1872 confused classification of diseases
Based solely on observation.
Not based on pathophysiology.
No mention of oxygen need.
Oxygen as a remedial agent.
By J. Henry Davenport M.D. Harv..
The Boston Medical & Surgical Journal.
July 25 Vol. X No. 4.
Pages 61-64.
Review article:
Oxygen as a remedial agent not new.
Practised 70 years ago by Dr. Beddoes.
Given up.
Pure oxygen not available in sufficient quantity.
Impurities caused irritation of lungs.
Oxygen procured from red oxide of mercury.
Was difficult to handle the gas.
Caoutchouc was unknown.
Rubber gag of today entirely removed this problem.
Dr. Beddoes used small closets & chambers.
Filled with oxygen at large expense.
Discovery by Tessie du Motay.
Obtaining oxygen from atmosphere.
In almost absolute purity.
Admirable process for its simplicity & perfection.
Wonder that it was not discovered before.
Diseases in which oxygen is of benefit,
divided into 3 classes:
a) Diseases involving dyspnea.
Essentially acute.
Oxygen prevents death from absolute suffocation.
Arising from imperfect oxygenation of blood.
Acute stages of bronchitis.
Bright's disease.
Heart disease.
Uraemia.
Opium poisoning.
b) Diseases involving defective nutrition or excretion.
Essentially chronic.
Oxygen acts as a tonic increasing weight & strength.
Phthisis.
Emphysema.
Acute dyspepsia.
Anaemia.
Inhale 3 or 4 gallons daily.
c) Certain spasmodic diseases.
Indirect sedative effect.
Asthma.
Chorea.
Epilepsy.
Other ailments of convulsive nature.