New-York tribune., 1908-05-23
iIERTING HYDROPHORI4.

Previous to the autopsy held to ascertain the
cause of William H. Marsh's death three theo-
rieS were offered TO account for the shocking
event His physician believed that the
case of genuine hydrophObia which
had reached SO advanced stage that recovery
was impossible In a few minds there existed
a doubt whether the symptoms observed were
the effect of the virus Of disease Of the
victims imagination. 1t Is matter of record
that at least two three men have died after
exhibiting many OF the outward signs of rabies,
but without giving what is regarded the
most convincing proof Of that disorder, which
is to be found only upon examination of the
brain after death. Finally the opinion was
ventured that Mr.. Marsh had succumbed 10
opiates and not TO disease Under all the cir
cumstances it is fortunate that the truth has
been put beyond dispute by the experts Of the
Health Department OF the city.
The case has intensely pathetic aspects. He
must he hard hearted who is not moved by the
story of the courage with which Mr. Marsh met
a revelation of the fate which was in store for
him. The saddeSt feature Of the whole matter
is that the might have been alive to-day
but for his kindness to an animal which came
to him perfect stranger, suffering from what
looked like only trifing injury. In minister
ing to a creature which had not the claim on
his sympathies which even a family pet would
have he sealed his doom.
Before the tragedy is forgotten several self
evident facts deserve emphasis. Competent
veterinarians hold that rabies. though perhaps
Of less frequent occurrence than Is popularity
supposed is a disorder to which the canine race
is really subject. However. dogs sometimes
behave In such a manner as to excite
picion that they are suffering from this malady
when they are not. 1t is of the utmost impor-
tance therefore, TO take steps TO learn the truth
whenever an animal has been killed because
1t acts as IL mad BY sending the brain to an
experienced pathologist for examination the
way will be paved for averting what are need
less fears cherished by persons who have been
bitten. On the other hand, If the supposition
that the dog was actually rabid should he CON
firmed, preventive treatment could be adopted
promptly by any one who had been attacked.
and such a course would often, there is reason
to believe, life. Mr.. Marsh would un-
doubtetly have had a better chance of recovery
if the plan here outlined had been followed
when his dog shot. Co-operat ton between
the Police and Health departments of every
large city in policy Of this kind could not fail
to confer double benefit the public
Though the attempts made thus far to devise
remedies for rabies have not been attended
with perfect success, gratifying headway has
been made. One of the latest propositions is to
90 directly 10 the seat of the disease, the brain
with an injection of serum, and 1t is to be
boped that the treatment may eventually prove
both practicable and effective. In the mean
time II should not be forgotten that the disease
usually is communicated to man and TO valu-
able animals by dog that comes from no
one knows where and for whose health and
history one can vOuch. If these vagabonds
could be suppressed completely hydrophobia
would almost entirely disappear. Prevention is
infinitely better than cure. Is it not feasible
In America al In certain foreign countries to