in the case under consideration, includes not only the fermentation of the fluids by the shock, but also that compression which is
formed by a suppressed perspiration.
After all the abatement of the symptoms is made that can be, by fermentation in other parts, and by removing the suppressed perspiration,
let the shocks be passed directly through the affected part of the pleura, from side to side, beginning, as in peripneumony, with very small shocks,
and increase their strength as the case may require, or as the patient is able to bear.
It frequently happens, that the pain will move from place to place; but it may be observed, that it will move in the same direction in which you
pass the shock: for instance, suppose the seat of the pain to be in the right side, your proper method will be to pass the shock from the right side to the left;
if the pain takes a different seat, it will be towards the left side; if it moves quite into the left side, then turn the direction of the shock from
the left to the right side; and you must continue to make these different directions, as the seat of the pain may be: if the pain rises towards the shoulders,
then turn the direction of the shock directly down upon it, &c.
I have given fifty shocks, in different directions, before the patinet could move an arm, or incline the head; but by the time I had given fifty more, light ones,
they have been able to rise and walk the room, being warmly covered.
If the irritation hath remained some days in a particular part of the pleura, it will be so exceedingly weakened and wounded, that the pain will incline to that
part, in preference to any other; the blood, wind, &c. will continue to distend, and irritate the feeble part: in this case, the shock should be passed
once in half an hour, or nearly that, as the pain may chance to increase in the part; this will give the dilated part temporary relief, and enable it to recover its natural
tone and strength in a short time.
But sometimes there is a violent pleurisy, and with it a voluntary perspiration; or at least, there will be no symptoms of perspiration being suppressed - no
evidence of sihenic diathesis. In this case, a general fermentation of the blood is all that is necessary to be effected.
It is owing to some stagnation of the blood, from the grossness of its particles; to attentuate these, and throw them into circulation, is the whole indication
of cure; this may be effected by electrying throughout the whole system, but especially through the sides, as strongly as the patient can bear, without being
wounded thereby.
It is often necessary to repeat the shocks three or four times in one day.
The oftener they are repeated, the less number is generally sufficient.
It is sometimes necessary to administer a purge, but very seldom an emetic.
I have observed cases, in which an emetic is absolutely necessary; yea, death will
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