The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-02-15


ness and ventilation are but little attended
to; and even in these cities its principal
ravages were among the poorer and more
debased of the people. A similar state
ment might he made in reference to its pro-
gress through the north of Europe. We.
also ind that the dispersion of collected
masses OF people, as in the case of the re-
iIglous assemblage on the banks of the Gan
ges, or removal to dry, elevated and more
neaIthY situation, as in the instance of the
Marquis OF HastIngs's army, was sufficient
to arrest the disease.
1t Is stated, that during the recent preva-
fence OF the cholera in Calcutta, the dead
bodies OF the poor were cast into the river
Hoogly, while in addition to this source of
noxIous exhalations, the city was in so fl
thy condition, that the adjutant crane and
Jackall, crows and kites, were permitted to
enter the city in vast numbers, to act as
scayengers.
A physician Of eminence, and member of
The council TO whom the investigation of the
nature of the disease, as it occurred in
Moscow, was especially intrusted, states
that the intensity OF the disease was in "a
direct ratio to the dampness of the atmos-
phere the epidemic prevailing chiefly
among the lower classes, who resided in
moist and low situations. II is notorious,
also, that lnattention to cleanliness is a
characteristic of these very classes. A
somewhat similar statement, is also made
by DIR. Rankeen, who attributes the occur
renee of the cholera in Bengal, to the con-
joint operation Of sudden changes of wealth
er, humid soil, and damp atmosphere, in
connection, more especially, with diet of
rice and other grain, vitiated by the wet
ness of the season.
MIR. Mccormick, an East India surgeon,
speaking of the cholera as it appeaie ed in
Taorlz, town in Persia, says that the dis
ease fist began in that part of the city
which is low, filthy, and crowded with poor
inhabitants.
1t is said that four days previous to the
occurrence of the cholera in Riga, upwards
of fifty cart loads of filthy rags, and almost
putrid garments, the clothing of those who
had died in the Russian camp, many of
them OF the very disease in question, were
brought into the city, and deposited with all
the Nth with which they were imbued, in
the public stores.
But, notwithstanding the remote causes
OF the cholera are, in all probability con-
nected with particular constitution and
vltlated condition of tie atmosphere, yet a
certain condition of the human system, or
a predisposition to disease, would appear to
favor its production. When it made its ap-
pearance in city, all the inhabitants were
equally liable to its attacks, many entirely
escaping, Notwithstanding their full expos.
uTe to its remote causes. 1t was among
the lower classes of the people-ill fed, i'll
clothed, those living in low, damp houses,
huts or cellars; and those given up to hab-
its of intemperance, and careless of health,
who were the first and most numerous VIC
tins Of the disease. The temperate and
prudent most generally escaped, or suffer
ed but slight attack. To this fact nearly
all the physicians who have had opportunity
of studying the disease bear testimony
: DR.. JRhnichin of Moscow, declares that
drunkenness, dsbauehery, bad food and per-
) sonal indlscretlens, were incontestbly its
predisposing causes. DR.. Riecke informs
us, that in China, the disease selected its
victims from among such of the people, as
live In filth and intemperance. A physi.
) clan from Warsaw states that the disease
spared all those who led regular lives, and
resided In healthy situations; whereas they
: whose constitutions had been broken down
by excess of dissipation were invariably
attacked. Out of 100 individuals DESTROY
: ed by the cholera, it was proved that 80
had been addicted to the abuse of spintuous
liquors. Marshal Diebtsch used to drink
brandy and punch frequently during the
day. He, as our readers know, has been
i among the latest victims TO this disease
:. the females, who were rarely addicted 10
the use of distilled liquors, very generally
escaped. The experience Of all ages has,
in fact, shown that the only effectual means
of escaping any epidemic disease, is to pre-
; serve the resisting powers of the system in
their greatest possible vigor, by good,
wholesome diet, regular exercise, temper
ance in all things, cheerful temper, and
undaunted spirit. On the other hand, there
is no surer way of inviting an attack, than
to be calculating the chances, and search.
ing after the reputed means of preservation
to brood over its terrors, or watch its ap.
: proach with anxious and incessant solicit.
: ude. To attempt to drown these fears by
| stimulants or narcotics of any kind, tC
n weaken the system by starvation, or de.
d range it by repletion, are equally subversive
: of the end for which they are ignorantly re
sorted to.
!, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. The ma
: who interferes with the business of other,
n almost always neglects his own; and Will
s. doing that which no one thanks him for, h
u not unfrequently permits his family TO com
J., to want. No man who strictly attends
D what ought to interest him, will have tin
e or inclination to meddle with the concern
T. of his neighbors; he will pursue his ov
II , course, and leave others to do the same
is will he generous to believe that other foil
know something as well as himself Il