Lebanon-William Russell, Walter Allen, Arunah Mosely, jr., Dunham Shapley, Jabin Armstrong, Frederick D. Beebe. Madison-Otis Simmonds, John Head, jr. Brookfield-James Muritt, Samuel R. Clark. Smithfield-John B. Buel, Philo J. Barber, Noah M. Coburn. Collins, Rufus Bacon, Isaae Pool, G. A. Williams, eminently designed to add to the wealth and honor the edge-rail to perform the requisite traction to the Thaxter Pool. of the country. load; at first, grooved sheaves were fixed upon the Resolved, that the unrivalled advancement of hinder travelling wheels of the engine, and similar New-York in agriculture, commerce and manufac- grooved sheeves upon the fore-wheels of the convoytures, which justly entitles her to pre-eminence in the carriage, containing the coals and water, with an Union, is mainly attributable to those great arteries endless chain working over each, to procure the ad. of inter.communication, canals, which an enlarged hesion of the wheels of the convoy-carriage, in adand liberal policy has constructed, and which will dition to the adhesion of the engine wheels; but, long remain sources of opulence and glory to the on trial, it was not found necessary to resort to the Chenango County. State. aid of this contrivance, as the adhesion of the enColumbus-C. G. Hall, John L. Jenks, Waldon Resolved, That in the judgment of this meeting, gine wheels alone, was found adequate to produce Kingley, Tompkins Parker, John M. Reynolds, Ab- neither justice nor policy required that the march of the desired effeat. ner Gillet, Thomas Howard, jr., Milo Blakman. internal improvement should be arrested, until those The communication of the pressure upon the pis. Sherburne-Tilly Lynde, A. K. Maynard, Samuel portions of the State hitherto neglected, are allowed ton, through the means of the crank to the cog Ladd, Milo Hunt, D. White, S. W. Corbin, Elias to share that prosperity which the erection of public wheels, produced great noise, and, in some parts of Babcock, William White, J. M. Castle, Willis Lan- works has produced in more favored districts. the stroke, considerable jerks; each cylinder alterdon, H. N. Fargo, Alex. Holmes, Joshua Pratt, Jas. Resolved, That it be recommended to the friends nately propelling, or becoming propelled by the oThompson, Joel Thompson, Stephen Benedict, Mr. of the Chenango canal, wherever resident and espe-ther, as the pressure of the one upon the other, Copeland. cially to those living in the valley of the Chenango, when the teeth became at all worn, caused a rattling Plymouth-Ira Buell, Silas Holmes, John Harris, to remit no honorable exertion to obtain the sanction noise. For, when the leverage of the one crank be. Judah Bement, Erastus Foote, Darius Adams. of the legislature to the construction of the Che-came greater than the other, the latter was propel. Preston-Hubbard B. Avery, Lyman Smith, Denango canal. led by the other through the intervening wheels; lancy Wait, Henry Billings, Samuel G. Randall, Jo- On motion, Resolved: That the committee ap. but when the former approached towards the extrenathan Walls, Chas, Edeston, Isaac Noyes. Smith pointed to draft resolutions, he requested to draft and mity of the stroke, its leverage became less and less, Johnson. publish an address to the people at this state; anu anu the during of the luttua buvusiu grestor as the Norwich-Henry Mitchell, Thompson Mead, Ed- also to draft a memorial to the legislature praying angle between the connecting rod and the crank inmund Y. Perlee, Abial Cook, Squire Smith, Chas. for the passage of an act authorizing the construc- creased; and, at a certain point, the latter preponA. Thorp, Peres Randall, Smith M. Purdy, John tion of the Chenango canal, and the said committee derated. When a change in the action took place, Clapp, P. B. Prindle, Obadiah German, Dr. S. S. affix the names of the members of this convention to the former was then the propelled, and the latter the Bedford, John F. Hubbard, Benj. F. Cook, John C. said address and memorial. propelling power. If any play or space existed beBrisbow, Eph. Wart. On motion of Charles P. Kirkland, woon each tooth of the cog wheels, the transition Resolved, That this convention entertains a grate. of this power from one side of the teeth to the other ful sense of the enlightened zeal and valuable exer. always occasioned a jerk; and this became greater tions of the late Wm. H. Maynard, in behalf of the as the teeth became more worn, and the space beChenango canal, and that the friends of this improve-tween each other greater. ment in common with their fellow citizens at large, To obviate this became desirable, and Mr. Ste. have sustained a severe loss in his premature decease. phenson, in conjunction with Mr. Dodd, took out a On motion, patent for a method of communicating the power of Resolved, That the committee above appointed be the engine directly to the wheels without the aid of and they are hereby authorized to call further con- the cog wheels. The patent was dated February 28, 1815, and consisted of the application of a pin upon one of the spokes of the wheels that supported the engine, by which it travelled upon the Railroad, the lower end of the connecting rod being attached to it by what is termed a ball and socket joint; the other end of the connecting rod being attached to the cross beam, worked up and down by the piston. Greene-Robert Monell, Joseph Juliand, A. G. Smyrna-Joseph Simons, Amasa Foot, Chester Pharaalia-Abijah Powell. ventions. Oxford-Ira Wilcox, Ethan Clark, James A. Glo- Resolved, That the peoceedings of this convention Abel De Forest. Otsego County. Broome County. Joshua Whitney, John A. Collier, Martin Haw. ley, Tracey Robinson, Henry Dewey, Hazard Lewis, Daniel S. Dickenson, Cary Murdock, James S. Hawley, Myron Merrill. nango, and J. A. Collier, of Broome. sons as officers of the convention: Hon. Robert Monell, as President. Gen. Joshua Whitney, and James Platt, Esq. as Vice-Presidents. Philo Gridley, [From the Philadelphia edition of Wood's "Treatise on To keep one of the engine cranks always at right angles to the other, the patentees had two methods; to crank the axle on which each of the wheels was fixed, with a connecting rod between, to keep them always at the same angle, with respect to each other; or to use a peculiar sort of endless chain, passing over a toothed wheel, on each axle. This endless On motion, Resolved, that a committee of four be appointed by the chair to report officers of the con- In the early part of the year 1814, an engine was chain, which has been much used upon these kind vention. The following named gentlemen were ap- constructed at Killingworth colliery, by Mr. George of engines, consisted of one broad and two narrow pointed said committee, viz James Platt, of Oneida, Stephenson, and on the 25th of July, 1814, was tried links alternately, fastened together at the ends with John G. Stower, of Madison, James Clapp, of Che- upon that Kailroad. That engine had two cylinders, bolts; the two narrow links were always on the out. each eight inches diameter and two feet stroke; the side of the broad link; consequently, the distance The committee reported the following named per. boiler was cylindrical, eight feet long, and thirty-they were separated laterally would be equal to the four inches diameter; the tube twenty inches diam-breadth of the broad link, which was generally about two inches, and their length three inches. The peeter, passing through the boiler. The wheels of the engine being thus turned round riphery of the wheels, fixed upon the axles of the upon their axis, the friction of the rims against the engine, was furnished with cogs, projecting from the Philo Gridley, and David Wager, as Secretaries. rails preventing them from turning or sliding round rim of the wheels, (otherwise perfectly circular and On motion, Resolved, that a committee of five be upon the rail, would necessarily cause them to roll flat,) about an inch or one and a half inches. When appointed by the chair to draft resolutions expres- forward, and thus produce a pregressive motion in the wheel turned round, these projecting cogs entersive of the sense of the convention upon the subject the engine. ed between the two narrow links, having a broad of the construction of the Chenango Canal. If the power required to produce, or the resistance link between every two coge, resting on the rim of The chair appointed James Clapp, Chs. P. Kirk- opposed to, the progressive motion of the wheels, the wheel; these cogs, or projections, caused the land, John G. Stower, John A. Collier and Smith were