Original Correspondence.

Taranaki Herald, Volume IX, Issue 459, 18 May 1861, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

To the Editor of the taranaki herald.

Sir,— l wish to avail myself of your kindness to insert this second part of observations on the nature of the disease called diptheria (commonly). I consider it to be inflammatory in the first instance, — not of a contagious character, but originating from a peculiar state of the atmosphere in which elictricity js a prominent agent. To this may be added miasmatic exhalations in certain localities, acting upon pei sons susceptible of their influence, just as, after the same manner, other diseases of an eruptive or febrile kind become epidemic (afieoting many per.

sons in a country) and spread throughout a wide district. Among these may be named scarlet fever, measles, &c, to which may be subjoined cholera Cmis called) certain fevers, diairhoea, influenza, &c. I have *aid that at its onset the disease is inflammatoiy, after which, unless arrested early, it progresses in its course and increases in intensity, and, as we have too much evidence upon record, termi • nates unfavourably (fatally). This disease has its seat in the throat, and mostly attacks children and young persons arriving at mature age. The parts seized upon are in the Pharynx* and soon extend to the Larynxf and frequently implicates the Tonsils + — the Epiglottis § — and sometimes the upper part of the Trachea || — and the ./Esophagus All these parts are surrounded by loose cellular substance beneath the lining membrane, and into this sub-cellular and submucous tissue is frequently infiltrated a considerable quantity of serum, (the thin part of the blood) like as in dropsy, and this, in many cases, manifests itself by a great degree of swelling in the throat, both externally and internally, so as to render swallowing difficult and respiration embarrassed. It then must be regarded as having arrived at a very critical point, and is replete with danger. This swelling often leads to suppuration. Should the matter escape, it may be a fortunate circumstance, and the patient will have much of the immediate danger thereby removed. Now, as to the treatment, T may say, that I am very averse from the indiscriminate use of caustic, but, in the course of the malady, there may be occasion for its employment, however certainly not at its commencement. Cold applications internally and externally, that is, the antiphlogistic or cooling treatment, I have found to be more beneficial. It will not serve to trifle with such a disease ; no time should be lost by neglecting to use the proper remedial means which reason and experience indicate. As regatds medicines — they, of course, should be left to the judgment of the medical attendant in charge of the patient. Ido not forget that I am writing for the public, who may be interested in the. subject, and I would not arrogate to myself the liberty of addressing professional men, who have received a liberal education, and are qualified to practice in the science of medicine, which requires continuous deep study, since every case of disease has its peculiar characters. I have thought it right to illustrate the subject with the undermentioned description, as I am desirous that every person should have a right under, standing .of the nature of the disease and of the parts that may be implicated — it is not sufficient to say that it is in the throat. It must be remembered that this is a popular address expressly written for the uninitiated ; and as to names — terms of art — medical men do not contend with them, but with the disease that com»s under their notice ; that is, with the morbid condition of parts. According to promise, I have something to say on fever, especially of that type known as Synochus. Synochus is a Greek word meaning continued. This is the form under which it appears here as an epidemic, and has prostrated a large number of persons. Sometimes it has gone on into the typhoid state, greatly disturbing the head and nervous system. This latter state may most commonly be averted by early and prompt attention when the person is first seized ; although it will run a certain course, yet by proper medicines, assiduous management, it may be kept under control and disarmed of a dangerous tendency, especially af its first invasion. But I fear that I shall trespass too far upon your indulgence, I shall therefore defer the pursuing of this important subject, notwithstanding it may be attended with the risk of disappointment to some of your numerous readers ; however, I trust that in the next issue of the Herald I may be enabled, through your accommodating kindness, to make some amends for the interruption. I must now apologise to the public for this suspension of a promise. I am, Sir, yours, &c, Richard Kingdon, M.D. May 17, 1861. I hope you will correct a typographical eiror in in the last. For dyptheria read diphtheria. R. K.

* The Pharnyx, situated at the base of the tongue. f The Larynx, that part situated just above the || Trachea or windpipe. J The Tonsils, the seat of quinsy. § The Epiglettis, which covers the glottis in the act of swallowing food and is situated just above and in connexion with the wind-pipe. % The or meat-tube situated benind the Trachea.

To the Editor of the TARANAKI HERALD.

Sir, — I beg you will do me the favor to insert in the Herald the following notice of a circumstance, as a caution to other inhabitants of the town and its vicinity : On Monday last the clothes of my recently deceased children were exposed for the night on the furze hedge surrounding the cottage, temporarily occupied by my family, at the south end of the town ; but on the succeeding morning we found that a careful selection of all unmarked and under clothing had been made and carried off by some worthless person or persons, but leaving all the other alike exposed pieces untouched. The value of the stolen articles is net our object of regret, as these were simply intended to be treasured by us as memorials of the four dear children we have so recently and almost simultaneously lost. I am, Sir, yours, &c, Mary Bennets Veale. New Plymouth, 17th May, 1861.

To the Editor of the taranaki herald.

Sir, I trust that the forthcoming elections of Superintendent, and Members of the Provincial Council, will not be permitted to pass over without an official enquiry into the circumstances under, which the Returning Officer, (1) having received the Governor's writs dated 22nd April, did not pub • lish them until the 16th May (for antedating them 10th May is a mere subterfuge), and (2) why, in ordei to cover this officer's derilection of duty, the electors of the province are compelled to poll on the anniversary of Her Most Gracious Majesty's Birthday, which is always observed as a holiday throughout the British dominions. An Elector.