Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-04-28
TREATING CONSUMPTION

Some months ago the medical world was
agitated by the statement that certain OF
its high priests had demonstrated that the
Bergeon treatment of consumption by
gaseous enemata was practical and efficient
in cases of consumption. 1t was the theory
that sulphuretted hydrogen thus admins
tered reached and acted upon the veinous
system precisely as was desired. and
effected a cure of tuberculous stages oil
phthisis. Instances were cited of the COM
plete cure of patients affected by steel
tilers' consumption, and of many others in
the last stages of wasting consumption of
other forms. But the excitement incident
to the discovery" subsidized very sud-
denly. 1t no develops that the physicians
are agreed that the enemata treatment will
not do, and it has been abandoned the
reasons, however, are not clearly stated in
any explanations we have seen. 1t is suf-
ficient to know that it is not now practiced.
In its stead, however, new theory has
been advanced, and it is supported by re-
citals of experience, which, if true, Ger
tainly give the new discovery great i'm
portance. 1t appears that 4 French SOL
der, who was in the last stages of con-
sumption, was employed in the disinfection
Of the barracks of the hospital post where
he was located, " and obliged to pass nine
hours day in sulphurous atmosphere.
Although his condition had been pro-
nounced hopeless by hospital authorities,
he completely regained his health in sixty
five days. The sulphur burned for the
purpose of destroying the germs of con-
tagious disease in the infected barracks had
q similar effect upon the tubercle bacilli of
his own lungs"
This led to experiments, which have re-
suited in the formal PRONUNCIATION Of the
new method of treatment by sulphurous
acid IN medicated limitations. Sulphur
is moistened with proof spirits and burned
with a small quantity Of benzoin or
powdered opium added, 10 remove the
more disagreeable effects. Into chamber
where this vapor charges the atmosphere
the patient is introduced twice day, and
remains until just before the sensation of
great discomfort is felt 1t is claimed
that under this treatment the sweating
and fever accomplishments of the disease
disappear, the appetite returns, the weight
increases, and steady general improvement
is manifest. NJ. DujardIn Beaumetz, it is
said, has verified reports of the treatment,
and has himself applied it with great
benefit to patients, seven of whom he has,
it is believed, cured by the new method.
1t remains to be seen whether this system
is of any greater vitality than that of the
enemata. OF course, the whole world will
voice the hope that is prayer, that the
treatment is all and more than claimed for
il, and that consumption has at last met
foe 1t cannot conquer. 1t will not do, how
ever, to build upon the limited expert
meats thus far made All treatment of
such q vicious disease must be verified, not
by few cases under one or two, or
dozen, physicians; they must be proved
by general trial in widely separated sec
lions and with cases of varying character.
ONE Of the marvels of the day is the
ease with which spiritualistie frauds are able
to continue their business Of quilting peo-
pie in the face of the many exposures
made. The recent exposure of material
izing fraud in Chicago should, one would
thiak, put check for some time upon
such imposters. But within very few
weeks, in the same city, materializing me-
diuns we're engaged as actively as ever in
taking in dupes. Now comes the case of
Mrs. Cowan. exposed Wednesday night in
Boston but it will not probably deter |