Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-06-10
RATIONAL VIEWS ON CHOLERA
AND DIARRHEA.
Editor Public Ledger:

Section l. With hallowed rites and
friendly tears, one by one, our citizens
have been escorted to the silent tomb.
The orphans wailing cry, the widow S
moan, and deserted and comfortless
hearthstone, tell that cholera has claimed
many victims. AS its camp fires are not
yet died out, and its bugle sounds are
still heard in the distance, it is presumed
and feared, that during the present sum
mer, we will again be called to the bed
side of our cholera stricken friends.
In contemplation Of it's frightful NOR
tality and the very unsatisfactory treat
ment, would it be amiss to offer indica-
tions to be fulfilled during its prevalence2
If by free and open discussion, we can
diminish the suffering and improve the
chances for recovery, would we not be
well paid for our trouble? Does not the
terrible nature of the disease impose an
inherent duty upon every physician and
citizen to aid, if possible, in rescuing his
fellow men
We shall take it for granted that all
are familiar with the usual symptoms,
such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting,
cramps, pain in stomach and bowels,
rapid prostration, rce-wAter objections,
lividity, early GOODNESS of the surface and
extremities, and collapse.
In its course it prefers the meandering
of streams, attacking inhabitants of low
and marshy localities, who are filthy and
crowded together in novels, and who are
already bowed down by the miseries Of
life. The poorest and most wretched,
the Incorporate, the overwerked, and
badly fed and lodged, the unknown, un-
cared for and abandoned, are those who
fall easy victims to this dreadful seourge'
Sudden exposures to cold while the
body is perspirous, the use of unripe
fruits, stale vegetables, meats undergoing
decomposition, excessive eating and
drinking, too free use of iced water-es-
pecially when over.heated, irregular
habits, sudden powerful emotions, an
accumulation of organic filth, the use
of impure water, the breathing of impure
air, damp and lily ventilated apartments,
and inattention to the first stages of
diarrhea, constitute some Of the leading
causes of cholera
Disinfectants = Their Uses and
Abuses. this head we propose to
discuss many points heretofore consid
cred almost foreign to the subject, and
ask the heads Of all families to give it
special attention, as some valuable facts
may be CLEANED.
We strongly advocate the effective op-
Grafton of sanitary measures, muhieipal,
domestic and personal
Can weuse disinfectants to advantageP
and what are the objects Of their use?
The universal and extensive resort to
such articles would appear to answer
the question.
1t is conceded, that a deleterious
sfluvia arises from decaying organic
matter, which, during the prevalence of
cholera, proves very dangerous, and to
suspend chemical action aud break up
certain chemical aflinities during this de-
composition, disenfectauts are called
into use.
The question naturally enough pre-
sents itself, what and where is all this
organic matter producing such eonster-
nation and causing so much action on
the part Of medical boards
1t arises from over-crowded tenements
reeking with filth; from close and damp
rooms inperfectly ventilated from neg
lected privies aud alleys; from staguant
pools Of green-eovsred water, beautifully
interspersed throughout our mud
strained city; from imperfect sewerage
and drainage from organic accumula-
tions Of rubbish constantly accumulsting
upon oor streets and too often from the
want Of cleanliness 10 be found in many
occupied BY human beings
IL is a decomposition, destruction Of
this organic matter which eliminates the
poisonous gas or efiuvia, and it is 10
change or prevent the formation Of this
subtle sgent, that disinieciauts ars
called into requisiti0n.
Being strong advocates Of cause and
effect. We are led 20 inquire into the ex-
pediency OF resorting % disinieetants 80
and whether or not We are
-f..-.-..- ~, rr~.k rrnfTn~ra in them