Pursuant to announcement, Mr. MacKelcan introduced the subject of
concussion of the brain. After remarking on the several symptoms,
and mentioning the other affections of the head with which
concussion is apt to be confounded, Mr. M. directed the attention
of the society more particularly to the treatment in the stage of
collapse, adopted by Professor Andrini of Florence.
Dr. Duffin stated, that having been in Florence, he had witnessed
the employment of three, four, or six ounce bleedings employed
by the Professor in the stage above-mentioned. The principle on
which they were used was that of their acting as a stimulus to the
brain; and really the plan was not apparently attended with any bad
effects. When re-action has ensued, the practice of M. Andrini is
the same as that resorted to in this country.
The discussion then wavered between apoplexy and concussion, and
ended by some good-humoured sparring between Dr. Addison and Mr.
Gilbert Burnett, on the capability of the brain containing more
blood at one time than another.
The President announced from the chair that a special meeting would
take place on Friday evening, December 12, at 7 P.M.
December 20th, 1828.