ERETHISM
\ɪɹəθˈɪzəm], \ɪɹəθˈɪzəm], \ɪ_ɹ_ə_θ_ˈɪ_z_ə_m]\
Sort: Oldest first
By William R. Warner
-
Augmentation of the vital phenomena in any organ or tissue. Orgasm. Under this name, Mr. Pearson has described a state of the constitution produced by mercury acting on it as a poison. He calls it Mercurial Erethism or Erethismus. It is characterized by great depression of strength; anxiety about the praecordia; irregular action of the heart; frequent sighing; tremors; small, quick, sometimes intermitting pulse; occasional vomiting; pale, contracted countenance, and sense of coldness; but the tongue is seldom furred, nor are the vital and natural functions much disturbed. In this state any sudden exertion may prove fatal.
By Robley Dunglison