BRIGHT'S DISEASE (of the kidneys), so called after the English physician, Dr. Bright, who first investigated its character, consists of a degeneration of the tissues of the kidney into fat, and will be better understood after the anatomy of the organ has been studied. Suffice it to say now, that this degenerated condition impairs the excret ing powers of the organ, so that the urea is not sufficiently separated from the blood. The flow of the latter, when charged with this urea, is retarded through the minute ves sels, congestion ensues, and exudation of albumen and fibrin is the result. When we apply heat to the urine from a kidney so affected, it becomes opaque, showing that it contained albumen (q.v.); and on examining a drop of it under the microscope, we observe the exuded lymph mixed with epithelium in the form of pasts of the small ducts of the diseased organ. The patient presents a flabby, bloodless look, is drowsy, and easily fatigued. The disease may succeed any of the eruptive fevers, and is frequently associated with enlargement of the heart.
The causes of this terrible malady are any which cause congestion of the kidneys— indulgence in strong drinks, long.continued suppuration, exposure to wet and cold, the exanthematous fevers, and pregnancy. The indications for treatment are, to remove any of those causes which may be present, rectify the other secretions, relieve any temporary congestion of the kidneys, at the same time endeavoring to increase the number of red blood globules by the administration of iron and vegetable bitters. And in the advanced itages, when the blood is poisoning the nervous centers, attempts should be made to n- tore the secretion of urine by administering diuretics (q.v.), by giving hydrochloric.
and vegetable acids, sponging the patient with vinegar, and relieving the congestion of the brain by purgatives and local bleeding.