ENTERITIS. 331 



pulse is full and strong, but not rapid, I suspect stoppage 

 of bowel from some mechanical obstruction, sucli as length- 

 ened constipation, calculus, volvulus, &c. At the same 

 time, it must be borne in mind, that colic, should it prove 

 obstinate or protracted, is very likely to turn to enteritis ; 

 and that enteritis does not often run its course without 

 occasional spasm. 



In former days, vital importance was attached to the 

 diagnostics between colic and enteritis, and there are prac- 

 titioners still who hold the distinction of great consequence. 

 I believe I did so myself at one time, but experience in 

 practice has altered my notions. I now, when the attack is 

 violent and sudden, do not take much, trouble to ascertain 

 whether it be spasmodic or inflammatory, but at once make 

 a quick and copious abstraction of blood, give the '^ gripe 

 drench,^^ and administer an enema. Supposing it is enteri- 

 tis, there may be spasm present, and whether there be or 

 not, the opium and ether will do no harm so long as it is 

 combined with cathartic medicine ; neither will the drastic 

 purgatives augment inflammation or irritation in ihemuscular 

 tunic of the bowels so long as the mucous lining intervenes ; 

 but, in the end, by the copious efflux it is likely to produce, 

 confer a vast deal of service. 



To the above observations I may add, that my present 

 plan is to give : Decoct. Aloes, C. ^iy. Spt. ^Ether. Sulph. 

 — Tr. Opii, aa lij, Aqu^ Bullient. Oj. M. ft. In two 

 hours^ time, supposing no change or relief, I give the same 

 drink, with only Jij (instead of Jiv) of the decoction ; in two 

 hours more, symptoms continuing, the same drink as before : 

 in two hours again repeat the same drink. This makes 

 3X of Barbadoes Aloes. 



The Causes of enteritis are both numerous and various. 

 We have seen that colic may give rise to it. Constipation 

 may be viewed in the light both of cause and eff'ect in 

 relation to it. Collected hardened fseces must naturally 

 prove not only of themselves irritative, but obstructive and 

 subversive of the functions of the bowels ; and, in either one 

 or the other way, may lay the foundation for an attack of 



