Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-11-28
Having the small Pox-InternalIy

!
been exposed to the contagion of smallpox. Un-
der the impression that spare diet would essen
| TALLY mitigate the virulence of the disease-from
a full diet, in which animal food formed large
portion, he restricted himself to one entirely vege
table, and this in so limited quantity as hardly
sufficient to sustain life. This change in his mode
of living, combined with the depressing influence
of fear, from anticipation of loathsome and fatal
disease. soon reduced his once athletic Frame and
involved him in all the horrors ofhypochondra.-
The time soon arrived, when according to his cal
culatons, the small pox ought to make its appear
ance, but not spot or pimple could he find on
himself new cause of apprehension now took
possession of his mind viz that he had the dis
ease internally, and that it was preying upon and
destroying his system. Under this impression he
consulted physician, who, after listening to the
history of his case, and making careful examn-
alton assured him that his apprehensons were en-
tirely groundless, and existed only in his imagin-
alton. ai
This conclusion was far from being satisfactory
to the hypochondriac. He was not thus easily to
be reasoned out of his senses. The physician
was dismissed as one wanting in skill to discov-
er and understand the nature of his complaint
A second and a third were called, and both con-
Cured in the decision of the first one But the
patient as is common in such case would Soon
er believe the whole fraternity at fault, than him
self, the subject Of mental hallucnation, rejected
all medical advice, confined himself to his room,
and resigned himself to his fate In the the mean
time his robust form had become attenuated almost
to skin and bone. His friends now became seri-
cusly alarmed at his condition. The reputation
Of DR.. Todd, then residing in Pennington although
in early life, had spread into the neighboring
Towns, and his peculiar talent for the manage
ment OF mental diseases, which so eminently quail
flied him to take charge of the insane, had in nu-
merous instances been manifested.
A brother of the patient called on DR.. TODD,
stated his case, and assured him the patients con-
fdence in the faculty was gone, and that it was
without his knowledge he was consulted. A plan
was soon arranged by which the doctor should hap
pen to pass the house of the patient and he called
in as ifby accident. The next day DIR. Todd was
seen driving at his usual rapid rate through the
I street where the patient resided he was hailed
by the messenger, in tone OF voice overheard by
the sick person, requested to call and see his
brother who had for some time been suffering from
i'll health. 1 q.
The doctor lighted and was soon Introduced to
the patient, but was received without any recogni-
look at him, nor could he by any kind attention or
enquiries, elicit a word from his sullen and des-
pairing patient. bsar GOES
With a tact peculiar to himself, the doctor COM
menced very minute and careful examination of
the patient-frst looking carefully into his ears,
his and his eyes; then rising hastily from his
seat, he commenced walking the room as if in the
utmost establishment and could harly credit his
senses, at the same time calculating in an under
tone ,5.
is it possible! Who could ever have thought
it! Can it beT a-- 3
Then Iesuming his place by the side Of the pa
tient, he went through an examination still more
minute. Again leaveing his seat he continued his
soliloquy 1.a: sa
/ Ii is fact! There can be no mistake-and
yet the like cannot be found on the record Of med
icine.' "
By this time the patients attention was aroused,
and breaking through his taciturnity he exclaimed:
What what! what is it, DR.. Todd
why, sir, something very singular in your case;
but am under no obligation to you for the discovr
cry, will keep it to myself. More than that, it
is much as a physicians reputation is worth even
to advance an opinion. f1s ~ taaasd
Doctor said the patient, - / must know i'll
will do any thing in my power you ask me, if you
will only tell me. 'aHSa e4s .1ssf ~
We'll, sir replied the doctor, If tell you it
must ever be profound secre, between ourselves ,
To this the patient readily assented.
Then, sir, you must know that you have the
small pox internally ssar & sass sasHsl
In all instant with all the strength he could com
mand the patient sprang from his chair, and seiz-
ing the doctor by the hand he exclaimed:
You are the doctor for me! This is just what
have been telling the doctors, but not one them
would believe word Of it. Now, is there any
Iemedy for such case, Is there any hope for
me = ~1.-l-'4i9S A--- Ht6ott a-e8
think there is, said The doctor But mark me
everything depends upon closely adhereing to my
directions. There are three ways by which this
disease may be eradicated--one is by insensible
perspration another by internal remedies; and
the third by bringing it out on the surface in the
form of an eruption.
Let it be the last one.' was the quick response
Of the patient Let me have the ocular proof of