Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-05-11
ChOiera--Its Treatment.


| We publish below the treatment Of Chole-
ra, as suggested by DR.. Cyrus Hamlin, who
has been many years resident Of Constantine
pie, where he has passed through three seasons
ofcholera epidemic. The method given by DR..
H was as eficacious in the last years cpl
demic there, as in it's former yisitations, and,
with the same character of Cholera now
threatening our Country, it would be well
for our people to read carefully and preserve
DR.. Hamlm's suggestions. He says:
LIST. On the approach of the cholera, every
family should be prepared to treat it with
out waiting for a physician It does its work
SO expeditiously, that while you are waiting
for the doctor it is done.
ID. If you prepare for it, twill not come.
think there is no disease which may be
avoided with SO much certainty as the chole-
ra. But providential circumstances or the
thoughtless indiscretion of some member of
household may invite the attack, and the
challenge will never be refused. It will
probably be made in the night, your physi-
clan has been called in another direction,
and you must treat the case yourself or it
will prove fatal. 5 b9a4 III
3d. Causes of AHocA. -Ihave personally
investigated at least hundred cases, and not
less than three fourths could be traced direct
ly to improper diet, or to Intoxicating drinks,
Or both united. Of the remainder, sup
pressed perspiration would comprise a large
number. A strong, healthy, temperate la
boring man had a severe attack Of the chol-
era, 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 perspil alton,
he had lain down to take his customary noon
nap, right against an open window, through
which a. very refreshing breeze was blowing.
Another cause, is drinking largely Of cold
water, when hot and thirsty, Great fatigue,
great anxiety fright, fear, all figure among
melting causes If one can avoid all these
he is as safe from the cholera as from being
swept away by a comet. r..s....r
4th. Symptoms of an aHach. w lille
cholera is prevalent in place., almost every
one experiences more or less disturbance of
digestion. Every one notices the slightest
variation Of feeling, and this gives an i'm
portance to mere trifes There is often a
slight nausea, or transient pains, or rumb-
ling sounds, when no attack follows. No
one is entirely free from these. But when a
diarrhea commences, though painless and
/ az cty,
of the advancing column. It will have, at
first, no single characteristic of the Asiatic
. cholera But do not be deceived It is the
cholera nevertheless Wait a little, give it
time to get hold, say to yourself, Il feel per-
fectly well; it will pass off," and in a short
time you will repent Of your folly in vain.
I have seen many a one commit suicide, in
this way aa4 .s
( Sometimes, though rarely, the attack COM
mences with vomiting. But in whatever
way it commences it is sure to hold on. In
very few hours the patient may sink into
thescollapse. The hands and feet become
cold and purplish, the countenance, at first
nervous and anxious, becomes gloomy and
apathetic, although mental restlessness and
raging thirst torment the sufferer while the
powers Of life are ebbing The intcllectTre-
mains clear, but all the social and moral feel
ings seem wonderfully to collapse with the
physical powers. The patient knows he is
to die, but cares not snap about it. @
Insome cases, though rarely, the diarrhea
continues for day or two, and the foolish
person keeps about, then suddenly sinks,
sends for physician, and before he arrives
ssdies as the fool dieth." 15 t.a
COURSE OF TREATMENT. IN
1st For stopping tie iucpieat diarrAoa
The mixture which I used in 1913 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 has fully established its repu-
tation for efficiency and perfect safety It
consists Of equal parts by measure, Of Laud-
anum Spirits Of Camphor and Tincture Of
Rhubard Thirty drops for an adult, on a
lump of sugar, will often check the diarrhGa.
But to prevent its return care should always
be taken to continue the medicine every four
hours in diminishing doses IS, 20, 49,, 10,
8, when careful diet is all that will be needed.
In case the first does not stop the diarrhea,
continue to give increasing doses thirty five
. forty, forty-fiye, sixty-at every movement
Of the bowels. Large doses will produce NO
injury while the diarrhea lasts When that
is checked then is the time for caution. !
have never seen case Of the diarrhna taken
in season which was not thus controlled, but
some cases Of the advanced diarrhea, and es-
pecially Of relapse, paid no heed to it what
ever AS soon as this becomes apparent,
| have always resorted to this course: Pre-
pare teacup Of starch, boiled as for use in
starching linen, and stir into it full tea
spoonful Of laudanum for an injection Give
onc-third at each movement Of the bowels. ~
In one desperate case, abandoned as hopeless
by physician, could not stop the diarrhoes
until the seventh injection, which contained
nearly teaspoonful Of laudanum. The pa.
tent recovered and is in perfect health Al
the same time | used prepared chalk in ter
grain doses, with a few drops of laudanum
and camphor to each. But whatever course