Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1866-05-12

BYDR. HAAILIN, CONSTANTINOPLE.
The cholera, which has just left us
after committing fearful ravages, is
making its way Into Europe, and will
probably cross the Atlantic before
another summer has passed.
Having been prOvidentially COMPEL
ed to have a good degree of practical
acquaintance with 1T, and to see it in all
Its forms and stages duTing each of its
invasiOns of COnstantinOple. wish to
make to my friends in Maine some sug-
gestiODs which may. relieve anxiety, or
be of practical use.
LIST. On the approach OF the cholera,
every family ishOuld be prepared to
treat il without waiting for physician.
1t does its work so expeditiously, that
while you are waiting for the doctor, 1t
is done.
I'd. If you prepare for it, it will not
come. 1 think there Is no disease
which may be avoided with so much
certainty as the cholera. But pTOvi-
dental circumstances or thOughtless
indiscretions of some member of
household may invite the attack, and
the challenge will never be refused. 1t
will probably be made by night, your
physician has been called in another
direction, and yOu must treat it your
self or 1t will be fatal.
Sd. CAUSE OF ATTACK have per-
sOnally investigated at least a hundred
cases, aud not less than thTee-fourths
could be traced directly to improper
diet, or to intoxicating drinks, or to
both united. OF the remainder, sup
pressed perspiratiOn would comprise
large number. A strong, healthy, tenn
perate, labOring man had a severe at
tack of cholera, and, after the danger
had passed, / was curious to ascertain
the cause. He had been cautious and
prudent in his diet. He used nothing
Intoxicating. His residence was in a
good locality. But, after some hours
of hard labor and very profuse perspir-
alton, he had lain down to take his Gus
tOmary nap right against an open win
dow, through which q UeT.y refreshing
drinking largely of cold water when hot
and thirsty. Great fatigue, great anx-
iety, fright, fear, all figure among in
citing causes. If one can avoid all
these he is as safe from cholera as from
being swept by comet.
4th. Symptoms Of an Attack. While
cholera Is prevalent IN a place, every
one experiences more or less disturb
ance of digestion. 1t is doubtless In
part imaginary. Every one notices the
slightest variation of feeling, and this
gives an importance to mere trifes.
There is often a slight nausea, or tran
scient pains, or rumbling sounds when
no attack fOlIOlCS. No one is entirely
free from these. But when diarrhea
commences, though painless and slight,
1t is but In fact the skirmishing party
of the advancing column. 1t will have
at first no single characteristic of the
Asiastic cholera. But do not be de
ceived. 1t is the cholera nevertheless.
Wait little, give it little time to get
hold, ssy to yourself, II feel perfectly
well, 1t viii soon pass of, and In
short time you will repent of your folly
IN vain. L have seen many a one COM
NIT suicide in this way.
Sometimes, though rarely, the attack
commences with vomiting. But in
whatever way it commences, 1t is sure
to hold on. In very few hours the
patient may sink into a collapse. The
hands and feet become cold and pur-
plish, the cOuntenance at first nervous
and anxious, becomes gloomy and apa-
thetic, although mental restlessness
and raging THIRST torment the sufferer
while the powers of life are ebbing.
The intellect remains clear, but all the
social and moral feelings seem wonder
fully to collapse with the physical pow
ers. The patient knows that be is to
die, but cares not a snap about it.
In some cases, though rarely, the
diarrhea continues for a day ort two, and
the foolish person keeps about, then
suddenly sinks. sends for physician,
and before he arrives dies as the fool
dieth +"
COURSE OF TREATMENT.
LIST. For stopping the inclpient didrrheG.
The mixture which L used in 1S4S with
great success, and again in 1855, has
during this epidemic been used by
thousands, and although the attacks
have been more sudden and violent, it