138
Symptomatic Palpitation.
Sept. 17, 1828.— Mr. W. C. aged 17, complained much, upon the slightest exertion, of a bounding palpitation of the heart, so violent that, when the stethoscope was applied, it seemed as if the instrument was absolutely raised by the pulsations, which, however, are quite regular. This affection had existed for about a year, and succeeded a sharp attack of pneumonia. He had been attended by a most respectable general practitioner in Shropshire, who considered it a clear case of organic disease, which opinion was strengthened by that of another medical gentleman in the same county. He had also been seen by a celebrated physician there, who prescribed for him, but no very active remedial means had been resorted to. I certainly had very great doubts of its being more than a palpitation from nervous irritability, although there was not any very marked derangement of the digestive organs; but there was such an unusual anxiety for his own feelings and health, that he never left town without being amply provided with medicines and nostrums without end . I put him upon a plan of nervous tonics, internally, and tartar-emetic ointment, alternated with blisters, externally, all with only transient relief. A seton was then inserted in the side, and kept open, to his great annoyance, for ten weeks, when it was allowed to heal, on account of its not being so efficacious as was wished for. His general health, however, was greatly improved, and every symptom of irritability gone offj with the exception of the palpitation, which, I believe, continued, more or less, until his mind was vigorously
