The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-07 00:00:00

THE CHOLERA.

The controversy which at present engages public
attention relative to the contagious nature of the
cholera has left the question nearly as doubtful as at
the commencement of the discussion. Though it
would be presumptuous to assert enything positive on
the subject, in our infant state of knowledge regard-
ing this mysterious disorder, still it is obvious that
much confusion has arisen from the want of a proper
use of terms. In order to come to a right under-
standing, wed to arrive at a correct conclusion amid
conflicting argument and opposite opinions, it is indis-
pensable to ascertain, in the first instance, whether
contagion and infection are synonymous in the medi-
cal acceptation of the words, then distinctly to define
the meaning attached to each expression, and, lastly,
to endeavour to find out the true cause of the disease.
It is admitted that cholera can be generated in the
human body only in one of the following ways—viz.,
either by contact with an infected person or any
article containing the virus, or by means of food or
drink received into the stomach, or through the
medium of atmospheric influence conveyed into the
lungs. With respect to the first, it is evident that
were the poison introduced into the system through
the pores and absorbent vessels, like the small-pox,
&c., the process would be too slow in its operation to
account for the effects almost instantly produced.
Nothing whatever has appeared in practice to warrant
the supposition, and we may safely affirm that in this
view it is not contagious. Remarks nearly similar
apply in the second case, and no fact has been authen-
ticated that would lead us to infer that the malady
commenced in the quarter specified, while all the
symptoms can be clearly traced to the action of
malaria on the lungs, vitiating the blood, engendering
coagulation and serum, disturbing the intestines, and
deranging all the vital functions. The evil effects are
quickly exhibited in all their fearful forms and
awfully fatal character. The original cause of the
pestilence will probably remain for ever in obscurity,
but it appears certain that there is a kind of snorbus
cceli, which at particular periods favours the spread of
disorders. Susceptibility to infection seems to attach
to individuals as well as localities. Persons most
liable to attack are those predisposed by delicacy of
habit and disorganization of the viscera. Where
animal and vegetable matter is allowed to accumulate
the infection is sure to be propagated, while the
noxious effluvia is not confined to the tainted spot, but
becomes diffused in all directions, until ultimately
expended.
The course of this erratic visitation is governed by
no recognised law, and it is difficult to ascertain the
precise limits to which it may extend without com-
munication, or whether it would have crossed the
Atlantic had there been no intercourse with America.
How far electricity is engaged in the matter it is hard
to determine, but it is well known that no substance
with which we are acquainted is more surcharged
with electricity, in proportion to its dimensions, than
the gem-like drop of dew, and that when impregnated
with marsh miasmata, it inflicts deadly destruction
to human life if taken in by the breath. Respiration
through a common silk handkerchief has been found
a perfect preventive under such circuanstaaces, silk
being a powerful nonconductor. Perhaps the pre-
caution may also be useful with respect to cholera.
That the' plague has been transmitted from one
country to another by means of woollen goods is
recorded in history. It is not unlikely that it is
similar with cholera—an inference that may be de-
duced from a statement made by
which the
respectable
clergyman, and on the truth of the utmost reli-
ance may be placed.
He mentions that an entire family were swept
away by cholera in his parish, and that some of their
effects, consisting of clothes and blankets, were packed
up in a large deal box, which was sent to a relative
residing in a village distant about sixteen miles,where
the cholera had never appeared. The trunk remained
unopened for a year, and at the expiration of that
period was unlocked by an old woman, who was im-
mediately struck with the disorder and died the same
day. Three other members of the family were also
attacked, and the pestilence spread through the dig-
tract for the first time, raging with extreme virulence
and attended with more than usual mortality. Though
no specific has yet been discovered for the cure of the
cholera, it may bo advisable to mention some
of the modes of treatment that have hitherto
proved successful. Tartar emetic, sulphur, and char-
coal have been employed with beneficial re-
sults in the advanced stages, and it is not
improbable that a prescription composed chiefly of
these ingredients may, ere long, under the Divine
blessing, afford a triumph to medical science. In the
meanwhile, during the premonitory symptoms, a
simple remedy has been administered with excellent
effect, and cannot b 3 too strongly recommended in
the absence of professional aid, being readily pro-
cured and easily applied, consisting of a glass of
brandy in a cup of hot tea. The effects are quickly
perceived. The heart begins rapidly to beat, perspi-
ration profusely sets in, the fluids are put in motion,
' the organs resume their usual duties, and con-
valescence ensues. By this means the progress of
the malady is arrested, and often completely checked.
Another important point is fumigation. On this
subject it is ascertained that miasmata poison can be
decomposed even by feeble chemical agents. In cases
of this kind damp gunpowder, when sufficiently dry
for ignition, is peculiarly efficacious, being an article
of combustion that possesses the property of disin-
fecting noxious air, injurious to health, and restoring
it to a pure and wholesome constitution. K.

