Dayton daily empire. [volume] (Dayton [Ohio]) 1850-1865, 1859-11-26
From the Cincinnati Enquirer)
DR.. Wolfe on Consump ptioa aud Medica-
ted Inhalation
LETTER XVII
COMPLICATIONS WITH CONSUMPTION.

CoMfLlOATtONb WITH NONbtMffION.
1t is impossible to conceal from ourselves
the appalling frequency and fatality of dis,
eases of the chest in the United States, and
consider that ! am fulfilling a public duty
in contributing my mite towards making
their symptoms and treatment familiar to
the mass of the people, so that, early appris
ed of danger they may address themselves
IN time for relief
Ny last letter contained an explanation
of tie mOd' in which tubercles are deposi,
ted in the air cells and finer air tubes,
namely; Tint any impediment TO the free
circulation of blood 10 the ar cells, by pre-,
venting the due conversion of venous blood
to arterial, is the immediate cause. Such
changes in the structure OF a vital organ can
not occur without the system at large sym
pathizing, and various others become de,
ranged, often to such degree as to draw
of the physicians attention from the real
point of danger. Under the head Of Latent
Consumption, il bas been stated that the
complaint may proceed to the utmost dis
organization Of the lungs without cough or
expectoration being present In such cases
the prominent symptoms are arrangements
of some of the abdominal organs. Dyspep
sia is the most common and in Ignorance Of
the true state Of things, the efforts of the
physician are too often directed TO removing
the effect instead of the cause of deranged
health A
Many cases are treated for liver disease,
when large cavities in the lungs actually ex-
ist and hectic AMI night sweats are excess
i've. Il is only three weeks ago since wa
were called to patient, who stated that he
had been treated, up TO the time of cur visit
for liver disease. The appearance ofthe pa
tient, his emaciation, his cough, excessive
expectoration and sweating, Indicated too
surely phthisis as the enemy On remoV-
ing his clothing We were Mortified to see the
unhealed sores oft4rtar emetic ointment and
scarificatons Of cupping still recent over
the region of the liver, showing that fright
lul and inexcusable mistake had been made
Us to the nature of his disease. As It was
important to him to know his true state, We
were Obliged to tell him the melancholy
truth that he was in the last stage of con-
sumption, and that his life could not be pros
loDged beyond few weeks. Diarrhea oft,
en- masks consumption this is found among
adults, but it ie sui more common among
children. The investing membrane of the
lungs, called pleura, is often the seat of
chronic inflammation, and water or matter
is Infused into the cavity, constituting by,
drothorax or symptoms. The lung is some
times perforated 80 as to admit air into the
pleura, when chronic inflammation is set
up with the same result as the proceeding;
this is called pneumothorax. The lar, ne is
often the seat of liberation, and completely
masks the disease in the lungs to a superb.
cial observer. Sdch are some of the COM
plcations OF phthisis ana are the result of
s.,t 4. a
lungs, circulating throughout the body, and
by Its Impurity provoking disease ia the diff,
ferent orlulns this is often described bv the
term sympathy. lt will net seem superhn'
Gus caution to warn the reader Of The in
portanee of paying watohful attention, and
not TO rest content with superficial or hast
lily formed opinion. Few molieal men pos.
sess any but the most superficial knowledge
of the use Of the stethoscops, and still fewer
are competent TO give an opinion worth a
rush in the earliest stages of consumption.
For an opinion TO be Of any value, it Han be
so only alter careful and thorough exami
nation, As usually conducted, it Is but an
idle form, and would be farce but for the
important stake at hazard
have witnessed the exploration made
through cFeaking starohed shirt or mus
I'm collar, several folds Of clothing, even
through solid, old fashioned c0rsets. Then
TO see the pomposity and parade of learning
that this is done with, is enough 10 provoke
laugh or a tear. There is one consolation
that these gentlemen could not discriminate
any more II they did examine en- ouerpO.
The knowledge OF the steIhoscope requires
a study apart, special devotion to it, and
much expei fence In hospital. SO inform
ed, the practical stethoseOpist distinguishes
all the sounds of the lungs healthy or dis.
eased, as readily as tuner appreciates the
condition Of the notes Of a piano. A man
who practices as physician, surgeon and
aooouohvur, and honestly and laboriously
tries TO master all the Lranohes Of his prU-
lession. can never acquire tithe Of the pro-
hciency in The use OF the stethoscOpe that be
will attain who deyotes himself specially e
It's use.
n, B. WOLFE, NJ ID.
Physician for diseaseS Of the Lnngs and
Throat, No So, Ninth street, GiBcinnasi o.
Psi have prepared Circular for the
use Of those who may wish 10 consult me
respecting my method Of treating diseases
Of the lungs, who reside at a Distance from
the city, or who cannot visit me personally
The circular contains list of questions re,
lating 10 the symptoms by which consamp'
ton and its different varieties are known,
and by answering which correctly, persOns
from abroad are enabled 10 send me q cor,
rect statement OF their condition for advice