Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-02-25
WILL YELLOW JACK RETURN 2
If So, What are the Preparations Where
II Ragged Last Year7---The
Situation at New Or
leans and Memphis.
New Orleans Cor. New York World
NEW ORLEANS.

NEW ORLEANS.
Probably no subject has ever been
SO freely discussed asthe recent yellow
fever epidemic. The columns of the
daily press arc filed with contribu-
tions from physicians and laymen, all
of whichare characterized by a marked
divergence of opinion as to the cause
and origin of the disease. No two
physicians seem to entertain the same
opinion. Those of the old school hold
hat the fever is indigenous to New
Orleans, while those Of a more recent
school adopt the importation theory.
Certain it is that no one yet has come
to the front with anything original
with a single idea or fact not to be
found in the medical reviews and pa
pers of 1853 and Of an even earlier
date. But the late epidemic has not
been without its lessons. 1t has
proved three things beyond doubt:
First, thetotal ineficacy ofprophylac-
ties; second, the absolute -uselessness
Of carbolie acid to stay the progress of
the disease; third, the emptiness of
the dirt theory. In the early part of
the epidemic a great many unaccli-
mated persons took regular doses of
quinine on the theory that the fever
was malarial in its character and that
quinine was an antidote to malaria.
But it was found that these persons
contracted the disease as readily as
those who used no preventitives, and
that in many instances the nervous
system, deranged by the unusual en-
ploymeut Of quinine, succumbed more
quickly TO the rayages of the
fever. The result was the same
where other prophylastics were used.
The first cases of fever which &C.
Cured were completely isolated BY
the health officers. Carbolic acid was
used without stint. The cutters,
streets and yards were dFenohed with
it it was used in the spriRklers BIZ
day and by night. The board Of
health tested the efficacy in every
conceivable way and were finally
forced to the conclusion that it was
totally Intellectual. Ii is a very popu-
lar idea that the filthy condition y Of
Southern cities contributed largely
to the production of yellow fever. This
opinion is not supported by the facts.
New Orleans was not in q filthy con
dition Its sanitary condition was as
good in 1873 as in any previous sum
mer. In fact, the heavy flooding rains
ofthe spring aud summer kept New
Orleans clean in spite ofis Ineffective
street system. The streets are secured
at least once a week by these drench-
ing rains. The water drains from the
river to the swamp and all impurities
are carried away Into the canals and
thence into the lake. The 9Th q
theory is upset by two very significant
facts: First, the fever made its an.
pearance in the highest and cleanest
part Of the city second, the fever
was not 40 bad in those parts Of the
city bordering the cangls, drains and
swamp as in more iayOrably located
districts.
The present sanitary condition OF
New Orleans is good. Periodical rains
wash away its impurities. Thostreets
are cleaned by nature and the accu-
mutation Of Infectious matter is small.
The investigations heretofore con
Quoted have been in a beaten track.
The physicians seem to be in a groove
Of habit and are not to be cnticed out
Of it. But the present condition Of
our knowledge as TO the cause of vel.
low fever conyinccs every ono Of the
necessity OF cpehisg gng new field Of
investigation. The old paths have
led to nothing Of value. The profes-
sional and lay mind is in the same
state of doubt, aud demands that the
old line Of investigation be abandoned.
The physician has failed TO discover
the cause Of the disaqS0 he has learned
so well to treat. II is time the phys.
icist was called in.
MEMPHIS.
Memphis Cor, N, y, wordI
The present sanitary condition ol
|, this city may be briefly described a,
follows; We have nothing but surface
drainage into Bayou Gayoso, which