greater than the friction or adhesion of the ex. chain to move round with the wheel, and completeM. Purdy. terior surface of the periphery of the whools upon ly prevented it from slipping round upon the rim. The committee retired and after a short delibera- the rail, the wheels would then slide round, and the When, therefore, this chain was laid upon these tion reported the following resolutions, which were engine would stand still; but so long as the former two toothed wheels, one wheel could not be moved unanimously adopted. round without the other moving round at the same time with it; which thus secured the proper angles to the two cranks. gate wealth of the whole. does not exceed the latter, the wheels will always Resolved, That the construction of the Chenango roll forward along the rails, and effect the progrescanal, in the opinion of this meeting, is a work of sive motion of the engine. great public utility, calculated to become a valuable In this engine, the small cog wheels were each This contrivance entirely superseded the use of auxiliary to the State canals already completed, to twelve inches diameter, and the cog wheels upon the the cog wheels, and was without the jolts or jerks develop and increase the resources of a large portion axles of the travelling wheels twenty-four ir.ches di incident to them; for, when the chain got worn by of the State, and to enhance essentially the aggro-ameter; so that the cranks made two revolutions frequent use, or was stretched, so as to become too long, one of the chairs of the axles could be moved for one revolution of the engine wheels. Resolved, That the numerous and minute surveys, This engine was tried upon the Killingworth col. back to tighten it again, until a link could be taken been made, leave no doubt in enlightened and un- with the edge rail, ascending about one yard in four mer situation. examinations and surveys of the work which have liery Railroad, July 27, 1814, upon a piece of road out, when the chair was moved back again to its forAn engine of this construction was tried upon the prejudiced minds, of the practicability and utility of hundred and fifty; and was found to drag after it, the Chenango canal; and, that the expense of con- exclusive of its own weight, eight loaded carriages, Killingworth Railroad, on March 6th, 1815, and struction will be more than compensated by the ad- weighing altogether about thirty tons, at the rate found to work remarkably well. vantages which it will confer on the State. of four miler an hour; and after that time, continu. The next improvement by Mr. Stephenson was Resolved, That this meeting observe, with un-ed regularly at work. part of the subject of the patent of Messrs. Losh and feigned satisfaction, the liberal and enlightened views The application of the two cylinders rendered Stephenson, so often mentioned previously, respecttaken of this great work during the late session of the action of the engines regular, and secured the ing the improvement in the rails and wheels. Conthe Legislature, by the cities of New-York, Alba.ay, continual progressive motion; thus remedying the sidering, in general, the disappointments met with Troy, Schenectady and Utica; and by many coun- imperfection caused by the irregular action of the in the eventual utility of most of the patents, this ties, and their able representatives-views calculat ed single cylinder and fly-wheel. appears a rare instance to the contrary; more gene. to dissipate the doubts of ignorance and prejudic v, When the engine had been at work a short time, it ral benefit has been derived from the different conAnd that presage the ultimate success of a project was soon found that sufficient adhesion existed on trivances, exhibited in this patent, than in any other on the subject of Railroad conveyance; and, indeed, The greatest height of embankment is 44 feet; many parts of our country, and in the most of New than many on any other subjects, and it certainly and the deepest excavation is 47 feat. The soil was England, the roads are so highly improved that loconfers great credit upon the patentoes. The con- mostly sand, which generally cost 7 cents for exca- comotive engines might at once be put in operation trivance is very minutely described, in the specifica- vation, and 8 for embankment, per cubic yard.--upon them. In New York and the Western States, tion of their patent; and the advantage derived is The clay cost per cubic yard-for excavation 8 cents, the roads will have to be McAdamized. This should, very judiciously and very clearly stated; I shall give and for embankment 11 cents. and ultimately must be done, whether we haveit in their own words: On the first grade, at Schenectady, below the in- steam-carriages or not. It is worthy of particular "In what relates to the locomotive engines, our clined plane, there is one curve, (where horse power remark, and affords an additional argument in favor invention consists in sustaining the weight, or a pro- only is used, as the locomotive engines do not go up of this improvement, that the steam-carriages do not portion of the weight, of the engine upon pistons, the plane,) about 10 chains in length, on a radius of injure the roads as much as post-coaches drawn by moveable within cylinders, into which the steam or 700 feet. There is a curve at the head of each in- horses. water of the boiler is allowed to enter, in order to clined plane, about 8 chains each, on a radius of From the same.] HUDSON AND MOHAWK RAILROAD. press upon such pistons; and which pistons aro, by 1100 feet: between these two there are two other speculation. The conjecture may not be improbaThis discovery opens a wide field for curious the intervention of certain levers and connecting curves, one on a radius of 4,200 feet-9 chains long, ble, and certainly cannot be regarded as absurd, that rods, or by any other effective contrivance, made to and one on a radius of 23,000 feet-6 chains long. steam inay yet be applied to the most of agricultural bear upon the axles of the wheels of the carriage, The only other curve is between the foot of the Al. purposes. When every man shall keep a steam upon which the engine rests." bany plane and the river, on a radius of 4,000 feet. carriage for his personal convenience, for going to The weight of the engine forming one great ob. The bridges (except where the common road crosses mill, or taking his family to church, it is not unreastacle to its introduction where the rails were weak, the rail, on a level with it,) are constructed with sonable to anticipate that we shall then see the farit was of the utmost importance to find out some stone abutments, 26 feet apart, with culverts for the mer ploughing and harrowing his fields, mowing his remedy. Mr. Chapman, in his patent for the ap drains under the same. String pieces, of timber, 7 grass, and gathering and threshing his grain, by plication of a chain, described a plan of placing the by 15 inches, are laid across, from abutment to abut-steam! In view of these improvements, and by weight of the engine upon two frames, supported by ment, and covered with 3 inch plank. This is the calling to our aid a little of the spirit of prophecy, six or eight wheels: and the Wylam engines, being plap in all cases arcunt ona which is heavier than the rane would bear, wore placed upon arch for the bridge at Pearl street, in Albany. This ual labor will cease, and when the sentence, which an elliptical we can foresou the time when all nécessity for mail. eight wheels: but the complication attendant on so arch is 22 feet chord, with a rise of 4 1.2 feet; dooms us to earn our bread by the sweat of our brow, many wheels, and the unwieldly nature of such a length, 50 feet. Those on the first mentioned plan will no longer be enforced against us.—[Geneva length of framing, formed altogether so many objec- cost about $700; the latter, $2000, including ex- Gazette.] tions, as to render them almost useless, as a species tension work to protect the street. of moving power. The wooden cross sleepers are round timber, 7 The application of the steam-bearing cylinders inches diameter, and 8 feet long; or, when split, Raveona (Ohio) Courier, that an important discoveUseful discovery by a Lady.—It is stated in the divided the weight equally upon the four wheels, and have an equal quantity of timber, and cost 20 cents if necessary, upon six wheels, and thus caused one each. ry was made at Copeley, Median county, by a lady. frame to be sufficient, and consequently, simplified Stone blocks contain each 2 cubic feet, and cost a well, and the son having gone down first, was prosMr. Vail, his eon, and another person, were digging their construction proportionably.