Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-05-25
lFor the Democratic SOrthwest.l
DIR. WOLFE'S
e ON mon Sense.
LETTER XIII.
LETTER XIII.
OLD METHODS OF TREATING CONSUMPTION,
PALACES, ETC.

I --%-AAAORC vi AhEAAlNO OONclAEIlONs
PALACES, ETC.
Having pointed out the manner OF cur
ing the first and second stages Of consump-
ton shall do the same IN regard to the
third. In this stage masses OF yellow
tubercle break down and are expectora-
ted, carrying with them lung tissue, leav-
ing. cavities secreting matter, accompan-
led by severe constitutional disturbance,
such as hectic fever, drenching night
sweats, diarrhoea, etc.
| We now employ vspors that will slim
uiate the liberated surface to secre>e
granulating matter instead OF pus, The
sides Of the cavity now become either
glued together or lined with a pseudo
mucous membrane. This is the way In
halation PERFORMS a cure in the third
stage of consumption. Till this mode OF
treatment was introduced, consump-
tion in every stage was invariably fatal;
and it does seem the very height of infat-
nation for consumptive to put himself
in the hands of a physician who con-
fesses before he begins to prescribe that
he can not cure the disease. Is it not
more in accordance with common sense
that the patient should shun such Jack
Ketch, and place himself under the care
OF one who employs treatment that
cures the malady? The old treatment
promises nothing but death. Inhalation
is daily working its cures, which under
the old treatment could not have been
made. or the truth of this give ample
proof in the second part of this work.
1t is sad to see the young, the lovely. and
the gifted hurried to the grave by con-
sumption. when 30 many might be saved
| by timely resort to treatment by Inha-
lation. The other modes of treatment
fail; no wonder the public mind enter
tains deep-rooted belief that consump-
tion is incurable. Let us in contrast
briefly consider some Of the old methods
of treating consumption with the new.
Bleeding was popular practice forty
years ago, on the hypothesis that ''con-
sumption was an inflammation of the
lung structure" Upon this erroneous sup
position, crowds Of victims have been hur-
ried to the grave, secundum artem, by
bleeding. leeching, and cupping; but no
reputable physician bleeds now. Con-
sumption being essentially disease Of
debility, it requires very little reason to
perceive that 80 far from lowering the
powers of the system by abstrctipg blood,
we should build up its strength by all the
means at our command.
What shall say Of the cruel practice
of giving emetics? This mode of treatment
is only calculated to exhaust the
strength of patients. and destroy the
tone OF the stomach, while it exercises
no curative power over the lungs Hap.
PLY for the sufferers, it is now becoming
almost obsolete.
Mercury was at one time greatly in
fashion, but this treatment has changed,
/ not only because it did no good, but pos
| itige harm. 1t is the opinion Of many
that salvation by calomelbrings on con-
sumption in those who never would have
been attacked if this destructive poison
had not been used. Happily the convic-
tion has become impressed on the minds
of the profession that is injurious, and
few physicians now prescribe it, except
stealthily, aa an experiment. not from
any faith they have in its efficacy. After
killing its thousands, let us hope its use
has been abandoned forever.
sTonics.-In opposition to those who EN-.
ploy bleeding, we have physicians who
regard consumption as disease of debili-
| ty. and rely on tonics. Both views are
orthodox, but which is right? It is an
axiom in practice. that touics are useless
in organic diseases, and aggravate the
disorder. Tonics have no power to cause
absorption or remove Jubercles from the
lungs and consequently the tonic doctors
have not been able to sustain their posi-
| tion any better than the others.
Digitalis and iodine have had their
days, and very fourishing days they
were, but now, alas! they are consigned
with ignominy to the tomb of the Capu-
let's by the most learned of the profess
ion.
Counter Irritation means sores on the
surface of the body, with the thought
of removing the disease from the lungs.
With this view poor consumptives have
had their chests scared with hot irons,
covered with tartar emetic pustules, tor
tured with fly blisters, mustard drafts,
and other modes of effecting the coveted
object. Sensible physicians now allow
that counter-irritation has no effect in
! causing the absorption or removal of tub
ercles; therefore moi good. But it does posi-
tive harm. We know it produces fever
and night-sweats Now, If ulcers in the
lungs cause irritative fever. it is only in
creasing the excitement by establishing
large, running sore on the outside Of
the chest, to keep company with those
that'are in. This cruel and unphilosophi-
cal treatment is gradually going out Of
use.
Cod Liver Oil.-This great quack
stupid physicians, who have no trou.
bic in prescribing while it is in vogue.
doctor, I have bad cought," "Oh,
/ l,,,n A-1- ~
OIL" Let us rejoice that this physic
made easy has gone out of fashion. Who
does not recollect the gallons that were
swallowed few years ago, but now how
little? It is Of no use unless there is vast
ing of the body. 1t is not medicine, but
food; and, like osmazone, prevents the
wasting of the tissues. Sweet cream
will do the same with more satisfaction.
Change Of Climate.-That cheval de
bataille, that convenient way Of getting
rid of dying patients. has received its
coup de grace from recent writers on the
subject. and now no longer commands
the faith of conscientious medical men,
although many still keep up the cruel
farce Of sending the sick away from
home in search Of that health and COM
fort which they never can find in the
house OF the stranger.
Very respectfully,
N. B. WOLFE, M D.
146 Smith ST., Cincinnati, o.
DR.. Wolfe may be consulted by letter
Jree Of charge, by any one suffering
with disease OF the Nose, Throat or
Lungs. Address as above. Office con-
sultation free.