The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1880-12-30
Periodic or Nalarial Feyers.


attracted so general attention as that |
described under the popular name of
'' Malaria" 1t has almost become the |
common epithet by which the laity
designated . strange motley of all
ments. Even the doctors have bowed
to the acceptance of the name and allow
It to pass az q term far more general
than its original intent 1t was meant
closely to describe a class of fevers
which were believed to be dependent
on vegetable decomposition in marshy
places, the activity of which depends
much upon climatic and seasonal condi-
tions. 1t is far safer to speak of fevers
as intermittent or remittent, or, if
neuralgia occurs, to call it intermittent
neuralgia, if it is such, rather than
loosely group all ailments under the
term malarial We have seen thus
diagnosticated dyspepsia, overwork,
disease OF the gall-bladder, and con-
sumption. Yet, admitting all this. we
must also say that fevers of q periodic
type, such as are believed to be due to
vegetable decompositions, have been
very prevalent in most of the Middle
States the last year. The Connecticut
Valley has suffered much; Providence,
r. l., admits the stranger as resident;
and the Massachusetts, Board of Health
has instituted an inquiry into the causes
In that State. 1t Is not now difficult to
make Q pretty thorough study of locah-
ties, with . view of determining causes
Our knowledge Of geology. OF water.
levels and watershed, of contour OF
surfaces, of the phenomena of forced
vegetable or animal decomposition,
81 kA al Of
ture and excessive heat has increased
of late ears, 30 that We can pursue the
study with some good starting points.
physicians have become more accurate,
20 that the uniform experience of prac-
titioners II worth far more AZ evidence
than it once was. We have had occa-
sion the last year to examine reports,
and to visit various localities where the
disease has manifested itself and to
practice in its midst, so a. to have
various types under observation. Not
only have there been the usual periodic
forms, but neuralgia and cOnyulsions
during the chill or febrile attack have
ut been rare. This denotes an in
tensity or q quantity OF poison more
than usual. and leads to q closer scruti-
nv into causes. Testimony more and
more confirms the relation of interrupt
cd water-courses, of imperfect drain
age. and of abnormal vegetable decay
to the morbid material or contagion.
We say abnormal decay because 1t is
beautiful to sec how Nature. left to It
self. admirably conducts these processes
20 as TO be harmless and to give vigor
to the successive food-crUps and grass
es. But one can SCARCELY go into .
rural district, where many people
dwell, without seeing how ruthless has
been the invasion. Entertainments
thrown up, excavations made, little
rivulets overlooked or thrust aside, and
. general disregard of the whole ques-
ton of drainage is the rule in almost
every construction or alteration made.
Not only ia there no extra attempt to dry
the soil because of the interferences
which construction makes and the
greater dsmpness secured; but even
natural brooks are not guarded. Veg
citation falls into neglect, and, without
cultivation to take up decaying mate
rial, and with such overflow or alterna,
ton of dry and wet as kills out nature,
attempt at compensation, mankind de-
liberately appropriate the debris tt
their own shaking, and quaking, anc
burning. and sweating, and then wonder
where chills come from. One grea
tendency of population is to get be
tween the hills and tide-water. Thil
generally means that we will intercep
water-courses (both in the ground and
visible) just where they are most dan
gerous to be intercepted-near thei
outflow. In the haste to build, lant
once farMed goes to waste. and ther
d often but little compromising vegeta
tion. These marsh-gases are some
times as perceptible to the nose q
d the tgnis fatuns to the eye. The,
are not generally stenchy to the de
gree Of the decompositions Of anima
matter; but their heavy, murky feel
we'll known to many exposed to them
The effects are still better known. w
have seen places the past year. wher
; We would have been perfectly willin
: to give insurance. that out of any te
/. persons we could locate for three Q
four nights ut certain spots at least two
thirds would have chill and fever, N
, mittent fever. or some other period
! manifestation. While there are way
. side theories or incidental modif
D cations Of view, we know of n
D point in which physicians who stud
, and who have practiced amid thes
! diseases are 50 we'll agreed as that d.
: composing vegetable matter is the stT
D qua NON. The fact that there is not
manifestation each year is moro expli
, able as We study more closely climat
Q conditions and the relations Of air. b
, midity, temperature, ozone and electr
{ conditions to ferments. to draughts, an
i to the various phenomena we well ass
g ciate under the name of the weathe
J. The study of seasons and temperature
D for the Middle States especially. ha'
4 never been more interesting or mo
: marked than those of the years 1873
|, and 1879 30.
L The remarkable July of 1873. with ,
Q exceptional summer. the open winter
d 1879, the early heat and drought
e April and May. and the Irregularities
!. heat and rain and humidity which ha
o characterized the summer wo1ld ha
g been to US inexplicable in their inf
b euce on vegetation and health b,
+ there not been a very decided malari
r manifestation in all those places whi'
,, the art of man has had in preparati'
lr and been keeping in store for this occ
sion. Our chief hope for the future
n that these lessons will not be lost; b
) that drainage for health. will be an
; dustrial enterprise, and Be regarded
/ much q me- .er for legislation IS 9th
public concerns. The parties seem'
!. at little loss this year for platfol
q items; but We do know Of 1ocaliti
d whore . health plank would be populs
"a at least, for assembly candidate.-M
W York Indepessdkn&
"a Transplanting EverEreens.
10 The prevalent feeling upon this %
jeot b near akin to superstition. lma
z fnaxx diif3oulfiea ara "A abundant