The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-11
THE ASIATlC CHOLERA.
Methods of Prevention and Treatment-Ex-
periences During Epidenics.

WAsHISGToN. July 10.-United States Consul
Frank Fl. Mason, of Marseilles. has sent to the
Dartment of State review with practical con-
clusion concerning native and Asiatic cholera
and the best methods of prevention and treat
ment derived from studies of the epidemics of
1884 and preceding years at Marselles, After
sketching briefly experiences there during nine
CHOLERA epidemics since 1884, describing the
varying action Of the disease manifested in diff
ferent cases, such as diarrhea for two or three
days followed by the disease proper; again, sud
den attack, sometimes while sleeping; in one
case vomitings, and purgings, in another
neither of these, Consul Mason goes on
to say, these variations never so
great so peTpleXing to physicians as last year.
He adds, IN its choice of victims, cholera is most
precise and definite. With rare exceptions they
belong to of four of the following classes of
persons: Those who live under bad hygienic con-
ditions in respect to food and lodging; those who
are lmprudent IN respect TO eating, drinking and
exposure; those weakened and debilitated by
alcoholic excuses, and those who suffer from
chronic digestive weakness or arrangement
Among the lmprudences which become danger
Gus IL the presence Of cholera overeating
TO the extent Of producing lethargy Or indiges-
ton: eating raw vegetables in the form of
salads, and the general use of raw fruits unless
perfectly fresh and ripe; drinking cold water
or beer, after having eaten fruit,
is direct challenge to cholera. which no person,
however strong and healthy, can afford to risk.
The susceptibility of drnnkards to choleraic in
fnences is proven by abundanJ evidence among
which may be cited the sweeping fatality Of the
disease whenever it attacked inmates of inebri-
ate asylums. Any thing. in fact, whether of
temporary or chronic nature, which mpalrs the
vigor of the digestive organs exposed persons
n n Mason
'Contacion is transmitted by the inhalation of
air infected by clothing rags wool, etc, which
have been tainted by contact with the disease
and by water
He cites the case of a man who fed from Mar
settles and was not taken i'll until he had unfas
tened his trunk, taking the contagion from the
clothing therein. servant girl went from
Marsellles to the village Of Omerques, and after
arriving there washed some of her infected
clothes in creek which supplies the village
with water Not only was the village declnas ted
by cholera as a result, but also the territory he
low through which the stream runs, while that
above escaped Mason says the authorities of
MarSeilles agree that the disease does not trans
nit itself directly from a cholera patient to
person in good health, neither by contactnor in
halat1on. The objections and vOmlt OF cholera
patient usually contain the germ OF contaglon
which, although not mm ediately transmissible
often when placed under favorable conditions
quickly develops cOntagion. Clothing and tex
tile merchandise are far more dangerous
hlcles of the contagious principle than indlvid-
uals ChOleraic poison attacks only persons in
greater or less degree prepared for it. The five
most effective destroyers of cholera germs in
excretions Solution Of sui phate of copper in
the proportion of not less than two ounces to
one quart OF water; liquid chloride of zine, one
ana half ounce to one quart of water; bichlo'
ride OF mercury. One-Sixth ounce to one quart of
water; bichloride of copper, two ounces to one
quart of water; suphuric acid. four ounces to a
quart Of water. The same chemicals used for
the disinfection of water-closets, sinks and all
other seats of decay or infection.
of iron, ten pounds in 22O gallons
water; or liquid chloride zinc twenty
pounds in 220 gallons, has been found most
effective and practicable. Picnic acid, in the
proportion of 10 pounds to 900 gallons water, was
largely used at Marseilles last year. but the re-
suits were less satisfactory than expected, some
experts even going so far as to affirm that the
picnic principle preserved rather than destroyed
the germs of contagion. The report then
touches upon the problems of caring for cholera
ship board. in barracks. asylums, prisons,
etc, exemplifie6 at Marseilles At Vomachs
there was practical exemption from disease,
attributed to the required army regimen. includ-
ing wearing blood belt grdle of flannel to
protect the stomach and bowels from
sudden chill; white linen or cotton have
locks TO be worn during all outdoor exercise, alb
solute Introduction Of green fruits; use of rice
in all SOUPS; a quart of wine daily to each man;
sion of military exercises; walk for exercise from
& TO 1880 A. NJ. each alternate day; music. morn
ing and evening. in the barracks yard; frequent
washing of rooms and halls with solution of
picnic acid; stewards required to have constant
ly ready tea. sugar and rum to be administered
Immediately in all cases of collie; also 'lquor of
Batavia" to be given twenty drops in quart of
water upon appearance of choleraic symptoms.
Mason then proceeds to give outline Of what to
eat and what to avoid. Marseilles prohibits the
entry into the city OF melons, cucumbers and
summer fruits. Instructions were is
sued to the public to avoid all
excess, to drink little as possible between
meals eat beef and mutton, and protect the
body from sudden chills. and see that the food
taken not stale, Daily tepid baths followed
by vigorous rubbing were recommended. Mason
says there is nothing more perilous than for
persons who once left infected atmosphere to
return to it before the pestllence was completely
suppressed.
He continues: "No person should return to an
infected city unless in condition of good health,
particularly in respect TO ali functions of nutri-
ton. Whenever possible, persons returning
should stop for at least forty eight hours in a
suburb or other locality as near as possible to
the infected city" He says in the face of cholera
epidemic diarrhea is serious illness, and should
be treated accordingly. Also says: LAS pop
ular remedy for immediate use, nothing has
been found superior to chlorodyne, sold by most
druggists
ELOPED WITH A BARBER