* 45 cents. They are laid 3 feet apart, from centre to trated on breathing the noxious vapor or damps becentre, on a foundation of broken stone, well ram-low. * Both of the improvements above mentioned have med down, and the blocks are brought to their level third started for a physician; in the meantime several His father descended to his relief, and the been superseded by better arrangements. Springs by a heavy rammer, handled by four stout men. have been introduced in lieu of the steam.bearing The iron rail plate is a bar 9-16 by 2 1.2 inches, a pail of water, most of which fell on the face of Mr. ladies assembled at the place, and one threw down cylinders, and connecting rods in lieu of the endless with the upper curves chain.-[Am. Ed.] rounded to 17.8 inches V., who caught breath, rose and seized the senseless width. No piles are used. The timber rails are body of his son, got into the tub, and was drawn up yellow or Norway pine, 6 by 6 inches, except a few by the ladies. Water was immediately applied to Hemlock rails used on the embankments. When a timber foundation is adopted, a longitudi- symptoms of returning life. Mr. V., in a few hours the young man, which in a short time produced This important road connects the city of Albany nal sill timber is laid down under the rail on which attained his usual health and strength, and the young with Schenectady. The length is 15 miles and 69 the cross sleepers rest. The width between the man by medical aid, had so far recovered as to be chains. The delay and embarrassment resulting tracks is 4 feet 9 inches." from the numerous locks and very circuitous course able to walk about on the succeeding day. The ex The summit is 335 feet above the Hudson. The periment of letting down a lighted candle was made, of the great Erie Canal, between these towns, (a soil is generally sandy. A very large portion of the which went out at the distance of six feet from the Canal which is, moreover, navigable only 220 days cost of the Railway has been incurred for broken top of the well; a live chicken was also let down, in the year, even when no accidents occur,) induced stone, (two dollars per cubic yard-sand has been and at the depth of six feet animation became susa company to obtain an act of incorporation for the employed in preference to broken stone on the New-pended; but by pouring down water upon it, animapurpose of forming a Railroad to supersede the grand castle and Frenchtown Railroad;) 9 cubic feet are tion was immediately restored. Canal, within one year from the completion of that contained in each pit. The latter are connected by pears, that on inhaling this gas, life is only suspend From these it apfar-famed enterprize. The work was commenced on a neck, when they are situated in clay. Cast-iron ed, and that the application of water will restore it: the 12th of August, 1830, by the Hon. C. C. Cam-chairs and cast-iron knees secure the rails-the pro whether by conveying atmospheric air contained in breleng, a gentleman to whose exertions it has been portion of knees to chairs is 3 to 1. The iron rails the water, to the sufferer, or from some other cause. greatly indebted for its success. It is now in opera are tongued, and grooved at their extremities; iron tion. The first track is completed, and the second, plates are placed under the ends; tires are placed or southern track, is in progress. The plan and under the string-pieces, 21 feet apart. The wood successfully practised unless there exists a great de. profile are admirably designed, and justify the great work is covered by broken stone and earth. expense which the heavy embankments and excava- north track is finished-the south is in progress. The mand for its produce: and it requires larger capital tions have required. $483,215 and 46 cents have locomotive, weighing 12,742 lbs, made by R. Ste-watch-making it has been carried, perhaps, to the A to be employed in those arts in which it is used. In been, and $156,693 will be, expended in completing venson, at Newcastle-upon-tyne, England, was tried greatest extent. the work, according to the official report made to the on this road by the Company. The wheels are of mittee of the House of Commous, it was stated that In an examination before a Com. Legislature of New York in January, 1832. This wood, the tires wrought-iron. The weight injured there are a hundred and two distinst branches of this includes the addition of the second track. The de- the Railway. Another locomotive, also owned by art, to each of which a boy may be put apprentice; tailed account has not yet been arranged; but we the Company, made at West Point, weight 6,758 1-2 and that he only learns his master's department, and may state that about $100,000 of the above sum lbs, wheels 4 feet 8 inches in diameter, is in use is unable, after his apprenticeship has expired, should be deducted for land, (13 acres are owned in the average speed, with a load of 8 tone, is 15 miles without subsequent instruction, to work at any other Albany alone,) depots, engines, wagons, &c. The Railroad will not, however, cost one-third as much as complished with this load on the Railway. per hour; although 30 miles per hour have been ac- branch. The watch-finisher, whose business is to the Canal has eost which connects the same points.The latter follows the course of the rivers; the for. put together the scattered parts, is the only one of the hundred and two persons who can work in any mer is very direct, and crosses the ridges, which, as STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS.-We have other department than his own.-[Babbage's Econ. in all similar localities, has increased the cost. copied into our first page, and invite attention to a omy of Machinery and Manufacturers.] The following details have been politely communi- most interesting and instructive article on the use of cated by the engineer, John B. Jervis, Esq. steam carriages on common roads. The practicabil"The road commences on the bank of the Erie ity of locomotion on common roads is fully demon. món rose (centifolia), place them, without pressing TINCTURE OF ROSES.-Take the leaves of the com. Canal, at Schenectady, and runs parallel to it for 20 strated in theory and by actual experiment. This them, in a bottle, pour some good spirits of wine chains-then a curve of 10 chains. application of steam power takes precedence of any upon them, close the bottle, and let it stand until it other improvement of the age, and will yield a great is required for use. This tincture will keep for Milea. Chains. Grade, Inclination From Schenectady to foot of inclined plane 32 Inclined plane Then runs 0032121300 31 rise level 1 in 18 1 in 450 11 descent 1 in 225 1 in 270 2 47 I in IS 15 69 descent WATCH-MAKING.-The division of labor cannot be er amount of practical benefit than has yet been de- years, and yield a perfume little inferior to altar of level to head of plane be applied. Instead of being confined to the coast, a respectable gentleman, about 35 years of age, reand to our large rivers and lakes, it may be extended paired to the Bath, at the Battery, for the purpose, through every section of the country. Hitherto the as was supposed, of bathing. After a few moments, experiment has been confined to England, where it the discharge of a pistol was heard, and the propriginning to command legislative patronage. There found that he had put an end to his existence, by attracts a large share of public attention, and is be- etor repairing to the box just entered by said person, can be no doubt that our enterprizing countrymen discharging the contents of a pistol through his will soon avail themselves of the improvement. In heart.-[Gazette.] When excavation occurs in the grading, the width for a double road is 38 feet: when embankment occurs, the width on the level of the road is 26 feet. THE CHOLERA. deeper seated, we generally find a greater distress of Depeyre found in a majority of his dissections, that the thoracic and abdominal viscera, the spasms are the lungs were collapsed or shrunk, and frequently Letter on the Cholera Asphyxia, now prevailing in the occasionally of the clonic kind, like those of violent natural; others have observed them heavier than naCity of New York; addressed to James Bond cholic, there is greater præcordial weight or visceral tural, or gorged with black blood. The abdominal viscera evince, to a greater exRead, M. D., Chairman of the Medical Board, Sa. fullness. The extremities, both superior and inferior, lose their temperature and become colder as the dis- tent, the influence of diseased action.