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English Retrospect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2018

Extract

The Therapeutic Value of Spleen Extract. By A. Campbell Clark, M.D. (Edin. Med. Journ., February, 1898).—Dr. Clark gives the results of an investigation at Lanark County Asylum extending over a period of two years. The object aimed at was the cure or alleviation of mental disease, and was suggested by the frequency of splenic deficiency noted in asylum post-mortem records. Three classes of cases were submitted to treatment: 1. Those of an intractable character, e. g. chronic inertia. 2. Recent cases of insanity due to physical weakness, e. g. puerperal cases. 3. Selected cases suggested by treatment of the first two classes. He quotes the result of six out of thirty cases, and arrived at the following conclusions:—That splenic treatment (1) increases nutritive activity by aiding digestion and stimulating the glandular activity of the skin; (2) gives rise to striking mental changes, sometimes of an abnormal character—exhibition of temper in stuporose cases; elevation in shy and stupid cases, &c. Contrasted with thyroid treatment, spleen treatment was more phenomenal in its effects, more lasting and sure in its results, and exceedingly safe. He strongly recommended a preparatory course of spleen in any case where thyroid treatment was proposed.

Type
Part III.—Psychological Retrospect
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1898 

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