THE

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL

JOURNAL.

COLLECTED AND ARRANGED
BY BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON, M. D.

PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA, NATURAL HISTORY, AND BOTANY,
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

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CONTENTS OF PART I.

SECTION FIRST.

I. AN Essay on the Influence of Air upon Animal Bodies.
By a Physician of Massachusetts. Communicated to the Editor,
by George Shattuck, M. D., of Boston I

II. On the Opening of Buboes by Caustic. In a letter to the
Editor, from Dr. Cutbush 17

III. On the Prevention and Cure of certain Diseases of the Silk-
-Worm 20

IV. On the Use of the Veronica Peregrina in Scrophulous Cases.
In a letter to the Editor, from James Glen, M. D., of Holmesburg,
Pennsylvania 24

V. Some Account of an Excursion to the White-Hills of New-
Hampshire, in the year 1807. Ina letter to the Editor, from George
Shattuck, M. D., of Boston 26

VI. Memoranda respecting the Influenza, which prevailed in dif-
ferent parts of the United-States, in the year 1807. Collected by
Dr. William Currie, of Philadelphia, 35

VII. Account of a Remarkable Fall of Meteoric Stones, in Con-
necticut. Republished from a public paper, entitled the “ Connec-
ticut Herald” 39

iv CONTENTS.

VIII. Some Account of the Success of the Plant called Jestis:
weed, in curing the Disease induced by the Bites of the Rattle-
Snake, and other Venomous Serpents, Communicated to the Edi-
tor, by Mr. Haynesworth 57

1X. Miscellaneous observations on the Natural History of the
Human Uterus. By Dr. Davidge, of Baltimore. In a letter to the
Editor 61

X. Some Account of the Epidemic Diseases which prevail at
Mays-Lick, in Kentucky. In a letter to the Editor, from Dr. Da-
niel Drake 85

XI. Case of Tetanus, cured by Injections of Tobacco, &c. In a
letter to the Editor, from P. K. Rogers, M. D., of Philadelphia 90

XII. Miscellaneous Observations on the Natural History of the
Human Uterus. By Dr. Davidge, of Baltimore. In a letter to
the Editor 95

XIII. Thoughts on the Exercises which have occurred at the
Camp-Meetings in the western parts of our country. Communicat-
ed to the Editor, by Mr. William Young, of Delaware 110

XIV. Miscellaneous Medical Facts and Observations. In a letter
to the Editor, from Dr. Samuel Brown, of New-Orleans 118

XV. Some Account of a Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and of the
Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. By M. Michael Adams,
of St. Petersburgh. Translated from the French 120

XVI. Questions relative to the American Elephantine Bones, &c.
In a letter to the Editor, from Dr. Reimarus, of Hamburgh 137

XVII. Case of a Remarkable Diseased Uterus. In a letter to the
Editor, from George Callaway, M. D., of Virginia 138

CONTENTS. hi

- XVIII. Sketch of the Medical Topography of the Military Tract
of the State of New-York. In a letter from Dr. John H. Frisbre,
of Camillus, to David Hosack, M. D., of New-York. Continued
(and concluded) from the Medical and Physical Journal, Vol. II.
Part II. page 85. 143

XIX. On the Use of the Polygala Senega, or Seneka-Snake-Root,
in the Treatment of the Malignant Yellow-Fever. Communicated
to the Editor, by James Haynesworth, M. D., of South-Carolina 145

XX. Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles. In a letter to
the Editor, from Cosmo G. Stevenson, M. D., of Baltimore 148

XXI. On the Use of the Vitriolic Ether in a case of Strangulated
Hernia 151

XXII. Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor of the Respiratory
Organ, &c. In a letter to the Editor, from Dr. Isaac Heylin, of
Philadelphia 155

XXIII. Statement of Deaths, with the Diseases and Ages, in the
‘City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from the 2d of January, 1807, to
the 2d of January 1808 161

SECTION SECOND.

REVIEW.

I. A Discourse on some of the Principal Desiderata in Natural
History, and on the best Means of promoting the Study of this Sci-
ence in the United-States. Read before the Philadelphia Linnean
Society, on the 1@th of June, 1807. By Benjamin Smith Barton,
M. D., &c. 165

CONTENTS.

Wile tat A Compendium of the Theory and Practice of Midwifery :

the errors and to improve the practice of midwives, as well as to
_ serve as an introduction to the study of this art for students and

Me vy ~ young practitioners. By Samuel Bard, M. D. 176
ue THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA U sin?
OBITUARY ve

J. Christ. Fabricius 187

Dr. John Redman 189

containing Practical Instructions for the Management of Women |
_ during pregnancy, in labour, and in child-bed; calculated to correct |

NOTE.

The following interesting communication to the Editor, from Pro-
fessor Hall, of the State of Vermont, came too late to be inserted
in a more proper place.

Dear Srr,

I HAVE lately received a letter from Sir
Charles Blagden, formerly secretary of the Royal Soci-
ety of London, in which he gives an account of an im-
portant chemical discovery, which Mr. Davy, a lec-
turer in the Royal Institution, has recently made. This
indefatigable professor has, by means of Volta’s galva-
nic pile, discovered the bases of potash and soda.
‘© He has obtained them, separately,”? says Sir Charles,
*¢ and they look like metals, both in their solid and fluid
form. They also combine with metals, preserving
their metallic appearance. With oxygen they recom-
pose potash and soda.”

The French chemists, with eagerness, caught this in-
telligence, repeated the necessary experiments, and
found a result similar to that of Mr. Davy. Messrs.
Thinard and Guy-Lussac, two of the most persevering
and distinguished chemists of the age, have continued
to torture these substances in a variety of ways, and
have, at length, learned, that they can be decomposed
by a chemical process, without the aid of galvanism.
The decomposition is effected by combining these alka-
lies with carbon and iron, by means of a yery high tem-

Vili Letter from Professor Hall.

perature. From a combination of carbon and potash,
or soda, results a black mass, which suddenly inflames
when placed in contact with the air, or plunged in
water. The metal is obtained perfectly pure, when
iron is employed instead of carbon.

Messrs. Thinard and Guy-Lussac have already sub-
mitted the metal to a number of interesting trials, the
success of which will soon be made public. Much is
expected from their labours; and, indeed, it is gene-
rally believed, here, that this discovery will gradually
lead to others of equal, and, perhaps, superior import-
ance. As the metals of potash and soda can now be
easily procured, in abundance, the relations, which
they sustain to other substances, will undoubtedly be
made the subject of chemical investigation.

It is Mr. Davy’s opinion, “ that all the. different
earths consist of bases of a peculiar metallic nature,
having a very strong affinity for oxygen, by uniting
with which, they form those earths respectively.” He
believes that he has already made visible, by the assist-
ance of galvanism, the basis of the one called barytes.

I make this communication, Sir, m hope that the
subject may be sufhciently interesting to engage you,
and other philosophers on your side the Atlantic, to
unite your labours with those of the English and
French in this new field of physical inquiry.

Iam, &c.,
Vreperick Hatt.
Paris, March 24th, 1808.

THE

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

SECTION FIRST.

VOL. III. PART I. A

JAR

THE

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

I. An Essay on the Influence of Air upon Animal Bodies.
By a Physician of Massachusetts. Communicated to
the Enitor, by Georce Suattucx, M. D., of

Boston.

Causa latet, vis est notissima.

Question.—HOW does air act upon, or influ-
ence, animal bodies, in originating and continuing respi-
ration, maintaining organic motion, and preserving the
exercise of the vital functions ?

What causes the first inspiration is the first object of
inquiry. As this is intimately connected with the
cause of the motion and life of animals, it will be proper
we should establish some general data on this subject.

All living bodies, besides obeying the general laws
of attraction, repulsion, and chemical affinity, are sup-
posed to be endowed with some peculiar principle, by
which they are further connected with the rest of na-
ture. To this principle are to be referred sensation and

4 On the Influence of Air

thought, which, as agents merely physical, are capable
of influencing the human body. To this principle is to
be referred every property of animals, which distin-
guishes them from inanimate matter. With respect to
the brain and nervous system, we all know, that there
is nothing resembling them in inanimate matter; but it
will not be found, upon experiment, that the property
of muscular fibres, on which the motion of animals de-
pends, can be placed in a supposed vital principle, un-
less we adopt the idea, that life has its degrees, and that
the principle is the same, whether in the mutilated
parts or the entire animal; and to this principle I must
confess myself inclined : for, though sensibility is essen-
tial to consciousness, irritability is equally so, and, if ©
the latter does not exist, the former is useless. In our
remarks we shall therefore consider man purely as a
physical machine, operated upon by external agents,
the force of whose action depends upon the excitability
of the subject.

On whatever principle life depends, there could be
no life without motion: we mean motion of the corpus-
cles of bodies, as well as muscular contraction and
elongation. ‘This motion of the corpuscles of bodies is
preserved by the intervention of caloric, which Layoi-
sier and all the modern chemists regard as the universal
cause of expansion. Hence the temperature of a body
will depend upon the spaces which exist between its
corpuscles ; and as the spaces will be in proportion to
the greater or less expansibility, so will be the quanti-
ties of caloric interposed, over and above what is com-
bined to constitute their different properties or capacity.

upon Animal Bodies. 5

Muscular motion, that is, the contraction and subse-
quent elongation of muscular fibres, we are told, is a
totally different power; which doctrine is founded on
the following fact, that the force which is exhibited in
muscular action is greater than the power which is ap-
plied to produce it. This, however, appears to us to
prove no more than this, viz., that the source of this
extraordinary re-action in the living muscular fibre can-
not be traced, either in the agent which excites it, nor
can it be said to depend upon volition; for the most
violent and extraordinary contractions are involuntary,
as in cases of somnambulism, hysteria, insanity, &c.
But it does not at all destroy the position, that a regular
and equal motion of the component parts of the animal
body, and a certain degree of temperature, must exist,
or this excitement cannot be produced. ‘* Omne quod
vivit, sive animal, sive terra editum, id vivit propter in-
clusum in eo calorem; quod autem alitur et crescit,
motu quodam utitur certo et equabili, qui quamdiu_ re-
manet in zodis, tamdiu et vita remanet, refrigerato au-
tem et extincto calore, occidimus ipsi, et extingui-
mur*,”

Muscular action, therefore, though arising from an in-
dependent power, is subject to some known laws.
The disposition of the living fibre to contract, Dr.
Brown very appropriately terms excitability, and, to the
foreign agents concerned in its continuance and renova-
tion, he applies the general term stimulus. The influ-
ence of any stimulus on the excitability of the subject

* Cicero, Nat. Deorum.

6 On the Influence of Air

may comprehend all those physical and chemical ac-
tions on which their various phenomena depend, and
this even without the intervention of muscular irritabi-
lity or sensation.

In proof of this doctrine I may here mention the sea-
anemonies, a marine production, which is destitute of
muscular fibres and nerves, and exceedingly gelatinous,
yet, at the same time, so irritable, that even light af-
fects them, though to all appearance destitute of eyes*.

The inference which will necessarily result is, that
light acts on the iris, in certain animals, without the in-
tervention of muscular irritability}, and consequently
parts may contract and elongate, that is, shorten and ex-
pand, though destitute of muscular irritability.

The infant, prior to birth, derives its support and nou-
rishment from its connection with the mother. Indeed,
all the living powers of the foetus depend on the healthy
actions of the mother. The irritability and sensibility
of the parent is reciprocated by its offspring, and such
is the sympathy and power of nature, that the imagina-
tion of the mother is often impressed in indelible marks
on the fruits of her body.

If the organization of the foetus is complete, if the
body possesses the usual temperature of the nascent
state, viz., about 97° of Fahrenheit, and is now emerged

* Haller, vol. 5. p. 428.

+ Winslow, Traité, des Nerfs, 26.

upon Animal Bodies. it

into the bosom of the atmosphere, what are the effects
produced by this sudden change in the mode of exist-
ence, in passing from the matrix into the air? Inspi-
ration is ordinarily and chiefly performed by the action
of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm ; the ribs and
sternum are elevated and pushed forwards by the con-
traction of the intercostal muscles, which, joined to the
contraction of the diaphragm, dilates the thorax in every
direction.

Thus the lungs, which come in contact with the ribs
and diaphragm, and passively obey their motions, re-
main quiescent, whilst a cavity is produced, into which
the air is forced by its undequaque pressure to preserve
its equilibrium.

This action is involuntary. The infant does not in-
spire from an instinctive principle, or any supposed ap-
petite. The air alone, by its stimulus, like light on
the iris, excites the living powers of the proper organ,
_ by which alone the life of the animal can now be main-
tained, viz., the muscles which enlarge the chest, and on
whose immediate action depends the continuance of life.

Hence, in cases of still-born infants, stimuli far more
powerful than is the air, are requisite to excite this orga-
nic action. An ingenious physician related to me a case
of restoration of a still-born infant by moderate and con-
tinued flagellation, when the ordinary stimuli had been in
vain attempted, which induced him to remark to the
bye-standers, who thought it a cruel operation, that he
presumed it was the first time they had ever known of

8 On the Influence of Air

an infant’s being whipped into life, though the contrary
might have oecurred to their observation.

This case shows, that it is not material to what part of
the body the stimulus is applied, provided it be sufficient
to rouse the dormant excitability. The uniform effect
of any superior stimulus, whether through the medium
of the passions, or by the direct application of any agent
capable of exciting the natural motions or actions of the
system, is an involuntary contraction. Hence the deep
full inspiration accompanying restoration from syncope,
and that succeeding surprise, or the applicatien of cold
water to the system, or the wounding even of the most
extreme part of the body by the sudden application of any
irritating substance, particularly exemplified in the prick
ofa pin. Reaumur relates a case of a subject restored
to respiration similar to the revival of the hybernating
animals by the mere application of caloric alone.

By these and similar cases it is rendered evident, that
the form of action produced by any stimulus depends upon
the excitability of the animal at the time of its applica-
tion. Hence the extraordinary influence of certain sti-
muli in states of accumulated irritability, as of light and
water in cases of hydrophobia; and, in instances, even the
most delicate aroma becomes as destructive as the deadly
exhalations from the Grotto del Cani.

Now the excitability of the nascent state is at its maxi-
mum, as is proved by the greater irritability of infants
compared with that of adults, and the less quantity of
stimulus necessary to bring all their powers into action.

a eS Se

upon Animal Bodies. )
Dr. Waterhouse, in his Discourse delivered before
the Humane Society*, observes, that “ after parturition,
the child opens its mouth to cry, and down rushes the
air.”? As the Doctor cannot here mean, that the nas-
cent infant had as yet acquired any knowledge of the
evils which induce it to gape for vital air, the opening of
the mouth is an involuntary action, excited by the im-
mediate stimulus of the air on the irritable and exposed.
surface of the child, for, as the midwife well knows, cry-
ing is often excited the instant the chest is free, and the
same effect would follow, were the infant directly to be
plunged into water either above or below its tempera-
tureft.

We have here assumed it as a given principle, that it
is the nature of the living fibre to contract on the appli-
cation of any foreign stimulus, and in this we are sup-
ported by the experiments of Fordyce, and by those of
many others.

That this, therefore, is an original source of mecha-
nical power will not be denied, but that, as has by
many writers been contended, it is an independent source
of power will not appear so evident, for, as we before
observed, motion and a certain temperature must exist
or be produced, before those great characteristics of life,
sensibility and irritability, will be discovered.

* Page 13.

+ The learned gentleman seems to have forgotten, that children
are born with oses, which furnish open avenues for the passage of
the air to the lungs.

VOL. III. PART f. B

10 On the Influence of Air

Many experiments might here be adduced, but I shall
content myself with one related by the ingenious Dr.
Gardner.

‘* Some years ago, I cut out the heart and part of the
large vessels of a turtle, with a view to examine the struc-
ture of the parts, and the circulation of the blood in this
animal. Having wiped off the blood and other moisture,
the heart was wrapped up in a handkerchief; but en-
gagements in the way of my profession obliged me to
postpone the gratification of my curiosity until absent
six or seven hours after it was cut out. When I exa-
mined it, there appeared not the least signs of life, it
being much shriveled and dried. But on putting it into
water, nearly milk-warm, it plumped up, and some parts
of it acquired a tremulous motion. Laying it on the
table, and pricking it with a large needle, it palpitated
several times. The palpitation renewed as often as the
needle was pushed into its substance, until it became
cold, when it seemed insensible to every stimulus. But,
after warming it again in water, it recovered its irritabi-
lity, and repeated its palpitations on the application of
the needle. Though no motion could be excited in it
when cold, yet it moved several times after being mace-
rated in warm water.’’

The physical power, therefore, of the living fibre,
though superior in its force of action to the impulse
which excites it, is dependent on the same laws of mo-
tion and temperature, by which every particle of matter
in nature is actuated. As animal heat and irritability
must co-exist, and as, agreeable to the modern doctrine,

upon Animal Bodies. ll

all animal heat is derived from the decomposition of
oxygen gas, why is it that irritability is greatest at birth,
and gradually lessens as life advances? The dark co-
lour of the placenta will not justify the belief, that much
oxygen is received by that organ. Drs. Girtanner and
Fothergill seem both inclined to the opinion, that oxy-
gen is the cause of irritability. Great has been the zeal
with which physiologists have applied the chemical doc-
trines to the solution of a favourite theory. I might re-
mark, that the lower tribes of animals (as the polypus,
for example), in which respiration is not an immediately
vital function, are yet endowed with far superior degrees
of irritability than the more perfect animals. Motion,
sensation, irritability, heat, and life itself all exist when
inspiration begins. . It imparts, therefore, no new attri-
bute; it simply commences the motions of an as yet
dormant organ, whose action is now essential to the pre-
servation of all the above-mentioned properties, It is
the pendulum of the machine, whose equal and regular
actions harmonize the motions of the whole. Its mo-
tion stopped, man becomes a lifeless carcase. Again
renewed, again he wakes to intelligence. The power
of contraction, by means of which the inspiratory mus-
cles are thrown into action, the ribs and sternum elevat-
ed, and the cavity of the thorax enlarged in every di-
rection, is doubtless superior in the force of its action to
the impulse which is the moving agent. In the struc-
ture of the thorax, nature has consulted facility of motion.
The mere relaxation of the muscles contracted in inspi-
ration, aided by the gradual return of the cartilages of
the ribs, mediastinum, and lungs from their inherent
elasticity, is sufficient ordinarily to expel the air, for, by

12 On the Influence of Air

the experiments of Dr. Menzies, 179 cubic inches of air
remain after a common expiration.

Respiration is an involuntary action, which even the
adult cannot long command. Nature has made the ex-
piratory muscles, destined to antagonize with the inspi-
ratory, superior in strength to the inspiratory.

The air, then, is the only medium into which the
infant is introduced, it is the only stimulus to which it
is subjected, it is the only source by which its motions
for the maintenance of heat and life can now be pre-
served.

From these observations it will follow, that air is to
the more perfect animals no more in its effects, than is
caloric to various animals and vegetables, which the
return of heat is sufficient to restore to the exercise of
their living powers.

Without enquiring into the cause of life, we will next
consider why air is so essentially requisite to the pre-
servation of animal temperature. The organic action
of plants decomposes water in the same manner in which
respiration decomposes air. Both are endowed with the
principle of life, both are mutually dependent on each
other, mutually aiding and supporting one another by
their reciprocal actions; carbon and hydrogen, two of
the principles of vegetables, are continually evolved by
animal action to maintain the growth of vegetables, while
oxygen is perpetually passing off from vegetables to
supply the atmosphere with an essential principle to the

- upon Animal Bodies. 13

support of animals. The great and striking analogy be-
tween the animal and vegetable kingdoms consists in
the power of evolving caloric, or, in other words, re-
sisting, while alive, the temperature of the surrounding
medium. It has been ascertained by some late experi-
ments in France, that the plant spadix will raise the
thermometer 152°, while the parts concerned in fructi-
fication are developing. Man, though classed among
the hot-blooded animals, is among the lowest of the
class ; the thermometer usually pointing, when placed
on the central parts of the body, at 97° Fahrenheit. The
atmosphere combines with, and becomes the recipient
of, the caloric, carbon, and hydrogen, which are evolved
from the blood during its circulation through the lungs,
the retention of which principles would become the
fruitful source of disease.

The lungs may justly be regarded as the mediate
source or cause of those superior degrees of heat ob-
_ servable in all animals possessing this organ, not because,
as many modern philosophers believe, all animal heat is
derived from the decomposition of the oxygenous por-
tion of the air, but because respiration is essential to
the exercise of every other function concerned in main-
taining those actions which generate animal heat. Great
diminution of temperature in animals, like frost in vege-
tables, may cause a suspension in the exercise of their
functions, even to an extended period.

The ground on which Black, ‘Crawford, Lavoisier, and
others, have constructed their theories concerning the
generation of animal heat by the pulmonary absorption

14 On the Influence of Air

of oxygen gas, it will not be necessary to pass in review,
as it has already been a subject of so general discussion,
and as we have already asserted, that animal heat can
arise only from animal action.

The oxygen is the only portion of the atmosphere
which undergoes any change in its chemical properties
in respiration. The experiments of Lavoisier prove,
that four-fifths of the oxygen which disappears in respi-
ration are consumed in the formation of carbonic acid
gas, a combination taking place between the oxygen of
the atmosphere and the carbon of the blood. The re-
maining one-fifth is either, he supposes, absorbed by
the blood, or is expended in the formation of water by
combining with the hydrogen of the blood; to which
latter opinion we confess ourselves inclined, for the al-
teration of the colour of the arterial blood, which has
been regarded by Crawford and his followers as a direct
proof of the absorption of oxygen, may easily be ac-
counted for by an immediate alteration of the consti-
tuents of the blood upon its entrance into the lungs by
the evolution of its carbon and hydrogen; for the colour
of a body always varies with the alterations of its chemi-
cal properties. To this opinion, Seguin, in his Me-
moirs on Caloric, in the Annals of Chemistry, seems
inclined.

Having seen in what manner all the oxygen is dis-
posed of, let us now examine the modus operandi, by
which carbon, hydrogen, and caloric are evolved, the
various combinations produced, and the manner in
which the functions of this organ of vitality are preserved.

upon Animal Bodies. 15

entire. Venous blood returns from all parts of the sys-
tem charged with carbonated hydrogen. Carbonated
hydrogen has a greater affinity for oxygen gas than for
the blood. A double decomposition takes place, and
water and carbonic acid are formed.

Particles of water, to be converted into vapour, are said
to absorb 405° of caloric, carbon probably much more.
Now it is proved, by the experiment with the Guinea-pig
related by Crawford, in his Treatise on Animal Feat,
that caloric, instead of being absorbed by the lungs, is
carried off in the form of carbonic acid gas, and of wa-
ter reduced to the state of vapour.

Carbon and hydrogen do not exist, in our opinion,
as gasses in the vessels, but as constituents of the blood,
and hence the necessity of the superior action and tem-
perature of the lungs, that these may be separated and
thrown off from the rest of the blood, upon its arrival
at, and circulation in, the minute pulmonary vessels.
The loose caloric evolved by the combinations of Oxy-
gen with carbon to form carbonic acid gas, and with
hydrogen to form water, is communicated to the water
for its conversion into vapour, and to those portions of
the air which are respired unchanged, which are always
increased in temperature by having passed into the lungs.
According to the experiments of Dr. Hunter, the tem-
perature of the lungs is but about 3° above that of the
exiernal organs. The increased temperature of the in-
ternal parts beyond that of the external is destined to
perfect the secretions in the new decompositions and re-
combinations of the fluids, observable in glandular se-

16 On the Influence of Au

cretion, suppuration, digestion, &c. We have before
remarked, that respiration imparted no new principle,
but that by its stimulus the air preserved that vibratory
motion of the component parts of the animal body, es-
sential to the contraction and subsequent elongation of
its muscular fibres, and to the repeated action of its va-
rious organs. Dr. Fothergill remarks, that vitality con-
sists in action and re-action between the vital organs
and their respective stimuli.

‘* Our fundamental power of animation is the capacity
of the living body to preserve the same degree of heat,
in various degrees of temperature of the same medium,
and in media of different density and pressure.’”? Is it
then philosophical to consider the feetus, after disconnec-
tion from the placenta, as no longer possessing this vi-
tal attribute, but as totally dependant therefor on the
oxygenous portion of the atmosphere? If this position
were true, simple inflation with oxygenous gas would, in
most cases of suspended animation from submersion,
&c., be amply sufficient to restore the vital functions.
The experiments of both Goodwin and Coleman on
submersed animals proves that the caloric and tempera-
ture of the body must first be gradually restored, before
respiration can be established. Animal heat, therefore,
is restorable without the aid of respiration, and is the
condition essentially requisite to the return of respira-
tion. Does it not irresistibly follow, that the loss of
heat in those vital organs, the heart and lungs, must ne-
cessarily be accompanied by a loss of their motion, which
cannot be restored, till, by the restoration of their tem-
perature, they again become susceptible to the influence

upon Animal Bodies. 17

_ of theif ordinary stimuli. The air, by its stimulus up-
on the external parts of the system, propels the blood
from the surface to the centre, while its stimulus upon
the lungs, which is‘an internal part, propels it to the
heart, whichiagain drives it forward through the whole
sanguiferous system. From the lungs, as from the
skin, those portions of the blood, which, if retained,
would become deleterious, are, by the actions of the ves-
sels, thrown off in an aerial form, whereby the tempera-
ture of the body is uniformly preserved.

Enough we think has been said to prove, that heat
is produced in every part of the living body, and that
the lungs are not, therefore, its only source. Herein
we cannot but admire the wisdom of nature, which, by
one and the same medium, continues vital motion,
maintains temperature, promotes circulation, and thus
preserves the exercise of the vital functions.

—06—0—0——
IL. On the Opening of Buboes by Caustic. In a Letter
to the Enitor, from Dr. Cursusu.

Srr,

_ IN the course of your practice, many obstinate
cases of Buboes have, doubtless, come under your no-
tice, which could not be dispersed by the general means
in use among surgeons,

- Such cases have frequently occurred to me since I

have been in the navy of the United-States; whether

the difficulty of discussing them be owing to the inat-
VOL. III. PART Tf, G

18 On the opening of Buboes by Caustic.

tention of sailors, or to the inefficacy of the usual reme-
dies, I cannot positively determine, though I am inclined
to believe the latter; having seen many cases, during
my residence at the Pennsylvania Hospital, which sup-
purated, after the most assiduous application of discu-
tient remedies.

Having been frequently foiled in my endeavours to
disperse them, I determined on a new plan of treatment,
which has been attended with considerable success, and
which I beg leave to communicate.

I made a small issue in the centre of the tumour, by
twirling a piece of Lapis Septicus (cut to a fine point)
on the most prominent part, which was afterwards co-
vered with dry lint; the next day it was dressed with
Ung. Misc.; the eschar generally separated in two or
three days, leaving an aperture, about the size of a pea
er small bean, which was daily filled with a piece of
wax, sprinkled with the nitrate of mercury, and the tu-
mour covered by a plaster of Empl. or Ung. Mere. ; if
the eschar did not separate soon, a poultice of Fatin.
Semen Lini. was applied. .

The issue inflamed slightly, and discharged, daily, a
small quantity of pus; in a few days the swelling was
gradually dispersed, and the issue healed, without trou-
ble, by omitting the wax and nitrate of mercury.

In making the issue, I prefer caustic to the lancet :
the former excites immediately that degree of irritation,
which is afterwards kept up by the precipitate, on which,

On the opening of Buboes by Caustic. 19

I conceive, the cure depends. It produces much less
pain, and is less inconvenient than a ddister, the patient
is not obliged to confine himself to his bed ; and, so far
as my experience warrants the assertion, is far prefera-
ble to the usual mode of treating Buboes, which fre-
quently suppurate, and are tedious to heal, even after
the most scrupulous attention to the early application of
those remedies in common use, which not only exhaust
the patience of the patient, but too frequently injure
‘the reputation of the surgeon.

During the last five years, I have pursued this plan
of treatment in forty-one cases, with success; in none
of these did the issue penetrate deeper than the adipose
membrane ; but, in two others, the issue had not the
desired effect, in consequence of a suppuration having
already commenced in the tumour: it was therefore
necessary to make an incision into each of them, which
degenerated into very troublesome ulcers.

It is, I presume, unnecessary to add, that the usual
mercurial plan of treating this disease was also pursued
in the above cases.

Iam, &c.,

,; EF. Cursusn.
July 26, 1807.

20 On the Prevention and Cure of

- : ve
Ill. On the Prevention seid Cure of certain Diseases o
the Silk- Worm.

Sir, its ¢
CONSIDERING that every information;which
has a tendency to enlarge our stock .of knowledge on
subjects connected with manufactures, ought, at the
present crisis, to be generally diffused ; and observing
the attention of our countrymen called in the public
prints to the culture of silk; I have translated the fol-
lowing extract from an Italian Memoir, on the use of
the oxygenated muriatic acid gas, for the purification of
rooms set apart for SilksWorms. This gas has also been
found a useful remedy for their diseases. , These re- -
marks may therefore become useful to the American cul-
tivators of this branch of: rural. economy; I therefore
beg leave to communicate: them: to the me through
your valuable periodical work; ery
I have the honour, Rell
July 29th, 1807. E. Cursusu.

B. S. Barton, M. D.
Sull? uso dei suffumigi d’acido muriatico ossigenato per
disinfettare aria delle stanze dove si allevano i bachi di
seta, del Sig. Paroletti, del? Academia di Turino, &e.

EXTRACT.

The memoir which bears: this title was communi-
cated by the author to the Agricultural Society of the

certain Diseases of the Silk-Worm. 21

Department of Siena; it was inserted entire in the se-
yenth number of the Biblioteca Italiana; and also no-
ticed in the Italian Journal, Sunday; October 30th,
1803; a very similar account may be found in the
Bullettino della Societa Felomatica of the month /W-
vose: the importance of its object obliges us to present
an account of it.

The author, born in a country where Silk-Worms
form one of the principal branches of the produce of
the husbandman, and who has applied himself parti-
cularly to this -part of rural economy, observes, that
there are, in some years, unforeseen eyents, which de-
stroy, in afew days, the hopes of the cultivator. Expe-
rience having convinced him, that frequently the viti-
ated state of the air in the rooms, in which Silk-
Worms are.reared,: was the most common cause of their
diseases, attracted his attention to the means of renew-
ing the air, and destroying the deleterious gas with
which it was charged. The custom of lighting fires in
the rooms, of.burning perfumes, of the exercise of ven-
tilators, appeared to subject them to some of the most
grievous inconveniences, by destroying the uniformity
of the temperature, so necessary to their progress to-
wards) perfection; and the odour of the greater part of
the plants which were burnt incommoded them. .The
success which he had obtained in many instances by
the immersion of the diseased Worms in vinegar in-
duced him to employ the method of Citizen Guyton
Morveau for purifying the air; viz., the fumes of the
mineral acids.

92 On the Prevention and Cure of

The oxygenated muriatic acid, recommended as thé
most quick and powerful in its effects, was that which
he employed in preference, without being prevented by
the fear of its action being too powerful upon them ;_he,
however, regulated the doses.

It was in the month of April, year 10th, that Paro-
letti made his first experiments, in a village near Turm.
He was informed that, in one of his rooms (which re-
‘ ceived the air from two windows only, exposed to the
south), the Si/k- Worms which had passed the fourth
change had become feeble, and refused the leaf; that
many discharged their excrements in a liquid glutinous
state and olive-coloured; that others had some red spots
on the skin ; that many died ; that their dead bodies be-
came hard, were covered by a mould like cotton, and
assumed the appearance of a piece of chalk. The dis-
ease made a rapid progress; the symptoms became
worse; the Worms, which, in the beginning, had some
small red spots on them, lost by ‘degrees their natural
colour; the dead bodies were black, and _ passed
quickly to a state of putrefaction,

Such was the state of the disease when M. Paroletti
prepared himself to save these families by fumigation.
He mixed, in a small glass vessel,one ounce of the
black oxide of manganese powdered (three decigramme),
on which he poured some nitro-muriatic acid, and mixed
it with a glass spatula ; the oxygenated acid gas produced
a lively agreeable odour; he caused the fumes to pass
through all the angles of the room; occasionally pour-

certain Diseases of the Silk- Worm. 23

ing into the vessel a small quantity of acid, in proportion
as the vapour diminished ; he continued this operation

almost a quarter of an hour, but restrained the evolution
‘of the oxygenated gas within proper limits, which the
delicate nature of the insect seemed to require; and
gave room, as much as possible, to the circulation of
the air, through the doors and windows. Jn two days,
says Sig. Paroletti, the disease disappeared, the Worms
of this room went to the bosco (the name given by the
Italians to the bundles where the Worms spin) happily,
and had complete success in their operations. It is wor-
thy of remark, that the collection of silk was more
abundant, in proportion to the quantity of Worms. In
short, many bozzoli (balls or codes of silk), in another
room, better exposed, where, notwithstanding the dis-
ease had not appeared at the time of their going to the
bosco, were found of a.black tint, and the chrysalis had
advanced to a putrefactive state; there was nothing
similar to this in the rooms, which had been disinfected
by fumigation, it convinced the author of its salutary ef-
fects; whether by purging the air from mephitic mias-
ta, or by re-animating the vital strength of this little in-
sect, was not determined.

A second attempt was made in the following year,
with the same success, in a chamber, where there were
some hundreds of Silk- Wormsattacked by a disease, which
caused them to become lucid and of a yellow colour.
The effects of the gas was limited by holding open, near
to them, one of the portable disinfecting vials, which
Citizen Boluay prepares: almost all the worms went to
the bosco, and made excellent balls of silk.

24 On the Prevention and Cure, &e. |

It induces us to wish (says the author of the Bulletin
of the Sciences) that these experiments may be repeated
by the cultivators, that a practice may be introduced,
which not only would have a great influence upon this
important branch of our territorial riches, but would be |
the means of arresting some dangerous: fevers, to which
those men are frequently victims, who are occupied in
rearing Silk- Worms. . ki

The author of this article can’‘add, in confirmation of
this last account, that he knows, that three considerable
establishments of this kind, which were many years in
good order, have been abandoned in consequence of the
diseases, which those persons were found attacked with,
who were engaged in rearing Sik-Worms; and, instead
of planting Mulberry-trees, the culture of other articles
was substituted.

IV. On the Use of the Veronica Peregrina, in Scrophu-
_lous Cases. In a letter to the En1tor, from JAMES
Guien, M. D., of Holmesburgh, Pennsylvania.

Dear Sir,

AGREEABLE to promise, I will now give you
the statement of the good effects of the Veronica Pere-
grina, in Scrophula, as obtained from a respectable old
Jady near this village. Some years ago, her son, about
seven years old, was attacked with a swelling in the
neck, attended witha fever. It was in the spring of the
year. The tumour increased for some time; the inflam-
mation afterwards gradually abated, and the tumour les-

On the Use of the Veronica Peregrina. 25

sened, but did not entirely disappear. The ensuing
spring the swelling again enlarged, and an abscess was
formed, which discharged a thin fluid resembling whey,
and at times a thicker substance like curd. Medical ad-
. vice had been followed without benefit. In this situa-
tion a Mrs. Emsley (formerly Bran) stopped at the
house and called the complaint the King’s-Evil. She
advised the use of a plant which had been successful
with her in the cure of it. This plant has since been
called Neckweed by them. It is the Speedwell ; and is
gathered when in blossom, the latter part of May or be-
ginning of June, about cultivated grounds. It was
used by this lady in the following manner: In brewing
small-beer, a large handful of the plant was laid on the
top of a gallon of it, when put to work. This was his
common drink, to the quantity ofa bottle a day. With
this drink alone, and without any external application
except simple cerate, the ulcer began soon to heal, and
was completely so in the early part of the winter. ‘The
beer was continued the two succeeding summers, when
a small increase in the tumour had taken place, after
which time the disease quite disappeared. Since the
above period, this lady has recommended the plant, in
all cases that have had a like appearance, which has uni-
_formly been successful, and she continues to’have fre-
quent applications for the remedy.

It is sometimes made a tea of, but she appears to pre-
fer its being used in the beer, as before mentioned.
Iam, &c.,
December 14, 1807. James Gien.

VOL. III. PART I. dD

. 26 Some Account of an Ezccursion to

VY. Some Account of an Excursion to the White-Hills
of New-Hampshire, in the year 1807. In a letter to
the Enrror, from Georce Suarrux, M. ae of
Boston.

Bien! Sir,

HAVING learned, last winter, from Mr. A., that
you had expressed a wish to obtain some farther infor-
mation respecting the ‘* White-Hills,” I promised you,
in my last letter, a short account of my journey from
Hanover, to visit them.

July 8th, our party, consisting of five besides myself,
sat out from Hanover*, and, at the close of the second
day, arrived at the base of the Hills, their distance
from the place at which we commenced our journey »
being about seventy-five miles.

The instruments which we carried with us were a
barometer, a thermometer, a compass and chain, a qua-
drant, &c. J laboured hard to have our barometer in
such order, as to give the accurate weight of the at-
mosphere upon the summit of the mountain, and had
engaged gentlemen of my acquaintance, both at Hano-
ver and at Boston, to: make simultaneous barometrical
and thermometrical observations. An accident, the pre-
vention of which was beyond my controul, defeated all
our attempts to make observations with the barometer,
which we carried with us.

* A town on the Connecticut-River, in New-Hampshire, lat. 43°
43’, long. 72° 14’,

the White- Hills of New-Hampshire. 27

On Saturday, July 11th, we started from the nearest
dwelling-house, for the summit of the mountain. We
walked several miles, before we arrived at any consider.
able angle of elevation. The forest-tr-es upon the
ehampaign surrounding the mountain, which we as-
eended, are Beach, Birch, the Elm occasionally ‘inter-
spersed among the other timber, and Evergreens of vari-
ous species, such as the Fir, the Hemlock, the Spruce,
and what, in New-England, is commonly denominated
the Hacmatac*. There are also’ several kinds of un-
derwood, as the Moose-wood, Moossa Missa, or Round-
wood}, as it was called by our pilot, &c. The recent
feces of the Moose shows this forest to be the present
habitation of that animal. The Bear also continues his
residence here. - | ;

The Oxalis acetosalla was found in great abundance.
The wild Parsnipt grows in great plenty, by the sides

* This is the Pinus pendula of ‘Aiton: the Larix Americana of
Michaux. ‘ - Eprror.

+ The Moose-wood is, I have no doubt, the ‘Acer Canadense, or
striped Maple, called also “ Elk-wood.” It is the favourite food, not
only of the Moose (Cervus alces), but of the common American
Elk (which I call Cervus Wapiti). The Moossa Missa, or “ Round-
wood,” I take to be the American Sorbus, which I call Sorbus occi-
dentalis. On the Alleghany-mountains, this shrub is known by the
name of Round-tree, which is, I suppose, a corruption of the Eng-
lish name Roan-tree. Eviror.

} Perhaps, not a’Pastinaca, but some poisonous Umbellifera.
EpITor.

28 Some Account of an Excursion to

of the Ammonoosuck, upon the margin of the moun-
tain, and the wild Currant upon the ridges. ‘The Cran-
berry I found almost beyond every other species of ve-
getation. It was now in blossom. Several plants, whose
scientific names I have not been able to learn, and which
are not even known by common names to the people in.
the neighbourhood, I have preserved with a view to for-
ward them to you, by the first opportunity.

In ascending the mountain, after having passed the
forest-trees, we approached the second section of the
hill which comprises that portion of it which is covered —
with Spruce and. Fir, diminished down to a state of
shrubbery. These Shrubs are from one to four feet in
height: their limbs are thick and strong, in proportion
to their dwarf size. In some places our company
walked upon their bushy tops. In passing from the se-,
cond to the third section, we arrived at a barren ledge
of rocks, overrun by a greyish kind of Moss, with occa-
sional interspersions of Mica, shining upon their sur-—
face. To this Moss, and to the Mica in the composi-
tion of the rock, must be ascribed the colour of the
Hills, during the summer months, when they are viewed
by the distant mariner, as he sails along the Coast of
Maine.

These three sections. of Mount-Washington have
well-defined margins, which render them entirely dis-
tinct from each other. I found, however, several inter-
spersions of grass and of flowers, upon the southern
sides of ridges, beyond the second division of the moun-
tain, according to its vegetation.

the White-Hills of New-Hampshire. 29

At 12 o’clock, on the 12th of July, the mercury in
Fahrenheit’s thermometer stood at 66°, upon the top of
~Mount-Washington. At the same hour, on the same
day,-it stood at 89° at Hanover. We found a spring
upon the summit, the temperature of whose water was
Sy

Many of our party felt such a chill, from the low-
ness of the temperature, as induced them to call for the
additional covering of a woollen blanket.

The champaign upon the summit of Mount-Wash-
ington comprises between three and four acres of
ground. ‘This is principally solid rock, or rather a
ledge of rocks. The occasional attrition of water upon
them, for a series of ages, from the quantities of rain
which fall upon lofty mountains, seems to have wrought
upon their surface irregular grooves, in appearance not
unlike the tracks of Turkies. ‘The consequence of this
operation has been the formation, in certain places, of a
siliceous soil, very shallow in depth, upon which grows
a little wild grass, and a green-coloured moss. Speci-
mens of the different kinds of stone to be found upon
the sides, or summit, of the mountain, I shall send to
you.

The phenomenon which most attracted my attention,
while upon the top of the mountain, was the rarity of
the atmosphere. Sound was much more impeded than
respiration. ‘The noise from the violent collision of
" one stone upon another, seemed but stagnating pulsa-
- tions of air from the roar of distant waters. The direc-

36 Some Account of an Excursion to.

tion of the numerous wind-falls, upon the western base
and lower margin of the mountain, clearly proves )the
violence with which clouds and tempests beat over the
leeward sides of high mountains. The soil disturbed
by, the uprooted trees is universally siliceous...

We saw no animal upon the summit of the hill, ex.
eept a small Fly and the Red-Squirrel*.. .

The geometrical admeasurement, calculated from our
observations, gives to Mount- Washington an elevation
of 4620 feet above the champaign in front of Mr. Rose-
brook’s, who is the nearest inhabitant to. its western
base. This place is about forty miles.in the zig-zag
direction, in which the Ammonoosuck forms its mouth,
where it mingles its waters with those of the. Connec.
ticui-River. If we suppose the Ammonoosuck to fall.
AO feet the mile, and I believe its fall to be quite as great,
for it is a very rapid stream, the altitude of the moun.
tain will be 6220 feet above Connecticut-River, at Bath,
which is situated upon the eastern bank of the river,
fifty miles higher up than Hanover. _

A possibly. different arrangement of the different strata
of iron ore which may be embedded within the bowels of
the mountain may have caused variations in the needle,
which would render, our calculations imcorrect, as- the

* Probably the Sciurus striatus, which we call Ground-Squirrel,
or, perhaps, the small Squirrel, well known in’many parts of the
United-States, by the name of Pine-Squirrel.” © To this species,
which is not described in' any systematic work, I have given the
name of Sciurus Pimingus. i Epiror.

2

the White-Hills of New- Hampshire. 31

‘data from which those calculations have been made
must, in that case, be false. Dr. Cutler, some years ago, .
made the altitude of Mount-Washington 5000. feet
above its eastern base. Were I to form, from the eye,
an opinion of the comparative altitude of the mountain
above its eastern, in relation to its altitude above its
western, base, I should think the western some hun-
dreds of feet more elevated than the eastern base. Dr.
Cutler, however, acknowledges his liability to error in
the above calculation, from the violent agitation of the
mercury in the barometer while it was carried up the
hill, and from his not having a barometer at its base,
with which simultaneous observations could have been
made. His calculations, upon the whole, are probably
pretty near the truth. :

‘ This ground is decidedly more ‘elevated above the
ecean than any other in New-England. It presents a
prospect truly grand, and often awfully sublime. Ina
clear day, the naked eye can measure a distance of sixty
miles. The horizon forms an ellipsis, whose transverse
diameter is from one hundred to one hundred and
_ twenty miles, and whose conjugate is from-forty to sixty
miles, in the direction of the poles. Mooshillock bounds
the prospect upon the south. The peak of this is second
in point of elevation in the range of high lands, between
Connecticut- River, on the one hand, and the head-waters
of the Merrimac, the Saco, and the Ameriscoggin, on
the other. The sources of the three last rivers, and of
the Ammonoosuck, are but a little way distant from each
other. We had a very good spy-glass, with which we
could, very readily, descry the variously-shaped dwell-

32 Some Account of an Excursion to —

ing-houses, in many of the towns, upon the Connecticut-
River, which are distant between twenty and thirty
miles: Unluckily, the day, on which we visited the top
of the hill, was not very clear, the distant horizon being
filled with smoke. Our pilot informed me, that out of
ten or twelve times that he had ascended the mountain,
there had been only two or three perfectly clear days.
Last season (he said) he accompanied General D., and
Col. W., to the summit. While they were upon the
very pinnacle, a severe thunder-storm came on, which,
with a thick fog, completely obstructed their vision.
While the lightnings were shooting, in every direction,
beneath their feet, they were so completely enveloped
in darkness, as to render their descent hazardous to
them. They were, therefore, obliged to encamp upon
the bald part of the mountain, without fuel, and to
submit to incessant rains, during a whole night. I
sighed, in secret, for the repetition of the same scene,
that I might once behold the truly sublime in nature.

T saw but little snow. Upon the north-east side of a
peak, directly north of Mount- Washington, there was a
patch of ground, comprising one or more acres, en-
tirely covered with snow. There were, also, some
snow and ice in the gullies, upon the northern sides
of other peaks.

The mica interspersed among many of the rocks,
upon the sides of the mountains, under certain angles of
reflection, occasions them to appear peculiarly brilliant
and beautiful. In this appearance, it is probable, ori-
ginated the Indian tale of carbuncles, which credulous

the White- Hills of New- Hampshire. 33

visitants have said, recede from the touch of the inqui-
sitive traveller * * * %,

Upon the ridge of high lands directly south of Mount-
Washington, there is a pond, from which the Ammo-
noosuck takes its source. Were a house erected a
little way east of this, the ridge pole would become the
dividing line of a cloud, the waters on the one side of
which would be precipitated down the mountain, and
run through the channels of the Ammonoosuck, and
Connecticut, into Long-Island Sound ; while those on
the other side would flow, with the current of the Saco,
into the ocean, at Maine.

One of the greatest curiosities presented by the White-
Hills is the Notch, which is a natural road, that has (to
all appearance) been carved out by the providential hand
of nature, from that range of hills, to favour a commu-
nication between the Coos-country and the Ocean. A
turnpike-road is now building from Bath, through the
Notch, to Portland. This will throw the trade of that
extensive and rapidly-settling country from Boston into
Portland.

Approaching the Notch, from the north-west, after
travelling several miles through a wilderness, where the
eye becomes fatigued from the uniformity of prospect,
and the paucity of its objects, the traveller, on a
sudden, finds himself almost stopped, from an apparent
termination of his road, at the base of an inaccessible
mountain. Turning around, to the left, to extricate
himself from the obstacles which bar his progress, his

VOL. III. PART Ie E

34 Some Account of an Excursion to

eye is abruptly met by perpendicular clefts, whose pro-
jecting rocks seem hanging over him, in the attitude of
menace. After his first statue-like stare of amazement
is over, in turning around to the right, he beholds, flow-
ing in a narrow ditch by his side, the head-waters of
the Saco, which have descended from cliffs more ele-
vated, but not quite so steep, as those upon his left.
- Here the road is incapable of being made sufficiently
wide for two carriages to go abreast. ‘The road follows
the Saco, in a meandering direction, down the east side
of the mountain, the valley widening as it proceeds.

I was informed, that, in the freshets, the waters which
begin their descent in the same channel divide into two
courses, the one running into the Saco, and the other
into the Ammonoosuck.

No mines have yet been discovered in the bowels of
the mountain, though the traversing of the needle be-
speaks the presence of iron-ore, in some portions of it.

The colour of some of the stones proves the exist-
ence of very small portions of iron in their composi-
tions; as do the stones, more or less, upon all the high
lands between Connecticut-River and the Ocean, over
which I have travelled.

In the northern part of the county of Worcester,
upon a portion of these high lands, several Mineral
Springs have lately been discovered, whose medicinal
waters are now fast rising into public notice. Iron and

the White-Hills of New- Hampshire. 35

carbonie acid gas are the most abundant principles
which they hold in solution.
Iam, &c., dear Sir, your’s,
Grorce C, Suarrux.
Boston, August 28th, 1807.

Via. Le

VI. Memoranda respecting the Influenza, which pre-

| vailed in different parts of the United- States, in the
year 1807. Collected by Dr. WinutaM Currie,
of Philadelphia. :

IT is reported that the Influenza prevailed at
Halifax, for some time before it made its appearance at
New-York; and I am certain, from the intelligence
which I have received, from different Correspondents,
that it had existed afortnight, at least, in New-York,
before it was observed in any of the other States,

It had made very little progress in Philadelphia on
the 11th of August, at which time, it appears from Dr.
Ricketson’s account, published in some of the New.
York newspapers, more than half the inhabitants of that
city were, or had been lately, affected by it. It disap-
peared in Philadelphia about the latter end of Sep-
tember.

In a letter, dated August 18th, Dr, Smith informed
me, that the influenza had only just begun to make its
appearance at Wilmington, in the State of Delaware,
which is only twenty-seven miles from Philadelphia.

36 Memoranda respecting the Influenza,

According to Dr. Spalding’s observations, annexed
to his Bill of Mortality for the City of Portsmouth, it
did not make its appearance in that city till about the
middle of August, and did not disappear till the begin-
ning of December.

The editors of the New-York Medical Repository,
in the second number of the fifth volume of their second
hexade, say, a correct observer, who left New-York for
the Province of Maine, on the 20th of August, found,
on his arrival at Newport, that the disease had just be-
gun to make some progress there, and that the people
of Boston had begun to complain of it, but that it had
not made its appearance at Kennebeck, on his arrival
there on the 30th, though it was observed there a few
days later. |

The editors of the Medical Repository add, that the
Members of Congress from Georgia and South-Caro-
lina did not meet with the Influenza on their journey,
till they arrived at Raleigh, about the 17th or 18th of
October (though it appears, from the account: with
which I have been favoured by Dr. Harris, that it made
its appearance in Charleston in the beginning of Octo-
ber, while the Yellow-Fever was prevalent there).

The members from Tenessee observed it, for the
first time, at Staunton, which was about the same time
that it was observed at Raleigh. It had not made its
appearance at the Hot-Springs of Virginia on the 16th
of October, but was observed, by a member from Chi-
ticothe, in Ohio, at Hockhocking on the 12th.

in different Parts.of the United. States. 37

All the persons within the enclosure of the Lazaretto,
which is about twelve miles to the southward of Phila-
delphia, escaped the disease till the 20th of August,
two days previous to which a pilot, by the name of
Robinson, arrived ill with it from Newcastle. Captain
Egger, the quarantine-master, was the first attacked by
it after his arrival, and almost every person at the La-
zaretto in succession soon after. This intelligence was
communicated to me by Dr. Buchanan, the Lazaretto-
physician.

On the 20th of August, Mrs. Adams, while indis-
posed with the Influenza, visited her sick child, under
my care, at Mrs. Wise’s, near Germantown, at which
time every person in the house was free from the dis-
ease, and none of them had been in the city for more
than two weeks. On the 23d, Mrs. Adams’s mother,
and, on the 24th, the child’s nurse, were attacked with
the usual symptoms of the disease; and, on the 25th,
another person, who had sat in the chamber a consider-
able time, after Mrs. Adams’s arrival, all of whom had
the disease in a severe manner.

Dr. Hewson, physician to the State-Prison, in this
city, informs me, that there were only two patients with
the disease in the prison on the 7th of August; but
that, in the course of four or five days, the number in-
creased to about forty, and, at the end of the week, to
nearly a hundred.

The weather which preceded and accompanied the
Influenza, that prevailed in this country in 1789, was

38 Memoranda respecting the Influenza.

warm, and almost constantly dry and hazy; but, pre-
vious to its late appearance, and during its continuance,
it was wetter, and more moderate in temperature, than
it had been known, at the same season, for several years.

From the circumstance of the disease having been
epidemic in the Cape de Verd-Islands, and in certain
parts of Europe, for several weeks before it was ob-
served in this country, which the bills of enquiry, taken.
at the Lazaretto, incontestibly prove; and from the
manner in which it proceeded from one place to ano-
ther, in succession; and from the length of time that
elapsed between its appearance at New-York and some |
of the cities and towns to the northward and southward
of it, as well as in those in other directions, I think
there is sufficient reason to conclude, that the disease,
however it originated, was propagated by contagion,
but more active in its operation, and more extensively
diffused in the atmosphere, than is observable in the
generality of contagious diseases.

If it had originated from any unsalutary change in
the constitution of the atmosphere, or from a general
contamination of the same, the disease would have made
its appearance in the same latitude, over the whole
world, at the same time; for a cause so general or ex-
tensive must necessarily produce corresponding effects.

The number of patients that died of the Influenza, in
the city of Philadelphia, the township of the Northern
Liberties, and the district of Southwark, which contain
a population of from 90 to 100,000, was thirty: of

Account of a Fall of Meteorie Stones. SD -

whom three were under 2 years of age, six between
50 and 60, and seven between 70 and 90.

March Ath, 1808.

MM Account of a Remarkable Fall of Meteoric Stones,
in Connecticut. Republished from a public paper,
entitled the ‘‘ Connecticut Herald.’?

Yale- College, Dec. 26, 1807.

Messrs. STEELE & Co.,

AS imperfect and erroneous accounts of the late
phenomenon at Weston are finding their way into the
public prints, we take the liberty of enclosing, for your
paper, the result of an investigation into the circum-
stances and evidence of the event referred to, which we
have made on the ground where it happened. That
we may not interrupt our narration, by repeating the
observation wherever it is applicable, we may remark,
once for all, that we visited and carefully examined
every spot where the stones had been ascertained to
have fallen, and several places where they had been only
suspected, without any discovery; that we obtained
specimens of every stone; conversed with all the prin-
cipal original witnesses; spent several days in the in-
vestigation; and were, at the time, the only persons
who had explored the whole ground. We are,

Gentlemen, your obedient servants,
BENJAMIN SILLIMAM,
James L. Kincs ey.

40 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

The Meteor, which has so recently excited alarm in
many, and astonishment in all, first made its appearance
in Weston, about a quarter or half past 6 o’clock,
A. M., on Monday, the 14th inst. The morning was
somewhat cloudy; the clouds were dispersed in unequal
masses, being in some places thick and opaque, in
others light, fleecy, and partially transparent; while
spots of unclouded sky appeared here and there among
them. Along the northern part of the horizon, a space
of 10 or 15 degrees was perfectly clear. The day had
merely dawned, and there was little or no light, except
from the moon, which was just setting. Judge Wheeler,
to whose intelligence and observation, apparently unin-
fluenced by fear or imagination, we are indebted for
the substance of this part of our account, was passing
through the enclosure adjoining his house, with his
face to the north, and his eyes on the ground, when a
sudden flash, occasioned by the transition of a luminous"
body across the northern margin of the clear sky, illu-
minated every object, and caused him to look up. He
immediately discovered a globe of fire, just then pass-
ing behind the first cloud, which was very dark and
obscure, although it did not entirely hide the meteor.

In this situation, its appearance was distinct and well-
defined, like that of the sun seen through a mist. It
rose from the north, and proceeded in a direction nearly
perpendicular to the horizon, but inclining, by a very
small angle, to the west, and deviating a little from the
plane of a great circle, but in pretty large curves, some-
times on one side of the plane, and sometimes on the

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. Al

other, but never making an angle with it of more than 4
or 5 degrees. It appeared about one-half or two-thirds
the diameter of the full moon. This.description of its
apparent magnitude is vague, but it was impossible to
ascertain what angle it subtended. Its progress was
not so rapid as that of common meteors and shooting
stars. When it passed behind the thinner clouds, it
appeared brighter than before ; and when it passed the
spots of clear sky, it flashed with a vivid light, yet not
so intense as the lightning ina thunder-storm, but rather
like what is commonly called heat oe Hine Its sur«
face was apparently convex.

Where it was not too much obscured by thick clouds,
a conical train of paler light was seen to attend it,
waving, and in length about 10 or 12 diameters of the
body. In the clear sky a brisk scintillation was observed,
about the body of the meteor, like that of a burning
fire-brand carried against the wind.

It disappeared about 15 degrees short of the zenith,
and about the same number of degrees west of the me-
ridian. It did not vanish instantaneously, but grew,
pretty rapidly, fainter and fainter, as a red-hot cannon-
ball would do, if cooling in the dark, only with much
more rapidity.

There was no peculiar smell in the atmosphere, nor
were any luminous masses seen to separate from the
body. The whole period, between its first appearance
and total extinction, was estimated at about 30 seconds,

VOL. III. PART I. F

42 Account of a Fall of' Meteoric Stones.

About 30 or 40 seconds after this, three loud and
distinct reports, like those of a four-pounder, near at
hand, were heard. They succeeded each other with as
much rapidity as was consistent with distinctness, and,
all together, did not occupy three seconds. Then fol-
lowed a rapid succession of reports, less loud, and run-
ning into each other, so as to produce a continued rum-
bling, like that of a cannon-ball rolling over a floor,
sometimes louder, and at other times fainter: some
compared it to the noise of a waggon, running rapidly
down a long and stony hill; or, to a volley of musquetry,
protracted into what is called, in military language, a
running fire. This noise continued about as long as
the body was in rising, and died away apparently in the
direction from which the meteor came.

The accounts of others corresponded substantially
with this. Time was differently estimated by different
people, but the variation was not material. Some aug-
mented the number of loud reports, and terror and
imagination seem, in various instances, to have magni-
fied every circumstance of the phenomenon.

The only thing which seemed of any importance, be-
yond this statement, was derived from Mr. Elihu Sta-
ples, who said, that, when the meteor disappeared, there
were apparently three successive efforts or leaps of the
fire-ball;;which grew more dim at every throe, and dis-
appeared with the last.

Such were the sensible phenomena which attended
this meteor. We purposely avoid describing the ap-

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. 43

pearances which it assumed in other places, leaving this
task to others who have the means of performing it more
accurately ; while we proceed to detail the consequences
which followed the explosions and apparent extinction
of this luminary. . .

_ We allude to the fall of a number of masses of stone
in several places, principally within the town of Weston.
The places which had been well ascertained at the pe-
riod of our investigation were six. The most remote
were about 9 or 10 miles distant from each other, ina
line differing little from the course of the meteor. It is
therefore probable, that the successive masses fell in this
order, the most northerly first, and the most southerly
Jast. We think we are able to point out three principal
places where stones have fallen, corresponding with the
three loud cannon-like reports, and with the three leaps
of the meteor, observed by Mr. Staples. There were
some circumstances common to all the cases. There
was, in every instance, immediately after the explosions
had ceased, a loud whizzing or roaring noise in the air,
observed at all the places, and, so far as was ascertained,
at the moment of the fall. It excited in some the idea
of a tornado; in others, of a large cannon-shot in rapid
motion; and it filled all with astonishment and appre-
hension of some impending catastrophe. In every in-
stance immediately after this, was heard a sudden and
abrupt noise, like that of a ponderous body striking the
ground in its fall. Excepting one, the stones were
more or less broken. The most important circum-
stances of the particular cases were as follows :

A4, Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

1. The most northerly fall was within the limits of
Huntington, on the border of Weston, about 40 or 50
rods east of the great road from Bridgeport to Newtown,
in across road, and contiguous to the house of Mr. Mer-
win Burr. Mr. Burr was standing in the road, in front
of his house, when the stone fell. The noise produced
by its collision with a rock of granite, on which it
struck, was very loud. Mr. Burr was within 50 feet,
and immediately searched for the body, but, it being
still dark, he did not find it till half an hour after. By
the fall, some of it was reduced to powder, and the rest
of it was broken into very small fragments, which were
thrown around to the distance of 20 or 30 feet. The
granite rock was stained at the place of contact with a
deep lead-colour. The largest fragment which remained
did not exceed the size of a goose-egg, and this Mr.
Burr found to be still warm to his hand. There was
' reason to conclude, from all the circumstances, that this
stone must have weighed about twenty or twenty-five
pounds.

Mr. Burr had a strong impression that another stone
fell in an adjoining field, and it was confidently believed
that a large mass had fallen into a neighbouring swamp,
but neither of these had been found. It is probable
that the stone, whose fall has now been described, to-
gether with any other masses which may have fallen at
the same time, was thrown from the meteor at the first
explosion.

2. The masses projected at the second explosion seem
to have failen principally at and in the vicinity of Mr.

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. 45

William Prince’s in Weston, distant about five miles,
in a southerly direction, from Mr. Burr’s. Mr. Prince
and family were still in bed, when they heard a noise
like the fall of a very heavy body, immediately after the
explosions. “They formed various unsatisfactory con-
jectures concerning the cause; nor did even a fresh
hole made through the turf in the door-yard, about
twenty-five feet from the house, lead to any conception
of the cause, or induce any other enquiry than why a
new post-hole should have been dug where there was
no use for it. So far were this family from conceiving
of the possibility of such an event as stones falling from
the clouds. They had, indeed, formed a vague conjec-
ture that the hole might have been made by lightning,
but would probably have paid no further attention to the
circumstance, had they not heard, in the course of the
day, that stones had fallen that morning, in other parts
of the town. This induced them, towards evening, to
search the hole in the yard, where they found a stone
buried in the loose earth which had fallen in upon it.
It was two feet from the surface; the hole was about.
twelve inches in diameter, and as the earth was soft and
nearly free from stones, the mass had sustained little in-
jury, only a few small fragments having been detached
by the shock. The weight of this stone was about
thirty-five pounds. From the descriptions which we
have heard, it must have been a noble specimen, and
men.of science will not cease to deplore that so rare a
treasure should have been immediately broken in pieces.
All that remained unbroken of this noble mass, was a
piece of twelve pounds weight, since purchased by Isaac

46 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

Bronson, Esq., of Greenfield, with the liberal view of
presenting it to some public institution.

Six days after, another mass was discovered, half a
mile north-west from Mr. Prince’s. The search was
induced by the confident persuasion of the neighbours,
that they heard it fail near the spot where it was actually
found buried in the earth, weighing from seven to ten
pounds. It was found by Gideon Hall and {saac Fair-
child. It was in small fragments, having fallen ona
globular detached mass of gneiss rock, which it split in
two, and by which it was itself shivered to pieces.

The same men informed us that they suspected ano-
ther stone had fallen in the vicinity, as the report had
been distinctly heard, and could be referred to a parti-
cular region somewhat to the east. Returning to the
place, after an excursion of a few hours to another part
of the town, we were gratified to find the conjecture
verified, by the actual discovery of a mass of thirteen
pounds weight, which had fallen half a mile to the north-
east of Mr. Prince’s. Having fallen in a ploughed field,
without coming into contact witha rock, it was broken:
only into two principal pieces, one of which, possessing
all the characters of the stone in a remarkable degree,
we purchased: for it had now become an article of
sale. It was urged that it had pleased Heaven to rain
down this treasure upon them, and they would bring
their thunderbolts to the best market they could. This
was, it must be confessed, a wiser mode of managing
the business, than that which had been adopted by some
others, at an earlier period of these discoveries. Strongly

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. A7

impressed with the idea that these stones contained gold
and silver, they subjected them to all the tortures of an-
cient alchemy, and the goldsmith’s crucible, the forge,
and the blacksmith’s anvil, were employed, in vain, to
elicit riches which existed only in the imagination.

Two miles south-east from Mr. Prince’s, at the foot
of Tashowa-hill, a fifth mass fell. Its fall was distinctly
heard by Mr. Ephraim Porter and his family, who live
within 40 rods of the place, and in full view. They saw
a smoke rise from the spot, as they did also from the
hill, where they are positive that another stone struck,
as they heard it distinctly. At the time of the fall,
having never heard of any such thing, they supposed
that lightning had struck the ground, but after three or
four days, hearing of the stones which had been found
in their vicinity, they were induced to search, and the
result was the discovery of a mass of stone in the road,
at the place where they supposed the lightning had
struck. It penetrated the ground to the depth of two

feet in the deepest place; the hole was about twenty
inches in diameter, and its margin was coloured blue,
from the powder of the stone struck off in its fall.

It was broken into fragments of moderate size, and,
from the best calculations, might have weighed twenty
or twenty-five pounds.

The hole exhibited marks of much violence, the turf

being very much torn, and thrown about to some dis-
tance. .

\

48 Account of a Fall of Meteorie Stones.

It is probable that the four stones last described were
all projected at the second explosion ; and, should one
be discovered on the neighbouring hill, we must, with- _
out doubt, refer it to the same avulsion. s

3. Last of all, we hasten to what appears to have
been the catastrophe of this wonderful phenomenon.

A mass of stone, far exceeding the united weight of
all which we have hitherto described, fell in a field be-
longing to Mr. Elijah Seely, and within 30 rods of his
house.

_ A circumstance attended the fall of this which seems
to have been peculiar. Mr. Elihu Staples, a man of
integrity, lives on the hill, at the bottom of which this
body fell, and witnessed the first appearance, progress, |
and explosion of the meteor. After the last explosion,
a rending noise, like that of a whirlwind, passed along to
the east of his house, and immediately over his orchard,
which is on the declivity of the hill. At the same in-
stant a streak of light passed over the orchard in a large
curve, and seemed to pierce the ground. A shock was
felt, and a report heard like that of a heavy body falling
to the earth; but no conception being entertained of the
real cause (for no one in the vicinity, with whom we
conversed, appeared to have ever heard of the fall of
stones from the skies), it was supposed that lightning had
struck the ground. Three or four hours after the event,
Mr. Seely went into his field to look after his cattle. He
found that some of them had leaped into the adjoining
enclosure, and all exhibited strong indications of terror.

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. 49

Passing on, he was struck with surprize at seeing a spot
of ground which he knew to have been recently turfed
over, all torn up, and the earth looking fresh, as if from
recent violence. Coming to the place, he found a great
mass of fragments of a strange-looking stone, and im-
mediately called for his wife, who was second on the
ground. .

Here were exhibited the most striking proofs of vio:
lent collision. A ridge of micaceous schistus, lying
nearly even with the ground, and somewhat inclining,
like the hill, to the south-east, was shivered to pieces,
to a certain extent, by the impulses of the stone, which
thus received a still more oblique direction, and forced
itself into the earth, to the depth of three feet, tearing a
hole of 5 feet in length, and 43 feet in breadth, and
throwing large masses of turf and fragments of stone
and earth to the distance of 50 and 100 feet. Had there
been no meteor, no explosions, and no witnesses of the
light and shock, it would have been impossible for any
person contemplating the scene to doubt, that a large
and heavy body had really fallen from the skies, with
tremendous momentum.

This stone was all in fragments, none of which ex-
ceeded the size of a man’s fist, and was rapidly dis-
persed by numerous visitors, who carried it away at
pleasure. Indeed, we found it very difficult to obtain a
sufficient supply of specimens of the various stones; an
objeet which was at length accomplished, principally by
importunity and purchase. From the best information
which we could obtain of the quantity of fragments of

VOL. IIIe PART I. G

‘50 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

this last stone, compared with its specific gravity, we
concluded that its weight could not have fallen much
short of 200 pounds. All the stones, when first found,
were friable, being easily broken between the fingers ;
this was especially the case where they had been buried
in the moist earth, but, by exposure to the air, they gra-
dually hardened. Such were the circumstances attend-
ing the fall of these singular masses. We have named
living witnesses; the list of these may be augmented,
but we consider the proof as sufficient to satisfy any ra-
tional mind. Farther confirmation will be derived from
the mineralogical description and chemical examination
of these stones.

The specimens obtained from all the different places
are perfectly similar. ‘The most careless observer would
instantly pronounce them portions of a common mass,
and different from any of the stones commonly seen on
this globe.

Of their form nothing very certain can be said, be-
cause only comparatively small fragments of the great
body of the meteor have been obtained. Few of the
specimens weigh one pound, most of them less than
half a pound, and from that to the fraction of an ounce.
Mr. Bronson’s piece is the largest with which we are
acquainted ; we possess the next, which weighs six
pounds, and is very perfect in its characteristic marks,
and we have a good connection of smaller specimens,
many of which are very instructive. They possess
every irregular variety of form which might be supposed
to arise from accidental fraeture with violent force. On

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. au

many of them, however, and chiefly on the large speci-
mens, may be distinctly perceived portions of the exter-
nal part of the meteor.

