Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Modern Aspects of the Circulation in Health and Disease
N 0 one who pauses to reflect can fail to admire the master minds of medicine who, by simple signs and statistics, not only interpreted many disease processes correctly, but upon them built an admirable system of diagnosis. Nothing can be substituted for the power of accurate observation, either at the bedside or in the laboratory. Nevertheless, it happens that many phenomena of the circulation, normal and abnormal, remain undetected by our unaided senses. Consequently, various instrumental methods have been introduced which supplement our direct observations, either by recording the functions of the circulation graphically or by translating them into numerical terms which the mind can more definitely grasp. This monograph deals with the ways in which the application of laboratory methods to the clinic has led to the elucidation of many obscure conditions, to the recognition of new diseases, and to the institution of new forms of treatment. In order to present the subject in the consecutive and logical manner necessary for academic purposes and still retain the convenient arrangement demanded of a reference medium, it has been divided into three sections. The chapters of the first section attempt to present our most modern conceptions as to how the circulation is maintained in health. This is of fundamental importance, for no one can assay to discuss the abnormal conditions of the circulation from a modern standpoint without constant reference to the fundamental physio logical conceptions. Unfortunately, in some respects, many of our current views must be revised to accord with the facts brought to light by the application of more improved methods in experimental investigation. Hence, it is desirable not only to review our new acquisitions of knowledge and fit these in with those long accepted, but to describe, to some extent, the principles of the newer ap paratus by which they are obtained. The second section deals with the various instruments and pro cedures which are available for studying the circulation of man. Its purpose is more far-reaching than to serve as a mere catalogue of apparatus or a chronicle of procedures and interpretations. It attempts, above all, to place a correct valuation upon different forms of apparatus and to point out their limitations and errors. To do this justly would be an impossible task were the question, as in the past, still a matter for individual opinion or preference. Fortunately, however, matters have recently changed. Through the painstaking analyses of men like Frank, Einthoven and their associates, the enormous value of whose contributions is still imperfectly appreciated, the principles underlying the construction and valuation of an instrument have been carefully evolved. Consequently, it is now possible, not only to construct mechanical apparatus along scientific lines, but also to ascertain definitely the defects and limitations of that already in existence. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
