Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-08-24
VICTIM OF A MAD DOG.
A Knoxville Resident Afflicted With
aP,caliar Illness.
THE SYMPTOMS OF HYDROPHOBIA.
It Requires the Combined Strength Of
Seven Men to Hold Him.
DIR. /. n BOYD TALKS OF THE CASE

Knoxville residents are considerably eI-
cited over peculiar case of sickness in
their midst, which has the appearance Of
being hydrophobia. 1t is that of J. s.
Allies, glassworker, who lives at 11s Knox
avenue, and who is now lying in an e1-
hausted condition as the result
of his rawlings. Mr.. Allies was
bitten by mad dog years ago and has since
been subject, each year, to spasms similar to
those noticed in persons suffering with hy-
drophobia. His case has created great in
terest among the medical fraternity and is
now being watched in the interest of science.
Last Tuesday evening Mr.. Allies was sit
ting in the drawing room at his home, when
he suddenly noticed the peculiar sensations
from which he has grown to learn that he was
about to have one Of his spasms. He eimme-
diately called to his wife to stay away from
him and to run to the neighbors for assist
ance. Mrs. Allies knew just what to do in
the emergency, and in moment had called
in some men. Allies told them to tie him
fast with ropes, and to take care that he did
not bite them while they were doing so. In
a trice they had him bound, hand and foot,
and none too soon, for the spasm was upon
him.
He frothed at the mouth and snapped at
those trying to hold him, all the time max
ing barking noise. 1t required seven
men to hold him, and their combined
strength was not enough to keep him lying
down ON the bed. DR.. I. N. Boyd. who
lives near, was Immediately sent for.
Mr.. Allies had been telling him few days
previous about his case, so that he was in
measure prepared when the time came that
his services were needed. DR.. Boyd ap-
piled hypodermic injections and other modes
Of abating the spasm, or series of spasms,
which lasted two hours. During that time
Mr.. Allies came near biting a number of
those attending, and altogether made things
lively.
WHAT THE DOCTOR SAYS.
Some of the neighbors sure that there was
case of hydrophobis in their midst, be-
came frightened and were more and more
alarmed as they talked it over, in small
groups. They knew nothing of the circum-
stances, and thought that there was
possibility of some one suffering harm at
Mr.. Allies hands. DR.. Boyd would not
talk about the case until he had had an
opportunity to study it little more. Yes
terday he was seen at his office, and said, in
reply to question::
''Mr. Allies case is peculiar one, and Of
interest to the medical profession. / would
not say that he has hydrophobis, and yet
the circumstances and his condition would
indicate that such is the case. Thirteen
years ago he was bitten by mad dog in the
calf of the leg. He is now "a years old, and
each year since he was bitten he has been
subject to these spells, which, up to the
present time, have attacked him between
July and 10.
"He has had these spasms for
eight consecutive years. Two
years he was stricken with typhoid fever
and smallpox, and escaped the spasms. The
shown itself in another way. Three years
his whole body broke out in eruptions which
were very painful and disagreeable.
"I was called to see him last Tuesday.
found him tied and seven men trying to hold
him, some holding his arms and others his
head and body. He was suffering from an
excessive spasmodic condition. He was
swapping and trying to bite his attendants,
and making kind Of snarling nose. Saliva
was running from the corners of his mouth.
The spasm was intermittent during period
of two hours. when it gradually wore away
and left the patient prostrated. He is still
in a very weak and nervous condition, but
think will be out in few days
CANNOT SEE WATER.
"During the time of the spasm he asked
for water, but when it was brought in sight
it excited him and he would 60 into another
spasm. He could not swallow any fluid, or
anything of food nature. An abated form
of this spasmodic condition lasted for two
days, and is gradually wearing away. He
SAYS he can tell when these spells are COM
ing on. He feels strange sensation OF
loneliness, and wants to be alone. He Is