The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1879-03-12

such incidental horrors. Previous to its last
outbreak, in 1865, it invaded England, &C.
cording to the celebrated physician Syden-
ham, every 30 or 40 years Although It's
symptoms and virulence have varied at
different times, its general features have
been sufficiently alike to prove that 1t is
always the same terrible disease. Great
difference of opinion still exists as to Its
cause. Some authorities maintain that 1t Is
exclusively propagated by peculiar con-
tagion; others contend, while admitting its
consciousness that it may also be engen-
dered spontaneously by endemic or epidemic
influences; others again deny its cor
tagiousness altogether, and assert that 1t
gent opinion favors the second of these
views, and there is a mass OF sound
evidence to sustain it. Whatever the
cause, temperance seems to affect 1t favor
ably In the tropics it is unknown. and the
cold northern climates have been observed
to check its ravages. In Europe 1t has been
most fatal during summer and autumn, es-
pecially in September. Thus, in London, in
1865, the deaths from the pestiience were in
June, 500; in July, 129; in August, 2O.O46;
in September, &c. 230; in October, IA 373; IN
November 3, 449, while in December they
fell below l, 900. The precise nature of the
distemper Is still unknown. poison
whose properties eyade all chemical and
microscopic detection is absorbed into the
system, and alters at once, or after brief
period of incubation, the quality of the
blood and the condition of the tissues.
A report made in Paris, 1916, to the
French Academy of Medicine, says:
81. At present the countries where the
ward syria and the two Turkeys. It is proba-
HE, however, that it may be developed with
III. In those countries the conditions that
deter mine and foster the disease are the hab-
itation of ail9vial or marshy grounds, a hot,
houses, the accumulation of vegetable and
animal matter in a state of putrefaction,
scanty, unwholesome diet, great ply steal and
| moral restitution, negligence of the laws of
public and private hygiene.
| transmissible but epidemic is plainly trans
missible both In the localities where 1t Is rag
| ing and beyond such localities.
NV. 1t is transmitted by means of MAS
| mata, given out by the bodies of the sufferers,
these miasmata being capable of creating in
close, lli-ventiiated places centers of pestilen-
tial detection. The most rigorous observation
has failed to show the transmissibility of the
plague by contact with the Infected; but new
experiments are needed to determine that it
is not transmlssible by the goods and wearing
| lions made at the lazarettos for more than a
year ind Gates that merchandise does not
transmit the plague"
CURE IMPOSSIBLE
In regard to treatment, little can be done
to arrest the progress of the disease in any
individual case. The sufferer should, If pos
sible, be removed as soon as attacked from
the source of the distemper; he should be
freely exposed to fresh air; his secretions
should be duly regulated, and his strength,
SO far as may be, carefully supported. Eric
ton with olive oil has been strongly recon.
mended, but later experience has not con-
firmed the first favorable reports Like
other contagious exanthemota, it probably
| runs prescribed course, which can not be
materially shortened, and it has generally
been deemed wlsest to limit exertion to the
local treatment of buboes and carbuncles,
and give the sufferer the best hygienic sur
roundings attainable. General treatment
appears to be we'll nigh valueless. but much
may be accomplished by guarding against
attacks of the scourge. There can be little
doubt that Europeans and Americans par.
ticuIarly, owe much of their comparative
exemption from the pestilence in infected
cities of the Levant TO their personal cleanli-
ness, regular bathing in cold water, superior
ventilation, and moderate habits of living.
The plague in Russia this year has come as
before, from Turkey, but the Russian au-
thoriLies seem at present most active and
energetic in measures to prevent its spread
Still, SO dreadful is the pest, so inconceiva.
bic are its horrors to those who have moi
witnessed them that j. is not strange Aus
tria, Germany and other countries of Europe
should be alarmed. While it Is unlikely to
make much advance toward the West, toe
great caution can not be exercised; and
whatever may happen. we have the comforl
of knowing that in the latter half OF the
nineteenth century the best part of Europe
and America is free from peril of panic an6
superstition, and can meet any danger anC
death in any form with calmness and reason
science and philosophy.