* The mesenvannak. By John W. Francis, M. D. ease advances; the skin is covered with a cold, raw tery was, in many instances, overloaded with blood. RESPECTED SIR. Your kind letter was duly re-moisture; the integuments, especially of the extre. The appearances of the stomach are various: its ceived, and I have several times attempted to write mities, seem shriveled, or sodden, or water soaked, contents are occasionally a watery, brownish fluid, or you an answer; but such has been the severity of or doughy; the tongue is cold, sometimes icy, the res- a very pale yellow or turbid fluid; sometimes this my professional engagements, that the present is the piration is more labored, and the expired air of a organ was found empty and contracted. The mufirst leisure I could command for the purpose. We chilly dampness; the eyes are sunken, invested with cous coat seemed in most instances affected; and have, indeed, become "unfortunately familiar with a dark or livid circle; the pulse, which at the com- cases were not unfrequent when, upon removing the the disease;" and this circumstance alone authorizes ing on of the disorder is sometimes more frequent mucous coat, which could often be easily eroded or me to make this communication to you, and to your than natural, is now small, contracted, and, finally, rubbed off, the inner coat was seen surcharged and medical Board, should you deem it of sufficiont con- can scarcely, or not at all, be felt at the wrist. its vessels greatly congested. Sometimes the stomsequence to submit it to them. But you are not to depend upon the regular occur.ach put on appearances similar to those which ob I was, at first, among those who rejected the idearence of the premonitory evidences of the disease, tain in eases where sudden death has been occasionthat the India cholera had appeared in Canada, and nor of their going through their entire course, as I out by drinking cold water in the summer season, a considered the disease of Montreal and Quebec, as now trace them to a fatal termination. Many cases species of stellated inflammation (ecchymoma) if I owing its poculiar character and virulence to a com- of cholera have taken place among us, in which the may be allowed the words, arising, I suppose, from bination of causes, such as we know usually gives premonitory signs or symptoms were wholly absent, the inordinate action of the organ when its bloodmalignity to endemical and epidemical disorders in and the complaint has se suddenly invaded, that the vessels were so unduly injected. I have a drawing certain latitudes. When the committee, appointed stage of collapse has been fully formed within some of an example of this sort, and it so resembles others by our board of health, made their report, that the two, three or four hours. Nay, death has closed the in my possession, taken from cold water cases, that Canadian disease was similar to that which had for scene within two or three hours from apparbat good I felt a good deal strengthened in my pathological so many years prevailed in Asia and in Europe, I was health. As in cases of yellow fever, some are vio. views by this coincidence. Examples also might be the less incredulous, inasmuch as one (Dr. Dekay) of lently assailed while walking the streets; and I have seen where the stomach was entirely unaffected. In the gentlemen of that committee had been practically known three cases of children attacked by the cho-two cases which came under my inspection, the sahconversant with the Asiatic cholera, in its epidemic lera while in lively exercise at play. A most strik- jects of which had died by violent cholera, the supeform, while he was in Constantinople, some short ing peculiarity of this complaint, in many instances, rior portions were exsanguine and colorless, the intime before. As the history of the progress of the is, that the intellectual powers, unless overwhelmed ferior of a deep vermillion color, and the pyloric Asiatic cholera now left us little room to doubt that by coma, retain their wonted integrity to the last. portion thickened and contracted. The small inNew York would ere long be visited by this pesti Often there is an entire absence of all suffering some testines were in almost all instances contracted, oclence, I could not remain indifferent to the first inti-time before death; and the observation is no less cupied with air, and their vascular ramifications mations that were given of its appearance among us, philosophically true than eloquent, that the mind loaded with dark blood; duodenum seems especially and I accordingly saw, in consultation with Dr. seems to sit unimpaired and serene amidst the ruins vulnerable to the morbid cause, the ilium more disPowers, the first cases which were reported to our of organic life, gorged than the jejunum, especially its inferior seeboard of health, as prevailing in that part of the city I hardly know a greater misnomer than the appel. tion. All the smaller intestines, I may say, seemed called Cherry street, near James slip, on the East lation cholera to this prevailing epidemic. The ab- plentifully surcharged, their inner coats softer and River. This, I believe, was on the twenty-seventh sence of all bile, either in the ejections by vomiting, paler than natural: rare examples might be found June. From the suddenness of the attack, the train or in those from the bowels, is almost pathognomo- of like morbid changes throughout the whole intes. of symptoms, and its rapid and fatal termination, no nic; the fluids thus liberated are often brownish, or tinal canal. The liver was sometimes natural, frequestion existed of the complaint being essentially more frequently colorless, or quite distiuct from bili. quently engorged with dark blood; in several cases different from the ordinary cholera morbus, which ary matter; and if biliary discharges are exhibited, the ducts were entirely obstructed or strictured: tho we encounter each revolving season. A map of the they are among the most favorable circumstances, gall-bladder was most generally empty, or possessing city of New York will enable you fully to trace the whether occurring at the invasion of the disorder, or a small quantity of dark bile; the pancreas bore progress of the disease. After several fatal cases had after it has been subjected to the operation of reme. little or no particular marks of increased vascular occurred in Cherry street, the disorder appeared on dial agents. As to the term spasmodic, spasm is, fullness: the spleen varied and was sometimes surthe opposite side of the city, near the North River, less frequent in this disorder than in our common charged. in Reed street, Duane street, &c.; thenco it showed cholera morbus. In this opinion I am fortified by I havo designedly been thus minute in stating the itself in Laurens street near Canal street, next in the ample experience and observation of my friend changes wrought by diseased action: but you are Orange street, Cross street, Mulberry street, and in Dr. Hugh McLean of this city. Spasms do at times not to infer uniformity in these appearances; they other contiguous streets; and broke out with extreme occur, and their violence may denote the greater varied much, depending upon individual constitumalignancy at and around a spot denominated the danger of the case; the nervous power being at tion, previous organic disorder, or chronic function. Five Points. All this was effected within about the times rapidly exhausted by their conjoint action, and al derangement. Much depended upon the duration close of the second week. Since that time it has the causes by which they are induced; a peculiar or sudden fatality of the case. Theso differences displayed its force most extensively throughout the mobility in the nervous system may predispose to in pathological anatomy, were displayed most upon city, and cases have occurred simultaneously miles the spastic rigidity. Fortunately, in a large majori- a comparison with different brains, and the derangeasunder from each other. The disease has raged ty of instances, these spasms are easily subdued by ments of the viscera of different subjects. While in with greatest mortality in the sixth ward. The re- powerful friction, with potent stimuli. The term some the vessels of the brain seemed full, in others ports of interments, by the city inspector, show that asphyxia is most consonant to the strongest pathog. they were almost empty, and the serous effusion of about two thousand six