A letter suggesting the means of prevention against cholera / by A. Rennie, surgeon, &c.

  • Rennie, A. (Alexander)
Date:
1831
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter suggesting the means of prevention against cholera / by A. Rennie, surgeon, &c. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    13/18 page 11
    The addition of the nitrous ether (sweet spirits of nitre) is often very useful as an antispasmodic. These three tonic medicines, as directed (pa;j:e 13), have the additional advanta!j;e of correcting acidity at stomach, and tendencies to flatulence and spasm. The sulphate of quinine also, with the addition of camphor mixture, cinnamon, or strong peppermint-water, will l)e found a most valuable tonic for those who might find the bark too heavy. I shall not multi[)ly general observations on the various other tonics, or combinations of tonics, that miuht be used. Those now described are all of a very mild and yet effectual kind ; and under the precaution already so fully insisted on, of keeping up a proper regularity of the biliary system, and due activity of the bowels, will be found safe and beneficial in small doses, once or twice a-day on an empty stomach. 3. To counteract debility of stomach, a generous diet of solid and animal food is of great utility; as also the use of wine where within reach. 4. Nothing is of more consequence in this respect, than to protect the whole body against exposures to cold and wet, by a flannel under-dress all over, worsted stockings, and warm shoes. Many people are ]jarticularly inattentive to this important and salutary practice. It is a curious observation, made by those who have seen much of the Cholera, that it invariably seized those in the army who were careless in respect of diet and dress. It was found especially that the use of a bandage of flannel round the bowels was an almost invariable preventive in some stations in India. Those of the soldiers who adopted this precaution generally escaped Cholera ; those who were seized were ge- nerally found to have been those who had neglected or who had refused to comply with this salutary though simple precaution. There are two points always most susceptible to atmospheric influence, and cold or damp — these are the pit of the stomach and the feet. Warm woollen stockings, thick shoes, and flannel or leather over the stomach and bowels, or a warming plaster in addition, where there exists a tendency to spasms, will be found of the greatest service. In conclusion, I shall merely advert to the injurious and de- pressing effect of fear, alarm, and anxiety, not only on the general constitution, but on the stomach itself. In all weakened and atonic states of stomach, not only is the susceptibility to
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