It is every where covered with a thin black crust,
destitute of splendour, and bounded by portions of the
large irregular curve which seems to have enclosed the
meteoric mass. This curve is far from being uniform.
It is sometimes depressed with concavities, such as might
be produced by pressing a soft and yielding substance.
The surface of the crust feels harsh, like the prepared
fish-skin, or shagreen. It gives sparks with the steel.
There are certain portions of the stones covered with
the black crust, which appear not to have formed a part
of the outside of the meteor, but to have received this
coating in the interior parts, in consequence of fissures
or cracks, produced probably by the intense heat to
which the body seems to have been subjected. The
specific gravity of the stone is 3,6, water being 1. The
colour of the mass of the stone is mainly a dark ash, or
more properly a leaden-colour. It is interspersed with
distinct masses, from the size of a pin’s head to the
diameter of one or two inches, which are almost white,
resembling in many instances the crystals of feldtspar in
some varieties of granite, and in that species of porphyry
known by the name of verd antique.

The texture of the stone is granular and coarse, re-
sembling some pieces of grit-stone. It cannot be
broken by the fingers, but gives a rough and irregular
fracture with the hammer.

52 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

On inspecting the mass, four distinct kinds of matter
may be perceived by the eye.

1. The stone is thickly interspersed with black glo-
-bular masses, most of them. spherical, but some are
oblong and irregular. The largest are of the size of a
pidgeon-shot, but generally they are much smaller.
They can be detached with any pointed iron instrument,
and leave a concavity in the stone. They are not attracta-
ble by the magnet, and can be broken with the hammer.

2. Masses of yellow pyrites may be observed. Some
of them are of a brilliant golden-colour, and are readily
distinguished with the eye.

3. The whole stone is thickly interspersed with me-
tallic points, many of them evident to the eye, and they
appear numerous and distinct with alens. Their co-
jour is whitish, and was mistaken by the discoverers of
the stone for silver. They appear to be mainly malleable
iron, alloyed with nickel.

4. The lead-coloured mass, which cements these
things together, has been described already, and consti-
tutes by far the greater part of the stone. After being
wet and exposed to the air, the stone becomes covered
with numerous reddish spots, which do not appear in a
fresh fracture, and arise manifestly from the rusting of
the iron.

Finally, the stone has been analyzed in the laboratory
of this College, according to the excellent instructions

Account of a Fall of Meteorie Stones. 58

of Howard, Vauquelin, and Fourcroy. The analysis
was hasty, and intended only for the purpose of general
information. ‘The exact proportions, and the steps of
the analysis, are reserved for more leisure, and may be
given to the philosophical world through another me-
dium. It is sufficient for the general reader to be in-
formed, that the stone appears to consist of the following
ingredients: silex, iron, magnesia, nickel, sulphur.

The two first constitute by far the greater part of the
stone; the third is in considerable proportion, but
much less than the others; the fourth is probably still
less, and the sulphur exists in a small but indeterminate

quantity.

Most of the iron is in a perfectly metallic state; the
whole stone attracts the magnet, and this instrument
takes up a large portion of it when pulverized. Por-
tions of metallic iron may be separated, so large that
they can be readily extended under the hammer. Some
of the iron is in combination with sulphur in the pyrites,
and probably most of the iron is alloyed by nickel.

It remains to be observed, that this account of the ap-
pearance of the stone accords very exactly with the des-
criptions, now become considerably numerous, of simi-
lar bodies which have fallen in other countries, at vari-
ous periods; and with specimens which one of us has
inspected, of stones that have fallen in India, France, and
Scotland. The chemical analysis also proves that their
composition is the same, and it is well known to mine-
ralogists and chemists, that no such stones have been

54 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

found among the productions of this globe. These con-
siderations, together with the facts that are immediately
to be mentioned, must, in connection with the testimony,
place the credibility of the facts asserted to have recently
occurred in Weston beyond all controversy.

The falling of stones from the clouds is an event
which has frequently happened in Europe, in Asia, and
in South-America. The accounts of such phenomena
were, for a long time, rejected by philosophers, as the
offspring of ignorance and superstition. Several facts
of this kind, however, within a few years, have been
proved by evidence so unexceptionable, as to overcome
the most obstinate incredulity. It is now admitted, not
only that such phenomena have existed in modern times,
but that the accounts of similar events, in former ages,
are in a high degree probable. As this is the first time
that stones are known to have fallen in this part of Ame-
rica, it may not be uninteresting to those who have
paid little attention to this subject, or who still hesitate
to admit that such things have happened, to see a state-
ment of several similar events in other countries, and
some of the evidence by which they are supported.

In 1492, on the 7th of November, at Ensisheim, in
Upper Alsace, a stone fell from the atmosphere, which
weighed 260 pounds. Contemporary writers agree in
stating, that, on this day, between 11 and 12 o’clock in
the morning, a loud explosion was heard at Ensisheim,
and that this stone was soon after seen to fall, in a field
at no great distance from the town. ‘This stone, till

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. 55

within a few years, was preserved in the parish church
of Ensisheim.

In 1762, two stones fell near Verona, one of which
weighed 200 and the other 300 pounds. Three or four
hundred persons were witnesses of the event. .

In 1790, on the 24th of July, a shower of stones fell
near Agen, in Guienne. About 9 or 10 o’clock at
night, a meteor was seen moving through the atmo-
sphere with very great velocity. A loud explosion was
soon heard, which was followed, after a short interval, by
a shower of stones, over a considerable extent of country.

In April, 1802, the same thing happened at L’Aigle.
Biot, a member of the French National Institute, who
visited the place to ascertain the fact, writes to this effect:
Persons of all professions, manners, and opinions, eccle-
siastics, soldiers, and labourers, men, women, and chil-
dren, agree in referring the event to the same day, the
same hour, and the same minute. They say they saw
the stones descending along the roofs of the houses,
break the branches of the trees, and rebound after they
fell upon the pavement. They say they saw the earth
smoke around the largest of them, and that the stones
were still hot after they had taken them’ in their hands.
The mineralogical collections, formed on the spot with
the greatest care, contained nothing of the kind. On
a sudden, and only since the time of the meteor, these
stones have been found, and within a certain extent.

56 Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones.

Within fifteen years past the falling of similar bodies, ©
under similar circumstances, has happened in Portugal,
Bohemia, France, Great-Britain, India, and South-Ame-
rica.

To account for the existence of these stones, various
theories have been formed by philosophers. Some
have supposed them to be only common stones struck
with lightning, and partly melted. But this theory has
now no advocates. A less fanciful hypothesis is, that
they are masses of matter thrown from volcanoes. But
to this there are serious objections. No such bodies
are found near the craters of volcanoes, or are known to
be projected from them; and, in many instances, these
bodies have fallen several hundred, and even several
thousand, miles from any known volcano. Mr. Ed-
ward King has yaried this theory, and supposes that
these substances are thrown from volcanoes, not in solid
masses, but in the state of ashes or dust. He supposes
that these ashes, descending in a cloud, become conden-
sed, take fire, and produce numerous explosions. Ac-
cording to him, the pyritical, metallic, and argillaceous
particles melt, are suddenly chrystalized and consoli-
dated, and fall in masses to the ground. This explana-
tion evidently involves as great difficulties as those
which it is intended to obviate. Some philosophers have
supposed, that these stones are thrown from terrestrial
comets. Not to mention any other objection to this hy-
pothesis, it will by no means account for such a pheno-
menon as appeared at Sienna, in 1794, when stones de-
scended, not from a moving meteor, but from a lumi-
nous cloud. Other philosophers, ascribing to these

Account of a Fall of Meteoric Stones. 57

stones an origin still more extraordinary, suppose them
to be projected from the moon. Admitting that bodies
can be projected beyond the sphere of the moon’s at-
traction, they must move round the earth in one of the
conic sections, and all the difficulties attending the pre-
ceding hypothesis embarrass this. The subject must
be acknowledged to be involved in much obscurity, and
the phenomenon, till we are possessed of more facts and
better observations, must be considered inexplicable.

VII. Some Account of the Success of the Plant called
Jestis-weed, in curing the Disease induced by the Bites
of the Rattle- Snake, and other Venomous Serpents.
Communicated to the Enrvor, by Mr. Haynes-

WORTH.

Case 1. A BLACK man, a servant of the Rev.
B. G., being sent to the house of Mr. J. 5. for a scythe
(an instrument used in cutting Indigo-weed), late in the
evening, stayed there all night. Very early the next
morning, at the dawn of day, he got up and went to the
door of the Negro-house in which he slept, where he
was bitten, just above the ancle, by a Rattle-Snake, with
five rattles. Mr. S. was immediately called, and found
the fellow lying on the floor, groaning with pain, and
very much swelled. Nothing was done for him till Mr.
G., his master, arrived, a little after sun-rise. At this
time, he was swelled prodigiously; his eyes appeared rea-
dy to start out of his head, and it was with the great-
est difficulty that he breathed, or swallowed any thing.
The decoction of the plant called Jestis-weed, made by

VOL. III. PART I. H

58 On the Jestis-weed, as a Cure

boiling a handful of the entire plant in a quart of new-—
milk, down to a pint, was given him by table-spoonfuls
every few minutes. He vomited twice, but afterwards
the medicine staid on his stomach, and he got better.
In less than an hour, the difficulty in breathing became
less considerable, and the pain and swelling began to
subside. In 48 hours, the negro returned to his em-
ployment of cutting Indigo.

Case 2. Mr. S., accidentally calling upon his neigh-
bour, Mr.J. R., found one of his Negro-women very ill,
so ill that the family thought she must die. She had
been bitten by a Snake three days before, and nothing that
had been tried gave her any relief. Mr. S. advised
the Jestis-weed. It was prepared and given her, and
she rapidly recovered.

Case 3. Mr. S. says, he, and some others, were hunt-
ing below our lower mill-dam, last summer; one of the
dogs in the swamp crying out, and not coming when
called, J. J. went in and found the dog, bitten, stretched
out, and unable to walk. He carried him home, and
gave him the decoction of the Jestis-weed, and he ra-
pidly recovered.

Case 4. J. K., a ploughman, was in the woods hunt-
ing horses, when a Snake bit him on his ancle. He tied
his hat-band, which was very strong, round the limb
above the wound, and attempted to return home. The
swelling increased so fast, that he found it necessary to
move the hat-band above his knee, before he got home.
Jestis, who first used the plant, and from whom it re-

Jor the Bite of the Rattle- Snake, &c. 59

ceives its name, was sent for. Before he arrived, in con-

Sequence of the swelling, the whole limb seeming ready

to burst, the band was moved as high up as possible on
. . U .

the thigh. Jestis cut ‘off the bandage, and gave his me-

dicine. The swelling immediately began to subside,

and K. perfectly recovered, in a short time.

Case 5. Miss E. O’N. was bitten, about 8 0’clock in the
morning, by a Rattle-Snake, on her ancle. The wound
was like a small scratch, and apparently insignificant ;
the pain also was slight at first, but sufficient to prevent
her from walking. In the afternoon she was assisted
into the yard, where she suddenly fainted ; recovering
from her faintiness some time after, she began to be
very bad. Her father prepared the medicine, but, find-
ing it disagreeable, she refused to take it. The next
morning, being very ill, her friends collected to see her
die. She was now willing to take the medicine, but her
stomach rejected it. Some of the attendants thought of
giving it in glysters: this was done, and immediately
she became easier. Shortly after, her stomach retained
the medicine in small doses, and the swelling and pain
abated. In three days time, she was well enough to go
out and visit one of her friends.

Case 6. Mr. B. was bitten by a Snake, and used the
Jestis-weed. It cured him in a very short time,

Case 7. Mr. J. S. was bitten by a Rattle-Snake, on
his little toe. He killed the snake, and by that time was
very ill. It seemed to him, that flashes of lightning
were continually blazing around him, and every tew mi-

60 On the Jestis-weed, as a Cure

nutes glows of heat ran over his whole body. His pains
were great, and his sickness at stomach extreme. His wife
held a chunk of very vivid fire near the wound (which,
she says, extracted the poison by drops); but he con-
tinued to grow worse, till the Jestis-weed medicine was
prepared. He then drank as much as he could, a cup-
ful two or three times in 15 minutes, and more after-
wards, as he found necessary. The first dose relieved
him in some measure, and he rapidly recovered. The
foot continued swelled, throbbing, and somewhat pain-
ful, for a week or more, but was cured by a poultice of
the weed boiled with corn-flour.

Case 8. One of Mr. M. S.’s children was bitten by
a large Rattle-Snake. None of the family knew Jestis-
weed, and it could not be procured till next day. The
child was screaming with pain all night, and, by the time
the medicine was ready, she was so prodigiously swell-
ed, that her eyes were completely closed. In two hours
after taking the medicine, she could open her eyes, and
the pain was gone. Ina day or two she perfectly re-
covered.

Case 9. Mr. W. D., in the spring of 1797, was bitten
by a large Rattle-Snake, just above his ancle. He first
applied Peach-leaves, boiled in salt and water, to the part,
which did no good. He next scarified all round the
wound, but, this not affording any relief, he made trial of
the Jestis-weed. By the time he had drank a tea-cupful
of the medicine, he was easier, and the pain and swelling
began to decrease. In his foot some swelling remained
for near a fortnight, when he perfectly recovered.

Sor the Bite of the Rattle- Snake, &e. 6l -

Many more cases of the efficacy of the Jestis-weed
might be collected, but I think these sufficient. No one
in the neighbourhood doubts its efficacy, as not a single
person has died on the Hills, in consequence of the bite
of a Snake, since this remedy was discovered, about 12
years ago.

IX. Miscellaneous Observations on the Natural History
of the Human Uterus. By Dr. Davineer, of Bal-
timore, in a letter to the Epircr.

Dear Sir,

I AM entering on a compartment to which I am
no stranger. Its topography is familiar to me: I have
traversed its fields; passed through its walks ; and ex-
plored its most intimate recesses, with great industry,
care, and minute observation. At least every day of
my life, I am engaged in the contemplation of the ob-
jects of this division, and ought, in some measure, to be
acquainted with them.

To be qualified to judge accurately, and well, of what
is without the scheme of nature, we should be well ac-
quainted with what is within her plan. A partial view
of her operations will lead us into error, and inconclu-
sive deduction. WhenI cast my eyes over the vast
scenes of nature, I with much delight observe her plan ;
I see animals, vegetables, and minerals: animals and
vegetables living, and reproducing; minerals growing,
each after its own kind.

62 Observations on the Natural Listory

When I leok into the body of a human female, I be-
hold organs of higher and lower importance: the
lungs to oxidate the blood, the stomach to digest the
food, the kidneys to secrete the urine, the uterus to
bear the young, &c. ‘The uterus and the ovaria, with
their appendages, are, equally with the stomach and
lungs, provided by nature. They are not morbid pro-
ductions. Each organ by nature is destined to certain
functions, or ofices. Am I deceived in this? Can the
ovaria and uterus be organs of nature, and yet concep-
tion and gestation be ‘“‘ grades of disease ??? Can any
human mind, in its calmer moments, when relieved from
the importunate entreaties of a new-born theory, con-
ceive any thing so incongruous, as that the ovaria and
uterus are organs of nature, and yet conception and
gestation are grades of disease ? Let us examine into
» this opinion.

In every perfect female body, we find organs of ge-
neration, as well as organs of digestion and respiration.
Our venereal appetencies are as regular as our appe-
tites for aliments of life, or our demands for the renewal
of the oxigenous stimulus to our blood; and it is as
natural to gratify the one as the other. If we cease to
gratify our appetites for food, or demands for respiration,
we die; if we cease to indulge our appetites for venery,
our kind becomes extinct. The former are death to
the body; the latter is death to the race.

Now, seeing that the organs of generation, with their
appetencies, are strictly conformable to the original inten-
tions of nature,- with what modesty or apology do we

of the Human Uterus. 63

say, that the result of these appetencies, and the func-
tions to which the organs are destined, are grades of
disease? Can an organ with its instinct be natural, and
nevertheless the only function of which it is capable be
morbid, or a grade of disease? Whenever a function is
performed agreeably to the fundamental and immutable
laws of nature, and without which intermediate function
the grand scheme of nature becomes broken and dis-
continuous, we intelligibly and with understanding argue
such function to be natural, or within the plan of nature.
Of the grand though inscrutable catenation of human
reproduction, that pregnancy is a distinguished link, no
man in the possession of a sound mind can entertain the
most extenuated doubt. If, then, a link connecting and
alone appending the Subsequent to the precedent gene-
ation, how can it be said to be a disease? A disease is
a mere contingency; a contingency declarative of an
aberration from the healthy economy of the animal body.
Disease is an accident to which nature is liable, but no
part of her economy can it constitute. But conception
and gestation are the very work of the maturity and
health of the animal body.

Were pregnancy a disease, or, as gentlemen please to
phrase it, a grade of disease, then were pregnancy, in its
inception, progression, and termination, truly fortuitous
and incidental. The sublime order of the universe
would be forced from its connection, its great design be
marred, ruined, and a second chaos involve its beauties.
Pregnancy is within the controul of uniform, determinate
laws, consecutively subject to the common government
of the economy of the body. The uniformity and regu-

64 Observations on the Natural History

larity of the laws of utero-gestation are inferrible from
the fixedness and constancy of its term.

That pregnancy is laid out and planned, in the deep,
unsearchable projection of nature, is deducible from the
accordance of the marriage state, bearing children, with
the most perfect health. Not unfrequently, indeed, the
stimulus of matrimony bears the body above diseases,
not otherwise manageable by our art. That women,
while pregnant, should be favoured with a total exemp-
tion from disease, is not at all consequential of the posi-
tion, that gestation is a condition of nature. Nature
may as readily be encumbered by disease, its various
ramifications entwining about her springs, in one part
of her motions as another. Dyspepsia at times invades
the stomach, but still digestion is a natural function ;
tubercles may be diffused through the lungs, interrupt-
ing their play, nevertheless respiration is a healthy ani-
mal operation.

Can a part of the economy of nature be so amelio-
rated, by medical aid, as to be better suited, in its re-
lations and operations, to the purposes of its office, than
it is by its original constitution? I answer in the nega-
tive. Then why shall we break in upon nature’s
works with our agency ? Gentlemen not only upturn
the foundations of the physical world, but they dream
of suspending the very denunciations of Heaven on the
point of their lancet.

During gestation, nature may, in her economy, be en-
cumbered by disease; and the plan of her procedure be

of the Human Uterus. 65

disturbed. But, as the cause of this disturbance is not
uniform in its specific relations, neither can the means
appealed to be without variety in their kind. To the
particular character of the disease, with which the preg-
nant female may be oppressed, the remedies, in extent
and nature, must be accommodated. If the powers of
life fall low, and she is unnerved by languor, arising
from luxury or poverty of diet, let her be advised to
suitable nutriment, cordial beverage, exhilarating com-
pany, and regular exercise. If the stomach be dis-
tressed by dyspepsia, she is directed to magnesia, alka-
lies, emetics, tonics, or lime-water; to which we add
exercise, the first and best mode of infusing vigour into
the system, with all its organs. If the bowels be slow,
aperients are pressed into service. _ If the body be raised
in its action by too high stimulation, general or local,
the circulation is to be tamed, the system tranquillized,
the rigid fibre relaxed, by the abstraction of blood;
which abstraction, in degree, will be according to the
accidents of each individual case, the general hurry, or
local impediment. All general rule is inadmissible ;
there can be no uniformity of usage, in things of them- |
selves contingent.

As I advance, I find that I have some matters of eti-
quette in science to adjust with an ingenious gentleman of
Wilmington, Dr. Vaughan, and also with a learned lec-
turer of Philadelphia. While I use towards these gen-
tlemen every personal civility and courtesy, I must be
permitted to indulge in liberal criticism on their senti-
ments. Error in youth is excusable, but in teachers
should be chastised.

VOL. III. PART'T. I

66 Observations on the Natural History

I proceed, in the first place, to notice, in detail, some
propositions from the pen of Dr. Vaughan, a gentleman
of much character and ingenuity, and who, by writing,
has became a teacher in the art of Midwifery. This
gentleman lays it down, as a part of his ground-work,
that ‘* several pounds of blood are retatned with the
mother, and transformed into foetal organization, and that
this fluid is the menses, reserved during ten lunar
months.”?

Dr. Vaughan promised, that, ‘‘ after giving Mr.
White’s opmion, with its authorities, in his own lan-
guage, he would reply to them in detailed order.”? He
then subjoins: ‘‘ It is immaterial to the present ques-
tion, whether the catamenia be occasioned by general
plethora or not ; if a given quantity of the sanguiferous
fluid, ordinarily discharged by essential laws” (surely
not a morbid hemorrhage dependent on essential laws),
** and retained in the pregnant state, the consequences
are the same.”? But if this given quantity be unequal
to the sum of the child’s weight, the consequences will
be very dissimilar ; and that it is unequal to it, we infer
from the respectable testimony of Dr. Vaughan himself.

In his foot-note, he says, that ‘‘ the weight of the
full-grown foetus, and its appendages, so far exceeds the
ordinary sum of the catamenia in ten lunar months,
that other excretions must be lessened ina considerable
degree.”” Rep. v. 6, p. 152.

This foot-note gives to me all I contend for ; it main-
tains, in the face of all opposition, that there cannot

of the Human Uterus. 67

possibly be ‘‘ a retention or accumulation,” in either
the general or uterine system, during the latter months
of pregnancy, but if there is this contribution laid on
other excretions, what occasion can there be for the use
of the lancet ? |

The Doctor then refers us, in a summary way, to the
opinions of Dr. Rush: opinions always respectable, and
entitled to the highest deference from the medical world.
But opinions and detailed arguments are not the same,
in my view.

_ At this moment, my pen is arrested by the melan-
choly tidings, that my able and worthy correspondent
has paid the great debt of mortality. In his mind burned
the lamp of science; from his heart rose the incense
of piety; and through his actions flowed the warm
stream of benevolence. But, alas! nature has her de-
mands, and in a tone and style too forcible and intelli-
gible to be misunderstood, speaks to her son: ‘ dust
thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”’

The menses are, with me, a natural secretion from
the arteries of the womb under ovarial influence. They
are the first to premonish even the tender virgin herself
of nubile maturity. They inspire their lovely authoress
with new desires, admonish her to new hopes, and
throw about her air all the ornament and force of irresis-
tible captivation, attraction, and grace.

When this conceptious female, from sexual inter-
course with her manly companion, becomes pregnant,

68 Observations on the Natural History

the uterine arteries cease their functions ; a new, though
temporary, organ begins its office. The placenta, en-
dowed with the function of a gland, provides nutriment
for the feetus. There are solitary cases, in which a spe-
cies of morbid hemorrhage, or vicarious menses, con-
tinues throughout pregnancy. Is this efflux of blood
from the vessels of the os tincz?

But to return, and fairly examine into the merits of
the proposition, giving it the fullest possible bearing on
the subject. I will, for the moment, concede the point
before us. Let the menses be formed, and be retained,
according to the pleasure of the writer. The total sum
of fluid, amassed during nine calendar, or even ten /u-
nar months, would not be, upon the most liberal esti-
mate for foetal organization, more than five pounds of
aliment, allowing six ounces to each catamenial period.
An ordinary child weighs from ten to fifteen pounds :
that is, from five to ten pounds more than the total sum
of the fluid retained.

How far does this go to demonstrate, that foetal or-
ganization derives its sources from the menstruous fluid?
And here I might, not inaptly, subjoin a second pro-
blem: If the human foetus be made up of the menstru-
ous fluid, whence are the materials for the organization
of the young of the lower animals furnished? ‘They have
no menses. "

The Doctor’s proposition extends much farther. It
not only insinuates, but directly maintains, that this
fluid is retained, and yet is transformed into feetal or-

of the Human Uterus. 69

ganization! What! is the menstrual fluid retained with
the mother, constituting a source on which we may ad-
vantageously draw with the lancet, and moreover is
transformed into feetal organization? ‘This is a species
of logic, to my understanding, neither forcible nor clear.

The doctrine is wholly wrong, both in its premises
and conclusion ; and, of all hypotheses within the reach
of a sprightly fancy, the most unhappy in its deductions
for the general rule of blood-letting, with which it was .
proposed to quadrate.

Still further to illustrate his favourite doctrine of
blood-letting during utero-gestation, this gentleman re-
fers us to the concentration of excitement in the gravid
uterus, and the extra-vitality of impregnation ; to the
tenacity of pregnant females for life, and the surviving
existence of the foetus in utero, after the death of the
mother. I am not prepared to determine, whether an
impregnated female is more vivacious than an unim-
pregnated one. There are not sufficient documents be-
fore the public, for us to enter on this disquisition.
That a foetus in utero survives five minutes, or even
two, the death of the mother, is what the facts hitherto
furnished by faithful obstetric record directly oppose.
The child ceases to live, immediately after it ceases to re-
ceive, through the mediation of the placenta, oxigen
from the mother’s blood. The chick may have its
blood oxidated through the shell with which it is en-
cased, but the human foetus cannot have this necessary
supply through the walls of the abdomen. *

70 Observations on the Natural History

Obstetric history expands to our view many in-
stances of judicious, well-managed efforts to save the
child on the death of the mother; but their ill success
has devolved the iteration of these efforts on those who
can believe, that the foetus can live without the constant
renovation of the oxigenous stimulus.

We have no materials of which the theory of the
continuity of circulation, between the mother and child,
can be constructed. Injections, thinner than red-blood,
have not, as yet, found their way from one to the other,
And, were the circulation continuous, and immediate,
a lifeless mother could not support a living child. The
alimental supply before birth, as before observed, is by
means of the placenta, acting as a gland, as it is subse-
quently furnished by the mamme.

Dr. Dewees, in his thesis, the mirror from which all
the features of his doctrine are reflected to us, adopts
the hypothesis, ‘‘ that they (pregnancy and parturition)
ought to be considered as diseases, according to the
opinion of Dr. Rush, one of the greatest ornaments of
medicine, in the present or any antecedent age. This
he infers from the necessity, in too many instances, a
few cases only excepted, of our being obliged to miu-
gate their violence, or shorten their duration*.”

ne

* “Pregnancy.” Though a nafural alteration of the animal
economy, which every female seems originally formed to undergo,

and hence not to be considered as a state of disease,” &c.
. Encyclopaedia.

of the Human Uterus. 71

To this I can affix no definite, determinate idea.
*¢ Shorten their duration !’? And are we obliged, in the
general, to shorten the duration of pregnancy? The
Doctor cannot possibly be serious in this ; yet he says,
that, ‘‘ we are obliged ;’’ it is not a point of choice, ‘to
mitigate their violence, and shorten their duration,”
viz., the duration of pregnancy and parturition. Then
pregnancy has no fixed, legitimate term! It is as salu-
tary and regular-at six, as at nine months! Would the
extraction of a given quantity of. the blood of the ches-
nut-tree improve the maturation of its nut, or aid the
evolution of the burr ?

A rose, whether cultivated in America, or transplanted
to the soil of Russia, howsoever altered in its foliage,
its cfllorescence, or the tints of its petals, continues to
be one of the chief natural ornaments of the parterre.
Pregnancy remains, amidst all the mutations of climate,
and cultivation of civilization, a natural condition; an
indefeasible right of nature.

“The uterus is a hollow viscus, in which the great
object of conception is performed.” To my under-
standing, this sentence is extremely obscure; it is
wholly unintelligible. ‘* The uterus is a hollow viscus,
in which the great object of conception is performed.”
The author certainly does not wish to convey the idea,
that the uterus is the organ of conception; and yet to
me, the sentence is insusceptible of any other interpreta-
tion. It leaves no room for his brilliant discovery of
the passage of the second ovum, in case of superfcta-
tion, along the fallopian tube; its separation of the

72 Observations on the Natural History

membrana decidua from the parietes of the uterus, and
getting within this hollow viscus. Of all the disco-
veries in the mystery of generation, this is by far the
most splendid*. An embryon, with its water and invo-
lucra, the whole not equiponderant with two grains,
forcibly breaking up the attachment of the membrana
decidua, and making for itself room in the cavity of
the uterus! Does this embryon force its way by me-
chanical powers, or melt down the band of attachment
between the lining membrane and wall a the uterus, by
certain chemical properties ?

The sentence in itself is a handsome display of the
ability with which some gentlemen are favoured, of
making a pretty arrangement of words, without infusing
into them the power of making a definite impression on
the reader’s mind.

But again to the thesis. ‘‘ However easy the act of
child-bearing may be, among savage tribes, and certain

* « This resistance will, however, be soon overcome; either by the
ordinary efforts of the tube, or by the ovum resting unusually long,
and beginning to develope, obliging the mouth of the tube to open,”
&e. Museum, V.1, No. 2, p. 172.

What efforts are these, that can overcome the resistance offered
by the attachment of the lining membrane of the gravid uterus?
The more the ovum developes, the less the probability of a passage
through the mouth of the tube. The ovum, under these circume
stances, must remain in the tube, and constitute an extra-uterine
fetus. Perhaps the ovum would travel into the uterus, as Dr. Har-
rison’s semen would travel outof it. See Museum, V.1, No. 1, p. 59.

of the Human Uterus. 73

individuals in various states of society, we find it, among
others, an operation of great pain, and frequent danger.”

Here is an assumption of principles, upon the begged
question ; a gratuitous assumption of the very points at
issue. The sentence, with the following parts of the pa-
ragraph, of which it is a member, embraces as acknow-
ledged facts, two points: the one, that the parturient
act with the savage is uniformly easy, without pain or
difficulty ; the other, that, with the civilized woman,
civilization and refinement have produced difficulty,
pain, and danger. Neither of these positions are true.

The first rests upon the insufficient grounds furnished
by the reports, vague and highly questionable, of tra-
vellers. Travellers are privileged men ; in an especial:
manner so, when they undertake to write and speak of
things, to which they could not possibly have access.
Whatever is uncommon, or without the usual routine
of things, is, by a savage, uncultivated people, in a high
degree deserving of notice; is among the first objects
of communication to a stranger. The reports, in them-
selves, convey to me the fullest satisfaction that they

_are not the facts of observation ; that they are mere un-
usual, extraordinary matters, which, from their infre-
quency and being out of the usual course of things, be-
come the marvellous points of communication. But
even the authors of these wonderful tales do not tell us,
that the labour with the savage is without pain. From
these persons we collect the information, that, among
this unsettled sort of people, there are no persons, male
or female, devoting themselves to the obstetric art. If

VOE, III. PART I. K

74 Observations on the Natural History

this be correct, whence is their information ? Have they

made it a matter of private enquiry with the individual
Squaws ?

Are there no instances of preternatural presentation
among the Calabrian socicties ; such as that of the arm,
back, or belly ? Would these too be without pain or
difficulty ?. These tales of uncivilized life are told to us
in a most uncivil manner. They are an indecorous at-
tack on the understanding of every man.

The savage, the negro, and the poorer sort of pea-
santry, are in their condition nearly similar. They pre-
sent not dissimilar phenomena to the eye of observation.
And with them there is naturally, and originally, in re-
lation to the commencement of labour, an equal degree
of difficulty, pain, and danger. Nature, inthe general,
is upon the same scale, and is safe; I speak of the ne-
gro, the peasant, and the savage. Mischief is the re-
sult of rude and clumsy art, in the hands of adventurous
ignorance.

In fine, we have no authorities upon which we can,
with safety, proceed in our investigations into the state
of parturition, amidst savage life. And what are we to
think of the narratives of men, totally without the means
of instruction, in respect to the affairs of the woman of
the forests, when a lecturer can publish to the world,
‘that the labours of the brute are not generally attend-
ed with pain, or difficulty.’? Have any of these intelli-
gent travellers been at the couch of the lion, or the lair
of the wild-hog, the den of the wolf, or the hole of the

of the Human Uterus. 75

fox? The female horse may die with her foal in her
matrix ; there are birds of prey and quadrupeds, fierce
and carnivorous: who is to save from the talons of
the one, and the jaws of the other, the objects of our re-
search? In speaking of the brute, the Doctor cannot
certainly allude to such as browse our meadows, bound
along our plains, or to the trusty animal that faithfully
guards the shepherd’s flock. Such news, bearing the
stamp of authenticity, would be joyous tidings to the
farmer.

The Abbé Raynal wrote a book, the object of which
was to prove to the credulous world, the deterioration
of all animals, even man, in this western world. From
whom did the Abbé get his information? From tra-
vellers. From whom do learned gentlemen get their
information? From travellers.

From the most correct view I can get of the subject,
I am inclined to believe, that natural labours (all labours
are natural in themselves, and only unnatural in their
circumstances) are as frequently interrupted by rigidity
of the os uteri, with or without inflammation, among
the laborious negroes of the farm, or the peasants of the
thatched hut, as among the most delicate ladies, who
live amidst all the luxuries of civilization and refine-
ment; indeed, much more so. My opportunities, on
this head, are not very limited. .

It avails nothing to say, that we have departed from
the life of the savage, and that an equal departure from
the simple dictates of nature, in search of a corrective, is

76 Observations on the Natural History

necessary. With the savage and with the civilized wo-
man, the mechanism of labour is the same. ‘There is
a certain compound resistance to be overcome by the
co-operation of given forces of expulsion. A change
from the savage mode, to that of civilized life, does not,
and cannot, alter the relation between this sum of com-
pound resistance and these forces of expulsion. It’
neither abstracts from the aggregate of one, nor dimi-
nishes the efficiency of the other. If the one be altered,
the other is equally altered. They are equally depen-
dent on the same economy of the general whole.

Can we believe, with the lecturer, that ‘‘the man (a
specific term, by which an individual is put for the spe-
cies) of the civilized world, has lost much of his origi-
nal strength,”’ &c., and yet, that this man, thus plunder-
ed of his powers, is more subject to inflammation,
&c.? Sir, what do you think of that philosophy which
points out the lax fibre, the body with ruined energies,
as the proper subject of rigidity, the very object eligible
for the lancet ? Can your ingenuity unfold to you, how
the delicate lady, whose bed is down, and whose life is
inaction, can be more obnoxious to inflammation, rigi-
dity, &c., and better able to bear large abstractions of
blood, than the wild savage, whose body, like that of the
hardy rustic, is braced by exercise, whose blood is pure
and rich, from a simple, yet substantial diet* ?

_ ™ We generally find the women of the country more obnoxious
to it (pain) than those of cities.” Museum, Vol.1, No. 3, p. 280.

And this is, I suppose, a logical deduction from the proposition,
that “ pain is produced by civilization and refinement!” Then the

of the Human Uterus. 77

But, to fill up the measure of this singular philosophy,
the lecturer declares, that, althougn the man of the civi-
lized world has lost much of his original strength, ‘ the

circular muscles, the heart and intestines, as far as we
ean determine, have lost nothing of their primitive pow-
ers.”?, Now, if the circulation, which depends on the
heart, and the digestion, the office of the alimentary ca-
nal, be in the vigour they were in during the days of
our first parents, the man of the civilized world cannot
have fallen off much. Where there is a vigorous circu-
lation, and strong digestive powers, the muscular ener-
gies of the body cannot be low. I allude to those mus-
cular energies (I believe the long, straight muscles to be
concerned) which qualify the Hibernian, in proud con-
tempt, to poise his shilelah, the nervous Englishman to
shake the very walls of the theatre of pugilism with
loud huzzas, when he has pushed his unequal antago-
nist on some unresisting spot ; which qualified the proud
Roman to project the coit, or throw the javelin; the
alert Greek, covered with sweat and dust, to carry off the
prize in the gymnastic circles ; or brawny American to
turn, In coarse exultation, from his fallen competitor.

The doctrine of the circular muscles is new; I am
not prepared to receive or admit it. I believe it to be

hard-working woman of the city, and the laborious of the country,
are the civilized ; and the delicate, refined lady of the city is the un-
civilized woman. Brydone certainly did not add to the facility of
birth with the Sicilian women, that they were also “savages.” In
the Museum, all the advantages are with the lady of the city. In the
essay, she has lost every thing “by civilization and. refinement.”
See p. 48, &c.

78 Observations on the Natural History

wholly inadmissible, from our present anatomical know-
ledge, and social observation.

Dr. Dewees talks as lightly and familiarly of labours
“* without pain*,’? as if they were the offspring of daily
observation. In the examination of matters of science,
we are necessarily restricted from all loose modes of ex-
pression. We are not to be indulged in tropes, and
figures, and flowers of rhetoric, by way of decoration to
our subject. Iam a good deal sceptical about labours
without pain ; and, when I look at the immense volume
of female experience, as it is unfolded in every age, and
every nation, I am led still farther to doubt. The world
should, at least, have furnished one case, where the
throes of labour have been passed through without pain.
I have not, as yet, read one honest account of such a
case, except where the sensibilities were benumbed by
stupor, suspended by syncope, or annihilated by death.

The ancient doctrines of Boerhaave make but an awk-
ward appearance in their new American dress : doctrines
that enlightened science had committed to the stream of

* “ And of women delivered without pain, it would be idle to cite
them, as they must occur in every man’s practice.” Essay, p. 43.

I have never met with one of these labours without pain; and, to
my recollection, neither Smellie, nor Hamilton, nor Denman, nor
Baudelocque, nor La Motte, nor Levret, nor Louverjat, nor Walker,
&c., &c., speak of such a thing, where the body retained its sensibi-
lities. These men write of easy labours with little pain, and yet their
practice was not among savages. Were these painless cases of the
Essay among civilized people ?

of the Human Uterus. 79

time, that they might no longer reproach the under-
standings of professors. That pregnancy is a state of
disease, was taught by Boerhaave to his pupils, and com-
mented on by Vansweiten, in his illustrations of Boer-
haave’s Aphorisms*. It is like many other discoveries
that are now-a-days fallen on.

The first few pages of Dr. Dewees’s pamphlet excited
my surprize; but, when I arrived at the article upon
blood-letting, I was overwhelmed with astonishment.
He gravely tells us, that in labours attended by rigidity
of the os uteri, with or without inflammation, with irre-
gular contraction, &c., the utility of the lancet origi-
nated in his own observation, and with himself! That
‘in diminishing pain, disposing the os uteri to dilate,
the external parts to unfold, &c., blood-letting origi-
nated, as far as I am acquainted, with myself}.”? Are
all preceding writers on general midwifery silent on this
head? Or is the Doctor’s reading limited to his own
writings? Each writer must speak for himself.

* “Morbi gravidarum.” Postquam gravida est femina, pluri-
mis afficitur malis ex sola graviditate oviundis.” Boer. Afh. 1293.

“ Facile patet, hic tantum agi de illis morbis, qui a graviditate,
tanquam causa, pendent, non autem de illis, qui graviditatis tempore
contingunt quidem, verum aliis causis originem debent.”

Vansweiten.

With parity of reason Boerhaave might have said, that the func-
tion by which the blood is oxidated is a state, a gradation of disease,
because, in the first acts of respiration, children utter cries of appa-
vent alarm and pain. Certainly such things can only pointout to us
the present general state of suffering humanity.

t Essay, p. 63.

80 Observations on the Natural History

** In lingering labours, when the’ parts are rigid, if the
patient is of a plethoric habit, with quick strong pulse,””
says Smellie, ‘‘ the contrary method (opposed to cor-
dials) is to be used, such as venesection, antiphlogistic
medicines*,”? &c. Here is the doctrine recognized by
old Smellie, an unfashionable writer it is true, in all its —
principles. He advises venesection in rigidity of the
softer parts. For what purpose? Surely ‘to dispose
them to dilate, to unfold” before the head of the child,
to prevent or cure, as the case might be, inflammation.
He could not, nor could any other rational man, suggest
to us blood-letting, merely for the ceremony of the
thing. He must have intended it to be in its extent
commensurate with the circumstances of the case.

Thus, where Baudelocque remarks, that ‘‘ at bleed-
ing made to the purpose (a happy expression), with
emollient, mucilaginous injections, the warm-bath, &c.,
* * * * can relax the rigidity of the neck of the womb,
and render its dilatation easy.’? He does not restrict us
to any given quantity. There is, however, but one
thing to be understood. The bleeding is to be “‘ @ pro-
fos ;”? suited to the circumstances of the case, as to ex-
tent, and done in time. What reasonable man could
have said more ?

* Smellie, vol. I, p..221.

t “ Une saignée faite & fprrofios, des injections emolientes et muci-
lagineuses, les bains * * * * pour afoiblir la roideur du col de la
matrice, et en faciliter ’ouverture.” Tom.I, par. 1145. Baudelocque.

of the Human Uterus. 81

In the same strain, we observe the opinions of Den-
man to run on “fever and local inflammation’? (rigidity
with inflammation). This excellent accoucheur says,,
that ‘‘ It does not seem necessary to bleed every patient
on the accession of labour, and for some it would be
highly improper. But whenever the feverish symptoms
become violent, it (blood-letting) is, I believe, wniver-
sally proper; the quantity of blood taken away, being
suited to the degree of fever, and to the constitution of
the patient*.’’ If the fever arises from local inflamma-
tion, as we understand from the head of the section, and
as there must be fain where there is local inflammation
producing fever, he assuredly prescribed blood-letting
‘* for the diminishing of pain.”

A little farther on, a few pages only, the same judi-
eious man adds: ‘‘ For the prevention of such difficul-
ties as may attend the first act of parturition, in those
who are advanced in age, we have been advised to order
frequent and small bleedings towards the conclusion of
pregnancy.” For what is this advice? For no other
purpose that I can devise, than “to dispose the rigid os
uteri to dilate, and the external parts to unfold.”

To those already adduced, I will add Hamilton, who
tells us, that in “‘ crampish spasms of the belly,” or vis-
cera within the belly, we are to have recourse “ to vene-
section, glysters,”” &c. And in the subsequent para-
graph he subjoins, that “ inflammatory diathesis, in
young subjects of strong rigid fibres, and plethoric ha-

* Denman, vol. IT, p. 59, 59.

VOL. Tile PART I. L

82 Observations on the Natural History

bits, must be obviated by venesection, repeated glys-
ters*,”? &c.

It will now appear that blood-letting has been used,
by those writers that are well entitled to a place in the
library of every medical gentleman, ‘ for diminishing —
pain, disposing the os uteri to dilate, the external parts
to unfold,” &c.; and that these writers recognize and
enforce the doctrine of blood-letting in its fullest extent,
so far as rational men can go. The doctrine, with its
principles, is all that can be contended for. ‘The appli-
cation must rest with the judgment and discretion of
the practising accoucheur.

In the quotation of the 1960th paragraph of Baude-
locque, there is great injustice done the learned French-
man, as it is cited in the thesis. Why were the ‘‘ pro-
per methods,” so hastily passed over? Are they unde-
serving of notice? What are those ‘ proper methods,”
that are to have place before the accoucheur is to think
of the cutting instrument? Turn to paragraph 1145,
and you will see it to be nothing less than what the
learned lecturer claims as his discovery, ‘‘ blood-let-
ting,” &c.

It may not be amiss to remark, that there are two
states of unyielding os uteri: the one from an inflamma-
tory disposition, the other from a cartilaginous state.
How the lancet will succeed in real cartilage, we are
scarcely prepared to determine. The bistoury should

* Hamilton, p. 156.

:
;

oS oo oe

of the Human Uterus. 88

be the last thing thought on by the accoucheur. This
is Baudelocque’s doctrine.

That, by a loss of blood to any extent whatever,
the practitioner will prevent the disease called the
““ swelling of the lower limb of the lying-in woman,”
Dr. Dewees will not again assert, when he shall have
taken a better and nearer view of that disease. It is as
common in feeble, exhausted habits, as in robust, ple-
thoric ones. I write from observation. See also Char-
les White, of Manchester, Denman, &c.

Of cicatrices I have no experience ; but I can have no
very exalted opinion of that remedy, which, after several
repetitions, leaves the case to be relieved by the forceps.
The lancet would be proper without question, so far as
irritation and inflammation might be threatened from the

"effects of long-continued, violent throes,

From what has been premised, I deduce the follow-

_ Ing conclusions :

1. That pregnancy, whether with the savage or civi-
lized woman, is a state of nature, and parturition an act
of nature, but subject to interruption by disease.

2. That the doctrine of pregnancy being a disease is
inconsistent with the order of nature, at variance with
common observation, in itself indefensible, and of the
school of Boerhaave.

84 Observations on the Natural History

3. That the rigid os uteri, with or without inflam-
mation, is a rare occurrence, there not being more than
ten cases in a thousand of ordinary practice, where the
accoucheur would be called on for the aid of his art.

4. That blood-letting has been considered and pre-
scribed as a remedy, ‘‘ for diminishing pain, disposing
the os uteri to dilate, the external parts to unfold,”’ &c.,
by Smellie, by Denman, by Figienton, and by Baude-
locque*.,

T will close this letter, with a short admonition to
young practitioners. It would be well for gentlemen,
when they enter the room of a lying-in patient, to carry
with them, not their lancet, for I have understood that

* “Tam aware that this remedy (blood-letting) is not a new one
to a certain degree; but, I believe it has never yet been advised nor
used in the copious manner, nor regulated by the morbid pheno-
mena” (rigidity, local inflammation, unyielding disposition of the
soft parts, &c.) “ of child-bearing, which have been mentioned.”
Rush, Refi. vol. VI, p. 20.

«“ This remedy (blood-letting) is by no means a new one, in la-
bour; but employed for the express purpose of diminishing pain,
and subduing the various species of rigidity just spoken of, and car-
vied to an extent that will ensure these objects, that is, diminishing
pain, disposing the os uteri to dilate, the external parts to unfold,
&c., originated, as far as I am acquainted, with myself.” Dewees.
Essay, p. 62.

If, sir, you will compare these two paragraphs, I think you will
coincide in opinion with me, that, were they in different languages,
the one might, with the strictest justice, be considered as a free
iranslation of the other. Did Dr. Dewees ever read Dr. Rush?

of the Human Uterus. 85

those who wear the sword are apt imprudently to use
the sword, but a good stock of composure and patience,
and confidence in the resources and abilities of nature ;
and, above all, a sound, discriminating, well-instructed
judgment. Thus provided, I think that I can assure
them, they will seldom leave the room with feelings un-
grateful to themselves, or a reputation disadvantageous
to the art of the accoucheur.

_In my next speculation, I shall confine my pen to the
mechanism of labour. I shall endeavour to demonstrate,
that if the lancet will relax the softer parts through which
the child is to pass, it will also reduce the efficiency of
the throes, necessary to the detrusion of the child; and,
that where one ordinary case will be benefited, one
hundred will be injured, by the lancet.

. Iam yours, &c.,

Joun B. Davince.
Baltimore, March 25th, 1807.

X. Some Account of the Epidemic Diseases which pre-
vail at Mays-Lick, in Kentucky. In a letter to the
Eviror, from Dr. Danie, Drake.

TO fill up this sheet, I will copy from my com-
mon-place-book some observations on the topography
and diseases of that part of Kentucky in which | lived,
after my return from Philadelphia, till about three months
ago. The village in which I lived is 12 miles from the
Ohio. It is remote from any marsh, pond, or consider-
able stream of water; the land is fertile and rolling; the

86 Account of the Epidemic Diseases

springs, though numerous, are most of them transient.
The inhabitants of this little place, and the surrounding
country, had, for many years, enjoyed a high degree of
health. An epidemic, till last year, was almost un-
known to them; but it formed a sad reverse. A fever
of the typhous or typhoid kind, attended with bilious
symptoms, prevailed in every house in the village, and
in many in its vicinity. I shall not attempta history of
it, but will merely give you a few of the results of my
observations on it.

1. The majority were attacked between the 1st and
10th or 15th of October, but several both before and
afterwards.

2. Sometimes typhous symptoms appeared at the
commencement, but in most cases it was at the begin-
ning somewhat inflammatory.

3. In November and December it was attended with
more typhous symptoms than in September and Oc-
tober. -

4, Bilious symptoms were present in almost every
instanee. In some cases, large quantities of bile were
discharged.

5. It was certainly not infectious, for visitors did not
take it, and yet, in two families, it gradually attacked
almost every member of them.

which prevail at Mays-Lick,in Kentucky. 87

6. The tongue, in almost every case, was covered
with numerous small papille, which were more ob-
vious to the sight than touch. They occurred whether
the tongue were dry or moist, blackish or whitish.
They also occurred in every case of indisposition
which I witnessed that autumn, from whatever cause.

7. Either during the formation, progress, decline, or
convalescence of this fever, a diarrhoea uniformly oc-
curred.

8. Pains in the extremities were very common. They
were sometimes periodical. They generally occurred
towards the decline of the fever, and, in almost every
case, indicated a favourable termination. ‘They disco-
vered that the sensibility of the system was not exhaust-
ed. Ina case that terminated fatally, no pain attended
through the whole course of the fever, neither could any
be excited by blisters and sinapisms. When these
pains were violent, they were most effectually relieved
by ‘blisters over the part affected, and by sweating.

9. Boils and other abscesses were extremely com-
mon: they were favourable appearances. ‘They gene-
rally occurred about the termination of the disease.

10. When a free determination to the skin, cither
spontaneously, or by the use of sudorific medicines,
took place, the disease generally terminated favourably.

11., In‘most cases, quotidian intermissions, or remis-
sions, were obseryaile.

88 Account of the Epidemic Diseases

12. Occasional chills were not uncommon ; and, as
they indicated the existence of considerable sensibility,
they were a favourable symptom.

13. When strong emetic, cathartic, and sudorific me- »
dicines were exhibited, and operated freely at the com-
mencement, they generally destroyed the fever.

14. I bled freely in two or three instances, when
there seemed to be considerable inflamimatory diathesis ;
but, as they proved to be among the most dangerous
cases that occurred, I left it off.

15. The general plan of treatment, and one which I
partly derived from Dr. Duke, a respectable and old
practitioner, was to exhibit emetics and cathartics freely
at the commencement, and at any subsequent period
when they seemed necessary ; to exhibit diaphoretic
medicines at every period of the disease; to apply
blisters and sinapisms during the whole course of the
fever, but more especially towards the latter stages ;
and to exhibit stimulants and tonics freely, after the
transient inflammatory symptoms of the commencement
were abated.

The cause of this fever I shall not attempt to assign ;
but will mention those circumstances which were at-
tendant upon iH.

1. The summer and autumn were remarkably dry.
Almost every spring was exhausted. The wheat, &c.,
ripened nearly two weeks earlier than usual; and whole

which prevail at Mays-Lick, in Kentucky. — 89

fields of corn were destroyed. Almost every different
kind of tree defoliated much earlier than usual ; and the
leaves of some were dried up without assuming those
beautiful colours that precede their fall*.

2. In proportion to the number of showers which fell,
we had very little lightning and thunder.

3. There was, I think, more east-wind than usual.

4, Several different species of insects were uncom-
monly numerous.

a. The army worm (your Phalaea migratoria?).

6. A green worm, about the same size, which committed
great ravages upon the leaves of the Hackberry-tree.

ce. Small insects not much unlike, but much larger than
Pediculi ; with a tuft of white filaments from 3 to 6
lines in length, rising out of the superior posterior
part of their bodies. These insects I saw exclusively
on the limbs of the Beach-tree. I saw them in no
other state than the one I have mentioned. It was
about the middle of September.

* This was more especially the case with the Pau-pow (Annona
glabra?). The leaves became dry, and curled up without assuming
that light yellow colour which precedes their fall, generally. This
drying up uniformly commenced at the apex of the leaf; but the
yellow colour generally commences at the base, and, in most gases,
on one side of the petiole.

+ This worm has not appeared during the present year.
VOL. III. PART I. M

90 Account of the Epidemic Diseases, &e.

d. A worm which destroys the unripe ears of Indian
corn. ‘This worm is seen every summer, but was
uncommonly numerous and destructive last summer.
In some fields scarcely an ear was unaffected.

I do not pretend to see any connection, after the
manner of cause and effect, between these facts and our
little epidemic, but, as I cannot assign any cause for it,
and as these occurrences were all cotemporary, I thought
them’ worth mentioning. Evils often seem gregarious.

I am yours, &c.,
DaniEL Drake.
Cincinnati, Ohio, July 22d, 1807.

XI. Case of Tetanus, cured by Injections of Tobacco,
&e. In a letter to the Enrtor, from P. K. Rocers,
M. D., of Philadelphia.

Dear Sir,

I TAKE pleasure in transmitting to you the
following particulars, respecting the case of tetanus,
which I mentioned at our late conversation.

March 7th, at nine o’clock in the evening, I was re-
quested to visit Miss K. H., about twenty years of age,
who was in a state of uncommon agony. Her mother,
subject to epilepsy, was seized with a fit a few hours be-
fore: and, while Miss H. stood by her unfortunate pa-
rent, a witness to her suffering, the chimney of the
apartment took fire. Miss H., from excessive emotion,
or alarm, became faint and speechless. Her sudden

Tetanus cured by Injections of Tobacco. 91

paleness, trembling, and hurried respiration, were soon
succeeded by coldness of the extremities, some flushing
of the countenance, pain, and spasm. The painful sen-
sations increasing in violence, she screamed, groaned,
and muttered, but could not articulate.

When I entered the apartment, I found her in the
state of suffering just mentioned. She had been bled,
and was supported in a chair with her feet in warm wa-
ter. The pulse, at this moment, was fluttering, irregu-
lar, and, I think, as small and frequent as that of a new-
born infant. I was disposed to think the abstraction of
blood had been of hurtful influence. The pains, by
which she was most agonized, passed from the cartilago
ensiformis, and from the extremities of the false ribs,
to the back, and seemed to be connected with spasm
of the diaphragm. The seat of pain, in connection with
other circumstances, led me to predict the establishment
of a formidable tetanic affection.

Sinapisms were immediately applied to her wrists,
and /audanum, and the balsam of Peru, were adminis-
tered in liberal doses, without affording any evident re-
lief, though the pulse was rendered stronger, more full,
and less frequent.

March 8th, morning. The neck was stiff; the head
immoveable, inclining backward ; the extremities some-
times moderately rigid, sometimes feebly convulsed, and
occasionally relaxed; the countenance was flushed, the
heat of the body above the healthy state, and the pulse
active.

92 Tetanus cured by Injections of Tobacco.

A dose of castor-oil, assisted by a purgative enema,
procured a plentiful alvine evacuation, nearly of the na-_
tural appearance. :

Evening. The spasmodic action became more vehe-
ment ; the limbs and back were affected with pain ; the
distressing traction at the scrobiculis cordis increased.
She could not swallow; the mouth was fixed open, and
the jaws immoveable. Opisthotonic spasm, general ri-
gidity, and convulsions, recurred by turns.

The warm-bath procured transient relief, enabling the
attendants to administer enemata with laudanum at in-
tervals. She passed an easier night, probably from these
measures ; but could not sleep. She spoke a few words
during the night, and took some drink.

March 9th, morning. The spasms returned with
still greater violence ; skin warmer than natural; pulse
active ; deglutition again stopped ; jaws locked.

I questioned the propriety of employing the warm-
bath in this state; I likewise thought the cold-bath pre-
carious; and the impossibility of giving medicine by
the mouth, forced me to deliberate on other measures.
I conceived that vomiting, if it could be induced, would
mitigate the violence of the general spasms; and it occur-
red to me, that tobacco, while it would induce vomiting,
might prove useful by a more general influence on the
system. I therefore determined to give it a trial. I did
not then know, that tobacco had before been employed
in tetanus by any one. And accordingly I mentioned

°

Tetanus cured by Injections of Tobacco. 93

to my pupils, Mr. G. and Mr. R., that I believed it to
be a new expedient*. These gentlemen frequently vi-
sited Miss H., and paid particular attention to the treat-
ment that was instituted.

A mash of tobacco leaves was applied to the scrobi-
culis cordis, but in six hours no obvious effect resulted.
On removing the tobacco, the warm bath was repeated ;
it gave less relief than before.

Evening. One dram of tobacco was boiled in six
ounces of water, and the decoction employed as an ene-
ma. Vomiting and general relaxation instantly took
place ; the vomiting proved remarkably severe ; articu-
lation and deglutition were restored. She enjoyed some
sleep in the night, and remained free from spasm till
morning.

March 10th, morning. On entering the room, I wit-
nessed a violent state of rigidity and spasm, in the shape
of opisthotonos: in this condition it was impossible to
repeat the enema. As soon, however, as a partial re-
laxation permitted, the enema of tobacco was exhibited
in the same dose as before ; its effects were instantane-
ous; the vomiting was still more violent than in the
former instance, and the removal of spasm equally sud-
den and general. There was no purgative operation
from the enema.

* You have since informed me of cases in which it had been
previously used, andalso of yourown attention to the subject in your
lectures.

94. Tetanus cured by Injections of Tobacco.

Evening. Remained free from spasm since the exhi-
bition of the enema; complained of considerable pain
at the point of the sternum, and along the spine, and on
the back of the head and neck.

Deglutition being easy, an infusion of half an ounce
of senna, and two ounces of manna, was given in por-
tions, until the whole was taken. The alvine discharge
was copious, fluid, and offensive.

March 11th, morning. Remained free from general
spasm ; the head had assumed a more natural posture ;
the pains were less severe, though still considerable.

A third enema of tobacco was prescribed ; I learn,
however, that, in consequence of the severity of its influ-
ence, the patient would not admit it. The cathartic in-
fusion was repeated.

March 12th, morning. Has had several dark-colour-
ed feetid stools; slept towards morning ; no return of
the general spasms ; the pains about the scrobiculis cor-
dis, and those of the neck and back remained severe ;
there was some traction of the diaphragm. The cathar-
tic infusion was again administered.

March 13th, morning. Improved in health; the
purging medicine griped very much, and procured se-
veral small stools, the last of which was bloody ; she
drank abundantly, and took light nourishment. A light
diet was recommended ; and twelve grains of rhubarb

er

Tetanus cured by Injections of Tobacco. 95

were given, morning and evening, till the i9th, when
medical attention became unnecessary.

The friends of the patient, my pupils, and myself,
united in ascribing the removal of the spasms to. the
enemata of tobacco. And the purgatives contributed
very evidently to favour and promote convalescence.

I am yours, &c.,

P. KR. Rocers.

XII. Miscellaneous Observations on the Natural History
of the Human Uterus. By Dr. Davince, of Bal-

timore. In a letter to the Epriror.

Dear Srr,

IN my last I gave a promise, that, m this my
subsequent speculation, I would restrict my pen to la-
bour; to the symptoms proper to labour; and to the
forces by which it is effectuated: that I would endea-
vour to demonstrate labour to be morally and physically
painful; and this, from the present condition of huma-
nity, to be of necessity, and not of contingence. I more-
over promised, and in this the promise chiefly consisted,
to demonstrate the inadmissibility, in ordinary, natural
labours, of the use of the lancet; that, in ninety-nine out

_ of the hundred ordinary labours, it must be productive

of unpleasant consequences to the parturient patient, and,
when copiously used, it must retard labour. 1 now take
up my pen to fill up the measure of my promise.

96 Observations on the Natural History

We will suppose the woman to be entering on her
ninth month, as, until the first ten days of that shall have
elapsed, there is no symptom of approaching labour.
Within about three weeks of the period of actual partu-
rition, the woman begins to perceive a subsidence in
the epigastric and hypochendriac regions. This subsi-
dence is not a mere chimerical deception of the sense of
the woman ; it is an actual change, and becomes more
and more the"$ubject of regard, until the period of con-
finement. This subsidence has been a source of seri-
ous contemplation to the woman; she has mistaken it
as indicative of the death and waste of her infant. With
some accoucheurs it has been a subject of idle animad-
version, being construed into the collection and disper-
sion of wind in the stomach and bowels; whilst with
others, better trained in the school of observation and
experience, it has constituted a part of the uniform de-
sign of nature.

To those who are acquainted with the regular evolu-
tion of the gravid uterus, I need scarcely remark, that
this evolution is in divisions; that of these, the fundus
may be considered the first division, and is the first in
evolving ; the corpus the second, and has the second
place in suiting itself to the increased dimensions of the
child ; and the cervix as the third, and the last in yield-
ing to the growth of the contained foetus. This last di-
vision does not lend its aid until towards the eighth
month, from which time it in regular progression evolves
to meet the expanding dimensions of the foetus.

of the Human Uterus. 97

When this is nearly completed, the child actually
occupies a lower part of the pelvic region than during
‘the sixth and seventh months; and, about the com-
pletion of this evolution of the neck of the uterus, the
evolving action of the abdominal muscles begins to
change, and give place to the powers of expulsion resi-
dent in these muscles, and the longitudinal muscular
fibres of the uterus. The uterus, from the interest it
has in the general sympathies of the system at large,
commands into its private services the aid of the neigh-
bouring muscles. By an absolute impress of foreign
agency, in co-operation with its own powers, it begins —
and carries on the function of expulsion ; and, in the
preparation of these muscles for more serious action, we
discover the first cause of the first premonitory sign,
the subsidence of the abdomen, of approaching labour.

At full time, when nine months shall have completed
their round, the throes of child-birth come on. They
may fortuitously be provoked into untimely action, and
produce abortion, or miscarriage ; but their legitimate
term is generally conceded to be that of nine calendar
months. If it were necessary, in addition to what I have
said in my former letter on this subject, to adduce evi-
dence in attestation of the fixedness and uniformity of
the term of labour, I would invite your attention to the
highly interesting fact, that, if a feetus be extra-uterine,
the throes, at full time, will come on with the same force
and regularity as if the foetus were within the uterus.
Here we haye another argument strongly militating
against the preposterous doctrine, that ‘‘ pregnancy and
parturition are grades of disease.’? The throes to expel

VOL. III. PART I. N

98 Observations on the Natural History

an extra-uterine foetus will not be argued to be derived
from the stimulus of mechanical distention operating on
the accumulated excitability of the uterus. We assur-
edly deduce these throes from the laws of the constitu-
tion of the mother; for, in this case, the child is not
within the womb, and, of consequence, can by no luxu-
riancy of fancy be supposed to excite into action that
organ.

The term proper to the maturity of the child being
elapsed, we discover farther and more decisive marks
of labour to present themselves. But, before I proceed
to the physical properties of the womb, I must say some-
thing on the moral necessity of pain.

What I mean by the moral necessity of pain, it may
be proper, in a succinct manner, to explain. Notwith-
standing the general sympathies of the body may, and
to my apprehension do, grow out of the common con-
stitution and economy of body, and would, without
the transgression of man, have been attended by plea-
sureable sensations in the various operations of which
they are the source, yet I find no difficulty to conceive
that those sympathies, in their laws the same, may be
accompanied by unpleasureable sensations in the func-
tions or conditions to which they give origin.

In the first period of conception, upon the supposition
that Eve had remained in her original paradisaical estate,
I can conceive that all the associated actions would have
afforded pleasure ; that the very associated action of the
stomach, which, in the present. condition of woman,

of the Human Uterus. 99

causes distress, could, under the state alluded to, have
Peas happiness.

The body has been, for some time previous to concep-
tion, accustomed to have separated from its common cir-
culating mass a peculiar liquor to a given quantity. Upon
conception in the general, this particular excretion (the
menses) ceases to be thrown off; the body no longer,
from its altered condition, throws off this excrementi-
tious fluid, no longer can it need the same supply of ali-
ment ; and hence is the general inappetency of pregnant
women for food during the first two or three months,
until, by the bulk of the child, greater demands shall be
made on the general constitution, and, of course, on the
stomach.

From this I wish it to be understood, that the sick-
ness and uneasiness of breeding, as it is usually phrased,
is a moral consequence, while the inappetency for food
is, from a law of the female habit, under the controul of |
ovarial influence. Therefore, when we speak of the dis-
eases of pregnancy, I hope that it will be always con-
ceived, that we do not have allusion to this constitutional
association between parts, nor to the distress consequent

on this associated action, which, in itself, in a higher or
lower degree, howsoever opposed by human skill, is in-
separable from the present condition of humanity, and
forms one among the many irrefutable facts on which
rests the authenticity of the bible.

CASTELLIO’s VERSION.

« Deinde ad mulierem: Ego te multis doloribus, inquit, damnis-
que afficiam, tu natos cwm dolore paries.” Gen. cap. ili. v. 16.

100 Observations on the Natural History

From this serious part of my letter, you are not to an-
ticipate a formal discourse on theology. This excerp-
tion from sacred history is at present necessary to, and
may have an advantageous place in, our discussion.
Were it a light matter which at this moment solicits
our attention, I should most sedulously have avoided
an appeal to that authority, the sacredness of which ren-
ders it inaccessible, either in language or writing, ex-
cept when in our solemn, serious meditation, in the
stillness of spiritual contemplation, we approach, with a
trembling dread and awful apprehension, to enquire into
its momentous doctrines, to hear the great ever-living
Entity unfold, in justice, wisdom, and celestial dignity,
his irreversible purposes to deciduous man !

It is palpable, and bears with irresistible conviction on
the mind, that the above address to Eve was not direct-
ed and limited to her as an individual; it was addressed
to her with a meaning diffusive and general, terminable
only by the limits of her descendants ; as woman; as
the mother of all human females.

This heavy denunciation was fulminated against wo-
man, in the same spirit, under the same circumstances,
and for the same high crime, as against Adam was
jaunched the terrible menace, “ pulvis es, et in pulve-
rem redibis.”

This was uttered against Adam as man, the father
and head of all living. Both were levelled against our
kind, and not restricted to early ages, particular nations,
or certain individuals. A few men, by miracle or spe-

of the Human Uterus. 101

cial favour, have had, in relation to themselves, this ma-
lediction rescinded, but we know of no women or race
of women, savage or civilized, to whom the curse does
not extend, “ with pain shalt thou bring forth children.”
When men cease to be mortal, women will be blessed
with painless births.

_ The text in the English version is very obscure and
indefinite; I therefore have preferred that of the learned
Castellio, who, in the opinion of the most able critics,
stands among the foremost in Hebrew literature. And
it affords me great pleasure to find that the sense of Cas-
tellio is confirmed by the Greek* and Frencht.

' Superadded to what this laborious Hebrician gives
in the text, he assures us, in his foot-note, that the words,
strictly translated, are ‘‘ est dolor pariendi.”” And to it,
I am sure, all women, who have borne children, and are
in the possession of a sound mind, will most willingly
subscribe.

Dr. Dewees indulges ina most curious annotation on
the text as it stands in the English version. He most
gravely labours to prove, that the word ‘‘ sorrow’? does
not, in any part of the sacred writings, mean an uneasy

* «Tn the Greek version, or Septuagint, the word sorrow is ren-
dered Avras, which signifies pains or sickness,” &c. Vaughan. Med,
Rep. vol. 6, p. 31.

+ “Dieu dit aussi 4 Ja femme: je vous affligerai de plusieurs
maux pendant votre grossesse; vous ne mettez au monde des enfans
qwavec douleur.’ French Version, '

102 Observations on the Natural History

corporeal sensation. It would have been great gratifica-
tion to all biblical scholars, had the Doctor dilated a lit-
tle more on the general sense of the text, and given us
a full commentary on ‘‘I will greatly multiply thy sor-
row and thy conception ; n sorrow shalt thou bring forth
children.”? Perhapsit would have appeared, in the course
of his discourse, that woman, in consequence of her de-
fection, had become more prolific ; for to multiply ‘‘ con-
ception,’’ is without doubt to increase fertility.

What can be inferred from ‘ I will greatly multiply
thy conception,” &c.? Nothing, but that the whole is
incorrect, and a stupid blunder of the translator. The
Doctor says, that it was not a punishment for transgres-
sion, but the mere result of accident or civilization.
And yet the very version, and every other version, on
which he offers his annotation, expressly declares, ‘‘ be-
cause thou hast done this.”

The tonic and clonic powers of the uterus, together
with the contractions of the abdominal muscles and
diaphragm, are the only actions alleged and recogniz-
ed, by the concurrent authority of accoucheurs, as con-
tributing their agency to the expulsion of a child from
the gravid uterus. If there be others, I am unacquaint-
with them. All voluntary effort is both useless and im-
proper.

THE TONIC POWER.

It appears to be understood among accoucheurs, yet
not with the full and expressed consent of anatomy, that
there is in the uterus a double set of fibres; the one

of the Human Uterus. 103

circular, the other longitudinal. ‘The circular fibres are
diffused equally throughout the uterus; its fundus, its
corpus, its cervix. In these fibres is resident the tonic
or elastic power. It perpetually urges the gravid ute-
rus to recover upon itself, as the French would speak ;
and no sooner do the throes, co-operating with the cir-
cular fibres of the fundus and corpus uteri, discharge the
liquor amnii, than the whole of the walls of the uterus,
the circular fibres of the cervix, with those of the other
parts, close about the child, and in this state would the
hapless foetus, immured within its narrow habitation,
remain, until death and putrefaction should waste it
away, were not the revival and reiteration of the throes
to impel it to the world.

