The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-02-10
DIPHTHERIA.
Theory of Its Generation and Primary APP
plications.

As the recent case of diphtheria occurring
here has occasioned some apprehensions, we
deem IL well to make mention of the facts
and the latest scientific views in relation to
this dread disease.
The Chemical Gazette for February, 1882,
confirms from the researches Of the Academy
Of Natural Sciences, made at the instance of
the National Board of Health, that diphthe-
ria is propagated by microscopic plant or
fungus existing in the mouth and throat, but
that 1t lacks the power of reproduction until
given increased vitality by those disordered
conditions of the mucous membrane which
attend sore throat when caused by cold. 1t is
further attested that the membrane, which
has heretofore been supposed 10 be an infal-
hble indication of diphtheria, may be pro-
duced by Spanish fly, ammonia or other ir.
ritating influences applied to the throat
which infames and builds up the diph:he-
retic plant existing in the throat. This plant
Is the same that shows on a coated tongue,
and it is only when the plant grows strong
enough to extend to and poison the blood
that actual diphtheria sets in. 1t is beyond
question that miasmatic air feeds and devel-
ops this plant. The result of the scientific
investigations Is the theory that this diph-
thereto plant may in time be cultivated, and
vaccination made therefrom that will pro-
tect the system from fatal results of the dis
ease.
In regard to the case occurring here and
pronounced by the physicians diphtheria, we
believe it was sporadic, brought on by an ex-
ceptionally severe cold and aggravated by
local miasma. While we confess the wish is
father to the thought, we believe it is not
epidemic ARISING from a widespread cause)
and fervently hope there may be no more
cases. At present, however, il is we'll to watch
carefully the children, avoiding exposure to
cold. On first appearance of the disease
there may be little or no arrangement Of the
general health sometimes less of appetite,
chilliness, fretfulness, and prostration Of
strength are noticeable. Slight pain in the
throat, or difficulty in swallowing may be
complained of. Under these circumstances,
in diphtheria, examination of the throat
shows the palate and uvula, (the fieshy conf
cal substance pendent from the soft palate
between the tonsils) enlarged and speckled
with small whitish spots which in a few
hours deepen into yellowish hue and fire.
quently coalesce. This develops into the
false membrane, which exhales the fetid odor
which is the sure indication of diphtheria.
While many remedies and specifics for
diphtheria are published, we do not deem it
best to cite any. 1t is the business and duty
of physicians to study, understand and treat
diseases and it is too important thing to
venture non-professional advice where life
is mperilled.
The first thing proper to be done on APP
pearance Of symptoms Of diphtheria is to
summon a skillful physician. Pending his
arrival we are authorized to say that a
wash prepared as follows, viz: one drachm
Of carbolic acid and seven drachrns of alco-
hol well shaken together and applied with
a swab Ia piece of linen attached securely to
. small stick will dol to the affected parts,
the top of the mouth and tonsils, is effica-
cious and recommended. Or it is, perhaps,
still better, where the appliance is available,
to place the solution in an atomizer (such As
is used fer perfumes) and throw the spray
from this upon the affected parts thus avoid
ing irritation of the membrane.
As miasma arising from decaying animal
and vegetable matter is extremely genera
tive not only Of diphtheria but other diseases,
and as the warm weather Is approaching
when the frozen refuse and garbage piles in
town will thaw out and generate pestilence,
all such places should be well lined at once
and whenever possible should be removed
and disinfected by lime or covering with
earth. Wherever cellars are connected with
houses all decaying vegetable matter should
be removed and the atmosphere purified with
disinfeetants. The next few weeks in Mon
tana will be most dangerous to the health Of
children and extra precautions should be
taken.