hundred deaths have already nomonic feature the physician witnesses. This state the ventricles was, in many cases, altogether abLaken place from the cholera; and, notwithstanding of asphyxia occurs earlier or later, in the progress of sent: while again, iu some the mucous surface of the received opinion that a prevailing epidemic swal. the disease, depending upon habit of body, exciting the whole intestinal tube, seemed blanched and exlows up all other disorders, we have had a season of cause, means of relief, &c. I have seen it within a sanguine; in others, it possessed little deviation from sickness, from other complaints, much greater than couple of hours from the period of invasion. In some the healthy state; and in others was turgesced, of a ordinary. The romark, nevertheless, is of frequent intractable cases it occurs even earlier. This as. blue or dark purple color. But not to enlarge at repetition, that affections, in no wise congenerous, phyxia seems to me, moreover, to constitute almost this time, I must refer you to Andral (Pathological have not rarely put on the livery of the prevailing the essence of the disorder; for all our prominent in. Anatomy,) for some admirable remarks, which tend ⚫pidemic. dications are to disburden the system of its too dead to illustrate these points. While marks of inflam. I need not attempt to describe the symptoms which y grasp, and restore the circulation to its wonted mation were seen in some, Dr. Morrell, of the Belle. mark the invasion of the disease, nor those which functions. This view of the nature of cholera as. vee hospital, who has made many post mortem inspeccharacterize it when it is fully formed. They must phyxia seems to be more clearly established, when tions of cholera subjects, affirms the occurrence of be known to you from the writings of suce authors we consider the phenomena which the disease exhi. this blanched or livid state of the alimentary tube, as Annesley, whoso account of the Asiatic cholera bits upon inspection after death. Many post obit as more frequent than any other condition he wit I deem the best; Kirke, whose pamphlet on cholera observations have been made by physicians of our nessed. In some dissections, made by Dr. Hobart, asphyxia is also oxcellent; the tract of Dr. Thack-public institutions, and some few in private practice. this whitish color of the mucous membrane was also rah, on the cholera of Leeds, and other productions. The brain has been found surcharged with dark vis particularly noticed. There is no disorder in the nosology more distinctly cid blood; the sinuses, in some cases, containing A good deal has been said by pathologists, conmarked there is none less liable to be forgotten, considerable effusion of serous, occasionally of san. cerning the blood in this disease. The engorged when once particularly observed. The declaration guineous fluid; the membranes often turgid; effu- state of the heart and greater vessels, of the mesenis abundantly verified, that the disease almost always sion between the arachnoid membrane and pia mater. teric veins, and the like appearances in the brain, of commences with a deranged condition of the diges- Sometimes the arachnoid was deprived of its trans. dark, viscid, and tenacious blood, show strong retive organs, such as a disturbed state of the stomach parency. In the spinal colunin were evident traces semblance in the phenomena of death, occasioned and bowels, sickness, and an uneasy sensation in the of previous increased vascular action and effusion. by cholera, to the cases induced by lightning, to whole track of the intestinal canal; vomiting, diar. As to the thoracic cavity, the heart and larger venous death caused by drinking cold water while inordi rhea, pains in and about the epigastric rogion, a branches have been found loaded with heavy black nately heated, and to the morbid changes arising seuse of weight, heat, burning with thirst at the pit blood, often coagulated, and there was at times ap- from the sudden and violent extinction of life by other of the stomach, and a feeling of exhaustion. The parent what the older pathologists denominated po- causes. In extracting blood long previous to the tongue is various, furred, slimy, pale, leaden, red lypi. Sometimes the parieties of the heart seemed cessation of life, this non-vital state of that fluid was and occasionally swollen. Sometimes spasmedic thinner than natural; sometimes the heart was found often manifested. Hence, then, I infer that the contraction of the abdominal and thoracic muscles empty, and powerfully contracted. Discolorations more immediate cause of death in cholera is by conoccur. The appetite often not impaired, but diges. or patches were, in a few instances, seen on the gostion, and by the changes which the constituents tion labored and imperfect. These, or a part of these. heart, and effusion within the pericardium. I have of the blood undergo. Bat I am not permitted to are by some pronounced the precursors of the com- seen the blood released from the large veins, preserv. enlarge at this time. If you ask me for a pathologi plaint. When the disorder is more advanced and ing the tenacity and appearance of a tarred rope. Dr. cal explanation of the morbid phenomena of cholera, :: I must candidly reply I am not able to give it. It sure, now call in, as proper auxiliaries, leeching, prompted to have recourse to this article, as the great seems to me, however, reasoning from analogy, in cupping, followed by the extensive application of means of cure: the remedy is, in my opinion, ineffi. the cases of sudden death by cold water, by light-mustard and vinegar cataplasms to the bowels and cient, and pre-eminently calculated to aggravate, at ning, by inhaling carbonic acid gas, and the like, that feet, bottles of hot water to the feet, almost unre- least one formidable symptom, the cerebral determimost of the abnormal appearances we find in cholera,mitting efforts in exciting the surface, by frictions nation. Moreover, Orfila has too well pointed out as well as the symptoms and train of disordered ac- with warm flannel or the flesh brush and among the peculiarities of the action of this drug, to give us tion, depend upon an impression received first upon the liniments now mest employed, are the two fol- any cheering views of its sanatory operation in the the great ganglionic system; secondly, on the blood, lowing-equal parts of brandy, camphorated spirits, present epidemic, and toxicological science rejects thus creating the asphyxia so conspicuous above all and cayenne pepper; or spirits of turpentine, cam-such aid in this impending crisis. In short, the camother symptoms, in every case of strongly marked phorated spirits, and cayenne pepper: the body in phor treatment in cholera asphyxia is the wrestling cholera, particularly in its collapsed state. I there- general, and the superior and inferior extremities, of a pigmy with a giant. fore consider the disease as the consequence of a are to feel the offects of a free attrition with the The mercurial practice, to the point of salivanoxious agent operating primarily upon the nervous liniment, renewed at short intervals: some use hot tion, has been urged by many; and it is recommended system, and secondarily upon the blood-vessels or vas. vinegar and cayenne pepper-others freely aq. am. by others, to keep the system under the moderate cular system. I shall endeavor, at another time, to mon. Dr. Roe, of the Greenwich hospital, instead action of mercury, both as preventive and curative enlarge upon these imperfect views. I cannot but of these means, employs very generally, mercurial I cannot but think that this practice is fraught with think that the latest experimental facts, in respira- ointment, with camphor and cayenne pepper. The error. Mercury, by the peculiar irritability and detion and in animal chemistry, give countenance to picouription is as followe. Ho rarely uses internal bility which it often induces, adds to the predisposithe hints now thrown out. See the experiments of remedies-Ung, mercur, one pound; pulv. capsic. tion to the disease, and when formed, cholera, in a Brodio, and the late observations of Dr. Davy.