The Democratic Whig. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1842-1843, 1843-02-16
ON TIE EXTERNAL, USE OF
TOBACCO, IN GROUP.
BY JOHN d. GOODMAN, M. d.

BY JOHN d. GOODMAN, M. d.
During my residence in-New York,
where my children were very frequent
ly attacked with severe and danger
ours fits of Group, to which they had
always been particularly liable, ] vas
informed by my friend, DR.. F. Van
derburg, of a very simple and efica-
cious method Of arresting at once all
the symptoms of this distressing and
frequently fatal disease. Wheuever
children are threatened with an attack
of cynanche trachealis, he directs a
plaster of dry scotch snuff, varying in
size according to the age of the pa
tient 10 be applied directly across the
top of the thorax, and retained there
until all the SYMPTOMS disappear. He
stated that he found the remedy TO be al
ways effectual when applied in the
first and second stages Of the malady.
This mode of treatment was from
prejudice or scepticism neglected by
ME, and in one instance, in which,
with very considerable difficulty, one
ofmy children was rescued by the or
binary treatment. But on being again
urged to make trial of the snuff plaster,
| determined to make the experiment
whenever opportunity presented. This
was not long wanting, and when called
to child Iaboring under all the SYM
toms of the early stage of Group, such
plaster (made by greasing piece Of
linen, and covering it well with Scotch
snuff.) was directly applied to the
chest. The event was most happy :;
the symptoms Of tracheal irritation and
harsh crouping-cough ceased shortly
after. the child fell into a profound
sleep with gentle perspiration, and by
next morning was free from all dis
tressing symptoms. The plaster was
re-applied for night or two following,
and then discontinued, as the disease
had entirely disappeared. Since that
time my family have been saved from
a great deal of anxiety and alarm, to
which previously they were subject, as.
we were obliged TO keep Coxe's hive
SYRUP tartar emetic, and all the other
articles usually resorted TO, constantly
ready 10 meet the attacks Of Group,
which were very sudden and frequent
In cold and wet seasons. Since then
we have found nothing necessary but
the snuff plaster. If a child is heard
to breathe hoarsely, or cough, with
any thing of the dreaded ringing sound
Of Group it is only necessary to apply
the snuff plaster. and we feel under
no farther anxiety. Instead of being
obliged to watch with the child all the
rest of the night, when once the snuff
is applied, we go TO rest again, with a
feeling of entire security, which we
have never had the least cause 10 re-
greet.
The intelligent physician above
is in the practice Of deriving
great advantage from the external use
Of tobacco in various cases. in which
it is by no means generally employed,
if its use be even thought of. To al
lay the Initiative cough arising from
different diseased states of the lungs
in diseases accompanied with chronic
spasm, and in the reduction of her.
MIA. by direct application of tobacco
to the hernial tumour, e., DR.. Van
derburgh has used tobacco externally
with very decided success.
In cases OF Group the Scotch snuf'|
(which believe is prepared from to-
bacco stems,) is to be preferred. My
friend, DIR. Pendleton, of New York
me. he has tried other snuff
without attaining his end, while with
the Scotch the effect was certain, /
publish this note with the hope that
otherphysicians will give the treatment
afair trial, and report their experience.
1t has the advantage over the tobacco
smoke mentioned in the interesting
notices of Professor Chapman, trecen-
thy published, that it may be kept al
ways ready, and be applied in the
dark, without loss of time. Il has
never caused vomiting, vertigo, or
any other distressing symptoms. in
my experience, and this accords with
the experience Of both the physicians
last mentioned IN this note.
A young widow who edits paper
III