254; PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



which to me could appear to have arisen from contagion. It is 

 possible, that in warmer climates the effects of contagion may 

 be more discernible. 



After having said, that a phthisis arises from tubercles more 

 frequently than from any other cause, and after having attempt- 

 ed to assign the variety of these, I now proceed to mention the 

 peculiar circumstances and symptoms which usually accompany 

 the coming on of the disease from tubercles. 



DCCCLXXXVII. A tuberculous and purulent state of the 

 lungs has been observed in very young children, and in some 

 others at several different periods before the age of puberty and 

 full growth ; but instances of this kind are rare : and the at- 

 tack of phthisis, which we have reason to impute to tubercles, 

 usually happens at the same period which I have assigned for 

 the coming on of the haemoptysis. 



DCCCLXXXVIII. The phthisis from tubercles does also 

 generally affect the same habits as the haemoptysis, that is, per- 

 sons of a slender make, of long necks, narrow chests, and pro- 

 minent shoulders : but very frequently the persons liable to 

 tubercles have less of the florid countenance, and of the other 

 marks of an exquisitely sanguine temperament, than the persons 

 liable to haemoptysis. 



DCCCLXXXIX. This disease arising from tubercles, 

 usually commences with a slight and short cough, which be- 

 comes habitual, is often little remarked by those affected, and 

 sometimes so little as to be absolutely denied by them. At the 

 same time their breathing becomes easily hurried by any bodily 

 motion, their body grows leaner, and they become languid and 

 indolent. This state sometimes continues for a year, or even 

 for two years, without the persons making any complaint of it, 

 excepting only that they are affected by cold more readily than 

 usual, which frequently increases their cough, and produces 

 some catarrh. This, again, however, is sometimes relieved ; is 

 supposed to have arisen from cold alone ; and therefore gives no 

 alarm either to the patient or his friends, nor leads them to take 

 any precautions. 



DCCCXC. Upon one or other of these occasions of catch- 

 ing cold, as we commonly speak, the cough becomes more con- 

 siderable ; is particularly troublesome upon the patient's lying 

 down at night, and in this state continues longer than is usual 



