Asiatic Cholera: A treatise on its origin, pathology, treatment, and cureWhitney, Elijah
History
Asiatic Cholera: A treatise on its origin, pathology, treatment, and cure
Whitney, Elijah
Cholera
But again, our doctrine is confirmed by the experiment usually
termed "venous transfusion." The solution of soda, when raised to
a temperature from 105° to 120° Fahr., and injected into the veins
of the suffering patient, gave _temporarily_ prompt and immediate
relief; but, when injected at a lower temperature, failed. In this
experiment, the sole and only agent contributing to the result was,
as before explained, the free caloric which immediately permeated
every tissue, supplied warmth to the body, relieved the depressed
nerve-power, equalized the circulation, and restored generally the
normal action of the system. Of this result, and of the diffusive and
prompt stimulating power of free caloric, there can be no question.
The principle here evolved, which answered so perfectly the imperious
demand and so immediately suspended the power of the disease, is the
very principle dictated by its pathology. Stronger and better evidence
of the utility of a prompt and diffusive stimulant, permanent in its
character and influence, cannot be furnished; one that will act kindly,
without violence and without any disturbance to any organ or tissue, to
injure or delay the return of immediate and perfect health after the
disease is subdued. Such we affirm to be the principle demanded in the
successful treatment of the epidemic cholera.
SECTION II.--REMEDIES, RECIPES, ETC.
Considering the general principle of treatment, and the nature of the
remedy so clearly suggested by the pathology of the disease to be fully
established, it now remains for us to point out some of those curative
agents which may be employed to advantage. It may be here observed,
that among the few that can be confidently recommended, there is no
single remedy yet discovered which seems to possess all the properties
necessary to meet the complex condition presented in a malignant
case of cholera. Yet it is believed we have simple remedies, which,
when properly combined, will prove successful. Among the number that
seem best adapted to meet and fulfill the indications, may be named
chloroform, as the leading remedy on which we may reasonably hope for
success. This may be united with spirits of camphor, the tincture of
xanthoxyli fraxinifolii bacca, the compound fluid extract of rhubarb
and potassa,[XVII.] and the oil of monarda punctata, and a very
valuable and reliable remedy obtained. The following formula exhibits
the mode of combination, which may be varied and adapted to suit any
emergency:
Rx. Chloroform, (sq.,) dram ij.
Spirits Camph., dram j.
Ol. Monarda, gtts. x.
M. et adde--
Tinc. Xanthox. Frax. Bac., ounce ij.
Fluid Ext. Rhei et Potas., ounce iv.
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