Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-11
A NERVOUS DISEASE.
Startling Theory Of an Expert About What 3.
Called Grip"

startling Theory Of an Expert About What IL
Called Grip
From the New York World
As rule do not believe in giving medical
matters to the press, but in this case, involving
as IT does the interest and welfare Of the COM
munity at large. 1 do not hesitate TO give the
desired information; in fact, consider il my
duty TO do so.
The disease which was so epidemic in the east
ern cities last winter and has so much increased
the death rate in Chicago and Pittsburg in par
ticular this year is not what lie described and
known as influenza" or ia grippe" but is a
disease of the nervous system which affects
that part of the human organism primarily and
quickly spreads to other organs, particularly
the mucous membranes throughout the body.
have observed the peculiarities OF this
hitherto unknown affection for over five years
and have noted its widespread geographical
distribution in this country. having received
answers to inquiries made to its presence
simultaneously from the most eastern part Of
Maine; from Brownsville. Texas; from Tampa,
TIA, and from Seattle. Wash.
The first publication of the peculiarities Of
this malady was made by me through an inter-
view published April l, 1889. Not knowing the
causation and character of that disease il called
II at, and still prefer this appellation 20 the
misleading names grippe and influenza"
then read a paper before the American
Medical Association at Newport on June "a.
1859. giving AL the symptoms. Deculiarities and
vagarios OF the disease, well the specific
treatment which still is not surpassed BY any
other at the present time.
Tins paper was published in the Medical and
Surgical Reporter August 3. 1889. Another
paper published in the same medical journal in
January, 1850. gives the symptoms of 1T rs
compared with the different diseases for which
it might be. and frequently has been. mis-
taken In that paper 1 again reiterate the
specific action of ''benzoate of soda" in allie
waiting promptly oil the symptoms better than
any other drug that has ever been admins
tered.
The symptoms as outlined in the article in
the Aettaodt aud Surgical Exporter and its
carries are: That at may closely resemble ty-
phoid fever, pneumonia. dip htheria, aggra-
waited dyspepsia. spinal meningitis, iniiamma-
tlon OF the brain. measles scarlet fever. various
skin diseases (such as eczema, hives, hchen.
&c. J, nervous prostration, auricular rheuma-
tism and a number of other Affections too
numerous TO mention.
1T is. however, easily recognized by the
fact that no matter what the other symptoms
may be the symptoms / have described
namely. low pulse rate. high temperature be-
tween 2 and am, a lightly coated but moist
tongue absence of thirst and more or less pro-
fuse perspiration called forth by the slig htest
mental or physical exertion-are present. Fur
thermore, the specific remedy above mentioned
that Is, benzoate of soda-will, If lit Is the
cause OF the symptoms, promptly lower the
temperature and relieve the pain, while if
other diseases are the cause of the trouble the
benzoate Of soda. although perfectly harmless,
will have no effect what oeyer.
The disease is not self-limited: that is. the pa
tlent does not get well let alone or erroneousy
treated, but the disease becomes chronic aud
may last for years. 1T closely resembles a
state or the system commonly called mala-
ria, for want of erudition on the part OF the
physician or from prejudice or through super
sutton OF the laity. inasmuch the symptoms
are chilliness, alternating with flashes of heat.
nervousness. loss of appetite. indefinite pains,
generally described as headache but often in
the limbs and back, loss OF memory. dullness of
intellect. and, what Is more characteristic tha-.
anything else, almost complete loss of ambi-
ton.
have frequently seen cases in which this
chronic form of 1T has produced insanity,
temporary or permanent. also paralysis, mus
cular weakness of either the upper OF lower
limbs. and finally death from heart failure.
Post mortem examinations have shown that
in the more chronic caseJ all the organs which
are of vital Importance, such the mucous
membranes throughout the body. the liver and
spleen, the pancreas. the brain and the heart
are affected and diseased except the kidneys,
and II Is this fact which prompted DIR. Glasgow
OF st. Louis, as well myself to employ the
benZoate of soda and other dIuretics. together
with heart stimulants. in the form of alcohol
remedy of that class, TO combat this disease
and the results, which are truly marvellous to
behold.
As to the causation of the disease careful
investigation at the pathological laboratory Of
the University OF Pennsylvania, the laboratory
of the Army Medical Museum in Washington.
my own private laboratory. well other
laboratories has failed absolutely 10 discover
and demonstrate beyond doubt any 81 celtic
germ or micro-organism which might be looked
or the epidemic.
The alleged discovery of the bacillus by
Chicago physician in view of the above state
ments of facts is evidently an error Of judg-
mcnt. Like yellow fever. We are compelled to
look upon tit as a disease due to a chemical
poison produced without the body and intro
duced into the system by the air inhaled or the
food and water taken in; but what produces
this poison, which, no doubt, is ptomaine, is
| as vet unknown.
This, however. is an indubitable fact borne
out by the experience OF many excellent and
reputable physicians all over the country that
''benzoate OF soda, given in ten-grain doses
every two hours, alcohol in one-half ounce
doses every four hours and absolute rest will
cure without further medication a case of ''it'
In Its acute form, IN from forty-eight hours to
three days.
An addition of such diuretics as buchu and
sweet spirits of inter, together with alcohol in
one-half ounce doses three or four times a day
will speedily bring about recovery in the
chronic cases. Inasmuch as the heart is weak
ened by the effect of the poison upon the nerve
centers all drugs having a tendency to depress
the hearts action should be avoided. particu-
larry those new remedies such as antipyrene
antIfebrlne. phenacetlne and other like dcriya-
tives of coal tar distilation, the physiological
action Of which we as yet but half understand.
In like manner should other well-known anti
pyretlcs, and particularly quinine. not be
given, as they invariably decrease the comfort
of the patient, lower the temperature but very
little and prolong the duration of the attack.
CARL Seller, NJ. u.