to sweeten it, when taken by the stomach, with syrup, or bruised liquorice root, which cover ...