Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-11-03
THE MAN WHO HAD THE SMALL FOX IN.
.-. a.ts TEnNALLY.

the private practice oil DR.. Todd, the first
physician to the retreat of the insane, in
i1drtfurd, Conn.
The SUBJECT of it was a robust, hard
working man, by trade a mason. He had,
as he believed, been exposed to the conta-
glon OF the small pox. Under the impress
SION tnat spare diet would essentially mi
tisate the Nlruence oi the disease, from a
iull diet, in which animal food formed a
large share, he restricted himself to one en-
tirely vegetable, aud this in sc limited
quantlty as was hardly sufficient to sustain
HE. This change in his mode Of living,
combined with the depressing influence OF
lear, from anticipation OF a fatal and loath-
SAME disease, soon reduced his athletic
frame, and involved him in all the horrors
Of hypochondria. The time soon arrived
when, according to his calculations, the
small pox ought to make its appearance, but
not pock or pimple could he find upon
himself. A new cause of apprehension
now took entire possession oil his mind, viz
that he had the disease internally, and that
1t was preying upon and destroying his sys-
tenn. Under this impression he consulted a
physician, who, after listening to the his
tory Of mis- case, and making careful ex-
animation, assured him that his apprehen.
sons were entirely groundless, and existed
only In his Imagination.
his conclusion was far from being satls-
factory to the hypochondriac. He was
not thus easily to be reasoned out Of his
senses. The physician was dismissed as
one wanting in skill 10 discover and UNDER
stand the nature Of his complaint. A Sec
oud and third was called, and both concur
rcd in the decision of the first one. But
the patient, as is common in such cases,
would sooner believe the whole fraternity
at fault than himself. The subject of mem
tai hullucination rejected all medical adj
vice, confined himself to his room, and re-
signed himself TO his fate. In the m-an
time his robust form had become attenua-
ted almost 10 skin and bones. His friends
now became seriously alarmed at his con-
dhion. The reputation Of DR.. Todd, then
residing at Farmington, although in early
life had spread into the ieighboring towns,
and his peculiar talent Tor the management
Of mental diseas-s, which so cn,inrnly
qualified him to take charge OF the insane,
had in numerous instances been manifested.
A brother of the patient called on DR..
Todd aud stated his case, and assured him
that his confidence in the faculty was gone,
ana that i. was without his knowledge that
he was consulted. A plan was soon ar
ranged by which the doctor should happen
to pass the house of the patient, and be call
ed in as if by accident. The next day DR..
Todd was seen driving at his usual rapid
rate through the street where the patient
lived. He was hailed by the messenger,
and in tone of voice overheard BY the
sick person, requested to call and SEE his
brother, who had for some time suffered
IRON i'll health. The doctor alishted, and
was soon introduced to the patient, but
was received without any recognition or
act O! civility, not even raising his eyes to
look at him; nor could he, by any kind Of
attention or inquiries, elicit word from
his sulen and despairing patient.
With tact peculiar to himself, the doc
tor commenced very minute and careful
examination Of the patient-first looking
carefully into his ears, his nose, and his
eyes; then rising hastily from his seat, he
commenced walking the room, as if in the
utmost establishment, and could hardly
credit his senses, at the same time ejacula'
ting in an under tone ...
as it possble1 Who could ever have
thought il Can il BE- :"
Then resuming his place hy the side G.
the patient, he went through an examina'
ton still more minute. Again leaving hi
seat, he continued his coloquy-
''It is fact There can be no mistake
and yet the like is not to be found in th,
records Of medicine"
By this time the patents's attention wa
aroused, and, breaking through his tacitur
nifty, he exclaimed 4.,-
"What what. what is it, DR.. Todd p
"Why, sit, something very singular il
your case; but as l am not under any obi
cations to you for the discovery, vii
keep it to myself. More than that, it is q
much as physicians reputation is wort
even to advance such an opinion"
"Doctor," said the patient, 81 must know
h' wiz w any 'ni"S !" my Po"ei w
ask Of the, if you will only tell me"
"Well, SIR" replied the doctor, eff | tel
you, it must ever be profound secret BE-
tween ourselves"
To this the patient r. adily assehted.
"Then, sir" continued the doctor, "yo
must know that you have the small por in
ternaliy +"
In an instant, with all the strength h
could command, the patient sprang iron
! his chair, and seizing the doctor by tn
hand, he exclaimed lta
."You are the doctor for me Tins
ua what have been telling the doctors
/ but not one of them would believe wor'
, oft, Now, is there any remedy IN such
casei kihere any hope for me" ,f..,
NJ think there is" said the DOCTOR
"But mark me, everything depends upo'
closely adh-ring to my directions.
There are three ways by which this di
sease NAV BE- eradicatpd. One Is by insen
sible preparation; another by internal r.
|. medis.: and the third by bringing il on
upon the surface, in the form OF an erup
! tion." '1 ei aal