A letter addressed to Sir Benjamin C. Brodie : containing observations and strictures upon certain parts of his Lecture on spinal complaints / [Edward Harrison].

  • Harrison, Edward, 1759-1838
Date:
1836
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter addressed to Sir Benjamin C. Brodie : containing observations and strictures upon certain parts of his Lecture on spinal complaints / [Edward Harrison]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The dependence of the healthy performance of the functions of the thoracic and abdominal viscera upon the vertebral column, is not yet generally understood by the faculty : when it is, the correction of spinal deformities will no longer be neglected or deferred, but will be carefully promoted, the moment derangement is perceived, in order to restore the healthy functions of organs indispensable to the ivell-being oj the human economy. The cures will then be speedy, and easily accom¬ plished, though now tedious and difficult from their inveteracy. W ith respect to any organic malady in the head, where the disorder had been erroneously placed, it was never affected in tbe least. The antiquated notion of paraplegia, originating in the brain, although so strenuously advocated by the seniors of the passing generation, will, like..caustics and muscular exercises in the cure of spinal contortions, be soon forced to give way to the omnipotence of truth, and juster views of the living system. It was stated in the history of the case, that the breath was at first disgustingly nauseous, tainting the surrounding atmosphere to a con¬ siderable distance. This ofiensiveness, as already observed, com¬ menced soon after the accident, and disappeared with the cure of the spinal complaint. These circumstances constitute a curious and remarkable coincidence, which would appear to justify the conclusion, that the phenomenon was, in some way or other, produced by the mischief inflicted, however difficult may be its explanation. Many other things occurring in the living body are equally perplexing and unaccountable ; but we must not on that account disbelieve them, and reject the evidence of our senses. All researches into the wrorks of creation are extremely limited, and lead to the conclusion, that our know ledge is both imperfect, and circumscribed wdtliin narrow limits. In the animal economy, numerous organs are employed for the twofold purpose of repairing the waste continually going on, and removing useless materials. In the lungs constant is the action, whether we be awake or asleep. A lengthened pause in respiration is inevitably fatal. The lungs, therefore, must perform very compli¬ cated and most essential offices in the animal economy. Some few particulars may now be noticed, reserving to some future period more complete details. In ever}^ respiration oxygen gas seems to pass unchanged through the delicate air-cells of the lungs to mix with the blood; and, by its gradual assimilation, imparts equal temperature to the living frame. At the same time, effete materials are conveyed through the same channel, and escape with the breath expired. To carry on such processes, a suitable machinery is required. We accordingly find, that the lungs constitute a voluminous mass, accom¬ modated with numerous blood vessels. Various secretions are elabo¬ rated in them to mix and circulate with the blood, while the excre¬ tions, combining with the expired air, are conveyed out of the system. In order to carry on these intricate operations, many nerves are employed. Some come from within the skull, hut the greater portion issue out of the spinal chord to join the great sympathetic. Thus united and combined, they together form a group of nerves, called the pulmonic plexus, which supplies the lungs with nerves; which, being