The circular fibres of the cervix are forced into obe-
dience by the superior power of the throes, of which.I
shall presently speak. ‘The tonic or elastic power never
ceases to act when once called on by the laws of the
constitution, and provoked by a source of distension
within the cavity of the uterus; and no sooner is the
‘child expelled with its appendages, than this tonic power
gathers the uterus up nearly to its original dimensions.
Of this tonic action the woman has no consciousness :
it perpetually urges, yet without pain.

«1. That the circular fibres may contract to almost
any degree, without being attended with pain. 2. That
their contraction alone, however violent, does not for-
ward the child. 3. That they do not possess the power
of alternate contraction in the same degree as the longi-
tudinal fibres; and, that they may exert this power, it

104 Observations on the Natural History

is necessary at first to have them distracted by some
force or other,” concludes Dr. Dewees, from previous
facts or propositions.

Permit me respectfully to invite your attention to
these words from the essay of your lecturer, and impress
your mind with their value: I intend, from them and
their consequences, to establish the important fact, that
the lancet, in no ordinary, regular labour, can afford the
practitioner any possible aid, but must of necessity em-
barrass the natural progression of the parturient act, and
disappoint the accoucheur who has unwarily trusted to it.

In no instance whatever has a child been delivered by
the tonic power of the womb. In the case recorded by
Levret, and the few others collected by writers, although
the child was delivered after the death of the mother,
its head must have been in the smaller basin of the pel-
vis, that is, without the os internum, and in the vagina,
otherwise it is very obvious, from what Dr. Dewees
writes, and every other man must believe, that it must
have remained with the mother.

THE CLONIC POWER.

This power of alternate contraction and relaxation,
and acting at certain periods or intervals, is a property
of the longitudinal fibres of the womb, associated with
a synchronous action of the diaphragm and abdominal
muscles. The abdominal muscles and diaphragm are
brought into service by a constitutional sympathy be-
tween them and the uterus, such as obtains between
them and the stomach in paroxysms of excessive sick-

of the Human Uterus. 105

ness. These alternate contractions and relaxations, or
clonic actions, constitute the real throes or pains of la-
bour. They are uniformly, except in stupor, accompa-
nied by an uneasy corporeal sensation, and hence are
termed throes or pains. The word throe itself is from
the Saxon term, to suffer. No throe can have place
without the consciousness of the woman, except, as
above remarked, under an affection of the common sen-
sibilities of the body; and, without a throe, the gravid
uterus can never disencumber itself of its burthen.

In every throe there is more or less of an uneasy sen-
sation of the loins, haunches, or uterine region. At
times, the lower extremities are distressed with most un-
pleasant feelings. In cases of convulsion during labour,
the convulsive affection simulates very much, in its pe-
riodical recurrences, the genuine labour-pains,

From the antecedent premises, I deduce the fact, that,
as ‘‘ the tonic power, however violent, does not forward
the child,” and as there is no third agency alleged or
recognised by physiologists or accoucheurs in the ex-
pulsion of the child, there cannot possibly be an act of
parturition without throes or pains.

Assuredly the most enthusiastic theorist, who dreams
gut his cases in his closet, is not prepared to admit or
maintain that throes can be present, and yet the woman
feel no corporeal distress. This were an absurdity too
monstrous for any sane mind to contemplate, but with
disgust and abhorrence.

VOL. III. PART I. 0

106 Observations on the Natural History

[ shall now proceed to the examination of that phile.
sophy which instructs in the abstraction of blood from
a general system of vessels, in order to relax a particular
set only. This general system, we may observe, goes
off from the same heart; is mutually in its parts depen-
dent, and between which parts there is a constant reci-
procation of good offices, or injuries, with a continued,
uninterrupted circulation of the same common mass of
fluid. The circulation through this general system be-
ing continuous, and, as it were, in a circle, any quantity
of blood abstracted must immediately, and in the ratio
of the diameter of each vessel, influence each and every
part of the general whole equally.

If any loss of blood will relax the es uteri, vagina,
and loca muliebria* (I speak of these parts in their ordi-
nary state, free from inflammation, rigidity, or spasm,
such as in ninety-nine of a hundred labours will be the
case), will it not likewise prostrate, in a higher or lower
degree, the expulsive forces of the uterus, abdominal
muscles, and diaphragm, and equally in their relation ?
It must, unquestionably, and leave the resistance to be
overcome, and the powers of expulsion, in the same re-
lation to each other that they were previously to the
use of the lancet.

* Loci muliebres, vel loca muliebria, are by some classic writers
preferred, when they speak of the genital parts of the human female,
while they rather restrict the expression pudenda to the genital parts
of the female brute. But, perhaps, they are equally proper,and may
be used according to the taste or choice of the writer.

of the Human Uterus. 107

Whatever be the quantity of blood, its relative effects
must be the same. If even the woman be reduced to
syncope, the child remains in the womb; for where
there is syncope, there can be no clonic action, and the
child will not be born until the woman shall be restored
to her powers.

During utero-gestation, if a woman has incautiously,
by excessive exercise, roused the heart and arteries, or
the circulation has been accelerated by intellectual emo-
tions, or a fever has been kindled up, the accoucheur
abstracts blood: but for what? to relax the parts
through which the child is to pass in its birth ? by no
means. His object is to bring the body more or less to
a state of relaxation or syncope, @nd thus to lower the
powers of expulsion, to quiet the parturient throes, and
save his patient from miscarriage. If, then, during
utero-gestation, we are to prevent premature birth by
the abstraction of blood, why, and how, are we to faci-
litate parturition by the lancet at full time ?. Will not the
effects generally be the same ? Undoubtedly so.

We think correctly, when we believe that nature has
as wisely ordered the relation of her powers in the act
of parturition, as she has regulated the graduation of the
stimulus of the blood to the irritability of the heart.
Not indeed toa mathematical balance, but, according to
her own liberal scheme, admitting of some extravagance
and aberration. Therefore, every light disease, or im-
proper interference of art, cannot throw her from her

design. ,

108 Observations on the Natural History

Any given quantity of blood, whether from the arm or
uterus, should, to my understanding, affect the general
system, and, of consequence, every part similarly ; and
a relaxation of the body, or complete syncope, must be
equal, in what manner soever induced. Hence I infer,
that no woman should die from flooding; at least with-
out being first disburthened of her load; nor indeed
could she possibly die of flooding before the birth of
her child, if the doctrine, embraced by the principles in-
culcated by the friends of syncope being the immediate
path to easy and rapid labour, were founded in the
laws which regulate labour.

I write from observation; I am an accoucheur, and
have witnessed the effects of bleeding in ordinary la-
bours : it is true, not in my own patients, except such
as have become so secondarily. As to labours attended
by morbid phenomena, I have already spoken of them
in my first letter. The use of the lancet, in such, is re-
commended and enforced almost by every writer on ge-
neral midwifery, for fifty or a hundred years back.
My present letter only relates to ordinary labour, and
neither of them to preternatural or laborious labour.

When we talk of relaxing the vagina and external parts
by the lancet, in common labour, we use a sort of lan-
guage too mechanical, and in no respect applicable to
the affair of which we speak. This relaxation, as we
are pleased to term it, of the soft parts, isa peculiar and
inscrutable evolution or developement, which may sug-
gest to us a high veneration for that wisdom which or-
dered the plan of the parts and their functions ; and cer-

of the Human Uterus. 109

tainly we may be content with the knowledge of the
fact, without entangling ourselves in useless researches
after its physiology ; researches that will ever be unsuc-
cessful, and will only serve to teach us humility.

At best, the science of physiology is a science of
conjecture. We know the organs, and we learn the re-
sult of their operations ; but of the causation, the phy-
siology of the thing, we know nothing, whether we
speak of the uterus, the liver, the brain, or any other
organ.

This same unintelligible, mechanical language has
been as fruitlessly applied to the explication of the evo-
lution of the gravid uterus. Like the gravid uterus,
the vagina and external parts evolve by the particular
physical properties of the parts themselves. These pro-
perties or laws are a part of the wonderful economy of
nature; they are called into service by powers of the
female constitution, and should have taught professors
that parturition is not a ‘“‘ grade of disease.’? So soon
as disease fully takes place, this natural evolution ceases,
and art must open its resources.

The remainder of this paper is, unavoidably, delayed,
Sor the present.

ilo Thoughts on the Exercises

>

XIIT.. Thoughts on the Exercises which have occurred
at the Camp-Mcetings in the western parts of our
country. Communicated to the Enritor, by Mr.
Wixiiam Younc, of Delaware.

IN the Medical and Physical Journal, part 1, vol.
II, Dr. Robertson, of Nashville, denominates the exer-
cises which have occurred at the camp-meetings in Ten-
nessee, &c., an Epidemic Chorea ; and, though not fond
of disquisitions of this sort, I beg leave to offer a few
observations in reply, and hope to disprove Dr. Robert-
son’s position.

The cogitations of conscience are generally hidden
and inscrutable, but extraordinary impulses on the mo-
ral faculty are frequently manifested to observation. It
is a commonly received maxim, that every operation of
mind, and every act relating to religious worship should
be treated with caution and liberality ; but an attempt to
explain such extraordinary exercises of mind, and ges-
ticulations of body, as occurred in this case, is_privi-
leged by christian charity itself.

In considering this exercise as a bodily disease, Dr.
Robertson must have overlooked, or not examined, the
physiology of the mind. The ancient nosologists were. .
often misled by mistaking symptoms for original affec-
tions, and an apparent similarity of symptoms formed
the relationship of disease, and names were applied with-
out regard to the real nature or seat of the disorder :
hence, an inflammation of the meninges of the brain was

occurring at Camp-Meetings. lll

termed head pleurisy, and thus, also, the agitations of
religious exercise are called St. Vitus’s dance. The
misapplication of terms in medicine was a fruitful
source of error in the dark ages of the world, and it was
hoped that physicians had absolved themselves from the
tyranny of custom; but Dr. R. has either misnamed
this affection, or mistaken the influence of a convulsive
operation of the moral faculty upon the system for an
idiopathic bodily disease.

The influence of physical causes upon the intellectual
faculties, and especially upon the moral faculty, is too
well known to admit of a single doubt, and the imme-
diate operation of the feelings and passions of the mind
upon the moral faculty have given rise to all those ges-
ticulations of body, which have astonished a dispassion-
ate public, and which Mr. Wilkinson has judiciously
described.

From Mr. Wilkinson’s history it is evident, that
feeling had a large share in producing the exercise ; and
the fact of its not having occurred among the Seceders,
who are numerous in the same district, is a strong evi-
dence in support of this position. The latter confine
themselves to the use of the old Psalms, which are seri-
ous and doctrinal, and also to the old tunes, which are
slow and plaintive; while the others use hymns of the
most empassioned kind, and accompanied with melan-
choly music, of a quick movement.

“The effects of music upon the moral faculty,” says
Dr. Rush, ‘“‘ have been felt and recorded in every coun-

112 Thoughts on the Exercises

try. Hence we are able to discover the vices and vir-
tues of different nations by their tunes, as certainly as
by their laws. The effects of music, when simply me-
chanical, upon the passions, are powerful and extensive.
But it remains yet to determine the degrees of moral
ecstacy that may be produced by an attack upon the
ear, the reason, and the moral principle at the same
time, by the combined powers of music and eloquence.

*< The eloquence of the pulpit is nearly allied to mu-
sic, in its effects upon the moral faculty. There must
be a defect of eloquence ina preacher, who, with the
sources for oratory which are contained in the Old and
New Testaments, does not produce, in every man who
hears him, at least a temporary love of virtue. I grant
that the powers of eloquence cannot change men into
christians, but it certainly possesses the power of chang-
ing brutes into men. Could the eloquence of the stage
be properly directed, it is impossible to conceive the ex-
tent of its mechanical effects upon morals. The lan-
guage and imagery of a Shakspeare, upon moral and re-
ligious subjects, poured upon the passions and the
senses, in all the beauty and variety of dramatic repre-
sentation, who could resist or describe their effects?”

To the combined influence of music and eloquence
is added the excitement of camp-meetings, in which the
sympathy of association conspires to give a sudden im-
pulse to the moral faculty, which it can neither resist
nor confine within ordinary limits ; and the violent and
irregular excitement produces a proportionate re-action
upon the nervous system, and consequent conyulsive

occurring at Camp-Meetings. 118

motions of body. These motions are of a mixed kind,
voluntary and involuntary. Sensation is not destroyed,
nor the will suspended, but the inordinate re-action of
the moral faculty upon the common sensorium, with
equal suddenness and force, induces confused exercises
of mind ‘and’ mixed motions of body.

The stimulus of more common passions, as those of
patriotism, of love, of social joy or grief, not unfre-
quently produce the most exalted acts of virtue, and the
most debasing examples of vice. Man is the creature
of feeling; hence, in sacred writ, the heart of man is
addressed as the seat of his affections, both virtuous and
vicious; and the moral faculty is represented by ‘the
light that lighteth every man that cometh into the
world*,”? bt

A serious contemplation of the attributes of Deity
gives rise to the most exalted sentiments of which the
human mind is susceptible, and the force of religious
excitement is oftentimes irresistible. Neither persecu-
tion nor famine could destroy it. Witness the chris-
tian martyrs, who suffered every torture which the evil
genius of the age could invent, and were finally con-
sumed at the stake, without evincing a single sensation
of pain or regret ; nay, who died exulting in the sacri-
fice of their lives, through an invincible sense of devo-
tion. Mahometans and Pagans also endure many pri-
vations in their systems of devotion, and thousands of
them have surrendered their lives to the enemies of their

* See Rush’s Inquiries, vol. ii, p. 4.

VOL. ITI. PART I, P

114 Thoughts on the Exercises

creed... If the revealed system of christianity be true,
mahometanism must be a delusion; and if an improper
exercise of the moral faculty will excite men to endure
torture and death, surely a sudden excitement of the
same faculty, by the glorious realities of the gospel;
a pathetic description of the bleeding hands and dying
groans of an efficient Saviour; the exaltation and hap-
piness of believers in time and eternity; and the endless
miseries of the unbelieving in death, in judgment, and
futurity, may reasonably be admitted to produce tem-
porary gesticulations of body.

From this cursory view of the operations of the moral
faculty, I think it is evident, that the exercises in ques-
tion were improperly denominated chorea sancti viti;
neither are we authorized to believe them to be a spe-
cial ‘‘ visitation from the Deity.” I, however, hope
not to be accused. of deteriorating this religious exer-
cise; far, very far from this is my wish. I presume
not to condemn the persons thus influenced, nor to de-
tract, from the sincerity of their devotion; but my wish
is to,remove the delusion of supposing it to be a bodily
disease, and leave the intrinsic merits of the subject to
Him, who ‘ searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins of
the children of men;’? and who can direct the exer-
cises of the synagogue and the camp to his own glory.

-A critical attention to-Mr. Wilkinson’s description
of the rise and progress clearly evinces the nature and
form. of this affection. ‘‘ The paroxysms (says Mr.
W.) seldom returned but during attendance on religi-
ous worship ;” hence they were merely occasional.

occurring at Camp-Meetings. 115

“¢ Tt has varied from the beginning, and has been al-
most infinitely different and varied in different persons,
and even in the same individual.”

Many of the gesticulations are ‘ imitative of those
actions which are common in domestic life, and chiefly
peculiar to the female sex.”’

“¢ Some of the leading characteristics of the exercise,
on its first appearance, as it respected women, were,
that they took it with a convulsive agitation of the breast,
and with apparent difficulty of breathing, accompanied
with lamentable cries and ejaculations; to all which
succeeded what is called the silent exercise.”

The subjects of these exercises ‘‘ have an uncontroul-
able desire of attending upon divine worship, particu-
larly that of the social kind ;? and a strong “ desire that
all others should be in the same situation with them-
selves.”

~Mr. W. considers all the movements of the affected
as involuntary, but adds, ‘‘ it is, however, equally evi-
dent, that numbers endeavour to excite and promote
the exercise, among whom I may mention the princi-
pal of our clergy.” |

If we combine the varied forms of the exercise, the
imitative actions of many, the lamentable cries and eja-
culations of others, the general desire ‘of social commu-
nion, and the acknowledged efforts of the clergy, into
one view, and consider ‘‘ sensibility as the avenue to the

116 Thoughts on the Exercises

moral faculty,” it will lead us to a knowledge of this
singular affection. A propensity to imitation, arising
from the sympathy of association, and the influence of
society, in exciting passion and emotion, so univer-
sally affect mankind, that ‘‘ he must be more or less
than man, who kindles not in the common blaze” of
tumultuous excitement.

The efforts of the clergy to excite and promote the
exercise are avowed by Mr. W., and their powers of
accomplishing the object must be admitted. Zeal,
somewhat fervent, is certainly laudable in the preachers
of the gospel, and the man of sensibility may not only
become excited in the pulpit, but, if eloquent, or even
declamatory, may impress the same sensations in his
audience. Such were the powers of eloquence pos-
sessed by the famous Massillon, notwithstanding he
read his sermons, ‘“ that he drew a whole audience, by ©
an instantaneous impulse, upon their feet,”? in terrific
expectation of the terrors of the last judgment being
about to fall upon them. Ifa Parisian audience could
be thus excited, how much more easily may the con-
gregated thousands of a western camp, predisposed by
the sympathies of association, be aroused to tumultu-
ous exercise,

Declamation is considered an essential part of pulpit
oratory, as the feelings and passions are the avenues to
the understanding; but whether it be useful, or lauda-
ble, to carry the work upon the passions so far as is
now practised, I presume not to determine, but leave

>

occurring at Camp-Meetings. 117

this question to the ministers of the gospel, and the
Master of congregations whom they serve.

The desire of exercised persons, that ‘ all others
should be in the same way with themselves,” is per-
fectly natural. We find the same principle influencing
all classes of society, and it was evinced by our mother
Eve: when she had eaten of the fruit of knowledge,
she desired Adam to partake with her, that he might
become a co-partner in sensation, for ‘‘ it was pleasant
to her eyes.”? But when the voice of justice sounded
in their ears, ‘‘ Adam, where art thou??? we find the
moral faculty was excited; they were ashamed; and,
conscious of guilt, had hidden themselves among the
trees of the garden.

The desire of the truly pious man, that others should
participate in the mercies of redemption, is one of the
strongest emotions of his soul: it is of heavenly origin,
and in nature. divine. We find that our Saviour
‘* wept’? over Jerusalem, and lamented her apostacy,
in the most tender strains of compassion; St. Paul
was almost willing to become accursed for his kinsmen
after the flesh; Dives begged and beseeched father
Abraham to send one from the dead, to warn his breth-
ren of his misery and their approaching ruin; and love
to the brethren is a cardinal point .of the christian’s
faith; nay more, the joys of heaven will not be com-
plete until ‘* the congregation of the Saints” is accom-
plished.

118 Thoughts on the Exercises, ec.

To the clergy it more especially belongs to define
the nature of this unusual affection; and if these cur-
sory thoughts should excite their attention to the sub-
ject, the writer will be fully compensated. \ His sincere
wish is to promote enquiry, and leave the decision to
the dispassionate consideration of the public.

. ‘Tam yours, &e., Ahi
. Witrram Youns.
February 20th, 1806.

XIV. Miscellaneous Medical Facts and Observations. In
a letter to the Enviror, from Dr. Samutt Brown,
of New- Orleans.

Dear Sir,

FOR three years past, this city has escaped
the ravages of the yellow-fever; and I can assure’ you,
that the two last years have been as healthy as I have
ever known any country to be, even in a northern cli-
mate. Consumptions and colds are rare: we seldom
have intermittent-fevers. Indeed the remittent-fever
is almost the only disease which can be considered as
endemical. Hypochondriae and hysterical complaints
are astonishingly rare. ‘The almost universal use of cla-
ret, and the influence of a fine sky, produce habitual
good spirits. Dyspepsia is so uncommon, that in
twelve months I have not been consulted on a single
case of it. Iam inclined to think, that a voyage to this
city would be one of the most salutary prescriptions for
your hypochondriac patients, which, in most parts of

Medical Facts and Observations. 119

the United-States, are a pest to physicians and to their
families.

Mercury, as a cure of fever, is going fast into discre-
dit here. I never used it to the extent of salivation in
fever, but have seen much mischief result from it,
whilst I thought its use very equivocal in every instance
where I have known it employed. I hope a few years
will consign this remedy to a humbler rank than that
of a panacea.

Tam daily more and more pleased with the effects of
the tourniquet, when applied to the stomach for the cure
of convulsions. I wish most sincerely that some of
you would try its effects in your hospitals, where you
have so many opportunities of experimenting upon in-
veterate disorders. In true epilepsy, I have not yet
had occasion for using it, but, from its effects in hyste-
nic convulsions, I should expect much benefit from it.
I am even inclined to think, that in Aabitual intermit.
tent-fevers, strong compression upon the stomach may
prevent paroxysms which would resist the bark.

‘The natives of this country, and the negroes, cure the
gonorrhea by a decoction of the Palmetha (Litanie), and
it is believed by them, that a decoction of the leaves and
roots of the Nymphza Nelumbo is capable of pro-
ducing temporary impotence. The experiment is worth
the trial.

Iam yours, &c.,
Samvet Brown.
New-Orleans, November 7th, 1807.

120 Journey to the Frozen- Sea, and

XV. Some Account of a Journey to the Frozen-Sea,
and of the Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth.
By M. Micuarext Avams, of St. Petersburgh.
Translated from the French.

I SHOULD have reason to reproach myself
were I to delay any longer the publication of a discovery
in Zoology, which is so much the more interesting to
be detailed, as it once more presents to our view a spe-
cies of animal, the existence of which has been a sub-
ject of dispute among the most celebrated naturalists.

I was informed at Jakoutsk, by M. Popoff, who is at
the head of the company of merchants of that town, that
they had discovered, upon the shores of the Frozen-Sea,
near the mouth of the river Lena, an animal of an extra-
ordinary size: the flesh skin, and hair, were in good
preservation, and it was supposed that the fossile pro-
duction, known by the name of Mammoth-horns, must
have belonged to some animal of this kind.

M. Popoff had, at the same time, the goodness to
communicate the drawing and description of this ani-
mal; I thought proper to send both to the President of
the Petersburgh Academy. The intelligence of this in-
teresting discovery determined me to hasten my in-
tended journey to the banks of the Lena, as far as the
Frozen-Sea, and I was anxious to save these precious
remains, which might, perhaps, otherwise be lost. My
stay at Jakoutsk, therefore, only lasted a few days. I
sect out on the 7th of June, 1806, provided with some

Discovery of the Remains ofa Mammoth. 121

indispensible letters of recommendation, some of which
were addressed to the servants of the government, and
others to merchants, from whom I hoped to derive some
advantages. On the 16th of June, I arrived in the small
town of Schigarsk, and towards the end of the same
month I reached Kumak-Surka: from this place I made
an excursion, the express object of which was to disco-
ver the mammoth. And I shall now give a sketch of
my journey.

The contrary winds, which lasted during the whole
summer, retarded my departure from Kumak-Surka ;
this place was then inhabited by 40 or 50 Toungouse
families of the Batouline race. Fishing was their ordi-
nary occupation, and the extreme activity of these peo-
ple filled me with admiration: the women, old men,
and even children, laboured with indefatigable assiduity
in laying up provisions for winter. The strongest went
a-fishing, the less robust were occupied in cleaning and
drying the fish. ‘The whole shores were covered with
scaffolding, and the cabins so filled with fish that we
could scarcely enter them. An innocent gaiety reigned
in every countenance, and all exhibited the utmost ac-
tivity. The fishermen sang while casting their nets, and
others were dancing the Charya, which is a dance pecu-
liar to the country. I cannot sufficiently express the
emotions of joy which I felt at the sight of these pleas-
ing scenes.

I was convinced, while upon the spot, that the inha-
bitants of the North enjoy happiness even in the midst
of the frozen regions.

VOL. III. PART I. Q

122 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

But what astonished me still more, was the pictu-
resque view of the opposite side of the Lena. This ri-
ver, which is one of the largest in Siberia, majestically
rolls its waters through the mountainous chain of Vers-
chéjansk : it is here, near its mouth, entirely devoid of
islands, and much narrower, deeper, and more rapid
than in any place of its course. The mountains here
appear in a great variety of forms ; they are of a brilliant
whiteness, and of a savage and horrid aspect; sometimes
they represent immense columns which rise into the
clouds, sometimes they resemble the ruins of ancient
forts, and as if they were parts detached from the muti-
lated remains of grotesque and gigantic figures.

Further off, the horizon is terminated by a chain of
high mountains, where eternal snow and ice dart back
the rays of the sun.

These landscapes are of exquisite beauty ; an expert:
draughtsman would look in vain for similar views in any
other place of Siberia; and I am notastonished that the
picturesque situation of Kumak-Surka should become
the object of a national song, known solely on the shores
of the Frozen-Sea. I reserve the communication of
this curious article until I publish the detailed account
of my journey.

The course of the winds having at last changed, I
thought of pursuing my route, and I had my rein-deer
brought across the river. Next day, at day-break, I set
out, accompanied by a Toungouse chief, Ossip Shou-

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 123

machoff, and by Bellkoff, a merchant of Schigansk, and
attended by my huntsman, three Cossacs, and ten Toun-
gouses.

The Toungouse chief was the first person who dis-
covered the mammoth, and he was proprietor of the
territory through which our route lay. Bellkoff, the
merchant, had spent nearly his whole life on the shores
of the Frozen-Sea. His zeal, and the details he pro-
cured me, have the strongest claims to my gratitude :
I am even indebted to him for the preservation of my
life at a moment of imminent danger.

At first I found great difficulty in sitting upon a rein-
deer ; for, the saddle being attached by a girth of lea-
ther only, it was very insecure, and often occasioned
me very disagreeable falls. Besides, my position was
very inconvenient for want of stirrups, which are never
used among the Toungouses,

On our route we traversed high and rugged moun-
tains, valleys which followed the course of small rivu-
lets, and parched and savage plains, where not a shrub
was to be seen. After two days’ travelling, we at last
approached the shores of the Frozen-Sea. This place
is called by the Toungouses Angardam, or terra firma.
In order to attain the mammoth, it was necessary to
traverse another isthmus, called Bykoffskoy-Mys, or
Tumut. This isthmus, which projects into a spacious
gulf, is to the right of the mouth of the Lena, and ex-
tends, as I was informed, from south-east to north-

124 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

east for about 30 or 35 wersts*, Its name is probably
derived from two points in the form of horns, which
are at the north extremity of this promontory. The
point upon the left hand, which the Russians call, by
way of eminence, Bykoffskoy-Mys, on account of its
greater extent, forms three vast gulfs, where we find
some settlements of Jakouts; the opposite point, called
Maustach, on account of the great quantity of floating
wood found upon its shores, is one-half smaller; its
shore is lower, and this district is completely inhabited.
The distance from the one point to the other is esti-
mated at four leagues and a half, or 45 wersts. Small
hills form the higher part of the peninsula of Tumut ;
the remainder is occupied by lakes, and all the low
grounds are marshy. 3

The principal lakes are: Ist, Chastirkool, which
means the lake of geese; 2d, Kourilakool; 3d, Beul-
geuniachtachkool, the lake of hillocks; 4th, Omou-
lachkool; 5th, Mougourdachkool, where a particular
kind of salmon is found, called tchir; and, 6th, Ba-
chofkool. The lake No. 4 is the largest, and No. 5 is
the deepest of all. The lake No. 6 derives its name
from two famous adventurers, Bachoff and Schalauroun,
who spent a whole winter on its banks. We still see
the ruins of a cabin in which they resided. The his-
tory of their unfortunate end is told by M. Sauer in his
journal of Billings’s expedition,

The isthmus we have mentioned is so narrow at
some places that the sea may be seen on both sides.

* Ten wersts are equal to six English geographical miles.

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 125

The rein-deer perform a periodical transmigration every
year, during which they abandon these places, in order
to proceed by the Frozen-Sea towards Borschaya and
Uitjansk, and for this purpose they collect in large
troops about autumn. In order to hunt these animals
with greater prospect of success, the Toungouses have
divided the peninsula into cantons, separated by pal-
ings. They frighten the deer by loud cries, which
they utter all at once, by letting dogs loose at them,
and by fans which they attach to the palings, and
which are agitated by the wind. The terrified rein-
deer throw themselves into the water, in order to reach
some neighbouring island, where they are pursued and
killed by the hunters.

On the third day of our journey, we pitched our
tents a few hundred paces from the mammoth, upon a
hillock called Kembisagashaeta, which signifies the
stone with the broad side.

Schoumachoff related to me the history of the disco-
very of the mammoth, in nearly the following terms:

‘The Toungouses, who are a wandering people,
seldom remain long in one place. ‘Those who live in
the forests, often spend ten years and more in travers-
ing the vast regions among the mountains: during this
period they never visit their homes. Each family lives
in an isolated state from the rest; the chief takes care
of them, and knows no other society. If, after several
years’ absence, two friends meet by chance, they then
mutually communicate their adventures, the various

126 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

success of their hunting, and the quantity of peltry they
have acquired. After having spent some days together,
and consumed the little provisions they have, they se-
parate cheerfully, charge each other with compliments
for their respective friends, and leave it to chance to
bring them together again. Such is the way of life of
these innocent children of Nature. The Toungouses
who inhabit the coast differ from the rest, in having
more regularly built houses, and in assembling at cer-
tain seasons for fishing and hunting. In winter they in-
habit cabins, built close to each other, so as to form
small villages.

“¢ Tt is to one of these annual excursions of the
Toungouses that we are indebted for the discovery of
the mammoth. Towards the end of August, when the
fishing in the Lena is over, Schoumachoff is in the
habit of going, along with his brothers, to the penin-
sula of Tumut, where they employ themselves in hunt-
ing, and where the fresh fish of the sea furnish them
with wholesome and agreeable nourishment.

<¢ In 1799, he had caused to be built, for his women,
some cabins upon the shores of the lake Onroul; and
he himself coasted along the sea-shore for the purpose
of searching for some mammoth horns. One day he
perceived, in the midst of a rock of ice, an unformed
block, which did not at all resemble the floating pieces
of wood usually found there. In order to examine it
more closely, he clambered up the rock, and examined
this new object all around; but he could not ascertain
what it was. The year following he discovered, in the

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 127

same spot, the carcase of a sea-cow (Trichecus Rosma-
rus). He perceived at the same time that the mass he
had formerly seen was freer from the ice, and by the
side of it he remarked two similar pieces, which he
afterwards found were the feet of the mammoth. About
the close of the next summer, the entire flank of the
animal, and one of the tusks, had distinctly come out
from under the ice. Upon his return to the shores of
the lake Onroul, he communicated this extraordinary
discovery to his wife and some of his friends; but their
manner of regarding the subject overwhelmed him
with grief. The old men related, on this occasion, that
they had heard their forefathers say that a similar mon-
ster had formerly shown itself in the same peninsula,
and that the whole family of the person who discovered
it had become extinct in a very short time. The
mammoth, in consequence of this, was unanimously re-
garded as auguring a future calamity, and the Toun-
gouse chief felt so much inquietude from it, that he fell
dangerously ill; but becoming well again, his first ideas
suggested to him the profit he might gain by selling the
tusks of this animal, which were of an extraordinary
size and beauty. He therefore gave orders to conceal
carefully the place where the mammoth was, and to re-
move all strangers from it, under various pretexts,
charging, at the same time, some trusty dependents not
to suffer any part of this treasure to be carried away.

“‘ But the summer being colder and more windy
than usual, kept the mammoth sunk in the ice, which
scarcely melted all that season. At last, about the end
of the fifth year afterwards, the ardent desires of Schou-

128 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

machoff were happily accomplished: the ice which en-

closed the mammoth having partly melted, the level
became sloped, and this enormous mass, pushed for-
ward by its own weight, fell over upon its side on a
sand-bank. Of this two Toungouses were witnesses,
who accompanied me in my journey. Inthe month of
March, 1804, Schoumachoff came to his mammoth,

and having got his horns cut off he changed them with —

Baltounoff, the merchant, for merchandize of the value
of fifty roubles. On this occasion a drawing of the ani.
mal was made, but it was very incorrect; they de-
scribed it with pointed ears, very small eyes, horses’
hoofs, and a bristly mane along the whole of his back;
so that the drawing represented something between a
pig and an elephant.”

Two years afterwards, being the seventh from the
discovery of the mammoth, a fortunate circumstance
occasioned my visit to these distant and desert regions,
and I congratulate myself upon having it in my power
to ascertain and verify a fact, which would otherwise be
thought so improbable.

I found the mammoth still upon the same spot, but
completely mutilated. The prejudices against it hav-
ing been dissipated, because the Toungouse chief had
recovered his health, the carcase of the mammoth
might be approached without any obstacle: the pro-
prietor was content with the profit he had already de-
rived from it, and the Jakouts of the neighbourhood tore
off the flesh, with which they fed their dogs. Fero-
cious animals,—white bears of the north pole, gluttons,

————oo

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 129

wolves, and foxes,—preyed upon it also, and their bur-
rows were seen in the neighbourhood. The skeleton,
almost completely unfleshed, was entire, with the excep-
tion of one of the fore feet. The spondyle, from the
head to the os coccygis, a shoulder-blade, the pelvis,
and the remains of the three extremities, were still
tightly attached by the nerves of the joints, and by
strips of skin on the exterior side of the carcase. The
head was covered with a dry skin; one of the ears, well
preserved, was furnished with a tuft of bristles. All
these parts must necessarily have suffered by a carriage
of 11,000 wersts. The eyes, however, are preserved,
and we can still distinguish the ball of the left eye.
The tip of the under lip has been eaten away, and the
upper part, being destroyed, exhibited the teeth. The
brain was still within the cranium, but it appeared dry.

The parts least damaged are a fore foot and a hind
one; they are covered with skin, and have still the sole
attached. According to the assertion of the Toun-
gouse chief, the animal had been so large and well fed, .
that its belly hung down below the knee joints. This
mammoth is a male, with a long mane at his neck, but
it has no tail and no trunk. The skin, three-fourths of
which are in my possession, is of a deep grey, and co-
vered with a reddish hair and black bristles. The hu-
midity of the soil, where the animal has lain so long,
has made the bristles lose some part of their elasticity.
The entire carcase, the bones of which I collected
upon the spot, is 4 archines and a half high by 7 long,

VOL. III. PART I. R

130 | Journey to the Frozen- Sea, and

from the tip of the nose to the coccyx*, without, how-
ever, comprehending the two horns, each of which is a
toise and a half long, and both together weigh 10
pouds}t. The head alone weighs eleven pouds and a
half,

The principal object of my care was to separate the
bones, to arrange them and place them in safety : this
was done with the most scrupulous nicety, and I had
the satisfaction of finding the other shoulder-blade,
which lay ina hole. I afterwards caused the skin to be
stripped from the side upon which the animal had lain ;
it was very well preserved. This skin was of such an
extraordinary weight, that ten persons, who were em-
ployed to carry it to the sea-side, in order to stretch it
on floating wood, moved it with great difficulty. After
this operation I caused the ground to be dug in various
places, in order to see if there were any bones around,
but chiefly for the purpose of collecting all the bristles
which the white bears might have trodden into the wet
ground on devouring the flesh. This operation was at-
tended with difficulty, as we wanted the necessary in-
struments for digging the ground; I succeeded, how-
ێver, in procuring in this manner more than one poud
weight of bristles. Ina few days our labour was ended,
and I found myself in possession of a treasure, which
amply recompensed me for the fatigues and dangers of
the journey, and even for the expences I had incurred.

* An archine is a little more than two feet English measure.

+ A’poud is 40 pounds,

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 131

The place where I found the mammoth is about 60
paces distant from the shore ; and from the fracture of
the ice from which it slid it is about 100 paces distant.
This fracture occupies the middle precisely between
the two points of the isthmus, and is three wersts long ; |
and, even in the place where the mammoth was, this
rock has a perpendicular elevation of 30 or 40 toises.
Its substance is a clear ice, but of a nauseous taste ; it
inclines towards the sea; its summit is covered with a
bed of moss and friable earth half an archine in thick-
ness. During the heat of the month of July, a part of
this crust melts, but the other remains frozen.

Curiosity prompted me to ascend two other hillocks,
equally distant from the sea; they were of the same
composition, and also a little covered with moss. At
intervals I saw pieces of wood of an enormous size, and
of all the species produced in Siberia; and also mam-
moth horns in great quantities frozen between the fis-
sures of the rocks. They appeared to be of an asto-
nishing freshness.

It is as curious as it is difficult to explain how all
these things are to be found collected here. ‘The inha-
bitants of the coast call this kind of wood Adamsohina,
and distinguish it from the floating wood, which, de-
scending the great rivers of Siberia, falls into the ocean,
and is afterwards heaped upon the shores of the Frozen-
Sea. This last kind they call Noahsohina. I have seen,
in great thaws, large pieces of earth detach themselves
from the hillocks, mix with the water, and form thick
and muddy torrents, which roll slowly towards the sea.

132 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

This earth forms in different places lumps, which sink
in among the ice. The block of ice where the mam-
moth was found was from 35 to 40 toises high; and,
according to the account of the Toungouses, the animal,
when first discovered, was seven toises from the sur-
face of the ice.

The whole shore was, as it were, covered with the
most variegated and beautiful plants produced on the
shores of the Frozen Sea; but they were only two
inches high. Around the carcase we saw a multitude
of other plants, such as the Cineraria aquatica, and some
species of Pedicularis, not yet known in natural history.

While waiting for the boats from Terra Firma, for
which I had sent some Cossacs, we exerted all our en-
deavours to erect a monument to perpetuate the me-
mory of this discovery and of my visit. We raised, ac-
cording to the custom of these countries, two crosses
with analogous inscriptions. ‘The one was upon the
rock of ice, 40 paces from the shelf from which this
mammoth had slid, and the other was upon the very spot
where we found it. Each of these crosses is 6 French
toises high, and constructed in a manner solid enough
to brave the severity of many ages. The Toungouses
haye given to the one the name of the Cross of the Am-
bassador, and to the other that of the Cross of the Mam-
moth. The eminence itself received the name of Seli-
chaéta, or Mammoth-mountain. This last will, perhaps,
some day or other, afford some traveller the means of
calculating, with sufficient precision, how much the
mountains of ice lose annually of their primitive height,

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 1383

I made two additional excursions, for the purpose of
acquiring some more precise notions upon the nature of
this peninsula, and my discoveries in zoology and bo-
tany perfectly answered my expectations. I found a
great quantity of amber upon the shores; but in no
piece whatever could I discover the least trace of any
marine production. I should, perhaps, attribute this to
the proximity of the river, and perhaps also to the depth
of the sea, or abruptness of the shore. I had occasion
to examine more closely the effects of the flux and re-
flux: this has escaped M. Sauer, who saw nothing ef it
at the mouth of the Colima, .

Our Cossacs not having arrived in time with the boat,
I was obliged to return to the continent with my rein-
deer, without waiting for them. The vessel, in the
mean time, had cast anchor in the bay of Borchaya, three
hundred wersts from the isthmus where I was. Wear-
rived, without any accident, after a journey of eight days.
AA week afterwards I had the satisfaction to see the mam-
moth arrive. Our first care was to separate, by boiling,
the nerves and flesh from the bones; the skeleton was
then packed, and placed at the bottom of the hold.
When we arrived at Jakoutsk, I had the good fortune
to purchase the tusks of the mammoth; and thence I
dispatched the whole for St. Petersburgh.

A. question of some magnitude remains to be resoly-
ed:—Are the mammoth and elephant animals of the
same species, as asserted by Buffon, Pallas, Isbrand
Ides, Gmelin, and, above all, Daubenton? Or should
we, in preference, rely upon the opinion of M. Cuvier,

134 Journey to the Frozen-Sea, and

who asserts that the mammoth occupies the second
place among the extinct species of animals? As I do
not intend, in this place, to make an exact comparison
of the skeletons of a mammoth and an elephant, I shall
content myself with relating here some characteristic
marks which distinguish the two species: I reserve for
a particular memoir some more detailed observations
upon this subject. I shall here recapitulate the motives
which induced me to adopt the opinion of M. Cuvier.

1. If the writers whom I have mentioned have ac-
tually made, as I suppose, zootomical comparisons,
they have been able to do so very incompletely, and
upon detached pieces; for neither the head, nor the
whole vertebrz, nor the feet of the mammoth covered
with flesh and hair, and furnished with the sole, have
ever yet been examined, when collected together, by
any writer.

The presence of the coccyx, which finishes the ver-
tebral column, convinces me that the animal has had a
very short and thick tail, like its feet: besides, its be-
ing every where covered with bristles induces me to
think that they cannot be those of an ordinary elephant.

2. The teeth of the mammoth are harder, heavier,
and more twisted in a different direction than the teeth
of an elephant. Ivory-turners, who have wrought upon
these two substances, say, that the mammoth’s horn,
by its colour and inferior density, differs considerably
from ivory. Ihave seen some of them which formed
in their curvature three-fourths of a circle; and, at

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 135

Jakoutsk, another of the length of two toises and a half,
and which were an archine thick near the root, and
weighed seven pouds. It is to be remarked, that the
point of the tusks on the exterior side is always more
or less worn down: this enables the inhabitants of the
Frozen-Sea to distinguish the right from the left tusk.

The mammoth is covered with a very thick hair
through the whole body, and has a long mane upon its
neck. ven admitting that I doubted the stories of my
travelling companions, it is nevertheless evident that the
bristles of the length of an archine, which were also
found upon the head, the ears, and the neck of the ani-
mal, must necessarily have belonged either to the mane
or to the tail. Schoumachoff maintains that he never
saw any trunk belonging to the animal, but it is proba-
ble that it was carried off by wild beasts; for it would
be inconceiveable that the mammoth could eat with so
small a snout, and with such enormous tusks, if we do
not allow it to have had a trunk. The mammoth, ac-
cording to these indications, would consequently belong
to the elephant species, and M. Blumenbach, in his sys-
stem, actually calls it Elephas primevus.

To conclude:—The mammoth in my possession is
quite different from that found near New-York, which,
from the description given in the Journal called the
Museum des Wundervollen, had carnivorous teeth*.
M. Cuvier has proved, in a most satisfactory manner,
that the mammoth isa particular species of antediluvian
animals,

* See Philosophical Magazine, vol. xiv, p. 162, 228, 332.

136 Journey to the Frozen- Sea, and

Another question still remains to be decided. Has

the mammoth originally inhabited the countries of the
pole, or those of the tropics? The thick hair with
which this animal is covered seems to indicate that it
belonged to the northern regions; to this it does not
seem reasonable to start objections, although several
writers have done so: but what remains inexplicable is,
to ascertain, how came the mammoth to be buried in
the ice? Perhaps the peninsula of Tumut has been
slowly formed. In course of time a general inunda-
tion must have covered all the north part of the globe,
and caused the death of this animal; which, after hay-
ing floated for some time among the masses of ice, was
finally driven by a gust of wind upon the sand-bank not
far from the shore. The sea, upon afterwards retiring
within its limits, must have buried the body of the
mammoth. But of what use are all these hypotheses,
even if they had a high degree of probability? How
can we reconcile facts which seem so contrary ? Two
years ago similar relics were found in the environs of
Kirengsk, upon the banks of the Lena, at a greater dis-
tance from the sca, and they had fallen into the bed of
the river: others have been found in provinces further
south from the Wolga; and they have been discovered
in Germany and in Spain. ‘These are just so many

incontestable proofs of a general deluge. We must be- —

lieve that the country of the mammoth was of immense
extent: but I shall not at present prosecute inquiries
which might lead us into a labyrinth of hypotheses: I
shall merely add, that it appears incontestable to me
that there has existed a world of a very ancient date ;
and Cuvier, without intending it, gives evident proofs

es “ee

Discovery of the Remains of a Mammoth. 187

of this in his system, by the twenty-four species of ani-
mals, the races of which are extinct. In the mean
time, I beg the indulgence of the curious reader in the
perusal of this essay. I purpose giving the osteology
of the mammoth with all that precision which Camper
has devoted to a similar work.
, MicuarEt Apams*,

Petersburgh, August 20th, 1807.

XVI. Questions relatwe to the American Elephantine
Bones, &c. In a letter to the Eniror, from Dr.
Rermarus, of Hamburgh.

Sir,
THE discovery of the stomach of an Elephant,

with its contents, which you mention in the First Sup-
plement of your Journal*, is certainly very interesting.
However, you will allow, that we might desire some
more particular circumstances.

1. Among the bones that lay around, were there ob-
served the jaw-bones, or at least the grinders, which de-
note that particular species of Elephant in question, re-
sembling carnivorous animals? For I have read, that, in

* The author of the above essay offers his skeleton for sale, and
means to employ the money it shall produce to him in a journey
towards the north-pole, and particularly in visiting the island of Lja-
chow, or Sichow, which, from information received in his late jour-
ney, he believes to be a part of the continent of North-America.

* Article VI. Pages 22—35,
VOL, III. PART I. bs

138 On American Elephantine Bones.

the same regions, there are likewise found teeth re~
sembline the Siberian Mammoth’s, or those of our
living Asiatic elephants; so that, at first, one was not
even sure, whether the tusks and those extraordinary
grinders belonged to the same animal.

2, The state of preservation of the stomach might be
more particularly described, as to its membranes, &c. ;
its figure, if this was still to be distinguished, its di-
mensions, its situation in respect to the adjacent bones,
ribs, and so on.

You will excuse, dear Sir, my liberty in troubling
you with these questions, as they arise from my desire of
knowledge, and please to accept the assurances of my
greatest esteem.

I, A. H. Rermarus.
Hamburgh, July \6th, 1806.

oe OS S=>

XVII. Case of a Remarkable Diseased Uterus. In a
Letter to the Evitor, from Grorce Carraway,

M. D. of Virginia.

IN the year 1795, Phillis, a negro woman,
aged thirty, of delicate health, and several years after
marriage to her second husband, discovered a tumour
in the hypogastric region. It at first was only percepti-
ble whilst she lay, on changing from one to the other
side. At such times, she could plainly feel it fall to
the depending side. She was troubled with sickness
and retching. The tumour gradually increasing, with-

Case of a Remarkable Diseased Uterus. 139

out any disagreeable symptoms, save those which have
just been mentioned, the patient began to discover it to
mount over the pubes, and was delighted with the idea
of being pregnant. In this opinion she was encou-
raged, notwithstanding her menstruations continued re-
sularly. To heighten her suspicions, about the cus-
tomary period of utero-gestation, she was attacked with
pains, and called in the assistance of a midwife. She
was pronounced to be pregnant, but labour not coming
on, the midwife left her, saying, her time had not yet
come. Unfortunately for the poor patient, her time
never came, her pains entirely subsided, and she never
after had occasion for the friendly assistance of her mid-
wife.

The swelling continued to increase, without any in-
convenience except what was occasioned by its bulk
and weight. Her appetite increased, and she ate more
than formerly. Her menstruations continued regular,
but were extremely painful, and generally confined her
to her bed, from two days to a week, and, towards the
elose of her life, to ten and twelve days.

By the year 1808, she had acquired such bulk, that,
sitting on a seat of twelve or fourteen inches in height,
her abdomen would actually rest on the floor beneath
her. Notwithstanding this enormous size, she could
(to the astonishment of all about her), still walk about
her house, and would even visit some of her relations,
who-lived at the distance of half a mile.

140 = Case of @ Remarkable Diseased Uterus.

In the month of February, being now forty-three years
old, and thirteen months from the commencement of
the complaint, her catamenia ceased. This was suc-
ceeded by a train of symptoms which carried her off.

Having obtained permission, her body was opened
in the presence of several gentlemen, and the following
appearances were marked: the omentum covering the
abdominal viscera, to appearance healthy, but increased
(to speak within the bounds of moderation) to fifty
times its natural size. Its blood-vessels, which com-
posed the principal part of its bulk, measured one-
fourth of an inch and upwards in diameter. It was
attached to a tumour, presently to be described, into
which its blood-vessels evidently penetrated.

The omentum was separated from its attachments,
and immediately beneath, and between it and the intes-
tines, lay a substance of a whitish colour, firm and re-
sisting to the touch, which had almost usurped the ca-
vity of the abdomen. The intestines were made to oc-
cupy but a small part of their natural situation, and the
spleen, stomach, and liver were forced high up into
their respective habitations. On dissecting away this
tumour, it was found to have formed some partial adhe-
sions to that part of the peritoneum which lines the pel-
vis. It was evidently discovered to proceed from
some part of the internal organs of generation, and, af-
ter separating it from the above attachments, by a trans-
verse section of the vagina, it was easily removed.

Case of a Remarkable Diseased Uterus. 141

On reviewing the abdominal viscera, the vesicula
fellis and vesica urinaria were found preternaturally en-
larged, which was attributed to the pressure of the up-
per part of the tumour on the ductus communis choli-
dicus in the first case, and to its pressure on the pubis
in the latter. In the doublings of the peritoneum,
formed by its reflection over the intestines, were disco-
vered innumerable small collections of a watery fluid,
which appeared to be contained in the cells of the cel-
lular membrane. 5

The parts which had been dissected away were now
examined. The ligamenta lata et rotunda, the ovaria,
the tube fallopianz, and vagina were distinctly observa-
ble and free from disease, except that the fallopian
tubes were somewhat elongated and distended with an.
aqueous fluid which they contained. The os tince
was perfectly natural in size and appearance, but the
uterus, which was discovered to be the seat of disease,
was lengthened to six or seven inches, and increased
in diameter to about four. Its cavity was of the depth
of a common probe, and of its ordinary width. In the
body of the uterus was found several other bodies of
a firmer texture than the uterus itself, and of a round-
ish form; some of which, on their exterior surface,
were surrounded by a thick bony incrustation.
From the body of the uterus, likewise, proceeded a
number of tumours of a kidney-shape, weighing from
half an ounce to upwards of a pound. ‘These ad-
hered, some by a short, thick, others by a long, slen-
der neck, which last seemed to be composed of a re-
flection of the peritoneum, of cellular membrane, and of

142 Case of a Remarkable Diseased Uterus.

blood-vessels. From the fundus uteri proceeded a tu-
mour, by far the most bulky of the whole, and which of
itself weighed thirty-one and a half pounds. It origi-
nated by a very short and thick neck, which appeared to
be of the exact structure, and indeed to be a continua-
tion from the uterus itself. On opening these bodies,
one uniform structure prevailed. They were vascular,
whitish, and of a firm grisly texture. In one of the
small, and in one spot on the large tumour, a fluctua-
tion was perceived, and, on opening them, a yellowish,
glairy, inodorous liquor was formed, which had the ap-
pearance of proceeding from the decay of the cavities it

filled.

The blood, which supported this remarkable diseased
state of the uterus, was supplied by an enlargement of
the uterine vessels, and from the omentum, as formerly

noticed.

It is only further to be remarked, that the whole
weight of the uterus, with its connections, was thirty-six

pounds. I remain, &c.,
Your obedient servant,
Grorce CaLLAaway.

Benjamin S. Barton, M. D. &e.

Medical Topography, &e. 143

XVIII. Sketch of the Medical Topography of the Mili-
tary Tract of the State of New-York. In a Letter
from Dr. Joun H. Frispre, of Camillus, to Davip
Hosacx, WM. D., of New-York. Continued (and
concluded) from the Medical and Physical Journal,
Vol. II. Part II. page 85.

Query 17. ‘‘ WHAT treatment do you find
the most successful?

Answer. In replying to query eleventh, the mode of
treating our epidemics in former seasons, as well as in
this, was described. The simple mode of treating
them, which has been practised this season, at first view,
appears to have had the best effect. Whether this has
been owing to any essential difference in the disease it-
self, making it different from the epidemics of preceding
years, can only be known, with certainty, by trying it,
for several successive years. My own opinion, which
corresponded with that of most of the practitioners in this
quarter, is that the fevers of this season have been
much more inflammatory than has generally been the
case.

The practice of giving nitre, as a febrifuge, instead
of antimonials, in our fevers, has not, until this period,
been much in use in this country; neither has the in-
fusion of Little Solomon’s-Seal ever been given by any
regular practitioner, in this country, to my knowledge,
till I recommended it. I found that the Indians used
it in fevers, by the name of ‘* White-root.’? This

144 Medical Topography of the

suggested to me the propriety of trying its effects. I
found it to form an agreeable mucilaginous drink, and
have used it myself, during the whole of the season.
Those physicians to whom I have made mention of its
apparent good effects, after recommending it them-

selves to their patients, have told me that they thought

it an excellent drink in fevers, and preferable to any in
common practice. Iam so well persuaded of deriving
benefit from it, that I shall continue to use it, until I
shall think otherwise.

Supplementary Answer to Query 15.

The appearance of the skin, on the first attack of
the disease, is sometimes natural, but often of an orange
colour. This occurrence generally disappears as the
disease advances, especially where the depleting means-
have been freely used. I know of but-few cases in
which the skin was yellow after death. This appear-

ance may be said to take place once almost every —

year, in some part of the Military Tract. It happened
in the case of Elijah Laurence, who died in the fall of
1800. It has occurred once this year in the town of
Scipio, and I have heard of three or four other cases, in
different parts of this and Cayuga county, since my re-
sidence in the western country.

There is one symptom which has appeared to distin-
euish the epidemic of 1800. Glandular swellings were
frequently met with. They generally discharged a
good pus, and this was a favourable symptom. I had
one patient, in the period last mentioned; a son of C,

Military Tract of the State of New-York. 145

V. O., who had a number of glandular swellings,
which suppurated, and discharged pus of a healthy ap-
pearance. After some time, and when he appeared to
be recovering, abscesses formed in other parts of his
body. I opened, at different times, about thirty of
them: they all discharged pus of a proper colour and |
consistence; he was neglected a few days; and a large
abscess formed upon one ham, which discharged so
much, that he began to fail; and, just before death, mat-
ter issued from his ears. He died without a struggle,
and with the same tranquillity that a person goes to rest.

XIX. On the Use of the Polygala Senega, or Seneka-
Snake-Root, in the Treatment of the Malignant Yel-
low-Fever. Communicated to the Epiror, by
James Hayneswortn, M. D., of South- Carolina.

THE Rey. Richard Furman, D. D., well
known among the pious, whose philanthropy often led
him to attempt something for the relief of those whom
poverty prevented from sending for a physician, and
whom, in his professional capacity, as minister of the
gospel, he was called to visit, introduced another mode
of treatment. The following is his own account of it:

** A mode of treatment, which has been generally, if
not universally, successful for the cure of Yellow-Fe-
ver :

‘« If the patient is of a plethoric habit, and the symp-
toms run high, biced moderately in the beginning.
VOL. III. PART I. T

146 On the Use of the Seneka-Snake- Root,

But, without delay, take about three drams of the Sene-
ka-Snake-Root, and, reducing it to a coarse powder,
put it into a convenient earthen vessel, and pour to it
half a pint of boiling water: cover the vessel, and let
the tea simmer half an hour before the fire, when it will
be fit for use. ‘Then pour as much of it on an ounce
and a half, or two ounces, of Glauber’s Salts, as will
dissolve them, and as soon as the mixture is cool, give
a small wine-glassful to the patient, and repeat the dose
every twelve or fifteen minutes, till several motions are
procured, and the stomach and bowels well cleansed.
Then stop the use of the mixture, and give the decoc-
tion alone, in the same quantity as before, but at the in-
terval of an hour and a half, observing to sweeten each
dose with sugar, to render it more agreeable to the
stomach. ‘This is to be continued until the fever and
pains are removed, which is often effected in twenty-
four hours, or less. Should the first doses of the mix-
ture be thrown up, to ensure and facilitate its cathartic
operation, it will be proper early to use injections; and
if, after the first evacuations, and the use of the tea alone
for some hours, the body is not kept sufficiently open,
which may be known by the redness of the eyes, the
offensiveness of the stools, a hard, and sometimes feeble
pulse, drowsiness, and restlessness, it will be proper
to resort to the use of the salts again, until free evacua-
tions are procured: then go on with the tea as before.
This mode of treatment cures the patient, while the dis-
ease is in its inflammatory stage, before it assumes the
putrid form; and it is of the last importance to begin
giving medicine as soon as the disease commences.”

in the Treatment of Yellow-Fever. 147

The success of this practice I frequently witnessed.
After it became public, heads of families often cured
their domestics themselves, by pursuing it. The ene-
mies of the practice alleged, that, where it succeeded,
colds, and slight cases of fever, depending on obstructed
perspiration, were uniformly mistaken for Yellow-Fe-
ver; but I had abundant opportunities of convincing
myself that this allegation was not true. Besides, appa-
rently slight cases, as I have already remarked, left to
themselves, soon ended in evident Yellow-Fever, and
death.

Either from a belief that it was unequal to the cure,
or from some other cause, very few of the physicians
gave the Snake-root a trial Dr. David Ramsay
thought favourably of it, but used it in only two or
three cases, and then along with other medicines. The
cases terminated favourably. In a letter lately received
from him, he says, ‘‘ It (Seneka) is always a powerful
auxiliary, sometimes radically curative; but I would
not be for relying on it exclusively, in seriously dan-
gerous Cases,”

How much of truth there may be in Dr. Furman’s
opinion, that, in curing, the Seneka acts as a specific, at
least in part, I shall not undertake to determine. That
it is a medicine of very considerable powers, all who
have experience of its virtues readily acknowledge.
This vegetable mercurial has salivated ; and it is well
known to be sudorific, diuretic, emetic, and cathartic,

148 Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles. |

XX. Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles. Ina
Letter to the Evitor, from Cosmo G. StTEvEN-
son, M. D., of Baltimore.

Dear Sir,

SO much has been said on the subject of
measles, that I should not presume to occupy your time
in the perusal of this letter, did I not conceive it re-
flects such light upon the treatment of the disease,
which, if once adopted, will be as certain of safety, as
that vaccination prevents the variolous infection.

The first case which came under my notice, this sea-
son, occurred in the early part of January last. I had been
taught to consider this disease as a peculiar inflamma-
tory eruptive complaint, having a determination to the
lungs; and, lest the matter should fall upon those vis-
cera, was directed to keep the patient warm, give saf-
fron-tea, cordials, sudorifics, &c., to preserve the erup-
tion upon the surface; and bleed occasionally. This
treatment I formerly pursued, but under it many died,
and, upon the whole, the issue, in regard to health, was
very precarious, often leaving a predisposition to pul-
monary affections. I revolved these facts in my mind,
and determined this season to adventure a different plan
altogether, as their termination could not be more fatal.

My first care was to keep the patient in a room
without fire, and almost destitute of covering. Next
to administer co/d water as a common drink, and in pro-
portion to the patients’ desire; and to suffer them to

Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles. 149

walk out of doors in any kind of weather. The only
medicine I gave, was a preparation of equal parts of
Puly. Jalapii, and purified Nitre; of this fifteen grains
were given, night and morning, to a child eighteen
months or two years old, and so in proportion to age,
from the commencement of the eruption, for two or
three days. This mode equalled my most sanguine
expectations; it reduced the febrile symptoms so com-
pletely, that, in two or three days, my adult patients
were enabled to attend to their avocations, and the
younger ones relieved from every dangerous symptom;
nay, some of them were not confined an hour. I have
had upwards of forty patients, of different ages and con-
stitutions, all of whom were treated on this plan, and
are now well. There is no weakness left upon the
lungs, as we might have apprehended. On the con-
trary, those persons afflicted with this disease, and
who have been treated in the warm method, with saf-
fron-tea, hot toddy, &c., have a constant cough, and
other pneumonic symptoms; and many wretched exam-
ples are now to be seen of this injurious practice. I
have not found it necessary to bleed but in two cases,
to both of which I was called twenty-four hours after
the eruption, and who had been kept warm, and upon
the cordial and sudorific plan. After. venesection,
they were put upon the cold treatment, and recovered
in a few days. The measles, this year, in my observa-
tion, have universally been accompanied by the cynan-
che tonsillaris; though, I must confess, this latter dis-
order attacked persons who were not affected with mea-
sles: but in no instance have I seen the scarlatina angi-
nosa attendant, nor do I think it a concomitant of mea-

150 Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles.

sles, unless induced by too warm a regimen. I used
no remedy for this glandular affection, except, in a few
instances, the volatile liniment. It commonly disap-
-pears in five or six days. I must not neglect to in-
stance two cases which fully empower us to practice
after this novel method. There were children, between
four and five years of age, who, while the rubeolous
eruption reddened their whole body, ran into the street
during a heavy fall of snow, and continued there for some
time, yet they recovered speedily. After such convine-
ing proofs, who will not believe? Every day fresh cases
present themselves to confirm this cold method of treat.
ment, and condemn the warm. Upon the whole, I
consider the measles, if treated upon the strict anti-
phlogistic plan from their first eruption, to be as harm.
less a disease as the most trifling cutaneous affection,

There has been considerable discussion, and more
-anxiety to ascertain whether the measles cannot be pro-
pogated by the clothing of a person not infected, who is
in the habit of frequenting houses in which the disease
prevails. Without deciding on the question, I will
give youacase. A child, two weeks old, was seized
with the measles. Neither the mother nor child had ever
been out of the house, nor had any person afflicted with
measles entered it, since the birth; but the aunt, in
whose family this disease prevailed, daily visited the
sick woman. Query. Did the aunt convey the infec-
tion in her clothing?

I must call your attention to another fact. The
measles made their appearance in my father’s family,

Remarks on the Treatment of the Measles. 151

and in my own. The strict antiphlogistic plan was ad-
hered to. The persons (one in each family) recovered
rapidly; yet the disease was not communicated to any
of the rest of the families, though there were several in
each who had never been attacked with it, and though
there was a free communication between the indisposed
and healthy. Does this imply that the cool regimen
destroys the infection of the measles? for we see this
complaint extending to every member of a family not
previously infected, when the ot or moderately cool re-
gimen is adhered to.

However new this treatment may appear, it is never-
theless so true, and supported by such superior suc-
cess, that I am impelled, as a duty I owe mankind, to
divulge it. Errors are every day detected, and super-
stitious prejudices and visionary notions must ulti-
mately yield to all-powerful Truth.

Baltimore, May 4th, 1808.

XXI. On the Use of the Vitriolic Ether, in a Case of
Strangulated Hernia. In a letter to the Epitor,
Jrom G. C. Suarruckx, M. D., of Boston.

Sir,

SHOULD you think the following case, in proof
of the efficacy of Vitriolic Ether in Strangulated Hernia,
worthy of a plan in your Medical and Physical Journal,
‘you are at liberty to insert it.

(152 On the Use of the Vitriolic Ether,

C. Anderson, an African child, about fifteen months
old, had occasionally suffered very considerably from
two congenital hernias. March 16th, 1808, at 11
o’clock, A. M., the intestine upon the left side suffered
a prolapse into the scrotum. This was soon succeeded
by violent pain, vomiting, and, indeed, by all the dis-
tressing symptoms usually attendant upon incarcerated
hernia. The succeeding afternoon, the mother tried an
infusion of tobacco as a glyster, which I had previously
instructed her to use, when her child should again be
troubled with a hernial affection. It produced no other
effect than an increase of sickness and vomiting.

The child continuing feverish and sick at the stomach
through the following night, I was requested the next
morning to visit it. The patient I found with a quick,
languid pulse, and a disposition to constant retching.
After an unsuccessful attempt to reduce the hernial tu-
mour by the taxis, the child was held up by the heels,
and jostled about with his head in this depending pos-
ture. This was all in vain. Cold water was then
poured upon the hernial tumor, while the hips were
retained in a very elevated posture, that the contractions
of the abdominal muscles and viscera might be so far in-
creased as to retract the protruded intestine into the ca-
vity of the abdomen. But this did not produce the
least diminution in the size of the tumor. I then or-
dered the mother to administer another enema, and
left the patient, promising to call again in a very short
time.

in a Case of Strangulated Hernia. 153

Other engagements prevented my seeing the patient
again before the middle of the succeeding afternoon,
when I found the febrile diathesis very considerable, the
strength much prostrated, and the stomach in an ex-
ceedingly irritable state. After bleeding the patient four
‘or six ounces, I immersed it in the warm bath, and
again renewed my efforts to reduce the tumor by the .
taxis. These attempts were attended with the same
success as my former; which determined me, after the
child had been in the bath an hour or more, again to try
the efficacy of cold water, to be poured upon the tumor
while the patient was partially immersed in the warm
water. The event proved the disproportion between the
means used and the obstinacy of the complaint.

After an unsuccessful trial of all the above expedients
to effect the reduction of the hernial tumor, I suggested
to the parents, that an operation was the forlorn hope,
upon which the salvation of their child depended, and
that the sooner it was performed, the greater would be
the probability of its saving the life of the patient.
Upon this I left the house, agreeing to call again in the
evening.

During this interval I met a medical friend, to whom
I related the case, at the same time inviting him to be
present while I should perform the operation the suc-
ceeding morning. My friend was polite enough to
relate to me a case of strangulated hernia, that had
resisted all the usual remedies, which Dr. Thatcher of
Plymouth finally reduced by the external application of

VOL, III. PART I, U

154 On the Use of the Vitriole Ether, &c.

ether to the tumor. This determined me to give it a
trial.

Accordingly, upon returning again in the evening, I
ordered to be procured an ounce of sulphuric ether.
The child was now again held up by the heels, and the
ether poured upon the tumor as fast as it would evapo-
rate. The intense cold which it produced excited se-
vere pain, which the child discovered by its cries and
shrieks, The ether was applied until the strength of the
patient seemed to have been completely exhausted.

The hernial tumor, however, soon began to diminish
in size, and, before three-fourths of the ounce of ether
was used, was completely reduced. Thirty-five hours
had elapsed after the hernial tumor had formed, before
its reduction.

I have the honour to be, sir,
Most respecfully yours, &c.

| G. C. Suattuck.
Boston, May 16th, 1808.

Benjamin S. Barton, M. D.

Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor. 155

XXII. Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor of the Re-
spiratory Organ, &c. In a letter to the Evitor,
Srom Dr. Isaac Hevuin, of Philadelphia.

Dear Sir,

THE following case is transmitted for insertion
in your very valuable Journal, provided you conceive it
of sufficient importance, and likely to subserve the in-
terest of medical science.

Respectfully yours,
J. HeEY.in:

On the tenth of March last, Mr. Donnely applied to
me to vaccinate his son Charles, an infant, eight months
old. On my first visit, I was surprised to find a child la-
bouring under a very great difficulty of respiration, who,
in every other respect, appeared in the enjoyment of per-
fect health. ‘The mother informed me, the child had, as
she supposed, taken cold about two weeks previous, —
for which simple means had been advised, without pro-
fessional aid being applied for. As the difficulty of res-
piration appeared to be increasing, I was desired to pre-
scribe something for its relief.

Conceiving, from the mother’s statement of the case;
that it might have experienced on attack of croup,
which, through the efforts of nature, aided by a good |
constitution, it had struggled through, the present diffi-
culty of breathing might be owing to a small portion of
membrane remaining attached tosome part of the trachea,
J advised small doses of vin. antimon. and ox. siglot. to

156 Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor.

be given, with the view of exciting gentle vomiting, to
detach or remove the obstruction. Both these medi-
cines were tried, but without any apparent advantage ;
on the contrary, the child appeared weak and languid,

for some time after the emetic, however gentle its effects;

and it generally, to use the mother’s language, became
black in the face during the operation of the emetic,
which alarmed her exceedingly.

On the occurrence of such unusual symptoms, I was

induced to change my opinion, and suppose there either

was a pressure on the trachea from adipose deposita, as
in the case mentioned by Dr. Zimmerman, or, that
some local morbid condition of parts, perhaps coeval
with the child’s existence, was now beginning to mani-
fest itself. The former appeared the most probable, as
the child was very fat, and, I can with much confidence
say, a more complete picture of health, or an infant
countenance more interesting, I have seldom beheld.
Thus impressed, I advised the discontinuance of all me-
dicines, at least for the present, excepting occasional
purgatives, with the view to alter the child’s habit.
The vaccine action commenced and terminated favoura-
bly; several patients were successfully affected from a
fine pustule on its arm.

As I did not suppose my regular attendance neces-
sary, I did not visit the child for a week or ten days,
during which some officious person advised the pa-
rents to call in additional aid, and, lest his own purse
might be made liable, he recommended advice to be
procured from the Pennsylyania hospital, and one of the

Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor. 157

pupils of that institution conceived himself justified in
taking charge of the patient. A blister was applied to
the breast, and some medicines prescribed, the particu-
lar operation of which I did not learn. But, whether
owing to the natural progress of the affection, or to the
means recently recommended, the child became much
worse, and on the second of April I was called up by
the father, who represented his son as dying.

