The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-02-24


relax from their habue, and 1t IS during these
periods Of relaxation, ,bat the disease most
commonly makes it's appearance. This fact
if it be a fact, might by some perhaps
be used as an argument in favor oil constant
indulgence, and as warning against inter
MISSION Such an argument however, can a.
vail nothing, since,f properly scanned It WIN
be found to amoun, only to apretex' tor tar'hsr
indulgence. The symptoms OF deTIum ire
mems, vary, from the slightest nervous tremors
with spectral Illusions, and accelerated pulse,
to the most alarming state OF VI'ai depression,
muscular agitation, and mental al'enaion'
Not only the intellectual, but the physical iunc'
tons, are in a state of general arrangement;
and, although tho BRAN and stomach are
greatly diseased, yet IN severe cases. Inc pa
,ient is not conscious OF the least bod " suher-
ing, nor would he be, even were his limbs
diSlocated and fractured, so completely are
the faculties of the mind absorbed and deran"
ged, A few days after proracled deOauch'
or a nroonged fit Of inloxlca,i0n, there VIII
be ne cuIar slowueSs of the pulse, coidness
and cisMunnesS Of the hands snd .eel, with
general dcb,IIy, nausea, gnd'occae'onaI Eom-
u.tln Va, loss OF sppeItie, and lnatbiHg of food;
excessive pGINu'NNIiuh hN" S''SH' 'HN''N"b
vertigo, tramp IF the extremiues, and fright
fui dteHms There will be tremulcus and
furfed tongue, sud ltcnor ol lho hands. Inc
SPIRITS are uuch depressed, the patent sIghs
frequently, his countenunce ia anXious and
deiac,cd. He complains o! oppression about
the heart, is concerned about hls affairs, rest
lets aud wBrchlul or has ehOli and broken
s!umbers Aner day OF two, all these symp-
tons become aggravated. There lie wI!dness
of the counenance, a hurried and anxious
manner, great susceptibility of The nervous
and muscular system, excitabty of the tenn
per. with more or less mental al llenatIoD.
As the disease advances, the mental delu"
sion of the patient becomes more constant,
and for a time, is of low and melanchollc
kind, with continued reference to bis ruling
passions and occupation. Soon be becomes
altogether restless, he can obtain no sleep by
night or by day. He sees objects when their
presence is physically impossible. His mind
is tormented with the most exrsvagant ideas,
he is haunted with the most hideous forms,
and frightfuI appsritions. He fancies himself
in den of serpenis, and feels their poisonous
fangs sezing ho'd upon his flesh AT other
times, he is attacked by band Of robbers and
murderers; he flies to the door or window for
escape, he sees oil sorts of sights, and hears
all kinds Of noises, his whole frame is egi-
tated violently, he shreks and raves, like
fend ofbelI!
Upon The appropriate treatment of this dis
ease lpresume il will not be expected Of me
vi The present occasion,to dwell Suffice il 10
say, il should be modified according to the va.
Tey of the disease, the peculiar condition Of
thr patients and the character ofthe symptoms,
Whether the more common form of delirium
tremens, can bo as successfully treated, wIlh-
out the use of alcoholic remedies, is ques-
lion, which has received the most anxious
consideration Of The medical profession. 1t
still remains an open question. Many physi-
clans of the ftst responsibility, wholly dis"
card their use, relying upon opium, camphoT,
ammonia, and other dllfIsible stimuli; while,
other physicians of equal respectablity, be-
lleve them necessary to the greatest de-
gree Of success. Among this latter class, may
be ranked DR.. Gerhard Of Philadelphia,
whose observations and experience on this
subject, are as excessive perhaps, as those Of
any other member Of the profession.
1 have thus, endeavored 10 show The agency
Of Alcoholic drinks, in producing and sggra-
vatIDg, both physical and intellectual disease.
am CONSCIOUS however of having done my
snbjec: but partial justice, for it is no easy
mailer, for it is no easy matter to arrange ones
IDEAS on subject of medical science, aud to
clolhe those ideas in language suited 10 pro-
miscuous audience Upon such subject, it
were easier to address professional than
popular assemby-bul it is unnecessary TO
apologize.
Suffer mo in conclusion Mr.. President, 10
congratulate The society over which you pre-
size, upon its nusplclOus prospects lis chat
sctensc feature, consists in its adaptation 10
the condition and wants of that unfortunate
class of our fellow men, who may have been,
or who are still, The subjects of iniemperaDce,
We have had tba pleasure Of seeing quite a
number Of this character, come forward, and
adopt the pledge of total abstinence frOm all
that iatOzicateS If this pledge be kept, it will
prove TO them their salvation, but if violated,
they will relapse MO condition more dsplor-
able, and more hopeless, than their former
TIE circumstances however, which now sur
round them, are peculiarly calculated TO ems
courage aud sustain them. In all parts of the
country, there seems to be one simultaneous
move ou this subject. The thing lie popular
| il exciles The wonder aud challenges the ap~
probation Of the community But IT should
| not be disguised, that there ia in reserye for