258 PRACTICE OF PHYSIC. 



SECT. IT. OF THE CURE OF PHTHISIS. 



DCCCXCIX. From what has been just now said, it will 

 readily appear, that the cure of the Phthisis pulmonalis must be 

 exceedingly difficult ; and that even the utmost care and atten- 

 tion in the employment of remedies, have seldom succeeded. 

 It may be doubtful whether this failure is to be imputed to the 

 imperfection of our art, or to the absolutely incurable nature of 

 the disease. I am extremely averse in any case to admit of the 

 latter supposition, and can always readily allow of the former ; 

 but, in the mean time, must mention here, what has been at- 

 tempted towards either curing or moderating the violence of this 

 disease. 



" I have often regretted the irnpotency of physic, and often 

 wished to improve this part of our art, but want of genius, and 

 a life constantly distracted with occupations has prevented me : 

 but be you intent upon it, and hope for some favourable dis- 

 covery. 



" You will find nothing satisfactory in books. I have endea- 

 voured to throw some light on the subject ; cui bono, time must 

 determine. 



" I have brought the pathology to one view, by alleging that 

 all the fatal cases are founded in the tubercles of various kinds, 

 and from various sources, but all agreeing in this, that they con- 

 tain a matter not convertible into laudable pus." 



DCCCC. It must be obvious, that according to the different 

 circumstances of this disease, the method of cure must be dif- 

 ferent. Our first attention should be employed in watching the 

 approach of the disease, and preventing its proceeding to an in- 

 curable state. 



In all persons of a phthisical habit, and especially in those 

 born of phthisical parents, the slightest symptoms of the ap- 

 proach of phthisis, at the phthisical period of life, ought to be 

 attended to. 



DCCCCI. When an haemoptysis occurs, though it be 

 not always followed with ulceration and phthisis, these however 

 are always to be apprehended ; and every precaution is to be 

 taken against them. This is especially to be done, by employ- 



