The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1890-02-20
DR., HARTMAN.
LA GRIPPE
As Explained in DR.. Hartman's Famous
Lecture on That Subject.
History Of Four Epidemics of La Grippe
1947, 1860, 1870 and 1890.
Causes, Symptoms, Dangers and Treat
ment.
Reported for the Public Press.
WHAT DOES THE TERN LA GRIPPE
MEAN?

La Grippe is French term, which,
translated into English, is "rhe Infiu-
enza," and translated into German is
"Die Einfusskrankheit." The cpl
demic which is at present prostrati G
so many people in all parts of the CIV
ilized world is not new disease, but
an old one. The French name, which
has been in use wherever French is
spoken, for many years has been for
the first time introduced into this
country, and many people mistake a
new name for a new disease. The I'M
common prevalence of the present ep-
idemic marks an important event in
the history of the disease. Thousands
of people in high and low station have
died of it, and still its virulence con-
tinues, showing no sign of improve
ment.
l have been acquainted with La
Grippe, or epidemic Influenza, many
years. The first time ever had any
personal knowledge of this disease
was in 1S47, while yet boy studying
medicine. My study of it at that
time was so thorough and careful that
thirteen years afterward QS6O) when
terrible epidemic of it swept oyer
the country 1 at once recognized it,
and was able to successfully cope
with it. 1t was ten years before it
made its appearance again-the
famous epidemic of 1870. 1t was at
this time it was first called Russian
Influenza" because of the fact that it
originated in Russia and spread
rapidly over the Asiatic and European
countries before it was noticed in this
country. Twenty years had elapsed
before the present epidemic (originat-
ing in Russia as before) suddenly ap-
peared among us again, this time
bringing its French name across the
Atlantic with it.
SYMPTOMS.
Each epidemic present exactly the
same symptoms. First, a "tired-out"
feeling, general lassitude, cold feet and
hands. Second, aching of the bones,
transient, heeting pains Throughout the
whole body. Third, chilly sensations,
from indistinct, creeping rigors in
slight cases, to pronounced chills in
more severe ones. Fourth, fever, with
temperature ranging from lO2 to lO4
degrees Fahrenheit. Fifth, congestion
of the eyes, lining membrane OF the
nose; sometimes throat and bronchial
tubes. Sixth, profuse sweating occurs
in some cases, especially after the dis
ease has run few days. Seventh,
sneezing, and less frequently cough
ing, are among the earliest symptoms
Eighth, usually an intense frontal
headache, which continues more OF
less during the whole course of the
disease. Ninth, aching and soreness
of the muscles of the whole body
Each case presents slight variations
dependant on age, condition of health
etc. During such an epidemic as this
one the slightest indisposition should
be at once attended to, as few doses
of the proper remedy in the start will
do more than weeks of treatment after
it fastens itself on the system.
DANGERS.
La Grippe is not very fatal dis
ease, although many die of it during
the course OF an epidemic. The chiel
danger which is to be feared is the low
and weakened state it produces, Civ
| ing a chance for other diseases to sci
| in and finish the work. Pneumonia
consumption, congestion of the lungs
and brain, acute rheumatism, typhoid
fever and typhoid malaria are all fire.
quent followers OF La Grippe. How
ever different observers may account
for it, the fact remains that every cpl
demic brings with it a fearful death
rate.
CAUSE.
There are three distinct theories al
to the cause of La Grippe or Russian
influenza. Each theory has advo
Gates and defenders of equal ability
as medical writers. First, that it /:
caused by climatic influences only
and is but modified cold. Second
that it is the result of minute organ
isms or spores which float in the at
mosphere and is taken into the sys
tenn by breathing them in. Third
that it is through both these causes
com bined; that the system becomes
affected unfavorable weather, which
so changes the blood as to enable
spores to thrive in the body, which If
perfectly healthy body could do ne
harm. / am inclined to the lattel
theory as furnishing the best expla
nation of all the facts. First, we have
to have unusually bad weather, b,
which many people are partly over
come; and second, bacili, or disease
germs, which are capable of causin!
the disease, but which are resisted by
all who are in excellent health.
If this is true it would seem n wise
thing during such an epidemic to TAKE
some invigorating tonic to guard
against depressed states OF health
which invite these disease germs t.
enter the body to set up their terrible
work. Pe-ru-na exactly meets this
emergency. 1t tones up the circula
ton. gives vigor to resist unhealthy
weather and stimulates the appetite