'Memoirs of Erasmus Darwin, M.D. 335 



fit, by the increased absorption of the hepatic lymphatics, 

 and by the retrograde motions of those of the affected limbs. 



This I think resembles in some respects a fit of humoral 

 asthma, where stronger motions of the absorbent vessels of 

 the lungs are excited, and retrograde ones of the corre- 

 spondent cutaneous lymphatics ; whence the violent sweat* 

 of the upper parts of the body only are produced ; and for a 

 time the patient becomes relieved by the metastasis and eli- 

 mination of the offending material by sensitive exertion. 



M. M. To relieve the paroxysm a tea-spoonful of ether 

 may be given nrixed with water, with ten drops of laudanum, 

 to be repeated three or four' times. Venesection. An emetic. 

 A blister. Afterwards the Peruvian bark, with a grain 

 of opium at night, and two or three of aloes. A flannel 

 shirt in winter, but not in summer. Issues. Digitalis ? 



In this species of asthma, there is great reason to believe, 

 that the respiration of an atmosphere, with an increased 

 proportion of oxygen, will prove of great advantage; some 

 well-observed and well-attested cases of which are published 

 bvDr. Beddoes; as this purer air invigorates the circulation,, 

 and the whole system in consequence, perhaps not onlv by 

 its stimulus, but by its supplying the material from which 

 the sensorial power is extracted or fabricated. In spasmodic 

 asthma, on the contrary, Dr. Ferriar has found undoubted 

 benefit from an atmosphere mixed with hydrogen. 



Parturitio.— Parturition is not a disease, it is a natural 

 process, but is more frequently unfortunate in high life than, 

 amongst the middle class of females ; which may be owing; 

 partly to fear, with which the priests of Lucina are liable tb> 

 inspire the ladies of fashion to induce them to lie-in in 

 town; and partly to the bad air of London, to which they 

 purposely resort. 



There are, however, other causes, which render parturi- 

 tion more dangerous to the ladies of high life ; such as their 

 greater general debility from neglect of energetic exercise, 

 their inexperience of the variations of cold and heat, and 

 their seclusion from fresh air. To which must be added, 

 that great source of the destruction of female grace and 

 beauty, as well as of female health, the light stays, and 



other 



