History of medical practice in Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

140 History of Medical Practice in Illinoistance of chemistry, both of the alimentary secretion and of drugs used, aswell as microscopy of tissues affected." Dr. Baxter pointed out that dyspepsia,most often due to nervous origin or indiscretions in diet, taxed theingenuity of the physician. Flatulence, he stated, was due to the "evolutionof gasses produced by putrefactive and pathognomonic fermentativechanges of the ingesta, wrought by undue multiplication of microscopicvegetations." He discussed the "fermentation taking place in the ingesta,of saccharine nature, and putrefaction in those made up of albumenoidmatter. . . . Propagation of pathogenic microorganisms to the extent ofinterfering with normal digestion, goes on by virtue of altered secretion,"and that it was difficult to distinguish between functional and catarrhalconditions. Dr. Baxter questioned the use of predigested foods, fearinginertia of the stomach. As treatment he recommended hydrochloric acidand pepsin. He suggested that "could a way be discovered to prepare pancreatineso that the acids of the stomach could not destroy it before itreached the intestines, it would be a very valuable preparation in intestinalindigestion."1890Dr. John Wright, President of the State Society, made a very short addresson the mission of the medical profession, its duties and the mistakesof some of its members.Dr. J.M. G. Carter, Waukegan, Chairman of the Committee on MedicalPractice, gave a paper on "Pneumonia," quoting freely from Weichselbaum.He stated that bacteria do cause pneumonia, and he separated thepneumonias into lobular and lobar types, both being of anatomic butnot of etiologic significance. He described the Diplococcus as being themost frequent cause, Friedlander's Bacillus but rarely the cause. He discussedthe causes of croupous pneumonia and, in his opinion, "Catchingcold has only a possible predisposing effect."Dr. Frank Billings discussed this paper and said: "Personally, I do notthink either the Weichselbaum, Fraenkel or Friedlander organism has anyspecific relation to pneumonia in Man. . . . They are present in the mouthsof healthy individuals and do not cause pneumonia, and have also beenfound attached to the bronchial mucosa of people killed by accident ordying with intact lungs," but he admitted that "when active and prolongedcongestion with serous bronchial effusion is present, then they may causepneumonia." Dr. Billings listed the aims of therapy as: (1) To equalize thecirculation and diminish the return of the blood to the lungs; (2) to reducebody temperature; (3) to sustain the patient's strength; (4) to assist mucousmembranes and organs of secretion and excretion in the performanceof their functions, and (5) to allay pain.Speaking for the Committee on Medical Practice, Dr. Billings then