Diseases of the Stomach. 67 
ingly anxious, the moans more frequent, and the search for 
relief continuous. Severe rigors, cold extremities, sunken 
eye,arapid and almost imperceptible pulse, sudden cessation 
of pain, denote that gangrene has set’in, and the poor 
sufferer dies gradually and quietly, or in delirium. 
A post-mortem examination reveals intense redness, either 
in patches or diffused, of the mucous membrane,with soften- 
ing of its structure and sometimes sloughing. If the 
disease has been caused by the action of some corrosive 
agent, perforation of all the coats of the stomach, with exten- 
sive sloughing, will generally be found. 
Treatment.—The less the patient is disturbed the better. 
In the early stages leeches may be applied over the region 
of the stomach. Cold water should be allowed ad libitum, 
for nothing is more grateful to the sufferer and so easily 
retained in the stomach, which, it must ever be borne in 
mind, is exceedingly sensitive under all conditions. 
Nourishment is best administered in the form of mucilagi- 
nous drinks, as barley- -water, arrowroot, or broth thickened 
with isinglass or rice. Such matters, being bland, have the 
double effect of soothing and protecting the irritated mu- 
cous membrane, and giving to the patient at the same. time 
the support required.* 
With regard to medicinal agents, opium, from 3 to 10 
grains, is the best agent for allaying an irritated or sensitive 
condition of the stomach, and also in checking diarrhcea. 
* Ballard observes: “In prescribing @ diet in over-sensitive con- 
aitions of the stomach, it must be recollected that the food which comes 
into contact with the interior of the organ is to be regarded much in 
the same light as a local application made to tender parts of the body; 
and as we should avoid bringing in contact with the latter any but 
bland and unirritating dressings, so with the former a similar principle 
must guide us,and we must select such matters only, and in such 
quantities as, while they are fitted to sustain the body, would be un- 
irritating if applied to an external sore, and which experience has 
shown may be used, introdviced into the sensitive stomach without 
producing pain or distress. 
“In inflammatory and ulcerative conditions of the stomach, where 