SPORTIN G INTELLIGENCE.
TATTERSALL'S, YESTERDAY.
The absence of the majority of the members at the
Leamington Steeplechase prevented any business de-
serving a quotation.
WARWICK AND LEAMINGTON DECEMBER
MEETING.—THURSDAY.
The Hunt Cup Steeplechase Stakes of 10 SOTS. each,
with 100 added, fur hunters, list 71b each. Three
milk. (11 Subs.)
Captain Thomas's Merriman, list
Captain Peel na Kilkenny, list 71b...(Captaiu Peel) 2
Lord Lurgan's Sobriety, 12st 71b (Lord Strathmore) 3
Mr. Steward's Gazelle, aged, list 7lb (Owner) 4
The following also ran:—Mr. Robertson's Ace of
Trumps, 12st (Mr. Davenport), fell; Mr. Arkwright's
The Agent, 12st (Owner); and Mr. Rowley's Mangler,
11st (Owner). Won by a length.
The Grand Open Steeplechase Free Handicap of 20
sovs. each, 10 ft, and 100 added. Four reties. (18
Subs.)
Mr. J. Fort's Knight of Gwynne,llst ilb (Wynne) 1
Capt. Thompson's Abd-el Kader„ 9st 101b(Canavan) 2
Mr. Fowler's Little Fanny, 9st 41b (Owner) 3
Mr. Elmore's British Yeoman, list 121 b (Mason) 4
Mr. J. Smith na Peter Simple, 12st 41b(Cunningham) 0
Captain Little's Chandler, list 41b (Oliver) 0
Lord Strathmore's The Doctor, list
Lord Howth's Agitation, lost 81b (Magee) 0
Mr. Treadgold's Maria Day, lOst (Rackley) 0
Mr. Robert's Little Houghton, 9st 91b
Mr. Carew's Lansquenet, 9st 71b (Reeves) 0
Mr. Vever's Vain Hope, lost 51b
Won by a length.
The Professional Steeplechase Stakes of 3 sovs. each,
and 20 added, 12st each, &c. Three miles. (8 Subs.)
Mr. Gordon's br g, 10st 71b (Archer) 1
Mr. F. Robbins's Vanity, lOst 71b (S. Darling, jun.) 2
Mr, SAt's Alexander, lOst 7ib (Owner) 3
The following also ran:—Mr. J. Cuwper's Cabana,
lOst 101 b (Boyce)—Mr. Butler's Young Lottery, list
71b (owner)—and Mr. May's The Witch, aged, lOst 71b
(May). Won easy, by three lengths.
The Free (Hurdle-race) Handicap, of 5 son. each, and
30 added. Two miles. (19 Subs.)
Mr. J. Oakes's Smallbeer, 9st 1 lib .(R. Sly, jun.) 1
Lord Lurgen's Fugitive, list
The following also started:—Mr. 11. Lane's Midnight,
lOst 101 b (Wycherly)—Lord Strathmore's Spectator,
lOst 91b—(Rackley)—Mr. W. Gulliver's Fszeley, lOst
81b (Archer)—Mr. Philips's Tallyho, aged, 10st 61b
(Thritt)—Lord Strathmore's Miss Burns, lOst 41b
(Frisby)—Colonel Shirley's Fugleman, lOst 21b (S.
Darling, jun.)—Mr. Willrin's lona, lOst 21b (Ralph)—
Mr. Ramp's Redstreak, lOst(Wynne)—Mr. Armstrong's
Rosabel, 9st 121 b (Matlock)—Mr. Ady's Mischief-maker
(late Mrs. James), 4 yrs, lOst 31b (Bradley)—Mr.
Eskrctes Vaut Rein, 9st 101 b (Boyer)—Mr. Dennii-
toun's The Prophet, 9st 81b (Reeves)—Mr. Barnard's
Jack-of-all-Trades, 9st 21b (James)—and Mr. William
Syrup, Bst 8!b (Fowl' r).
NEWMARKET CHAMPION COURSING
MEETING.
THE PUPPY STAKES.
Second The.
Renown beat Longwaist—Tinta beat Sincerity—Path
tinder beat Littlego.
THE ALL AGED STAKES.
Second Ties.
Rattler boat Desperate—Tout beat Perseverance—
Field- Marshal beat Agnes—Bridesmaid beat Girl of
Kent.

TIIE EXKING STAKES FOR AGED DOGS.
First Ties.

Rocket beat Pilot—Verity beat Morat.

THE NEWMARKET STAKES FOR PUPPIES.
?An Dobt.de's Dewdrop brat Mr. Inskip's Akbur.
Mr. Bound's Lottery beat Mr. Holmes's Mystery.
Mr. Gillett's Glauca beat Mr. Miller's Magic.
Air. Buckwortb's Beeswing bt Mr. Longman's Lightning,

STELE BOTTISTEAM STAKES.
Mr. Dobede's Drift beat Mr. Gil'etc's Gas-light.
Mr. Dobede's Doron beat Mr. Richardson's Vivid.
Mr. Buckworth's Baron Lest Mr. Fyson's Florette.
Mr. Inskip's Jenny Lind beat Mr. Fyson's Fairy Queer.

The Law of Primogeniture has been abolished in
every country except England, Spain, and Portugal,—
Patriot,