The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-08-12
The Cholera.

prominent citizen on Tuesday last. So
far as we know this is the only case that
has occurred in the United States this
summer. As this is the season for the
malady, however, and we still have six or
eight weeks of hot weather before us, dur
ing which it may make its appearance, a
little reliable information regarding the
character of the disease and its antidote
may he given with profit. A year ago last
winter Congress passed joint resolution
directing the Secretary of War to detail a
competent officer of the Medical Corps to
INQUIRE into the cause of the epidemic
which prevailed in 1878 in some of the
Southern, cities, and make detailed re-
port to the President. Surgeon Ell. Nc
Clelland was dispatched on this duty, and
has made very exhaustive report there
on. He comes to the following conclu-
sions, all Of which are supported by strong
arguments anda.an exhaustive army OF
testimony: - -
. l.. Asiatic cholera is infectious, and re-
suits from organic poison gaining entrance
into the alimentary canal and affecting
the intestines.
?. An active agent in distributing the
poison is found in the DELEGATIONS of per-
sons suffering from the disease.
3. That this infectious matter, coming
in contact and drying upon any objects
like clothing, bedding and furniture, will
retain the power of infection indefinitely.
By this means outbreaks of the disease
MAY occur at great distances from the seat
of original infection.
4. That the specific poison which pro-
duces cholera originates alone in India
and is transmitted to other countries
through infected material. 1t has never
shown itself in this country until after a
pesti1cntial march has been begun in the
Eastern world, and its appearance here is
always preceded by the arrival OF vessels
infected by it.
5. Infection is accomplished through
the respiratory and digestive organs.
6. Wle violence of an epidemic in any
giyeu coA1mufiity is influenced by its SAN
itary condition and not by the geological
formation on which the community re-
sides
=. That one attack of the disease gives
no immunity from Subsequent attacks but
rather increases. the probabilities OF the
latter. So
The first great preventive of the cholera is
a rigid quarantine. New York observed
his in 1873, and escaped four distinct i'm
| portations of the disease from abroad. The
danger from infected fabrics is equally
great with that from individuals, and so it
frequently happens that cases occur at re,
mote and isolated points from the sea
board, where the seeds have been carried in
infected clothing or household goods OF
emigrants. The second great preventive is
eanliness-cleanliness of person and
premises. Disinfectants should be freely
and thoroughlysused, and care should be
taken to exclude flies from. the house dur:
ing cholera season, and especially pre-
vent them from, coming in contact with
food. DR.. AIcClelland thinks it best fol
those who are able to leave during chol
era epidemic to do so; and says, with Me
meyer, that they should be sure to star,
soon enough, go as far as possible, and no,
return until the last trace of the disease has
disappeared Great care should be taken in
matters of dress and2diet. All excuses
| should be avoided. Coffee, tea, chocolate,
the various condiments and spices, butter,
milk and eggs may be employed. Wine
Fbrandy andsmalt liquors may, IN certain
cases, be allowed; and, when used mod
erately, are sometimes very useful, but
must. not be employed to the degree Of
stimulation. The surgeons report will
no doubt, be regarded as a very valuable
contribution to medical science. In con
nection. with this subject the following
recipe is given by the New York Journal
| of Commerce, which states that nothing il
has ever known las acted SO perfectly il
/ preyeptin { cholera attacks or as a crlre fol
the ordinary complaints peculiar to thu
summer season:
Take equal parts Of tineture Of opium
red pepper, Hubbard, peppermint and cam
4 piIor, and mix them for use. The dose i!
ten to twenty drops ins three or four tea
j 5psoAfsas .oiNater. mo one," says thu
kJoarHal Of Commerce, "who has this b.
him, and takes it in time, will ever hav'
the cholera. '-Chscago InterzO Ocean, jul!
al vs. s. IS