An essay on spermatorrhoea : being a microscopic investigation into its physiological and physical relations ; with observations on the nature, causes, and treatment of the various disorders of the procreative system in men. Illustrated by cases / by R. Dawson.

  • Dawson, Richard, active 1845-1852.
Date:
1846
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An essay on spermatorrhoea : being a microscopic investigation into its physiological and physical relations ; with observations on the nature, causes, and treatment of the various disorders of the procreative system in men. Illustrated by cases / by R. Dawson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    10/124 (page 4)
    It may, however, be as well to observe, that even so short a period has served more strongly to confirm myself, as well as to satisfy and convince others in whose judgment I place the most implicit confidence, that the disorders noticed in this volume are deserving of much more serious attention than has been hitherto bestowed on them. Neither is their prevalence so limited as may be imagined, nor have their baneful effects upon the human frame been so truly estimated as their importance demands. When we see the miserable victims of an insidious and unsuspected disease, slowly, but steadily emaciating—when we view a series of phenomena, faintly and indistinctly characteristic of a great variety of cachectic disorders—such as phthisis, hemoptée, marasmus, and other forms of wasting, &c.; or even the many varieties of mental derangement; can we, I say, surrender, without the least feeling of remorse—secun- dum artem, as it were—the unhappy sufferer to his fate? Should we not, rather, in despite of false delicacy, try to investigate the origin and causes of such diseases, and endeavour to trace out and determine the true principles of their cure ? Finding that the original title in many instances led to misapprehension, and in deference to the opinion of persons whom I greatly esteem and respect, I have altered it, and substituted the present for that adopted in the former edition. I have been led into these reflections, because I have been the subject of some gross and malevolent aspersions, as well as of much abuse, the scurrility and personality of which betray anything rather than the pure and unadulterated spirit of professional decorum or public