This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1818 edition. Excerpt: ... phthisis frequently supervenes from too sudden and free an exposure to the atmosphere; but this is more particularly the case after the measles, which so often leave much general debility, and so strong a tendency to pectoral affections, from the previous excitements of the lungs or its appendages. On the abatement of all distempers which have greatly reduced the constitutional vigour, the clothing should be warm for some time afterwards, and the utmost care taken to guard against the influence of cold. The whole circulatory system remains long in a vaccilating state; and as the superficial vessels are especially weakened, so the shock of external impressions is easily communicated to the internal parts. But the above precautions in respect to regimen, with the occasional use of the tepid affusions, will generally prevent secondary diseases; and where a removal into a pure and temperate air can be accomplished, it will always most powerfully contribute to restore the general strength. When, however, in defiance of these preventive measures, any signs of visceral excitement shall appear, the employment of moderate evacuants, with an antiphlogistic regimen, will be highly necessary: but in every instance of this sort, the attendant irritation should be allayed by the warm bath, or by occasional opiates; and if these expedients only be recurred to promptly, they will frequently remove an immediate, and prevent an ultimate disease. Bodily fatigue seldom induces phthisis, unless it be long or repeatedly endured, or unless it be connected with much anxiety of mind; and under either of these circumstances, it may so break up the general health, as to lead to this disease. Accordingly I have sometimes seen it follow hard exercise on horseback, a...