Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1873-08-27
THE CHOLERA.
Pathology ana Treatment.
BY W. r. SEWER. NJ. d.

FAULT 1t is, whether of the author, the prin-
ter, or the proof-reader, am notSprepared
to say; but like Sykes i'm review of Hig-
gins method of running up an account,
have my own opinion about it." How
ever, must trust to the intelligence of
your readers to supply that which is defici-
ent, and to correct that which is errone-
Gus.
/ gave in my last the formula which we
had found most effective in dealing with
the malady, as it existed among us. The
disease was of the most malignant type,
and perhaps on that account revealed all
the more distinctly the unmistakable evil
dences of ToXicemia, or blood-poisoning.
The agent, chlorine, was employed, be-
cause of its well known virtues as puri-
fer and disinfectant. In the successive
trials made of the different forms of this
important agent, the intelligent reader
will readily comprehend the object We
wished TO obtain the largest amount of
chlorine in the smallest possible compass.
am not prepared to say that the chlorate
of potassa would not, in mild cases, and in
large doses frequently repeated, subserve
the purpose. But in view of the
changes which the base of this salt might
undergo in the stomach, and the fact that
it might increase the general alkalinity re-
ferred to, it was not deemed the best COM
binatiOn of the element. But it will be
observed that the recipe finally adopted
combined all the virtues of an antidote,
tonic, astringent and antiseptic of
powerful character qualities suggested
and indicated az necessary, by the features
of the disease. l admit it as discredit
to our profession, that we have, as yet,
been unable to determine or define the
precise character of the poison so diftusive
and so destructive. But it is to be hoped
81 - Ial
That the poisonous malaria, which eXhale
from the inundated districts of the South
and West, producing chills and fever, will
be chemically analyzed-that the specific
character of those subtle agencies which
generate typhus and yellow fever, as
well as the mysterious and underlined in
tiuence whether atmospheric and depend
ent on the electrical, oIliHldtcuLdT or tori
cal condition of that clement; or Zymotic
and generated within the system itself,
shall be thoroughly understood. | have
a hope, yea, strong and abiding con-
tidence in the success of the science of
chemistry to that extent and degree, that
believe the time will come when we shall
know the precise chemical constituents
and character of that poison-of that at
morbific influence which pro-
duces cholera as well as that which gen.
crates typhus and yellow fever. When
SO understood, we shall comprehend more
fully and more perfectly, the actions
and reactions of both the morbific influ-
ences and the reagents which neutralize
and destroy them. ft
In the use of the remedy indicated In the |
formula heretofore given, have of course, |
had no knowledge of the precise character
Of that poison which had entered the sys-
stealthy steps had invaded the
citadel of life. But in the absence of any
such knowledge, the symptoms indicated |
Dlood-poisoning. Chemical tests revealed |
the fact that the secretions and eXcretions |
were of highly alkaline character.
The acid treatment was unequivocally |
indicated. The recognized virtues of |
chlorine as general disinfectant and pu-
ritier, determined me on the use of hydro !
chloric acid, in which the combining pro- |
portions of that element are chlorine SO, |
hydrogen /. 1t may very properly be |
asked, would not be able to derive all the 4
sought for by the use of this |
acid alone? In many cases L am quite |
confident 1 should. But where the dis |
charges have been profuse and rapid, the |
pulse greatly reduced in volume and 4
strength, and all the vital organs depress-
ed, should fail to derive the advantages |
which the formula presents. We have |
failed to secure more satisfactory combi- |
nation and hence its continued use. The |
results have been highly satisfactory and |
Nth organic disease Of vital |
organs, has get failed to respond most |
kindly to its use, unless the patient lOds ob- |
sOLltteLy "noribundn aChen IL tVds first adj |
nltntstered. From a careful observation of |
It's effect, even under the most unfavor- |
able circumstances, 1 enjoy thoroughly as
sured consciousness that a remedy has |
at length been discovered which will great |
~ mitigate the force of this terrible scourge, |
and which, in all time to come, will serve |
to rid the pestilence in large measure of I
It's appalling features. The remedy will |
continue to be used when you and / shall |
have ceased from the walks of men," 1t |
will constitute the basis of treatment alike |
In Calcutta and New York, and will reduce
the mortality more than so per cent.
The formula has but little opiate, an or
binary dose containing less than two drops
Of laudanum, This | conceive TO be quite !
An advantage, inasmuch as large doses of
opium, frequently repeated, would certain
" cooperate with the sedative poison in
further depressing the powers of life. In
many cases / am satisfied it could be dis
pensed with, but others would require |
,uper-addition of that drug perhaps to |
each dose.
The inhalation of an atmosphere inn
Dregnated with chlorine would, am sure,
IN many neutrality-suspicious. all-facilitate /
the cure. This can easily be obtained by |
several different, but very simple. methods. |
Patients should be admOnished tina: this |
system Of treatment is entirely incompati-
Bile with the use of mercurials, as the dan
ger is thereby increased of forming a BIZ
chloride of mercury corrosive sublimate)1