In this case, we see in a measure the mode in which caries of the vertebræ is produced. This caries is only at its commencement; the vertebræ are affected superficially, and in those parts only which correspond to the diseased portions of the dura mater and medulla. There are none of the local symptoms of Pott’s disease--no collapse of the vertebral column--no gibbosity; yet the paraplegia appeared, as in the cases where these alterations exist: it resulted, then, from the softening of the medulla, or the alteration of its membranes. If a little time had elapsed, and several spinous processes had deviated from their true direction, this paralysis would have been attributed to the commencement and progress of this deviation. These relations between the state of the medulla and that of the vertebræ have been already remarked by several authors. M. Latour, in a memoir inserted among those of the Society of Emulation, has sought to establish that paraplegia, in Pott’s disease, resulted from a primitive alteration of the medulla. Janson has since expressed a similar opinion. Cases have also been published by Louis, which leave little doubt on this subject. (_Mem. and Recherches_, 1826, p. 410.)
One symptom in the preceding case, which deserves to be noted, is the difficulty of respiration, the palpitations, and other symptoms which led to the belief that the heart was diseased. On opening the body, however, this organ was found perfectly healthy. Similar phenomena are often seen in onanists: it would therefore be wrong to consider them always as signs of an organic alteration of the heart and large vessels.
In the following case, the vertebræ were more changed. The spinal column was gibbous: but this was preceded by paraplegia, and other symptoms of myelitis. This case was published by M. Dalandeterie:--
A shoemaker, twenty-four years old, of good constitution, who has always enjoyed good health, contracted the habit of masturbation at the age of sixteen years, and became so addicted to it, that he indulged seven or eight times a-day: his strength soon diminished, and he lost flesh and his color.
After an interruption, caused by an acute disease, the patient resumed his fatal habit with the same earnestness. He finally became so weak; languid, and pale, that he was discharged from military service, in which he was inscribed.