A letter to the Presidents of the Westminster Medical Society, on cholera / [John Webster].

  • Webster, John.
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter to the Presidents of the Westminster Medical Society, on cholera / [John Webster]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    fact Is really the reverse. Again, in the populous parishes of St. Giles and St. Mary-le-bone, the same satisfactory conclusions are obtained. In the latter, the number of burials in all its extensive districts, from the 1st of January 1831 to the 22d of February in the same year, being 436, whilst, from the 1st of January to the 22d of February of 1832, the burials were diminished to 383; making therefore 53 deaths less, than during the same period of 1831. Farther; in the Infirmary of that parish, there is at the present moment, fewer patients by almost one-fourth, than in the month of February, of last year. Such consolatory facts may not, perhaps, continue to be obtained, from future returns; nevertheless, it is a matter of great gratification to find, that hitherto, the fears of the public have been mistaken. And it will be pleasing to every one, although contrary to the theory of some, if we always have similar satisfactory statements, of the health of the metropolis. After occupying so much time, in the examination of the causes which tend to produce this disease, it will not be also expected, to enlarge upon the means of prevention. Indeed, to do so at any length, would be exceeding the original intention I was actuated by, in making the present observations. A few words, however, on this important topic, will not be altogether misplaced. Carefully to avoid being influenced, by all those pre¬ disposing causes already mentioned, would undoubtedly be one of the first steps taken, to prevent the supervention of Cholera. And although contagion is not admitted, as the cause producing this disease, no prudent person would unnecessarily place himself under the action of the same atmospheric, or local causes, giving it to another; any more, than a traveller would sleep in the middle of the Pontine Marsh, instead of the high ground near Albano. To avoiding of all local and atmospheric influences, must be added, unlimited reliance on the goodness, and bounty of Providence ; along with equanimity of mind, and moral courage. Because, whatever depresses the spirits, or destroys confidence, must infallibly tend to render the body more susceptible, of those external causes, which induce the disease. Besides these precautions, ventilation, cleanliness, and warm clothing must not be neglected. Whilst good nourishing food is administered, at the