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ON THE GLANDS. - Hippocrates, The Writings of Hippocrates and Galen [1846]

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The Writings of Hippocrates and Galen. Epitomised from the Original Latin translations, by John Redman Coxe (Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blakiston, 1846).

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ON THE GLANDS.

DE GLANDULIS LIBER,FŒSIUS, Treat. x. p. 270.
DE GLANDULIS LIBER,HALLER, ii. p. 40.
TRAITÉ DES GLANDES,GARDEIL, ii. p. 485.

According to Galen, says Haller, this treatise is wanting in Hippocratic simplicity, yet it is by no means inelegant, nor is it adverse to his doctrines on catarrh, as given in the treatise “De locis in homine.” Gardeil, in his translation of the book “De Articulis,” refers to this in a note, as presenting an interesting view on the subject of humoral diseases, and he concludes, from a passage therein, that this treatise on glands is in fact the work of Hippocrates, notwithstanding Galen’s dissent therefrom.

Not much is said about the glands, but what there is, is pretty correct. Mention is made of the mesenteric, renal, and those of joints, probably meaning the axillary and inguinal. The notice taken of the hoarseness and pectoral affections, following excision of the mammæ, is deserving of attention. The following outline will give sufficiently the character of the treatise.

Of the nature, uses, diversity, and diseases of the glands, their structure, &c. Tubercles; scrofula; inflammation, situation, &c., chiefly located in moist parts, and where hair is generated for the most part, if the moisture is not superabundant. Of particular glands, as of the neck, ear, axilla, groin, and intestines, and of their affections. Glands of the brain, which is considered as itself a gland, from whence those fluxions and affections proceed, of greater or less intensity, as apoplexy, mania, &c. Of the various passages for its abundant humours, producing externally, ophthalmia, itching, and discharges from the nostrils, purulent discharge from the ears, &c., catarrh, &c.; internally, phthisis, both pulmonary and dorsal, diarrhœa, &c. Of the mammæ or pectoral glands, affording milk in females; reasons why confined to them; diseases caused by this secreted fluid in the breasts; and of such as follow their excision, and which are frequently fatal.—Ed.