The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1866-02-16
Small POx-Epidemic.
E. w. Rose G.
A. Cox, ~

The following communication is written
by one of our resident physicians, who is
not only man of great ability in his pro-
fession, but philanthropist. We would
most urgently entreat our citizens to heed
his warnings. He is no alarmist- or con-
ceited quaek, but physician of learning
and skill, who knows whereof he speaks,
and feels the importance of the subject he
treats. Let the work of vaccination begin
at once:
EDITOR " C1T1zEN 1.-THE spread of
Smallpox, and the probability that it may
become atmospheric, demand the prompt
attention of the citizens of the town and
county. This destructive and loathsome
disease is making its appearance in different
parts of the county, and is manifestly as
Stunning an epidemic form.
The only check to its progress is prompt
attention to vaccination, both in those who
have, as we'll as in those who have not been
vaccinated, when any considerable length of
time has elapsed since the first insertion of
the virus.
1t is proper, in every instance, that re-
vaccination should be practiced, as the first
insertion often fails to afford complete pro-
lection.
Many persons labor under the deluson
that, having been once successfully vacci-
mated, they are permanently secured against
the contag ion of Smallpox and Varioloid.
The only evidence of complete protection
is, the failure to reproduce the vaccine dis
ease after repeated efforts with genuine
virus. The popular idea of well develop
ed scar bsisg unmistakable evidence OF
J omez5zsd he variolous contagion, is
fatal results. the seE-eyer did IN IN 55ther.
1t is no evidence, whatever, that the sys-
tenn is protected against varioloid, and
varioloid is capable of propagating unmodi-
fed Smallpox in the unprotected.
Another very dangerous error prevails,
that unsusceptibility to vaccination, mani
tested in some constitutions, is an evidence
of immunity from Smallpox and Varioloid
This want of susceptibility is often imagi.
nary; and, whether real or imaginary, gives
no protection whatever against Small poz
or Varioloid, especially during an epidemic
prevalence of the disease. It is by nc
means uncommon to resist the first inser
ton of the virus, or even several insertions
but generally the individual becomes affec
ted at last. There occasionally appears
want of susceptibility from some Temporal
ry cause; and the operation which may
have failed repeatedly, will succeed, upo1
a repetition of the vaccination. The failur,
is owiag either to some constitutional Pc
culiarity or to the impurity of the virus, ant
in either event the individual is liable t,
contract Smallpox when exposed to the
contagion.
1t is even advisable for persons who have
had the Smallpox to be vaccinated. as tn
disease occasionally makes its appearance,
: twice in the same subject, and as vaccina
tion is known to afford greater security thar
that accruing from previous attack 0
Smallpox.
, 1 have been induced to send you thiI
communication, hoping that its publication
may arouse the attention of the public t,
E the great importance of taking immediate
a steps to prevent the spread of this mos
loathsome malady. Ihave been much sur
! pFised at the indifference, not to say the in
g excusable negligence manifested by tht
' people in reference to this matter.
WIFE WANTED.-The following adver
) tisement appears in an Arkansas paper
a 'Any gal what's got bed, coffee pot ant