The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-01-30
DERBY Jan 25, 1913

DERBY Jan rs, l843
MIR. CHADwIcK-sir Some few days since
saw communication, in your paper, from DR.. Jew
ett In relation to the epidemic, now so extensively
prevailing, which struck me, rs containing sorue
things calculated to unfavorabe and an un-
just influence upon the minds of people, at least in
THIS vicinity, coming they do from having the
high reputation, which Dr. Jewett has as a physician.
lie makes some valuable suggestions which ought to
be regarded by all; but he also condemns in almost
unqualified terms, course OF treatment, rather
some parts Of course of treatment, which has, to
some extent, been adopted by physicians, in this
vicinity, with the happes results. ] rorer to what
he says in re'ation to bleeding and emeticks.
am not physcian,nor do make any pretensions
to medical knowledge or skill, but those best acquaint
ed with me, will not charge me, with boosting, when
say, that in ordinary cases, from my experience in
sickness, and in nursing, I do think I am competent
to judge by observation, whether any prescribed rem
edy has good i'll effect For the last three months
this disease called eryspelas has prevailed in this,
and some adjoining towus to very great degree, and
have been almost constantly engaged in taking care
Of the sick. So far my observation extends
think DIR. j. is right to the free OF mercury.
But without qualification reservation, do say
that in many cases, have seen the most decidedly
favorable results from bloodetting and emeticks--
do not say that these things are proper in all
es, and presume that Dr. Jewett has not enough Of
the principles Of emf rcism to admit, that any given
course Of treatment is adapted to all diseases, or
to all cases of the same disease am happy in the
belief, that we huve physicians, who able to dis
eliminate, and modify their treatment, according to
the symptoms, that present themselves in the various
cases.-lf Doct. Jewett owed any duty to the pub
| lie, do candidy think he has come short of dis
charging it. He says "amost all cases early attend
ed to and properly treated will certainly recover
Now it is in every body's mouth-Dr. Jewett con-
dennis bleeding and emeticks; what shall me dol
The only suggestion he makes to treatment is mod
DR. Jcwett VIII not think am going too far when
say that after having snd what he has, upon the sub
ject he does now owe it to the public, to say what
those other proper means are.
1t is no doubt, true that fear and excitement, PIE.
dispose the human System to disease, and render il
much more susceptible to attack of any epidemic
that may prevail, and should Of course be guarded
against.
should say then with DR.. Jewett sLet hope take
the place of fear and dismay' and we shall be much
more likely to be passed over.
shall esteem it favor, ifyou will give this
place in your paper, not because wish to detrac
any thing from the reputation of DIR. Jewett, for
know but he merits all he has ;hu simply because
deem it my duty to counteract so far as may any
unjust prejudice, which any of my friends or &C
quaintance, may entertain towards the practice of
physicians. Yours truly,
o. NEWCOMB.