-ann., four ounces, camphor, eight ounces. majority of cases, is too rapid in its course to be Corroborative proofs of the soundness of this pathol. As a means of quickly rousing the cold surface, checked by the uncertain and tardy salivating influogy would seem to arise from the circumstance of and acting on the deserted capillaries, Dr. Dekay once of calomel, or other mercurials. That our list the rapid changes and decomposition which the de-uses, and, I am informed with happy effect, equal of mortality by cholera has been enlarged by this funct cholera subject undergoes. This was by no parts of cayenne pepper and camphor, and lard, method of treatment, is the opinion of some of our means uniformly the case; the occurrence, however, blended with moderate quantity of muriatic best prescribers. Let me not lead you into the error sometimes took place within two or three hours after acid as a rubefacient, is reported to be very rapid that I am opposed to mercury. I am sensible of its life had departed. Flaccidity of the muscles some. in its action. The actual cautery has been applied, importance, and rely on it often when given, liberaltimes continued as in cases of death by lightning, and some have had the temerity to make use of ene ly, if you please, with a view of restoring the natural several hours after death. But let me hasten to that mata of tobacco. I do not think that due value has secretions of the bowels; and for this purpose it is part of the letter which I am aware you will consider, been placed upon the use of copious intestinal in- indispensable. Inasmuch as cholera seems never to at the present exigency, more important than these jections of warm water, with or without salt, in the be formed where these secretions are natural, so, speculations-the treatment of cholera. different stages of the disease. I have used most perhaps, the complaint is never fully removed, until Notwithstanding the numerous publications on freely, in the collapsed stage, the liniment of tur- these alvine excretions are brought to their usual this topic, the medical men of this country, as well pentine, camphor, and tincture of capsicum, some. character. as those abroad, advance opposite methods of treat-times with cajeput oil, tincture of flies, &c. and in You well know, from ample experience, that when ment. As in the time of old Daniel Defoe, the Ger several appalling cares in this stage, with entire local disorder is deeply seated, the system is less susman mountebank had his infallible nostrum against success. ceptible of counter irritation; and that a proportion. the plague of London, so we have pretended adepts Need I say any thing to you on the preposterous ably longer time is requisite to attain the object in in the prevention and cure of cholera. The diversi- practice of large doses of opium or laudanum, in any view: hence, from the very nature of cholera, the ty of opinion among our faculty arises as much from of the stages of this complaint? I am sure it is un. mercurial action is not so readily induced, and the the dfferent periods or stages of the disease, to which justifiable, both from the phenomena which the dis. disorder advances from this cause, and the probable their therapeutical principles refer, as to the discor-order exhibits, and from autopsic examinations; yet neglect, in the meanwhile, of other means, If it be dant pathology which they maintain. You may there aro advocates for this curative method, who true, as has been reported, that by powerful friction, distinctly observe three stages in the complaint:-do, inconsiderately enough as it seems to me, use the salivating operation of mercury can be excited first, that which embraces the forming or premoni. this narcotic. I know that the irritability of the sto- in six hours, even in collapsed cases, I am ready to tory symptoms, such as I have already stated; more mach, the looseness of the bowels, and spasms, may accede to the opinion, that the article deserves a or loss of these will invade every subject, and they be alleviated by opium or laudanum, and that this conspicuous place in our list of appropriate reme. will vary in force in different individuals, and be remedy, when these symptoms predominate, is indi-dies. But may not the favorable reports of its bonemodified by accidental circumstances. The second cated; but why still further add to the depressed ficial operation be, in soine instances, chiefly owing stage constitutes that period when the disorder is nervous energy, the spasmodic and vascular conges. to the powerful friction this method of care demand. further advanced, when the visceral congestion has tion, by large anodynes, when irritability and spasms ed? My judgment, however, may be biassed on taken place, accompanied perhaps by spasms, op do not occur? I repeat, opium increases the de- this contested subject. All I would then urge is, pression of the intellectual faculties, and a tardy pression of the vital powers: rather then, as is al that a sound discrimination be exercised in judging circulation. The third and last stage is that of col-ready intimated, endeavor to remove this state of if time sufficient be left to give a fair prospect, that lapse, frequently, alas! the fatal stage. According. oppression, so characteristic of the disorder, by re. the constitutional action of mercury can be secured, ly, therefore, as our means of relief are applied to lieving the alarming internal congestion by blisters, ere all hope of recovery is cut off. these different stages, will they more or less differ. external irritation, cupping, leeches, and warm fo Among the available means, then, which we are In the first or forming stage, attention to the prime mentations, or by the warm bath, if at hand, &c. to employ when apprehensive of the collapsed state, via, relieving the bowels of their wonted crudities, It is hardly too much to say, that sinapisms, and or when it is actually formed, are the free employ. and adjusting the common functions of the system, other external stimulants, are deemed among the ment of frictions or rubefacients, sinapisms, the inare the objects to be fulfilled. A dose of castor oil, indispensable means of cure, in every formidable ternal use of stimuli, such as sulphuric ether, brandy, repeated perhaps, the administration of the common case of cholera. Allow me again to add an opinion aminonia, &c. But there are few of us who can eccoprotic mixture of rhubarb, magnesia, and mint that the laudanum method will augment the conges-largoly boast of success, when we have to encoun water, or a liberal dose of calomel, with a few tive condition of the brain and spinal mass, and to ter the blue casos. These are the worst forms of grains of aloes, or of jalap and crem. tart. may sut-the labor and ineffectual offorts of the heart and collapse, and occur most frequently in gross inefice. Hundreds of cases, in the incipient form of lungs, and thus multiply the difficulties to reaction. briates. cholera have by these means been arrested; and No doubt the cerebral determination has, in many Apprehensive that I may prove too tedious in my we are further to remember, how essential it is, that cases, been increased by this anodyne practice. For details, and thus render these cursory observations the feculent discharges should be restored to their the axiom, that opium is improper where blood let-less satisfactory to you, I will briefly sum up the ordinary natural character. In the second stage, ting is indicated, applies with peculiar force in cho- method of cure which seems to me most available, that of congestive formation, while we attend to lora asphyxia. since the cholera has appeared among us. I have the condition of the prime viæ, let us not forget Some of our physicians, imbued with the Brous stated that the premonitory signs of the disease inthe importance of blood-letting, the internal use of saian doctrines of disease, urge, as the most efficient volve an irregular action of the functions of the calomel, blended at times with very small doses of cure, the liberal application of leeches, and the in-stomach and intestinal canal. The calculation is a opium; when irritability of the stomach, a tenden-ternal use of ice. Unquestionably beneficial must safe one, that at least sixty or seventy thousand cy to spasm, or other morbid symptoms, point out be the employment of leeches, either to the head, or persons have experienced, in some form or other, the combination: the application of blisters to the to the abdomen, or to both, provided their applica. the detrimental influence of that mysterious cause abdomen, or sinapisms largely applied over the epi-tion is timely; and ice, in small quantities, repeated. which now pervades our atmosphere. Hence, disgastric region; tepid fomentations up the bowels, ly taken in the manner of pills, has, in a number of orders of the stomach and bowels have been, and by means of enemata of water, catnep tea, &c.; instances, allayed very irritable stomachs, and