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 288 THE NEW WORLD OF SCIENCE 



severe cases the inflammation might gradually extend from one 

 part of the lung to another over a period of two weeks or more, 

 the patient becoming gradually more and more cyanosed and 

 water logged. 



The treatment subsequent to the first aid already described 

 consisted in absolute rest in bed, occasional bleeding, and oc- 

 casional administration of oxygen, often for long periods, and 

 the proper amount of stimulation, and the interval administra- 

 tion of alkalies, and for the conjunctivitis and skin burns, alka- 

 line applications and irrigations. The strain on the heart was 

 often severe requiring the exhibition of digitalis. Small doses 

 of morphine were necessary to control the cough and to secure 

 rest. The sputum was often purulent and streaked with blood, 

 and in some cases profuse and watery. The hoarseness was 

 sometimes followed by complete loss of voice and examina- 

 tion usually showed oedema and swelling of the vocal cords 

 or ulceration and the presence of a false membrane. If the 

 pharynx was also involved there was pain on swallowing, with 

 dryness and a burning sensation in the nose, throat and mouth. 

 The pain in the chest was a frequent symptom, occuring in 

 perhaps 75 per cent, of the cases, and while it was not limited 

 to any region of the chest it was more common over the heart 

 than in any other location. 



During convalescence a system of graduated exercises was 

 used to restore the men, if possible, to complete recovery, be- 

 fore returning them to a duty status. 



Insufficient time has elapsed to enable us to know the end 

 results of gas poisoning. So far as one can tell at the present 

 time, from the physical examinations of thousands of returned 

 patients, there is no reason for believing that the irritation and 

 subsequent inflammation of the respiratory organs tends to 

 induce tuberculosis or to light up a focus of pulmonary tubercu- 

 losis already existing. 



Further, the evidence is scant that among returned soldiers, 

 at least, there is any material destruction of the tissue of the 

 lungs. 



