The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1873-07-16

ases have been sent to MolOkai, 24O men and
20 women, all natives and halfwhites, with the
reception of six foreigners, one American, one
'renchman, one Englishman, aud three China
aen. In no case has relative or friend been
flowed to follow the leper.
The number on Molokai now is about $780, say
little over per cent Of the population.
We may positively declare that by this time
there are not over fifty cases at large in the Ha-
saiinn Kingdom. They will be gradually dis
overed. Some cases are sure to make their ap-
earance for the next few years, but we hope
hat if we do not thoroughly eradicate the dis
ase we shall keep it under such control that it
ill cease to be cause Of depopulation. Now
How me few remarks about the disease.
Is leprosy infections or even contagious in the
rue sense of the word; that is, by contact mere
md simples l emphaticaIly say no.
l am supported in that opinion by the whole
medical world, and by personal experience
Leprosy cannot be communicated like cholera,
elbow fever, smallpox or typhoid fever.
But provided there is predisposition in person,
hat person may contract the disease by various
neans,-cohabitation, smoking out of the same
Iipe, eating or drinking with the leper,-and SO
ORTIZ
Therefore there is danger for the foreign popu-
ation and the spread of the disease of late years
hould not destroy in any way the universal reputa-
ion Of our most healthy climate. As far as the
tive race is concerned, it is quite different.
The promiscuous habits of the natives, and their
crowned hospitality are such, that they are pretty
ure to catch the least contagious Of diseases.
Isolation, and thorough isolation, as the Board un-
erstands 1t, and is carrying it out, will be of
he most efficient means of arresting the progress of
he disease.
The most obvious predisposing causes are, syphil-
and its nearest cousin scrofula, also hereditary
4 want of variety in the Diet mostly the Of salt
PROVISIONS, habitation in i'll ventilated or dark
louses, may also be blamed. The foreigner as
ule is not exposed to such influences, rather to
less degree than the natives
In fact leprosy is not only skin disease, it is
What we call in medical parlancc a eaeheria This
ieans debiitated state of the blood, under a NOR
i'd influence.
Syphilis scrofula, intermittent fever generate also
hat peculiar state of the blood which produces
reheriG. Persons already suffering from one ca
hezid, will be liable suffer from any other
always abstained heretofore from expressing my
personal views on the subject, but am confident
nat they will be shared by those who have 10 the
udy of the disease gone beyond the range of super
cia observation. The public health as far as for
igners are concerned is perfectly safe
To conclude. 1 will state that great deal has to
e done yet. The Board will have to devise pre-
'entive and sanitary measures, without which the
disease would not be eradicated @
Also impress upon the natives salutary dread of
be disease, SO that no case should be concealed.
Use the utmost exertious to rescue those cases in
dolokai who might perhaps not be beyond recovery
A great deal has been written lately in the LEGAL
apers about the treatment or cure of leprosy. AS
medical of the Board l consider it my duty
o give general answer.
If incipieut cases can be cured, and my impress
ion is that they may in some cases,-let the public
well understand that nothing will be neglected.
The treatment at all events must last for months,
even years, and could not be carried out before
isolation completed.
1t will have to be discussed with my brother prac-
tioners in Honolulu and will be openly and faith
fully executed.
The medical world is sufficiently well represented
in Honolulu by of all nationalities, without any
necessity for US to seek for foreign assistance. Any
medical who respects himself will never say"
will cure leprosy under the tropics" he will say
al may cure it," and then he will use known RENE
dies and expose his plan oftreatment
l say in full confidence, that what the combined
efforts of the medical men of Honolulu will not do,
need not be tried by anybody else. l, for my own
share have little confidence in those who either offer
to sell their secrets require Inducements without
which are willing to try our best.
thank you, Mr.. Editor, for the valuable space
you have been kind enough to allow me to take up
in your paper.
Believe me to be yours, most obedently,
G. TRoUssEAU,
Physician of the Board of Health.
Honolulu, July sth, 1873
P. 81 beg to apologize to the readers for any
imperfection in the language. My excuse will be
my nationality.