Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-03-14

the better opinion of those intelligent medical
men, who, Ihad understood, were engaged In
gathering facts and observations tor publication
in ENGLAND land which have net yet seen) beg
IN submit few notes and conclusions to which
was irresistibIy led. though my limited oppor-
tun;tes of observation would caution me to be ST.
lent. ;.
remarked. and ascertained it to be the result
of the observation of others, that cases increased
ON Mondays, and days succeeding holy days,and
as these days are so often passed in intemperance
and dissipation, manifest evidence was gwen
that Iptesn, era,ce furnished an aimeDt to the
Cholera. Additional proof of this was given me
in the cases OF our own men. Shore liberty,
was followed by attacks OF Cholera, more or less
severe, according to the constitution aud habits
of the patient-And as a farther illustration at
ter they were discharged from the ship and went
OF shore, many of them fell victims to the dis,
ease irritable temperaments suffered most, anu
more particularly when the powers OF the sto'
mach were impaired Cases increased ana were
more or less alarming, according to the state OIL
the tmosphere-Easterly winds accompanied by
frequent atmospheric changes, chilly and damp,
almost invariably increased the disease.
An opposite state Of the weather would dimin'
isb its severity, limit the number OF new cases
and at times, almost secure temporary cessa
ton OF it.
The disease prevailed most, and was most ia
tal among the lower classes OF the people, be-
lieve, however. we have no class IN our own coun-
try SD degraded--at any rate, l never Saw al
home, such evidence OF degradation and misery,
as attach to the lower classes that Tell under my
observation in Russia. The Cholera, however,
did not exempt the middle and even the highest
walks Of life. But, suspect it could be traced
there, 10 the causes before stated. viZ:-irregu-
aritiesin living, impaired power OF the stomach,
hiyh excitement. sc. &c. Armies engaged in
action, warfare, besieging and besleged, exposed
as they necessarily must be, would bear out the
conclusion, that as the disease Is most ca'amltous
in such situations, its ravages and fatality are We
nv much increased by the causes already motto
ed. So far as my observation extended. as the
disease was determined to depend on peculiar
and unknown condition of the atmosphere. its re-
suit might in great measure be anticipated, &C
cording to the temperament and condition OF the
patient attacked.
The treatment, as yet, seems experimental,
and the extreme ignorance OF those among whom
the disease most prevailed, adds much to the dlt-
ticulty.
That the disease has an epidemic character,
InerP can Dc nO llttie uouOt. ihdt " 10 Noi'"'
sious, saw no evidence of; on the contrary nu.
merous proofs and exposures reject such con-
cluSion. In the absence then OF more conclusive
evidence, than has yet fallen under my personal
observation-l should say
lst. That its occurrence depends on a peculi,
ar state of the atmosphere as vet, not clearly de-
fined
Cd That the disease is not con tagious-
Sd. That its ravages are greatest. when IN
temperance, and the causes above stated most
prevail.
4th. That although it has not exempted any
class or condition from attack yet its fatal results
have, and can be avoided BY prompt medical aid,
provided the constitution of the patient has nG'
been undermined BY excuses. &c.
5th Regarding remedies, none which are'spe
cifc' have as yet been attained.
In conclusion, think hazard little in predc
ting. that shouldn't please an all wise Providence
to send this Epidemic to our Shores, the general
improved habits of our people, their comparative
intelligence, and the facility OF commanding
prompt medical aid, will far arrest its fatality
as to leave among the ordinary diseases to which
we are more or less exposed.