I found it extremely restless, strong and tense pulse,
with a hurried and very uneasy respiration, attended
with the most ardent thirst. Six ounces of blood was
ordered from the arm, which seemed to afford some re-
lief; a calomel purge was prescribed, which operated
well ; and the blood-letting was repeated a few hours af-
ter, but without any additional advantage : in the after-
noon the alarming symptoms returned, and death termi-
nated the little innocent’s sufferings.

At my particular request, permission was given to
inspect the body, and the following were the appear-.
ances on the partial dissection that was made. On re-
moving the sternum, and bringing the lungs and trachea
into view, a large tumor was found to occupy the an-
gle of the trachea which constitutes the commencement
of the bronchia; its size and form resembled that of an
English walnut; one end pressed forcibly against the
angle, and for some distance along the branches, so as
to lessen their diameter considerably, and projected
through against the cesophagus; while the other part ex-
tended up between the trachea and superior cava, press-
ing against the cava, the diameter of which was so

158 Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor.

lessened, that it afforded matter of surprize how the
blood could return to the heart with even tolerable faci-
lity, particularly during the act of vomiting. The tu-
mor was glandular, and appeared to be one of the bron-
chial glands preternaturally enlarged. It was solid in the
centre, but, on cutting into each end, a small quantity
of matter was found, resembling pus. Several of the
neighbouring glands were more or less in a state of en-
largement, and appeared to be fast hastening on to
commence their work of mischief, in case the large one
just described had not been competent to the business
of closing life.

We have here the evident cause of this poor infant’s
sufferings and death; and the reason why respiration
was performed with so much difficulty is easily ac-
counted for, when we advert to the pressure, and its
consequent effect in lessening the passage into the lungs.
The child’s face becoming dark, while under the ac-
tion of emetics, may, with equal justness, be referred to
the pressure on the cava, and thereby impeding the
blood in its progress back to the heart. The case ap-
pears to me an interesting one, and, perhaps, not unde-
serving a place in the note-books of pathologists, to
whom I cheerfully resign the task of accounting for a
phenomenon both curious and interesting.

It may not be improper to add, that the parents of
the infant, particularly the mother, appear very heal-
thy; and the father, had he any predisposition to a mor-
bid condition of the lungs, would long since have had
it brought into action, as he follows digging wells, and

Dissection of a Remarkable Tumor. 159

other subterraneous employments. The child’s lungs
were perfectly sound, excepting a small part in contact
with the tumor, and to which there was a slight adhe-
sion.

To those who may feel disposed to refer this case to
a scrophulous origin it would be well to notice, that the
child was, from the time of its birth, more than usually
healthy, till the expiration of the eighth month, evincing
no symptom of either local or general debility, or any
morbid action whatever ; but, on the contrary, as far as
could be judged from external appearances, there was
the happiest organization of parts, and such as would
appear very long to have stood the vicissitudes incident
to “ the feverish dream of human existence.”

Statement of Deaths, &c.

160

XXIII. Statement of Deaths, with the Diseases and

Ages, in the City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from

January 2d, 1807, to January 2d, 1808.

a a

) RONOCHOMAHKAHHOKNONA HHA INHDOOOHHORIN .
Total. ite ao ma BR Og Oo NRERRATZL ae SS ae

Ages unknown. ee eer tL See > OS Ok ae oS OO ANS Snern aS om

From 100 to 110. SSSSSSSS IIT a Fe en EF — a No NN NN
From 90 to 100. [PSSA SSOSOSHSSOSOSHSSONSHSOSSSCOSHHM OOS SSOOOOOSSOO
From 80 to 90. JP SSHMA SSH OSS SSAHSSSHSH HOMSS SM SSSH SOS OOSOSOSSOS
From 70 to 80, [PY SRASSHASSHSONSSSNOH FO FOOT MOS ONOR HOSS SOOOO

From 60 to 70. |o® SMAAOOMNHONO S SSCA OAR HOHOOOMNOOONOMHMOOOOONMO

SS SS

5 1 IRMOMNAMHOHHHONSANGONDODNRAMNOOOMNOOONS SOO NO ONS
From 50 to 60. | =

R
DO AD LD EN [RD OAAHOHRNONNDTAHANOO Smo oNd S acocce
Brom: 40 0-40. fae + RRoooxwonos SPTOSOSOONSITNOOSO
ges SE ee) at es ek a.
ROOMVWHOSCHHONASCOODOCHOOCOM SSAR ORR ORRN
From 30 to 40. | 8 — eR al I hg Re Tals Bo sa

cx - a ~ TIRNROOOWOOONOAWmMHMOOnMTD
From 20 to 30. GMS MAMOOSHOSSOSSBOAMSOSOVSORHARSSSOPVSSONOA mn OOnrs

From 10 to 20. [AS SRA SOA SSSSSSONSSSOSMSSRRANAH OS HORMONA NOMNMOOOO

= EE So) ee es ee CaS Se Re: Se - #e é
From 5 to 10. JP SSSSSSSSsssosoonnsesnsoana” FOOSOWSCSCOMNOHAHOOHOSOSS
SSSSCOnARAAON MAMOSSOMSOYNIHOSOCSASSSMAHHROOOOOSCOO
From 2 to 5. | a
Talos OD veam |NONNKROOOMMAHNOOHOONN nw OAM NONNMONMOMHMOO
Under 2 years. | B] a SORTS SSR SORNONAMSOHSORAOS

—_—_—_——S as SSeS

% < a “a
4
vi 4 Ee as z. 3 §
fA e 6S ae fe # aq
B Ss co © pe ro) =P eee ae BS
< se} 54 2 es 4a Frewevsused
<3) her n men B Aa, a “a 5 eas wo QELSAORERS G
nO B bas, v noes OW wn On TS S mer co cos VYSZoEgez
= a i wo BB es e2e5b 88 @ES9AbsS SREBEZEASSA
A Gas heuSGeESekS Sse psehReessesees eT TT |
3 a r-| 5am ees aio Boos 9 Mom & & ;
BSESSESERSOSCEHZEePSSAES = i cD
Sean bssi eae cr osoonVUSSERESBER SE RE bP
Ss$t2a<tmov00bb DDO OO RN AAAaAAAAAgAAaHY
_ ERR RP RA eee

161

1
33'2045

O|

Statement of Deaths, &e.

CONTINUED.

TrRrmOuomnneR BANDAN ANSON AMs co co (rs > To)
Total. oc R a See eR cots” Sosa Se eo) ee ee
———————____... GC
Ages unk FOONASASSSOSFORNASA ONT ORMOND ONAN SOD ONS HHS OHSS SSSEE
ges u nown. | ~ im Io

9

aa se lz
pio 100 te 0S SSS SSS SSS SSS SSS SS OSS SSO FS SS SS SSS SSS S SSS SSSSSSSL
fea ee ee ee eS
From 90 to 100. IPS SSSSASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS SSSANS SSS SSS SOS SS SSS SSSSSSS
From 80 to 90. joesorsounssccoce

4

11

ai SI ES Ee ee eed

From 70 to 80. IS SRASSSSSSSCSOH SS SHS HS NS SS QHOTOHS OS SS SHS SSSSSSSSS

Th) a —————E—eEEE——e 2 ee eS ae ee ae |
From 60 to 70. JT SOSRNARSSSSONSSA SCANS SOON AMOM SOON OOOO ONS SOHO SSSSS Pe)

2]
Ay 2 SE IS SIGS ee a i a ee Ss ee ae |)
From 50 to 60. [PGP RN SASS Shp ON Bes Sra Smee S

=
a = eo a Sono Sa SS a ee A ee |
From 40 to 50. es 2 LSA SAS NG ORNS SOOM M OMS CON

oroocoeocoeoecorooonoooooo a
= ~

ew
eal
From 30 to 40. tr SAMSON SNMOHMNDOSORHMDOOHHOOO 4

From 20 to 30 [PSR OS SHSSASRASSAS AD SOSSSONNS SOOO OOS ONS ONOOHSOS +

STS 7 re eee ee ee ee
From 10 to 20. JP SORSSOSSSSRSSSARAGNASSODOO SOO OOD OOOO 6 ON NOS DO OS SSS Oo

7916

|

KR
From 5 to 10, [PELL SSS SS AOS SOS NSOS SHAS OSS NS TOONS Ho AO OS SSC OSNS Ia
To Gi kL SG CICS. S SO Ons iGha even too aianc SSSOCSCOSOROONOTOOOOOOONWOIW
From_2 to 5. [he ee I OS gS Se NS FO N Oo = a |e
_
C Ow ca] fn] io) aoooocecococys
Under 2 years. [ae I OS ee NSIS SSS f=) SOoONCSCOnKNN Se l=
a
: One Lo}
p- + ga VY
; a Seto ew a oe Dy ea “
c) 3 v S > &

n a ESSroSes set eres ES

fz] ie} a & 2445055 foe oe - £9 4 2

wn a 3 i bd) a o e302 3 5

a ra Ce a a Pas ¢.6- o ~

= E = o A B a Ee are Da G
SS & fe ve o Bs 3 8 os § esogn |] se § 49 eer)
= a ea bE. WES NpMSSPo Spagna sl( Ze Baurtspn «8-5

532 — a Foam =I q . slave bh mh Eo SeAlscoee esc SSL, Ms
a Sem PELS Ese Se Slee pst estan |W ese SEES SLES E

SaeERBB aH see ce eM YBSc LEAS GV EOS Poul Se a5 von

Ce aBSeonvdo= HOR oo a= eaYro'g5e o's 5 BAY Sl

Fy fy OO Oe ee eS Se SeORt Aa ean IAERADHDAEEEDSO

VOL. III. PART I.

162 Statement of Deaths, Sc.

DEATHS IN EACH MONTH.

OF THE FOREGOING PERIOD.

Adults. | Children.| Total.

nee ee eee ee
January . - . > 92 58 150
February - - - 73 45 118
March . - - 109 45 - 154
April . - - 111 46 157
May . . - 90 43 133
June - - - 91 68 159
July 4 - - } 101 136 237
August ap - - 117 151 268
September - - - 140 97 237
October. - 4 ot ~ 108 54 162
November . - ‘ 101 54 155
December . - - 71 44 115
Total + - ~ 1204 841 2045

The foregoing statements were drawn up, with as much accuracy as
possible, from the returns given to the Board of Health, from physi-
cians and others. ;

THE
PHILADELPHIA

» MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

SECTION SECOND.

bi *
BAN
2
ral

J

My
Visa eel
7

+e

dais si bs

REVIEW.

4

I. A Discourse on some of the Principal Desiderata in
Natural History, and on the best Means of promoting
the Study of this Science, in the United- States. Read
before the Philadelphia Linnean Society, on the 10th
of June, 1807. By Benjamin Situ Barron,
M. D., &e.

THE Puirapexrpura LinnEAN Society was
established for the promotion of Natural History. Its
original founders (the greater number of whom were
young men), ardently attached to the study of nature,
perceived the want of an institution which should be
exclusively devoted to the cultivation of the different
branches of natural history: an institution similar to ,
those. which have been founded, and have flourished,
in most of the countries of Europe, where the names,
the nature, and the properties of natural objects have
been studied with any degree of attention, or success.

After a short view of the nature and objects of natural
history, the author of the Discourse proceeds to point

166 Review.

out some of the principal Desiderata in the science, under
' the various heads of Zootocy, Borany, Groxocy,
and Mrneratocy, and, lastly, Merzorotocy. Asa
specimen of the work, we select the concluding part
of the Discourse, to which is added an Appendix, con-
taining Notes and Illustrations.

‘< Such, gentlemen, are some of the numerous subjects
to which I would wish to see the members of this Soci-
ety turning their attention. The field, you will-readily
perceive, is an ample one. It will afford a rich harvest
to many, both of the present and of future ages. For
the bounds of natural history will, for ever, be enlarg-
ing.—It is much to be wished, and I flatter myself, that
our wish will be gratified, that every member of the
Society will consider himself pledged to add something
to the stock of our knowledge of the natural history of
the country. Some of you may find leisure to furnish
us with regular essays, or memoirs. These, or extracts
from them, I shall hope to see published, at some future
period, in the rransacrtions of the Society. Others
of you, to whom the cultivation of mere natural history
may be less interesting, or who may not possess suffi-
cient leisure for the purpose, may contribute individual
FACTS, or experiments, which, if they be collected or
made with care, may form a most.important part of our
objects. These facts might be digested and arranged
into regular order, and published in the Society’s trans-
actions, or copied, by the secretaries, into a book kept
for the purpose, and allowed to be used by every mem,
ber, in any way he may think proper.

cal
-

Review. 167

*¢ As there is no science which is more disgraced by
what are called facts than natural history; and as it
‘should be the object of every real philosopher, to dimi-
nish, to the utmost of his power, the quantity of error,
and to prevent the accumulation and extension of idle
tales; so it is to be wished that every member, or per-
son, who may transmit to us notices concerning our
animals, our vegetables, and minerals, or any of the
other objects of the institution, would always be care-
ful to distinguish between what is certain or well ascer-
tained, and what is probable or conjectural. I say no-
thing of the necessity of a solemn and religious adher-
ence to truth. I say nothing of that playfulness with
science (if I may so express myself), which disgraced
the character of one of the Presidents* of the Royal So-
ciety of London; and has disgraced the character of
other cultivators of natural history. But I must not
omit to say a few words on the subject of credulity.

‘* Credulity is one of the most injurious features in
the character of the naturalist, as well as of the histo-
rian. Its influence, in one individual, is often felt and °
propagated through many ages. Unfortunately, too,
it has been the vice of naturalists, or those who have
touched on questions relative to natural history, in all
ages. It was his credulity, more than any thing else,
which soiled the immortal work of Pliny on Natural
History: a work, though often erroneous, and deform-
ed by anile stories, above all praise; a work upon which,

«* Martin Folkes, Esq—See Mr. Pennant’s Outlines of the
Globe, vol. i, p. 237.

168 Review.

if we possessed no other materials for the purpose, one
might construct a successful defence of the knowledge
“of the Romans in the time of Vespasian.—How much +
do we feel for Tacitus, the manly and the energetic
Tacitus, whan he seriously tells us, in his Annals, that
‘in the Consulship of Paulus Fabius, and Lucius Vi-
tellus, after a long vicissitude of ages, the PuoEnix
arrived in Egypt ;? when he goes on to collect together
the most extravagant stories relative to the life and the
habits of this miraculous bird: some of which, indeed,
his judgment leads him to reject ; observing, ‘ that in
the account of the Phoenix there is no doubt a mixture
of fable ;? ‘ but that this bird (says the great: historian),
from time to time, appeared in Egypt, seems to be a
point sufficiently ascertained.’ It is to be regretted,
that on other subjects, relative to natural history, the
Roman historian has exhibited some marks of his credu-
lity ;, I will not willingly say, of his ignorance*. Indeed,
few are the writers of civil history who have not sullied
their works, when they have had occasion to treat of,
or touch upon, points of natural history. With great
pleasure, however, do I mention, as an exception to this
position, the vast work of Mr. Gibbon on the Deeline
and Fall of the Roman Empire: a work from which
even the student of natural history may collect many
facts and much information ; and this, too, so correctly
and so cautiously related, that I do not recollect a single ~
instance in which the fidelity of Gibbon, as a naturalist,
can be called in question. How unlike his friend Dr.
Robertson, who, with stronger and with better lights to

“ * See the Germania of Tacitus.

Review. 169

guide him, has deformed his History of America with
the most palpable falsehoods and errors, concerning the
physical condition of this continent, and of its inhabi-
tants ! -We blush for Sir Walter Raleigh, whose
learning, and talents, and taste, enabled him to write a
stupendous and elegant work on the history of the world,
when we read his account of whole nations of Ame-
rican Indians; who were entirely destitute of heads.
What shall we think of the learned Spanish historio-
grapher, Herrera, who tells us, that ‘ the Trochilus, or
Humming-bird, feeds like a bee on flowers, and the
dew that lies on them, and when the rains cease, and
the dry season comes on, clings to the trees by its
beak, and dies; but again returns to life, the following
year, upon the return of the rainy season.’ ‘These
(some of them, at least) are fit subjects for the rich
genius and the warm imagination of a poet at his

ease, amid the spicy groves or the flowery meads of
Tran, or of Hindustan. Others of them, again, might,
without the aid of much imagination, be employed as
new subjects in the work of some future Ovid. All of
them must be rejected by the Naruratisr: he will
even reject them with a species of disdain; and, indeed,
it is not without some difficulty, that we can prevail
upon ourselves to attach a high authority, in any thing,
to men who were capable of believing, and of publish-
ing, such fables as I have mentioned,

‘There is, however, some apology for credulity in
matters of natural history. ‘The works and ways of
Gop are, indeed, wonderful, and many things, appa-
rently fabulous, are strictly true. Perhaps, there is no

VOL, III, PART I. Y

it a ea Review.

fable in natural history which has not arisen, very natu-
rally I was going to say, out of some obvious and well
authenticated fact. ‘The beautiful fable of the Phenix
may have taken its rise from the history of the periodi-
cal returns of a comet, and the theory of the learned
of Egypt, or some other region, concerning the nature
of these bodies.—The fable of Herrera is supported by
the fact, that the Trochilus, like many other birds, is
susceptible of, and actually does sometimes pass into,
the torpid state: a state, in many animals, extremely
similar to that of complete death: for who, but the
most keen-eyed physiologist, can mark, in many in-
stances at least, the line between life merely interrupted,
and life finished, or at an end ?

“ With such difficulties in the investigations of natu-
ral history, surrounded by truths which’pass, by the
slightest and most imperceptible shades, into fables, it
should be the constant aim of the naturalist to describe
and paint nature as she is. The addition of one solitary
tint, whether added by the suggestion of fancy or urged
by credulity, may render the picture unworthy of atten-
tion, ‘Hrstror1a Naruratis (I use the words of a
very respectable naturalist, who is treating of the history
of an animal, concerning which the most extravagant
fables had been related), ‘ Historia Naturalis non bene
digesta abit in Fabulam; praejudicia vero et nimia
Credulitas Veritatem, etsi cominus satis cognitam, lon-
gissime aliquando propellunt*.’

* « Jacobus Theodorus Klein. Sce his curious account of the Mus

Alpinus, or Marmot, in the Philosophical Transactions, Numb. 486,
p. 180, &e., for the year 1748.

Review. 171

‘You will observe, gentlemen, that I speak of the
printing of our Transactions. I do not suppose, that this
is a step'which can be taken immediately. But if the
Society continue to be conducted in the manner I hope
to see it conducted ; if it be supported by the talents’
and the zeal of the members who now compose it; I
cannot entertain a doubt, that, in less than three years
from the present period, we may be in possession of
materials for an original, and interesting volume; a
volume which shall reflect honour upon the Society,
extend the empire of natural history, and teach our
countrymen the real utility and importance of a science
to which they have just, as it were, begun to pay any
attention; a science which may be said to date its
origin, in Pennsylvania, if not in the United-States,
from the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty«
nine. t

\

‘‘I do not despair of seeing the Society in possession
of aroom of its own. I hope to see its members in
possession of a good and even extensive LIBRARY.
The latter may be formed without much difficulty, and
at a very moderate expence, whenever the Society
shall show, by its transactions or proceedings, that it is
at all worthy of the name which it bears. I think that
some of your attention should be directed towards the
formation of a MusEuM, or collection of natural ob-
jects, particularly such as belong to the American con-
tinent. I neither wish nor expect to see the Society
engaged very extensively in this business, as there is
already established among us a musEuMm of great
value, and which does honour to its founder, and

a

172 Review.

even to the United-States ; a museum to which every
American citizen should endeavour to contribute his
mite of support. There are, however, two classes of
objects which we ought to labour to collect ; I mean
specimens of our indigenous Plants; and specimens of
our Minerals. Indeed, I will flatter myself, that every
member of the Society will feel ita kind of duty in-
cumbent upon him, to furnish us with such rare and
curious vegetables or minerals as he may be able to
collect, in different parts of the country. In this way
alone, a great accession may, in the course of a very
few years, be made to the stock of our knowledge of
the Borany and mineEraxocy of the United-States.

** You have agreed, gentlemen, to denominate your
association the PHitapeLpuia LinnEAN SocireEry.
In making choice of this name, in preference to every
other, you have gratefully rendered homage to one of
the most illustrious cultivators of science, the world has,
hitherto, produced. Certainly no other man, neither in
ancient nor in modern times, has contributed so much to
extend our acquaintance with the eaternal characters
of the living works of nature, on this globe, as has
Linnaeus. Endowed, by a beneficent Creator, with an
uncommon portion of genius; warmed by an imagination
of the richest kind, which, however, his correct judg-
ment generally restrained within proper limits ;_ blessed
with the most persevering and virtuous industry, which
enabled him to accomplish whatever schemes of use-
fulness or glory his sanguine mind may have devised ;
which enabled him to triumph over poverty, and over
the active maleyolence of his enemies ; thrice happy

Review. 173

in an ardent and well-directed ambition, without which
the energies of mind are oftentimes of little avail; the
Naturalist of Sweden has assumed one of the highest
stations in the throne of intellectual glory. I am far
from being a blind idolater at the shrine of Linnarus.
I am not ignorant of the imperfections of his systems, or
of the errors into which he has often fallen. But these
errors, when we consider the vast compass of sciences
—medicine and all the branches of natural history—
which the bold and fertile genius of Linnzeus embraced ;
—these errors, I say, must be acknowledged to be few
in number. And, in regard to his systems, should they
all (as some of them, unquestionably, will) crumble into
dust, or share the fate of other systems, neglect—the
world, a thousand years hence, will continue to regard
with veneration and with wonder those powerful and
successful efforts, which called Natural History from an
embryo and mis-shapen state into form, into regularity
and beauty, and even placed it in one of the most ele-
vated stations among the sciences which have attracted
the notice of mankind, during the whole of the eigh-
teenth, and the first years of the nineteenth, century.

“Let us follow, then, with zeal, with industry and
care, as far as our talents, and the more pressing pur-
suits and duties of our life, will permit us to follow ;
let us follow, I say, the footsteps of the great modern
architect of natural history. With him as our guide ;,
with only a portion of his talents and his warm zeal ;—in
these regions of America, where God has displayed to
his children of Liberty and Comforts, the immeasurable
variety and usefulness of his works, for their study, and

174 Review.

contemplation, and happiness ; in this peaceful empire,
extending widely westward from the shores of the At-
lantic to the vast regions that are washed by the Missi-
sippi, the Missouri, and their streams; and southward
from the confines of Superior, and Ontario, to the bor-
ders of the countries of the people of Florida and Ana-
huac;—how vast, how new, how felicitous, is the field
for observation! O let us not supinely pass our time,
without calling into view the treasures of this world!
And excuse my selfishness, if I urge you to make haste,
that I, before my. course is run, may know, through
your labours, at least a part of what is to be learned of
the natural history of these regions : that I may know,
that my fire is not too weak to animate some of you to
these. glorious pursuits of intelligence.

**T call upon you, again, to labour for the support,
the respectability, and the importance, of our infant
institution. Some of you are soon to fix yourselves in
the most opposite regions of North-America; while
others of you are called by your profession, or urged
by your intrepid zeal, into the distant countries of China,
of Java, or of Hindustan. Remember, wherever you
may be, the Philadelphia Linnean Society. Remem-
ber this seat of your intellectual happiness. In answer
to those who may whisper to you, that the study of
natural history is incompatible with the regular pursuit
of your profession, tell them, and tell them again, that
in all countries, some of the greatest naturalists have
been physicians ; and not merely physicians, but some
of the most eminent clinical practitioners. Need I

Review. 175

mention the names of Withering and Darwin, as proofs
of this assertion ?

- Asto myself, gentlemen, I have to assure you, that,
in all my studies, I shall have a constant eye to this in-
stitution, and to the promotion of its various useful ob-
jects. The indispensible calls of my profession; the
necessity I, at length, find myself under, of devoting a
larger portion of my time to the arrangement of those
materials, relative to the natural history and the ancient
state of our country, in the collection of which I have
been engaged for near seventeen years, may, for a
time, prevent me from devoting much of my attention
to the current business of the institution. But viewing
as I do the foundation of this Society with much sa-
tisfaction ; and believing that its complete establishment
will be an event of the highest interest and consequence
in the literary history of ‘our country, I cannot but feel
proud of associating myself with you; of attaching my-
self more firmly to those studies in the pursuit of which
I have passed the happiest hours of my life; and of
connecting myself, by still more endearing ties, to those
of you, whom I have been so fortunate as to conduct
to the first threshold of the study of Medicine, and of
Nature.

«Permit me to close this feeble and imperfect ad-
dress, by assuring you, how sensible I am of the ho-
nour you have conferred upon me, by electing me to
the place of the first prestpEnT of the Society,”

176 Review.

II. A Compendium of the Theory and Practice of Mid-
wifery: containing Practical Instructions for the Ma-
nagement of Women during pregnancy, in labour, and
in child-bed ; calculated to correct the errors and to
improve the practice of midwives, as well as to serve
as an introduction to the study of this art for students
and young practitioners. By Samue. Barp, M. D.
New-York: Collins & Perkins. 1807.

THIS small volume, consisting of about 240
pages, is the production of an eminent physician, who
has, we think, added to his former reputation by the
publication of the present work. It is, indeed, a work
of considerable merit, and, we flatter ourselves, will be
of essential service in the United-States. It is illus-
trated by a number of figures, well engravyen in wood,
by Mr. Anderson, of New-York.

THE

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.

THE Medical Department of the University of
Pennsylvania is rapidly increasing in respectability,
and in the number of its pupils. The aggregate
amount of the Students, during the last winter, was not
less than 270, or 275. ‘The greatest number of these
were from Pennsylvania, and from the states south and
west of Pennsylvania. A few were from New-Eng-
land; a greater number from the state of New-Jersey ;
two or three from the West-India Islands; and at least
two from Europe.

On the 27th of April last, a public examination of
the Medical Candidates was held in the presence of the
Trustees and Faculty of the University, and a number
of the citizens; and on the following day, the degree of
Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon sixty gentle-
men, each of whom had written and submitted to the
Medical Professors an Inaugural Dissertation, which
they publicly defended. The following is a list of the
Graduates, a notice of the States or countries from which
they came, or in which they reside, and the title of their
dissertations.

1. Branch T. Archer, of Virginia, On Cutaneous Ab-
sorption.
VOL. III. PART I. Zz

178 University of Pennsylvania.

to

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ba |

. John Arnest, of Maryland, On Abscess.

William Aspinwall, of Massachusetts, On Diabetes
Mellitus.

. Jacob Baer, of Frederick-Town, zips On Pu-

erperal Fever.

. Samuel Baker, of Maryland, On the Form of Dis-

ease usually denominated Chorea Sancti Viti.

. William P. C. Barton, of Pennsylvania, On the

Chemical Properties and Exhilarating Effects of the
Nitrous Oxide Gas; and its Application to Pneuma-
tic Medicine.*

Samuel Benezet, of Pennsylvania, On the Cynan-
che Trachealis.

Samuel Betton, jun., of Philadelphia, Odservations
made in two Voyages to India.

George Callaway, of Virginia, 4n Experimental In-
guiry into the Properties and Effects of the Juglans

Cinerea.

‘10. James Clarke, of the County of Cavan, in Ireland,

On the Diurnal Revolutions of the Body.

11. Samuel Colhoun, of Pennsylvania, On the Jnflu-

ence of Light in producing the Colours of Animal and
Vegetable Bodies.

eS

sytee

University of Pennsylvania. 179

12. Matthew Cunningham, of Philadelphia, On Local
Inflammation.

13. John H. Davis, of Pennsylvania, On the Supposed
Influence of the Moon. *

14, Archibald B. Dick, of Alexandria, in Virginia, On
the Pulse.

/ 15. William Dicks, of South-Carolina, On Tetanus,
16. George Fairlamb, of Pennsylvania, On Hepatitis.

17. Michael A. Finley, of Baltimore, On the Use of
the Muriatie Acid.

18. William Foushee, jun., of Virginia, On Cynanche
Trachealis.

19. Alexander Frazer, of Charleston, S. C., An At-
tempt to prove that there is no definite period of Ute-
ro-Gestation in the Female of the human species.

20. Robert O. Grayson, of Virginia, An Investigation
of the different opinions in favour of the Contagious
nature’ of Remittent and Intermittent Fevers, to-

gether with an Inquiry into the Laws of Miasma,
ie.

21. William Grayson, of Virginia, On the Nourish-
ment of the Fetus in Utero.

186 Uniwersity of Pennsylvania.

22. Samuel Greenlee, of Virginia, On the Advantages
of Scepticism in the Study and Improvement of Me-

dicine.

23. William Willmott Hall, of Maryland, Strictures
on the Use of Cold Water in the Cure of Fevers.

24. Isaac H. Hampton, of New-Jersey, On Pneumonia.

25. Arnold Hannenkampf, of Maryland, On the In-

fluenza.

26. James Haynsworth, of the High-Hills of Santee,
South-Carolina, On the Yellow-Fever, as it appeared
in Charleston, in the year 1807.

27. Nathan Hays, of Pennsylvania, On the Manner in
which Medicines act upon the Living System.

28. Isaac Heister, of Pennsylvania, 42 Historical and
Philosophical Inquiry into Absorption: containing a
Series of Arguments to prove the Absorption of Sub-
stances not nutrient, whether applied eaternally or
internally to the Human Body, as well as to that of
some inferior Animals.

29. Samuel Humes, of Pennsylvania, On Dyspepsia.

30. Samuel Jackson, of Philadelphia, 4n Essay on
Suspended Animation.*

University of Pennsylvania. 181
31. Joseph Jones, of Virginia, On Hepatitis.

32. Samuel Leake, of Virginia, On Vision.

33. Charles Lukens, of Pennsylvania, 4n Essay on
Fever.

34. Henry Marim, of Delaware, On the Influenza, as
it appeared in the State of Delaware, in 1807: with
some Observations on the Nature of the Disease.

35. Robert Mayo, of Virginia, On the Sensorium.*

36. Archibald M‘Kinney, 42 Essay on the Physiology
of the Human Mind.

37. Nathaniel Nelson, jun., of York-Town, Virginia,
On Measles.

38. J. B. Otto, of Pennsylvania, On Tetanus.

39. James Page, of Baltimore, Maryland, On Super-
fetation.

40. Robert Maskell Patterson, of Philadelphia, 2x
Proof of the Influence of the Moon in Diseases.

Al. John Perkin, of Philadelphia, On the Hydrocele.

42, William Pinkney, of a Paele d On the Cholera
Infantum.

182 University of Pennsylvania.

43. John Hunter Pope, of Georgia, On the Vesicule
Seminales.

44, Philip C. Pope, of Virginia, On the Nature and
Treatment of Hypochondriasis.

45. George Poyntell, of Philadelphia, On that Grade
of Madness called Manalgia.

46. Thomas Grimball Prioleau, of Charleston, South-
Carolina, On the Aralia Spinosa.

47. Boanerges Roberts, of Virginia, On the Medical
Properties of a species of Asclepias, or Swallow-

wort.

48. Reuben S. Safold, of Georgia, On the Influence’ of
the Mind on the Body in producing Diseases and
Death.

A9. Richard Shubrick, of Charleston, South-Carolina,
On Menstruation.

50. Fitz R. Smith, of New-Jersey, On the Medical
Properties of the Common Daffodil.

51. William Kilty Smith, of Maryland, On Mortifica-

tion.

52. Isaac A. Smith, of Virginia, On the Virtues of Mi-
neral Waters.

University of Pennsylvania. 183

53. Samuel Stewart, of Pennsylvania, On Cuticular
Absorption.

54. John D. Thomas, of Philadelphia, On the Scro-
phulous Disease of the Hip-Joint.

55. Isaac Todd, of New-Jersey, On Thirst, and the
Advantages of abridging the Use of Diluents in Dis-

eases which require Depletion.

56. Edmund H. Tucker, of George-Town, South-
Carolina, On Cataract.

57. John Wilson, of Alexandria, Virginia, On the
Transfusion of the Blood.

58. John Wishart, of Pennsylvania, On Thyrocele (or
Bronchocele).

59. Joseph Woollens, jun., of Pennsylvania, On Hy-
drocephalus Internus.

60. Thomas Worthington, of Maryland, On the Mo-
dus Operandi of Medicines.

—=———

The degrees were conferred on the Graduates by
Joun M*Dowe tt, LL. D., who is now the Provost
(or Principal) of the University ; after which an Ad-
dress was delivered to them by Dr. Barron, the
Dean of the Medical Faculty, for the present year.
This Address will be published.

184 University of Pennsylvania.

By alate regulation of the Trustees of the University,
the medical graduates are not obliged to publish their
Inaugural Dissertations. After the dissertations have
been submitted to the Medical Faculty, 7fthey are ap-
proved of, the publication is altogether optional; or
entirely the act of the graduate. In consequence of
this regulation, which has now been in operation for
two terms, only a small number of the dissertations have
been printed and published. Of the sixty, the titles of
which are given above, only three have been published.
These are marked with an asterisk *. Others, how-
ever, are intended for publication, either entire or in
part; and some of them, perhaps, in a state more im-
proved (by the authors themselves) than that in which
they were originally presented to the Medical Faculty.

The writer of this account does not hesitate to give
it as his own individual opinion, that the present exist-
ing regulation of the Trustees, in regard to the Inaugu-
ral Dissertations, is an improvement upon the former
system. ‘lo compel a young man, who acknowledges
that he has nothing new or important to communicate
to the world (and whose dissertation is found, on exa-
mination, to have no claim whatever to original merit),
to appear before the public as an author, seems, to use
the mildest phrase, an unnecessary procedure. It is
not meant to be insinuated, that such is the character
of all the Inaugural Dissertations which have, hitherto,
been published in Philadelphia. So far is this from be-
ing the case, that it is believed, that few universities, in
any country, have produced more respectable original
dissertations than some (not a few) of those which

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!

University of Pennsylvania. 185

have, at various times, particularly since the year 1792,
been presented to the Trustees and Medical Professors
of the University of Pennsylvania. These dissertations
have not only procured reputation to their authors, but
have even served to raise the reputation of the school
which gave them birth.

But it is well known that many of the inaugural dis-
sertations of this and other Universities are, at best,
but mere transcripts, and even imperfect transcripts, of
the opinions or doctrines of the professors. Others are
crude and unfinished performances, such as only serve
to diminish the reputation of the school; and such, in-
deed, as their authors, at the expiration of a year or two,
are ashamed to see, or acknowledge. Surely, it is ad-
visable that such essays should not be permitted to be
published; or, at least, it is proper that the authors
should not be constrained to publish them.

It may be said, however, as it often has been said,
that the new regulation of the Trustees (a regulation
introduced at the request of the Medical Professors)
serves to deprive the public of some émportant disserta-
tions. Whatever foundation there may be for this sus-
picion, it is certain, that the new rule does not necessa-
rily lead to this evil. On the contrary, it is even pro-
bable, that the dissertations which are really worthy of
publication will, sooner or later, be printed and pub-
lished in a more finished form than that in which they
were originally presented to the professors. In regard
to several of the dissertations of the present year, it is

VOL. III. PART I, 2A

186 University of Pennsylvania.

known to be the intention of the graduates to publish
them, when they shall have more leisure for the task,
or shall have repeated, upon a more enlarged scale,
the experimental parts of their essays.

SS xs
= v.

OBITUARY.

I. THE celebrated naturalist, J. Christ. Fabricius,

died, in Denmark, in the month of March, last. He

was one of the most distinguished pupils of Linnzus,
whose lectures he attended in the years 1763, 1764.
He had studied, with attention, all the parts of natural
history; but, for several of the latter years of his life,
had attached himself principally to the study of Insects.
Of these animals, so numerous and interesting, he pub-
lished a system, founded upon principles entirely dif-
ferent from that of his illustrious master: a system,
however, much more difficult than that of Linneus.
His latter writings, no doubt, contain descriptions of
many of the North-American insects, specimens of
which were transmitted to him, from time to time, by
the Editor of this Journal, who enjoyed the happiness
of corresponding with the great entomologist, ever since
the year 1793; and who now deplores the loss, not
merely of the naturalist, but also of his useful epistolary
friend.

Fabricius was, by no means, a mere nomenclatural
naturalist. He had attached himself to the philosophi-
cal part of the science also; and several of his papers
show him to have been a man of much genius, and
influenced by the truest spirit of observation. ‘To Fa-

188 Obituary.

bricius we are indebted for the discovery of the organs
of hearing in some species of insects; especially in
those of the family of Cancer, or Crab: and his obser-
vations on the torpid state of animals are extremely in-
teresting. His numerous papers, distributed through
the periodical publications of Europe, on various sub-
jects of natural history, are but little known in America:
but his larger works have reached us, and will ensure
to him a lasting reputation among the greatest naturalists
that the cata has, hitherto, produced. As an Enro-
MOLOGIST, we suppose he has never been equalled by
any one.

Fabricius’s last publication, that the Editor has seen,
is an Introduction to the Study of Natural History*.
It is a small volume, intended chiefly as a text-book
for his lectures. It comprizes the three kingdoms of
Nature, and is, in many respects, a work of real merit.
It bears, however, rather the marks of haste in compo-
sition; and it is to be regretted, that it is, in one very
prominent instance at least, sullied by a hypothesis
(that respecting the Negroes) which would seem to
show, that the author had not a/ways restrained, within
due bounds, his imagination, and his love of system.

It has been the fortune of Denmark to give birth to
some of the greatest naturalists of modern times. — It
has been her misfortune to be deprived, by death, of
several of these, in the period of a very few years.

* Resultate Natur-Historischer Vorlesungen. Kiel: 180f.

Obituary. 189

Within the short term of thirty months, she has lost
Vauz, her greatest botanist; and, indeed, the greatest
botanist of any country, since the death of Linnzus* :
and now she deplores the loss of her Fasricuivs.
These are not small losses: for much of the “ glory
(if not, as Dr. Johnson says, ‘‘ the chief glory’’) of
every people arises from its authors.”? Two such ge-
niuses as Vahl and Fabricius can hardly be expected to
arise, in any one country, in less than a century.

8 + Oe

II. Dr. John Redman died, in Philadelphia, on the
18th of March last, at the advanced age of eighty-six.
He was a native of Pennsylvania, and finished his medi-
cal education at Leyden, where he received the degree
of Doctor of Medicine, in the year 1748. On this oc-
casion, he published an inaugural dissertation De Ador-
tu. On his return to America, he commenced the prac-
tice of physic, and for many years (not less than forty)
he was extensively engaged in the arduous duties of his
profession.

On the appearance of the yellow-fever in Philadel-
phia, in the year 1793, Dr. Redman was one of the few
physicians, then living in the city, who had had an op-
portunity of seeing the same malignant malady in its
former visit to the city, in the year 1762. At the re-
quest of the College of Physicians, of which he was at
that time, and for several years after, the President, he

* See Journal, vol. IT. part i.page 145, &c.

190 Obituary.

drew up some account of the disease. From this ac-
count, it was evident, that the fever of 1793 was, in
no essential respect, different from that of the former
period.

Dr. Redman was so fortunate as to acquire the
solid friendship of a large number of his fellow-citizens,
among whom he officiated so long as a physician.
Many of these he survived; but there still remain not
a few who respected him for his useful talents, as an ac-
tive and attentive physician.

Except his inaugural specimen, and two or three fu-
gitive essays, Dr. Redman published nothing relative
to medical subjects. He adds, then, to the /arge num-
ber of those practitioners of the healing art, who mix,
for years, with the sick, and who scarcely leave behind
them one important memorandum of what they have
observed, in regard to the nature of diseases, or the
effects, whether good or bad, of medicines. It is true,
that the talent for correct and highly useful observation,
is by means a common one, among physicians. But
every physician, possessed of a good understanding, has
it in his power to augment the mass of MEDICAL
Facts, and thereby to extend the certainty and useful-
ness of the most important of all the sciences.

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I. Sketch of the Medical Topography of the country that
is watered by the upper streams of the Mobawk- Ri-
ver, and the adjacent streams of the Oneida- Lake,
&c., in the State of New-York. In a letter from
Mr. Matruew Brown, jun., to Davip Hosack,
M. D., of New-York. Communicated to the Evt-
tor, through the hands of Dr. W1LL1amM CurRIE,
of Philadelphia, by Dr. Hosack. —

Sir,

YOUR letter of September last was duly re-
ceived. I sincerely lament the occasion which again
called forth inquiries into the ‘‘ nature and origin of
the Yellow-Fever,”? and the dangers you must have
encountered in the inquiry. The advantages of those
inquiries, if you can arrive at the truth, are honoura-
ble to yourself, and incalculable to your city, and to
the world at large. My apology for not answering
your letter immediately is, that, at the time of receiv-
ing it, I was much engaged in professional business,

4 Medical Topography of the

and some avocations in my affairs made it necessary
for me to be absent, for a considerable time, last fall,
and the present winter.

I should gladly throw in my mite to facilitate your
research after the, truth: such information as I am in
possession of, and the experience I have had in the
disorders of this country, shall be detailed to you
with cheerfulness. Yet, if I was to hazard an opinion,
a description of the symptoms and termination of the
disorders of our country, will go but little towards the
establishment of the “ doctrine of domestic origin of
yellow-fever.”

{ will in substance answer your queries, by giving
you a sketch of the face and appearance of this coun-
try; an account of the disorders which generally ap-
pear in the season, with the method I have practised
in the cure. It may not be improper to observe, that
the unguarded, or designing, declarations of many
physicians, either to fill the gaping multitude with
wonder, or to swell their own fame, have given cur-
rency to strange reports, which have gained belief in
proportion to the distance they have travelled; and
those reports are very apt to be credited, if they con-
tribute in the least to the establishment of a favourite.
doctrine. But the facts are what you want.

I have resided at this village (Rome) between ten
and eleven years. It is situated at the head of bat-
teaux navigation in the Mohawk-River and Wood-
Creek, about 116 miles to the west of Albany, 100

Country watered by the Mohawk, &c. 5

from Schenectady, and about 40 above the Little-
Falls. y

At the last-mentioned place, there have been un-
doubtedly great changes in nature. The mountain,
which comes down on each side of the river, shows
evident marks of the water having fallen over the
strait in a different place from the present falls. The
rock is excavated, in many places, nearly a mile be-
low the present falls, from twenty to forty feet above
the highest water. These excavations are of a nature
not to be mistaken, as they are worn smooth, even,
and circular, and capacious enough to contain many
hogsheads. If I was to hazard a conjecture, I should
say, that I believed the country west of the Little-
Falls, from five to fifteen or twenty miles on each side
of the Mohawk-River, has once been a lake. I am
confirmed in this opinion by the appearance of the
hills, the quarries of lime-stone, composed of shells,
&e.; and even the loose stones in the fields have the
appearance of having been washed with water, and
many of them are made of shells and other substan-

es, which are petrified, and remain entire. -'The
face of the country, for a considerable distance, is le-
vel, and the flat-lands, particularly on the Mohawk-
River and Wood.Creek, are made by the washing of
the adjacent ground. We find trees, leaves, and
other vegetable substances, from five to ten feet be-
low the surface, and at considerable distance from the

channel of the streams. I know of many instances

where those logs have been found several feet lower
than the bed of the Mohawk, or Wood-Creek.

6 Medical Topography of the

We have but few ponds or swamps of stagnant wa
ter, if we except those made by the Canal-Company,
on Wood-Creek, the last and the summer before.
The soil, for a considerable depth, is a rich compost,
made from the annual decay of the timber, leaves of
trees, and other vegetables. :

About fourteen miles to the west is the Oneida-
Lake: the country around it is flat and swampy.
Twenty miles north-west from the west end of the
Oneida-Lake is Lake-Ontario. There are many
swamps and marshes on this lake, especially near the
mouths of the creeks and rivers. It has been the
opinion, that the country about the Oneida-Lake is
the most sickly of any part of the western country,
except at the salt-springs in the county of Onondaga.

Our summers are unsteady, as to the degree of
heat. In the months of July and August, we have a
few days of very hot weather, seldom over five or six,
before a change, often to very cool, for a few days.
Our changes are sudden and frequent. We have con-
siderable rain, and long periods of cloudy, misty wea-
ther, after July, which has generally been the clearest
month in the year.

The disorders of the country are such as physicians
would say are natural to it, viz., intermittents, dysen-
teries, diarrhoeas; and, some years, typhus fever,
which often goes through a family and neighbourhood,
when it once gets into it. These last vary in malig-
nancy. The last year we haye not had a single case

ve

Country watered by the Mohawk, &c. 7

of typhus. The year before they were very frequent.
Intermittents have been very common, especially on
the banks of the Mohawk-River, and about the lakes.
The symptoms of bilious remittent, or typhus, fevers,
do not vary from the descriptions given of them by
many writers on this subject, which are too well
known to you to need repetition. I have observed,
that persons seized with typhus grow worse at periods,
from seven to ten days, until about thirty days, and
recover in the same order or periods.

As to the treatment of this fever, or dysentery, I
cannot say I have ever been satisfied, either with
my own, or other gentlemen’s practice. | Perhaps
there is as great variety in means prescribed for the
cure of those two disorders in the country, as for Yel-
low-Fever in town, From what I have seen, I am far
from believing that bleeding, cathartics, and the anti-
phlogistic method of cure to be without objections ;
neither am I of opinion, that bark, wine, and opium
are infallible. I have generally cleared the first passa-
ges with neutral salts, jalap, and calomel, if the symp-
toms indicated an inflammatory diathesis, or if there
was nausea, or load at the stomach. Iam inclined
to think, small doses of calomel, so as to affect the
gums slightly, after a few days from the commencement
of the disorder, and some wine and bark, on the de-
cline of the fever, have proved most successful. Very
few have died of this fever, in this village, or its vi-
cinity, for some years past. The gums and glands
about the neck, and other parts of the body, are often
much affected, and even the jaw-bone quite carious,

8 Medical Topography of the

in several instances, one of which, a child, died after
many weeks; another recovered, after losing a con-
siderable piece of the jaw-bone, with three of the
double teeth in it. Neither of these patients had
taken calomel, but considerable quantities of bark
and wine.

We have a fever in this country, which has got the
name of Lake-Fever. This is the fever which is said
to be not unlike the Yellow-Fever. It never attacks
us till late in the summer, and the first months of au-
tumn. A frost sufficient to stiffen the mud, or freeze
water so that it can be perceived, puts an end to any
new cases. It begins with slight chills, pains of the
back, loins, and head. ‘The symptoms do not vary
from those of the ague and fever, except in the dura-
tion of the paroxysms, which have regularly an exa-
cerbation once in twenty-four hours, and commonly
in the latter part of the day. ‘These fevers have no
regular duration or change, but frequently end in re-
cular fits of the ague and fever, and sometimes go off
as the typhus. It often happens, that those who
have been afflicted with this fever remain debilitated,
and subject to slight returns, for two or three years,
with oedematous swelling of the feet, hands, and face,
a pale yellowness of the skin, flatulency of the stomach,
and, in a few instances, a vomiting of yellow bile,

once in every few weeks. I have never seen any

thing which resembled the db/ack-vomit, as described
in the Yellow-Feyer.

ie

Country watered by the Mohawk, &c. 9

Very few die of this fever, if they have assistance
in season. The bark with wine is a sovereign remedy,
if the system is not too far exhausted, to receive the
stimulus of those remedies. There is a strong lan-
guor, or leucophlegmatic appearance, in those people
who have been severely attacked by this complaint; a
kind of stupid insensibility, and want of animal
warmth, which they often carry about them for many
months. Their gums sometimes become spungy ;
teeth loose and carious, with hemorrhages from the
gums, nose, and throat, long after the fever has
subsided, and the appetite very voracious. To one
that has been in the habit of observing those fevers,
it is not difficult to discern the character of the Jnter-
mittent through the whole of this fever; and I am
fully convinced, it is no other than a high degree of
this disorder, increased, perhaps, by the quantity of
contagion, or the dirty and miserable situation of those
people, as to houses, linen, and other things, which
are so necessary to health.

_ At the Salt-Springs, in the County of Onondaga,
there have been great numbers of cases every au-
tumn. I have seen hundreds who have taken this
fever, but I cannot conceive it to be different from the
other cases I have mentioned.

I am, Sir, &c. '
Marruew Brown, jun.
Rome, April 1, 1804.
Dr. David Hosack, New-York.

SUPPL, : B

‘

10 On the Medical Properties of the

TI. On the Medical Properties of the Eupatorium Per-
foltatum, or American Thorough-Wort. In a letter
Jrom Witttam Daruincton, M. D., of Chester-

County, Pennsylvania, to the Eviror.

Dear Srr,

THE beneficial effects of the Eupatorium Per-
foliatum, in’ certain cutaneous affections, have been
observed by several physicians; and I think it a me-
dicine which merits a more frequent attention from
the faculty than it has yet received. Asa Tonic, I
have used it to a considerable extent, and always with
satisfaction. It serves as an excellent substitute for
the Peruvian Bark; and is often admissible where
the exhibition of the Cinchona would be doubtful
practice. This superiority is probably owing, in a
great measure, to its greater diaphoretic tendency.

I have lately given the infusion of the flowers, with
the best effect, in the case of a man who had greatly
impaired his constitution, by excessive potation of
ardent spirits. He complained of debility of the sto-
mach and bowels, accompanied with slow fever, and
a dry, husky state of the skin. Those affections are
now in a great measure removed, and his health in a
fair way of being restored. He still continues the
use of the infusion.

But it is in diseases of the skin that the Eupatorium
exerts its most remarkable influence. A number of
cases have come to my knowledge, in which the use

Eupatorium Perfoliatum. Al

of it has been attended with complete success.
Among others, was the case of an old lady, of 78
years, who had, for some length of time, been affected
with a most violent itching, and a burning sensation,
of the skin, attended with great redness, to such 2
degree, that it deprived her of her natural rest at night,
and kept her constantly uneasy during the day. It
extended over her arms and legs, and appeared on her
neck and back, producing the most disagreeable sensa-
tions. The violence of this disease occasionally abat-
ed on the skin, and then she was affected with nausea
and loss of appetite, which always continued until the
_ heat and itching on the skin returned, when the sto-
mach would be completely relieved. Thus the sto-
mach and skin antagonized each other, and clearly
jllustrated the principle of deriving morbid action from
one part, by exciting it in another. The old lady
had been in this condition for some wecks, and, pre-
viously to her application to me, had been bled, and
had used a variety of liniments, but with no apparent
benefit. When called in, I prescribed the powdered
leaves of the Eupatorium, in doses of ten grains, three
times a-day, which had the effect of entirely removing
the disease, in the course of a few days. Upon its
disappearance, the cuticle came off from those parts
which had been most affected, and the skin resumed
its natural, healthy colour.

It is true, this medicine will sometimes fail in pro-
ducing the desired result, even when exhibited in the
most judicious manner; but, until we shall arrive at
a knowledge of Infallibles, the Eupatorium will,

12 On the Medical Properties, &c.

in my opinion, deserve a conspicuous station among >

the articles of the Materia Medica.
Tam, &c.
W. DariincTon.
‘Chester-County ( Pennsylvania ),
Dec. 5th, 1805.

NOTE. ide

For an account of the medical properties of this
species of Eupatorium, the reader is referred to the
First and Second Parts (especially the latter) of the
Editor’s Collections for an Essax towards a Materia
Medica of the United-States, where the influence of
this common plant in the cure of a peculiar herpetic
affection, called the ‘¢ James-River Ring-Worm,”’ is
particularly noticed. Since the publication of the
work referred to, the Editor has received much addi-
tional information concerning the efficacy of the plant
in this disease, which was formerly extremely com-
mon in some parts of Virginia, especially, it is said,
on the upper streams of James-River.

III. Case of Epilepsy, successfully treated by the Nitrate
of Silver. In a letter to the Eviror, from P. K.
Rocers, M. D., of Philadelphia.

Dear Srr,
I DERIVED, from séurces of which I need

not remind you (your lectures and hospital practice),

Pt ~Oe

APNE

Case of Epilepsy. 13

a favourable opinion of the Nitrate of Silver, as a re-
medy in epilepsy. I have, accordingly, had recourse
to that powerful article, in the few cases of this dis-
ease that have come under my management.

I take the liberty of stating to you the particulars

of one case, which goes some way to prove the effi-

cacy of the nitrate of silver in epilepsy.

On the first of February, 1804, N J— ;
the person to whom I allude, was seized with a fit of
this disease. He is about thirty years of age, and
follows the occupation of a plasterer. He is of a
light and active habit. He supposes his memory isa
little impaired: his friends think the activity of his
mind is somewhat blunted. He had, for some years,
been subject to violent attacks of epilepsy. There
generally was, at first, an interval of four or five
months between the paroxysms; but, afterwards, his

- disease recurred more frequently ; so that, during the

last year, he had seven attacks, which were very vio-
lent, and apparently dangerous.

In these attacks, an hourly reiteration of convul-
sions, alternating with coma, with, now and then,. an
imperfect exercise of his senses, commonly continued
for two or three days. He suffered most from his
disease in the winter season.

This morning (the day above-mentioned) he went
out fasting, and laboured about an hour in removing
snow from a path. Upon feeling a degree of faintness

14 Case of Epilepsy.

and vertigo, which he had always observed to be the
precursors of an attack, he became alarmed, and has-
tened to his house. About eight o’clock, he was
seized with a violent fit. I saw him at nine. I was
informed, that the gentleman who visited him on for-
mer occasions employed bleeding and emetics, during
the attack, without any manifest advantage.

‘Theory, cither true or false, led me to adopt a sti-
mulating plan. About half a drachm of the Balsam of
Peru*, and twenty drops of laudanum, were dropped
into a little warm coffee, and immediately adminis-
tered, without the addition of sugar or mucilage. A
return of the convulsions took place, about two mi-
nutes after he had swallowed the medicine. The
balsam was repeated, in the same dose, without the
laudanum, as soon as the convulsions and succeeding
coma permitted. A warm regimen was directed.
The reiteration of the fits was stopped. I will not
assert, that the medicine just mentioned was the real
cause of the patient’s speedy relief; but it seemed to
be the cause of that relief.

Such were the circumstances of this case of epi-
lepsy, before the Nitrate of Silver was employed, as a
preventive of the paroxysms. The patient had hither-
to employed no metallic tonic for this purpose; but
he had tried opium, assafcetida, valerian, without
enect.

* This particular stimulant I recollected to have been employ-
ed by Dr. Kirkland. Medical Surgery.

Case of Epilepsy. 15

On the third of February, 1804, he commenced the
use of the nitrate of silver, combined with opium.
The medicine was exhibited in the form of pills, each
of which contained one-fourth of a grain of the metal-
lic preparation, and half a grain of opium. Half a
grain, at first, and, afterwards, a grain of the nitrate
- of silver, was taken daily. He continued this medi-
cine for six weeks, and, since he entered upon the
use of it, he has had no return of his disease. It is
now twenty-two months since his last paroxysm took
place, unless he may have had one within the last
month. It is hoped, therefore, that the medicine has,
in this instance, effected a cure.

In two other instances, I have reason to belteve,
the same happy result would have taken place, had
the use of the nitrate of silver been continued. But
one of these persons (Mrs. A —) retired into
the country, while under the use of the medicine ;
which, however, appeared to have done some good
before she departed. The other laid it aside on the
fifth day, because an increased dose, combined with
a very small proportion of opium, produced much
pain and uneasiness at stomach.

I am, Sir, &c.

PP, K. Rocers.
Philadelphia, Fan. 2d,

1806.

16 Sketch of the

IV. Sketch of the Medical Topography of Onondaga, in
the State of New-York. In a letter from Dr. Gor-
pon Nerepuam to Dr. Davip Hosack, and by
him communicated to the Ev1ror, through the hands
of Dr. Wittt1am Currie.

IN answer to your letter of the 16th of Sep-
tember, I make the following observations.

As to the situation of this country (viz. the western
part of the State of New-York), it is, generally, level,
and almost all the large Lakes have, on some part of
them, extensive marshes. The smaller ponds have
their shores surrounded with swamps and woods.
This town of Onondaga has been thought to be one
of the most unhealthy in all the western country. It
contains the celebrated Saline-Springs, which are situ-
ated on the shore of the Onondaga-Lake, surrounded
by a marsh, that extends for several miles. The in-
habitants are numerous about this lake, and are yery
subject to a Bilious Remitting or mixed Fever.

They are liable to this fever at any season of the
year, but it prevails most in the spring and the au-
tumn. In the latter season, it is most prevalent from
the first of August to the first of October. At this
time, these marshes are dry in some places, while
others are covered with water, filled with rotten moss
and dead shell-fish. These putrid animal and vege-
table substances fill the whole atmosphere with per-
nicious eflluvia, to which we ascribe the fevers.

Ly
2

Medical Topography of Onondaga. 17

Persons attacked with the fever complain of the
following symptoms: lassitude, a frequent inclination
to yawn, an irregular sensation of cold, approaching
to chilliness; a confusion in the head, delirium, vio-
lent pain in the head, redness of the eyes, heat and

*redness all over the surface; a quick and full pulse;

nausea, vomiting and purging of bile, obstructed per-
spiration, high-coloured urine, voided in small quan-
tity, and that attended with great pain in og region of
the kidneys, &c.

The tongue, from the beginning, is covered with a

-mucus, which turns yellow and dark-coloured at the

root, as the fever advances. The patients also com-
plain of a soreness of the flesh, aching of the bones,
&e.

‘The remedies which have been found most suc-
cessful are the following, viz.: frequent bleedings,
from one to four times; then antimonial emetics are
essentially necessary. These remove the bile from
the stomach ; they promote perspiration, and open the
bowels: important effects in the cure of these fevers.
The bowels are then to be kept open with small doses
of salts, castor-oil, clysters of milk and water, so as
to work the bile from the bowels, as fast as it accu-
mulates from the biliary ducts, giving large and re-
peated draughts of some weak, bland, diluting drinks,

“such as Sarsaparilla*, Spikenard+, Balm or Apple

teas, &c.

* Aralia nudicaulis, I suppose. This is a very common plant
in New-York, and other parts of the United-States. It is often
SUPPL. c

18 Sketch of the Medical Topography, &c.

During the paroxysm of the fever, I give small
doses of nitre and tartar combined; say eight grains
of the former, and one of the latter, for an adult, every
one, two, or three hours, as the case may require.
During the intermissions of the fever, I give wine and
water, wine-toast, chicken broth, &c. With this
treatment, we often obtain a solution of the fever by the
fifth day, or, at most, the ninth day of the complaint.
If we fail to effect this purpose then, the disease is
apt to assume the type of a nervous or putrid fever, and
carries off the patient, sometimes, between the four-
teenth and eighteenth day. These putrid and nervous
symptoms never take place in patients who have been
sufficiently bled and purged in the first stages of the
fever.

There appear to be such a heat and irritation through
the-whole course of the fever, that I have not used
one pound of Peruvian Bark in my attendance upon
more than one hundred patients, this present season.
Bark, calomel, and jalap, the medicines which were
once altogether relied upon, are now very little used
in the bilious fever of this country. The means that
are employed are simpie, but the practice is successful.

Onondaga, October 16th,
1803.

used as a substitute for the Sarsaparilla (Smilax Sarsaparilla) of
the shops. Of the comparative useful powers of the two plants, I
am unable to say any thing certain. Eprror.

t No doubt, Aralia racemosa. This, also, is a very common
plant in the United-States, growing chiefly in the hilly countries,
and in very rich soil. Epiror.

On the Bilious Remitting Fever, &c. 19

V. Facts and Observations relative to the Bilious Re-
mitting Fever of Loudon-County, in Virginia. Com-
municated to the Enitor by Dr. THomas Smith.

Dear Sir,

HAVING observed, with much regret, the ill
effects of Venesection in the treatment of our epidemic
(the Bilious Remitting Fever), and having kept a just
register of all the cases of this disease that have come
under my notice, from the first of March last to this
date, I beg leave to submit to your examination the re-
sult of my observations.

I have had 110 cases. But, including relapses, after
apparently complete recovery, I have had 380 cases. Of
all this number, only five cases have had a fatal termina-
tion. These were,

1. A negro boy, who lived in a close hut, with six
other persons, that laboured under the disease, at the
same time. He was attended by Dr. H., and myself.

2. Miss A. B., who lost about twenty ounces of blood -
from her uterus before I saw her, which was on the
14th day of her disease, and three days before her
death.

3. Mr. M. A., who received a wound in the cranium,
when he was a child, which accident had subjected
him to a temporary delirium, upon a small degree of
exercise, ever since that period. I was absent during

20 On the Bilious Remitting Fever

the three last days of his illness, and, consequently,
could not pay the necessary attention to him.

4 and 5. Mrs. E. W. and her child. This lady had
been bled by her friends, before I saw her, on the
supposition that she had the pleurisy ; and during the
four last days of her illness, she was, at my request,
attended by another physician. The child’s reco-
very being despaired of by the nurse, before I saw
it, very little medicine was exhibited to it.

Tn all the cases which I have mentioned, I only bled
one: a few had undergone the operation before I saw
them, and this had greatly tended to protract the cure.
~ One case, in particular, I shall recite, as the symptoms
that occurred seemed to indicate copious bleeding.

J. M., aged 20, of a robust and corpulent habit of
body, was attacked with the bilious remitting fever, on
the 29th of October. After three paroxysms (the re-
missions being pretty considerable, and accompanied by
a moderate degree of perspiration), his friends thought
proper to bleed him. An almost perfect paralysis of
every extremity very shortly ensued, which lasted near
two days. The remissions became inconsiderable,
without the least moisture on the skin, and theré was
frequent delirium. His mouth was very foul, and his
tongue black.

Tn this case, the most powerful sudorifics, pediluvium,
&c., were tried, tono purpose. A free use of mercury
and blisters was then resorted to; and, after a long and

-

of Loudon-County, in Virginia. 21

tedious illness, he recovered; but I am well satisfied,
that he might have been restored to health in a few days,
if he had not been bled.

As indirect debility of the exhalent vessels is evidently
the cause of sweat in fevers; as this state of debility is
reproduced and augmented by every succeeding parox-
ysm, and the vessels consequently made more lax and
permeable to the perspirable matter, is it not manifest,
that, if the system be much depleted before the exhalents
are sufliciently debilitated (or compound debility pro-
duced therein), we shall ever find it difficult, if not im-
possible, to procure that most salutary of all evacuations,
a free perspiration? But whether or no theoretical dis-
cussions will establish the fact, experience sufficiently
proves it: for I have very seldom been able to procure
a free perspiration, in any case, when venesection was
performed early in the disease ; and, if this operation is
not proper then, surely it is not adviseable at all. I
have, when called in one dangerous case, when the pa-
tient had been bled, repleted the system with nourish-
ment, and thus procured perspiration after every other
means had failed; and my patient happily recovered,
though her fever was, at the same time, very considera-
ble.

I must, therefore, beg leave to inform those practi-
tioners who are such zealous advocates for venesection
in fevers, that the best and safest way to diminish re-ac-
tion is to remove the cause, which is not excess of blood,
but febrile infection. Blood-letting can, in no way, ex-
tract the stimulus of infection from the system, than in

22 On the Bilious Remitting Fever, &c.

proportion to the blood drawn; while the remaining
portion is left to be acted upon by the heterogeneous
substance (or infection), until its vital principle is de-
stroyed, or a mortal wound is inflicted on some of the
vital organs.

In the preceding cases which proved fatal, three had
lost blood before I saw them. If venesection was neces-
sary in any case, it was in that of M. A., on account of
the injury done to his skull. Twelve or fifteen cases
were those of pregnant women, two of whom were deli-
vered in the fever; and the whole of this number reco-
vered. To the truth of the above account, the gentle-
man whose name is hereto annexed, and who is my stu-
dent, with myself, can certify.

Tuos. W. Smiru.
Known. B, Grapy.
Loudon-County, Virginia,
Dec. 20th, 1805.

VI. Facts, Observations, and Conjectures, relative to
the Elephantine Bones (of different species ), that are
found in various parts of North-America. In a let-
ter from the Enrror to Mr. G. Cuvier, of Paris.

Dear Sir,

I KNOW that every new discovery in Natural
History will give you pleasure. But I am persuaded, that
your pleasure is always peculiarly great, when such dis-
coyveries tend to throw any light upon the ‘curious sub-
ject of extinct species of animals: a subject to which

On Elephantine Bones. 23

you have devoted so much, and such successful, atten-
tion.

Without further delay, I hasten to inform you of a
recent discovery relative to the Mammoth*, or Ameri-
can Elephant. If the facts be as I state them, I think
you will not hesitate to consider the discovery one of
the most interesting that has been made for a long time.
I may add, that such a discovery was hardly to be ex-
pected, by the most sanguine or enthusiastic zoologist.

Very lately, in digging a well, near a salt-lick, in the
county of Wythe, in Virginia, after penetrating about
five feet and a half below the surface of the soil, the
workmen struck upon the stomach of one of those huge
animals, best known, in the United-States, by the name
of the Mammoth. The contents of the viscus were
carefully examined, and were found to be “ ina state
of perfect preservation.”? ‘They consisted of half-masti-
cated reeds (a species of Arundo, or Arundinaria, still
common in Virginia, and other parts of the United-
States), of twigs of trees, and of grass, or leaves. —
** There could (says my informant) be no deception on
the subject. The substances were designated by obvi-
ous characters, which could not be mistaken, and of
which every one could judge: besides, the bones of the

* In compliance with the usage of my countrymen, I call this
animal Mammoth, or Mammouth, though I well know, that this
appellation is more properly bestowed upon another species of
Elephant, the remains of which are very numerous in various parts
of Asia: the Elephas primigenius of my excellent friend Profes-
sor Blumenbach, and your Elephas Mammonteus.

2A On Elephantine Bones.

animal lay around, and added a silent, but sure, confir-
mation.”

All the vestiges, which I have mentioned, were in-
cumbent upon a stratum of limestone. From the num-
ber of bones already discovered, hopes are entertained,
that a complete skeleton of this enormous animal, once
so common in many parts of the New-World, may be
formed.

The information, which I have communicated to you,
I have just received from one of my correspondents in
Virginia, Bishop Madison, the President of the College
of William and Mary, in that state. The Bishop is a
man of considerable attainments in science, and has long
enjoyed the reputation of being one of the most amiable
and respectable characters in our country. Mr. Madi.
son’s letter is dated (Williamsburg) October 6th; so
that, you see, I have not, in this instance at least, lost
much time in letting you know what we are doing, in
the United-States, for your favourite study.

It may be proper to inform you, that the county of
Wythe, in which the exuvie were discovered, is one of
the trans-alpine counties of the state: that is, it is situ-
ated to the west of the great ranges of mountains known,
in our country, by the names of the Blue-Ridge (or
South-Mountain*); the North-Mountain; and the Al-
leghaney-Mountain; and the spot may be about 200,

* Sometimes called the Blue-Mountain. This great chain has
been confounded, by Professor Playfair, and other learned natu-
ralists, with the Allerhaney-Mountain.

On Elephantine Bones. 25

or 230, miles from the nearest part of the Atlantic-
Ocean. This county borders on that of Greenbryar, in
which the bones of the Megalonyx, as Mr. Jefferson has
denominated it, were discovered. I will only further
add, that, in the view of the naturalist, this is one of the
most interesting portions of Virginia, and, perhaps, of
North-America. The floor of the country is limestone
(different varieties of psadurium), rich in the impressions
of numerous species of sea zestacea, and other marine
animals: the caverns abound in nitre, and in sulphates
of soda and magnesia ; while springs of various gaseous
and mineral impregnations, and of different tempera-.
tures, present themselves almost every where. I say
nothing of the manganese, and various other-metallic
bodies, which have lately been detected*.

