The Wairarapa Daily. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1884. DIPHTHERIA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1838, 13 November 1884, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1884. DIPHTHERIA.

Wn regret to hear that diphtheria is still prevalent in the Wairarapa, The other day a diphtheric case was brought into the Masterton hospital from the Wharearaa district, and now we hear that two fatal cases have occured at Featherston within the past week, A medical authority some years ago writing on the prevention of this disease said " The terrible ravages of diphtheria render it desirable that the beneficial effects of sulphurous acid in cheeking that, and similar diaeiisesshould be more generally known. The system has been utilised by Dr Dewar of Kirealdy from whose pamphlet these extracts are taken. Ho presumes that epidemic diseases, such diphtheria, scarlet fever and cholera are propagated by fungoid particles, which, floating in the air are inhaled or swallowed, and fastening on organs predisposed for their reception, aggregate with incredible rapidity. To all the low forms of animal life sulphurous acid is instantly destructive. A packet of flour of sulphur, or a stoppered bottle ofsulph ut rous acid should be in the possession of every family. Omitting the numerous cases of successful treatment cited by Di' Dewar and certified by Dr Lyon Play fair and Dr Joseph Bell some directions for use are now given, Put a large teaspoonful of flour of sulphur into an oyster shell, set it on a brick on the mantlepiece and light it, The acid fumes which will speedily pervade the chamber are not unpleasant and perfectly harmless. They are inhaled and destroy instantly any poisonous germs which may be floating about the room or adhering to the drapery, Long exposure to constant mild fumes is better than a shorter exposure to stronger fumes, and if coughing is produced the quantity inhaled may be easily regulated by opening a chink in the door or window, Brush the tonsils with the acid and give a gargle of the same. If the gargle be too strong dilute it with water. About five drops of acid in half a teaspoonful of water may be swallowed beneficially every quarter of an hour even by a young child. A few drops on a fold of muslin pinned upon the breast of an infant's dress are very soothing in effect, and in fact, theapplicationin any form is so sedative and agreeable that a child will ask for it in preference to beef tea , wine, or water. Physicians apply the acid in the form of spray blown into the throat by an apparatus constructed for the purpose. As a lotion for wounds, ulcers, <fcc., the acid is invaluable, applied by saturated lint or muslin, it gives relief in toothache and tic doloreux. Of course every one within the reach of medical advice should avail themselves of it but there are many families in this country who are beyond it, but they will find that the adoption oi this treatment will retard the disease aud facilitate a cure, In no single instance did Dr. Dewar lose a patient when the

treatment was used at the beginning. Destroy the poisonous fungus by local application of sulphurous acid in the form of spray, fumes, lotion or gargle, and in the meantimo sustain the patient's strength with nourishment, Care must be taken that sulphuric acid be not mistaken for sulphurous acid. Sulphuric acid is oil of "vitrol which will burn any animal or vege-. table substance; sulphurous acid is perfectly harmless. Some time subsequently to the above being given to the public, Dr Greathead, of Victoria, used pure sulphuric acid in the cure of diphtheria with most successful results, hardly ever losing a patient. His remedy was 3 drops of the strongest sulphuric acid in a wineglassful of water, given in teaspoonful doses threo or four times daily.