Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1848-11-10

scarcely be a doubt that the Asiatic
cholera as it is called, depends upon a
specific cause, and that that cause is in
the atmosphere. Recent observations
seem to show that the electric or mag
netIc fluid has something to do with it.
! lhls IS point upon which some light
may be thrown in America, should the
disease invade that country as now
Seems most probable; for the electric
teiegraphs IN operation there are more
numerous than in any other country in
the world; and if, as has been asserted
IN Europe, the cholera atmosphere af-
lects these instruments, the fact must
surely be observed in America.
The cholera has now existed in the
/ city OF COnstantinoplc for nearly an
entire year; though much of the time it
has been of a mild type, and limited in
extent. Within the last month. how
ever, it has shown more malignancv
than at any former period, and during
one week nearly all who were attacked
died. The number of deaths in the
city, from cholera alone, during the
week was reported at 100. At the
same time the disease has been raging
at Broosa, Nicomedia, Adabara Mag
nesla, Urntab, Aleppo, and various 9th
er places IN the interior. Trebizond
was dreadiuIly visited Il year ago, and
now the disease has returned with such
violence as to drive almost everybody
from the city that had the means of
fleeing. 1t has Just begun its ravages
at Smyrna, where it is to be feared it
will be particularly severe. As have
lntlmated this scourge of the human
race is moving westward 1t will
doubtless by and bye be heard of from
France and England, and then it will
cross the Atlantic, as before, to perform
its diretul mission to America.
My principal object in introducing
the subject INTO this letter is to cOmmu-
nIcate some facts concerning It's treat
ment which have been learned by ex-
perlence in this part of the world, and
which though they may not be new to
professional men in America, may tend
to corroborate what they have already
observed and heard on the subject,
while those of your readers who are
not vcrSed in medical SCIENCE NAV
have their minds quoted somewhat, in
knowing that there are precautions
which, under God, will in most cases
secure safety, even in the midst OF the
greatest exposures.
i'll
fairly seated. is one OF the most unman-
ageable of all diSeases-despiSing all hui
man art and skill, and hooking all the
assiduitieS of friendship in almost all
cases, begiHS with a mid dja'rhea,
which in that stage is most readily cur
ID. True where the cholera is raging,
we are continually hearing OF persons
who arose well in the morning. aud are
in their graves before night; and it is
not TO he doubted that there are some
cases in which the very first attack of
the disease IS the collapse from which
recovery is rare But | cannot say
with truth, that in erel~Y instance, OF
these sudden deaths of cholera, in which
| have been able to investigate the cir
cumstauceS. have found that the indi-
yiduaI had been Mb0riHg Hnder di0r-
rhea far some dayS precious Generally
this is so slight as not to be much no
ticcd: it is attended with no pains, and
no sickness OF stomach perhaps and
gives the person no particular inconve-
uience. But it is this very diarrhea
which is insidiouSly preparing the sys-
tenn for the most dreadful onset of dis
ease. Whcncverthe cholera is prevail
ing in any place, it should be a rule in
every instance to stop ecan the slight
cN dja,rhca immediatey. For this
we have a remedy always at hand
Opium, in some form or other, must be
used immcdidieIH and without fear.
In the form of laudanum, perhaps it
NAV I've used most conveniently. At
such times it should he found in every
house; and the master of the family
should give the Strictcst Injunction to
every inmate of his house, to give i'm
mcdiatc notice, if attacked with diarr-
hca. In mild cases sir drops oflGu,ia-
mum for an adult will he sutf' sent to
check the disease. The doe should be
repeated every four LomS until tie
diWyhcd is Stoprth This is a most
important direction. In severe cases
Of djarrhea d larger dose must be used,
and the dose may be increased indef-
njtelv without the least injury. 50 long
as the effect of choching the diarrhca
is not produced. | have been called to
prescribe in great multitude OF cases
of cholera. in this incjpient stage, and |
have found every one OF them to yield
TO this medicine. The prescription is
one which our good brother Doctor
Smith left with his brethren in Tw-
kew, in anticipation of the cholera,
when he was returning to America
and by the blessing of God do believe
it has saved thousands of lives. Our
native brethren in Nicomedia and Broo-
"a having been instructed on the sub
ject BY DIR. Smith, have been exceed
ugIv useful as instruments OF checking
the disease in a great multitude OF eases.
MANY even OF their worst enemies