_Treatment._--This requires the same treatment as the last-named disease, but only more thoroughly and perseveringly applied; for every portion of the system seems to be affected, either through sympathetic action or from the absorption of morbid matter. Hence we must aid the vital power to maintain her empire and resist the encroachments on her sanative operations by the use of antiseptics and stimulants. The following is a good example:--
Powdered charcoal, 1 ounce. " bayberry bark, half an ounce. " pleurisy root, 1 ounce. Honey, 1 table-spoonful. Thin gruel, 1 quart.
This disease has been more or less destructive from the time of Pharaoh up to the present period. For information on the origin, progress, and termination of this malignant distemper, the reader is referred to Mr. Youatt's work on cattle.
_Treatment._--The indications to be fulfilled are, first, to preserve the system from putrescence, which can be done by the use of the following drink:--
Powdered capsicum, 1 tea-spoonful. " charcoal, 2 ounces. Lime water, 4 ounces. Sulphur, 1 tea-spoonful.
Add to the capsicum, charcoal, and sulphur, a small quantity of gruel; lastly, add the lime water. A second and similar dose may be given six hours after the first, provided, however, the symptoms are not so alarming.
The next indication is, to break down the morbid action of the nervous and vascular systems; for which the following may be given freely:--
Thoroughwort tea, 2 quarts. Powdered assafoetida, 2 drachms.
Aid the action of these remedies by the use of one of the following injections:--
Powdered lobelia, 2 ounces. Oil of peppermint, 20 drops. Warm water, 2 quarts.
Infusion of camomile, 2 quarts. Common salt, 4 ounces.
In all cases of putrid or malignant fever, efforts should be made to supply the system with caloric, (by the aid of stimulants,) promote the secretions, and rid the system of morbific materials.
In the early stages of this disease, it is not always to be checked. It is often a salutary operation of nature to rid the system of morbific materials, and all that we can do with safety is, to sheathe and lubricate the mucous surfaces, in order to protect them from the acrid and stimulating properties of the agents to be removed from the alimentary canal.