New-York tribune., 1874-09-09
TREATMENT OF DIPHTHERIA.


ADVICE FROM PHYSICIAN OF HIGH REPUTE-THE
MALADY MANAGEABLE If PROMPTLY TAKEN IN
HAND.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: Diphtheria has prevailed so long and ter
riby Brooklyn aud this city that the opinions of the
wisest and most experienced physicians should be
sought, in the hope OF finding some remedy for II.
Among the poor bad air and food are among the most
active causes OF the great mortality from 1t but still 1t
Will only too often single out and kill its victims among
the children OF the rich, ceanly, and judicious
In every Of the disease of pure air. II pos
sble good food have to be begged should
be procured. Any really good homemade soups, be
they OF beef mutton, chicken, are just as good and
often far better than beef they be changed
from TO the other as they pail upon the patients
taste Good unduted milk is quite useful as soup OF
any kind and may always be prevented from turn
ing sour making the patient bilious or feversh by
the addition Of large pinch of soda TO each teacupiul
of milk.
Beef tea SOUP or milk should be taken frequently,
and in as large quantities the stomach will bear and
digest without danger OF causing disgust or nausea
II stmulauts are required. and they are generally
wanted early and abundanty, milk punch Is the best;
but should always he made with the addition OF SODA
OF lime water TO the milk FOR the above stated
II milk punch becomes distasteul, barley water rice
water, arrow root &C. may be used a bland vehicle
for administering stimulans.
Then Of all the remedies that long experience (over
years. has proved eminently reliable cborae OF pot
best; should be given one way only,
and also thoroughly. II should be given dry upon the
tongue. pure mixed with sugar. and not in solution
BY giving it in this way, it dissOves slowly in the
mouth. and gradually and efficiently in contact
with all the diseased parts of the throat.
II is slightly disagreeable at frst but the youngest
child soon becomes accustomed to It, 1t takes away
the supposed necessity for forced local applications
the throat and II the little patient be taught to open its
mouth widely, without straiuing, and tc draw in its
breath deeply at the time the curtain OF the pal
ate Will be drawn up. and the whole back part of the
throat down to the windppe will be exposed to view
without the Of any harsher means to obtain view
of the parts involved by the disorder
This treatment must be persisted In, the chlorate OF
potash being given in doses Of two, three five
grams every hour FIRST until decided improve
commences, for one, two three, or even more
days, without hesitation faltering Often no ap-
parent Improvement to take place for one two
days. sometimes not until nearly up to the
fourth day. But courage and perseverance will almost
certainly be rewarded with success certainly f0ir or
five times out of six.
This treatment is considerate but efficient; the child
never becomes afraid of its physician or attendants
and generally with little management takes or does
all that s required Of It, because Its handling is always
gentle, or al least not harsh or distressing.
If the debility be great, muriate tncure OF Iron
be put into it frequently.
II may true mat the most destitute, ATHEIST and
careless classes tue beginning OF dphthea may be the
beginning OF DEATH but am yery sure tdat vast num-
ber of lives can be saved by the treatment above in
Gated. j. {. P.
eW-YorG, Sept. 8, 1874.