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11 Dr. Fuller says it is a distinct materies morbi — a Cholera germ, of
fungoid origin, conveyable from place to place, capable of reproduction.
12. A contagious germ or substance, be it germ or seed, animalcule, cr
vegetable, or a merely chemical compound."
Now, I have not recorded these diverse theories of Cholera to provoke
a smile at our ignorance; on the contrary, I know well that some of these
ideas have emanated from the highest Medical intellects of the country, so
that if the difference of opinion should appear extraordinary, it only points
to the problem yet remaining to be mastered—What is Cholera ? As these
views cannot all be true, neither is it likely that they are all error; but rendering
it probable, should a demonstration ever be reached that it will comprise
a very limited selection from the whole.—1st, Atmospheric. 2nd,
Telluric, or exhalation of local or earthy poison. 3rd, the fitness of the
recipient for diseased action.
The foul water poison from Sewage, Ac., which no one doubts, I do not
speak of in alluding to the character of true Cholera as known in Europe in
its travels from the East.
As it is, everything is uncertain. There is little or nothing known of
Cholera. Take for instance the investigator who adopts the "germ" theory,
and ask what he means by a germ? He, of course, will at once feel at
home: he will talk learnedly of what chemistry has done for its development;
of the great discoveries in pathology; of the wonderful revelations of
the microscope; and conclude, probably, by ending where he began, in
answering the querist, by gravely calling it—a germ.
Nor is the treatment of tho disease much more satisfactory, if a principle
is to guide us. Externally, ice to the spine has its enthusiasts, by others it
is called miserably unsuccessful; then heat is strongly recommended by
many, others again tell you to avoid it. Internally, cold water is recommended
by one; another pronounces it a fatal treatment; calomel and opium
are infallible with some; they are regarded as poisonous by others; carbon
(charcoal) is esteemed an unfailing antiseptic by some admirers; “worse than
inert," starts up the opponent; "there is too much in the system already."
Astringents have their advocates on the one hand, while on the other they
are loudly condemned as nothing better than quackery. Castor Oil has been