Remarks on fever in Malta, with cases : with special reference to the use of the thermometer in diagnosis and prognosis

Abstract

THE application of thermometry to the investigation of disease is now recognised as a very valuable addition to our means of diagnosis ; to the military practitioner it is of especial importance, adding much to the certainty of prognosis as well as of diagnosis, and enabling him, in many instances, to foretell the approach of evident and formidable symptoms. In masked forms of febrile disease he may thus to enabled to say that disease is really present with a certainty hitherto unattained, and dispose of his morning sick with a justice to them and credit to himself he cannot always secure without the assistance of the thermometer. I have never had reason to regret trusting to its indications. [Excerpt]