73
REPLIES TO QUERIES OX THE TREATMENT OF EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. [Appendix
Query No. 10,—continued.
Smith, D, B., Surgeon, Ben. I.—Calomel is the sheet anchor. A drachm at first followed
by smaller doses repeated until improvement takes place.
While, J., Surgeon Major, Ben. I.—I have not found anything do good. Opiates do much
harm.
Query 11.—Chloroform or ohlorodyne gives temporary relief, but re-action is often followed
by head symptoms or delirium.
Colles, J. P. C., Assistant, Surgeon, Ben. I.—No medicine that I have tried in the stage of
collapse has more thoroughly removed, the signs of obstructed circulation for the time than
chloroform given by inhalation. Under its use, cramps cease, and the pulse, warmth, and the
color in the face return. These effects are caused by its primary stimulant action; but as
this use of chloroform does not promote the elimination of the poison, and as by interfering
with respiration it causes the retention of effete matter in the system, it may be doubted
whether, except as a palliative, its employment is justifiable in severe cases. My experience
leads me to think that it does not prolong (if it does not shorten) life in bad cases, though
it certainly relieves distress. Slight cases, which only require stimulation, are benefited
by it.
Farquhar, T., Surgeon Major, Ben. I.—Chloroform is readily absorbed during all stages of
the disease. Medicines that will relieve the spasms in the lungs, or of the vessels on the
surface of the body and mucous membrane of the lungs, may prolong life till the poison
works off. Subcutaneous injections may act in the same way.
Griffin, M. J., Surgeon, Ben. B.—Yes, if excessively administered; but much good can-
not be expected by their employment in this stage of the disease.
Hayward, H., Surgeon, Ben. B.—Chloroform in small closes relieves the cramps and stimu-
lates the action of the heart, but it increases the danger of congestion of the brain. Chloro-
dyue in this stage cannot be relied on, as it tends to check secretions; in fact, it appears to be
detrimental.
MacRae, D., Deputy Inspector General, Ben. I.—In the case of the loth Cavalry, neither
medicines nor stimulating drinks produced any good results ; but chloroform afforded complete
relief from spasms for a short time, although it in no way arrested the progress of the
disease.
Moor, H. J., Surgeon, Bom. I.—I believe large closes of opium or alcohol will be injurious,
as tending to increase the morbid condition already present. I believe the same of chloroclyne,
but to a less extent, as the soporific effect of this preparation is not so marked as that of
opium.
Munro, W., Dcputy Inspector General, Ben. B.—I did not find chloroform given internally
of any use ; but by inhalation it is very useful. One case (a woman) who suffered terribly from
cramps inhaled chloroform at intervals of an hour. She was much relieved. Re-action set in,
and she recovered.
Roe, S. B., Assistant Surgeon, Ben. B.—I have never observed that the action of chloro-
form, used by itself, tends to produce head symptoms, but I have never seen it have any effect
in promoting re-action.
Ross, J. T. C., Surgeon Major, Ben. I.—On chloroform I place much reliance. In cramps
it affords the greatest possible relief and benefit to the patient. It saves pain, muscular fatigue,
and consequent depression. Given mildly so as to reach its first stimulant effect only, it is very
useful in collapse, and with wine to regulate and guide its effects, it continues useful throughout
all the stages.
Summers, J., Deputy Inspector General, of Hospitals, Ben. B.—No permanent benefit is
derived from either. Eut I never saw much harm in consequence of the use of these remedies.
Wood, D., Surgeon, Ben. B.—I have never seen them do permanent good, and in some
cases, I think, they shorten the duration of the disease by producing head symptoms, dyspnœa,
und death.
Query No. 12.—Brandy, alcohol or wine does not restore the action of the heart or assist
re-action, and when re-action does take place it is often violent and dangerous.
Atkin, W., Surgeon Major, Mad. I.—Brandy, alcohol or wine is of service if care is taken
n the administration to avoid the risk of exciting vomittiug. I have seen nothing to lead me
to suppose that their use has exercised any injurious influence on the course of events during
re-action.
Baillie, H., Surgeon Major, Ben. I.—A mixture as follows :—Five grains of carbonate of
ammenia, one ounce of camphor mixture, one drachm of brandy, one grain of musk. To be
given every quarter or half hour, alternately with nourishment.