The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-03
SOME REAL MAGIC IN MODERN MEDICINE

| When the arsenic compound, salvarsan. was first introduced as remedy for syphilis the ever intrigued. by a phrase, "sterilisans magma | which signifed the absolute destruction of all the tion "o of o the " wonderful new medicine. To-day, alas, the drug salvarsan is obsolete, no longer. used, superseded by improved" or modified" remedies of similar character, all, curfously enough, made in the country and marketed by the people who invented the beautiful phrase: Still we do some magic in modern medi- cine The best magic seldom or never gets into I have persuaded several thousands of readers to select the modern method of tonsil removal | instead of the old-fashioned method. have re- | ceived reports from several hundreds of these | readers, at period following the diathermy extirpation of their tonsils Not all of them have been favorable few of them have bitterly and for having suggested it. On the whole believe there is no other procedure or method or remedy in the realm of medicine or surgery that is more satisfactory when applied by the properly skilled physician
 In a considerable number of these reports from patients who have had the diathermy treatment and avoided operation, I find striking observation to the effect that the general condi- ton the systemic trouble caused by the infect ed tonsils began to improve, even completely disappeared or cleared up after the first sitting or treatment.
 The old stagers in the nose and throat field still do a great deal of labored arguing about the importance of removing every bit of tonsil tissue l and leaving no tags submerged fragments in the throat. That's fine in theory; of course in practice the best of throat surgeons is quit likely
 
 tissue, matter what method or care he em- ploys. But the talk is brave, kind of favorite indoor sport of the throat specialists of the old order when they get together to deplore the newfangled method.
 A reasonable knowledge of pathology and bac- teriology, and a modicum of good common sense together with fair experience fully warrants the inference. I think, that if you can remove, destroy or steriize kill the germs) in the infect ed area the septic focus, n the tonsil. you have | accomplished all that medicine can accomplish for the patients health, and it doesn't matter at al Of whether any tonsil tissue in the throat or not. So conclude that mere sitting or two may be quite all that is necessary to cure focal nfec- tion in of infected tonsils treated with | diathermy. Even if the remaining portion of it? The patient can report to the doctor for an- other dathermy treatment.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Antiquated Sanitary RcgI titions | I believe yoI commented some time ago on the peculiar requirements or the sanitary authorities cncountering difficulties n the building of home. What is the reason for such vents? Are | they essential for safety or for health? e. E.
 Answer-No. The old timers imagined sewer gas" was somehow injurious to health. Present health board or sanitary ordinances regua- tions based on ancient theories or fancies. A vent may be desirable for more efficient func- tioning of the drain of sink iavatory toilet bowl or bath tub. but it Is not a health or sanitary question at all. It is just plain official graft l should say, to compel home builder to install an additional vent for an additional bath where there is already vent for the toilet bowl. The
 
 ance on the ground that it is a sanitary require- ment even if so-called sanitary or health officers sanction the trick. Such abuses go on just be- cause the public Is too dumb to understand. Air Your Ear
 Where person has running car for several years shouldn't they keep little cotton In It even if there is not much discharge? have ale ways understood 1t Is likely to go to the brain if they take cold in it and the ear stops running. | (Mrs A. A. H.)
 Answer-A thin twist wick of cotton which does not keep the air out of the ear canal aids drainage plug Iiass of cotton rather ob- structs drainage and excludes air. Free ventia- ton of the canal is better at all times. chronic running ear ceases to discharge as re- suit of extension of the infection into the brain membranes not as the cause. Cold taking cold" has nothing to do with such complica- ton.