{ shall not take up any of your time in endeavouring
to prove, that the soft parts of animal bodies, such as
the skin, the muscles, the stomach, &c., may be preserv-
ed, ina state of considerable perfection, for a great length
of time. You, Sir, are well acquainted with the various
facts, relative to this subject, that have been published
by Dr. Pallas, and some other eminent naturalists. I
will, however, take the liberty of referring you to the
first part of my Medical and Physical Fournal, pages
154—159, for a very interesting notice concerning the
discovery of five skeletons of Mammoths, near the river
Ohio. From this account, it would seem pretty cer-

* In the same tract of country, large quantities of sulphate of
barytes have been found.
SUPPL. D

26 On Elepbantine Bones.

tain, that so late as 1762, which was, in all probability,
several centuries after the extinction of the species in
America, the proboscis (trompe ) of one of the animals
was preserved : for the Indians, in their account of the
discovery, said, that the head of one of the Mammoths
was furnished ‘‘ with a long nose, and the mouth on the
under side.”? This long nose, I have no doubt, was the
proboscis. Since the publication of the notice, to which
I have referred you, I have observed, in Kalm’s Travels,
a circumstance which deserves to be repeated here.
Speaking of an enormous skeleton, supposed to be that
of an Elephant, which was found by the Indians ina
swamp, ‘‘ in that part of Canada where the Hlinois live,”
the honest Swedish traveller says, that he was informed
by an officer, who had seen the remains, ‘‘ that the figure
of the whole snout was still clearly visible, though it
was now half mouldered*.”? The snout, as it is here
called, seems to refer to the proboscis, or trompe. In-
deed, the Swedish word ‘* srabelen,’’ in the original,
leaves us in little doubt on the subject.

I have no reason to believe, that the skeleton, of which
Kalm speaks, was one of those of which mention is
made in my Yournal. ‘The contrary is more probable.
Be this as it may, it would appear, from the double tes-
timony which I have collected on the subject, that not
only the bones, but even the long nose, or proboscis, of
the American elephant, has been preserved, and seen, in
some of the marshes of the country.

* En Resa til Norra America, &c., af Pehr Kalm. Tom. III.
p- 244. See, also, the English translation, by Dr. J. R. Forster.
Vol. II. p. 11 and 12. London: 1771.

On Elephantine Bones. 27

The salt-licks, or marshes, in which so many of the
bones of the Mammoth have been found, seem very well
adapted for the preservation of both the hard and soft
parts of animal bodies. Some of these licks are muria-
tic marshes, or marshes impregnated with muriate of so-
da, and even at this day abound in Salicornia, Glaux,
Triglochin, and other plants, which are rarely found at
any great distance from such saline soils, which in Ame-
rica, as in other countries, doubtless, owe their origin to
the sea. Other North-American salt-licks seem more
impregnated with sulphate of magnesia, or epsom, than
with muriatic, salt; while others of them, again, are very
sensibly impregnated with sulphate of alumine, or with
sulphate of iron. Lastly, some of the licks seem
to be very little different from your sphagnum moras-
ses in Europe, in some of which, it is well known to
you, that the bones of a species of Cervus (allied to the
Alces), and those of other animals, have been preserved,
for a very great length of time. (See Note 1, at the end
of this article). You will observe, Sir, that the Wythe
exuvize, recently discovered, were found “ near a salt-
lick ;”? and it is probable, that when we shall receive a
more circumstantial account of the discovery, it will
clearly appear, that the stomach, bones, &c., were ex-
posed to the influence of the saline impregnation; and
that it is to this that we are, in a considerable degree,
indebted for their preservation: a preservation so preci-
ous to the lovers of Natural History.

We shall never, perhaps, be certain at what period the
species of the Mammoth ceased to exist in America.
We may, however, I think, confidently assert, that se-

28 On Elephantine Bones.

veral centuries have elapsed since this vast animal was a
common inhabitant of the forests or marshes of this con-
tinent; for none of the earliest visitors of America (if we
except some idle travellers, by no means studious of the
truth) pretend to have seen a quadruped, in any respect,
allied to the elephant of the New-World. (See Note 2.)
Neither do I learn, that they received, from the native
inhabitants, any traditional information relative to the
recent existence of such an animal. Now more than
three centuries have elapsed since the discovery of
the New-World by Columbus and Vespucci. Above
two centuries and a half have elapsed since Spanish
armies, in pursuit of gold, rambled over immense por-
tions of the country now called Georgia, and over the
two Floridas, on both sides of the Missisippi; and it is
almost two centuries since the English first visited Vir-
ginia, and even founded colonies in that country. Nor
were the visits of the English, at this early period, con-
fined to the maritime, or most eastern, part of the coun-
try. They often penetrated as far as the first and se-
cond ranges of mountains, and explored. those very
tracts of country in which the bones of the Mammoth
{as well as those of the Megatherium) have been recently
found. But they saw no living representatives of the
vestiges of either of these animals. Upon the whole, I
think we proceed upon a pretty solid foundation when
we assert, that almost the entire race of the Mammoth
has been extinct for much more than three hundred
years. It is, indeed, highly probable, that a few indi-
viduals of the species may have existed for many years,
perhaps a century, or double this term of time, after zhe
f£reater part of the species had disappeared. ‘It is even

On Elephantine Bones. 29

possible, but not, I think, very probable, that a few so-
litary Mammoths may have trod the country to the east
of the Missisippi, szvce the first discovery of the conti-
nent of North-America. Perhaps, those of which the
proboscides, the stomachs, and other soft parts, have
been preserved, were some of the /ast-surviving indivi-
duals of this stupendous species, which Nature (for pur-
poses unknown to us) has removed from the number of
living existences.

The chief value of the recent discovery, in Virginia,
seems to consist in the ascertaining of this fact, that the
Mammoth was an herbivorous, and not a carnivorous,
animal, The discovery ‘‘has summoned (to use Bishop
Madison’s words) the discordant opinions of philosophers
before a tribunal, from which there is no appeal.’?

As to myself, I have always leaned to the opinion,
that the Mammoth was an herbivorous animal. I have
even, for at least six years, defended this opinion, in my
public lectures; as I have, also, the opinion, that the
Mammoth was a species of Elephas*. In respect to the
first opinion, I was well aware, that I had not a few re-
spectable authorities to oppose. Among these, there
were some ingenious countrymen of my own; and
among the foreigners, not to mention others, the late
Mr. John Hunter. In a conversation which I had with
that truly ingenious man, in the year 1787, on the sub-
ject of the Mammoth, he observed to me, in a style

* See my letter to Mons. Lacépéde, in Mr. Tilloch’s Philoso-
phical Magazine, for July, 1805.

30 On Elephantine Bones.

rather authoritative, ‘ that the Jncognitum had, certainly,
been a carnivorous animal.’”? You know, Sir, that the
same opinion had been entertained, and given to the
public, by Mr. Hunter’s brother, the celebrated Dr.-
William Hunter*, almost twenty years before the period
I have mentioned.

North-America appears to have been the favourite,
but not (I think) the exclusive, domain of the Mammoth.
The exuviz of this giant of the earth have been found
in almost every state of the American Union. They
have been discovered in the countries west of the Mis-
sisippi, as well as in those which are included between
this river and the Atlantic-Ocean. Consequently, the
Alleghaney-Mountains, the Blue- Ridge, and other ranges
of our mountains, formed but a feeble barrier against
his passage from the west to the east, or from the east
to the west. - The medals of his existence remain in a
thousand places; and in a few years, I trust, we shall
be able to speak, with some degree of certainty, con-
cerning the extent of his geographical range through the
continent, At present, I do not recollect any proofs of
his existence in a higher latitude than 43°}, But Iam
far from supposing, that the Mammoth ceased to exist
to the north of this degree. When Mr. Jefferson wrote
his /Votes, he was unable to trace this species of elephant

* See his Observations on the Bones, commonly supposed to be
Elephant’s Bones, which have been found near the River Ohio, in
America, in the Philosophical Transactions, vol. 58, for the year
1768.

+ In the neighbourhood of Lake-Erie.

On Elepbantine Bones. $1

to the south of lat. 363°, in the tract of country now called
Tennessee*. But we are now well assured, that this
quadruped had existed, in many parts of America, se-
veral degrees below the most southern limits of the state
of ‘Tennessee.

I have said, that the ranges of our mountains did not
prevent the passage of the Mammoth from the western
to the eastern, or from the eastern to the western, parts
of the continent. Iam much inclined, however, to be-
lieve, that this quadruped has a/ways been a much more
common animal in the countries to the west, than in
those to the east, of the Alleghaney-Mountains. Certain
it is, that we have already discovered a much. greater
number of the Mammoih’s remains in the former than
in the latter of these districts; although, from the pro-
gress of settlement in, and from the explorations of, the
continent of North-America, the very reverse should
have been expected, admitting it to be a fact, that the
yemains were equally abundant, in an equal extent of
country, on both sides of the mountains. I need say
nothing to you concerning the immense collections of
Mammoth’s bones that have, at various periods, been
discovered in Kentucky, particularly in and about the
great salt-licks. Collections, not less extensive, have
been discovered to the west of the Missisippi. But in
the tract of country to the east of the Alleghaney and
North-Mountains, we not only have not discovered these
vestiges so abundantly cumulated, but we have disco-

* Notes on the State of Virginia; written in the year 1781, &c.
pages 71,76. Original edition, printed in 1782.

$2 On Elepbantine Bones.

vered them in a much smaller number of places. — It
must not be concealed, however, that Mr. Peale’s two
skeletons were found in the latter tract of country ; and
some of the bones of a Mammoth have been discovered
in the state of New-Jersey, at the distance of a few miles
from Philadelphia.

It is, perhaps, worth observing, in this place, that the
different kinds of licks, especially the muriatic marshes,
and transparent springs of water impregnated with mu-
riate of soda, are much more commonly met with in the
western than in the eastern parts of North-America. I
do not mention this as a decided confirmation of my po-
sition, that the Mammoth was more common in the
trans-alpine, than in the Atlantic, or submaritime, parts
of the continent: for it is, certainly, possible, that we
may have discovered more of this elephant’s exuviz in
the western than in the eastern countries chiefly because
they were more likely to be preserved (owing to the
greater number of marshes) in the former than in the lat-
ter countries. But I cannot help suspecting, that the
Mammoth, like the bison, the elk, and the other animals
formerly enumerated, resorted to the licks, for the pur-
pose of drinkin the saline water, and of eating the
earth impregnated with it.

If future and more extensive researches should more
clearly establish my position, relative to the diffusion of
the Mammoth across the continent of North-America,
it will be somewhat remarkable, that the bones of this
animal haye so seldom been seen in the eastern parts of

On Elephantine Bones. 33

Asia, from whence I have no doubt, that many of the
animals of America have been derived.

Tam far, however, from supposing, that Asia has been
the parental country of a// the animals that have been
found in the two continents and islands of the New-
World*. But I have observed, and it is a circumstance
much in favour of the hypothesis which considers Asia
as the fountain from whence have proceeded many of
the American animals, that where the same species of
quadruped is common to these two portions of the earth,
they are generally more common in the western than in
the eastern districts of America. This rule is, perhaps,
liable to some exceptions: but this is chiefly the case
when the quadruped is found in Europe, as well as in
Asia and America. Thus, I cannot assert, that the
Beaver (Castor Fiber) is more common in the western
than it is in the eastern parts of North-America. But,
then, the Beaver, it will be recollected, is one of those
quadrupeds which are common to Asia, to Europe, and
to America.

Does notthis fortunate Virginia discovery give uspretty
good reason to believe, that at some future, and perhaps
not distant, period, the labours of workmen, intent upon
very different objects, will exhibit to us the Mammoth
in a state not less perfect than that in which Pallas had
an opportunity of contemplating the Rhinoceros, near
the banks of the river Willioni, in the north of Asia?
Let us cease, then, to deplore the inherent imperfections

* See my New Views of the Origin of the Tribes and Nations
of America. Preliminary Discourse, pages ci, cil, ciii.
se
SUPPL. E

34 On Elephantine Bones.

of zoological science on the score of /ost species.
Doubtless, many species of animals have ceased to exist.
But of not a few of these we shall be able to ascertain
the precise forms and characters (and even the mores, or
manners); and thus, Sir, to assign to each its proper
place, in that more finished view of the animal creation,
for which your laborious researches, the researches of
many of your countrymen, and of the learned in other
parts of the world, are rapidly preparing us.

I fear I have fatigued you. But read on, to be as-
sured of the high esteem with which I am,
Dear Sir,
Your friend, &c.
BenyjAMIn Smitu Barron.
Philadelphia, October 14th,
1805.

NOTES ON THE PRECEDING PAPER.

Note 1. Page 27. The licks, of which I have
given some account, are resorted to by various spe-
cies of animals, particularly Deer (Cervus virginia-
nus), the American Elk (my Cervus Wapiti), and the
Bison, or Bos americanus of Gmelin. It is a fact,
not generally known, that the animals which I have
mentioned not only /ick the soil, and drink the water
of these salines, but even chew and swallow the ground,
in large quantities. Hence, our Indians designate
some of the licks by a name which may be translated

a“ On Elephantine Bones. _ $5

<<‘ the chewing place.”’ Besides the animals already
mentioned, horses are observed to be very fond of
drinking the water of some of the licks. But, which
is more remarkable, they are frequented by vast num-
bers of Wild Pigeons (Columba migratoria), and by a
species of Psittacus. Some species of Crotalus, or
Rattle-Snake, are also often observed about these
places: but whether these reptiles drink the saline
water, I cannot assert. So far as I have yet learn-
ed, it is the 4erbivorous mammalia only that resort to
the licks, for the purpose of drinking the water, and
of licking and eating the earth. This circumstance
ought not to have been overlooked, in the view of the
question, whether the American Mammoth was an

herbivorous or a carnivorous animal. By myself, in-
deed, it was not overlooked.

Note 2. Page 28. One David Ingram, an Eng-
lishman, assures us, that he saw Elephants in Ame-
rica; and we might, perhaps, repose some degree of
confidence in his assertion, if he did not tell us, that
he likewise saw wild animals, twice the size of our
horses, formed like a grey-hound in their hinder
parts; another quadruped, larger than the bear, with-
out head or neck, having its eyes and mouth in its
breast; and, lastly, the Devizt, sometimes in the
likeness of a dog, at other times in that of a calf!

36 Account of the

VII. Account of the Cervus Wapiti, or Southern Elk
of North- America.

THE following account of the Elk is extract-
ed from the Editor’s Fragments of the Natural His-
tory of Pennsylvania, Part Second, not yet published.
Cervus Major Americanus, or Stag of America. Ca-

tesby, Natural History of Carolina, &c.*, at the
end of vol. il. p. 28.
The Elk. Lawson’s New Voyage, &c., p. 123.

Alces Americanus cornibus teretibus, or Round-
horned Elk. Jefferson’s Notes, &c., p. 96. Note.

The Elk. Carver’s Travels, &c., p. 417, 418.

The American Elk. Bewick’s General History of
Quadrupeds, p. 112, 113}, with a good figure.

The Elk. See E. H. Smith, in the Medical Reposi-
tory. Vol. ii. No. 11., with a plate, representing

three of the animals.

Greater Stag. Pennant, MS. (See Note 1, at the
end of this article, )

* Edition of 1771.

t Newcastle upon Tyne; 1792.

Southern ( American) Elk. Si

Cerf de Canada? Memoires pour servir a L’ Histoire
Naturelle des Animaux. Second. Part., p. 231,
&e., pl. 46.

The Alcos of New-Mexico? Clavigero’s History of
Mexico. Vol. 11. p. 287.

I proceed to give some account of a species of deer,
which has been most strangely overlooked by the
greater number of the systematic writers on zoology.
Indeed, I cannot find that it is distinctly mentioned
by any of them. This animal is generally known in
Pennsylvania, and in other parts of the United-States,
by the name of the Elk. Our hunters, and my coun-
trymen in general, restrict this name exclusively to
the species of which I am treating, and never, that I
have heard, apply it to the Moose. As the moose,
however, is well known, in Europe, by the name of
Elk, it has been imagined, by some eminent zoolo-
gists*, that the animal which is called Elk in Ame-
rica, is specifically the same as the Elk of Europe.
This similarity of name has, I believe, been the prin-
cipal cause of that confusion, which is so conspicuous
in the accounts which writers have given of the moose.
They have confounded the last-mentioned animal and
the American Elk with each other, and have so blend-
ed the natural history of the one with the other, that
it is somewhat difficult to remove the confusion.
(See Note 1.) I shall show, however, that they are
two species very distinct from each other.

* Zimmerman, Gmelin, &c.

38 Account of the

The Elk differs in several very essential circum-
stances from the moose. I shall here mention a few
of the principal of these circumstances, in connection
with each other. Others may readily be collected
from the following account of the animal. The moose
is the largest animal of the two. (See Note 2.) In
proportion to his height, he is much shorter than the
Elk. His general colour is darker than that of the
Elk. The horns of the moose are palmated, and des-
titute of brow-antlers; whereas those of the Elk are
rounded, more like the horns of the common deer,
and furnished with brow-antlers. The most essential
or specific difference, however, between the two ani-
mals, consists in the form of the horns; yet, if I do
not mistake, there is a variety of the Elk with horns
inclining more to the palmated shape than those of the
Elk which I am describing.

The American Elk is a beautiful and stately ani-
mal. In his general aspect he is much more nearly
allied to the stag (Cervus Elaphus), and to the common
deer of the United-States (Cervus Virginianus), than
the moose is. The form of the head is extremely
elegant, tapering to a narrow point. The ears are
large. The eyes are very large and black. The neck
is moderately large and slender. That of the male is
furnished with a short mane, which, however, is larg-
er in the winter than at other times of the year. The
male is also supplied with a beard under his throat
(caruncula gutturalis), and upon his. breast. The
tail is very short. The general colour of the body,
both in the male and female, is nearly the same. In

Southern ( American) Elk. 89

the autumn, it is of a blueish grey-colour: in the
winter, of a darker grey, which continues until the
spring, when it changes to a reddish colour, or bright
brown. This last colour it keeps during the summer
season. “The rump is of a pale yellowish white or
clay-colour. This colour, which extends around the
tail on all sides, for about six or seven inches, is, I
believe, a constant mark; and, as it is not exclusively
confined to either sex, may afford a good specific dis-
tinction in the description of the animal.

The female Elk, as well as the female moose, is en-
tirely destitute of horns. The horns of the male are
very large, being often at least five feet in height. I
have heard of a pair which measured above six feet in
height. They served the purpose of an arch, or gate-
way, to a gentleman’s country-seat. I have already
said, that the Elk’s horns are not palmated like those
of the moose, but that they are rounded. They con-
sist of three principal divisions, viz., 1. the brow-
antlers, which are called, by some of our hunters,
‘¢ the altars;”? 2. the two middle prongs, sometimes
called the “‘ fighting horns ;’? and 3. the horns, pro-
perly so called. Carver has remarked, that the Elk’s
horns haye ‘ all their teeth or branches on the outer
edge*.” It is, I believe, strictly true, that none of
the prongs, or subdivisions of the horns, are on the
inner edge. They are all either exterior, anterior, or
posterior}. This arrangement furnishes a striking dif-

* Travels, &c. p. 418.

+ “ When the animal enters his third year, a single prong or -

point comes out on the inside of the /eft horn; the next year, a

40 Account of the

ference between the Elk and the common American
deer.

The Elk sheds his horns annually. This, in Penn.
sylvania, is done towards the end of February, or the
beginning of March*. By the end of April, the new
horns are often a foot long. In June, they are still
very tender, and, by the beginning of August, they
have come to their full size. When the horns are
young, they are covered with a fine hair, which gives
them a velvet-like appearance: from which circum-
stance, the hunters call it the velvet-state. During
the growth of the horns, this velvet or pile seems to
excite an uneasy sensation in the animal, for he is of-
ten observed to rub his horns against trees, &c., by
which means he removes the velvet.

The hunters assert, that, by castrating the Elk,
they can ‘‘ set,’? to use their own phrase, his horns:
that is, if the horns be full grown, when the operation
is performed, they will not be shed; and, if they are
only young, they will be prevented from growing. If
it be true, as is very generally asserted, that the ope-
ration of castration produces these effects in the com-
mon deer, or Cervus Virginianus, there can seem to
be no cause of doubt concerning the effects of the ope-
ration in the case of the Elk.

similar point on the inside of the right horn: and so alternately.”
Dr. Smith, in the Medical Refiository, p. 1714 I rather doubt the
accuracy of this statement.

* Dr. Smith was informed, that the Elk drops his horns in May.

Southern ( American) Elk. 4)

There is a curious structure in the head of the Elk,
which deserves particular attention. Under the in-
ner angle of cach eye, there is an oblique Slit or open-
ing, which is, externally, about an inch in length.
This opening is said to communicate with the nostril.
Our hunters assure us, that ‘‘ the Elk possesses the
power, by strictly closing his nostrils, of forcing the
air through these apertures, in such a manner as to
make a noise which may be heard at a great distance.”’
They say, they have ‘ seen the wild animals do this
frequently ; and that the design of it is to alarm each
other when they suspect any danger is near*.”? J
cannot, from my own observation, call in question the
philosophy of the hunters on this subject. I must
suppose, however, that the use of the fissures is more
complex than is imagined; and I rather doubt the
explanation of the hunters. The structure which I
have mentioned is not peculiar to the Elk. It has
been observed in the fallow-deer, and in most of the
species of the genus antilope. It seems, in these ani-
mals, to serve the purposes of an auxiliary breathing
apparatus, and of an organ of smelling. A species of
antilope, examined by Mr. Pennant, seemed, in smell-
ing, to use the slits beneath its eyes as much as it
used the nostrils themselves. In order to throw far-
ther light upon the use of this slit, which in the anti-

* The above words, in inverted commas, are Dr. Smith’s, as
are also the following: “ Mr. Campbell, of Richmond, Virginia,
informed me, that in the skeleton head of an Elk, which he had
seen, the opening under the eye communicating with the nos-
stril, was so large, that the thumb might be easily introduced in-
to ite’ Medical Repository, p. 170. :

SUPPL. F

42 Account of the

lopes is called sinus lacrymalis*, it will be necessary,
among other circumstances, to examine, with atten.
tion, the cemparative swiftness of those species of
deer and antilopes, which are furnished with, or are
destitute of, this structure. Should it be found that
the more swift-running species are furnished with it,
the notion of its being an additional organ of breath-
ing would be rendered more probablet. I do not of-
fer this as a new explanation. There is a line in
Oppian’s fine work on hunting, which would seem to
show, that this observing poet had suspected that the
subocular sinusses of the deer were of use in respi-
ration.

Tere dupeos pives, wloupes wvotnot diavacs,
Quadrijide nares, quadrujilices ad resfirationem canales.
Oppianus DE VENATIONE.
Lib ii. 1. 181. cum interpret. Conradi Rittershusii}.

On the outside of each of his hind legs, the Elk has
a small vesicle, that contains a thin unctuous matter,
which some. of our hunters call the ‘ oil.’? The ve-
sicle they designate by the name of the ‘ oil-spring.”’
Of this oil and oil-spring, very extraordinary and im-
probable stories are related. The male is said to open
the vesicle with his horns, as these begin to grow.
The oil spreading over the young horns, is supposed

* And sinus subocularis.

7+ Dr. Sparrman informs us, that the Antilope Oreas, or Indian
Antilope of Pennant, is destitute of the sinus lacrymales. This spe-
cies, I find, is a slow runner. Most of the antilopes are animals
of great speed.

+ Lygduni Batavorum: 1597,

Southern (American) Elk. A3

to contribute to their nourishment, and protection
from injuries. It is said, that the female makes no
use of the oil, unless when she is wounded. In this
case, she ‘ opens the bag with her tooth, and applies
the oil, by means of her tongue, to the wound*.” In
the rutting season, the Elk, we are told, throws his
urine upon the oil-bag, which, being thereby inflamed,
emits a strong scent, that enables the sexes to disco-
ver each other in the woods. There is some truth,
mixed with a good deal of fable, in these several sto-
ries. Iam sorry that I am not able to separate, as [
could wish, the true from the false. The last men-
tioned circumstance, however, seems altogether un-
worthy of belief.

I cannot speak confidently respecting the geogra-
phical range of the Elk. As far as I have been able
to collect any information on the subject, it appears
to me, that this animal first makes its appearance, to-
wards the northward, nearly in the same latitude in
which the moose ceases to be commont. I am told
that the elk inhabits the country between Lakes Mi-
chigan and Huron, but that it is unknown in the
neighbourhood of Lake-Superior, where the moose is
common. JI can trace our animal about as far north
as latitude 44°, or 44° 30’. Beyond this, I have no
certain information of its existence. But it is highly

* See Dr. Smith, in the Medical Repository, p. 173.

+ “ I could never (says Mr. Jefferson) learn that the round-
horned Elk has been seen further north than the Hudson’s River.”
Notes, &c. p. 95+

44, Account of the

probable, that it does ascend to a more northern
clime. Possibly, some of the deer which were seen.
by Mr. Hearne, in his northern journey, were the
Elk. Our information concerning the southern limit
of the Elk is not much more correct. It was for-
merly a very common animal in Virginia, and is still
found in the western parts of that state*. It is very
common in the State of Kentucky, and in the back
parts of North-Carolina. It is also found in the State
of Tennessee. I can trace it about as far south as
the latitude of 33°, in the western parts of Florida,
and do not doubt that it descends still lower down.
Whether it extends westward to the Pacific-Ocean, I
have not learned. The diffusion of our quadrupeds,
from east to west, across ‘the continent, is one of the
_great desiderata in the zoology of North- America.

The Elk feeds upon a great variety of vegetables.
He eats grass, nettles, mosses, and the bark, leaves,
and buds of different trees and shrubs. In the win-
ter, when the ground is covered with snow, he is
observed to be particularly fond of the tender twigs
of a tree, which is sometimes called Moose-wood,
and Elk-wood, and Soft Maple. This is the Acer
Pennsylvanicum. He is fond of the leaves of the
Sambucus canadensis, or Canadian Elder. He eats
acorns, and a plant called Trip-up, and Moose-wood.
I presume he also eats the leaves, or other parts, of
the Oil-nut: a singular shrub, which inhabits the

* Beverley, Jefferson, &c.

Southern ( American) Elk. 45

mountains of Pennsylvania, and other parts of the
United-States. This vegetable is called, in Pennsyl-
vania, Elk-nut*. Ihave not been able to learn, whe-
ther, in his wild state, he eats, as the common deer
does, the different kinds of Kalmia, or Laurel, and
the Rhododendron. There can be little doubt, how-
ever, that he does. One, which I had an opportunity
of seeing, in Philadelphia, seemed very fond of the.
leaves of the Kalmia latifolia, or Broad-leaved Laurel,
and those of the Rhododendron maximum, or Great
Pennsylvania Mountain-Laurel. Some of the hunters
say, he can eat, with impunity, these poisonous
plants, because he has no gall-bladder. This expla-
nation will not satisfy philosophers. (See Note 3.)
The same Elk (a female) greedily devoured the leaves
and small branches of the Weeping-Willow (Salix
babylonica), the leaves of Lilac (Syringa vulgaris),
and ‘other plants. She refused the leaves of the Po-
dophyllum peltatum, or May-Apple. She was fond
of oats, and, when young, as I was informed, showed
an evident attachment to milk, and to sweet cider;
but would never, like too many of the hunters of Elk
and other animals, drink cider-royal, or any thing
spirituous. It is probable, however, that the Elk, as
well as the moose}, would, without much difficulty,
be brought into the bad habit of drinking, and getting
drunk. The natural habits of many animals are
easily changed. In particular, it is remarkable with

* It is the Pyrularia puberula of Michaux.

+ See Pennant’s Arctic Zoology. Vol. i. p. 24.

46 Account of the |

what facility they are brought to eat and drink certain
articles, which, in their wild state, they could not
have procured.

The Elk, like the buffalo, the deer, and other ani-
mals, frequents the salines, or salt-licks, as they are
called, for the purpose of licking the saline earth. I
believe all these animals not only lick the saline mat-
ter, but even eat the earth impregnated with it. With-
in the memory of many persons now living, the droves
of Elks which used to frequent the salines near the
river Susquehanna, in Pennsylvania, were so great,
that for five or six miles leading to the licks, the paths
of these animals were as large as many of the great
public roads of our country. Eighty Elks have some-
times been seen in one herd, upon their march to the
salines. |

The rutting season of the Elk is in the months of
August and September, at which time the horns of
the male are in their greatest perfection. During this
season he is very furious, and makes a disagreeable,
and, to those not accustomed to it, a frightful noise,
between the bray of the stallion and the bellow of the
bull. At the commencement of the rutting season,
he is very fat, but, when it is over, he is extremely
lean. His penis is remarkably large, as is the vagina
of the female. ‘Towards the end of May, or the be-
ginning of June, the female brings forth her young.
She has sometimes two, but, more commonly, only

Southern ( American) Elk. 47

one. The hunters call the young Elk, the “‘ calf,”
as they call the mother, the ‘‘ cow.”

The Elk has a strong smell, insomuch that some
of the hunters pretend, that they know, from the smell,
when: they enter those districts of country which are
inhabited by this animal. The Indians say, this
odoriferous perspiration is offensive to the common
deer, and that, therefore, the two animals are seldom
numerous in the same neighbourhood. It is more
probable, I think, that the Elk, by his superior force,
compels the deer to keep at a distance from him.
Certain it is, that the two species show no peculiar
attachment to each other. I believe it is true, as
Lawson has asserted, that they never couple with
each other}.

The Elk is a very timid and retiring animal. His
favourite abodes are the thickest forests, and savannas
abounding in grasses. In both these situations, he is
often seen in company with the buffalo, and sometimes
with the carrabou and moose. He seems to delight
in the society of the first of these animals. He is fond
of wallowing in the mud, like the hog. He is an
animal of great fleetness. His gait is a trot, and when

* Dr. Smith was informed, that the female, “ generally brings
forth twins ;” and that “ it seldom happens but that one is male,
and the other female.” Medical Repository, p.' 172.

+ A New Voyage, &c., p. 123. Speaking of the elk, Lawson
says: “ Some take him for the red deer of America; but he is
not ; for, if brought and kept in company with one of that sort, of
the contrary sex, he will never couple.”

A8 Account of the

pursued by the hunter, he has been known to trot at
the rate of sixteen or twenty miles an hour. His
hoofs being much cloven, he makes a great clattering
with them.

If we may depend upon the reports of our hunters,
derived, it is probable, from the Indians, the Elk lives
to the age of sixty or seventy years. I suspect, how-
ever, that very little confidence should be placed in
information of this kind. The age of animals is one
of the greatest desiderata in the science of zoology.
I may add, that the cervina senectus*®, or old age of
the stag, is an ancient fabley.

The Elk might be rendered a very useful animal. °

When taken young, he is easily tamed, becoming an
inoffensive and manageable creature. It is said, these
animals have been used in sleighs, like the rein-deer,
in some parts of Upper-Canada. I cannot learn, that
our Indians have ever domesticated any of them.
There is, -however, a circumstance mentioned by
Adair, which would, at least, lead one to suppose that
the Indians, in some parts of America, have actually
seen the Elk in a domesticated state. Some of the
southern tribes call this animal Hissooba, which sig-
nifies ‘* the horse that carries a burthen.”? This, as
Adair observes, suggests the idea, ‘ that they for-

* Juvenal, Satira xiv. J]. 251.

+ See C. Plinii Secundi Naturalis Historia. Lib. viii. cap. xxxiks
See also Oppian, De Venatu. Lib, ii. 1. 291, &c.

;
|

' Southern ( American) Elk. 49
:

merly saw Elks carry burthens*.”? Perhaps, the In-
_dians' may have seen the Elk employed, as a beast of
burthen, by the Spaniards, to the west of the Missi-
sippi. Ifthe Alcos of New-Mexico be our Elk, as I
suppose it is, this suspicion is rendered more proba-
ble: for we are told, that that animal has been trained
to the chariot, instead of the horsef. » ,

The flesh of the Elk is deemed good eating. The >
Indians, who are certainly great economists with re-
gard to their food, eat the tender horns of this animal,
as well as its flesh. The horns are, no doubt, nutri-
tious, as they are very gelatinous, and abound in blood.

‘Some of the white people have long been accustomed
to make an excellent glue from them, whilst in this
tender state.

The skin of the Elk, when dressed, makes durable
waistcoats and breeches for labouring people,

Superstition and quackery seem attached to savages,
and to people in a rude state of society, in every part
of the world. The Indians are of opinion, that the
horny matter of one of the hind hoofs of an Elk, is a
remedy against fits. Iam not able to say, what is the

* The History of the American Indians, &c. p. 113. London:
1775.

+“ The alcos of New-Mexico (says Clavigero) are of the size
ofa horse. ‘There was a gentleman in the city of Zacatecas, who
made use of them for his chariot, instead of horses, according to
the testimony of Betancourt.” Clavigero’s History of Mexico.
Vol. ii. p. 287. .
SUPPL. G

50 Account of the !

precise mode of preparing this important anti-epilep-
tic medicine. Mr. Pennant (after Charlevoix) says,
the Indians use the hoof of the moose in the same dis-
ease, and that they apply it to the heart of the patient,
“¢ make him hold it in his left hand, and rub his ear
with it*.”? It is difficult, and, perhaps, would not be
important, to discover the origin of these crude -no-.
tions and wild practices. If it be true, that the Elk
ever employs the oil of his hind legs as a remedy in
any of his own diseases, it would not be unnatural to
conjecture, that the savages have derived the first hint
of the use of this animal’s hoof in epilepsy from his
singular practice of physict.
t

Some of the Indians are accustomed to hang about
their necks, as tokens of the success they have had
in hunting Elks, two particular teeth of every one of
these animals they have killed. ‘This practice also, I
suppose, is the result of some superstitious opinions
concerning our animal.

The Indians, in many parts of North-America, are-
fond of naming their rivers, mountains, towns, &c.,
“ after the wild animals of the country. They have not
forgotten the Elk. Thus, one of the towns of the

* Arctic Zoology. Vol. i. p. 22.

+ It isa very ancient notion, that different parts of the stag,
such as the horns, the lungs, the blood, &c., are antidotes to many
of our dis€ases, as pains of the head, cough, spitting of blood, ke,
&c. The curious reader may amuse himself by consulting, on
this subject, the writings of the learned Roman naturalist, Pliny-
Naturalis Historia. Lib. xxviii. cap. xiv, xvi, xviii, &c.

Southern (American) Elk. 51

Delawares is called Chingléclamoose, which signifies
the ‘‘ Little Elk’s Eyes.” The river which we call
Muskingum, the same Indians call Moosekingum*, or
“* Elk’s Eyes,’ because they observed on this river
. (I suppose, at the time they took possession of it) a
number of Elks staring. At some future period,
when the whole of the great tract of country beyond
the Allegharney-mountains shall be inhabited by a ci-
vilized and industrious people; when the banks of
the Muskingum shall be decorated with towns and ci-
ties; and its waters covered with vessels transporting
the productions of the upper country, through the
Ohio and the Missisippi, to the West-Indies, and to -
Europe, and, perhaps, to India, it will be curious (and’
to the naturalist pleasing) to reflect, that this river re-
ceived its name from an animal which, at the period I
allude to, will'hardly be found wild within the limits -
of the United-States.

As the Elk has not, to my knowledge, been des-
cribed by any systematic writer'on zoology, I have
assumed the liberty of giving it a specific name. I
have called it Warirr, which is the name by which
it is known among the Shawnees, or Shawnese-Indians.
I should have preferred the specific name of Moose, or
Moos, by which this animal is more generally called
by our Indians, But this name, by interfering with
the commonly received apppellation of the Cervus Al-
ces, would only serve to introduce some confusion in-
to the nomenclature of our quadrupeds. 3

* Perhaps, Moosekingung.

52 Account of the

The Wunaumeeh-Indians call the Elk, ZLznimuus?
and Moose, or Moos: the Monsees, Ach-tiich? the
Machians, Mooth? the Chippewas, Mi-che-wey: the
Messisaugers, Moos: the Ottawas, Me-sche-we: the
Miamis, Jon-so-a? the Shawnees, Wa-pi-ti: the
- Nanticokes, Moos: the Mohawks, Soo-noo-00-wah-ne :
the Oneidas, Cho-wauh-lo-wau-na: the Onondagos,
Tschuckéragok: the Tuscaroras, Cho-wauh-ro-waub ;
the Cayugas, Skau-hets-ho-wau: and the Wyandots,

- Tsun-dar-ren-tah.

GREY MOOSE.

Mr. Dudley, in his account of the American Moose-
Deer, remarks, that there are two sorts of Moose,
‘« the common light Grey Moose, by the Indians call-
ed Wampoose,” and ‘ the large or Black Moose,”
which is the Cervus Alces. The former, he observes,
‘¢ are more like the ordinary deer, spring like them,
and herd sometimes to thirty in a company*.”” [am
somewhat at a loss to determine what animal this
Grey Moose is. Mr. Pennant takes it for the stag,
or Cervus Elaphust. I think it more probable, how-
ever, that it is the American Elk, or Cervus Wapiti.
Mr. Catesby, indeed, expressly informs us, that the

-* The Philosophical Transactions, abridged, Vol. vi Part ili,
p- 16.

+ Arctic Zpology. Vol. i. ps 19,

Southern ( American) Elk. 53

last-mentioned animal is called the Grey Moose, in
New-England*. Mr. Dale also is of opinion, that
the Grey Moose, mentioned by Mr. Dudley, is the
satie as the Elk, or Cervus Wapitit. This point is
not completely ascertained. I cannot, therefore, at
present, assert, with full confidence, that the Grey
Moose is a native of Pennsylyania.

NOTES ON THE PRECEDING PAPER.

Note 1. Pages 36,37. Mr. Pennant (Arctic Zo-
ology, vol. i. p. 19) says, “ the Elk and the Moose are
the same species.”? My late amiable and ingenious
friend, Dr. Elihu H. Smith, has supposed this to be a
mistake. (See Medical Repository, p. 169.) Yappre-
_ hend, however, Mr. Pennant to be perfectly correct in
his observation, at least if it be admitted (and this is ge-
nerally admitted) that the moose of America is the same
animal as the Cervus Alces. Mr. Pennant, it is evident
to me, intended nothing more, by asserting the identity .
of the Elk and moose, than the establishing of the fact,
that the moose is the Cervus Alces, or Elk of Europe
and Asia. Of the American Elk (my Cervus Wapiti)
he knew nothing when he published his Arctic: Zoology,
in 1792. ‘Towards the close of that year, I transmitted
to my ingenious friend a number of manuscript notices

* Natural History of Carolina, &c., at the end of vol. ii. p. 28.

t See Baddam’s Memoirs of the Royal Society, &c. Vol. x.
Pp. 260,

54 Account of the

- concerning the Elk. These notices, as he acknowledged
to me, first led him to the correct knowledge of the fact,
that North-America possesses a very large species of
deer, entirely distinct from the moose, caribou, and
Virginian deer. In one of his letters to me, he calls the
Elk, of which I am speaking, the ‘‘ Greater Stag,” to
distinguish it from the Cervus Elaphus, which he calls,
simply, Stag.

Note 2. Page 38. Carver says, the moose “ is
nearly about the size of the Elk,’ &e. Travels, &c.
p- 418. This is, certainly, not the common case.
Male Elks, however, are sometimes seen from sixteen
to twenty hands in height, and, it is said, have been
known to weigh twelve hundred weight. If this latter
circumstance be true, it must be admitted, that the dif-
ference between the size of the Elk and moose is some- -
times very inconsiderable. 1 believe the horns of the
Elk often weigh more than those of the moose. It is
certain that they are frequently much larger.

Note 3. Page 45. Dr. Smith (see Medical Repo-
sitory, p. 172) remarks, that the Elks, which he saw at
New-York, ‘ ate tobacco, as variously prepared by the
tobacconist, with ereediness.” He was assured, that
this was ‘a natural appetite; and that the wild Elks
ate the wild plant.”” It would be difficult, I must ob-_
serve, for the Elk to discover the tobacco plant growing
wild: for I know not in what part of North-America
this yegetable has been discovered wild. We must,

Southern ( American) Elk. 55

“therefore, consider the appetite as an cieiiesl ome.) il
have observed a goat very fond of eating snuff. Poi-
sonous plants, particularly some of the Solanee@, seem
highly agreeable to several animals of the order Pecora.

SS

VUI. Tabula Avium alibi hiemantium tempore vernali
adventum commonstrans. Communicated to the
Enitor, dy Mr. Witttam D. Peck, of Massa-
chusetts.

~

WHILE I was at Kittery*, I kept a sort of re-
gister, in which, among other things, I noted the arrival
_ of our birds of passage. Ihave extracted some of those
notes, and thrown them into the form of a table. It may,
possibly, afford you some amusement. My absence
from home occasioned many blanks in the table, and the
same cause prevented my attempting to mark the disap-
pearance of the birds, in the autumn. Where the month
is not written, the figures express the day of the month
that is written next above them, in the same column.

I believe all the birds in the table, except Anas cana-
‘densis, breed here. The Larus ridibundus frequents
the Piscataqua (a salt-water river) about four miles up,
and indicates the arrival of the Clupez.

Newbury, Massachusetts, March Ath,
1805.

* In Maine.

/

Tabula, Avium alibi hiemantium tempore vernali aducntum commonstranse

| 1799. | 1800.
| Mar. 27 | Mar. 23 |

Cvidi Jan. 14
ees Mar. or} ___| Mar 30
| | 31

Charadrius vociferus

Turdus migratorius | 21 :

Anas Canadensis 3

Motacilla Sialis

Gracula Quiscula_~
Muscicapa fusca

Fringilla tristis
Hirundo urbica

Picus auratus

Hirundo purpurea | oh ae

fa)

Caprimulgus americ. =| | M
Larus ridibundus bas eee [
Hirundo rustica 1 ae a

Lanius Tyrannus

aj. 14 | | Maj. 12 |

3 | a eb

12 | Maj
16 | 16 |

a

Emberiza oryzivora
Turdus rufus 7 4
Oriolus Baltimoré | | 9 | 10 | 12 |

Muscicapa carolinensis | | |

Botany of the White- Mountains. 57

IX. Wotice of the Botany of the White-Mountains, in
the State of New-Hampshire. By the Eniror.

IN the first volume of this Yournal, some men-
tion was made of an ascent of the White-Mountains, in
the state of New-Hampshire, by Mr. William D. Peck,
and the Reverend Dr. Menasseh Cutler. It is there of).
served, on the authority of the last-named gentlemen,
that ‘‘ a species of Erica, or Heath, is said to be one of
the plants which they found, in their botanical excursions, -
on the mountains. Should this ] prove to be the case, it
will appear, that North-America is not, as has been sup-
posed, wholly destitute of this family of plants, both the
species and individuals of which are so extensively. dif.
fused through the old world*,””

Since the publication of the above notice, I have re-
ceived a letter from Dr. Cutler, in which he informs me,
that Mr. Peck has found the plant ‘ to be a species of
the Andromedat.”

From Mr. Peck I have also received a letter, an ex-
tract from which, as throwing some light, upon the d/p-
ine Flora of our country, I here insert.

“ T have not had time to draw up any account of the
journey to the White-Mountains. - Dr. Cutler and my-
self collected a considerable number of plants, but I un-

* Vol. i. Part 1. Pages 164, 165.

} Letter dated Hamilton, Massachusetts, July 8th, 1803.
SUPPL. H.

58 Botany of the W hite- Mountains.

fortunately lost half of mine, in descending a gulley.
While we were labouring up the mountain, 1 twice ex-
claimed, a Heath! and was as often disappointed.’ The
first shrub I took for one was Empetrum nigrum : the
other I believed to be an Erica, till my arrival at home.
It seems more allied to Andromeda; its leaves are nearly
of the size and figure of those of our Hemlock-Fir.

‘€ T found Azalea procumbens and Azalea Lapponica,
and I am almost sure of Diapensia Lapponica. Dr. _
Cutler mentioned his having seen something which ap-
peared like a Tulip, when he was on the mountains
formerly. We had the good fortune to meet with it,
and it proved Bartsia pallida. We found Vaccinium
oxycoccos (not macrocarpon); some other species of ~
Vaccinium ; a small shrub, in fruit, which seems a Kal->
mia, and a few other plants. On the very summit, I

collected a Clerus formicarius, and one other species of
the same genus. In the woods, at the foot of the moun-
_ tain, some of our company collected a fine specimen of
Michaux’s Streptopus, in fruit, but we could not save
it*. Some of these plants have never before been col-
lected, or in any other place, I believe, in the United-
States, which indicates that the White-Mountains are
the highest in the United-States.”’

|

* All Michaux’s species of Streptopus are natives of the moun-
tains of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other parts of the United-
States, where they were (if I do not mistake) first discovered by
the younger Mr. Marshall, who named the genus BArtonraA.

Epiror.

On the Disease of Rust. 59

X. Facts and Observations concerning the Disease of
Rust, as it affects the Wheat, and other Cerealia.
In a letter to the Exitor, from his Brother, Mr.
Ricwarp Perers Barton, of Frederick-County,
in Virginia.

YOU are desirous, I find, to obtain information
relative to the Rust, and have proposed several queries
in regard to this disease, which I will answer, as far as
I am able,

The evil here was greater than was supposed, when
you left us. Many crops were nearly lost, and few es-
caped without material injury.

The information you received, that the Shanandoah
lands are subject to rust, is correct. It is also true, that
all the river-lands in Virginia are subject to the disease.
In short, it is the evil of all our lands lying in low and
moist situations, especially such as lie contiguous to

swamps and marshes.

This disease appears to me to be intimately connected
with an excess of moisture combined with immoderate
heat : for neither, without the agency of the other, will
produce it. A succession of rains, from the beginning
of June until harvest (the period when the rust generally
prevails), will not produce the disease, if the weather be
pretty cool, and the air not stagnant. Lively currents
of air accompanying rain, or immediately. succeeding it,
will, I believe, a/ways prevent rust. Neitner will exces-

60 On the Disease of Rust.

sive heat, if the air be dry, generate it. But should
much rain be followed by that state of air which we call
close, sultry, and damp, and which we find so remarkably
oppressive to our feelings, the rust is almost certain to
strike (as the farmers term it) the wheat. Nor is it ne-
cessary that much rain should precede the disease: on
the contrary, heavy fogs, or very copious dews, accom-
panied, or immediately succeeded (while the wheat is wet)
by great heat and a calm state of the air, more frequently
generate rust than immoderate rains.

Such a state of the air more commonly prevails on
the margins of rivers, marshes, swamps, mill-ponds, very
~ flat or bottem-lands, than elsewhere ; and it is lands thus
situated that are most subject to the disease of rust.

In the southern parts of Virginia, where the heat is
frequently very great, even as early as the middle and
latter end of May, the rust sometimes destroys the
wheat in the doot (as we term it); that 1s, before the
heads have fully put out: but more frequently it occurs
when the heads are completely formed, and in blossom,
or in the milky state. On this side of the Ridge*, I
have never known it strike the wheat carlier than the
middle of June: more commonly from the 20th to the
latter end of the month. In the latter case, injury Is
not materially done, except to very late wheat, or such
as had not the grain completely formed. At this period, .
if the rust be violent, we find particular spots, in our!
best and most forward fields, injured. ‘These spots are

* The Blue-Ridge, or South-Mountain.

On the Disease of ‘Rust. 61
generally flat and moist, where the plants stand too thin
anid scattering, and, in consequence of being ‘thus thin,
have too much stalk and leaves; or under the shades of
trees, or round the margins of the field.

In all these cases, the plants will be greener, and ap-
pear to possess a greater degree of succulency, ‘than in
other parts of the field. In short, every cause which
retards the maturity of the grain, renders it more liable
torust. In this way, it is highly probable, that plas-
tered wheat will sometimes sustain injury from that’
cause. Plaster, certainly, does render the plants more
vigorous and succulent, and thereby retains them longer
in a green state. ‘The reverse is the case with common
manures: for instance, dung. If partial spots in a field
be dunged, previous to seeding the land, those spots
will come first to maturity, and rarely (if ever) will such
spots be rusted. I will venture to account for these
different effects. Dung is applied in the fall, and, in
consequence of that, produces a thick crop. This it
does two ways: first, by invigorating the plants,’ and
| multiplying their branches ; and, secondly, by prevent-
ing the effects of severe! frosts, which generally destroy,
in the course of the winter, a large proportion of the
plants ; frequently one-half, ven dry straw, or dry
_ weeds, or brush-wood, strewed upon the surface of the
wheat, in the beginning of the winter, will preserve it .
from the injuries of frost. Plaster is generally applied
in the spring; but even if the application were made in
the fall, I do not think (from some experiments which
I have made), that it will guard the grain from the ef-
fects of frost, in any powerful degree. Perhaps, by in-

62 . On the Disease of Rust.

yigorating the plants, the roots may take a stronger hold
in the soil, and thereby be enabled to resist the effects
of frost, somewhat better than unplastered wheat.

- Frederick-County, August 28th,
1805.

FIRST SUPPLEMENT

; oh TO THE

E} PHILADELPHIA

; ;
| |

: MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL...

SECTION SECOND.

bainihig. te

sieho 2 st Wn: anit fs ‘a oe ve ering
ah f " v &

on ‘ ty ne Pty

A Les
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MISCELLANEOUS

FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.

NATURAL HISTORY.
ZOOLOGY.

Mammaliology.

1. IN a late number of the Yournal, it is ob-

served, on the authority of Dr. Samuel Brown, ‘“ That

there has recently been discovered, in one of the ni-
trous caves” of Kentucky, ‘‘ the cranium of a large
species of Sus, or Hog, in a state of excellent preser-
vation*.”? This cranium, having lately been trans-
mitted to the American Philosophical Society, has
been carefully examined by Professor Wistar, wha
has very satisfactorily shown, that it is the cranium
of the Sus Tajacu, or Pecary. From this individual
fact, it would not be safe to deduce any inference re-
lative to the geographical range of the Pecary, in for-
mer times: but many facts, which the Editor has
collected, induce him to believe, that this species of

* Vol.iis Part 1. Page 158.
SUPPL. ' It

2

Tw NG

66 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

hog was once very common in the tract of country
between the Missisippi and the Atlantic-Ocean.

2. A very singular species of Mus, nearly allied to
the Mus bursarius of Dr. Shaw, is very common in the
sandy tracts of Georgia and Florida, where it is best
known by the names of Salamander and Earth-Rat.
The Editor, who has had an opportunity of examining
a living specimen of this animal, has satisfied himself,
that it is the Tucan of Hernandez; and the Tuza or
Tozan of Clavigero. It is pretty well described by
the first of these writers, who seems to have studied,
with some attention, its peculiar manners. It feeds
on grain, roots, and other vegetable matters, and, it
is believed, is one of the species lethargic, or ani-
mals which pass a portion of the winter season in a
torpid state.

eer ae

3. Another species of Mus, much larger than the
Tuza, and like it furnished with capacious cheek-
pouches, is a native of the country west of the Missi-
sippi, about latitude 38°. Of this species, however,
very little is yet known.

> +

4. A speciés of Mus, nearly allied to the Mus ar-
yalis, is very common in the vicinity of Philadelphia,

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. aes,

where it proves very destructive to the potatoes (So-
lanum tuberosum), and to many other useful vegeta- —
bles. It seems not to be described by any naturalist.

-

» 5. The Sorex: minutissimus of Zimmermann has
been discovered in the ¢rans-Missisippi part of the
United-States, in the country that is watered by the
Missouri. It is the smallest known species of the
family of mammalia, and is one of those animals that
are common to Asia and to America. The discovery
of this little quadruped seems to furnish a new argu-
ment in favour of the theory, that the continents of
North-America and Asia were once united to each
other: a theory that is supported by many very im-
pressive facts. ;

6. A new species of Sorex has been discovered in
the vicinity of Philadelphia. It may be called the
Black Shrew, and, like some of the other species of
the genus, emits an extremely fetid odour from its
body.

Ornithology.

7. A species of Plotus, very nearly allied to the
Plotus melanogaster of Linnzus, is sometimes seen

68 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

as far north in the United-States as the latitude of 39°.

This, it is probable, is the Snake-Bird of the people
of Carolina and Georgia.

8. It has lately been discovered, as the Editor is,
informed by one of his correspondents, that common
charcoal, broken into small pieces, contributes much
to the fattening of domestic poultry ; at the same time,
that their flesh, by such food, is rendered whiter, and
more sapid.——Hogs, likewise, are fattened by the
same vegetable substance; and a portion of this arti-
cle, mixed with their ordinary food, is found to be very
efficacious in preventing and curing a particular and
dangerous disease, to which these useful quadrupeds
are, at certain times, liable. When labouring under
this disease, which is perhaps a kind of Pica, the poor
animals greedily devour not only pieces of dirt, of dif-
ferent kinds, but even their own excrements.

—— te

Amphibiology.

9. The Lacerta orbicularis of Linnzus is found
native within the limits of the United-States. It is
pretty well figured by Hernandez, whose fidelity, in
many instances, cannot be too much praised.. A liv-
ing individual of this species of Lacerta has been in
the Editor’s possession for some time. Like many
other species of the genus, it passes a portion of the

~~

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. 69

year in a torpid state, during which time it eats no-
thing. But even while awake, it is capable of sub-
sisting, for some months, without any other nutriment
except what it receives from an atmosphere loaded
with moisture.—A full account of this curious animal
will be published in the second part of the sixth vo-
lume of the American Philosophical Transactions. It
is proposed to call it Lacerta Tapajaxin.

10. A living specimen of the Siren lacertina of Lin-
nzeus* has been im the possession of Mr. Peale, for se-
veral months. It is two feet and a half in length, and
is endowed with great strength. Its toes are not fur-
nished with nails (ungues), as is asserted to be the
case, in the descriptions of the animal published by
Gmelin, Shaw, and other naturalists. They are per-
fectly mutic, and rounded at the ends.

The Siren breathes both by its mouth and nares.
The individual, just mentioned, is supported, in a
large jar of water, upon pieces of meat, and other ani-
mal matters; and sometimes it eats grass. In its na-
tive country, it is said to live upon living serpents,
&e. Lt is, unquestionably, a finished animal, or an ani.
mal in its ultimate state, and not a mere larva, as
Mons. La Cépéde, Mr. Schrebers, and other eminent
naturalists have imagined,

* Muraena Siren of Gmelin.

70 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

io Entomology.

11. One of the insects which attack and injure the
Lombardy-Poplar, is a species of Moth, described by
Linnzus, under the name of Phalena ( Bombyx _) anas-
tomosis, elinguis, thorace ferruginato, alis deflexis
griseo-cinerascentibus : strigis tribus pallidis suban-
astomosantibus. Faun. Suec. 1125. Syst. Nat. tom.
1. Pars 2. p. 824. In Europe, it commits its greater
ravages upon some species of Salix, or Willow.

12. Mr. Peck, of Massachusetts, informs the Edi-
tor, that he has ‘‘ detected the Sphinx, which is so
destructive to the Robinia Pseudacacia,” or White-
flowering Locust. ‘‘ There are (says this ingenious
gentleman) some curious particulars attending it;
but as I do not know precisely all its periods, I will
say no more of it, till some future occasion. I be-
lieve it remains in the /arva state more than one year;
perhaps more than two. The Callidium flexuosum
does but part of the mischief.”’

13. A living individual of that singular insect, the
later noctilucus, was found, some time since, in the
streets of Philadelphia. It lived for several weeks,
during which time it ate nothing, but continued ap-
parently vigorous, and very powerfully emitted its

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. 71

beautiful (phosphorescent ?) light, especially when, it
was irritated by being placed upon its back, and ra-
pidly turned about, in a circular manner. This in-
sect is pretty well figured by Dr. Brown (who names
it Elater major fuscus phosphoricus), in his Natura
and Civil History of Famaica, page 432, t. 44. f. 10.
It is a native of Jamaica, and of other West-India
islands, and also of South-America. It is not proba-
ble that it is a native of Pennsylvania ; it is more like-
ly, that it has been accidentally introduced into Phila-
delphia, in the larvous state, along with the mahogany,
or other woods, which are often imported from the
islands. |

<a + Ga

4 BOTANY.

14. The President of the United-States has trans-
mitted to the Editor, a correct coloured drawing, to-
gether with specimens, of the ‘* Cotton-tree”’ of North-
America. This is a large and stately species of
Poplar, not known to the generality of Botanists, but
briefly described by Marshall (in his Arbustum Ame-
ricanum, p-.106.) by the name of Populus deltoide.
It is a native of many parts of the country that is wa-
tered by the Ohio, the Missouri, the Missisippi, and
other great rivers, where it always prefers the alluvial
soil. It is a tree of very rapid growth, it being ascer-
tained, that an individual has, in the term of twenty-
one years, attained to the height of one hundred and

72 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

eight feet, and nine inches, and to the diameter of
twenty inches and a half, exclusive of the bark.

The Cotton-tree receives its name from the very
large quantity of pappus, or cottony substance, which
the female flowers afford. This substance may, doubt-
less, be converted to very useful purposes. Whether
it is capable of being employed, in any case, as a
substitute for the real cotton, or produce of the spe-
cies of Gossypium, remains to be ascertained. At
some future day it will, in all probability, be employ-
ed in the manufacture of papers, of certain kinds.

The President informs the Editor, that the twigs
of this tree, chopped down, afford an excellent food
for horses, which they have often been known to prefer
to bran of Mays, or Indian-corn, and similar articles.
Captain Merewether Lewis, and his party, while en-
caged in exploring the country along the Missouri,
have often witnessed the good effects of the Cotton-
tree, as a fodder for their horses, especially in the
winter-season.

——2 +

15. From the country of the Five-Nations, the Edi-
tor has received the seed of a species of Tobacco,
which is said to be essentially different from the com-
mon cultivated Tobacco, or Nicotiana Tabacum.
It isa more humble plant; its flowers are yellow;
and its leaves are less narcotic than those of the To-

—r

—Z——

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. 73

bacco in common use. ‘This species, if we may de-
pend upon the traditional story of some of the Indians
belonging to the confederacy, was found native with-
in the limits of their country. It is deemed a kind of
sacred Tobacco, and is the only species which is per-
mitted to be burnt, or smoked, on the days of annual
festival. .

MINERALOGY,

16. The Editor is informed, by his friend and pu-
pil, Dr. Thomas Walmsley, that specimens of native
Sal-Ammoniac, or Muriate of Ammoniac, have been
discovered in the neighbourhood of Williams-Port,
in the county of Washington, and State of Maryland.
A full account of this interesting discovery will be
given in a future part, or number, of this Yournad.

SUPPL. K

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Ge ‘paioal ghrnsyain bid3.. to: ae
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FIRST SUPPLEMENT

TO THE

PHILADELPHIA ,

%,

‘MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

SECTION THIRD.

REVIEW,

AND

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

I. THE Editor of this Journal has already an-
nounced* his intention of publishing a BoranicaL

work, to be entitled Prodromus of a Flora of the States

of New-York, New-Fersey, PENNSYLVANIA, Dela-
ware, Maryland, and Virginia. Agreeably to his
promise, he now proceeds to give a general idea of
the plan of the work, the first volume of which, in-,
cluding the plants of the first ten or twelve classes of
the sexual system, he flatters himself he will be able
to publish some time in the course of the year 1807.

This Prodromus will be comprized in (at least) two
large volumes (royal) octavo, and will contain the de-

-- scriptions of a much greater number of plants than

are enumerated in the whole Flora Boreali- Americana

“of Michaux. Many of the plants are entirely new

species, and there are some new genera.

* Vol. ii. Part 1. Page 178.

78 _ Literary Intelligence.

In this work, besides the more purely botanical
part of the subject, much attention will be paid to the
dietetic, the medical, and other uses of the various
vegetables that are described; and the whole will be
accompanied by a view of the general aspect of the
six States which have, been mentioned ; their compa-
rative proportion of land and water, of mountainous
or high and low ground; of calcareous and other
soils; their temperature, &c.

A series of plates, from original drawings, will also
accompany the work; and these plates will be en-
graven by able artists, both in Europe and in Ame-
rica. Many of the drawings are already prepared :
some of them are the production of that able artist,
. Mr. Turpin, who passed some time at Philadelphia,
and at present resides at Paris.

The following extracts from the Prodromus may
serve as specimens of the manner in which the Editor
has treated some parts of his subject.

Mircuetta. L.
Gen. Pl. edit. Schreb. n. 174. Fuss. p. 208.

Cor. 1-petalae, super, bine, eidem germini. Szzg.
4. Bacca bifida, 4-sperma.

Mircuerra repens. L. Sp. Pl. p. 161. Willd.
Sp. Pl. 1. p. 617. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. 2. p. 245.
Marshall, Arbust. p. 92. Aiton, Kew. 1. p. 148.
Michaux, Flor. Bor. Amer. 1. p. 86.

Mitchella (repens) foliis subovatis, floribus albis, bac-
cis rubris. Walter, Carol. p. 85.

~

Literary Intelligence. 79

“Mitchella. Amoen. Acad. 3. p. 16.
daphne. Mitch. Nov. Gen. 27.
Lonicera foliis subovatis, germine bifloro, corollis in-
gerne hirsutis, stylo bifido. Gronov. Flor. Virg. p. 18.
Syringa baccifera sive Clematis Daphnoides repens
aquatica, foliis parvis, floribis albis gemellis unicam bac-
cam rubram carnosam duobus umbilicis preditam con-
tinentibus. Clayt. n. 28.
Syringa baccifera, Myrti subrotundis foliis, floribus
“ albis, gemellis, ex provincia Floridana. Pluk. Amalth,
198. t. 444, fig. 2. Catesb. Carol. 1. p. 21. t. 20.
‘Baccifera mariana clematitis daphnoidis minoris folio,
Petiv. Mus. 363. & Gazoph. t. 1. f. 13.
Chamezepericlymeni foliis plantula marilandica, flore in
summo caule unico tetrapetalo. Fai Suppl. 656.
Mitchella. Partridge-berry. Cwsler, Mem. Amer,
Acad. vol. 1. p. 410. Hearne, p. 454. Partridge-

Chame-

- berries. Mather, Phil. Trans. abridged, vol. 5. part:

2. p. 160.

p- 68.
Anglis, Creeping Mitchella. Creeping Evergreen

Mitchella. ,

- Europo- Americanis, Partridge-berry. Turkey-berry.
Ground-Ivy.—Deer-berry ? in North-Carolina.—Indian
Tobacco? in some parts of New-England.—Poison-
Berries.

Indigenis (certain tribes of New-England), Poke?

See the article Arbutus Uva ursi.

In woods, on mountains, generally in wet or moist,
mossy and shaded situations.

“ Hab. in Carolina, Terra Mariana, Virginia.” J/-
chaux, l. Cs In PENNSYLVANIA, and in every state

Partridge-berry ? Williams, Vermont,

80 Literary Intelligence.

of the American union. Indeed, it is difficult to say, in
which it is most abundant. Ph*,

Perhaps, few of the North-American plants have a
more extensive range, from north to south (and, proba-
bly, from east to west), than the Mitchella repens. It
is very common in the New-England states, and I think
it is found in Greenland ; for I take this to be the plant
to which Crantz alludes, in the following words: It
“< has little round smooth leaves, always in pairs, and
supporting a little downy flower between them. They
say this serves for the food of the rein-deert.”»> The
Mitchella is common in the country round Hudson’s-
Bay, and it extends, at least, as far south as Georgia,
where it is known by the name of Turkey-Berry.
It would seem, therefore, that we are safe in assigning to
this plant, a range of at least forty degrees of latitude.
Of its range from east to west, I cannot speak with so
much confidence: but we well know, that the Mitchella
extends from the neighbourhood of the Atlantic to the
Missisippif.

Perennial. Flowers (in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey,
&c.) in June and July: ripens its fruit in August and
September, The fruit often continues upon the plant
through the winter, and succeeding spring.—The stems
are slender and shrubby, lying close to the ground, and

* All the vegetables thus marked, in the Flora, are found within
twenty miles of the city of Philadelphia.

+ The History ef Greenland, &c. Vol. i. p. 66. English
translation. London: 1767.

$ Sketch of a Geographical View of the Trees and Shrubs of
North-Americae MS.

——=—-s.

pie
= te

ee SS oe.

allies

fo

wi

Literary Intelligence. 81

throwing out radicles at the joints. The leaves are op-
posite, ofa pretty thick consistence, obtusely egg-shaped,
entire, very smooth, and of a dark green colour. They
are marked, both longitudinally and transversely, with
whitish or herbaceous coloured veins, which are espe-
cially observable upon the upper surface. The flowers
are axillary, twinned (two arising from a common pe-
duncle), villous internally, and of a white colour. Sta-
mens four. Germen twin, orbicular, common to both
flowers, and inferior. A single style to each flower :
stigmas four. The pericarp is a berry, two-parted, and
globose: seeds commonly four, compressed and callous.
The flowers have a very agreeable odour.

Cotton Mather says, that the Mitchella is a valuable
remedy, in cases of dropsy. A decoction of the leaves

- is directed to be taken, for several days together, as a

tea. It is said to act as a diuretic, “ as long as the disease 5
lasts; after which it may be drank without provoking urine
observably.”” He adds, that “‘ gouty persons drink it
with benefit.” 7. c. I am assured, that, in Georgia,
this plant has been found very beneficial in some cases
of dropsy, and that its diuretic operation was very mani-
fest.—Birds of various species, especially the Tetrao
umbellus (called Pheasant and Partridge), and the Te-
trao marilandicus (called Partridge, in Pennsylvania),
eat the ripe fruit. Hence one of the most common
names of this plant, Partridge-berry, by which it is known
in Pennsylvania, in the New-England states, and even
in Hudson’s-Bay. The berries, though not very agree-
able to the taste, are, it is believed, quite innocent, not-
withstanding one of the names of the plant, Poison-ber,,
SUPPL. L

82 Literary Intelligence.

ries, by which it is sometimes known in the country
round Hudson’s-Bay.

Cauricarpa. ZL.
Gen. Pl. edit. Schreb. n. 175. Juss. p. 107. Gert.
t. 94, :

Cal. 4-fidus. Cor. 4-fida. Bacca 4-sperma.

-Cartuicarpa (Americana. LL.) ramis subalbido-
tomentosis ; foliis oppositis ovatis acutis dentatis, sub-
tus subtomentosis ; baccis glomeratis lucido-glabris. B.

Callicarpa (americana) foliis serratis subtus tomentosis.
Mant: 2. p. 198. Act. Ups. 1741. p. 80. Kniph. cent.
4.n. 12. Willd. Sp. Pl. 1. p. 619. Gmelin, Syst.
Nat. 2. p. 246,

Callicarpa americana. Sp. Pl. p. 161. . Schoepf,
Mat. Med. Amer. p. 13. Schoepf, Reise, 2. p. 127,
191. Marshall, Arbust. p. 22. Aiton, Kew. 1. p. 148.
Ellicott’s Journal, p. 287. Barton’s Elem. of Bot. part
3. p. 24, t. 10. fig. 3. 4. B.C. D. Expl. p. 25.

Callicarpa (americana) foliis serratis, baccis purpureis.
Walter, Carol. p. 84. .

Callicarpa (americana) ramis pruinoso-tomentosis; fo-
liis lato-ovalibus, utrinque acutis, dentatis, subtus sub-
tomentosis : cymis sessilibus, petiolo brevioribus. JZ-
chaux, Flor. Bor. Amer. 1. p. 95.

Callicarpa fotiis ovatis acutis serratis, subtus subto-
mentosis, baccis glomeratis. Lamarck, Encyclop. 1.
p. 556.

Spondyloccos. Mitch. E. N. C. 8. p. 218.

Burchardia. Du Ham. Arb. 1. p, 111. t. 44.

Literary Intelligence. 83

Johnsonia (americana) floribus verticillatis sessilibus,
foliis ovato-lanceolatis oppositis, caule fruticoso. J/Zi//.
Dict. n. 1.

Anonymos baccifera verticillata, folio molli et incano,
ex America. Pluk. Alm. 33. t. 136. f. 3.

Frutex baccifer verticillatus, foliis scabris latis denta-
tis et conjugatis. Catesb. Carol. 2. p. 47. t. 47.

Frutex foliis amplis subrotundis acuminatis, ex ad-
verso binis: viminibus lentis infirmis, quasi levi canicie
tectis : floribus monopetalis minimis, rubro-albicantibus,
ad nodos in fasciculos congestis, baccis parvis humidis,
cremesino-purpureis, glabris, splendentibus, autumno
speciosissimis, quinque vel sex seminibus compressis
—repletis. Clayt. n. 764. 7
- Bermudas Currants. Lawson’s Voyage, &c. p. 106.

Callicarpa americana of Loureiro (L%or. Cochin. 1. p.
88.) is supposed by Willdenow to be Callicarpa cana.
Mant. 198. Retz. Obs. 5. p..1. Willd. Sp. Pl. \. p.
620. This species is a native of Malabar and Cochin.
China. '

Anglis, American Callicarpa. Carolinian Shrubby
Callicarpa.

