The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-29
THE CHOLERA sCOURGE.
Views Entertained by the City Physicians
of Its Causes, and the Treatment Rec
commended by Them for It.

The city doctors met in the Council Chamber
last evening, Dr. L. W. Thompson in the chair,
and Drs. Wooden, Chambers, Morrison, Porter,
Todd. Bryan, Newcomer, Cook, Ferguson, Bray
ton. John Oliver, Harvey, Haughton, Stevens,
Swain, Pettijohn, Panther Topham Walker aud
g. F. Taylor present.
In the unavoidable absence of DR.. A. j.
Thomas, of the Insane Asylum. who requested
| by letter that his paper the relation of ply
steal disease to mental manifestations be de-
| ferred to the evening of Sept. 4, Dr. j. Cham
bers reported several cases of pyrexa following
delivery, which were discussed by Drs. Thomp-
| son, Wooden, Haughton, Harvey and Others
| The society instructed DR.. John Oliver, score
Charles F. Taylor, member OF the society, IN
der the seal of the Marion County Society, to the
profession in Philadelphia, as DR.. Taylor Ia
about to take up permanent residence In that
city
Dr. John Chambers, chairman of the commit
Tee appointed to oppose the contemplated
tion OF the city authorities compelling city ply
sicians to report deaths within twelve hours of
occurrence, reported progress, saying that such
early reports would not PROBABLY be required
except in cases of contagious diseases. Report
accepted and committee continued.
After graphing for three evenings with the
threatened Asiatic cholera epidemic, the society
adopted the following conclusions regarding
that fearful malay:
!. The cholera poison has hitherto evaded all
microscopic and chemical research.
z. Inc exciting cause of cholera Is probably a
specific poison of the zymotic type
D. Inaemuch as cholera prevails at times in all
seasons, regardless of heat or cold humidity or
dryness, barometric state, or amount of armos-
puerto puerto electricity or ozone, we cannot trace the
cause or the disease to ordinary atmospheric
changes. Heat and moisture are probably the
most favorable conditions for its propagation.
q. me nature of the soil probably bears some
relation to Its propagation; the universal pres
ence of cholera Indicates that the condition of
the SOIL exerts little influence upon the disease.
o. impure air, pFivies, cess-p0Ols drains, de-
caylng animal and vegetable refuse, overcrOw(l-
Ing OF dwellings and cities and the consequent
| lions which favor its spread and mortality.
.. An attack of cholera does not confer i'm
m9nlty from subsequent attacks.
z. Cholera is not as contagious as are small
pox, measles and allied diseases, but it is it,
8. In all probability the injecting product
arises from the choleraic discharges.
y. The cholerac discharges are probably not
lhlLneaiately infectious but become so only after
q certain unknown time.
III. The only effective means known to pre-
vent the spread of cholera are thorough an i'm
mediate uisinfection of the chOleraic discharges,
cleanliness. pure air aud water, good food tenn
perate habits and quarantine.
II. There is no known specific remedy foc
cholefa; treatment, to be effective, must be insti
tuted In the first stages of the disease
II. All nostrums ana so-called cholera specifics
should be avoided when one is attacked by diar-
rnoea or vomiting during the prevalence OF chol-
era, ne should Immediately consult a competent
physician
ID. The following several disinfectants are
recommended: a. Put two pounds of sulphate
OF iron (cOpperas. green vitrio) in a gallon of
rain water, mix until dissolved and use freely;
(Z.l or take one pound of nitrate of lead to a
gallon OF water: mix and use freely. The two
above are to be used for disinfecting sink pipes,
water-olosets, privies, asn-pits, cess-pools and
other offensive places, and also to cover COM
pletely all discharges from the bowels and kid
neys.
IA. To disinfecu articles of clothing bedding,
and the like, used about the patient, use either
of the following: a. Sulphate of zinc, nine
ounces; carboic acid, and half ounces
Put these in three gallons of warm rain water.
This Is one of the most valuable and reliable of
dlslnfectants in USE (2D In one gallon of water
put five ounces of sulphate of zinc and three
ounces OF common SALT
Either of the above may be used
not stain clothing. sheet wet
| with either of these solutions may be hung
| across the entrance hall or door. Nurses and
| attendants should occasionally wash their
\ hands In one OF these solutions. In malignant
cases all body linen, Sheets etc, should be boiled
| in one OF these solutions diluted with an equal
| quantity of water.
| The above disinfectants are also applicable in
| the ordinary contagious and infectious dis
eases, as scarlatins, etc.
| The excavations of typhoid fever should al
| ways be thoroughly dlsinfected with the sui
phate of iron preparation.
The society adjourned to meet on Tuesday
evening, when DR.. A. j. Thomas will read his pa
| per.