The physiological aspects of traumatic shock

Abstract

The condition known as shock has been recognized and described by the medical profession for a great many years. Cannon (1923) proposed the descriptive term "exemia," originally applied to a similar condition by Hippocrates. The word shock probably was first used by Latta (1795). Since then there have been many attempts to supply an adequate definition and an explanation for the fatal tendencies ot the condition. In a final explanation of shock there probably will be incorporated much of the knowledge now known. This cause of shock may not be one definite factor but may consist of several factors. Much of the present knowledge has been found to be grossly inadequate in the explanation of other shock-like conditions.