proved are, abundantly prevalent: diarrhoea sometimes for the free use of frictions, of a stimulating nature, re-salutary in diminishing that inordinate burning and a few hours only, often of several days continuance, newed again and again, to restore the harmony of thirst which some patients suffer. But this practice, has preceded the setting in of cholera; this diarrhoea the circulation, diminish coma, and relieve the however, is not energetic enough, and I apprehend has been carried off by castor oil, by the eccoprotic laboring viscera. In the third stage, that of col. few severe cases of cholera, much less those of ap mixture, by blood.letting, by calomel and pulvis lapse, all our efforts will too often prove unavailing. proaching collapse, have been cured by it. purgans, or the like. In numerous other instances. Yet the success which has resulted, in numerous Another practice which has been highly extolled, the patient having wholly overlooked this most usual instances, even in so discouraging a state, justifies is that denominated the camphor treatment. With premonitory symptom, has boen suddenly brought the physician in assiduous perseverance. Some the advocates of this method of cure, camphor is under the influence of cholera in its malignant form, prescribers, even in this state, have recourse to the sole therapeutical agent: rarely is any other admn. In these cases, where this too frequent and morbid lancet; if blood can be drawn from the arm, this is ted by them. The treatment is generally from one discharge of the alvine passages has been disregard. a reason for persisting in the attempt: in despite of to three drops of the spirits of cainplior, taken in aed, it has been pathologically inferred, that the thinthe most disheartening prospects, by local hot bath- little water every hour, or two hours, according to ner portion of the blood has been carried off, and ing, or by frictions, the blood has at length flowed, circumstances, until a reaction has completely set in. hence the inspissated, or viscid condition of the cirthe pulse relaxed, the heart been relieved, and the You have ere this, most probably, received flattering culating mass of the vascular system. In such cases, circulation restored. But this happy event is of rare accounts of the success of this practice, in all the too, a greater debility has existed, and the disease, Occurrence: the cerebral congestion, the abdominal different forms or stages of this disease. I would not when fully formed, has more triumphantly sustained fullness and tension, and perhaps pain, upon pres-question the benevolence and humanity which have its course: whereas, when this derangement has been of short duration, and the tone of the system as yet been introduced by Dr. Depeyre, by whom both sexes, and all colors; the unacclimated stranThe injection was ous occasional and existing causes would require consequently been less impaired, our sanative means the two fortunate experiments were made, was three ger, and the native citizen. To record its numerhave proved more efficient, and the physician's of hundred and thirty.two ounces. fice has been gratefully and happily executed. It made of the temperature of blood warmth, or rather pages. Our prophylactics, therefore, must be sumwould seem, therefore, that the amount and duration higher, and introduced into the median cephalic marily stated: the earliest attention is to be given to of the premonity alvine discharges form at least vein. Dr. Depeyre says he will hereafter try the the premonitory diarrhea; and among the essential some criterion of the crassitude of the sanguineous vena saphena. From the examples which I have requisites are pure air, personal cleanliness; food for seen of this practice, I should deem it justifiable on- the hungry, raiment for the naked; the avoidance of mass, and furnish data to regulate our prognosis. There is a state of reaction which occurs, in some ly in the extreme instances of collapse, when every extremes of temperature, rigid diatetics, great moinstances, when the patient survives, the collapsed other prospect of cure was lost. In such forlorn deration in the use of ardent drinks, or rather their stage, which much resembles a depressed, continued condition the saline injections are fully justifiable. total prohibition; the mind sustained by conscienfever: the coma, the suffused countenance, the The resuscitation of a patient by the saline liquids tious resolution, and a fixed confidence in a protectThat localities influence the character and extent slight febrile heat, restlessness, pulse, &c. sufficient. prosents a change from the collapsed state, that, in- ing Providence. ly designate it. I need not dwell on the treatment. deed, like galvanic life, seems next to miraculous ; In this consecutive fever, which is often greatest but after beholding this gratifying spectacle, the of the pestilence, and aggravate its type in particuwhere internal stimuli have been injudiciously used, struggle of reanimation which soon ensues, exhibits lar places in New York, we have multiplied proofs; blood-letting or cupping may be advantageously em- a contest with vitality and death too terrific for de- but there is something in the march of this disease ployed: the alvine excretions are to be removed, lineation even by Fuseli. The cerebral engorge. which eludes our powers of detection. As if to which are often enormous in quantity, and offen- ment and spasmodic workings of tenacious exist add to its mysterious carcer, it has recently made sive, and the case subjected to the common princi-ence set at nought description: and still, I would its appearance in the village of Ilariaem, situate Forsan setøtillula-Ja- nancy and fatality havo, within the period of a fow ples of cure In this sequela there is great debility, maintain, there are cases in which venous saline about seven miles from this city, where its maliginjections ought to be used. days, far surpassed the worst results we have onwhich will often continue ten or fifteen days." I am well aware that in the treatment of cholera, teat. In the few autopsic examinations of subjects doad, countered among the most wretched and depraved objections are urged by some of eminent rank, against the use of the lancet; but others of equal re- after venous injection had been employed, groat ce- of our population. I am creditably informed, that Our latest accounts of its spectability have persisted, and have had no reason rebal congestion has been found, and air within the of sixty cases there was not a recovery. Three of When, however, the con-heart, mesentery, and large blood vessels. This cir. the doctors, all I believe the place could boast of, to regret their practice. stitution is subjected to the jurisdiction of the se- cumstance led Dr. Depeyre to lay aside the usual fell beneath its stroke. Its extensive cond, or rather collapsed stage of cholera, the most forcing apparatns, and substitute a barometrical glass progress show that it has propagated itself through liberal application of sinapisms, over the thoracic tube, four feet long, with a funnel at one end, and a our beautiful western country, from Albany on the and abdominal regions, and to the feet, and the po- gum elastic tube, twelve inches in length, at the Hudson to Buffalo on Lake Erie. tent liniments already noticed, are our chief sup. other. The tube terminates in a delicate pipe, and ravages give but a too well grounded apprehension I have expressed the opinion, that the physiogport. In fine, we must strive to restore the circula- a small stop-cock. It possesses decided advantage that it is destined to pervade our land. tion to the constricted capillaries, remove cerebral over tho syringe, and air is effectually excluded.practically known, indelible on the memory; and I congestion, release, as it wore, the heart, the better The air was, doubtless, a prominent cause of failure nomy of cholera asphyxia renders it, when once to enable it to propel its contents; we are to admi- in several of the cases. You will thus see, sir, from this brief notice, that would, with all duo deference, guard you against nister, internally, such stimuli as the peculiarities of the treatment of cholera asphyxia, like the physio- adopting the belief that the epidemic disease now temperament and habits demand. There is one fact, I must here observe, which in-logical reasoning on the cause and nature of the dis. prevailing is only a modification of the usual cholera duces some to give a preference to the lancet rather order, exhibits much diversity of principles. Never- morbus