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CASE IX.

Thomas Clouston, æt. 58, admitted into Guy’s Hospital, February 11, 1852, under Dr. Barlow. A muscular and strong-built man, of a sanguine temperament and dark complexion. He has been a married man, but his wife died about twenty years ago. His occupation has been that of a sailor, and according to his own statement, he has led a very sober life. His general health has been very good. About five years since, he had a hernia in the left inguinal region, for which he has since worn a truss. This has never given him any difficulty to return. About two months ago he came from Liverpool, in which place he had settled, not intending to go to sea again; and was taken on board the Dreadnought for stricture. His general health was quite good at this time, but while in the Dreadnought he began to lose his appetite and to feel generally unwell; he had likewise some affection of the left eye, in which he is now nearly blind.

On Saturday the 8th he left the ship at his own request, thinking that he might be better on land; after waiting two or three days, he found that he got no better, and his friends advised him to come to the hospital.

Present Symptoms,- He complains of a sensation of sickness, without actual vomiting; and tightness over the epigastrium. His countenance is anxious. He has no pain in any part. He has rigors, followed by mild sweats, every five or six hours, the rigors usually lasting about an hour. The abdomen is tense and tympanic; not tender to the touch, excepting over the upper part. The liver does not appear enlarged. His chest is broad and well-formed; the motion of the ribs moderate, resonant on percussion; and the lungs are apparently sound. The heart’s sounds are normal. Pulse rather feeble, 80. Tongue injected at the tip and edges, coated with a light brown fur, very dry. Urine of about average

F 2

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