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Treatment of Cholera in the Royal Hospital, Haslar

by John Wilson

On admission the patient was immediately placed in a hot bath, from 104° to 112° of Fahrenheit, in relation to the reduction of circulatory power, and of superficial heat; diligent friction of the abdomen and extremities, according to the place and violence of the spasms, being at the same time practiced.  The measure seldom failed, except in cases of extreme collapse, to excite some warmth, abate cramps, and lessen suffering, at least, for a time.

Many years ago, while serving in the West Indies, and often looking anxiously but in vain, for the constitutional effects of mercury in the precipitous fever of that region, the writer was led to inquire whether some accessory agent might not be found to accelerate and determine the action of the mineral; and turpentine, from its penetrating properties, rapidly entering the circulation, exciting the capillaries, and stimulating the kidnies, presented itself as probably possessing the desired qualities.