of the United States. In whatever attire it than to leeches, where the detraction of blood is in-theless, I think we are furnished with some pound approaches, you will find it a stranger. Equally dicated, and we can command the flow. Leeches therapeutical indications; and the greater success in earnest would I be to caution you in too hastily very inefficiently do their duty on the cold and de- practice of some in combating the disease, is proof supposing that the malignant cholera is the same, nant pleurisy, or sinking typhus, as certain disorsorted surface of a cholera subject; and hence, too, demonstrative that even in our speculations a pre- or a disease similar to the spotted fever, or maligeinapisms are far more serviceable than blisters. A ference is sometimes to be given. I purpose saying a few words on the peculiar cha. ders have been termed. Nosology cannot classify healthy discharge from blisters is not often wit. racter of this pestilence. It is conceded by all, that a more distinctive disease than the prevailing chonessed. I here offer a passing remark, which might with the origin of epidemic diecases is still enveloped in lera; and the confounding the spotted fever, the more fitness have been made elsewhere in this hur. great obscurity; and the theories on this subject, malignant pleurisy, and the sinking typhus of some ried letter. Though you will find the observation whether referring to a distempered state of the at- of our Northern and Eastern States with this strikoften repeated, that cholera is preceded by diarrhea, mosphere, to exhalations from putrid animal or ve.ingly characteristic disease, is discarding the leading you are not uniformly to depend on such premonito-getable matter, or to specific contagion, have been principles which govern in the classification of morry evidence, even where the intestinal canal is af. alike conjectural and unsatisfactory. The cholera, bid phenomena. You may deem these remarks sufected. Several individuals, whose habit of body like all preceding epidemics, has exercised, but with-perfluous; but, inasmuch as some have pronounced Whether best method for the treatment of cholera, the almost was generally loose, have experienced the reverse, out any very useful results, the ingenuity of the an identity in these diseases, and extolled, as the and suffered from costiveness, which eventuated in speculative and philosophical observer. an attack of cholera. As you are familiar with a the materies morbi of cholera claims a sidereal or a unmeasured internal use of the diffusible stimuli, peculiar disorder of the south, and of certain warm telluric origin, the atmosphere is the medium through such as brandy, ether, and the like, and the exces latitudes, characterized by occasional fever and which it operates. It prevails in all climates and at sive employment of opium, and other narcotics, I chronic looseness of the alvine excretions, it may all seasons; it exists in every variety of soils; on have no hesitation to add, that a like fatality would be well enough to bear in recollection that the pre-mountains and in valleys, in marshes and on rocks, follow such practice in cholera as was witnessed monitory diarrhea of cholera is, in some cases, not in dryness, and in humidity. Unlike influenza and from this empirical method many years ago, when unlike that too often fatal looseness. The late Dr. some other specific diseases, its ravages are inde. spotted fever prevailed so extensively among us. Baillie, of London, has described in part this disor-pendent of winds and currents; neither the analysis See the report of the Massachusetts Medical Society dor in the Transactions of the College of Physicians. of the gases of the atmosphere, nor barometrical or on the treatment of the spotted fever by this unwar. Medical records abound in the declaration, that I have seen a few examples of the disease in patients thermometrical investigations, solve the difficulty of rantable practice. from the southern states. As might readily be in- its birth, and we are baffled in reviewing its progress ferred, the cases of cholera which occur in intempo- to ascertain tlie peculiar influence of localities in upon the invasion of pestilential diseases, the first rate habits bear the lancet with less advantage than producing it. The inhabitants of the dense city and cases are generally of most malignancy and fatalithe barren plain are subjected to its devastating ty; and facts of this sort are sometimes explained other subjects. The success which crowned the adventurous ex-power. Such, it must be admitted, is the fact, as on the principle that those unfortunate individuals In the progress thus far of the epidemic periment of injecting the saline solution into the relates to cholera asphyxia: yet so many anomalies were most susceptible of the action of the noxious veins of some few desperate cholera cases abroad appear in the career of this disease, that future ob. cause. has emboldened several of our practitioners to make servation and research are demanded, the better to cholera among us, we still meet with examples We must admit a distem- termination, as at the commencement of the dis a like trial here, both in public and in privato prac- discover its concealed cause, and the principles of marked by as formidable symptoms, and of as rapid tice. You will find, in a late number of the London its inter.communication. Lancet, the details of the foreign experimenters, Dr. pered atmosphere, from whatever modifying agen ease; and hence it is to be regretted, that some of Latta, Dr. Craigie, Dr. Mackintosh, and others, cies, and where men most do congregate, and local our authorities have promulgated the opinion that Look, too, at the history of tho founded upon the recent investigations of Dr. O'. impurities most abound, there we infer an atmosphe- the complaint is already of a mitigated type. WhatShaughnessey, concerning the changes which the ric condition from which cholera derives aid, to give ever our hopes, we have as yet no such grounds of There is another error, fraught with much hazard, blood undergoes in malignant cholera, and the prac. strength to its venom and wings to its extension. congratulation. tical views entertained by Dr. Wm. Stevens, of Santa Deviations or extraordinary vicissitudes in the state Montreal pestilence. Cruz, on the state of the blood in yellow fever. Of of the seasons, and unfavorable localities, are perIt follows in the The medical council of our board of health have inabout forty-two subjects, in which our practitioners haps conspicuously to be classed among the posti- which has lately received the sanction of authority. have had recourse to this method, four only, as far as lential and co-operative causes. I can learn, have been thereby saved. Two of these track of human intercourse. Predisposition to the vited our absent citizens to an early return, and assuccessful experiments were made in Crosby hospi- disease is acquired, and the exciting causes which sert that those who have fairly passed through one tal, under the charge of Dr. Rhinelander, where, I call it forth embrace the innumerable circumstances attack of the disease, in the form of diarrhea, or of believe, thirteen cases have been tried. In the first connected with the economy of man in every state malignant cholera, may expect exemption from successful one forty ounces were injected, of a solu- and condition: orrors in diet and regimen; poverty, another. Be assured, this declaration is wholly untion composed of the carbonate of soda one drachm, and its concomitants; wealth, with its indulgences; tenable. There is no such immunity from a second of muriate of soda two drachms, dissolved in six ill ventilated situations or apartments; the influence attack of cholera, and our proofs establish a contrary pints of water. The patient was a female, in the of fear, and whatever undermines the physical ener- doctrine. Cases are within the experience of several collapsed state. In the other successful case, a fe. gies. The cholera courts the inebriate and the im- of our practitioners, of persons who had fairly gone male in like hopeless condition, had a similar injec- prudent; the sober and the temperate are not exempt through a first attack, and have fallen victims to a tion, to the extent of one hundred and five ounces. from its grasp; it attacks infantile existence, man- second. Very lately an individual had a protracted The largest quantity of the saline injection that has hood, and old age; the voluptuary and the ascetic ; recovery from a third attack. |