The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-10-21

CHOLERA AND IT'S cAUsE--Amd the variety OF news
by the Caledonia, OF which we presented summary
Monday, there was nothing more interesting than the
England, OF the supposed connexion between epidemic
cholera and fungons organisms-mnute microscopic
plans-exisng in the atmosphere and waters Of infect
ed places The honor OF the discovery is attributed to
pr Britain, OF Bristol who, well as Mr.. Swayne, Of
the same place, and also we learn from the English
periodicals, Dr. Alison, Of Birmingham, and other OBJ
servers is said TO have detected and "ncontroverbly
proye the existence OF these organisms in the air and
water OF cholera districts, above mentioned, and
the bodies OF cholera patients would seem, from the
account-for this IS at least one Of the stores-ihat
is principally the sporues Seeds of the plants which
are found existing without the body, the plants them
selves receiving their fullest development in the avine
canal where they supposed to produce those deadly
results which constitute the disease of cholera. The
matter, which has, of course excited somewhat of SEN
saon, under investigation by the College of Ply
sicans, whose report on the subject will be expected
with much interest.
These discoveries remind US of very striking little
city by Mcssrs Lea& Blanchard from the pen Of our dis
inguished townsman, DR.. J. X. Mitchell. Professor Of
Practical Medicine in Jefferson Medical College, being an
Y Ike ssat Object oi xbeh was 70 plo1e
or render it highly probable that the unknown cause OF
such Diseases instead OF being according to ordinary the
ores, malaria or masnac emanatons OF any kind the
results of the decomposition Of vegetables, influences
connected with changes of temperature moisture, the
electrical condition Of the atmosphere &c TO be
found in the undue development and noxious influence
oil fungous plants whose germs filled the atmosphere ia
sicky seasons, and in nsalubrous districts and
various ways introduced into the human body. This
view Dr. Mitchell appears have entertained for
than twenty years and his book consists OF lectures
illustrating il, which were delivered before the med
ca classes OF Jefferson College during the session Of
ls4o-'7 The theory is advocated with equal skill
and learning; and cannot but be struck with the pow
erpl array Of facts and arguments by which the Insult
cheney OF all the old theories is exposed and the proba
biliiy OF the sustained, in relation bilious and
other levers oil maTshy countries yellow fever, &C. milk
sickness and various Presidential ePdemics. including
the plague and cholera The subject is OF 30 much
general interest," and there is much instruction adapted
to popular reading in Dr. Ms volume that have al
ways intended 10 make exposition of its contents
for the benefit OF readers-an intention. however
which deferred until the progress OF the cholera this
year should throw some new light the subject. The
alleged discoveries made by DIR. Britain will lead TO
thorough investigation and they afford the opportun
ty, OF which shall avail ourselves the first leisure
moment TO bring DIR. Mchelfs opinions under review
PHILADELPHIA North american