Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-06-15
BY rAor. A. P. DuTcHER, N. D.

land, February 5, 1866.
BY PRoF. A. P. DUTCHER, NJ. D.
ChilIs, lasitude, wandering pains in the
bowels, and diarrhes, have commonly been
regarded as the only premonitory symp-
toms of epidemic cholera, and everyone
considered himself safe until the latter is
pronounced. But, during a visitation OF
the disease, it sometimes occurs that indi-
yiduals suffer with it who have none OF
these premonitions. And il has often been
asked, Is there not some. more reliable
symptoms of this early stage7 | believe
there is, and, il | am not mitch mistaken,
YOU will find it in the condition Of the
pulse.
1t is now generally admitted by our best
medical authorities that the primary cause
of epidemic cholera is a specific poison in
fused in the atmosphere which we breathe;
tina it first acts upon the nervous system,
particularly the sympathic or gsnglinic
nervous %centers, producing depression and
paralysis, which lead to all the subsequent
phenomena of this terrible malady. That
the first tangible manifestation OF this
depression should be found in the pulse 10
not To be wondered at, when we consider
the intimate connection that exists between
/ tue great ntENbus ItAlClo dhu ~
1t is a fundamental principle of physiology
that a marked depression of the nervous
system is always attended with a SLOW
PULSE.
That a slow pulse precedes an attack of
cholera, has long since been pointed out by
N. Pcsanski. In q report on the subject to
the French Academy of Medicine, in 1853,
we CLEAN the following statements
First-That during the prevalence Of
cholera it frequently happens that the pulse
is extremely low, and reduced TO IS or even
- per minute in persons apparently in per
feet health.
Second-Thst this symptom is uhaccom
panied by n other denotlng q morbid
state.
Third-That when the pulse is low, the
blood becomes dark and DISCUS while in
persons whose pulse is in the normal state
during the epidemic, the blood is perfectly
healthy.
Foufth-That the cholera only attacks
those that have previously experienced q
diminution in their pulse.
Fifth-That this ~diminution, which often
occurs DAYS before the regular attack, mey
be considered a characteristic symptom Of
the approach of cholera.
Sixth-That those who have experienced
the diminution in question, have always es-
capped the disease, WHENEVER THEY AVE
FOLLOWED A REGIMEN CALCULATED TO ACCEL.
ERArE TIE CIRCULATION.
Seventh-That the falling OF the pulse
and therefore the p~redisposition to the dis
ease, are in general proportional to the
want and energy of the circulation of the
blood.
Eight-Thst this diminution of the pulse
does not occur in healthy subjects when the
epidemic has ceased.
If these statements are correct, and
think they are, we can readily see, why
cholera is the disease of the filthy. debilita.
ted and wretched- That it attacks those
and those only, who are debilitated from
defective or insufficient nourishment, bad
air, fear, grief, over-excitemeut of the pas
sions. and i~ntemperance in eating or drink.
ing, for all these things exhaust the vita
powers in such e manner, that they are un-
able to resist the infectious agency, and the
individual falls a sure prey to the disease
1t is in the precursory stage that We car
strike the most successful blow for the cure
Of this disease. l warn you not to wait fol
the development Of graver symptoms. i
during the prevalence Of cholera, an indi
vijual comes to you with a pulse varying
from ~ to As per minute, unless there be
some other known cause for such infre-
Quency, do not send him away with an in
different prescription. Examine his CASE
with the greatest care, and promptly pre-
scribe such measure as will meet the want
o. his case, especially the abandonment o
bad habits, and such exciting causes a
have a tendency to derange any of thu
healthy functions of the body.
1t is true, vast numbers of persons escap,
the cholera who make no difference in theil
habits of living, even the debilitated anC
i~mprudent, as well as the incorporate. Blu
those who value directions and are Willing
to be guided by our council, should be ad
vised to use such food as will nourish tn,
system perfectly this will contribute ma
t~erially to promote the frequency anC
strength Of the pulse. Beef mutton, AM
such meats as are easily digested, may b
used never pork. Stale bread, boiled rice
mealy potatoes, ripe fruit, such as straw
berries, grapes and peaches, should not b
ignored. Water, tea and coffee may b
used for drinks.
For the purpose of increasing the fire.
quency Of the pulse, and stimulating tn,
digestive organs 10 q more vigorous action
some physicians rave recommended slco
holic stimulants. During my medical ex
p~erience, | have witnessed three visitation
Of epidemic cholera, and ave seen much o
its hygienic and medical treatment, anC
from my own observation, | am well salts
fed hat alcoholic stimulants are not called
for. In very small quantities, to an indi
vidual who is not accustomed to their nse
they may for a time promote the digestive
functions, but in the end they produce ex
hsusti0n and debility conditions above al
others TO be avoided during the prevalence
of this disorder. Indeed alcohol is neither
a preventive or cure for cholera. And it ii
high time that physicians were dispOssessed
of thisdemon. If any thing more is needed
in this case, besides good food to maintain
the vital powers, we have better medical
agents among the vegetable and mineral
tonics, such as ~quinine, gentian and iron
these may all be administered to suit the
wants of each particular case.
During the prevalence of cholera every
person should be instructed to keep his
skin warm. by preserving the animal heat.
Flannel should be used, never muslin or
linen the feet should be kept dry and
warm the tepid bath and crash towel
daily. Eight hours sleep should be had
each night. If the bowels are costive they
may be g~entally moved with a simple rbu-
barb pill if relaxed they may be restrained
with a few drops of ~ti1cture Of opium, and
rest in.bed. He should preserve a cheer
full temper, and take such exercise as will
not induce fatigue. If he is very fearful Of
cholera, and his circumstance will permit,
he should leave the infected district. The
fearful should never expose themselves in
the chamber of a person sick with cholera.
By a faithful attendance to these means,
and proper sanitary surroundings, he may
reasonably hope to escape the dreaded mall
sdy, and prolong the brief spar Of his
earthly existence.