Europo-Americanis, Bermudas-Currants. | Sower-
Bush. Bermudian Mulberry.

Indigenis, * * * * *® *,

In woods, near rivers, and other waters. A maritime
or submaritime vegetable; but it is often found at the
distance of one hundred and fifty, or two hundred miles,
in the mountainous tract, almost always, however, in the
vicinity of water.

In New-Jersey,—in Pennsytyanrta? Delaware
(county of Sussex), Maryland, and Virginia.

84 Literary Intelligence.

A shrub, from four to six or eight feet in height.
Deciduous. Flowers (in Virginia) from June to Au-
gust. Ripens its fruit in August and September.

Miller informs us, that Dr. Samuel Dale employed, ©
with good effect, the leaves of Callicarpa, in cases of
dropsy. This would seem to favour the opinion of
Linnzus, that all the plants of the natural order of Du-
mos, to which the Callicarpa belongs, are endued with
active qualities*. The berries, however, are eaten in
Carolina, and are thought agreeable, after they have, for
some time, been exposed to the influence of the frost.
At such time, they are very sweet. Lawson says, that
he ‘* can see nothing inviting in them, and reckons
them a very indifferent fruit.” Z ¢. In Carolina they
are also used, infused in beer, to which they impart a
very agreeable taste.—The unripe berries are conside-
rably ascescent: hence one of the provincial names of
this vegetable, Sower-Bush, by which it is known in
Virginia, &c.

The berries, bruised and boiled with alum, communi-
cate a purple colour to waglens. Schoepf, 1. c. I
doubt, however, if they be deserving of much attention
as a dye; especially in a country abounding, as do the
United-States, in such a great variety of valuable Plante
tinctoria.

* “ Omnes he (Dumose) conveniunt qualitate maligna. Vel
purgant, vel omnino deleteria sunt,” &c. Prelectiones, &c. fi. 504.
See, also, my Elements of Botany. Part 3. p. 24.

Literary Intelligence. 85

Cornus. T. L.
Gen. Pl. edit. Schreb. n. 194. Juss. p. 214. Gert.
t. 26.
“Involucrum 4-phyllum szpius. Petala supera 4.
Drupa nuce 2-loculari. .
Cornus (florida. LL.) arborea: foliis ovatis, act-
minatis, subtus albicantibus: involucro maximo ; folio-
lis obcordatis : drupis brevi-ovatis. B.

Cornus (florida) arborea, involucro maximo : foliolis
obcordatis. Sp. Pl. p.171. Willd. Sp. Pl. 1. p. 661.
Hort. Cliff. 38. Hort. Ups. 29. Roy. Ludgb. 249.
Gronov. Flor. Virg. p.20. Gmelin, Syst. Nat. 2. p.
256. Cold. Noveb. 16. Mill. Dict. n. 3. Du Rot,
Harbk. tom. \. p. 167. Wangenh. Amer. p. 51. t. 17.
fi. 41. Schoepf: Mat. Med. Amer. p. 14. LT? Herit.
Corn. n. 3. p. 4. Aiton, Kew. 1. p. 157, 158.

Cornus florida. Kalm, 1. p. 66. Forster, Flor.
P Amer. Sept. p. 6. Marshall, Arbust. p. 35, 36. Bar-
tram’s Travels, p. 401, &c. Muhlenberg, Ind. Flor.
Lancastr. p. 162. Barton’s Collect. for Mat. Med.
Unit. Stat. Part 1. p. 1, 12, 45. & Part 2. p. 17—19.
Walker’s Inaug. Diss. cum icon. bona.

Cornus (florida) arborea, involucro maximo; foliolis
obcordatis: drupis rubris. Valter, Carol. p. 88.

Cornus (florida) arborea : foliis ovalibus, acuminatis ;
subtus albicantibus: floribus sessiliter capitatis; invo-
lucro maximo, foliolos apice deformi quasi obcordatis :
fructibus brevi-ovatis. Michaux, Flor. Bor. Amer. 1.
p. 91.

Cornus mas virginiana, flosculis in felon digestis a
perianthio tetrapetalo albo radiatim cinctis. Pluk. Alm.
120. t. 2. f. 3. Catesb. Carol. p. 27. t. 27.

-

86 Literary Intelligence.

Cornus mas floribus quasi in corymbo digestis, peri-
anthio albo e quatuor foliis composito radiatim expanso
cinctis. Dogwood. Clayt. n. 57.

Dogwood. Lawson’s Voyage, Sc. p. 94.

Anglis, Great-flowered Dogwood. Florid a: lw Si
Male Virginian Dogwood. _

Europo-Americanis, Dogwood. Box-tree. New-
England Box-wood.

Indigenis. Mon-ha-can-ni-min-schi, and Hat- ta-wa-
no-min-schi*, of the Lenni-Lennape, or Delaware-In-
dians. ‘

In woods, in a great variety of soils.

“¢ Hab. in sylvis Virginie, Caroline, Canade, &c.”
Michauzx, I. ¢. Very common in New-York, New-
Jersey, Pennsyitvawia, Delaware, Maryland, and Vir-
ginia. Ph.

The geographical range of this species of Cornus is
not well known to me. I trace it, very confidently, as far
north as the latitude of 44°, and as far south as 28° or
27°. But I have no reason to suppose, that these are the
ultimé fines of the vegetable, in either direction. It inha-
bits from the Atlantic to the Missisippi, but how much
further west, I know not.

* The words min-schi, which so very frequently occur as a part
(the terminating part) of the Lenni-Lennape names of our native
vegetables, signify, if I do not mistake, a tree, or shrub, or wood.
I do not perceive, that these words are ever applied to any of the
herbaceous vegetables, strictly so called, though they are to small
shrubby plants, as well as to the largest trees. Thus the Chesnut,
which is one of the largest North-American trees, is called Woa-
pi-min-schi, and a small species of swamp Vaccinium, Mas-ge-
qui-min-~schi.

a"

Literary Intelligence. ii

A shrub or tree. Flowers (in Pennsylvania, New-
Jersey, &c.) in April and May.—Ripens its fruit in Au-
gust and September.

The leaves are deciduous, and before falling (in Penn-
sylvania, in the months of September and October) as-

sume a fine red or crimson hue, which adds much to

the beauty of a North-American forest. (See my H/e-

ments of Botany. Part 1. p. 64, 65.) Several other

species of Cornus (even C. canadensis, if I do not mis-
take) are. clothed, about the same season of the year, in
a similar livery.

The beautiful involucre of this species of Cornus is
well worthy the attention of the physiological botanist.
“¢ Each foliole is composed of two distinct parts, each.

part being entirely the production of a separate season ;

and, contrary to the common order of vegetation, the
upper part is produced first: that is, the points of the
folioles grow in one season, forming a hybernacle, and
the following year the lower parts of the folioles grow
and burst it open. The points now become callous,
and wrinkle the leaf, and this gives them the appearance
of being end bitten.””, Mr. David Thomas, MS.
Cornus (sericea. LL.) ramis patulis, foliis ovatis
subtus ferrugineo-sericeis, cymis depressis. L’ Herit.

Carn. n. 6. Pp; 5; 6. tes Qo) Aiton, ew Ts fA SB:

Willd. Arb. 75. Willd. Sp. Pl. 1. p. 663.

Cornus sericea. Jungh. Plant. Ic. cent. 1. t. 23.
Barton’s Collect. for Mat. Med. Unit. Stat. Part 1. p.
12. Part 2. p. 17—20. Elem. of Bot. Part 3. p. 16.
Walker's Inaug. Diss.

Cornus arborea, cymis nudis, foliis subtus sericeis,
Mant. 199. Syst. Veget. 134. Gmelin, Syst. Nat.
2, p. 257.

88 Literary Intelligence.

; Cornus sanguinea. Forster, Flor. Amer. Sept. p. 6.

Marshall, Arbust. p. 36. Bartram’s Travels, p. 321,
&e.

Cornus (sanguinea ?) arborea, cymis nidis, ramis rec- -
tis subrubris, drupis coeruleis. Walter, Carol. p. 88.

Cornus (lanuginosa) patula: ramulis lanuginosis : fo-
liis ovalibus acuminatis, plerisque basi subrotundata ob-
tusis, subtus manifeste pubescentibus: cymis conferti-
floris, lanuginosis? Michaux, Flor. Bor. Amer. \. pe
92. .

Cornus (Amomum) arborea, foliis ovatis petiolatis,
floribus corymbosis terminalibus. J@ill. Dict. n. 5.
Du Roi, Harbk. 1. p. 165. Wangenh. Amer. p. 90.
Schoepf, Mat. Med. Amer. p. 14.

Cornus Americana sylvestris domestic similis, bacca
cerulei coloris elegantissima.’ Pluk. Alm. 121. t. 169,
fig. 3: |

Cornus feemina, floribus candidissimis umbellatim dis-
positis, baccis cceruleo-viridibus, ossiculo duro com-
presso biloculari. Swamp Dogwood. Clayt. n. 23.
Cold. Noveb. 17.

Oldenlandia. Dogwood? Cutler, Mem. Amer,
Acad. 1. p. 412, The Red Willow. The Rose
Willow- The Dogwood. ~ Lbid. p. 491.

Anglis, Blue-berried Dogwood,

Europo-. Americanis, Red Willow. Rose Willow.
Swamp Dogwood. American Red-rod Cornus. New-
England Dogwood. Female Dogwood.

Indigenis. Kin-ni-ka-nick is the name which some of
our Indians, of the Delaware stock, give to the mixture
(which they are fond of smoking) of the bark of this
species of Cornel.and Tobacco: but Iam not certain
that they designate by this puoi the shrub itself,

a

Literary Intelligence. 89

In swamps, on the margins of rivers, lakes, &c., and
never, I believe, on high, dry ground.

This species has a very extensive range through the
continent of North-America. It grows abundantly in
both the Canadas, and in the New-England states, and
is very common in New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsy.-
vant, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Ph.

A shrub, from six or eight, to ten or twelve, feet in
height. Flowers (in Pennsylvania) in July and Au-
gust. Ripens its fruit in September.

The reader who is desirous of obtaining information
relative to the medical properties of this species of Cor-
nus and of Cornus florida, is referred to the Materia
Medica Americana of Schoepf, to my Collections, and
especially to the valuable inaugural dissertation of Dr.
John M. Walker*. I shall only observe, in this place,
that since the publication of these works, much additional
testimony in favour of the useful powers of Cornus flo-
rida, as a remedy for intermittent and remittent fevers,
has been furnished by the practitioners of medicine, in
various parts of the United-States, and that we may
confidently pronounce the bark of this tree one of the ,
most valuable indigenous substitutes for the Cinchona,
or Peruvian bark, that has, hitherto, been discovered.

The bark of Cornus sericea is one of the favourite
winter articles of food of the American beaver (Castor

Fiber). The ripe drupes are greedily devoured by the

common domestic fowl.—From the bark of the more
fibrous roots of this shrub, the Indians, in some parts of

* Ai Experimental Inquiry into the Similarity in Virtue be-
tween the Cornus florida and sericea, and the Cinchona officinalis:
of Linnzus, &c., &c. Philadelphia: 1803. *

SUPPL. M

“

_ 90 Literary Intelligence.

the continent, obtain a good scarlet colour, with which
they dye some of the articles of their dress. I have not
learned what mordant (if any) they employ to fix the
colour.

Potnos. IL.
Gen. Pl. edit. Schreb. n. 210. Juss. p. 24.

Spatha. Spadix simplex floribus tectus. Cad. nulla.
Petala quatuor. Bacca disperma.

-Pornos (Putorii. mihi.) acaulis; tota foedissimé
olida: foliis cordato-ovatis concavis, glaberrimis; spa-
dice subgloboso. JB.

Pothos (ovata) foliis ovatis subtus glaucis. Baccis
l-spermis l-locularibus. Walter, Carol. p. 224.

Pothos (ovata) foliis ovatis subtus glaucis. Baccae

“L-sperme. | Gmelin, Syst. Nat. 2. p. 274.
Pothos (foetida) folits cordatis, spadice subgloboso.
— Aiton, Kew. 3. p. 319.

Pothos (foetida) acaulis: foliis ovalibus, concavis :
spadice subgloboso. Michaux, Flor. Bor. Amer. 2. p.
186.

Dracontium (foetidum) foliis subrotundis concavis.
Sp. Pl. p. 1372. Willd. Sp. Pl. 2. p. 288. Schoepf,
Mat. Med. Amer. p. 133. Castighoni, Viagg. 2. p.
238, 239. :

Dracontium (foetidum) foliis subrotundis. Gmelin,
Syst. Nat. 2. p. 596. 7

Dracontium foliis subrotundis concavis integris. Gro-
nov. Flor. Virg. p. 141.

Dracontium foliis subrotundis vulgo Skunck-weed.
Cold. Noveb. 214.

* Acatl. 1. 407—409.

= Se ee CCU!
= es 9 x

Literary Intelligence. 91

Dracontium foetidum. alm, 2. p. 90, 91. For-
ster, Flor. Amer. Sept. p. 41. Muhlenberg, Ind. Flor.
Lancastr. p. 179. Barton’s Fragments. Part 1. tables,
p. 1. & Part 2. p. 42. Elements of Bot. Part. 3. p.
130. Idem, Memoirs on Instinct, and Animal Reason.
Chap. 1. MS.

Dracontium (camtchatcense) foliis lanceolatis ? Amo-
en. Acad. 2. p. 332, 333. Sp. Pl. p. 1372. Mill.
Dict. n. 4.

~ Dracontium (camtschaticum) foliis lanceolatis, caule -—

erecto ? Gmelin, Syst. Nat. 2. p. 596.

Arum americanum betz folio. Catesb. Car. 2. pe
71. ¢., 71. .

Calla aquatilis odore alii vehemente’ przedita, cities
repente, vulgo Pole-Cat-weed. Clayt. n. 17.

Skunk Cabbage, or Poke. Carver’s Travels, &c. p.
AB84. :

Skunk Cabbage. Skunkweed. Cutler, Mem. Amer.
The Arum, or Skunk Cabbage.
Belknap, New-Hampshire, 3. p. 127.

Skunk Cabbage. Arum americanum. Williams,
Vermont, p. 70. cote

Anglis, Stinking Pothos, or Skunkweed.

Europo-Americanis, Skunk-weed. Skunk-Cabbage. -

f Polecat-weed. Itch-weed. Hellebore. Ellebore.

Irish-Cabbage. Poke. Byorn-blad (Bear’s-leaf), and
Byorn-retter (Bear’s-root) of the Swedes settled in North-
America.. Beerenwortel and Bonsemkruid. Schoepf,
Laide
Indigenis, * * * * * *,
In wet and shaded woods, in meadows, in swamps,
&c.

92 Literary Intelligence.

«© Hab. a Canada ad Virginiam.” Michaux, L. c.
It is a common plant in New-York, New-Jersey,
Pennsytvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Ph.
-Perennial.—Flowers (in Pennsylvania) in April and
May. It sometimes flowers as early as the month of Ja-
nuary- This is especially the case where it is well pro-
tected from the influence of cold, by the fallen leaves of
trees, and other vegetables.

ee gg

Il. Additional Facts and Observations relative to the
Nature and Origin of the Pestilential Fever. By
the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Phila-
delphia, printed by A. Bartram, for Thomas Dobson,
at the Stone House, No. 41, South Second-street.
1806.

- IN 1798, the College published their Facts
and Observations relative to the Nature and Origin of
_ the Pestilential Fever, in which they attempt to esta-
blish the nature and origin of the disease generally
called YeELLow FEveER, accompanied with such evi-
dence as they thought necessary to prove its foreign
origin.

The public mind having, since that time, been
much agitated and interested on this important sub-
ject, the College have thought it right again to come
forward with additional proofs to substantiate their
opinions. An idea of the general tenor of the present

| Review. 93

work will be best formed from a perusal of their own
introduction, which we therefore give entire.

«¢ On the re-appearance of the pestilential fever in
this city, in 1793, after an interval of more than thirty
years, we were struck with its mortality and conta-
gious nature, as well as with the train of symptoms,
so widely different from any thing we had been accus-
tomed to. These considerations naturally produced
a supposition of its foreign origin; and, in the course
of our inquiries on the subject, we were led to make
the following conclusion, in reply to the requisition
of the governor of the commonwealth, on the origin
of the disease.

- «© No instance ‘has ever occurred, of the disease
“« called the Yellow Fever being generated in this
' city, or in any other part of this state, as far as we
‘“‘ know; but there have been frequent instances of
‘6 its having been imported, not only into this, but
‘¢ into other parts of North-America, and prevailing .
‘‘ there for a certain period of time; and from the
‘‘ rise, progress, and nature of the ‘malignant fever,
*¢ which began to prevail here about the beginning
‘Cof last August, and extended itself gradually over
‘a great part of the city, we are of opinion, that this
*« disease was imported into Philadelphia, by some of
‘* the vessels which arrived in the port after the mid-
** dle of July. This opinion we are further confirmed
‘¢ in, by the various accounts we have received from
“the best authorities we could procure on’ the sub-
“ce ject.”

‘

94 Review.

‘¢ Subsequent events and researches have confirmed
these opinions ; and in 1798, when the facility of pro-
ducing sufficient proofs was abundant, we published
an account of the nature and origin of the pestilential
fever, accompanied with such facts to prove its intro-
duction to this city from the West-Indies, as to us
appeared incontrovertible. The mode of introduc-.
tion, and of the spreading, of this disease, beginning |
as from a point, and gradually extending itself more
or less throughout the city, as well as the daily in-
stances of its communication which occurred, had
also, as we supposed, afforded evidence, sufficiently
convictive, of its contagious nature.

‘‘In order, however, to throw more light on the sub-
ject, we conceive it may be useful to publish the opi-
nions and observations of several respectable charac-
ters, physicians and others, concerning the sentiments
long since prevalent in this country, as well as some
interesting facts, which had come to their knowledge,
respecting the foreign origin of the disease.

‘« The importation and contagious nature of this
fever appear to be so closely connected, that, in addi-
tion to what “has been repeatedly published on this
head, we have selected a few cases, which we suppose
must very clearly prove the contagion of the pestilen-
tial fever, more particularly during the months of July,
August, September, and October.

«¢ A desire to be useful to our country, by calling
the public attention to these important points, so as

‘
-
x

Review. 95

to prevent any relaxation in quarantine laws, as well
as to disseminate truth generally for the good of others,
has been our motive for making a further publication
at this time; for we think there is too much reason

‘to fear, that the partial exemption from these diseases,

of latter years, may have a tendency to produce a dan-
gerous security amongst us.”’

The proofs now published in support of their opi-
nions consist of nineteen communications, made by
physicians, and other well known characters in the
United-States, all tending to establish the peculiar
nature, foreign origin, and contagious quality of this

fever, with some account of the opinions hitherto ge-

nerally received on the subject.
’ Whatever may be the merits of the work, it is im-
portant, as it contains the opinions of the College.

The facts must speak, for themselves.

On so interesting a subject, we believe it right to

give a short account of the different communications.

The first is from James Pemberton, Esq., an aged
and respectable inhabitant of Philadelphia. He re-
lates, from his father’s recollection, the foreign intro-
duction of the disease in 1699; also several subse-
quent instances thereof in 1740, 1747, 1760, and 1762,
with the opinions of its foreign origin, universally ad-
mitted, at those periods,

96 Review.

The next paper is from Thomas Willing, Esq.,
President of the Bank of the United-States; and con-
tains a circumstantial detail of the introduction of the

‘fever from Barbadoes, in 1747, and mentions its
spreading in that year; also its introduction and
spreading in 1762.

The third paper is from Benjamin Chew, Esq.,
formerly Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania,
corroborative of the above; with the concurring opi-
nions of the most eminent physicians of that time,
concerning its foreign origin.

The fourth is from Doctor John Charlton, Presi-
dent of the Medical Society of New-York, and con-
tains his opinion of the nature and origin of the dis-
ease, the distinguishing characteristics whereof are
clearly stated.

The fifth is from Doctor Samuel Bard, of New-
York. The contents are similar to Doctor Charlton’s.
He further mentions his father’s sentiments on the
subject.

The sixth is from Doctor John Redman, late Pre-
sident of the College, giving an account of the intros
dugtion and spreading of the fever in 1762.

The seventh is from Doctor Joseph Bayley, Physi-
cian at the Quarantine-ground, at New-York. ‘This
paper clearly points out the difference between the

_ Review. 97

pestilential, or yellow, fever, and other diseases which
have been confounded with it.

The eighth is from Doctor David Hosack, of New-
York, to the same purpose as Doctor Bayley’s. He
also relates the opinions of Doctor Ledyard, the late
health-officer, on the subject.

The ninth is an extract from the Minutes of the
Managers of the Pennsylvania Hospital, in 1798,
showing the contagious nature of the fever in. that
house.

_ The tenth is a statement of facts, to prove the con-
tagious nature of the fever at Germantown, in 1798,
collected by Doctor Caspar Wistar, jun., Member of
the College, and Professor of Anatomy in the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania.

The eleventh is from Doctor George Bensell, of ~
Germantown, corroborating Dr. Wistar’s account, -
and relating the general salubrity of Germantown.

The twelfth and thirteenth are from Doctor Charles
Meredith, one of the physicians of the Philadelphia
Dispensary, giving an account of a case of the fe-
ver, which was received at Philadelphia, in the au-
tumn of 1798, and proved contagious and mortal near
Doyles-town, in Pennsylvania. He further states the
healthy situation of that part of the country.

The fourteenth is from Doctor John Wilson, of
SUPPL. N

i

98 ~ Review.

Bucks-County, Pennsylvania, corroborating Doctor
Meredith’s account.

The fifteenth is from Doctor Eneas Munson, of
New-Haven, Connecticut, relating the introduction
and spreading of the fever in that place, in 1794, and
referring to the sixteenth paper, which is a concise
abstract thereof, taken from a publication in the New-
York Evening Post.

The seventeenth is from Doctor James Stratton, for-
merly President of the Medical Society of New-Jer-
sey, and contains an account of the introduction of
the disease into New-Jersey, from Philadelphia and
other places, in 1797, 1798, 1799, and 1805, with
proofs of its contagious nature.

The eighteenth is from Doctor John Stuart, of the
island of Grenada, giving an account of the introduc-
tion of the fever into that island, by the Hankey, from
Boulam, in March, 1793. He also adds an account
of its contagious effects.

The last paper is by Doctor William Currie, Mem-
ber of the College, and of the Board of Health, stating
the introduction, progress, and contagious nature of
the fever of 1805.

‘We wish for a fair and dispassionate discussion of
this subject, so highly important and interesting to
the health and commerce of our country, and for this
reason would recommend a careful perusal of the ¢ dif-
ferent publications of the College.

THIS PORTION

OF THE
PHILADELPHIA

\

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL

Is INSCRIBED
To MATTHIAS BARTON, Esq.
OF LANCASTER, IN PENNSYLVANIA,
Eee
SEYEC TIONATE, BROTHER, AND FRIEND, &c.,

BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON.

_ Philadelphia, March 7th,
1806.

a

euler

sah A.

a 4

ol deposi BAS 1-4

. ey . We j ; ite pe: AFR i Py epee Rye we
ye ae iy ‘
Le hat is aie an

Pig Ma ant ASU ‘dale aa

ADVERTISEMENT.

IT is proposed, in future, to publish each half,
volume, or one entire part, consisting of at least two
hundred pages, of the Philadelphia Medical and Physical
Journal, early in the months of May and November, |
annually. Besides these, the Editor believes it will be
in his power to publish every year, toward the end of
February, a SuprpLeMENT, consisting of about one,
hundred pages. Such a Supplement is now offered to
the public.

The purchasers of the Journal are requested not to
bind up the supplementary with the other portions of the
work. When two, or more, numbers of the Supple-
ment shall have appeared, they may be bound up by
themselves.

March 5th, 1806.

ye
ae Ser jy
Fes)

Pe ed
™

OFFICERS

OF THE

AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

FOR THE YEAR 1806.

THOMAS JEFFERSON, President.

Caspar Wistar, Robert Patterson, Benjamin Smith»
Barton, Vice- Presidents.

John Bi acian Coxe, Adam Seybert, Thomas C.
James, Thomas T. Hewson, Secretaries.

William White, J. B. Smith, P. S. Du Ponceau,
Adam Kuhn, James Woodhouse, Samuel Duffield,
William Shippen, Zaccheus Collins, Benjamin Rush,
Andrew Ellicott, Nicholas Collin, William Digna
Counsellors.

Charles W. Bele, John Church, Robert Hare, | jun,
Curators.

John Vaughan, Treasurer and Librarian.

SECOND SUPPLEMENT

TO THE

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL

JOURNAL.

|

COLLECTED AND ARRANGED

BY BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON, M. D.,

PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA, NATURAL HISTORY, AND BOTANY,
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

JULY, 1807.

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SECTION FIRST.

SUPPL, 7

THE

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

I. On the use of the Peruvian Bark, given in very large
doses, in the Malignant Yellow-Fever.

THE Consulting Physician of the Royal Armies,
Dr. Tadeo Lafuente, frequently commissioned as in-
spector of public health, in the camp of Gibraltar, has
composed a paper, entitled, ‘‘ Well-proved and Decisive
Observations, showing that the Yellow-Fever loses all
' its contagious force in a Cottage,” as also, that it may
be kept off, or cured, by bark, used in a manner entire-
ly new and distinct from any commonly practised.

This dissertation, which was, by order of his Majes-
ty, examined by the superior governing Medical Col-
lege, was found to merit his royal approbation, and
was, consequently, by his directions, printed and pub-
lished ; but as the season, in which this new method
might be eminently useful, is at hand, and the opera-
tions of the press would not allow of the publication as

104 On the use of Peruvian Bark,

early as could be wished, the following extract is given,
drawn up by the author himself.

The above-named Physician is well aware of the ge-
neral discredit into which bark has fallen, in this Penin-
sula (Spain), as a remedy for the Yellow-Fever, and
is himself inclined to admit many of the objections
made to it; but he decidedly and firmly declares, that
none of those who have written or spoken against its
use, have either given it, or seen it given, in a proper
manner ; and that, if administered as it ought to be, it
will as certainly cure the Yellow-Fever as the Tertian.

The method he has invented, is most simple, and cor
sists in obliging the patient, within the first forty-eight
or fifty hours of his fever, to take, at least, from six to
eight ounces of bark, and it is absolutely necessary that
he should retain this quantity in his stomach.

In order to effect this in so short a period, which
is necessary, minute attention to circumstances is re-
quisite, and not a single moment to.be neglected. For
this reason, the taking of the bark must commence in-
stantly that the chill or any other symptom is felt of this
subtle and terrible disorder ; and if any time is lost, it
ought not to exceed-six or eight hours, from the first
attack, because, in the three or four first days of this sick-
ness, all the destructive qualities of it show their effects ;
and the only confidence in a cure must arise from bold-
ly attacking these, before they can unite, and without
losing one instant of time.

én thé Malignant Yellow- Fever. 105

Jt appears from his observations and proofs, that the
efficacy of the cure may be totally and wantonly de-
stroyed, if some of the doses are omitted, or the first
hours neglected, in which it should be administered.
Of ninety-seven persons who were attacked with this
fever, in the village of Barreos, and who took these six
or eight ounces of bark, within forty-eight hours of the
attack, commencing from the first to the eighth hour,
all quelled the disorder in its origin, one excepted, who
perished, having at the same time an attack of the gout.
Of eight who took the same quantity, commencing from
the eighth to the tenth hour, all were cured. Of five,
who began to take it from the tenth to the twenty-fourth
hour, three recovered, and two died. Of twenty, who
-began the second day, thirteen recovered, and seven died.
Of seventeen, who began the third and fourth days, eight
recovered, and nine died; and, finally, of eighty-nine
who were treated as they chose, but in a different man-
ner (including the sudorific plan), only twenty-two re-
covered. It is further to be observed, that when no
time was lost in beginning the bark, within the first ten
hours, and taking the six or eight ounces, the disorder
was so completely suffocated and eradicated, that the
cure was effected by the fourth day, and they were able
to leave the house, as if they had not been sick, and be-
fore the second and most terrible period of this disor-
_ der, which usually commences the third day. But
when there was delay as to time in the commencement,
or neglect as to the quantity, they felt proportionably
more or less of the symptoms of the second period,
and risked more or less from their violence, although
they were finally cured.

106 On the use of Peruvian Bark,

The above-named Physician, as well as the one who
practised at Barreos, Dr. Joaquin de Bobadilla, to whose
zeal and exactness we are indebted for a great part of
the important observations in this Dissertation, were
both careful to clear the stomach and intestines by a
slight vomit, before they commenced the use of the spe-
cific, or added v. g. two drams of cream of tartar, or ca-
thartic salt, to the first dose of bark, to the second, and
even to the third, if necessary, or even causing them to
vomit, by means of warm water, without medicine ; but
females and others, who undertook their own cure clan-
destinely, as soon as they knew the singular efficacy of
this remedy, learnt (as they say themselves) the impor-
tance of not losing an instant of time, by these, or other
usually preparatory steps; they found that cures were
equally performed without as with them, that it was neces-
sary to be careful with the vomits, because much time was
lost by them, and they left the stomach so irritable, that
they could not so well retain the bark. In short, (says La-
fuente), when the more sensible part of this village was
satisfied of its efhcacy, an emulation was excited
amongst those who were attacked, who could take the
most bark within the forty-eight hours, and at the earli-
est period of them.

The greater part of the sick, therefore, had neither
vomit, purgative, nor other receipt than a packet of half
a pound or more bark in powder (and even this not di-
vided into doses), and the moment they felt the first
chill, they began rapidly to take the bark, without sleep
or remission, night and day, every two hours, a large
spoonful at a time, sometimes equal to an ounce, some-

in the Malignant Yellow-Fever. 107

timés half an ounce, and at least three drams. Some
of them, either from having suffered in their reason, or
from some excess, or inattention, and sometimes unne-
eessarily but for greater certainty, took from sixteen to
twenty, or even thirty-eight ounces within a few days,
without any ill effect,

Nevertheless, those who wish to use it by measure,
may divide each ounce into three papers, and take one
every three hours, taking a little broth each of the two
intermediate hours; by which means they will take in the
first forty-eight hours, eight ounces of bark in twenty-four
papers. If the stomach rejects a dose, another must be
taken immediately, without reckoning what is rejected
as a part of the eight ounces, and the patient must not
be indulged in his natural repugnance to the repetition
more than half a quarter, or, at most, a quarter of an hour,
to quiet his stomach ; and if, from any inattention or ac-
cident, a dose has been omitted, two doses must be taken
each succeeding hour, and the broth taken the third,
following up and compelling, as it were, the patient, un-
til the lost time is made up, and the risk got over that
may have arisen from carélessness or delay.

The vomiting, which is peculiar to this disorder, sel-
dom begins before the third day, and this is another mo-
tive not to lose a moment during the two first days ;_ it
is true, that there are some who throw up the bark from
the nausea it naturally creates, and this will, in those
cases, lessen much its good effects. Yet in the village of
Barreos, only one person suffered from this circumstance,

108 On the use of Peruvian Bark,

from not knowing at the time how to remedy it, as it
was remedied in every other case.

This advantage was obtained in two ways. First, it
was mixed with water, so as to form a paste which could
be handled and made into pills, lengthened so as to di-
vide the dose into four or five. ‘These were folded up in.
wafers a little moistened with water, and they soon learnt
to swallow these without perceiving the taste of the bark,
and without any trouble. At first, the patients may con-
ceive that they cannot swallow such large pills, and may
wish to have them smaller; but they are really mista-
ken, as in the way they are made and softened, they
easily assume the shape the throat gives them in its pas-
sage, and have neither points nor hardness to injure. A
little firmness and managementsoon undeceives them, and
they find it less troublesome than to take smaller pills,
and more frequently for each dose. It may be supposed
that they will not immediately decompose themselves in
the stomach, but this can only happen when they are too
long made, and too hard and dry.

The second method. of stopping the vomitting con-
sisted in taking, before and after each dose, or for some
time every quarter of an hour, one or two spoonfuls of
the following mixture :

Take of Jarabic de Meconed one ounce,
Spirit of Canela one dram,
Of wine, or water, as the patient pleases, six ounces;

mix it for use, .

_——” vl

eae eee

4

in the Malignant Yellow-Fever, 109 '

Dr. Lafuente has not confined himself, in his Memoir,
to proving incontestibly the truth of his assertions, by
twelve signatures, accompanied by legal attestations ;
but he has detailed his professional reasons, referring also

~to his first publication, and anticipating answers to all
the objections which can be made against his method.
He notices, for instance, the difficulty or facility of know-
ing at once, according to the cases, whether it is the
fever, so that the most delicate persons, once convinced,
and those in lower stations will follow, they will swallow
and retain as much bark as is necessary.

Again, he shows that the fever is not inflammatory in

its first stage, as some suppose, nor originally gastrical,

nor hepatic, as others assert ; treats of the degree of risk
of its being joined by other inflammatory disorders ;
shows that if, in periods of greater heat than when he
made his observations, it is more active, the effect of
the bark is also more powerful than in more temperate
months, and that all that is necessary is to be more watch-
ful not to lose a moment of time, &c,

He also remarks, that such abundant and precipitate
doses of bark sometimes produce a retention of urine,
but that this evil is momentary, and ought not to give any
alarm, as it is instantly dissipated by embrocation with
certain simples, and oily friction of the groins, and has no
connection with the suppression of urine in the second
stage of the disorder. But the little room allowed for
this analysis does not admit of a more ample detail, and,
indeed, on the contrary, some inconvenience to the pub-

SUPPL. P

110 On the use of Peruvian Bark,

lic good might arise from giving merely an abstract of
these important observations.

For (observes Dr. Lafuente), it being absolutely ne-
cessary to convince the minds of the medical and other
attendants, in order to execute a plan, which, although
simple, requires a certain species of boldness to conquer
obstacles and prejudices, it will be indispensably neces-
sary to read the whole work, (which will be speedily
published), in order to be fully convinced of the correct-
ness, truth, and irresistible conviction it carries with it.
In the mean time, he informs the public that he has pre-
served himself from the Yellow-Fever, during the exe-
cution of his public medical commission, in the years
1800, 1, 3, in which he was more or less exposed to
its contagious effects, by merely taking half an ounce of
bark every morning in one or two doses, and that having
begun their rounds more steadily, and been more exposed
to danger in the beginning of October, 1804, he guaran-
teed himself in the same manner during that month and
November.

This was likewise practised by Dr. J. de Bobadilla,
and the Rev. Father Juan, of the order of San Mi-
guel Mendicant and Barefooted, and Chaplain to the sick
in the village of Barreos, who were constantly living
within its vortex, until tired of taking bark as a preser-
vative, and convinced that they should run but little risk,
in case they were attacked by the fever, they agreed to
discontinue it, and follow their rounds, determined, in
case of attack from the sickness, to destroy it by bark at
its first appearance, and see if in this manner they could

in the Malignant Yellow- Fever. ‘iT

escape, or even overcome the attack, in those circum.
stances which were less favourable ; and in effect Lafu-
ente, who quitted the bark the 20th of November, was on
the 4th of December seized with a suspicious fever, which
was dissipated instantly by taking six ounces of bark in
forty-eight hours from the chill. The Chaplain and Phy-
sician who had attended the sick, and omitted the pre-
servative, on the 15th and 16th of December, were at-
tacked in the the beginning of January, and both imme-
diately stopped it ; the first by a pound of bark in forty-
eight hours, because his fever was very violent, and he
was determined to be secure; the other, having been
more slightly attacked, was cured with six ounces in the
forty-eight hours, and one ounce the following day.

~ Lastly, it is fully proved by the same documents, that
a person having the Yellow-Fever, who is with his at-
tendants in a cottage or barrack in the country, however
small it may be, does not communicate the infection
to any one. At the time that the sickness prevailed
in Barreos, the families that remained in the houses
lost in some of them two or three persons; the con-
tagion also prevailed in a fine hospital that was obliged
to be opened in a corner of the town, on account of the
prejudices of some of the sick, and from which they
were with their assistants ultimately obliged to fly, finding
a safer asylum in the country cottages; at the very same
time there was not a single instance of one assistant fall-
ing sick amongst a hundred which attended the sick in
the Cottage-Lazarettoes, which were established at can-
non-shot distance from the village, where each cottage
or tent had only one sick, with their friends who chose

112 On the use of Peruvian Bark,

to accompany them, and each cottage (or tent), was iso-
lated and separated eighteen yards each way from wer.
other one.

The rains and hurricanes, which prevailed the begin-
ning of December, obliged the officers of health to offer
to the sick in these cottages or tents that chose to return
to the hospital, but they unanimously determined, unless
obliged by violence to do otherwise, to remain where they

had experienced the good effect of their situation, both
for themselves and their assistants, not one of whom had
fallen sick. Such is the enormous difference between
the two degrees of ventilation.

The imperiect construction, the tumultuous and ever-
continued interruptions, of the best of these great build-
ings, has not a single point of resemblance with the natu-
ral and tranquil circulation, which, without ceasing night
and day, pierces the innumerabie cracks or pores ofa tent
or cottage. In buildings we continually breathe the very
slightest offensive vapors, for at least eight or ten hours
every night, when we are obliged to close our doors and
windows, but in a cottage, always sufficiently porous and
open, the very laws of the circulation of air make it im-
possible to retain one moment any of the miasma which
escape from the contagious persons or effects, even al-
though the door should be shut, and there should be no
window. A chamber, in which a single healthy person
sleeps one night, smells offensively to any person who
from without opens the door suddenly, until it is venti-
lated ; and the smoke and smell ofa single cigarr is easily
preserved, and for a long time, in an apartment plastered

in the Malignant Yellow-Fever. 113

with lime and mortar; but in a cottage, the most fetid
excremental smell scarcely remains an instant, and even
the smoke of a large portion of burning wood is scarcely
retained. The smell of sulphur which they had just burnt
at the moment Dr. Lafuente was going to occupy the
cottage in the Lazaretto when he was ill, did not last
longer than the time taken to burn it.

What a consolation for a family to know, that by go-
ing to a cottage or tent with a person sick of the Yel-
low-Fever, not only the sick person will be in a better
situation, which is instantly felt by those who are con-
valescents, as well as those who are half infected, and
on the point of having the fever, as they quickly dissi-
pate all the miasma attached to themselves or clothing ;
but more especially they are certain, that all who may
be inmates there will never be affected, although they
may sleep, as it were, in the same bed with the sick.
But the reading of the work will satisfactorily show,
even to the very foundation, all the incomparable advan-
tages which are promised by this discovery.

Note in the Mexico Gazette, from whence this account
was extracted.

The Editor and a Physician residing in this capital, de-
sirous of propagating the knowledge of this work in the
whole kingdom, and particularly that Vera-Cruz may be
benefited by it, they have subscribed that it shall be re-
printed in this our metropolis.

114 Notices of a singular form of Fever.

II. Notices of a singular form of Fever, which prevailed
in some parts of the State of Tenessee, in the autumn
and winter of 1805. Ina letter to the Eniror, from
Ferix Rosertson, M. D., of Nashville.

AN opportunity of conveyance offering, through
the politeness of Mr. E., of this place, I shall give you
a short account of the prevailing disease of the last fall
and winter, in this neighbourhood. :

It commenced with a general lassitude or a sense of
weariness, accompanied, in general, with but slight fever.
In a few cases, the fever was considerable, the patient,
at the same time, complaining of a dull pain, or sense of
heaviness, throughout the region of the stomach.

A nausea was very common, proceeding, in some
cases, to violent vomiting.. The bowels, generally,
were natural, as to frequency of discharge; but some
cases were attended with obstinate costiveness. In a
variety of instances, I found that the stools were white.

The eyes and skin became yellow in proportion to.the
violence of the above symptoms. ‘This yellowness re-
mained for months, in some cases that were neglected.
Very few patients were confined to their bed ; and some
were even capable of attending to business, during the
disease. The urine, in every case, was very high co-
loured.

Notices of a singular form of Fever. - 15

The only medicine that I gave, with advantage, was
calomel in small doses, until the mouth was slightly af-
fected, by which time every case, that came under my
eare, was relieved. A variety of medicines was used by
the different practitioners of this place, but none of them
appeared to be of real service, except mercury.

Repeated cathartics were very commonly used by
some at the first appearance of the disease ; but they were
soon abandoned as useless, or hurtful.

Some patients gradually recovered without medical —
aid, but, in every case that I heard of, the recovery was
very slow.

This disease was so very common, that many of the
planters believed it to be contagious, and used every
means to-avoid being in company with those who had it.

It was much more common among the whites than
among the blacks ; men were oftener affected than wo-
men ; adults than children ; and young men oftener than
elderly men.

The bilious-fever, in its usual form, was not common
during this season; and nota single case of jaundice,
within my knowledge, ended fatally. In an elderly lady,
it produced general dropsy, which will prove fatal to her.
I believe, she had no medical assistance for some weeks
after she was attacked. Another case produced an as-
cites (in a middle aged man), which, I think, will be re-

116 Notices ofa singular form of Fever.

moved without the use of the trocar. This man had no
medical assistance.

What the cause of this disease was, is, perhaps, uncer-
tain: but that the bile, either from a defect in quantity,
or from too great a viscidity, did not find its way into
the intestines, and thus, by depriving the superior portion
of that canal of so necessary a stimulus, &c., pro-
duced the pain in that region, and the colourless stools,
is very evident.

To theorize on the affection, however, is not my inten-
tion; and, therefore, I barely give you the most prominent
symptoms of an epidemic, at least novel in this quarter
of the globe, believing that, in your general researches
after knowledge, nothing that has the appearance of, no-
velty would be unwelcome to you.

Iam, &c., &c.,
Your Friend,
Frerix Rogpertson.

Nashville, April 5th,

1806.

Ill. Hints relative to Swallows.

Dear Sir,

IS it yet ascertained whether Swallows are birds
of passage, or remain with us during the winter in a tor.
pid state? I am led to ask this question, from the fol-
lowing passages, which I met with in the celebrated Reg-
nard’s Voyage into Lapland, in the year 1681.

Waite relative to Swallows. 117

‘* Nous nous étonnémes que, quoique nous fussions
" Slavant dans le nord, nous ne laissions pas de rencontrer
quantité d’hirondelles ; et ayant demandé aux gens du
pays qui nous conduisoient ce qu’elles devenoient ’hiver,
et si elles passoient dans les pays chauds, ils nous as-
surerent qu’elles se mettoient en pelotons, et s’enfoncoient
dans la bourbe qui est au fond des lacs; qu’elles atten-
doient la que le soleil, reprenant sa vigueur, allat dans le
fond deces marais leur rendre la vie que le froid leur avoit
dtée. La méme chose m’avoit été dite a Copenhague par
M. Pambassadeur, et a Stockholm par quelques personnes ;
mais j’avois toujours eu beaucoup de peine a croire que
ces animaux pussent vivre plus de six mois ensevelis
dans la terre, sans aucune nourriture. C’est pourtant
la vérité ; et cela m’a été confirmé par tant de gens que
je ne saurois plus en douter.”’
Pages 78 and 79, Edition Stéréotype. Vol. 5.

_In pages 114 and 115 of the same volume, we find the
following remarkable passage, viz.: ‘* La nuit n’est
pourtant pas continuelle; et, sur le midi, il paroit un
petit crépuscule qui dure environ deux heures. Les
Lapons, aidés de cette lumiére et de la réverbération
de la neige dont la terre est couverte, prennent ce temps
pour aller 4 la chasse et a la péche, qu’ils ne finissent
point, quoique les riviéreset les lacs soient gélés par-tout,
et en quelques endroits de la hauteur d’une pique: mais
ils font des trous dans la glace, d’espace en espace, et
poussent, parle moyen d’une perche qui va dessous cette
glace, leurs filets de trou en trou, et les retirent de méme.
Mais ce qu’il y a de plus surprenant, c’est que bien sou-
vent ils rapportent dans des filetsdes hirondelles que se tien-

SUPPL, Q

118 Facts, Observations, and Experiments, relative

nent avec leurs pattes & quelque petit morceau de bois.
Elles sont comme mortes lorsqu’on les tire de Peau, et
n’ont aucun signe de vie; mais lorsqu’on les approche
du feu, et qu’elles commencent 4 sentir la chaleur, elles
se remuent un peu, puis secouent leurs ailes, et com-
mencent a voler comme elles font en été. Cette particu-
larité m’a été confirmée par tous ceux a qui je lai de-
mandée.”’ / .
»
I presume by this time you naturalists have no doubts
on the above subject; my mind, I confess, is yet wa-
vering.
Your sincere friend,
Anprew Exzicorr.
Lancaster, Jan. 19th,
1807.

———O eee ————oeoooooaoaoaEea7x7[x__EUE*Ccoaea>—E_

IV. Facts, Experiments, and Observations, relative to
some American species of Lampyris, or Fire-Flies. By
the late Tuomas Waums.ey, M. D., of Elizabeth-
Town, Maryland. Communicated to the En1ror
by the author’s brother, Mr. Wirt1am Mason
Watms ey, of Philadelphia.

WHEN the Lamppyris is immersed in water, it
drowns in fifteen or twenty minutes, but it shines with
almost as much brilliancy as when in the open air; and
its voluntary emanations are altother as vivid.

Immersed in spirit of wine, it lives five or six mi-
nutes: some live longer :—it remains perfectly opake

to some American species of Lampyris. 119

for two or three minutes, then flashes three or four times,
each flash being much longer than usual, and after each
flash it does not resume its previous opacity, when the
powers of life become weak, but before death its bril-
liancy remains stationary, with a kind of creeping scin-
tillation.

When it is taken out of the spirit apparently dead, it
is opake, but ona slight touch with a metallic substance,
and 2 harder touch with any thing, it shines bright, and
gradually dies away after half a minute or longer: but
it may be excited to flash six or seven times; perhaps
oftener.

Ina perfect Torricellean vacuum, it shines a short time,
and then becomes opake. No irritation will now cause
it to give out light, but on the admission of the least
bubble of air, it shines again.

When it is compressed between the mercury and the
thetube half way up the column, it emits light frequently,
for a short time, but very faintly. After remaming im
vacuo for an hour, or perhaps longer, its powers of light
are found to be but little diminished, on being again
brought into the atmosphere : very little, indeed, consi-
dering the violence done by its introduction. * * * *

In hydrogen gas, the lampyris emits but one or two
feeble flashes, and soon dies.

In carbonic acid gas, nearly the same effects are ob-
served.

120 Facts, Observations, and Eaperiments, relative

In azotic gas, when perfectly pure, I have not tried
these insects; but having accidentally had this gas
mixed with a portion of atmospheric air, I found them to
shine less vividly in it than in the atmospheric air, which
I kept as a standard.

In oxygenated muriatic acid gas, they emit a few
flashes very quickly im succession, on their first immer-
sion; and the flashes are of a redder, though I can hardly
say of a more brilliant, light, than the ordinary emana-
tion. They then die. In the course of six or eight.
hours, they are found bleached perfectly white. * * *

When confined in oxygen gas, obtained from manga-
nese, they instantly give out a light much more brilliant
than I ever saw before; and this light they have not the
power to diminish, though they can increase it, for some
time.

‘These insects live longer in this than in any of the
other gases, but die, in general, in the course of two or
three hours. But some have lived eight and ten hours.

Whether dead or not, they continue very brilliant for
twenty-four hours, more or less. Six or eight of the
insects put into a vial* produce a light so vivid, and of
such a peculiar brightness, that the eye can hardly
bear it.

The part from which they give out their light is the
lower or posterior and inferior part of the abdomen.

* I presume of oxygen gas. Epiror.

to some American species of Lampyris. 121

This part is covered by two scuta of a pale or whitish
straw-colour, and transparent. These scuta, like almost
every other part of the insect, are covered with pili, or
villi: but here this villous covering is fine, and requires
the aid of a strong double microscope to render it visible.

Each scutum has a small black spot on each side of
a line, which divides the abdomen longitudinally. These
spots, when viewed through a common magnifying
glass, appear to be perforations, and as such I considered
them, at first: but, upon examining them with a very
strong double microscope, I could not perceive that they
were such.

‘The Lamppyris certainly respires as other insects do,
by means of spiracula: and I was, for some time, in-
clined to believe, that these spots were perforations for
the admission of air, and thence produced the light ;_ for
I shall, presently, show, that the air taken in by the spi-
racula has no communication with the luminous part.

The insect has the power of remaining opake for any
length of time: but ifthat part of the luminous portion,
which is covered by the terminating scutum, be cut in
two, without injuring the other, it instantly becomes bril-
liant, and remains so; the insect not having power to
increase or to diminish the lustre. ‘But the other scutum
is not, in the least, affected. It is opake, or nearly so
(that is, perfectly natural), except when the insect exerts
its voluntary power of giving out light, and then it pre-
sents the same appearance that it did previously to the
mutilation.

122 Facts, Observations, and Experiments, relative.

If a longitudinal incision be made through both scuta,
the whole becomes luminous, and the insect cannot pre-
vent it.

Now, from all this it would seer, that the air taken in,
by the spiracula, for the support of life, has no commu-
nication with that which causes, or contributes to, the
elimination of light. Certain it is (as relates to our Ame-
rican lampyris at least), that oxygen is essentially neces-
sary to this effect. But whether this vital support be
taken in through those spots which appear like perfora-
tions (or, perhaps, are such), or acts in some other way, I
know not; but I should rather incline to think, that the

spots, alluded to, are not perforations, and, therefore,
that the air must come in contact with the phosphores.
cent substance in some other way.

Viewing a live insect, laid on its back, through a pow-
erful double microscope, in a very dark room, or at
night, its own light enabled me to see it tolerably dis-
tinct: for, in that situation, it is considerably luminous,
during the intervals between the flashes. When it gave
light by volition, the suddenness of the flash made so great
a contrast to the ordinary appearance, that the eye could
not accommodate itself so as to discern any thing, ex-
cept that the luminous portion did not appear to be at all
altered in its dimensions, no motion whatever being per-
ceptible.. And this is another reason. which leads me to
suppose, that the air is not taken in by the means above
hinted at.

a a

9

to some American species of Lampyris. 123

During the intervals, a very singular appearance pre-
sented over the whole luminous portion, entirely invisi-
ble to the naked eye. From the points of the villi co-
vering the whole scutum, infinitely small sparks of light
seemed to issue, forming a kind of creeping scintillation,
not unlike the appearance of burning paper, after the
blaze has been extinguished.

This, I believe, is the cause of the partial shining, as
it appears to the naked eye, during the interval between
the flashes, and can only be perceived in the dark.

In the day-time, nothing of the kind ean be discerned.
The substance contained under the scuta is of an opake

white colour, and evidently cellular. Its construction

bears a considerable analogy to the membrana adiposa of
the human subject, but is more delicate. In one or two
instances, I thought I could perceive something similar
to the ramifications of the bronchia, appearing to origi-
nate from the spots, which I took to be perforations, in
the scuta.

In three cases, I succeeded in dividing the insect ex-
actly across the spots, without hurting it, by a very
sharp instrument, but this appearance I did not often
see.

124 On the Diseases of

V. An Idea or Sketch of the most common Diseases of
the French West-India Islands, to which those who
land there, for the first time, are above all subject. By
the Knight of St. George. Communicated to the
Epiror, by the late Dr. Joun Fourxg, of Phila-
delphia.

IT is to you that are called by your extensive
trade to the French West-India Islands, that I undertake
to give the history of the too often fatal diseases with
which the new comers are commonly attacked in that
country, and which are the same that I had an opportu-
nity of attending to, in those latitudes, on board the
King’s men of war, even from the year 1765. I shall
subjoin the means that I employed to cure them, and
those which I found successful in preventing them, ac-
cording to the advices of the celebrated Garnier, King’s
Physician in Guadaloupe.

All those who come to the islands ought to expect to
fall sick, a natural effect of the passage from a temperate
air to that of countries excessively hot. To this gene-
ral cause are often added several others, which can be
prevented only by a strict moderation in the use of spi-
rituous liquors, and of fruits of all kinds, which are plen-
tifully met with; and, above all, by a strict chastity,
until, being naturalized to the climate, they can form a
lawful connexion. I shall not undertake the physical
explanation of the effect of too hot an air upon the animal
economy. I do not know of any thing better on this
subject, than what Mr. Poissonnicr Desperrieres wrote

,: a4

the French West-India Islands, 125

on it. I shall confine myself to the means of remedying:
the effects of this too hot air, and that, too, according to
the experiments I have made.

1. The new comers in the islands are subject to a hot
fever, or to the true cauzus of Hippocrates, unlike, how-
ever, to that which rages in Europe, both in its beginning
and progress, its state, and last stage. The word cauzus,
derived from the Latin caurus, I burn, is used here, be-
cause in that disease the patients are, as it were, ina
burning fire ; but the prostration of the nervous system is
so great, that they do not at all feel this heat: they are
only sensible of a pain in the head, and in the region of
the diaphragm and loins.

The chief symptoms which are the characters of the
first stage of that disease, are an universal sinking of
strength, which can be produced by no other cause than
the malignity of the disease itself; a burning heat which
is successively felt in the parts that are necessary to life,
whilst a frozen and deadly cold often seizes upon, and
occupies the extremities; the skin, the nostrils, the
tongue, and mouth, are extremely dry ; the breathing
hard and quick, the thirst unquenchable. The patients
complain of sharp pains in the diaphragm and loins ; the
urine is commonly red, sometimes in an imperfect
state; the nauseas, vomitings, anxieties, uneasiness, and
a dry cough quickly succeed one another; at last, de-
lirtum, phrenzy, and convulsive fits terminate the disease
by death, if suitable assistance be not applied before the
fourth day.

SUPPL. R

126 On the Diseases of

The dangers of this disease, such as we have just ex-
posed them, are but too common, especially in July,
August, September, and October. They, however,
vary sometimes, according to the simplicity or multipli-
city of causes producing them, and according to the age
and constitution, so that the evils arising from them
are less or greater, more or less multiplied. The dan-
ger, for instance, is less for a young man than for an
older person, because, ina young man, the fibres are softer,
the springs more supple, the diameter of which can be
stretched without the danger of their being broken. He
therefore extricates himself more commonly from that
disease, when suitable remedies are seasonably applied.
For contrary reasons, old persons are in greater dan-
ger. As for the constitution, the danger will be ereater
for bilious and sanguine persons, than for phlegmatic,
because of the fermentation and inflammability of the
principles of the former. As for the concourse of
causes that may have given rise to the disease, it is evi-
dent that the greater their number, the less susceptible
the patient will be of recovering.

Two general indications offer themselves for the cure
of this disease :. 1, to lower the forced tone of the solids,
or cause the eretism to cease: 2, to diminish afterwards
- the volume of the fluids.

/

One would be inclined to believe that bleeding would
be the remedy which we should particularly insist on,
to fulfil this’ double indication; nevertheless, though
bleeding be good by itself, when sparingly and wisely
applied, experience has demonstrated to us (and it is in

the French Wiest Ueelie Islands. 127

this that my opinion particularly coincides with that of
Mr. Poissonnier) ; experience, I say, has demonstrated
to us, that bleedings, too often repeated, are very perni-
cious, because they exhaust the strengtlt of the patient,
and accelerate the dissolution of the blood, to which the
disease itself has but too great a tendency.

The nauseas, and vomiting of bilious matter, would
seem also to indicate the use.of emetics ; but experience
has shown, that they too often prove fatal, because, in the
early stage of that disease, vomiting is produced by the
eretism : the sweat itself, almost always of a cold kind
before the fourth day, being always symptomatic, the
sudorific, the cordial, and narcotic remedies must be en-
tirely avoided, however inclined we may be by the in-
dications to make use of them, before the term pointed
out by the fifth day.

These, therefore, are the remedies which I propose,
and have made use of with success. I hope they will
likewise prove successful in the hands of practitioners
that are able to judge of the violence of the attacks, and
pay a suitable regard to the age, strength, and constitution
of the patients. ‘

On the first or second day, they will take a little
blood from the patient, without minding the vomitings
and symptomatic sweats, which may be arrested, or
even disappear by those bleedings. The bilious lax
alone should prevent letting more blood, this lax being
always critical, even in its first stage. They will make
the patient drink plentifully of weak chicken broth,

128 On the Diseases of

a drink made out of cassia and nitre, or lemonade made
out of sour oranges or lemons. By the use of such
drinks, the thirst of the patient is diminished, and
the acrimony of the bile assuaged; they will produce
in the region of the liver a relaxation proper to accelerate
the crisis: I mean the discharge of the bile ; for vegetable
acids, by being united with some parts of the alcalized
bile, promote a purge. It was Mr. Garnier who made
this observation, and communicated it to me in answer
to a letter, in which I asked of him the cause of this effect,
which appeared to me surprising. To the drink men-
tioned above, may be added three or four injections a
day, of a decoction of emollient herbs, or of Gom-
bault, adding one or two drams of purified nitre in
every injection, - Besides these injections, they must
apply on the lower part of the stomach fomentations
of castor-oil, and constantly keep on it warm emol-
lient poultices, made with the herbs mentioned aboye.

The patient, having at last reached the fourth day of
his disease, with such remedies, and having lived on no
other food than weak chicken broth, experiences com-
monly an evacuation of bilious humourswhich announces
the crisis. Then, but only in a sparing manner, they
may assist nature with light purgings, such as whey, pre-
pared with cream of tartar, manna, sena, &c.

A Bloody- Flux sometimes occurs, but it is commonly
but symptomatic before the fifth day (here again my
opinion coincides particularly with that of Mr. Poisson-
nier). If, however, the evacuation take place by the
way of urine, it may be looked upon as critical. My

the French West-India Islands. 129

pinion is perfectly the same as to the sweats, when they
take place in the indicated time: if they be preceded
by the softness of the pulse, they announce the fall of the
eretism.

What remains of the sickness is carried off by bitters,
such as those they commonly use in Europe for the cure
of intermittent fevers. The patients recover pretty soon
by observing a suitable diet.

2. The diminution of attacks, in ‘this first sickness,
is often followed with another, which may be termed sy-
nocal fever rather than burning fever. I have observed,
that at Guadaloupe the new comers were more subject
to it than to the first.

Without entering into the detail of the symptoms that
characterise it, since they differ from the disease that
I have just described, only by a few degrees, I will only
say, conformably to the remarks I have made upon it,
that it terminates commonly on the ninth day, and never
passes beyond the thirteenth or fourteenth day. The cri-
sis of this second disease is absolutely the same as that of
the first; but we must observe, with respect to both,
that it happens on odd days only. This is to be pecu-
liarly attended to, in order not to disturb nature in its
operations.

I shall observe, that, in spite of the best and most re-
gular administration of the proposed remedies, there
happens sometimes so considerable a weakness, that the
patients fall into the coma or soporific affection, before

130 On the Diseases of

the true crisis of the disease has made its appearance.
Aserious attention must be paid to this symptom, both to
prevent it, and to remedy it, when they have been taken
unawares. It is announced by a weak and often con-
vulsive pulse. It is then time to apply blisters, made
out of fresh cantharide-flies reduced to a powder, on
the different places where they are commonly applied,
such as the legs, thighs, arms, back of the neck, &c.,
as the case requires. Cordials, proper to raise again
the tone of the nerves, and the organic action of the
bowels, will prove successful.

The patients that have arrived at a convalescent state,
should observe the most strict diet; preferring, above all,
rice-porridge, and light meats. I seriously warn them,
that the slightest error may prove very prejudicial.

As-for the precautions proper to escape, as much as
possible, these sad diseases, I advise the new comers to
abstain entirely from spirituous liquors and fruits of any
kind, to use moderate exercise, to avoid, above all
things, any connexion with women, to use cool drinks,
not to fatigue themselves, especially in the sun, the heat
of which is but too much felt in those climates. To
these advices I will add that of having blood let once
or twice on the first days after their arrival; above all,
let them take care not to be oppressed by the fear of
the disease, which, perhaps, through this means, will
become atrue one. If, by these precautions, they do not
always succeed to preserve themselves from the disease,
they may at least be sure that the attacks will be less

_the French West-India Islands. 131

serious, and that a perfect cure will be more easily ob-

tained.

The various diseases with which almost all the crew of
the ship on board which I was, were attacked on their
arrival in America, and consequently those that hap-
pened afterwards, were partly depending on those of
which I have just described the progress and the means
of curing. It is absolutely necessary to be acquainted
with, and pay a due attention to them; not neglecting,
however, the indications which the different epidemical
disorders offer but too often.

3. Without speaking here of the different parts of the
West-Indies which are very unwholesome in them-
selves, such as marshy places, where the air is continu-
ally infected with putrid miasma, nor of those countries
which are not exposed to the east wind, and where the
air is extremely rarefied, I have remarked that it was ne-
cessary, during the course of the year, to pay a-due re-
gard chiefly to two seasons in these islands. Although _
their temperature is not absolutely regular, they never-
theless deserve the attention of a practitioner that has at
heart the public welfare. He ought, therefore, to give

them all his attention, to perceive the differences which

relate to the different diseases of which each of these
seasons are susceptible, and which consequently require
different modes of cure. |

Two seasons then divide the year, the wet, and the
dry. In the former, the north winds pretty commonly
prevail, and in the latter the south winds. Richa, a ce-

132 On the Diseases of

lebrated physician of Turin, who applied himself much
to discover the nature and causes of epidemical diseases,
rightly asserts, that the air, agitated by north winds, is
loaded with saline-acid miasma, which emanate from
the mines and waters whence the wind comes ; that, on
the contrary, the air pushed by the south wind, is filled
with alkaline particles, which, being mixed with humi-
dity, have the property of dissolving the blood. The idea
which this learned physician gives, though rather gene-
ral, is a sketch which may improve the learning of a
physician. I presume to cite this observation here,
because it has appeared to me grounded upon a good
and judicious practice : non enim, says Huquet, post ra-
tionem inventa est medicina, sed post medicinam quesita
est ratio.

As the diseases that depend on the season in which
south winds usually prevail, are precisely the very ones
we have given an account of, and which particularly at~
tack the new comers, we shall say no more about them, as
we have expatiated enough on this subject; but there
remains to us now, to speak of those that depend on the
northern winds.

Every thing being equal, as the winter season of the
islands is more congenial to the constitution of the
Europeans than the summer season of said islands, it
would be proper for Frenchmen, desirous to repair there,
to sail from France in the early part of the autumn, in
order to be there in the season that would be least preju-
dicial to them.

a ae aE Sl

the French West-India Islands. 133

"The diseases that the most commonly attack the new
comes especially, from the month of May to the month
of October, are simple intermittent fevers that turn into
continual, or rather, according to Morthon, into conti-
nentes, which, by their increase, show the affinity they
have with the intermittent. They are usually attended
with a bilious lax, which increases in the paroxysm, and
causes the patient to experience a very great weakness.
The hypochondria are painful and swelled; the mouth
bitter, sometimes moist, sometimes dry ; the tongue some-
times loaded, and more or less hot, according to the vio-
lence of the fever, and the state of the constitution ; the
pulse hard and quick, otherwise pretty uneven, some-
times small and close, above all, in those subjects that
are bound in their bowels.

Pleurisies are also to be met with; but they are
for the greatest part symptomatic, that is to say, bi-
lious. We ought to study well the characteristic
state of the air, and the constitution of the subject
that is attacked with them, to conform ourselves to the
above-mentioned principles, and, according to the exam-
ple of Sydenham, view the different diseases that hap- .
pen during an epidemy, only as symptoms dependent on
the general cause, which attacks one part only because,
being naturally weaker, it becomes more susceptible of
the impression of the ill quality of the air. Still,! at the
instance of this famous practitioner, it is necessary to ap-
ply ourselves precisely to destroy the effects which ap-
pear the most visible, and which, according to the
system above-mentioned, are to thicken the blood, and
occasion obstructions in the weakest of the viscera.

SUPPL. s

134 On the Diseases of

As the tendency of nature appears to be to put an
end to these diseases, by evacuations of the bowels,
the chief duty of a practitioner ought to be to promote
them; observing, nevertheless, to moderate them in
those whose strength appears sinking, and, on the other
hand, to procure them in others.

.

Therefore they can adopt the’ following method. They
will begin by bleedings, which they will repeat according
to the forces of the pulse. The ordinary drink will be
a decoction of roots of lemon-trees and of endive, to
each pint of which will be added a dram, or a dram and
and a half of glauber salt. For those that are costive, they
will add the use of whey, made of cream of tartar.
Whey, thus prepared, has the wonderful quality of loos-
ening the bowels, and likewise that of assuaging the effer-
vescence of the blood. Weak chicken broth, in which
is boiled spinage that grows in that country, lettuce, and
purslane ; a weak lemonade, emollient injections pre-
pared or made out ef malvacées plants, which are in plenty
in these islands, equally satisfy this indication,

' The quantity and quality of the matters discharged
by those whose sickness is attended with a lax, ought
_to induce the physician to purge some at an earlier pe-
riod than they will others. I always made use, with
success, of the decoction of cassia, to which I added salt
of Epsom. ‘They will, therefore, give the patient a glass
of it every three hours, paying nevertheless a due regard
to his strength. If the lax should last too long, and
there should be cause to fear too great a weakness, they
ought to have resort to laudanum, incorporated with

the French West-India Islands. 135

some bitters, suchas bark of lemon-trees, the little cen-

taury reduced to powder, and the cashoo. A physician,

_ deprived of narcotics in a country where the heat of ani-

mal spirits is violent, would be at a great loss. Lauda-
num may be compared to a beneficent dew, which, in
warm countries, ought to be viewed as a true panacea.
Indeed it proves so successful as to secure to him who
seasonably administers it, the admiration of every |

body. a

Those who are costive should not be purged before
the fifth or sixth day of the disease. They ought com-
monly to continue the use of the above-mentioned ecco-
potrick three or four days: for I have observed that if they
were discontinued, the morbific matter which had been
dislodged by them, was re-absorbed, and re-animated .
the fever more than it did before; whereas, if the use
of light purges was persisted in, the pulse lost its close-
ness, expanded, and assumed its natural state. The pa-
tients having been sufficiently purged, they ought to get
rid of the remains of the fever by mild bitters.

A. Iam still to speak of the pleurisies (fluxions de
poitrine), which, as I have already said, are, in that sea-
son, almost all symptomatic ; of the cholera-morbus, and
of the dysentery.

They may sometimes administer an emetic in the early
stage of the pleurisy ; but I propose this with great doubt:
for the hardness of the pulse, which almost always at-
tends the diseases of this country, is a counter-indica-
tion that it would be rash to neglect. However, when it

136 “i On the Diseases of

Appears suitable, it may be administered in a large quan-
lity of cassia-water. Otherwise, the mallows and cas.
tor-oil have appeared to me the most suitable reme-
dies. The drink that can be prescribed, though very
simple, will contribute with efhcacy to expectoration,
and will dispose to purging. I administered with suc-
cess the following diet drink :

Boil, during about half an hour, in a pint of wa-
ter, a half handful of spinage of the country, amaran-
thus altissimus longifolius, spicis everidi albicantibus
(Plumerii Cat. pag. 6), and a half handful of buds of avo-
catier (Persea clusii. hist. plant. 2). When taking the li-
quor from off the fire, they will put into it a table spoon-
ful of common honey, and after having passed it through
a sieve, they will add to it half a pint (English measure)
of sweet oil. They will make the patient take a glass of
this potion every two hours, and, when he has been bled
and purged sufhciently, according to the indications, they
will destroy what remains of the disease with an opiate,
made with the barks of the lemon-tree, and with the eyes
of craw-fishes (yeux d’écrevisses), the whole incorpo-
rated with a sufficient quantity of honey.

There is very commonly found in those countries a
_ prejudice which makes the people view bleeding as a poi-
son inacold, which, nevertheless, for want of this assist-
ance, turns very often into a pleurisy and a suppuration.
In the latter case, the matter not being expanded in the
cavity of the breast, but only in the bronchial vesicles,
the following remedy I have always administered with

the French West-India Islands. 137

success, the receipt of which I received from Mr,

Garnier :

Take the sharp end of langue de chat, Eupatorium
JSrutescens hedere terrestris folio, flore purpurascente
(Plumerii cat. pag. 29), de franchbazin Ocymum, caryo-
phyllatum maximum (C. B. P. 225, and Tournef. hist.
204, and avocatier Peasea clusii hist. plant 2), of each
about four pinches. Make them boil lightly in a pint of
water. After having passed this decoction through
a sieve, add to it a half pint of sweet oil (English
measure), a dram of theriaca, and two ounces: of syrup
offrangipanier. Plumeria flore roseo odoratissimo (Tour-
nef. hist. append. pag. 659). Give to the patient a tum<
bler full of this mixture every two hours, and every other
day they will melt in the two first tumblers of this drink,
two ounces of manna.

