Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 135 pages of information about Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 135 pages of information about Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884.
these scattered and lethargic drops of blood to the heart, and enable it to renew the circulation, and with it the blessings of oxygen to the body?  My reply is emphatically—­Yes!  Flannel bandages from the toes to the trunk, around the abdomen, and from the fingers to the body, will effect this object perfectly.  Remark that the effect is gradual, increasing with every turn of the roller, but would be in full force in about twenty minutes.  By thus exposing the blood in the lungs to the action of oxygen in its diluted form, as it is in the air, instead of pure oxygen, the reaction would neither be too rapid nor too dangerous.  In confirmation of my views, I have this day learned that it is the custom in India to wear a double roll of flannel around the abdomen, as a preventive to cholera.  The other advantages resulting from the use of the flannel bandages are: 

1.  That they prevent the escape of heat from the body of the poor creature who is already in a state of refrigeration.

2.  By their firmly and equally grasping both flexor and extensor muscles alike, they are steadied, and rendered much less likely to be affected with spasmodic action or cramp.

3.  By their steady elastic pressure and support of about 160 pounds, they persistently keep up and sustain the circulation of the blood, which they had previously restored.

4.  That the oxygen thus well secured to the blood will, I believe, prove quite sufficient to neutralize the original poison, and also destroy its effects.

5.  That this much can at least be claimed for their use—­that they remove from nature a stumbling-block, which prevented her from exercising her marvelous recuperative powers.  Diluted sulphuric acid is the best medicine to arrest the flux from the bowels, acting also as a tonic.  It should be given in five-minim doses about every half hour, with rice gruel.  By adopting this plan, the natural process is brought about, that of the starch being converted into grape sugar.  Plenty of white of egg, well whipped up, so as to nourish the body and convey oxygen into the stomach, which it will appropriate, should be given.  Opium, in small quantities, and other stimulants, should be given according to the necessities of the case.  May it not be well, through the medium of wet sponge over the thorax, to apply a continuous but gentle current of galvanism, so as to stimulate the heart’s action, keep alive the respiratory movements, and thereby assist in the maintenance of the functions of the body?

* * * * *

TEMPERATURE, MOISTURE, AND PRESSURE IN THEIR RELATIONS TO HEALTH.

At the recent meteorological conference held at the Health Exhibition, Dr. J.W.  Tripe read a paper of much interest on some relations of meteorological phenomena to health.

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Scientific American Supplement, No. 455, September 20, 1884 from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.