Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1897-01-23
SIMPLE REMEDY FOR GRIP.

The widespread prevalence of grip just
now renders especially opportune, the
republication of remedy that was fur
nished to the Columbia State by w.
Tertsh Lander of Williamson, s. c., in
1893. We do not feel especially com
petent to comment on the matter from
a scientific standpoint, and only give Mr..
Lander's article for what it may be worth.
Here it is as re-published in The EN-
oUIRER of February Is, 1893:
A few years ago, when the influenza, or
grip, was so prevalent, noticed report
on the disease from one of the best hos
pitals of Europe. This hospital is in
Edinburgh, Scotland. At the time of the
report hundreds of influenza cases had
been treated there. After fighting the
epidemic with varying success, happy
accident led the superintendent to adopt
an alkaline treatment with an extreme
case that was brought in. A full dose of
saleratus was given every two hours.
Although the patient was in convulsions
when brought in, she became quieter a
short time after the first dose; and only
three doses were given before the patient
was clearly on the way to recovery. In
three days she was counted we'll. This
same simple treatment was then followed
with thousand, not one OF whom died.
Best of all, not only was the influenza
pleasant or dangerous symptoms follow
ing recovery. It has been obsert ed that
not more die of the influenza than what
may follow it.
From some work in my chemical lab
oratory, carried on before this report came
ont. I had concluded that the Influenza
was at least associated with excessive
acidity of the system, if it was not caused
by this abnormal state. was so certain
Of the correctness of this view that, on
being thrown in bed myself with influ-
enza. treated myself only with alkaline
drinks to counteract the acid. The result
was that instead of two or three weeks of
punyness, I missed only one day from
work.
The success with my own case was 80
astonishing that I have been called to
treat other cases and Of about 25 treated,
very few have had to give up work for
more than day-some not at all.
Not being a physician, should feel
some hesitancy in offering my. cure, if
after I had begun to try it, it had not had
received the high endorsement quoted.
At first, used the carbonate of lithia,
which is the best of the alkalis for the
purpose. But as my practice (all charity
enlarged, I left so expensive drug,
and contented myself with the carbonate
of potash and soda. These found prac-
tically as good as the lithia.
For the sake of the suffering public,
would say that the dose have used for
grown patients has been level teaspoon
of baking soda, dissolved in plenty Of
water, taken every two hours until sore
ness and headache are gone, and then one
extra dose for good measure. 1t is not
best to take a dose just before or just
after eating. I have rarely found more
than four doses needed.
Since the system is in an acid state,
caIomel, of course, is a very dangerous
medicine, and many deaths from influ-
enza are, without reasonable doubt, trace
able to the use Of calomel in the disease.
1t is interesting to note that, when all
else failed, our grandmothers used to cure
the worst colds with "fire-coalte tea." This
was simply a crude saleratus treatme tent.
So there is nothing new under the sun,
and our wise theory simply proves the
soundness of another of their old practi-
cal ways. w. TERTsH LANDER.