If the expectoration is not plentiful enough, and if the
moisture is too thick, they may add the diaphoretic an-
timony; but in case that the patient had a high fever,
and the skin was dry, far from prescribing this mineral,
they would resort to bleeding.

5. Although the cholera-morbus is a symptom more
peculiar to summer diseases, than to winter ones, there
are, nevertheless, patients in this last season that are at-
tacked with this sad disorder.. They ought then to view
it as the forerunner of a continued high fever. It dif-
fers from that which attends the eauzus or burning-fever
of the summer season, because the latter happens most

7

138 _ On the Diseases of

commonly at the approach of the dissolution of the
blood. Hi

The violence of the symptoms of the winter cholera-
morbus urges an early application of a remedy to it. A,
faint and small pulse, the coldness of the extremities, give
cause to fear lest the patient should sink under it. It is
therefore necessary ‘to repeat bleedings upon bleedings,
Then the fluids that had been turned out of their way,
resume their ordinary course, and the fever that occurs,
bears a known character. They administer the res
medies which I have already proposed; besides the
bleedings, they advise the patient to take frequently
weak chicken broth and injections. They ought to re-
sort to laudanum, only in an extreme case, and never
then, without having previously given some light mino-
ratiss.

6. The dysentery, more rare than the cholera-morbus
in winter diseases, and more common in those of the
summer, is a symptom, which, in both seasons, hap-
pens in the state of ‘the disease. They ought to admi-
nister emollient injections, prepared with the decoction of
tripes and plantain. They will add to the decoctions the
buds of monbin, monbin arbor folis fraxini, fructu liteo
racemoso (Plum. gen. pag. 40). They will purge the
patient with tamarins, mirobolans, and senna in whey ;
adding the syrup of succory, compounded with rhubarb.
In case the symptoms should permit, they will have re-
sort to laudanum, to the cashoo, and to amber incor-
porated with the balm of Peru. During the conva-
lescence of this disease, as well of the pleurisy (fluxion

the French West-India Islands. 139

de poitrine), they may put the patient to the diet of gom- |
bault bruised and stewed in milk. :

If this little essay, though in many respects imper-
fect, does not appear to you quite undeserving of notice,
and if your kindness deigns to sustain my zeal, I shall
continue, at amore convenient time, to inform you of
what I have remarked with respect to several other dis-
eases, such as the Zetanus, the fever called Siam dis-
ease*, and, finally, the various diseases peculiar to ne-
groes, such as the Pian, the red ¢etters, or ring-worms,
and others which are only to be cured in the blacks with
the greatest difficulty.

VI. Experiments and Observations on the Caterpillar
which infests the Lombardy-Poplar. In a letter to
the Eniror, from Joun B. Davince, WM. D., of
Baltimore.

IN a letter from Dr. Vaughan to you, are senti-
ments attributed to me, which, I assure you, never had
a place in my thoughts. I have written to the Doctor
on the subject, and he appears, from his answer, to be
really impressed with the idea, that the construction
given by him was the immediate and natural construc-
tion. To me, and I believe to all who are acquainted

* The Malignant Yellow-Fever. Eprror.

t+ The Frambesia, or Yaws. The American or negroe names
are Lfian, or Pian. The word Pian, among the negroes, signi-
fies the fruit of the strawberry. Enzror.

140 On the Caterpillar which

with the French authorities on the subject, and these
only were alluded to, the letter is wholly unsuscepti-
ble of the interpretation indulged in by the Doctor. And,
certainly, any opinion formed, by any person whatever,
must be subject to the controul of the authorities quoted.
And, further, how a gentleman could permit himself to
say, publicly, that I supposed the Poplar-Caterpillar
** would perish in the chrysalis statc,’? because it did
not subsequently to this state pass into a butterfly, when
the authorities appealed to determined, that if it were
spurious, it would become a large fly, is to me resolvable
only into that haste which too frequently explains itself by
errors. It was at least incumbent on the Doctor to have
consulted the authorities.

In the Doctor’s letter he says: ‘‘ The general curio-
sity and alarm, together with the contradictory accounts
of experimentalists, though preponderating on the nega-
tive scale, made it desirable to know, whether this sus-
pected insect would pass the regular metamorphoses of
lepidopterous insects, er, as supposed by Dr. Davidge,
of Baltimore, would perish in the chrysalis state; and
thus, by an unusual death, seal the apprehension of its
venomous nature.”’

Whether or not the Poplar-Caterpillar would pass
unhurt through the chrysalis state, or possess deleteri-
ous properties when in the maturity of the butterfly, so
far as my understanding in the matter extends, formed
no part of the disputable point. The thing at issue is not,
whether the Caterpillar, when raised to its winged state,
svould possess poisonous qualities, but what its proper-

infests the Lombardy-Poplar. 141

ties might be while still a reptile. The venomous nature
of the reptile could by no means be ‘consequential of, or
deducible from, the possible properties of the winged
insect. And, although the future condition of the ani-
mal might be a fruitful subject of pleasing inquiry to the
curiosity of the naturalist, yet it could shed no beams
along the dark passage through which we had to pass,
in our way to the threshold of truth. How the unusual
death of an animal, after its reptile state should be at an
end, could influence the properties of the reptile state,
putting ‘‘a seal to the apprehension of its venomous na-
ture,’ is to me not very clear. I must leave this to the
ingenuity of Dr. Vaughan. .

The only sentence that has dropt from my pen, from
which any idea could be formed of my opinions, is the
following : ‘‘ The reptile of which I treat, is pretty evi-
dently of the class of Caterpillar, and, in all probability,
of that genus termed, by some of the enlightened French
Naturalists, the false or spurious Caterpillar, which does
not after its chrysalis state pass into a butterfly.”

The first question, to my mind, arising to view here,
is, what is a Caterpillar?

And the second, how are Caterpillars divided ? or,
into how many genera are they separated ?

In zoology, all winged insects, when in their reptile
state, are Caterpillars (see Eruca, Encyclopedia Brit.) :
and, of necessary consequence, no insects, which are

SUPPL. T

142 On the Caterpillar which

not at one period, reptiles, and at another winged ani
mae can be Caterpillars.

In the Dictionnaire des Sciences, you will find the se-
cond question answered. ‘‘ Fausses chenilles.. On a
donné ce nom 4 tous les insectes qui ressemblent aux,che-
nilles, mais qui ont les jambes plus nombreuses, ou si-
tuées ou conformées différemment; il vient des mouches

au lieu de papillons de toutes les fausses chenilles, il n’y

a point de crochets dans leur jambes membraneuses, ce
qui peut les faire distinguer des vraies chenilles, indé-
pendamment du nombre des jambes.”?

‘* The term spurious Caterpillar, has been applied to all
insects that resemble the real Caterpillar, but have a
sreater number of legs, or their legs differently situated,
or differently formed. Flies, in the place of butterflies,
proceed from all those false Caterpillars. They have no
hooks in their membranous legs, and this circumstance,

independently of the number of legs, is sufficient to dis-.

tinguish them from the true Caterpillar.’’,

The division of the French Academicians into the ©

true and false, is admitted by the highest and most res.
pectable English authority, the Encyclopedia Britannica,
as good, and founded in fact and in observation. Few
men have had greater opportunities of inquiring into this
and every other point of science, than the authors of this
great work; and few would more reluctantly gild an
imposition with the gold of their name. Their words
are, ‘but are liable [speaking of the Caterpillar ] tobe con-
founded with a sort of animals, called by M. Réaumur

et a’ path ay
-

a

infests the Lombardy-Poplar. 143

Jalse or bastard Caterpillars, which carry a great resem-
blance in their figure to real Caterpillars, but which
have more legs than any true ones have, and are finally
transformed into four-winged flies, which are not true
butterflies.””. Vide Eruca.

Having settled, from the first authorities of England
and France (if there be higher than those, I am not ac-
quainted with them), what the Caterpillar is, and the
genera, true and false, into which it is divided, I shall go
on to point out the only construction which can fairly
be put on my letter. I say fairly, because I hold it dis-_
ingenuous for any gentleman, let his knowledge in com-
mon matters be ever so extensive, to indulge in an in-
terpretation of any writer, except he haye at hand suffi. '
cient and adequate guides.

In my letter it was mentioned, that the reptile of which
I treat, is pretty evidently of the class of Caterpillar.
Then if it be a Caterpillar, and did not after its aurelia
state pass into a butterfly, it necessarily must pass into a
large fly, otherwise it would not be a Caterpillar; fora
Caterpillar is ultimately and necessarily a winged insect.
Its not passing after its aurelia state into a butterfly, is
a mere antithesis, and as clearly and irrefutably declared
it to pass into a large fly, as if in so many words it were
asserted. Nay, in substance, it was asserted. For it
was mentioned to be of the spurious genus, which,
agreeably to the English and French writers of the first
rank, must, after its metamorphoses, be a fly.

PNA
‘ a

144 On the Caterpillar which <

When there are but two genera of an animal, and
determine the animal not to be of the one genus, lam
understood by every ingenuous man, who has proper
authorities before him, to place the animal in the other. —

A negative in this is fully equivalent to an affirmative ;
and I do not know that it is not the more elegant mode
of expression.

In addition to the above, it might be remarked that,
im the following sentence of the letter, my opinion and
meaning must be placed without the limits of doubt.
‘“« This genus so nearly resembles the real Caterpillar, ©
in figure and general appearance, as to be frequently,
while in its reptile state, taken for the genuine Cater-
pillar.”? ‘That its reptile is here put in contradistinction
to its winged state needs no demonstration. In the
aurelia state there is doubt and uncertainty. Nothing
interpretative of its being true or false can be collected
from this state. Hence the necessity of its becoming a
winged animal; or how could I, or any Naturalist, intel-
ligibly speak of a true and bastard genus ?

Were it necessary to dilate more on this uninteresting
point, I might subjoin, that, within my knowledge,
there is no animal doomed to exchange, in its aurelia
state, life for death. This state, from, I believe, every
authority, may be considered as the cradle of the winged
insect, but has never been found to be the coffin of the
reptile, except from accident.

Thus much I have thought it necessary to say in il-
lustration of sentiments, which, from misapprehension,

infest the Lombardy-Poplar. 145

have been published to the world in a manner in no
degree calculated to make impressions favourable to the
original writer. In giving the opinions of others, it is
always becoming and modest to do it in their own words.

_ Had this been done in the present case, I flatter myself
that I should not now feel any necessity of writing in the
language of explanation.

From this, I hope, there will be no inference unfa-
yourable to Dr. Vaughan’s candour. The Doctor had
not the authority alluded to, and, being’ under the per-
suasion, that all Caterpillars must end in butterflies, he
hastily wrote, what I am happy to believe, his real sen-
timents.

But, at best, whatever may relate to the genus of the
animal can be viewed as no part of the main point; it
‘only came in by the way, in the rank of a probability.
The sole object of the experiments was to ascertain
whether the reptile possessed qualities hostile to animal
life, and Dr. Vaughan has determined them to prepon-
derate on the negative scale.

The Doctor may have knowledge of experiments
which have not fallen under my notice. Of such I can
say nothing, nor from such can | admit any thing, except
they were of public notoriety, and subscribed by a respon-
sible name. As to experiments, anonymous, or signed
by fictitious characters, they certainly cannot be brought
into account. Where there is no responsibility, there
can be no authority. But even were negative experi-
ments admitted, they carry nothing beyond probability,

ae
aha! % me

-
!

146 On the Caterpillar which

and only serve to throw a doubt around a successful
one, and teach us to be cautious and circumspect in our
conclusions, especially when met by successful ones. I
call those successful ones which have been performed
publicly, and before a number of competent judges. I
cannot say unbiassed judges, for, in fact, they had their
minds strongly bent up against the success of the expe-
riments ; thereby, however, becoming the better qualified,
in the present case.

The experiments made in Philadelphia, by Dr. Par-
rish, were conducted with that caution, wariness, and
circumspection, which do great credit to the experimen-
talist. From these, it is inferrable, without any injus-
tice to any part of the circumstances, that the reptile is
malevolent and venomous. Some of the animals were,
from the results given by the gentleman who instituted
the experiments, unequivocally injured. ‘The experi-
ments are before the public; I need not retrace them
here. It is true, and we have no desire to object to it,
that the experimentalist supposed that the symptoms of
injury had their origin in other sources than the venom
of the reptile,

From the experimentalist we have the facts ; his phi-
Yosophy of them cannot exclude us from taking our
own view. These experiments of Dr. Parrish, in the
minds of some of the most enlightened of our city, bear
more than equivocal testimony in behalf of the venom of
the animal. At any rate, we cannot consent that these
be arranged against us. They cannot, with the candid,
be more opposed to us than to be neuter. T haye seen

’

infests the Lombardy-Poplar. 147

no other experiments, with a responsible subscription,
that can, in any degree, be considered as negative. As
to the reports of the public papers, they are too idle.
These general assertions are the mere apologies for argu-
ment, the slander of fact. In raising the most common
structure, no builder of prudence would give place to
materials so coarse, and so unsound. OF this sort of
communications, one, truly negative, bald, and barren,
appeared in a periodical work of this city, termed the
Companion, supposed to be by a gentleman who has
some controul over that work, and who, in the commu-
nication, undertook to assure the public, that, in every
age, by every Naturalist, the Caterpillar, in all its varieties,
has ever been considered as innocent. At the ground
on which this gentleman stands, we shall presently look,
when we come to let those Naturalists speak for them-
selves. His communication is an excellent specimen of
the ability some gentlemen possess in writing by guess.
Nevertheless, we cannot help remarking, that, if grey
hairs would write less loosely, and less unguardedly, we
might retain longer our veneration for lettered age. But
to return.

In the facts detailed to the public by me, I as yet can
detect no fallacy, no imposition; I have minutely exa-
mined into the circumstances. To these, I will add
another, the result of experiments performed by a Phy-
sician of high respectability and character, of this city.
He, as I did, commenced his experiments under a tide
of prejudice, running forcibly in contravention of the
success of the experiments. This fact has not as yet
been given formally to the public. But, as it is of

148 = On the Caterpillar which

the most general publicity in this city (not a Physician,
and scarcely an inhabitant of Baltimore, who. does not
know of the experiment), I think I may in honour bring
it forward as authority. The experiment, in form, is
nearly as follows: Two reptiles were procured, and un-
molested (they remained on the bough taken from the
tree), were applied to an old cat, in perfect health, There
were seyeral gentlemen present. The reptiles in ap.
pearance bit the cat. The following morning, the cat
possessed her usual characters of health, and the Physi-
cian mentioned the experiment as unsuccessful. But
the same day, in the afternoon, the cat refused to take
aliment. In the evening, the Physician was professionally
called from home, and did not return until early the next
morning. On his return the cat was dead. When leaving
home, he particularly charged his domestics to take good
care of the cat. She was, in the house, of value, and
somewhat of a favourite. Her head was much swollen,
as were also the heads of the kitten and pig, which died
under the experiments I witnessed; at least we conceived ©
them to be so. A kitten that drew nutriment from the
teats of the old cat above-mentioned, likewise died in
eight-and-forty hours after its mother’s death. The
above particulars I had fromthe Physician himself. Were
all the negative experiments accumulated into one scale,
and this solitary one, with its circumstances, put into the
other, they would be borne up as light and of no weight.

From the above, let it be understood, I do not conclude
that the reptiles positively, by subtile poison or mecha-
nical wounds, killed the animals experimented on, but that
the aflirmative successfully bear up against the flood of

infests the Lombardy- Poplar. 149

negative experiments, and raise the venomous properties
of the,Poplar-Caterpillar high on the scale of probability.
If they do not decisively settle the question, which I do
not, and have not advanced, they undoubtedly forbid all
conclusions in behalf of the absolute innocence of the
animal. But to proceed.

To elucidate the points still more, and afford counte-
nance to what has been said, I will adduce a few autho-
rities from the French and English Naturalists. Not,
sir, thereby to put a taper into your hands; far from it:
it would not be becoming in me to light your steps in
science.

In the third volume of the Dictionnaire des Sciences
we met with the following: ‘ II n’y a qu’un seul risque
a courir en les touchant, c’est de rencontrer certaines
chenilles velues dont les poils sont si fins, si roides, si
fragiles, et si legers qu’ils se cassent aisément en petits
fragmens qui se repandent tout autour des chenilles.
Ces poils s’attachent sur les mains, sur le visage, sur les
paupiéres, &c., ils causent sur la peau une deman-
geaison assez cuisante, qui dure quelquefois pendant
quatre ou cing jours, sur-tout lorsqu’on irrite cette de-
mangeaison en frottant les endroits ou est la douleur.
Souvent il se forme sur la peau des élevures,”” &c.

** In touching Caterpillars of a particular hairy spe-
cies, there is but one hazard. Their hair is so fine
stiff, brittle, and light, that they easily break into smal
fragments, and are dispersed in every direction about the

SUPPL. 1

i

150 On the Caterpillar which

Caterpillar. The hair attaches itself to the hands, face, —
and eye-lids, and causes an itching very troublesome and
burning, continuing sometimes during four or five days,
particularly on the part pained being rubbed. Often
the skin rises into blisters,” &c.

So far as relates to the fact, it is wholly unimportant
whether the injurious properties of the reptile operate
mechanically, disorganizing the body, or by way of an
inscrutable subtil venom. The difference of the philo-
sophy of the fact cannot effect its reality. How do the
properties of the Spanish fly act; mechanically or che-
mically ?. From what, upon the sting of a bee or wasp, ~
do the pain and tumefaction arise? To these we may
add mustard, &c. Do these produce their separate in-
juries mechanically ?° Their properties are explained
best by their effects. ‘They are hostile and poisonous
to the living principle. Nor would I take upon myself
to decide whether, by a peculiar power of stimulation,
they change the healthy excitability of the animal sys-
tem, or by inscrutable chemical affinities mix with the
fluids, and thus indirectly break up the structure thereof.
I leave this to those gentlemen who are fond of unravel-
ling clues of hypotheses, loose at both ends. It is of no
moment, in the present business, what path we take, so
we arrive in safety at our journey’s end. We are in
search of facts, not their peculiar philosophy.

Dr. Hawkesworth tells us, that, in the voyages in the
tropical latitudes, they discovered a species of Caterpillar,
which, ‘* when the men touched them, they found that

/

infests the Lombardy-Poplar. 151

the hairs in their bodies had the quality of a nettle, and
gave them a more acute, though less durable pain.’? Vol.
3, p- 520. Does the hair chiefly serve to break through
the insensible epidermis, making access, for the subtil
poison, to the organs endued with sensibility ? If the
hand were pricked a thousand times, with a very fine
lancet, would the singular burning sensation arising from
nettles be the consequence ? Or would it continue four
or five days? Let gentlemen decide for themselves.

Dr. Goldsmith, writing on a particular species of the
Caterpillar, says, ‘“‘ and generally if handled it stings
like nettles. Some of them even cause this stinging pain
if but approached too nearly.”? Vol. 4, p. 207. Then it
appears from this learned and cautious Naturalist, of
great capacity of observation, and equal ability and inte-
grity in detailing what he had observed, that a certain
species does produce stinging pain without being
touched: by means of an apparatus, no doubt, fitted
by nature for the defence of the animal, or the means of

_ taking its prey. Is this mechanical? even if the sting

of the nettle be, which, I believe, few prudent Medical
Philosophers would undertake to prove. Is it defensi-

sible from this, that in all ages, and by every writer

<* since the capacity of man to observe,” that ‘‘ the Cater-
pillar in all its varieties has been considered as innocent,”’
or because it ends in a butterfly it must be harmless ?

Of the particular manner in which animals may play
off their batteries of mischief to our annoyance, and their
own advantage, we, in many instances, must be content to
be ignorant. We advance from the cause to the effect,

152 On the Caterpillar which

or we return from the effect to the cause, and this 1s the
_ sum of our knowledge. The key of nature is not com-
mitted to us, by which we might unlock the door of her
secrets, and surprise her in her work-shop. We can
ascend to truth only by industriously and warily piling
fact on fact.

Smellie coincides with the writers already quoted,
in his account of the vindictive and malevolent disposi-
tions of Caterpillars. He, however, is a mere copyist, and
only details what others have observed. He does no-
thing more than repeat the experiments of others. His
history of their mutual attacks on each other, their cruel
wars, and the destruction of the weaker by the stronger,
is only a repetition of what Réaumur and others had
long since given to the world. But from these accounts
we nevertheless deduce a probability, that the malevo-
lence, and force, and weapons, which served to inflict
mutual death in their own species, might not be altoge-
ther useless in carrying on attacks against other animals,
between which and themselves there might not be too
great a disproportion.

Smellie is silent on the genera spoken of by Réaumur.
-He speaks generally, and, in a very confused, unintelli-
gible manner, tells us of Caterpillars becoming flies and
butterflies in the same sentence. We are frequently at
a loss to attach any definite meaning to his words. This
is not a small fault with either a historian or philoso-
pher. ‘This writer copies the anatomical opinion, that
the circulation in the Caterpillar is from the tail to the
head, and in the Chrysalid from the head to the tail. Iam

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infests the Lombardy-Poplar. . 153

persuaded that his authority is incorrect, particularly, as
in the Caterpillars have dissected, the system of blood-
vessels is rather transverse, coming in separate bundles
from the holes of respiration, and not running, in the
general, from the tail to the head. But more of this
when I come to the internal structure of the reptile.
The style of Smellie is graceful, flowing, and elegant ;
but he does not hold the rank of an authority. His
work is a compilation.

It is now pretty well established, from authorities
high and respectable in character, indeed in merit com-
posing the first rank, that some species of Caterpillar are
so venomous, or in some manner injurious (for whether
they wound with their head or their tail is of no moment),
that, when applied, they excite burning pain, inflamma-
tion, and blisters on the hand of an adult man, whose
powers of life are high and vigorous. This being con-
sented to, it certainly would not be extravagant to believe,
on the face of the thing, that they might be fatal toa
young and feeble animal, whose irritability is excessive,
and whose range of system is very limited. In all our in-
ductions, drawn from premises laid in general analogy, we
should be extremely cautious and vigilant. But with
the above authorities open before us, to conclude from
a few negative trials that the Caterpillar, because it ends
in a butterfly, cannot injure the smaller animals, is truly
to attempt to obscure in the shade of the low brush-wood
of our humble capacities, the bright beams of faithful
history; is to raise a mound of the worthless-materials of
our own arrogance, in the way of the majestic stream
of truth, flowing to us from fountains pure and clear.

154 On the Caterpillar which

Naturalists, so far as they have explained themselves,
at least such as I have been able to lay my hand on,
describe the Caterpillar as coming from the egg of the .
mother, a reptile, naked and exposed, without shelter,
and without covering (from these are excepted, such
as leave and return to their shelter); that it passes
through life defenceless, a prey to its enemies, until it
shall arrive at a certain state of maturity, and enter its
aurelia state. The Poplar-Caterpillar is, in early life, in
the first days of its reptile existence, sheltered, defended
by a case or husk, and remains in this habitation, ap-
pended to the lower surfaces of leaves, wrtz/ at shall ac-
quire about one-fourth of its growth, when it affranchises
itself, and roams abroad, seeking its subsistence. In this
state it continues until its majority as a reptile, when it
enters its chrysalis state.

Réaumur describes the Caterpillar as having six spots
on the first ring, which serves for its head, and supposes
it probable that they are eyes. ‘The poplar reptile has
in the place of six spots (six petits grains noirs), two
lines running from its mouth to the vertex of its head.
This reptile is from two and a half inches to three, mea-
suring from its head to the extremity of its tail or body.
It is of a chocolate colour ; some are rather browner ; ‘is
composed of two unequal cones meeting at the bases,
and their junction is marked by a zone or band dissimi-
lar in colour from the rest of the body. These cones
are in themselves made up of separate membranous
rings, united not so much by suture, as intussusceptio.
The mouth of this reptile is vertical, being parallel with
a line raised to a perpendicular from the horizon. Its

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infests. the Lombardy-Poplar. 155

jaws open laterally, and are irregular triangles. The
sharpest points thereof form the teeth.. A little below
the teeth is the tongue, evidently muscular. The head
is shelly, and the teeth like unto hair. The three first
rings from the neck have six feet rising from them,
three on either side. These feet are hooked and horny.
A space here intervenes of about three-quarters of an
inch, when other feet, eight in number, four on either
side, grow out, each from the lower edge of the ring to
which it belongs; they are not so much hooked as the
first set. There is then a second space, about equal to the
first, which is terminated by two feet, one on each side,
and which constitute the tail extremity of the animal.
These two last feet are not wholly membranous, as Na-
turalists have mentioned those of the Caterpillars to be.

The rings are not completely annular, but flatted on
one part, forming the belly. This flatness is nearly one-
half of the ring, and composed, as it were, of a band con-
necting the two horns of the ring. Where the annular
form is broken into a kind of an angle the feet emerge.
Over the back of this reptile there is fine hair, growing
at the anterior part of the head to a considerable length.

Upon examining into the internal structure, this rep-
tile is discovered to have a straight bowel, running
from the head to the tail, without the least convolution.
A little below the neck, this rectilincous bowel is some-
what enlarged in its volume, and may furnish, in the
view of the Anatomist, a stomach, ‘The bowel enlarges
again near the vent. . There are two muscles of more
than an inch and a half in length, with each a fold, one

156 On the Caterpillar which

on either side of the bowel. Each hasa tendon reaching
up to the neck, and also one descending to the tail; at
which points they are firmly implanted. ‘These mus-
cles, no doubt, serve as instruments of motion, in the
various acts of progression in which the animal is fre-
quently engaged. The tendons, having their implanta-
tion at the head and the tail, and the muscular portions
having folds, must admirably accommodate the animal
in its travelling. Are these muscles ultimately trans:
formed into wings ?

The vascular system is, as to the animal, transverse.
It comes out by pairs, like the nerves of the human body,
and in bundles from the holes (stigmata) of respiration.
The holes are placed along the sides, near the belly, and
are numerous. They probably are in the place of lungs,
and serve to oxygenate the blood. The bundles of vessels
anastomose mutually with each other, and run chiefly
between the bowel and the baek. A few are longitudi-
nal, connecting in their course branches of the various
bundles. But there does not appear to be any one
common vessel (aorta), from which the smaller ones
might branch out, or into which they might be collected.
There is neither heart nor brain discoverable on the mi-
nutest dissection; but from the sensibility of the ani-
_ mal, there must be a nervous system, although I could
not discover it, either by the naked eye, or the eye aided
by such glasses as I could procure. In the human body
there is much which is discovered by great labour and
attention only, although upon a much larger scale. And
much we suppose may, and must, or we could not ac-

—— se

/ . .
infests the Lombardy- Poplar. 157

count for many phenomena, exist, which cannot by any
means in our power be completely traced out,

Several of the poplar-reptiles I put into glasses; two
have come out, and appear to be night-butterflies or
moths. They are unlike any thing of the butterfly class _
I have ever seen. In the description which I intended,

Dr. Vaughan has anticipated me. These, with others

that have come out in the experiments of other gentle-
men, satisfy me that I was wrong in my supposition that
they were bastard Caterpillars. I most readily and will-
ingly retract the error. Into this mistake I was led by
the difference in the economy of the lives of the animals,
as described by French naturalists, and as I found it to
be, together with the dissimilitude of the eyes and last
pair of feet. Is this animal a different species, or is it
changed by climate or food? Ory has it characters to
us uncommon, because our views and. subject are

_ limited ?

Dr. Vaughan mentions, that ‘‘ the characters of this
metamorphosed Caterpillar are not strictly conformable

- to those of the common butterfly.”” Those in my pos-

session haye their smaller wings bespangled with red,
This the Doctor does not mention to have been among
the characteristics of the one he has described. It isa
misfortune that the Doctor did not give us the internal
structure of his butterfly. I would add the internal ana-
tomy, but it may not be delicate to enter on a province
he has assumed to himself,

Baltimore, August 26th, 1806.
SUPPL. x

158 Case of Diseased Pancreas.’

VII. Case of Diseased Pancreas. Communicated to
the Evitor by Epwin A, Arues, M. D., of Phi-
ladelphia.

A. B., child of Wm. P. B., Columbia, Lancas-
ter County, aged 4 months, was, about the middle of
January last, affected with sudden loss of motion in the
lower extremities, and of sensation in all that part of the
spine below the first lumbar vertebra ;—a pain from be-
ing placed on his left side, or in any other position than
erect, or on the right side; and an almost incessant beat-
ing of his right arm against his side. A tenesmus and
dysury, attended with excruciating pain, superadded
to the other symptoms, rendered him truly an object of
commiseration. He very early manifested something
like spasm, by forcible retractions of the body, and con-
tractions of the fingers.

About three weeks from the first attack, a hard swel-
jing, about the size of a pigeon’s egg, was discovered to
the right of the fundus of the bladder, and about a week
afterwards there was a discharge of purulent matter
from the urethra, and an erysipelatous inflammation over
the penis, perineum, and nates.

In the beginning of April, another larger induration
was discovered, which increased with considerable ra-
pidity, until it appeared to take up almost all that part of
the abdomen situated between the right hypocondria,
umbilicus, and spine of the ilium. Fever very mode-
rate, until this induration had arrived to the extent des-

RN mn ee

Case of Diseased Pancreas. 159

eribed. It was remarkable that the legs and feet retained
their natural warmth, and his appetite for the breast con-
tinued until the day before his death.

From the complication of symptoms, a variety of re-
medies were administered, suggested by the appearan-
ces, as they presented themselves, and by the advice of
Doctors May and Archer: such as warm bath, fomenta-
tions to the perinzeum, cold bath, bougies, strong mer-
curial cathartics, &c. ; and, lastly, an issue on the right
side of the spine, about the first lumbar vertebra: but all
without effect; and, after a tedious and painful illness of
nearly three months, supported with unexampled pa-
tience, Death kindly liberated the little sufferer, on the
21st of April, aged seven months,

Tt may be worthy of remark, that from the birth of
the child until the day before the attack, it manifested
the highest health and vivacity.

Having obtained permission, from the parents of the
infant, to examine it after death, on the following day, in
the presence of Doctors Archer and M‘Corkle, I open-
ed the cavity of the abdomen; and the first object which
presented itself, was the diseased Pancreas, which very
much resembled, in size and form, part of the curvature
of the colon in an adult subject, but, upon closer exami-
nation, was found to be the Pancreas, considerably re-
moved from its natural position, being in the right hy-
pochondriac and iliac region, between the liver and right
kidney, and extending over the right kidney into the

brim of the pelvis, It was in length about six inches,

160 Case of Diseased Pancreas.

in breadth four, and in thickness two and a half inches.
Its whole texture was schirrous, save in the centre,
where there was a large collection of chocolate-coloured
matter. At the larger extremity was a cyst, containing
a thin fluid, about the quantity of two ounces, resem-
bling urine discoloured with blood, the coat of the cyst
being about the thickness of a healthy urinary bladder.
To the whole upper or left side of the Pancreas was at-
tached a portion of mesentery, in consequence of inflam.
mation, to which a part of the colon and cecum were
connected. The adhesions were very extensive. Its
upper extremity was attached to the under surface of the
liver ; its right surface to the integuments of the abdo-
men ; its lower extremity partly to the right kidney, and
partly to the cavity of the pelvis ; and its lower side firm-
ly to the right side of the spine.

The right kidney also, in consequence of its compres-
sion by the Pancreas, was inflamed and schirrous, having,
in the centre, an abscess containing a quantity of
bloody ‘pus; this was attached, by inflammation, to the
lumbar vertebra, and to the brim of the pelvis. The
bladder appeared considerably less than natural; its coats
were exceedingly thickened; and, upon opening into it,
the cavity was ‘so much lessened, as scarcely to contain
two drachms of fluid. The other viscera, in general,
were free from any appearance of disease, but the sto-
mach and intestines were all distended with air, except
which they appeared to contain nothing.

May 7th, 1807.

On the Use of Datura Stramonium. 161

VIII. On the Use of Datura Stramonium, in Dropsy.
In a letter to the Eniror, from WitttaM Batp-
win, M, D., of Wilmington, in the State of Dela-

ware.

Dear Sir,

THE case of dropsy, cured by the Datura Stra-
monium, which I mentioned to you some time ago, and
of which you desired a more particular account than I
was then able to give, is as follows :

A. C., of York county, 55 years of age, of a robust

but intemperate habit, by trade a stone-mason, had

»

been afflicted with a dropsical complaint for upwards of a
year. During this time, he had madé use of all the
common remedies for that stubborn disease, without
any permanent effect. He had been twice relieved by
the nitrate of potash; but this medicine, from its con-

‘stant use, ceased to have a good effect, and injured the
_ tone of his stomach, and relapses were speedily the con-
- sequence.

I first saw him on the 21st of July, 1803. At this
time he had ascites, anasarca, hydrocele, and some
symptoms of hydrothorax. His abdomen was greatly dis-

-tended; his thighs, legs, feet, arms, and hands, in the

same situation. In this deplorable condition, he was
confined, for the most part, to his bed, supported with
pillows, in an erect posture, being unable to lie down,
from the difficulty of breathing which it occasioned.
His pulse indicated a languid degree of febrile action,

\*
s

162 On the Use of Datura Stramonium.

and the speedy approach of death to terminate his suffer-
ings seemed inevitable. For a considerable time before
I saw him, he had been attended by my late worthy ,
preceptor, Dr. Todd, who again had recourse to nitre, in
combination with calomel and tartar emetic; his legs
were punctured, and his scrotum washed with saturine
solutions. ‘These remedies, however, had so little effect,
that, with the consent of the Doctor, I resolved to try the
effect of the Datura Stramonium. A very troublesome
cough had now come on, and the symptoms, upon the
whole, seemed rather aggravated.

T looked upon his case as desperate, but was induced
to try this powerful medicine as a last resource, from
having read, in the New-York Medical Repository, of
the seeds having proved powerfully diuretic, in a case
where they were taken accidentally. I dried a quantity
of the leaves in the shade, and made them into pills with
crumbs of bread, and commenced giving them on the
27th of this month. He began with two grains, and in.
creased to four per day.

31st. He had now taken twelve grains, and com-
plained of a slight nausea and pain in his head, but I was
happy to find him much better: he had discharged water
very freely, and his febrile symptoms had_ vanished.
Feeling himself languid, and the cough troublesome, I
ordered the pills to be suspended, and gave him a prepa-
ration of gentian and steel, with an anodyne to be taken
at night. At the end of three days, he began to take
the pills again as before, and continued to take them in
the same manner for about two weeks longer. When-

On the Use of Datura Stramonium. 163

ever nausea and head-ach came on, I ordered them
to be suspended, and gave the tonic preparation before-
mentioned.

On the 1ith of August, he paid me a visit on horse-
back (3 miles), and was so far recovered, that he began
to think of pursuing his occupation again. His abdo-
men was nearly reduced to its natural size; his scrotum
was entirely well; his thighs and one leg only remained
to be a little enlarged; but he could walk and ride with
ease. His cough had nearly left him. He had now a
gentle lax, produced, as I apprehended, by the pills, as ~
they had of late occasioned but little pain in the head or

‘nausea. He continued the pills, and also the other me-

dicines, for a little while longer.

I saw him again on the 30th: he had now, for some
time, been labouring at his trade, having perfectly reco-
vered, except a slight swelling of his hands and feet oc-
casionally. Some time, as near as I can recollect, to-
ward the latter end of autumn, he sent for me; but I was
then, through indisposition, unable to attend him, and,
in a short time after, I heard of his death.

This medicine would very probably fail in many in-
stances, but it is surely worthy of further trial, in a dis-
ease which has so frequently baffled all the powers of
medicine.

Lam, &c.,
WiiiaM Barpwin.

Wilmington, August 27th, 1806.

164 } On the Use of Kino.

IX. On the Use of Kino in the disease of Leuchorrhea,
or Fluor Albus. Communicated to the Epitor by
Mr. Samvet Axerty, of New-York.

I. IN the winter of 1805—6, while attending
Dr. Barton’s lectures on the Materia Medica, I copied
into my note-book the following words: ‘‘ Gum kino,
dissolved in lime-water, has been used in fluor albus.”?-
I think the Doctor did not dilate on the subject at the
time, nor add any proof of its efficacy from his own ex-
perience.—See the Note.

When a case occured for my prescription, after my
appointment of house physician to the New-York Hos-
pital, the first thing that occurred to my mind was, the
above, taken from my notes. I accordingly made trial
of its efficacy, with success.

Matilda Blonk, a married woman of 24 years of age,
had been afflicted with fluor albus for some months,
When she came to the hospital, on the 12th of April,
1806, the discharge from the vagina was not very great,
but it sometimes appeared of a dark or greenish cast.
It had now likewise become offensive in smell, and she
sometimes had the disagreeable sensation of passing
wind through the vagina. This latter, perhaps, was
hysterical, and altogether imaginary.

In this state I prescribed the following as an injection,
without any internal remedies:

On the Use of Kino. 165

Gum-kino ii,

Lime-water 3viij.
This was used four or five times a day, till the patient
went away well on the 23d April, having been in the
hospital one week and five days.

Jane SEAMAN.

!

If. A black woman, by the name of Seaman, was re-
ceived into the New-York Hospital on the 15th J uly,
1806, with fluor albus. She was aged 23, and married.
On her reception she was modest about her complaint,
and feigned pains in her joints and limbs, which she re-
ferred to a cold she had taken. She was accordingly
treated as a rheumatic patient, with guiacum internally ;
the volatile liniment and tincture of capsicum, externally,
for two weeks, without effect. Growing weak by this
time, she ventured to tell the seat of her disease, which
had afflicted her for several months.

This being known, the same injection as for Matilda
Blonck was given her, with the same directions. It
soon checked the discharge, which was profuse, and the
patient began to gain strength in a short time. In two
weeks more, she was recovered, and dischar ged cured
on the 14th August, being a month save a day.

Samve.t AKERLY.

SUPPL. y

166 On the Extinct Species

X. Additional Facts and Observations, relative to the
Extinct Species of American Elephants. In a letter
Jrom the Enitror to Mons. Cuvirr, of Paris.
See First Supplement, p. 22—35.

P. S. Ihave just learned, that Professor Auten-
rieth, of Tubingen, has informed you, that he has found
in America some teeth very similar to those of the Af
rican Elephant. I have pretty good reason to believe,
that in making this assertion, or statement, the Professor
has fallen into an error : for in a letter which he address-
ed to me, some years since*, he says, ‘‘ I have seen, in
the collection of Mr. Peale, some molares like the Af-
rican elephant’s. Are they, he asks, found in America?”

The molares, to which Mr. Autenrieth alludes, were
brought from Africa ; and, among the great number of
large molares, of various kinds, that have been found in
the United-States, I have not seen one that resembles
those of the Elephas Africanus. But I do not assert,
that such teeth do not exist in America. America sti//
possesses some quadrupeds of the same species as those
which are found in Africa; and few facts in Natural
History are better established than this, 7at many spe-
cies of quadrupeds, and other mammalia, were once much
more extensively diffused over the earth than they are at
present.

There is a passage in Mr. Catesby’s Natural History
of Carolina, &¢c., which would seem to show, that grind-

* Dated October, 1797.

Ls

weer

7

a
A¥i,

-_

4
of American Elephant. 167

ers similar to those of the African elephant have actually
been discovered in North-America. After remarking
that ‘‘ all parts of Virginia, at the distance of sixty miles,
or more, abound in fossil shells ef various kinds,” he says,
* at a place in Carolina, called Stono, was dug out of the
earth three or four teeth of a large animal, which, by the
concurring opinion of all the Negroes, native Africans,
that saw them, were the grinders of an Elephant : and in
my opinion (he adds) they could be no other ; I having
seen some of the like that are brought from Africa*,’’

Mr. Catesby, I need hardly inform you, was by no
means a very critical or perspicacious naturalist. In
particular, he seems not to have turned any of his atten-
tion to what may be called the anatomical part of natural
history. It would not be safe, therefore, to rely impli-
citly upon his testimony, in regard to the teeth found at
Stono. Naturalists, much more nice and correct than
Mr. Catesby, have often confounded the grinders of the
African and Asiatic elephant with each other. As to

the testimony of the negroes, who saw the Carolina .

teeth, I would perhaps be excused if I passed it by, al-
together unnoticed. Yet to that testimony, I should
not hesitate to attach some degree of value, were it not
for the circumstance which I am now to mention.

Stono-Swamp, alluded to by Catesby, is in latitude
about thirty-three degrees, north. At the distance of
about ten minutes to the north of this, at a place called
Biggin-Swamp, at the head of the west branch of Coop-
er-River, in the year 1795, there were dug up some

* Page vii, at the end of volume II.

-

168 On the Extineé Species

large bones and teeth, which are (the teeth, at least)
very different from those of the African elephant.
These exuviz were found at the depth of eight or nine
feet below the surface of the earth; ‘‘ and within a mips)
not exceeding ten paces.”’

I have had an opportunity of examining some of
these teeth. It is easy to perceive, that they are the
exuvie of two different animals: the one is the Ohio-
Mammoth, your Elephas Americanus; the other is
much more nearly allied to the existing elephant of
Asia: perhaps, they are the teeth of your Elephas Mam-
monteus.

‘As these teeth, found so near to those of Stono, are es-
scntially different from those of the Elephas Africanus ;
as similar teeth are found in many other parts of North-
America, and often in the very same places; I think it
is more than probable, that the teeth mentioned by Mr.
Catesby were either those of the Ohio-elephant, or
those of the elephant, which seems to have had great al-
liances with the eaisting elephant of Asia: most proba-
bly, they belonged to the same species which has left
such abundant memorials of its existence in the north of
Asia: the Elephas Mammonteus, or primigenius.

But are there no other reasons for believing, that
teeth very nearly allied to, if not precisely the same
with, those of the existing elephant of Africa have been
found in North-America? Baron Humboldt did, cer-
tainly, inform me, that he had found grinders like
those of the African elephant in the country of Ana-
huac. And in one of the numbers of the Annales de

=

eg eee

Pe

~

of American Elephant. 169

Museum National, this learned traveller informs us, that
he saw an immense quantity of the fossil bones of this
species of elephant, and also of the Ohio species, in
the Campo-de Gigante, near Santa-Fé*. I hope you
will, before this note reaches you, have completely sa-
tisfied your mind on this interesting question. Mean-
while, at a distance from the theatre of your obser-
vations, I venture to say, that the teeth, &c., in ques-
tion, were not those of the African elephant. ‘The dis-
covery of such teeth in America would greatly favour
the hypothesis of those writers (the-Abbé Clavigero
among others), who suppose that there was once an
equinoctial junction between the continents of America
and Africa. But a thousand circumstances render this
hypothesis extremely improbable ; while, on the contra-
ry, innumerable facts tend to show, that between the nor-
thern parts of America and the north-castern parts of
Asia, there was once a much closer and more extensive
surface of connexion, or vicinity, than there is at present.

Having often alluded to the discovery, in America,
of molares, &c., very similar to, if not the same with,
those of the Asiatic mammoth, I take this opportunity
of mentioning an enormous defense, or tusk, of this kind,
that was discovered, some years since, in a branch of the
river Susquehanna, near the northern boundary of the
state of Pennsylvania.

The entire defense was not found; but a portion that
was six feet nine inches long, twenty-one inches in cir-

cumference at the large end, and fifteen inches in cir-

* Annales, &c., dixiéme cahier, p. 337.

170 On the Extinct Species

‘cumference at the small end. It is incurvated nearly
into an arch of a large circle ; and it is conjectured that,
in its entire state, it was nearly a semicircle of not less
than ten or twelve feet. Certain it is, that the defense
is imperfect at doth ends; and it is probable, that between
two and three feet have perished at each end.

I have not myself seen this enormous defense, but I
place entire confidence in the veracity of those who
speak of it; and I have seen a large molar tooth which was
found in the same place, along with the defense. The
tooth is, unquestionably, elephantine, and not, I think,
specifically different from those of the Elephas primige-
nius. The defense itself is, I presume, one of the largest
of which we have any account; certainly quite as large
as that in the Geological Gallery of the Museum of Na-
tural History at Paris, of which Mons. Faujas-St.-Fond
has given us the admeasurements*,

It is a circumstance not unworthy of your notice, that
the large defense of which I have been speaking, or at
least some similar one, has given name to the river in

which it was found. This river, one of the western”

branches of the Susquehanna, is called by the Wunau-
mech, or Delaware-Indians, Chemung, or rather Che-
munk ; that is, ‘* the river of the Horn,” or ‘‘ the place
where the Horn was found ;”’ for Shummo, or Shoommu,
signifies a horn, in the language of these Indians; and
they consider the great defense as the horn of a mon-
strous serpent, which, they say, once inhabited this par-
ticular spot of the continent of North-America, So

* Essai de Géolozie, &c., kc., tom. 1. p. 293, &c.
oS ) by k d

/

of American Elephant. 171
wild and. extravagant are the traditional stories, or so im-

perfect the knowledge, of these poor people.

If it be allowable to judge from the progress which we
have already made in the discovery of elephantine teeth,

-&c., in North-America, I should say, that the Elephas

Americanus has been a much more common animal in
this continent, than the species to which belonged the
teeth, like those. of Elephas primigenius. Certain it
is, that of the former animal we have found more than
thirty times the quantity of exuviz that we have of the
latter. It has been remarked, however, that the teeth, de-
fenses, &c., of the supposed Elephas primigenius are, in
general, much more decayed than those of the Elephas
Americanus. This, I believe, is strictly true. Perhaps,

_ therefore, it is not safe to assert, that the latter was really

more common than the former of these animals. Per-
haps, the one species was a more ancient inhabitant of the
continent than the other. Perhaps, the texture of the
teeth and bones of the Elephas primigenius is more fee-
ble than that of the teeth, and bones, of the Elephas
Americanus. Indeed, I think it evident, from an in-
spection of the grinders of the two animals, that it would
require a greater length of time to decompose those of
the Elephas Americanus, than those of the Elephas pri-
migenius.

But the teeth, the defenses, and other bones of the for-
mer of the animals just mentioned, are sometimes found,
in a very mouldering and imperfect state. An intelligent
traveller, who has recently returned from an extensive tour
beyond the Missisippi, informs me, that in the country of

172 On the Extinct Species

the Osage-Indians, he came to a particular spot, in which

were thousands of the bones of the Elephas Americanus.
He collected about seventeen large defenses, several of
which were six feet long, and twelve inches in diameter.
But all these teeth, and the other bones, were in such a
decayed condition, that so soon as they became dry, they
fell into pieces, so that it was impossible to bring any of
them away, except a few molares, of which, I am assur-
ed, near a cart-load might have been gathered. I send
you one of these molares, which, as you will readily ob-
serve, is greatly ‘altered : but it is not more altered than
several others, from which I was permitted to select the
one I have destined for you.

My travelling friend mentions a circumstance, with
respect to the position of the bones (in the morass in
which they were found), which you will not, I think,
deem unworthy of your notice. He assures me, that all
the bones, such as the defenses, &c., were disposed in
a perpendicular direction; or, as he expresses himself,
with their heads upwards. ‘This circumstance has led
him, very naturally I think, to suppose, that the animals,
to which these bones belonged, must have sunk alive
into the morass, whither they had resorted (like the ani-
mals which I formerly mentioned to you), for the pur-
pose of licking and eating the saline earth, or of drink-
ing the water. You will not fail to view this fact, rela-
tive to the position of the American elephantine bones,
asa very interesting one, in other respects. Thus, al-
lowing the fact to be correctly stated, no one will ima-
gine, that the skeletons, to which these bones belonged,
were conveyed to the morass in which they are found,

of American Elephants. 173

by a deluge, or by any other violent convulsion of nature.
And from this fact, would it not seem somewhat proba-
ble, that the country, in which the bones so greatly
abound, has undergone no very convulsive change, since
the era (doubtless a remote one), when the American
elephants, of which I am speaking, ceased to exist, in
the country of the Osage-Indians? —But it is
time to put an end to this long, and I fear too uninte-
resting, Postscript. I am confident it will be less accept-
able to you than the fine Tooth, which accompanies it.
Your’s, &c.,
Benjamin Smity Barron.

Philadelphia, 1806.

To Mr. Cuvier.

XI. Observations on American Locusts. Communicat-
ed in a letter to the Enittor by Dr. Catvin
Jones, of Raleigh, in North- Carolina.

EARLY in the month of May, 1803, a species
of Locusts made their appearance in the middle and wes-
tern parts of this State ; and, I believe, also in the States
adjacent. In door-yards and fields, which had been
cleared within a few years, they were scen to rise up
out of the earth, in great numbers, and the ground was
every where filled with innumerable perforations, by
which they had ascended. These holes sometimes pe-
netrated to a great depth. I have been informed, that,

“in sinking a well, they were traced twenty feet deep.

SUPPL. Z

A |
174 On American Locusts.

The vulgar opinion which is entertained here of these
imsects making subterranean expeditions to and from
Egypt, which are regularly accomplished in fourteen
years, is noticed only for its extravagance. Gold-
smith, Buffon, Shaw, and other writers, inform us, that,
in Egypt and Palestine, the Locusts usually descend
about four feet ; but as the species which have appeared
among us, have sometimes been ascertained to pene-
trate to a much greater depth, it is probable that they
are regulated, in that particular, by the humidity of the
soil, or some other circumstances necessary to an agree-
able residence. |

When our locusts ascend, they seem not to be re-
tarded or turned aside by any obstacle. ‘They have
been known to penetrate a brick-hearth, and even
through several bricks in a kiln.

When they first emerge, they are of a dusky brown
colour ; they move slowly, and seem incapable of much
activity. They present an appearance of wings, but
entirely too small to support them in flight. After be-
ing somewhat invigorated by half an hour’s exposure to
the sun, they travel to the first fence or tree, near them,
up which they crawl six or eight feet, attach their claws
firmly to the wood, or leaves; the case, or outer skin,
splits along the back, and the locust marches out, leav-
ing his shell behind him, as firmly aflixed as at first.
He now moves, and gradually expands his wings, and
in an hour is generally capable of flight.

’

| ! On American Locusts. 175

This locust is about an inch anda half in length.
The head and thorax are black, and the abdomen of a
dark brown colour. ‘There are two hard and red pro-
minences on the head. The proboscis is about half an
inch in length, is closely pressed down to the chest, and
f admits of little elevation, The abdomen is about an
q inch in circumference, and lamellated. The males,
at the junction of the thorax with the abdomen, have a
‘ kind of drum or tambourin, of a thin membranous tex-
| ture, with which the locust, by imparting to it a tremu-
lous motion, produces a shrill, jarring sound, which is
usually continued a quarter of a minute, and renewed at

} pleasure.

gy Of this musical organ the female is destitute. She
} is furnished with a strong and sharp horn, about a
3 quarter of an inch in length, which proceeds from the in-
ferior part of the abdomen, a little more than the length
; of the horn from its extremity. ‘This instrument lies
q close to the abdomen, in a sinus made to receive it; but

it can, at pleasure, be elevated to describe an angle of 45
degrees.

These locusts, as I have already observed, made
their first appearance early in the month of May. They
were seen only in the middle and western parts of the
state, where the lands are hilly, the soil of a reddish
colour, and the timber-growth principally oak and hic-
kory. I saw them only in the vicinity of this city, where
the growth is as just described, intermixed with pine.
Here they were extremely numerous, flying about in
every direction, near the tops and middle-branches of

176 On American Locusts.

the trees. Their united noise was very loud and in-
cessant, and from the time the morning dews were
evaporated to sun-setting, it resembled a perfect charm,
resembling thousands of small bees.

These insects did not appear to be any way injurious
to vegetation. Some of them were quite empty, and
others were filled with a viscid lymph, which was sup-
posed to be extracted from the leaves or bark of the
trees ; but I could never detect one with his proboscis in-
serted into any substance, and from its compression to
the body, it did not seem well calculated for that purpose.

About the first of June, the females deposited their
eggs. They first made incisions in the bark of hickory,
oak, or apple-trees, with the horn above described,
from three to six inches in length. In these they de-
posited their eggs, which were small, hard, and ‘spheri-
cal. About the middle of the month, the locusts began
to lose their activity, sung less, and did not soar so
high. JI saw them in a hard rain, which happened
about this time, beaten down to the ground by it,
where they were devoured by hogs. ‘They now began
to die naturally, and before the end of June, they en-
tirely disappeared. In many places, hogs, for some
time, wholly subsisted upon them. In the flat, sandy,
* and swamp land, about Smithfield, where I then re-
sided, and the whole eastern part of the State, one of these
locusts was rarely seen ; and it is remarkable, that among
those which I saw in the hilly country, I never observed
one to rest even for a moment upon a pine-tree, though I

On American Locusts. 177

have seen hundreds, at one time, perched upon a single
oak.

I have been informed, by a great many persons who
witnessed the fact, that, exactly fourteen years before,
locusts of this species appeared in this State and in Vir-

einia, in the same manner that they have done the pre-
sent year; and I heard a gentleman predict, before the
- lecusts actually came, that they would make their ap-
pearance, at the time \they did, from his knowledge of
the periods of their visitation.

It has been said, that caterpillars were the first pro-
duct of the eggs of the locust, and that they underwent
various transformations, annually, for fourteen years,
when they again appeared in the locust-state. This
opinion Iam unable to confirm or invalidate by any
observations of my, own.

These locusts differ essentially from those which
make such destructive ravages in the East. 1. These
do not travel, before they leave their first covering. 2.
They fly in no particular direction. 3. They have no

jaws, and are, therefore, incapable of destroying vegeta-
tion.—They also differ materially from those which
make their annual, and comparatively solitary, appear-
ance here.

I believe that locusts, of the kind that I have here im-
perfectly described, have never yet been noticed by na-
turalists. By the publication of this account, some who

__~ haye leisure and talents for observation, may, perhaps,

178 x On American Locusts.

be excited to prosecute an inquiry into their habitudes
and nature, which, by particular circumstances, I am |
now precluded from the possibility of attempting.

Raleigh, North-Carolina,
August 25th, 1806.

a

XII. Agricultural Memorandums and Observations.
Communicated ina letter to the Enrror, by his Bro-
ther, Mr. Ricnarpv P. Barron, of Frederick-
County, in Virginia.

AS you devote a share of your attention towards
the diffusion of Agricultural information, I will state to
you some facts, which show that the disease which, I
believe, is called, in England, Smut (perhaps Blight),
may be prevented by a simple process in the prepara-
tion of the seed-wheat. At the same time, I must ob-
serve, that I do not state to you a remedy hitherto un-
known: on the contrary, that Young (in his Farmer’s
Tour) mentions this remedy as being sometimes ap-
plied with a view to guard against smut. In the case I
am going to mention, it was applied with different
views ; for the smut is a disease scarcely known in Vir-

oinia.

Last fall, a waggon-load. of wheat was brought from’
Red-stone (in Pennsylvania) to exchange for salt. My
neighbour, Mr. C., the miller, purchased the load. I
was so much pleased with the beauty of this wheat, that
I procured two bushels of it to sow. Previously to

Agricultural Memorandums. _ 179

sowing it, I steeped it in strong salt-brine, and then
sifted on it as much quicklime as would adhere to it.
This is my usual practice with all my wheat, unless I
use plaster instead of lime. My intention, in both ca-
ses, is to forward vegetation, and produce vigorous
plants, to guard against the Hessian-Fly, and the inju-
ries of the succeeding winter’s frosts. Mr. C. also
_ sowed a few bushels of this wheat; so did a Mr. S.,
another of my neighbours. But in the two latter cases,
neither brine nor lime was applied to the seed. In
every case, the soil was the same, and the seeding done
in good order, and in good time. Just before harvest,
Mr. C. complained, that his Red-Stone wheat (and that
only) was materially injured by what he believed to be
Smut. A large proportion of the head, though appa-
rently fair, contained a black powder instead of a farina-
ceous substance. Shortly after, Mr. S. made the same
complaint, and declared that he would not sow the same
wheat again. Upon examining mine, I found it per-
fectly free from smut, or any other disease, and the
grain of an extraordinary good quality. I have thrashed
out this grain lately, and never saw wheat of a finer sam-
ple. Its exemption from smut may, I think, be fairly
attributed to the preparation of the seed-wheat.

Frederick-County, Virginia,
September 22d, 1806,

‘

180 Case of Cancer.

XII. Case of Cancer successfully treated with Arsenic.
Communicated in a letter to the Evitor, by Dr.
Georce Srevenson, of Pittsburgh, in Pennsyl-
vania.

A CASE of Cancer having been lately success-
fully treated, in an unusual manner, I have thought pro-
per to communicate it to you.

Mr. R., in his 73d year, applied to me for the cure
of a cancer in his lip, of twelve months standing. The

lip was so enlarged as to project beyond the chin, was

painful, and in a state nearly callous.

Mr. R. being unwilling to submit to the knife, I
proposed to attempt the removal of the cancer by liga-
tures, to which he acceded. Six ligatures were, accor-
dingly, used, which embraced the whole cancer. They
were gradually tightened, as circumstances permitted.

Arsenicum album, in form of an ungent, with Ax-
ung. Porc. was daily applied to the edges, and pills of
the same mineral with opium, in doses of one six-
teenth of a grain, administered internally three times a
day, for nearly six weeks.—Poultices of milk and

bread were occasionally applied. A suppuration took —

place; the parts without the ligatures separated from
the sound parts, and afterwards a stratum of a quarter
of an inch in breadth, leaving the parts beneath per-
fectly smooth; granulations formed a new lip so com-

t

Case of Cancer. 18]

plete, that there is scarcely a vestige of the disease
visible.

From the use of the Arsenicum album, the head be-
came repeatedly affected with pain; the face and neck
considerably swelled ; but these symptoms gave way to
purgatives.

Pittsburgh, May 25th, 1807. ©

oe

XIII. Additional Facts and Observations, relative to the
American Locust. By the Evrror.

THE Locust of which Dr. Jones has given us an
account, and which he seems to think has not been no-
ticed or described by naturalists, is unquestionably a
species of Cicada, or Tettigonia, and I presume the Ci-
cada septendecim of Linnzus; the Tettigonia septen-
decim of Fabricius. Of this curious insect, the reader
will find some interesting notices in the first part of the
first volume of this Journal*.

It is not necessary to take up any time in showing,
that the American locust is very different from that
which, for some thousands of years, has excited so
much attention in the countries of the East : which is so
eloquently described in the Ancient Scriptures ; which
occasionally visits, in great swarms, the countries of
Europe, and which there are some reasons to believe, is

* See numbers xy, xvi.
SUPPL. Aa

182 On the American Locust.

not unknown in the western parts of North-America,
and even in some of the countries of Mexico¥. The
Locust of the East is the Gryllus migratorius of Lin-
neus. It not only differs generically from the North-
American Tettigonia, but the two animals are totally
distinct from each other in some of the most interesting
circumstances of their natural history.

The following are the descriptions of these two in-
sects, as they are given by Linneus, in the Systema
Nature: .

Cicapa (septendecim) nigro-virescens, elytris margine
flavrescente, capite utrinque octo-striato. Jom. 1.
pars Ll. p. 708. |

Gryllus (migratorius) thorace subcarinato: segmento
unico, capite obtuso, maxillisatris. Tom. 1. pars
LL. p. 700.

Fabricius, it has already been observed, considers our
locust as a species of Tettigonia. Of this genus we
have, in the United-States, several species, besides the
T. Septendecim, the immediate subject of these notes,
or memorandums. One of these, the Tettigonia Ti-
bicen of Fabricius, is the large and beautiful insect
called, in Virginia, the ‘‘ Dry-Fly,” the male of which
regularly begins its shrill and loud note in the neigh-
bourhood of Philadelphia, between the first and seventh
of July ; generally about the seventh of the month.

* See Journal, Part First, p. 137—144.

a,

On the American Locust. 188

Dr. Jones was informed, that the locusts have been
found at the depth of twenty feet under the ground.
In some parts of New-Jersey, they have been found at
the depth of seventeen or eighteen feet. But, in general,
they do not penetrate so deep. They are often seen
ten feet below the surface. I have supposed, that they
generally penetrate lower in the northern than in the sou-
thern parts of our continent; but many facts must be
collected before this point can be fully determined.

It is certain, that the depth to which they penetrate, is
much influenced by the soil of the district in which
they make their appearance. In many parts of Mary-
land, Virginia, &c., it would be impossible for the
whole of those which do enter the ground to penetrate
to the depth of even six or eight feet ; owing to the su-
perficial position of the calcareous strata, which extend
for miles, in succession, through the country.

Fourteen years is said to be the interval between the
periodical returns of the locust. I believe seventeen
years is the more regular period. Within my own re-
membrance, the interval has been exactly seventeen
years, in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, in the same
districts of each of these States. In New-Jersey, about
Elizabeth-Town, &c., they made their appearance, in
very great numbers, in the latter end of May, 1792.
Previously to this, they had appeared, in the same
neighbourhood, three different times, within the re-
membrance of some of the oldest of the inhabitants ; and
the intervals between their returns had been exactly se-
venteen years. Linnzus seems to haye been well in-

184 On the American Locust.

formed, when he denominated this insect, Cicada Sep-
tendecim. It is highly probable, however, that the
periods of the insect’s return do vary according to the
heat of the climate, and other circumstances. It is rea-
sonable to. suppose, that the interval is shorter in Geor-
gia and Carolina, than in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey,
&c.——At what depth have these insects been ob-
served in the Peninsula of East-Florida, &c. ?

The locusts have been known to make their appear-
ance in the city of Philadelphia, in great numbers,
penetrating from their long subterranean residence,
between the bricks of a pavement. Seventeen years
before this occurrence, the spot, now paved, had .
been an apple-orchard, where the locusts had generated,
deposited their eggs, and died.

Dr. Jones observes that “‘ these insects did not appear
to be any way injurious to vegetation.” It is, I believe,
quite certain, that the Tettigonia, after its resurrection
from the ground, eats nothing at all: and, of course, it
cannot prove destructive to the vegetation in the man-
ner that Gryllus migratorius, and many other insects
do. But, the locusts have been known to prove very
injurious to vegetation, in many parts of the United-
States.

Even in North-Carolina, these insects have been
known to do great injury to the apple-orchards, and to
the oak-trees of the forest. So, at least, I have been
informed by my friend Alexander Martin, Esq., for-
merly Governor of that State,

Di . . On the American Locust. 185

This injury is effected by the female. In depositing
~ her eggs, she makes incisions in the twigs and. branches
‘ of the trees, which ultimately occasion the death of
those twigs, &c., above the wounded parts. This will
the more readily be believed, when it is known, that
the incisions are not merely superficial, or through the
bark. They often extend as deep as the medulla, or
pith, of the twig.

In travelling through a part of the State of New-York,
in the year 1797, I was capable of pointing out, by the
dead twigs and leaves of many of the forest-trees, the
ravages which had been committed by the locusts, |
‘more than two months before. But the injuries are
still more obvious in young apple-orchards, which are
sometimes nearly destroyed by these insects. I have,
in a memoir presented to the American Philosophical
4 Society, pointed out the best means of preventing the
it injurious effects of the locusts, among young and use-
ful trees. This memoir will be published im the Socie-
ty’s Transactions.

7 r

eo

It is a fortunate circumstance, that an insect capable
of doing the injuries which this does sometimes occa-
sion, is the favourite food of various species of animals.
Immense numbers of the locusts are destroyed by the
hogs, some weeks before the period at which these in-
sects emerge from the ground: and after they have ap-

_ peared, they continue to be the food of hogs, and are
greedily devoured by the different species of squirrels,
such as Sciurus cinereus, S. striatus, &c. Even cats

186 On the American Locust.

and dogs eat them. Birds of various kinds are also
fond of them.

The inhabitants of our country also collect the lo-
custs, and apply them to different purposes. The
Cheerake, and other Indians, collect them immediately
after they have emerged from the earth, and after frying
them, bring them to their tables, as a delicate dish.-
As they abound in oil, advantage has been taken of this
circumstance, to make soap of them. To this use the
locusts have often been converted in New-Jersey, and
other parts of the Union. And when we consider the
innumerable swarms of these insects which often appear
in the country (every year, I think, in some part or
other of the United-States), and the great facility with
which they may be collected, even by children, it is ra-
ther surprising that the locusts are not more employed
than they are in the manufactory of soap, &c. Might
not their oil be applied to making of candles ?—I ap-
prove of the economy of the Indians in eating them.
That which is so highly agreeable to such a variety of
different species and families of animals, can hardly be
unpalatable to man. ;

The opinion that caterpillars are ‘ the first product
of the eggs of the locust ;”? or, at least, the opinion, that
there is somehow a necessary connection between the
appearance of these larvae, and the disappearance of the
locust, seems to be pretty general in the United-States.
It is, indeed, a fact, that vast swarms of different species
of caterpillars often infest the forests and gardens of the
country, the year immediately succeeding that in which

a ey

\
i

On the American Locust. 187

the locusts have been in the same district.—But it is
not necessary to take up any time in proving, that these
two animals are no way transmutable into each other.

There are other opinions relative to the locusts not
less extravagant than the one just mentioned: such as
that after the insect is hatched, it descends, from the
branch in which the parent egg was deposited, between
the wood and the bark, into the earth.

Dr. Jones mentions a curious fact; that he “‘ never
observed a locust to rest, even for a moment, upon a
pine-tree, though he has seen hundreds, at one time,
perched upon a single oak.’? I have myself been as-
sured, that the female never deposits her eggs in the
pine, or ary other of the cone-bearing trees allied to it.
I consider this as a proof of the instinctive intelligence
of the locust. Were the female to deposit her eggs in
the twigs of such trees, abounding with a strong viscid
resinous matter, they never would be hatched; or, if
hatched, great numbers of the young would perish.

XIV. On the Use of the Anagallis Arvensis, as a Re-
medy for Hydrophobia.—TIn a letter from Mr. Locu-
MAN, Of Lebanon, in Pennsylvania, to Mr. Isaac
Hiester, Student of Medicine, in Philadelphia.
Communicated to the Enitor by Mr. Hrester.

CONCERNING the remedy which the late
Dr. Stoy used, and which his widow still uses, in the
cure of the Hydrophobia, I can inform you, that it is

188 On the use of Anagallis Arvensis,

here supposed, by a great majority of the people, to be
infallibly successful. I know of no cases that have oc- ~
curred, since I have resided at Lebanon, in which the
symptoms of the madness were perceptible: but I
know of many where people and cattle had been bitten
by dogs, which were really mad, and which were cured
by Mr. Stoy’s remedy.—I myself had a horse and a cow
bitten by a dog, which had bitten no less than twenty
in the town and neighbourhood. I applied to Dr.
Stoy, and used his remedy, and the horse and cow con-
tinued perfectly free from the disease.

I have also been told, by persons residing here, that
Mr. Stoy had cured persons really mad, who had been
brought to Lebanon, tied by ropes, and held by strong
men, and who had the paroxysms of madness several
times.’ Mrs. Stoy possesses several certificates of such —
cases.

About the remedy itself I know so much, that Mr.
Stoy used the very same herb, which Mr. Kittering
(of our county) made known to our Senate, a few
years since: but, I believe, he also made use of several
other ingredients: at least, he said so. Mr. ‘Kittering
used nothing but the herb, in a pulverized state; but
Mr. Stoy boiled it, and the other ingredients, in strong
beer.

Lebanon, July 19th, 1806.

as a Remedy for Hydrophobia. 189

The plant which Mr. K. made known to the Senate
of Pennsylvania, was no other than the Anagallis arven-
sis, or common Red-Pimpernel, known, in the United-
States, by the names of the Red-Chickweed, Sea- Pink,
&c. In Europe, this vegetable has long been used,

_and at one time maintained a very high reputation, as a

remedy for hydrophobia. That it has really, im any in-
stance, prevented, or cured, the dreadful disease for
which it has been so strongly recommended, we do noé
believe. But we are not unwilling to publish the testi-
mony of respectable persons in favour of it: and the tes-
timony of Mr. Lochman is deserving of some attention.
—In the first part of the second volume of this Jour-
nal*, we have given a very circumstantial detail of a case
of hydroplhobia, which terminated in death, notwith-
standing the unfortunate person took considerable quan-
tities of the Anagallis, very soon after the bite, which
produced the disease, was inflicted. We do not mean to
say, that it would be an easy matter to adduce many si-
milar instances of the failure of the Pimpernel; partly
because it is a fact, that uncommon pains have been
taken to uphold the reputation of the plant; and, it need
hardly be added, that some persons who have taken the
medicine, had been bitten by dogs, mo¢ mad: and that
dogs really mad do not always produce hydrophobia.
Epiror.

