The sun., 1897-11-12
D|PHIHER|A DISCUSSED.
Professors Goodno and Northrop
in tte CITY,
IyTUBATION IS THE BEST
Tracheotomy and Anti-Toxin the
Subject of Papers Read by
Elnlninent General
Practitioners.

Diphtheria has gained such a foothold
in this city that the disease was brought
up for extended scientific discussion at
the meeting of the Homeopathic Medical
Society of Delaware and the Peninsula,
held yesterday at the Clayton House. A
few days ago the report Of the number
Of cases OF diphtheria in this city showed
total of twenty-eight. This is an un-
usual number, though hardly an cpl
demic. Yet in view of the fact that SO
many cases existed, two of the most dis
tinguished specialists in the treatment Of
diphtheria were invited to attend the
meeting. They were William c. Gom-
no, NJ. d., Professor Of the Practice Il
Medicine at Hahnemann College, and
consulting physician of Hahnemann
Hospital in Philadelphia, and Herbert
L. Norhrop, MD, Professor of Anatomy
at Hahnemann College and Junior Sur
geon to the Hahnemann Hospital.
The object. of inviting these experts
was that the local physicians might have
the benefit of their special experience in
the treatment of diphtheria and its COM
plications.
A number Of carefully prepared tech
nical papers on the subject were read as
follows: Treatment of Diphtheria,
I. W. Finn, M. d.; Treatment of
Iaryngeal Diphtheria, J. Paul Lukens,
NJ. D.; Treatment of Sequelae, Harry
Howell, M. D. The audience was COM
posed of the leading physicians Of the
city and the excellence of the papers was
attested by the hearty applause accorded
the readers. At the conclusion Of the
reading of the papers DR.. Norrhrop was
invited to speak of the surgical treatment
of the disease. The Professor stated that
the operative treatment of diphthera
was unique for three reasons, first, that
there was but one operation, trachc-
otolny, second, that the operation is not
remedial, and third, because it is always
the very last st'resort.
OF late years intubation has been usel
with great success, and has, to Il marked
degree, superseded tracheotomy. His
own experience with intubation had
been extremely favorable. Dr. Northrop
recommended ntubation in young chill
dren as preferable, in a majority OF cases,
to the more radical operation.
The operation OF tacheotomy is an old
one and was used extensively in early
times, but fell into disusc until 1880,
when its use was revived by II French
man named Trasscau, who practiced it
with success. Other things being equal
tie chances were in favor If its use. The
Professor then gave Il demonstration OF
the O, ,el:ltion, usn for purposes OF Illus
t,ution Il lifc-sizcd model oi the trachca
from the worId-iamous museum of
Hahncmann College, in which institution
Prof. Rufus b. Weaver has collected and
systematically arranged the greatest and
most valuable collection OF anatomical
subjects in tie world.
His address was u scientific treat to
the medical men present and his demon
stration was appreciated to the full.
Professor Goodno was then introduced
and asked to give his views on the medl-
cal treatment of the disease. Professor
Goodno is slrong believer in the use OF
anti-toxine and he earnestly advocated
its use in all cases Of diphthcria.
lie gave statistics of results obtained
from its clinical use and stated that the
rate Of mortality from diphtheria had
fallen 80 per cent. where it was used.
He stated that he himself used it ex-
tensively in his private practice and clin-
ical wards, and with the most favorable
results. Many instances were cited show
ing the characteristic action of the rem
edy. His talk was most convincing and
the array OF facts and figures presented
by the Doctor left NJ room Tor doubt rs
to the merits Of the therapeutic treat
mcnt of diphthcria. :.
The work of the association is confined
to the members the medical profession
but the result of its conferences is felt IN
the homes of thousands in the increased
knowledge brought about by the ex-
change of experiences and data.
The officers of the association are as
follows: President, John M. Smith, Md,
Cheswold, DEL; vice president, J.llarmer
Rile, NJ. D., Wilmington, Del; secretary
Drusilla G. Barlow, NJ d., Wilmington,
Del; treasurer, L. Kittinger, NJ. Dr.
Wilmington, Del; board OF censors, A.
Negendank, NJ. d., Wilmington, Del''
and ]. Harmer Rile.
The delegates to the American Institute
of Homeopathy are William H. kontz' la1.,
Md, New Castle, Delaware, ana VIII
liam +. Sherwood, NJ. d., Wilmington
Delaware; aternates, George H. Gar
michael, NJ. D., Wilmington, Delaware