The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1869-01-07
COESumptiOn-Its Treatment.

THERE is no malady which causes so
large mortality as consumption. Stats
tics show that throughout the civilized
world, an average Of one death in six,
every sixth in the lists of mortality, may
be attributed to It's agency. Though our
own city shows smaller average from
this scourge, yet it is computed that even
here it is the cause of one death in every
seven or eight. l. was formerly consider
ed an iDcurable disease and was often left
hopelesslyt to run its fatal course uncheck-
ed; but modern investigation and science
have proved that the tubercular deposit,
to which all its dread results may be
traced, will frequently diminish under
suitable treatment. This is further proved
by post morton examinations, where death
has occurred from other causes, in which
the lungs, SCARED and puckered, attested
the healthy closing of two and even three
large tubercular cavities. Few are aware
how much the prevention and even cure
of this dread disease depends upon their
own efforts. An eminent American ply
stefan has recently declared that with
proper precautions, by any one now in
health, consumption will be well nigh an
impossibility, even though hereditary in
1uence may prediSpOse him to it, and that
may have hope of arresting its ravages
The plain and simple principle which
in this case is the essence of all-wise treat
ment is to raise the physical system to
the highest possible vigOr. In company
with this, one of the best curatives and
preventives is to expand and strengthen
the lungs themselves by deep inspirations
or breathing in the pure air. These in
spirati0ns should be made as slowly as
possible through small tube, or with the
mouth nearly closed, and with the shout
ders thrown back or downwards When
the lungs or chest are filled. the air should
be as slowly and gradually breathed out.
By continual practice it will be found easy
to take long inspirations, and the chest it
self will become permanently expanded,
so as to give the lungs fuller play
Where strength has begun to decline, of
course the efforts must be proportional ely
milder. As the air at first enters the low
er part of the lungs it only fills the apex
after long and sustained effort, and hence
the necessity of making the inspiration as
slow as possible. Six times day is not
too much for this exercise. Indeed, the
great advantage of mild or dry climates
to consumptives is the possibility of pass
ing so much of the time outdoors. Much
is Justly said of the pure and bracing air
of Minnesota, but those who go there for
lung diseases should remember that only
| as they breathe pure outside air can it
prove beneficial. A lady with tubercular
deposits and severe cough went there
some time since and a month
spent in the ordinary way brought her no
Improvement. She then Joined q
camping party of ladies and gentlemen
who started in an open wagon, and slept
in tents at night After three days expos
ure to this open air she manifestly i'm
proved, and, though frequently exposed
in the evening, took no cold. The con-
tinuance of this mode of life restored her
health and so strengthened her cOnstitu
ton that in two months she could sleep
with impunity while the air was blowing
freely across her. Many similar, and
even more remarkable, instances took
place among the young men OF our own
army, in the late war many OF whom en-
listed against the advice of their friends,
and returned with greatly improved
physical constitutions. The exercise thus
induced is most essential to the desired
end.
Abundance of nutritious and whole
some food, including fatty articles, is es-
sential in the arrest of consumption.
Most of those who have such tendencies
reject lat meat, but its place may be sup
piled with butter, milk or cream. Re-
strction in diet in these cases is highly
injurious. The dress is also matter
bearing strongly on the health of the
lungs. Wooden fabrics worn next the
skin, and warm covering for the eXtreDi-
ties are all important. So also is the
shape of the garment, which should
allow full play to the muscles. Relief
from care and anxiety, as Ear as it can be
secured, is important. - Philadelphia