On Fatty Diseases of the Heart

Abstract

THE subject of Fatty Diseases of the Heart was brought under my notice five years ago, by the sudden death of a gentleman, in whose body no sufficient explanation of that event could be found.A peculiar fatty condition of the heart was observed and recorded during the examination.The occurrence, soon afterwards, of two similar cases, led to the conclusion, that the presence of this fatty matter in the heart's texture bore some important relations to the struc- ture and functions of the organ.On referring to books, they were found to afford but im- perfect information on the subject, and to contain very con- tradictory statements.The investigation, the results of which are herein comprised, was then commenced, and continued at such intervals as other avocations and the materials required permitted.Since the period referred to, the at- tention of other inquirers has been directed to the subject, and some most interesting and valuable essays have been published upon it.These essays, and I hope nearly all that had been previouisly written on the subject, I have examined with care; I have compared my own observations with their contents, when possible, and I shall with pleasure acknow- ledge in the course of this Essay any information thus DR.QUAIN ON derived.The pursuit of the inquiry has been both pleasing and instructive to myself; and it is with the hope that the Fellows of this Society may derive the like feelings from the exposition of its results, that they are now respectfully sub- mitted to their consideration.The following appears to be the most convenient form for the arrangement and consideration of the subject:i.-The varieties of Fatty Diseases of the Heart, and their respective characters.ii.-An account of preceding observations on these Diseases.iii.-A consideration of the circumstances under which they occur-their causes.iv.-Their effects on the Structure and Functions ofthe Heart.v.-Their Symptoms and Diagnosis.vi.-The Indications for their Treatment.Appended will be found Tables containing the abbreviated histories of eighty-three cases, in which fatty disease of the heart existed.Of these cases twenty-five are derived from original sources,' and the others from different publications, wth additions, in several, derived from inquiries made of the authors.Drawings illustrative of the morbid conditions described are also annexed.