R---- H----, Aged 43. Towards the end of the year 1783, became
affected with slight cough and expectoration of purulent matter. In
December his skin became universally of a pale yellow colour. The
abdomen was swelled and hard; his appetite little, and he complained
of a violent and constant palpitation of the heart, which prevented
him from sleeping. The urine pale, and in small quantity. The pulse
exceedingly strong, and rebounding; beating 114 to 120 strokes every
minute. He suffered violent pain of his head, and was very feeble and
emaciated. After bleeding, and the use of gentle aperient medicines,
he continued to take the infusion of Digitalis for some days, without
any sensible effect. Other diuretics were tried to as little purpose.
Repeated bleeding had no effect in diminishing the violent action of
the heart. He died in January following, under complicated symptoms of
phthisis and ascites.