* Article XXII. p. 122, &c.
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MISCELLANEOUS

| FACTS AND OBSERVATIONS.
«
: NATURAL HISTORY.
e | ZOOLOGY.
. Mammaliology.

; 1. THE Editor has lately ascertained, in the
most satisfactory manner, that the Californian animal
called Taye, of which some account is given in a for-
mer part of this Journal*, is, as Professor Zimmermann
suspected, thirty years ago, the Argali of the Kirgisian
Tartars: the Ovis Ammon of Linnzus: the Mufflon of
Buffon.—From the lights which we now possess, it is
certain, that the T'ayé, upon which some of the Ameri-
cans have bestowed the appellation of the ‘‘ Big-Horn,”
is an inhabitant of three quarters of the globe, and that it
has once been most extensively diffused over the earth.—
The existence of this animal, in the western parts of
North-America, was known to the Spanish historians,
prior to the year 1633,

* Vol. II. Part I. Art. XVIII. p. 106, &c.

194 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

Mr. E. Geoffroy, who has given some account, toge-
ther with a figure, of this animal, in the Annales du
Museum National d’ Histoire Naturelle*, considers it as
anew species of Ovis. But the “* Belier de Montagne,”
as this naturalist calls it, is, unquestionably, the Ovis
Ammon.—Mr. Geoflroy’s figure, with a few excep-
tions, may be considered as a very good one. The
same remark applies to the figure republished in the
Journal, feom the work of Venegas. i

The Argali is called by the Knisteanaux-Indians,
My-attic, which signifies the “¢ Bastard-Stag.”” Others
of the Indians denominate it Hma-ki-ca-how.

A complete description of this North-American ani-
mal, with an account of its manners, food, period of
life, &c., &c., would be a very acceptable present to
Zoologists.

ww +e

2. Among the animals which Captains Lewis and
Clark met with, or of which they received specimens,
in their arduous journey, across the continent of North-
America, there is one which cannot fail to prove in-
teresting to the naturalist. It is a species of the genus
Antelope. The existence of this animal, as a native of
North-America, has been hinted at by several writers,
more than one hundred and fifty years ago. Its horn is
figured by A. Seba, in his Thesaurus, and a tolerably

* Tom. II. p. 360, Ke.

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. 195

good figure of the entire animal was published as early
as the year 1651. ‘

_ 8. Besides this, there is, at least, one other species of
Antelope in the western parts of North-America, to the
south of the Missouri, where they are said to be nume-
rous. They have also been seen, but less plentifully,
about the mouth of the Arkansaw-river, which empties ,

itself into the Missisippi, nearly in the latitude of 33°
50’. . But this species is not so well known to us as the
first mentioned one. .

/

Amphibiology.

4. The Editor has nearly completed his obervations
and inquiries relative to one of the species of Siren, or
Proteus, which inhabit the swamps, and muddy grounds
of the Carolinas, and other parts of the United-States.
He has ascertained, in opposition to the assertion of the:
celebrated Professor Camper, that this animal is furnished
with a very extensive system of Lungs, by which, as
well as by its Appendices fimbriatae, or bronchial appa-
ratus, its respiration is carried on. The Editor has
transmitted the result of his observations concerning
the Siren to Europe, where, it is tel they will be
published.

196 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

5. A very large species of Salamander has been dis-
covered in the lakes Ontario, Erie, &c., and also in the
waters of the Ohio and Susquehanna. It seems, how-
ever, to be especially confined to the lakes, and to the
waters of the Missisippi, including those which empty
themselves into the Ohio. Its common length is from
twelve to sixteen or eighteen inches. Sometimes, how-
ever, it is met with of amuch larger size. Its head and
body are very flat: its mouth large, and furnished with
teeth. The feet are four in number, and very different,
in their structure, from the feet of any other species: of
the genus. The tail is compressed, and well calculated
to assist the animal in swimming. Its body is covered
with a milk-like fluid, which it emits at pleasure, and
which seems to be of a resinous nature, as in Salaman-
dra subviolacea, &c.

This animal, which is known to the inhabitants of
the western parts of the United-States, by the names of
Alligator, Hell-Bender, &c., is purely aquatic, and is
often found at the depth of ten or more feet under water.
It is, however, capable of living out of the water for a:con-
siderable time: I am informed, for at least twenty-four
hours. It is frequently caught by the hook that has
been baited (with meat, &c.) for cat-fish (Silurus),
and other kinds of fish. It lives upon small fish,
worms, insects, offal of various kinds, &c. It is re-
puted poisonous: but, it is believed, there is no good’
foundation for this opinion. It is often killed by the
fishermen, by the instrument which they call a gige.
It is not eaten, though its flesh is white, like that of an

Miscellaneous Facts and Observations. 197

eel. It is, indeed, an object of detestation, both among
the White and the Indian inhabitants. Some of the lat-
ter call it Tweeg. .

‘When it swims, its motion is slow and serpentine-
like. From this circumstance, it has received one of
its names (chiefly, I think, among the negroes), viz.
Hell-Bender.

The Editor is preparing for publication, a full ac-
count of this species of Salamandra, to which he pro-
poses giving the specific appellation of S. horrida. It
is probable, however, that a better specific name may be
thought of. As the largest species of the genus, it may
not be improper to name it Salamandra maxima, or S.
gigantea.—The account will be illustrated by very ac-
curate engravings of the animal, figured of the natural
size.

MEDICINE,
MATERIA MEDICA,

6. The Frasera Walteri, of which, as an article of the
Materia Medica, the Editor first gave some acount in
his Collections*, some years since, is now much em-
ployed, by physicians and others, in the western parts
of the United-States Its root is a good and pretty pure

* Part Second, page 16.

SUPPL. Cc

198 Miscellaneous Facts and Observations.

bitter, and is, certainly, deserving of a place in the shops
of the American apothecaries.

7. A new and very important addition to the number
of the Errhine medicines has lately been made by the
discovery of the properties of a very common North-
American plant, the Helenium autumnale of Linnezus.
The errhine power resides in the leaves and in the flow-
ers, but especially in the latter. This Helenium is
known, in some parts of the United-States, by the
names of ‘‘ Sneeze-weed,” and ‘‘ Snuff-Plant.”? — It is
eminently deserving of a place in the shops.

Literary Intelligence. 199

LITERARY, INTELLIGENCE.

THE Puiraperpy1a Linnean Soctery,
established at Philadelphia, for the promotion of Na-
TURAL Hisrory, at a meeting in the month of March,
last, resolved ‘‘ that a member be appointed to deliver
an Oration, in which are to be particularly pointed out
the Desiderata in Natural History, and the best means to
be pursued for the Advancement of the Science.”

In obedience to the request of the Society, the mem-
ber appointed delivered the Oration, on the 10th of
June, in the presence of the Society, of the Trustees
and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, and a
considerable number of other gentlemen. The Society
having thought proper to order the discourse for publi-
cation, the same is, at this time (June 23d) in the
press, and will be published with all convenient speed.

— +a

His Excellency Chamberlain Sehested, of Copenha-
gen, has enriched the Library of the Editor of this
work with a copy of that great and important botanical
work the Flora Danica, in seven folio volumes, con-
taining 1260 plates: and, likewise, with a copy of two
other valuable works, the Zoologia Danica, and the work
of the celebrated Muller on the Animaloauda Infusoria.

200 Literary Intelligence.

To the Physicians of the United- States.

The Subscriber, anxious to be instrumental in pro-
moting and diffusing the knowledge of the medicines
of this country, will give thirty acres of good land for
that purpose, on the following terms :

Any gentleman, who will write the best and most
simple account of all the means of giving tone or
strength to debilitated persons, without the aid of Peru-
vian bark, wine, or foreign medicines, shall have deeded
to him twenty acres.

.

And he who will write the best and most simple ac-
count of the substitutes for foreign Cathartics, found in

this country, with the means of preserving and exhibit-
ing them, shall have ten acres.

It is desired that the papers on these subjects may be
sent to this place (postage paid). The names of the
candidate may be sealed in a note, which shall only be
opened in the cases where the prizes-are adjudged.
Doctors Rush and Barton, of Philadelphia, and. Dr.
Miller, of New-York, with the subscriber, will inthe
course of ten months, announce to whom the land.
shall be given—taking care that plainness in the writing,
and truth in the statement of facts, be very necessary
qualities in the papers examined. .

Literary Intelligence. 201

The land which will be awarded, is about two miles
from the Potomac, in Virginia, and five miles from this
city. It is now worth near 500 dollars, and from its
situation is fast improving, with the towns of the neigh-
bourhood. But it is presumed the present value will
not prove so strong a stimulus to exertion, as the re-
ceiving property on such honourable terms, near a
place, destined to be the punctum saliens of the scien-

= ces, as well as the government of the nation.

Tuomas Ewer.
Washington, 15th June, 1807.

yi Qkis aay x wes ai \

ENT ¢ : bis tak iy
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COLLECTED AND ARRANGED -

BY BENJAMIN SMITH BARTON, M.D.,

PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA, NATURAL HISTORY, AND BOTANY;
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA,

May, 1809.

PUBLISHED BY

c. & A, conrad & \00., PHILADELPHIA; CONRAD, LuCcAS, & co., BAL-
TIMORE; SOMERVELL & CONRAD, PETERSBURG; AND BONSAL, CON~
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FROM THE PRESS OF T. & G. PALMER.

~ 1809.

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CONTENTS.

SECTION FIRST.

I. Mineralogical and Chemical Account of the Yellow-
‘Springs, ‘in the County of Chester, in Pennsylvania. Communi-
cated to the Editor by a Gentleman now ona Mineralogical Tour
‘through the United-States 207

TI. Facts and Observations concerning the supposed Effects of
the Vapour of Camphor applied to the Human Body. In a Letter
from Mr. Ephraim Eliot, to Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Boston,
and by him communicated to the Editor 216

III. An Inquiry into the Chemical Character and Properties of
‘that Species of Coal lately discovered at Rhode-Island: together —
with Observations on the useful Application of it to the Arts and
Manufactures of the Eastern States 221

IV. An Account of a-Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters,
in which they were completely broken from the Os Femoris. In
a Letter from William P.C. Barton, M. D., Resident Physician,
and Surgeon, of the Pennsylvania Hospital, to the Editor 256

V. Facts and Observations relative to the Disease of Cynanche
Trachealis, or Croup. Ina Letter to the Editor from Dr. Elisha
C. Dick, of Alexandria, Virginia 242

iv CONTENTS.

VI. On the Efficacy of Blisters, in preventing and curing Gan-
grene. Ina Letter to the Editor, from John Floyd, M. D., of Vir-
ginia 256 ©

VII. Memorandums of the Practice of an American Empiric, as
‘ communicated to the Editor by Reuben D. Mussey, of Massachu-
setts 261

VIII. Cases and Observations of the Good Effects of the Gera-
nium Maculatum of Linneus in Hemorrrhages. Ina Letter from
Dr. Job Wilson to Samuel Benezet, M. D., of Philadelphia. Com-
municated to the Editor by Dr. Benezet @ 263

IX. Facts and Speculations relative to the Diseases that are com-
mon to the Human Kind and Other Families of Animals. By the
Editor 266

‘oie Experiments and Observations on Cutaneous Absorption.
By Reuben D. Mussey, M. D., of Massachusetts. Communicated
by him te the Editor 288

XI. Statement of Deaths, with the Diseases and Ages, in the

City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from the ist of January, 1808,
to the Ist of January, 1809 ; 303

SECTION SECOND.

OBITUARY.
William Shippen, M. D. ‘ 309
Mathias Barton, Esq. 809
Dr. Amos Gregg, Jun. 312

Erratum.—Page 290, last line, for more read none.

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THIRD SUPPLEMENT

PHILADELPHIA

MEDICAL AND PHYSICAL JOURNAL.

I. Mineralogical and Chemical Account of the Yellow-
Springs, in the County of Chester, in Pennsylvania.

. Communicated to the Enitor, by a Gentleman no®
on a Mineralogical Tour through the United- States.

Philadelphia, August 15th, 1808.
SIR,

I HAVE the honour to enclose you a few Ob.
servations on the Qualities of the Yellow-Springs, in
the neighbourhood of this city. They are the result
of some experiments, made during a short excursion to
that agreeable place ; and, perhaps, have nothing to re-
commend them so much as a scrupulous attention to ac-

curacy. If they are thought deserving of a place in
your useful Journal, they are extremely at your service,
and I shall think whatever time I have bestowed on the

subject not altogether misapplied.

I am, Sir,
Your very respectful humble seryant,
M.
Dr, B.S. Barton.

208 Mineralogical and Chemical

Nature having been liberal in the distribution of her
favours through the whole extent of this continent, it is
only to be lamented, that her productions have not been
examined with that attention which they deserve. But
as the knowledge of chemistry becomes more generally
diffused, it is natural to expect that this science will here-
after be applied, not only to the improvement of the arts,
but to the elucidation of many of the productions. of na-
ture.

It will readily be allowed, that no subject is more in-
teresting than an. investigation into the nature and pro-
perties of mineral waters: but though no country, per-
haps, can claim a greater proportion of useful and valu-
able springs than America, still the qualities of these are,
as yet, but imperfectly known or described. Many of
them have already grown into notice through the com-
mon consent of popular opinion ; they have thus become

-a fashionable resort, and are used, without distinction,
by the invalid of every description. While the physi-
cian is unacquainted with the qualities of these waters, it
is obvious, that he can never prescribe them with judg-
ment; and it is equally apparent, that the promiscuous
and too general use of them must be frequently attend-
ed with danger, which can only be avoided by a perfect
knowledge of their nature and properties. It is to: be
regretted that the scientific and practical physician can-
not always find leisure for such investigations : confined,
as he must be, to the circle of a large city, he is unable
to visit those springs at the fountain. But if the general
properties of them are pointed, out to him, by the experi-

Account of the Yellow-Springs. 209

mental chemist, his judgment will easily decide on their
qualities.

It thus becomes highly interesting and necessary for
_ those who have any chemical knowledge, and visit these
springs, to examine their contents, and, by describing
their most obvious qualities, lead the way for future in-
vestigation. ‘With these intentions, I have undertaken
the following experiments on the Yellow-Springs, in
Pennsylvania, from which if I have drawn conclusions
different from the general opinion, I beg at least that they
may be treated with candour, till it has been ascertained,
by others, that they are unfounded. Having, however, no
favourite theory to support, and being perfectly uninflu-
enced by prejudice or self-interest, it may be expected
that my inquiry should be conducted on the principles
of an impartial judge, rather than a popular advocate.

The situation of the country in the neighbourhood of
the Yellow-Springs is highly picturesque. The grounds
are elevated, and healthy. The Springs are situated in
a valley, surrounded by hills, which are chiefly compos-
ed of granite, in a great variety of combinations, binary,
ternary, and quaternary ; but the principal combinations
are felt-spar and quartz, occasionally interspersed with
mica, and sometimes with small particles of fibrous
schorl.

In the hills to the north-east of the Spring, are found
large masses of trap, sometimes of a columnal form, ge-
nerally quadrangular, internally ofa greyish black colour,
and externally covered with a brown crust, or oxyd, evi-

210 Mineralogical and, Chemical.

dently from decomposition, and resembling basalt in all
its characters. Some of these rocks are interspersed
with minute crystals of felt-spar, and others contain
horn-blende. . These stones are found .in abundance,
scatterred on the surface of the ground, in every variety
of form. They are extremely hard; when broken,
their structure is compact, and often presents distinct
granular concretions: they have also the quality of
being sonorous when struck with a hammer.
!

I have met with no iron ore, nor any metallic appear-
ance, in the neighbourhood. It has been supposed, that
the low grounds contain a quantity of bog iron ore ;_ but,
as far as I have observed, this appearance arises from an
ochery deposition, which attends the course of the wa-
ters wherever they flow, and which has been gradually
accumulating to its present state.

The mineral water which is the subject of this inquiry
arises from a small spring, nearly on a level with the
rivulet which runs in the same valley. The source of
it is not, perhaps, far distant, as its temperature is not
steady, being materially altered, either by rain or
by vicissitudes of the weather. In May, I found its
temperature to be 52°, while the thermometer in the
shade stood at 74°; on the 20th of July, after a long
run of hot weather, I found it as high as 57°, when the
air was at 84°. At the same time, I examined some
wells in the neighbourhood, which were sunk 25 feet,
and I constantly found their temperature 52°, uninflu-
enced by the heat of the atmosphere.

Account of the Yellow. Springs. Q11

‘The water of this spring’, when first taken up, is per-
fectly transparent: if let’remain undisturbed at the well,
a slight pellicle appears on its surface, reflecting the pris-
matic colours. This pellicle, when broken, is deposited,
and forms a substance resembling ochre, or a carbonated
oxyd of iron,, which marks the course of the spring;
but this sediment is by no means copious.

When a glass of this water is first taken up, it has
none of that sparkling appearance which indicates an ex-
cess of carbonic acid gas; it has no smell, and but a
slight ferruginous taste ; in other respects, it is, to the
taste, peculiarly agreeable. When let stand for twenty-
four hours, in an open vessel, it loses its transparency,
and becomes a little pellucid, depositing on the bottom
and sides of'the glass a thin brown scale,

“When the water is boiled, the same effect is produced
in a shorter period. A person accustomed to the exa-
mination of mineral waters, will, fromthe external cha-
racter and obvious qualities of this water, find little dif-
ficulty in determining to what class to arrange it. But,
in order to establish its qualities with more precision, I
undertook a. few experiments at the ‘spring, in the fol-
Jowing orders) |

EXPERIMENT f.

“qual parts of lime-water and the water of the spring
being mixed together in a’well-closed bottle, a slight de-
composition took place; ‘the mixture lost its transparen-

-ey; and a small quantity of carbonate of lime was depo-

212 Mineralogical and Chemical

sited. This was evidently occasioned by the presence
of a small quantity of carbonic acid gas.

EXPERIMENT If.

A solution of soap in alcohol, when poured into a
glass of this water, remained so far undisturbed that no
flocula were thrown down, but it mixed uniformly with
it into a smooth opaline solution. This shows that it
cannot be classed among the hard waters, and that it
contains neither acids nor earthy carbonates sufficient
to curdle the soap. .

EXPERIMENT III.

Paper stained with litmus, when dipped into the water,
was notaltered incolour. By this it was evident that it
contained no uncombined acid, as this test is so delicate,
that it would indicate the presence of even so weak an
acid as the carbonic.

EXPERIMENT IV.

Paper stained with turmeric remained unaltered in co-
lour, when dipped into the water, which shows that no al-
kaline salts were contained in it, in an uncombined state.

EXPERIMENT V.

When a few drops of prussiate of potash are poured
into a glass of the water, the colour of it scarcely suffers

Account of the Yellow- Springs. 213

any change ; but, if let stand for some time, a very slight
green shade is produced, but this never becomes blue.

EXPERIMENT VI.

Alkohol of galls has a very apparent effect on the water
when first dropt into it. An amethyst colour is pro-
duced, which, on standing for some time, becomes much »
darker, but it never is changed to a black, such as the
taste of the water would lead a person to suspect would
be the case.

It is evident, therefore, from these two last experi-
ments, that the water contains a small quantity of iron.
To determine whether it was held in solution by a fixed
acid, or by the carbonic acid gas, I boiled the water, ,
but found that these re-agents, after this, produced no
change in the colour of it, and also that it had lost all its
chalybeate properties: which shows that, whatever mi-
nute quantity of iron it does contain is held in solution
only by the carbonic acid gas.

EXPERIMENT VII-

When a few drops of nitrate of silver are poured into a
glass of this water, scarcely any change is produced ; a
very slight white cloud appears in a few minutes, which
in the course of twenty-four hours changes to an ash-co-
lour. This shows that it contains but a very minute quan-
tity of marine acid in any state of combination, and the
colour of the precipitate also shows that the water neither
contained sulphurated hydrogen gas, nor any extractive

SUPPL. E¢

214 Mineralogical and Chemical 3 .

matter, as no test can be more depended on than this,
and, if it had contained either of these substances, the pre-
cipitate would not only have been more copious, but of a
very different colour.

EXPERIMENT VIII.

Muriate of barytes has scarcely a sensible effect on
the water: which shows that it scarcely contains the
most minute quantity of sulphuric acid.

-~

,
EXPERIMENT Ix. ‘

Oxalate of potash produces no change whatever in the
transparency of the water: this being a very delicate
test of the presence of lime in any state of combination,
it shows that the water is perfectly free from it.

From the above experiments it will appear, that this
water is of that class which are called simple carbonated
chalybeates; that is, a water in which a small quantity of
iron is held in solution by the carbonic acid gas. In
other respects it will also appear, that it is nearly perfect-
ly pure, containing scarcely any other foreign ingredi-
ents. I will allow that the analysis of this water cannot
be said to be complete, unless I had proceeded to eva-
poration; but the advantages of re-agents are such, that
by them it can be perfectly ascertained, not only what
are the component parts of any mineral water, but also
a very accurate judgment may be formed of the quantity
of any substance held in solution. :

=

Account of the Yellow- Springs. 215,

To proceed, therefore, to the troublesome process of
evaporation, when we find, by previous experiments,
that the water is so perfectly free from any saline or earthy
impregnation, would, in this case, be scarcely necessary.
Here it seems to be decidedly shown, that whatever qua-
lities this water can be said to possess are derived from
the iron with which it is impregnated. But I should not
act with candour, if I did not here explicitly state, that
it contains but a very minute quantity of iron. It may,
it is true, appear stronger at other seasons ; and, as a con-
siderable quantity of rain had fallen in the month of July,
and the spring is not protected with judgment from the
effects of it, some of its .chalybeate properties may have
been impaired at that period. )

A person of any experience in chemical investigation
can easily judge, from the effects of re-agents, whether a
mineral water is strong or weak. In this instance, the
prussiate of potash could scarcely be said to have any ef-
fect in indicating the presence of iron, and the shade of
colour produced by the alkchol of galls was not so deep

.as may be produced by one grain of sulphate of iron in
a quart of water.

It is not my design, im this place, to enter into a de-
scription of the medical qualities of this water : ‘such a
subject becomes the province of the physician; and,
from the observations which I have made on the effects
of it, during a short visit to this place, I am satisfied,
that many of those who drink it in such profusion would
find an adyantage in consulting a physician, before they

216 Effects of the Vapour of Camphor

proceed to the too liberal use of it, in every species of
complaint.

It is by no means my intention to depreciate the good
qualities of this spring; slightly impregnated as it is
with iron, still it may have some effect in the cure of
certain diseases; and, when we consider that the water
is so perfectly pure in other respects, and that with it
_ may be joined the convenience of an excellent cold bath
on the spot, we may easily conceive that many advanta-
ges may arise from the moderate use of it as atonic, as-
sisted, as it must be, by the salubrity of the air, the
pleasures of society, and the beauty of the scenery.

Il. Facts and Observations concerning the supposed Ef-
fects of the Vapour of Camphor applied to the Humax
Body. Ina Letter from Mr. Erxratim Exiot, to
Dr. Georce C. Suartuck, of Boston, and by him
communicated to the Eniror.

Dear Sir,
I SEND to you the following statement, m
conformity to my promise, \viz. :

In October, 1793, I put ona suit of clothes, with
stockings, all woollen, which had lain in a trunk from
the May preceding, in the bottom of which were se-
veral cakes of camphor. I was several hours exposed
to a strong north-west wind and cold air, when I was
seized with yawnings, and a great inclination to sleep,
which I very seldom had been subject to during the

applied to the Human Body. ory

day-time, in consequence of which I was necessitated
to go home, where I slept several hours. I awoke un-
der great debility, especially about the knee and elbow-
joints ; which continued for several days, when, upon
endeavouring to start forward suddenly to give orders
to a servant, my knee-joints failed, and I fell prostrate.
In one moment I was able to recover myself, and felt
refreshed, and much better than before. My head was
not affected, and I immediately felt of my pulse, and
found it perfectly in order.
.

I then consulted a physician, who was of opinion,
that my complaint originated from obstructions of the
biliary ducts, and that the gall-bladder was surcharged
with bile. He prescribed an emetic, which, by his di-
rection, I took in such a manner, as that I was puking,
- from time to time, during the whole day. It also acted
as acathartic. No discharge of bile was observable,
and my debility increased. I took medicines for some
time, such as lavender, bark, &c., &c., with no effect
whatever, except that the weakness of my limbs was
not constant; but, if I made any sudden exertion, was
spoken to unexpectedly, felt a disposition to laugh, or
was irritated, I could not support myself; but, imme-
diately after I was down, could recover myself, and felt
perfectly well.

I early suggested to my physician, the probability
that the disease was the consequence of the camphor,
with which my clothes had been impregnated during
the summer, being applied so completely over the sur-
face of my body. This impregnation must have been

A

218 Effects of the Vapour of Camphor .

considerable, as the trunk stood in a small room, and
was exposed to the immediate action of the sun nearly
half of the day, and was always closed. He differed
from me in opinion, advised a continuation of the medi-
cines which I had taken, and jeeringly told me, I was’
inheriting my mother’s nervous affections, who had
been.a very hysterical woman.

I quitted the use of medicines, and, after about six
months from the first attack, consulted another eminent
practitioner, who approved of my having left off medi-
cines, and advised very early rising, moderate exercise
on foot, and sea-bathing; also to change my feather-bed
for a hard matrass. I pursued this course for a fort-
night: it did not answer. I was asleep the whole day.
He, therefore, recommended that I should discontinue.
all but the matrass, take no medicines, and trust to
time for a cure. I mentioned to him the circumstance
of the camphor, and that I had made the experiment of
putting on clothing from the same trunk, and which
had been equally exposed, which always produced an
exacerbation of the symptoms. He would not, how-
ever, admit the fact, but offered no substitute as the
cause of the affection.

Time has wrought a great change. I have never fallen
down, since about a year after the affection came on,
excepting once, during the last summer, which may be
owing, in some measure, to getting into a habit of seek-
ing immediate support, when exposed to any of the
causes above-mentioned, for I have ever felt the same

sensations as when J fell. As the violence of the symp. |

2 +
i Bk) i ey

/

applied to the Human Body. 219

toms has abated, there has come on a habitual lethargy,
whenever I sit down; a palsy of the muscles of the
tongue, jaws, and neck, whenever I endeavour to ex-
press myself with earnestness, when I begin to address
myself to any one, especially in the street, on being
contradicted, or spoken harshly to, and while laughing;
also of my arms, at a first attempt to strike at any ob-
ject, when not irritated, as well as whenITam. The
effect is momentary, and always succeeded by an im-
mediate restoration of energy ; sometimes so sudden
as to resemble the electric shock.

To look back for a number of years, I can perceive
a great mitigation in the force of the attacks, but do not
expect ever to be entirely rid of them. The affection
of my tongue is greatly lessened within six or eight
months, during which I have taken into my mouth,
every evening, a piece of tobacco, which practice I was
recommended to, in order to cure an obstinate rheuma-
tism in my jaws, which it has effectually relieved, al-.
though its effects have been to induce the same debility
of my limbs, while chewing it, which a beginner always
experiences upon the first use of that article.

I was thirty years old when first affected; have not
had a fit of sickness in my life, except small-pox and
measles ; have ever had a good appetite, but have lived-
temperately. Vegetables have never suited my sto-
mach, so that I have lived chiefly upon animal food and
fermented bread; meat I have eaten but once a day.
i seldom indulge in suppers. I usually take coffee
twice a day. Every function of the body has been

220 Effects of the Vapour of Camphor

duly performed; every secretion regular. Excepting
for a short time after the first shock, I have never suf.
fered any debility, except at the moment; my strength
of body has been unimpaired; my mind never affected.
T always enjoy a great flow of spirits, talk a great deal,
laugh much, never anticipate evil; so that I cannot
eonceive that any part of my mother’s infirmity has
descended upon me.

It may be asked, whether persons who are constantly
exposed to the vapour of camphor, such as the refin-
ers, have ever experienced similar affections? Upon
diligent inquiry, I cannot learn that it is the case. The
only instances I have heard of, are Dr. Alexander, of
Edinburgh, after taking two scruples by way of experi-
ment: but the effect was not lasting; and a dog be-
longing to one of my friends, who was engaged in the
refinement of camphor, in this place, and who was con-
stantly in the elaboratory*. This animal, when called
suddenly, or when his master entered, and he arose to
meet him, lost the use of his limbs for a moment, and
had other signs of debility, so as, I think, to resemble
my own grievance pretty exactly. How nearly we are
alike in other things, I cannot guess.

Epuraim Exror.

Dr. George C. Shattuck.

* The gentleman who owned the dog has just informed me, that
while he was engaged in the refining of camphor, he was con-
stantly debilitated, and had a tremulous motion in his hands and
arms, and felt, especially in the morning, as though he had been
intoxicated. ;

On the Rhode-Island Coal. 221

WH. An Enquiry into the Chemical Character and Pro-
perties of that Species of Coal lately discovered at
Rhode-Island: together with Observaiions on the use-
Sul Application of it to the Arts and Manufactures of

_ the Eastern States.

- THE subject of the following pages is so inte-
resting to the inhabitants of this country, that little apo-
logy is requisite for intruding it on the public. Provi-
dence has so bountifully distributed its favours over the
continent of America, that few articles are required from
other countries, which could not be obtained here by
proper industry and research.

While the population of America was but limited, and
while the forests afforded a sufficient supply of so useful
and necessary an article as fuel, for the purposes of com-
mon life, no exertion was made to discover other substi-
tutes; but, as the soil becomes cultivated, and as arts
and manufactures increase, a necessity arises for seek-
ing a supply of fuel from other sources than the ‘woods
of the country.

It is unnecessary to dwell on the advantages which
must result to a country so eminently flourishing as
America, from the discovery of coal mines: few who
are acquainted with the rapid increase of the arts and
manufactures in England, but must attribute much of
their success to the benefit which they derive from
their collieries. In this respect, I hope to make it ap-
pear, that England has no great superiority over this

SUPPL. rf

222 On the Rhode-Isiand Coal.

country ; and those who wish well to the manufactures
of America, can in no higher degree promote its best
interests, than by encouraging researches, which so ob-
viously tend to their prosperity.

The inhabitants of the Eastern States, and of Boston
in particular, are much indebted to the genius and per-
severance of one of their own countrymen, for the dis-
covery of a coal mine, at Rhode-Island, so eligibly situ-
ated, in every respect, that a constant and regular sup-
ply can be obtained, at all times, without difficulty.
My object at present is, to describe its geologi-
cal situation, to give an accurate analysis of the coal
which has been discovered, and to explain some of its
most obvious qualities ; and I am more particularly in-
duced to this attempt, from observing that much igno-
rance prevails on the subject, and that many of its pro-
perties are either unknown, or misrepresented.

In this description, I shall confine myself entirely te
that part of the island where the coal mine is at present
situated, and where the indications of coal were so
strongly marked, that it is rather surprizing it should
have so long escaped general observation.

The fossils which appear on the surface, in the neigh-
bourhood of the coal-mine, are argillaceous sand-stone,
abundance of schistus, or shale, and white quartz, in

large detached masses. When the ground is pene- .

trated a few feet, the appearances are such, as to leave
no doubt that the strata consist of what is called the
true independent coal formation. Shale, and argillace-
ous sand-stone, abounding with vegetable impressions,

a é

On the Rhode-Island Coal. 223

present themselves first, and, immediately under the
sand-stone, coal is dis@overed; in some places, even
within six feet of the surface.

The position of the bed is here, as is generally the
ease in the independent coal formation, not horizontal
or vertical, but forming an angle of about seventy-five,
_and the veins of coal appear to be separated from
each other, by various coloured sand-stones, which
interpose between the seams. Though all these sub-
stances belong to what is called the transition rocks,
yet fine specimens of indurated talc, and green asbes-
tus, in capillary crystals, are also discovered, inter-
spersed through the shale, and immediately covering
~ the coal; substances which it is difficult to account for,
as they have been generally supposed peculiar to prima-
tive rocks.

The veins of coal run nearly in the direction ‘of east
and west, and the stratum which is worked at present
appears to be about fourteen feet wide; so little change
has as yet taken place in the course of the vein, that
there.is every appearance of its improving, as they pro-
ceed farther from the surface. With only fifteen
workmen, they can raise, at present, from ten to twelve

4

chaldron of coal per day, besides keeping the mine free

from water, from which they suffer little inconvenience.
The character of Rhode-Island coal is as follows :

-. Its colour is black, or greyish-black, with a metallic
Tustre; it soils the fingers; its fracture is slaty, but its

224 On the Rhode-Island Coal.

cross fracture is conchoidal, and the sides of its natural
divisions are sometimes covered with a ferruginous
earth. It burns slowly, producing an intense heat,
without smoke, and with a very light lambent flame ;
but emits no sulphureous or bituminous vapour, and,
when perfectly burnt, leaves a very small quantity of
grey ashes. ‘The unconsumed particles of it retain their
original colour and lustre.

Specific gravity, from 1,450, to 1,750.

From the above description, little doubt can remain
of the true character of this coal ; but, in order to ascer-
tain, with precision, the quantity of ingredients which
it contained, I examined it according to the rules so
ably laid down by Kirwan, and, as my object was prin-
cipally to determine the proportion of carbon which it
contained, as the substance upon which all its good
qualities depend, I repeatedly deflagrated it with certain
proportions of nitre, and uniformly found, when the.
experiment was made with proper attention, that 100
parts of coal contained from 90 to 94 of carbon; and
in order to compare it, in this respect, with the charcoal
in common use here, I found that it required more
charcoal to saturate a given proportion of nitre, than it
did of Rhode-Island coal. These experiments were
also confirmed, by submitting 100 grains of the coal to
an intense heat in a crucible, which, after five hours,
were reduced to six grains of ashes; those ashes, which
consisted, perhaps, of an oxyd of iron and an earth, 1
had not leisure to examine; nor was it of much conse-
quence in the main object which I had in yiew, which

On the Rhode-Island Coal. 995

was, to ascertain the qualities of the coal, as an article
of fuel.

The following table of the relative proportion of-car-
bon, which it bears to some other mineral coals, may
not be unacceptable.

100 parts of Carbon. Bitumen. Ashes. Sp. Grav.
Swansea, 74 22 A 1,357
Whitehaven, 57 4) 2 1,257
Newcastle, 58 40 2 1,71
Rhode-Island, 94. — 6 1,750
Kilkenny 97 — 3 1,526
Anthracite

64 — 6 3
of Haiiy, : : 3 1,300

Thus it appears that this coal is nearly a pure natural
carbon, orcharcoal, resembling, in many of its properties,
the anthracite of Hauy, and approaching, as nearly as
possible, to the description of Kilkenny coal, but supe-
rior to the former, as containing vastly more carbon,
and much to be preferred to the latter, as it contains
neither pyrites nor sulphur, substances which render that
coal peculiarly disagreeable for domestic purposes.

Though coal is so profusely distributed in different
parts of the earth, yet there is no substance which dif-
fers more in its nature and qualities; a knowledge,
therefore, of the ingredients which each species con-
tains, is necessary, in order to apply it to the purposes
for which it is best adapted. In such a country as this,
where the inhabitants are so long accustomed to the use
of wood for fuel, it is not surprizing that much igno-

2296 _ On the Rhode-Island Coat.

rance should prevail on this subject, and that prejudice
in favour of what they have been accustomed to, should
operate strongly against the introduction of a more eco-
nomical, and, “in many respects, a more convenient
substitute. To point out, therefore, in this place, the
distinctions between the'different species of coals, the
yarious uses for which each of them are designed, and
the particular purposes to which Rhode-Island coal may
‘be applied with advantage, will not, I hope, be gene-
rally unacceptable.

The two points which are principally to be consi-
dered, with respect to pit-coal, are, first, the intensity
of the heat it emits, and, secondly, the duration of its
combustion. Coals, which abound in bitumen, maltha, or
petrolium, such as Whitehaven, Newcastle, and some
of the Virginia coal, burn quickly, and briskly, with
considerable flame and smoke. They may generally
be distinguished by their low specific gravity, and,
when bitumen or maltha prevails, a sort of semi-fusion
occurs, which causes them to cake and swell, produ-
ciig a cohesion on their surface ; this interrupts a free
circulation of the air, and renders it necessary that the
substance should be broken, in order to keep up the
combustion,

Common bituminous coal is certainly what is gene-
rally used in England. It usually contains from 30 to
AO per cent. of naptha, or bitumen; but, though the
presence of these volatile substances does not injure the
qualities of the coal for domestic life, yet they render it
unfit for use, when in its natural state, for many pur-

ks On the Rhode-Island Coal. 237

-poses where sulphureous or bituminous vapour would

be injurious, and where its tendency to caking or co-
hering would interrupt the current of air, and create
great irregularity in the temperature of the fire.

\

In order, therefore, to deprive it of these volatile in-
gredients, it is first charred, and, by this means, con- -
verted into coak, a substance resembling charcoal in
many of its properties, and in every. respect nearly si-
milar to Rhode-Island coal. In this state, coak gives
a very intense and durable heat, without flame, and is in
general use for blast or wind furnaces; but it is much
less pure than charcoal; it requires a greater draft of
air, and is more apt to vitrify; though, in one respect,
this, as well as Rhode-Island coal, is to be preferred, as
it bears the blast better, and, when urged by a strong
blast is not so easily blown away, nor rides it consume
so rapidly.

I have thus given a short view of the different species
of coals. Itis the business of the artist or the manufac-
turer, to inform himself of their qualities, before he can
adapt them to their different uses. For all general _
useful purposes, it will appear, that coals which contain

the most carbon, and the least sulphur or bitumen,

which burn slowly, and produce an intense heat, leav-
ing but a small residuum, are the most valuable and
economical, From the above description and analysis
of Rhode-Island coal, it will be seen, that it comes
nearer to the properties of pure carbon or charcoal, than |

most others, and of course that, for most purposes in

which charcoal is used, it is equally applicable, and, for

228 On the Rhode-Island Coal.

many, it is greatly superior. I shall now endeavour ‘to
point out, concisely, and without prejudice or partiality,
the various purposes to which Rhode-Island coal may
be applied, as well as those to which it appears to be
inapplicable, concluding with some obseryations on
the most eligible method of using it.

The manufacture of iron has become so general and
extensive over the continent of America, that it has,
perhaps, more than any other circumstance, contributed
to raise the price of fuel; and, should it continue to in-
crease, the woods of the country cannot long afford a
sufficient supply, in situations where such works can be
carried on with the greatest advantage. Many of the
most valuable mincs must, therefore, be neglected; in
the neighbourhood of Rhode-{sland, in particular, this
has already been the case ; and, though abounding in
iron ore, the scarcity of fucl on the spot has discou-
raged the manufacture of it.

It therefore requires but little argument to show the
advantage that may be taken of this discovery. The
Rhode-Island coal is peculiarly calculated for the smelt-
ing of iron ore ; it bears the blast remarkably well, and,
having no tendency to vitrify in the furnace, besides
producing an intense heat, it may be applied with more
economical views to this purpose, than charcoal; and,
as the arts progress in this country, and iron, from its
crude state, is manufactured into steel, this coal may
be used to advantage, as it seems to possess the pecu-
liar qualities necessary for the manufacture of this arti-
cle. Steel being nothing more than bar iron, impreg-

On thé Rhodes COUt.. ) 229

nated with a large proportion of carbon, either by fu-
sion or cementation, it naturally follows that this coal,
which consists principally of carbon, is as well calcu-
lated as possible, for the conversion of crude iron into
so useful an article.

i For the burning of lime, Rhode-Island coal will also
be found a useful substitute for wood. The steady
and uniform heat which it gives, renders it superior to
wood for this purpose, as, when properly applied, all
parts of the kiln will receive equal degrees of: heat, and
the lime will, of course, be burnt equally, without sub-
jecting some parts of it to vitrification, while others are
not. affected by the heat, which is often the case in the
-general method of using wood for the purpose. '

In all those processes which require a slow and uni-
form degree of temperature, such as evaporation, this
_ species of coal is to be preferred, and I cannot, at pre-
sent, point out one to which it is more applicable, than
the manufacture of salt, an article of the first necessity,
and to which America will, at some future period, find
it necessary to pay more attention.

For the supply of the steam engine, and, in general,
for every species of furnace but the reverbatory, this
coal is well qualified, provided the grates are so con-
structed as to give a sufficient draft of air, without
which it cannot be properly ignited. This, however,
with the knowledge which we possess here of the prin-
ciples of combustion, is a matter of little difficulty ;
and the circumstance of its never caking, or adhering
SUPPL, cg

230 On the Rhode-Island Coal.

in cohesive masses, as well as its affording so little ashes
to choak the grates, renders it extremely convenient
and economical: when once it is perfectly ignited, the
fire is more durable than any other coal, and it requires
less attention.

With these qualities, it is obvious that it is well cal-
culated for breweries and distilleries; for the purpose
of drying and preparing malt, no other species of coal
will answer so well, as almost all others contain so
much sulphur, or other volatile substances, that they
cannot be used without destroying its flavour. This
fact is so well understood, that the maltsters, even of
America, have hitherto found it necessary to import ~
Kilkenny coal, at a prodigious expence, for no other
purpose but the use of the malt kiln.

The smith will find considerable saving when he be-
comes accustomed to the use of Rhode-Island coal. I
am perfectly aware that it is not calculated for every
purpose of the forge, and that, as it cannot be brought
to cake or adhere, it will not answer on those occasions,
where what is called by the smith a hollow fire is re-
quired; but still, for small work, and all the common
purposes of the forge, it will be found sufficiently well
adapted, and it has already been used with success, by
many of the smiths in the neighbourhood. I cannot,
at the same time, omit stating, that the brasier, the
bell-founder, and those'who are engaged in the casting
of metals, will perceive the great superiority which this
coal has over others, The intense and durable heat

‘

On the Rhode. Island Coal. 231

which it affords, renders it an apticle pecnliany valuable
to artists of this description.

For the burning of bricks, and the manufacture of
earthen-ware, and all sorts of pottery, such coal as this
is particularly convenient. The total absence of all

smoke or vapour renders it an article of consequence,

in particular for the finer kind of ware.

But the same circumstances that make it more eligi-
ble for such manufactures, render it unfit for the rever-
batory furnace, which is used in refining a variety of
metals, as well as for other purposes. No fuel being
adapted for such furnaces but those which produce
considerable flame and smoke, such as the Virginia

coal, or wood, as the principles upon which these fur-

naces are erected requires, that the flame only should
traverse the surface of the metal, without any part of
the fuel being in contact with it.

Having no doubt, myself, of the benefit which this
country may derive from the more general use of an ar-
ticle so well adapted to the purposes which I have
hinted at, I can, without hesitation, recommend it to
the serious attention of artists and manufacturers, parti-
cularly to those who are situated in the neighbourhood of
large cities, where wood is gradually becoming an ar-
ticle of considerable expence; and I cannot conclude
this part of the subject, without expressing my most
decided conviction, that those who will give this coal a
fair trial, for culinary purposes, and: domestic use, will
be forced to acknowledge that it has many advantages,

932 On the Rhode-Island Coal.

I am perfectly aware, that such a proposal will meet —
with many objections. The prejudice arising from
long and early habits, it takes some time to remove.
So deeply rooted even are these, that I have heard it
doubted by many, whether it was possible to make
such a fire with coal, as would answer the purpose of
cooking. Such prejudices are not confined to any
country; the Englishman has the same doubts with
respect to the qualities of wood; but, as these doubts
arise from perfect ignorance of the true mode of using
either of these articles, so are they removed, when each
party obtains a more correct knowledge of what the
other has discovered by experience.

Those, who are at length persuaded that this, or
any coal, can be made to burn in common grates,
will next inquire, what are its advantages over wood,
before they resign an article to which they are accus-
tomed, and with which they are perfectly satisfied; to
this I shall concisely reply, as follows, and upon. this
answer I rest its merits. . we -

First, such coal as this, when properly ignited, gives
a more steady, intense, and durable heat.

Secondly, it is more economical, produces no disa-
greeable effluvia, and requires none of that attention to
the frequent renewal of the fire, which is so necessary

in the use of wood; and,

Thirdly, from its emitting no sparks, and from the
manner in which it burns, producing neither flame. or

Oa a ii al

On the Rhode-Island Coal. 233

smoke, many of those accidents arising from fire, to

‘which chimnies, stores, and dwelling-houses, are liable,

from the general use of wood in large cities, would, by
this means, be avoided.

I shall add but one circumstance more, which should,
perhaps, have some weight in this country: though the
fact may be received with hesitation by the generality
of readers, yet it has been asserted, by medical men and
philosophers, that the use of this article for fuel in Eng-
land, has contributed to check that tendency to conta-
gious diseases, which was at one time so prevalent in
their large cities; and Dr. Mitchill, a celebrated philo-
pher and senator of America, has endeavoured to ex-
plain it, on principles connected with established theo-
ries in chemistry.

It now only remains for me to make a few obserya-
tions on the best method of using this coal; and I
must confess, that I have heard so many difficulties
started on this subject, which have no grounds what-
ever, that it is with some hesitation I attempt to remove
them.

Well-informed and enlightened men will easily une -
derstand, that such coal as this, when properly ignited,

- must possess all the qualities of carbon. To such per-

sons I cannot always appeal, and as the difficulty of ig-
niting this substance is much greater than that of char-
coal, many are disposed to doubt that it has any advan-
tage ; all, however, that is required, is, that the furnace
or grate should have a strong draft, and that a little

234 On the Rhode-Island Coal.

more patience is bestowed in kindling the fire, than is
usually afforded by those who are accustomed’ to the

burning of wood. « The coal should be broke into—

small pieces, and a proportion of charcoal placed under

it; when this is set fire to, the draft of the flue should

be increased by proper management of the door or re-
gister of the furnace, or by blowers applied to the
chimney. In a short time the whole is ignited; it ne-
ver, requires stirring, and no further trouble is neces-
sary, but to keep the lower bars of the grate free from

ashes, or any substance that would interrupt the free cir- -

culation of air. A fire, made in this manner, will con-
tinue td produce considerable heat for six or eight hours,
without a renewal of fuel, and with only an occasional
attention to keep up the draft of the flue.

I have thus been led into a more detailed view of this
subject than I originally intended. Conscious that it af-
fords afield for a much abler pen, I should, perhaps,
stop here, but my excuse must be found in an anxiety
to direct the attention to the encouragement of those
manufactures, for which the present state of this coun-
try is peculiarly calculated. I should pay but an ill
compliment, indeed, to the American character, were I
not freely to acknowledge, that for- talents and genius
there can be none superior. ‘The same spirit of en-
terprize, which has Jed them to the successful pursuit
of commerce, will naturally induce them, at a proper
season, to turn their attention to those arts and manu-
factures, which are best suited to the skill of the inha-
bitants, and are most intimately connected with the ne-
cessities of the country.

oe

On the Rhode-Island Coal. 935

it will readily be allowed, that the different branches
of manufacture, which are pointed out in these pages,
are objects of the first consequence. The materials are
obtained in abundance, and no greater proportion of la-
bour is required, than, in the present state of popula-

_ tion, can be spared from other pursuits; they have also

this advantage, that they have already been tried, and
succeeded. a

Premature attempts to divert the channels of com-
merce, as well as to excite a rivalship in manufactures,
however plausible they may appear in the reasoning of
a philosopher, experience has shown to be erroneous
in theory, and dangerous in practice.

‘. That species of industry, which has already suc-
ceeded, which has contributed to the wealth and pros-
perity of the country, which encourages a spirit of lite-
rature, and promotes the diffusion of knowledge, should
not be rashly abandoned, for speculations, founded on

false views of the real interest of the nation.
i f

a

236 Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters.

IV. An Account of a Case of complicated Fracture of
the Trochanters, in which they were completely bro-—
ken from the Os Femoris.. In a Letter from Wit-
riam P. C. Barton, M. D., Resident Physician,
and Surgeon, of the Pennsylvania Hospital, to the
Epiror.

Dear Sir, '
BELIEVING that any case of fracture of the
upper end of the femur, where dissection, after death,
may have thrown light on this important subject, can-
not prove uninteresting to surgeons, I have drawn up,
for your Journal, an account of one, which undoubtedly
merits their attention. From the surprizing extent of
the fracture, compared with the nature of the accident,
and the subsequent consequences and termination of it,
it is not a little instructive.

Daniel Malony, a seaman, aged fifty-eight years,. of
an infirm constitution, and intemperate habits in drink-
ing, had the misfortune, while walking, to break his
thigh-bone, by, a fall on the pavement covered with
sleet. For the reduction of this fracture, he was
brought to the Pennsylvania Hospital, on the morning
of the 3d of February, an hour and a quarter after the
accident.

Upon examination of the limb, by Dr. Hartshorne
and myself, it was found to be two inches and a half
shorter than the other; the knee and point of the toes
were turned inwards, and the trochanter appeared to be

—_—. ©

ee or ee ee

Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters. 237

ris much higher than an the sound side. The knee and foot

were more easily turned from one side to the other, thatis,

~ outwards and inwards, than in a sound state of the bone

could have been effected. Considerable’ tumefaction
had already taken place about the glutzi muscles, and
the whole of the upper part of the thigh, in the neigh-
bourhood of the fracture, was much swollen. No cre-
pitus of the fractured parts could, therefore, be felt or
heard ; but, from all the other symptoms, a prognosis
of a broken femur was formed without hesitation, and
the precise point of fracture was judged to be in ‘its
neck, .

_. The extension and counter-extension being made,
and the thigh covered with Scultet’s bandage, Dr.
Hartshorne’s apparatus was applied, an anodyne ad-
ministered at bed-time, and the patient appeared to be
as free from pain as could be expected. On the after-
noon of the second day, the bandage round the ankle, ©
for maintaining the permanent extension, was removed,
and Dr. Physick’s extending gater*, which was not at

* This gater, which is a late improvement of Dr. Physick’s, in the
apparatus for the cure of fractured thighs, cannot be too highly com-
mended. It consists of a piece of very thick and firm buckskin lea-
ther, cut to fit the leg, in the form of the soldier’s gater, except
that it is laced before. It extends nine or ten inches up the leg, and
completely covers the ankle and instep, having the inferior edges
to come beyond the hollow of the foot. These lower-parts have a
broad and firm strap of the same leather passed twice or thrice
through them, by means of which the extension,is made. This ex~-
tending gater has the two-fold advantage of affording infinitely

“more surface for making the extension, and of preventing that ex-

_ tensive and troublesome ¢xcoriation, which, in spite of every atten-

SUPPL, uh

238 Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters.

hand when the fracture was first reduced, was applied
in its stead. The extension was maintained by means
of a tourniquet, the strap of which was passed through
the bands of the gater and the cross piece of board
which fastens the lower ends of the splints together.
By means of this contrivance, the extension could rea-
dily be increased, by degrees, and kept permanent. On
the third day, every thing appeared to be doing very
well; but, on the morning of the fourth, the patient was
found standing on his sound leg, and supporting
himself by the bed-post, having removed, in deli-
rium, which came on in the night, the splints” and
dressings entirely from his thigh. The muscles, by
contracting, had again shortened the limb as much as
before the first reduction of the fracture. The dress-
ings were now re-applied, and, as the patient had been
accustomed to the stimulus of spirits, and was very
weak, the tincture of columbo and brandy-toddy were ad-
ministered to him, with three grains of opium, at night.
On the seventh day, a copious diarrhoea came on. In
consequence of this, and the excoriation of the but-
tocks, which was now considerable, it became neces-
sary to apply clean dressings daily; and, in his delirium,
which continued, the man kept his broken limb in con-
stant motion. On the tenth day, his diarrhoea, which
had been checked, came on more copiously than before,
and, resisting every attempt to restrain it, continued till
the twentieth. Mortification now commenced. in seve-
ral places in the buttocks, to which a flaxseed poultice

tion, so frequently takes place on the instep and heel, from the ex-
tending bandage of Dessault.

Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters. 239

was applied. On the twenty-first day, the diarrhoea,
which had perceptibly wasted away his strength, be-
came still more violent; he continued delirious, and,
on the 25th of February, being the twenty-second day
since the accident, he died.

‘

After death, the diseased limb was examined by Dr.
Physick. © Upon an incision being made down to the
bone, a large quantity of offensive pus was discharged
from the neighbourhood of the fracture. The os fe-
moris and its fractured parts were discovered to be in
apposition, and naturally situated. The bone was then
cut out, and, upon further examination, the trochanter
minor was found to be entirely broken off from the bo-
dy of the bone. The trochanter major was divided by
a longitudinal fracture, and completely severed from its
remaining half; the internal fragment, or that portion
of it which was adjacent to the body of the femur, was
"divided by a fracture running obliquely downwards and
inwards through the os femoris. The broken frag-
ments were entirely dead, as were also the fractured
surfaces of the body of the bone; and on neither was
there the least appearance of an incipient bony union,
not so much asa single granulation being perceptible.
The bone and broken fragments, in fact, together with
the surrounding soft parts, were in a highly diseased
state, the suppuration being very considerable. I
found the femoral artery ossified in both thighs, as high
up as the groin, and the radial and ulnar arteries as high
as half way between the bend of the elbow and shoulder,
in both arms. The carotids, however, were natural,
and, for reasons which it is unnecessary to specify, no

240 Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters.

further examination of the arteries was madey The
ends of the lower ribs and their cartilages, were, on
both sides, considerably enlarged, and unnaturally pro-
jecting. There was a large edematous swelling on the
depending part of each side of the neck, and on the arms
large steatomatous tumours. All these circumstances I
have thus minutely detailed, because they manifestly
indicated the existence of an extremely depraved state of
the patient’s system, previous to death. ‘

. Thus have I given you a circumstantial history: of
this interesting case, which has already become more
prolix than I intended, so that I shall offer but few
. comments on it.

From the anatomical structure of the parts surround-
ing the upper end and neck of the os femoris, it is not sur-
prizing that fractures of these parts in adults are so dif-
ficultly ascertained, and that the precise point of disso-
~ lution should almost always be ambiguous. In oblique

fractures, particularly of the head and neck of the femur,
the tendency of the large muscles in which it is im-
planted to take on a powerful and rigid contraction,
and the facility with which the exertion of coughing,
sneezing, and any alteration in the-position of the body,
communicate motion to the thigh, are circumstances
which render it extremely difficult to retain them in
their proper state of reduction. Hence surgeons more
‘frequently find themselves disappointed in effecting a
cure of these fractures, without deformity, than in those
of any other of the bones of the extremities. Indeed,
Mr. John Bell unequivocally asserts, that no ingenuity

~

Complicated Fracture of the Trochanters. 241

can fnvent an apparatus, or machinery, which will so
completely and permanently counteract the contracting
action of the muscles in these oblique fractures, as

- effectually to restore the limb to its perfectly natural

length and appearance. He considers all inventions
and contrivances, with a view to this effect, as absurd
and inefficacious; and unhesitatingly avers, that they
are nothing but instruments of cruelty and torture.
Whatever may be the correctness of Mr. Bell’s opinion
on this subject, and however good¢his reasons for it,
other eminent surgeons differ widely from him on
this pot. In the case which I have just detailed, the
efiicacy of Dr. Hartshorne’s apparatus was manifested,
by the natural situation of the bone and fractured parts,

when first brought into view.

What was the probable cause of the unfavourable
termination of this complicated fracture? From the
partial examination of the arterial system that was
made, we may naturally conclude, that a more univer-
sal ossification of the arteries existed, probably of those
in the vicinity of the heart. The languid circulation
that must necessarily have been the consequence even of
the partial ossification of the arteries, that dissection dis-
covered to have existed, will readily account for the ina-
bility of the system to produce the re-union of the fractured
bone. Perhaps, too, the continued motion of the limb,
and, of consequence, of the fractured parts, tended to re-
tard or completely suppress any efforts of nature to re-

_ produce the bony matter. It seems probable, however,

that the constitutional degeneracy in this man’s system

was so great, that the exertions of nature to repair the

242 Complicated Hracture of the Trochanters.

injury the bone had received were too feeble tovhaye
effected any formation of bony substance, had even
the affected limb never been moved from its position
after the first replacement of the fractured parts.
On this point, however, speculative suggestions are all ;
that can be made ; but the case itself, so far as fact and
dissection go, is an interesting and an instructive one ;
since, if we argue from it by analogy, a breach of con-
tinuity in the bones of persons of enfeebled and de-
praved constitutions, similar to the ene which existed
so extensively in this case, may justly be considered as -
a certain source of deformity and disease, or, perhaps
of death itself. 4
I am, dear sir, i
Your affectionate nephew,
Witiiam P. C. Barron.

x

_ Pennsylvania Hospital, March 1st, 1809.

V. Facts and Observations relative to the Disease of
Cynanche Trachealis, or Croup. , In a Letter to the
Enitor, from Dr. Exvisua C. Dick, of Alexan-
dria, Virginia.

Alexandria, October 7, 1808.
Dear Srr,

HAVING no satisfactory apology to offer for
the unreasonable length of time your favour of the oth
of April has remained unanswered, I have only to pre-
sume on your indulgence, and make the best reparation
im my power, by avoiding any further delay.

\

Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis. 243

~ Query 1. Is the disease [ Angina Membranosa] more
common in your part of Virginia than formerly ?

With the exceptions of 1799 and the two'succeeding
years, it has, to the best of my recollection, undergone
but little variation, with regard to the degree of its pre-
valence, for the last twenty-five years.

Query 2. Was it common when the oldest physician
settled in and about Alexandria?

I have reason to believe it was. I had frequent con-
ferences with Dr. William Brown, who had been
many years a practitioner in this part of the world, when
I commenced the practice of medicine; and from him I
was led to consider it as a disease well known, for the.
defiance which it too often bade to the most approved
rules of practice.

Query 3. In what situations has it most commonly
prevailed, in the dry or the wetter soils?

IT am not able to speak decisively with regard to this
enquiry, having never permitted myself to engage ex-
tensively in country practice ; I am, however, disposed
to believe, from such information as I possess, that nei-
ther the nature of the soil, its lowness or elevation, have
much influence in the production of the disease.

Query 4. Answered by the foregoing.

Querg 5. At what season has it prevailed most ?

244 Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis.

It has usually made its first appearance in the last of —
autumn, or beginning of winter.’ There is a variety of -
the disease, of which I shall have cccasion to speak:
hereafter, that I have seen at all seasons, but which is
~ seldom attended with danger. © It is most prevalent, |
think, between the first of December and last of Janu-
ary, but continues to occur, with abated frequency, till

the return of warm weather. yea
ra ere

Query 6.. What appear to be the most common
causes of the disease ? ae 3

The sensible qualities of the air have considerable
influence in producing it. Sharp keen weather, especi- ©
ally with sleet or snow, have often multiplied cases of it,
and it is evident that the children of certain families have
a peculiar liability to the disease ; but, as a recurrence of
the same sort of weather, at the same seasons, in other _
years, is often unattended with a like recurrence of the’
disease, it follows that other agencies must be con-
cerned in its production. Whether these are to be
‘sought after in the predisposing tendency of preceding _
seasons, or among the occult properties of the existing
state of the atmostphere, are probably pee of con-
siderable intricacy. |

Query 7. Between what ages has it generally shown
itself? F .

It has been generally confined to children, and parti-
cularly to those within the first three years of infancy ; _
but in 1799, when the disease was epidemical, in this,

*

Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis. 245

place and the adjacent country, it extended, in nume-
rous cases, to children of eight, ten, and twelve years
old, and, in half a dozen instances at least, to adults of
different ages.

ery 8. Answered.

Query 9. Among children, is one sex more liable to
the disease than the other ?

To this point I cannot speak very positively; but,
as my general recollection enables me to decide, the
majority of cases among children has been with females,
and the reverse in the instances of adults.

Queries 10, 11, 12, and 13. Answers to these will
be embraced within the scope of the following obserya-
tions.

Like other practitioners, I had too often tc lament the
inefficacy of the various modes of treatment recommended
for the cure of the croup, while, in some instances, I had
seen it disappear in consequence of the operation of an
emetic. I had too frequent occasions to resume the
trial of remedies of which past experience had abun-
dantly proven the uncertainty, and the only consolation
left for me was derived from an assurance that this un-
governable malady would probably never assume the
sway of an epidemic.

_+ Ass early as the month of November, 1799, the rapid

succession and fatal result of several cases of croup
SUPPL, Ti

246 acts relative to. Cynanche. Trachealis.

proved that assurance to have been yisionary. It is
needless to recite the range of remedies employed. on.
that occasion without a single instance of success. As.
emetics and purgatives, antimony, mercury, ‘Ipecacu-
anha, and squills, in their turn yielded to and sup-
planted each other. Blood-letting, to the usual extent,
blisters, and seneca-root, in various shapes and quanti- .
ties, all had ample opportunities of acquiring honest re-
putation. Having lost every patient that came under
my own notice, and knowing my brethren to have been
equally unfortunate, I had determined, with the concur-
rence of the community, to attempt the prevention of
death in future, by an early trial of the operation of tra-
cheotomy. The novelty of this project, however, and
the popular notion of its barbarity, I soon discovered to
be insurmountable impediments to its execution, and I
had soon to witness again the futility of all my efforts,
‘in the case of a fine young girl of nine or ten years of
age, and the daughter of one of my most particular
friends.

As I had determined upon a minute examination of
the diseased part in this case, after the death of the
child, which I, soon discovered to be inevitable, I had
prepared myself with every necessary implement, to
sieze the moment of its dissolution, to make an opening
into the trachea, dislodge the membrane, if any should:
be found, and to proceed, without delay, in the usual
means of restoring suspended animation ; and.so solici-
toys was I to lose not a moment after respiration had
ceased, that, while in the act of making the first inci- .
sion, the child made an effort to inspire for the lagt

Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis, 247

time. I met with an inconsiderable and imperfect
membrane, which was readily extracted, and I com.
menced the process of artificial respiration, in less, per-
haps, than two minutes from the last symptoms of life,
but without effect. When all hope of resuscitation had
vanished, I proceeded, deliberately, to take a view of

‘the internal appearance of the trachea.

The first thing that arrested my attention, was the
great difficulty and almost impracticability of passing a

common probe through the glottis. It exhibited a de-
’ gree of tumefaction, but more manifestly a rigid stric-

ture. On proceeding downwards, no remnant of mem-
branous concretion appeared in the trachea, and but
slight appearances of infammation. Having thus pos-
sessed myself of unequivocal evidence, that respiration
was not arrested by any collection of extraneous matter
in the wind-pipe or bronchiz, and that the glottis (in
this particular case, at all events) was the true seat of
the local affection, I determined, on the first occasion
that should present itself, to attempt the instantaneous
solution of the stricture, by bleeding ad deliquium.

A short time gave me an opportunity of testing the
efficacy of my proposed experiment. I was called, in
the night, to the child of a French family, at a board-
ing-house, who had recently arrived in town, and who
were totally unacquainted with our language. This
last was an unpleasant circumstance, for it not only
subjected me to the necessity of searching for an inter-
preter, but also of disclosing, in ardent terms, the dan-
gerous nature of the disease, of which, until strenuously

248 ° Facts relative to Cynanche Tracheulis,

represented, they had formed not the most remote idea.
On representing to them that the complaint had hitherto
resisted all our efforts, and that, probably, a score and
a half of children had already fallen victims to it, in this
place, their distress arose to a height which it would
be difficult to describe. I then stated that I had re-
cently formed a resolution to try the effects of blood-
letting, carried to an extent that would doubtless appear
to them awful; but that it was an experiment on which
was founded my only remaining hope of subduing the
inveteracy of the disease. Aided by the assurances and
explanations of an intelligent French gentleman, and
having brought the wretched parents to a state border-
ing on utter despair, I obtained their unqualified con-
sent to manage the case in the manner I thought most
advisable.

The subject was about five years old, and of an inte-
resting and healthful appearance. I caused it to be
held erect in the arms of an attendant, and made a free
opening of a vein in the arm. The quantity of blood
found necessary to produce the intended effect consi-
derably exceeded that which I had anticipated, and this
circumstance added not a little to the distress and ap-
prehensions of the parents. ‘Their pitiable countenan-
ces and impressive attitudes denoted a fear that the
experiment was only calculated to hasten the fatal ca-
tastrophe. The face became pale and the pulse feeble,
yct the difficulty of breathing remained unaltered. Ina
short time after this, however, the head fell upon one of
the shoulders, the pulse was imperceptible, and the
stridulous breathing was no longer to be heard. I will

;

-

Facts relative to Cynanche Fracheahs. 249

not attempt to describe the effect which this awful cri-
sis produced upon the parents, who remained ‘agonized
spectators of the scene. I hastily laid the child on its
bed, and bound up its arm. Ina few seconds it was
perceived to respire with entire ease, and slept with
perfect composure.

‘Having remained, perhaps, an hour, without disco-
vering any returning symptoms of the disease, I left it,
after directing a dose of calomel to be given when it
should awake. Some hours afterwards, and before the
return of day, I was again summoned to the same
place. I obeyed with a heavy heart, supposing that
my poor little patient had relapsed. In this, however,
I was most agreeably disappointed. I found a\younger
child of the same family labouring under the same dis-
ease. On this occasion, I had no preliminary points to |
settle; bandage, compress, and bason, were already ;
prepared, and I proceeded promptly to the application —
of my new remedy, with the same happy success as in
the first instance.

On the following day, I had the great gratification
to find each of my little patients in fine spirits, and
breathing with perfect freedom. The cough, when it re-
curred, which was seldom, still retained something of
the sound which is characteristic, but it gradually dis-
appeared in the course of a day or two, and neither of
the children had any return of the disease during their

_ residence in this place.

;
oe.
4
-
a
4

250 Facts relative to Cynanche Tracheaiis.

I now thought myself in possession of a remedy that
would be effectual in the removal of a disease, which had
hitherto been most afflicting to the community, and had

so often baffled the best exertions of medicine. I met

every succeeding case with increased confidence, and

the uniform success of the remedy soon rendered it

popular. In some instances I was requested to take

immediate and exclusive charge of cases, which oc-

curred in families where I had not usually attended, —
and, as far as my information extended, the practice

was soon adopted by every other practitioner in the place.

‘The whole number of cases, successfully treated, that

came exclusively that winter under my own notice,
exceeded thirty; and I am able to assure you, with

truth, that from that time to the present, I have not lost

a single patient in the croup, where my assistance was

required in season. It has sometimes happened with

infants, that no vein of sufficient magnitude could be

discovered in either arm; and, in these instances, I

have opened the external jugular, which, I believe, can

always be accomplished without difficulty.

7

There is a stage of the disease, which I shall endea-
‘your to establish before I conclude this letter, in which
it would seem that deliquium cannot be produced by ‘
blood-letting ; and, without that effect, the remedy is, ;
unquestionably, of no avail. /

That species of the croup which I consider as the —
chief subject of the present enquiry, and more especially
as it prevailed in 1799, was, in most instances, preceded
by that peculiar and distinguishing cough, which is so

Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis. 251

well known as to render it unnecessary, in this place, to
attempt a description of it. When this cough was disco-
vered during any part of the forenoon, a few hours ge.
nerally produced a slight sensation of pain and soreness
to the touch, at the anterior part of the larynx; and in
the early part of the ensuing night, the disease com-
monly became completely formed. In these cases, ap-
plications were usually made in the night, and the re-
medy was immediately resorted to. In some instan-
ces, however, the disease was suffered to progress till
the morning, but still the remedy was uniformly effec-
tual at this period.

In cases where no premonitory cough in the day pre-
ceded the paroxysm in the night, the attack was com-

‘ monly less violent. In some of these, either domestic

remedies were resorted to, which alleviated the symp-
toms, or they were permitted to progress till the morn-
ing, when they spontaneously remitted. The follow-
ing night exhibited the disease in its full force, ang,
when called upon, even at this stage, I have invariably
found the remedy effectual.

_ The cases in which the lancet has failed, were those
where either the second paroxysm was suffered to pro-
gress during the night, or when the first, having under-
gone little or no remission in the morning, was per-
mitted to proceed without interruption, to the begin-

vinced me of the ineflicacy of the remedy at these
stages of the disease, and, I confess, I considered the
hazard of injuring the reputation of it as forbidding a

_. ning of the second night. Two or three trials con- |

252 Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis.

further repetition of it under such circumstances. I
have, however, the consolation to believe, that I have
never withheld it where it would have been effectual.

It may not be amiss, in this place, to say a few
words concerning the melancholy instance of General’
Washington. Prior to this case, three adults had been
attacked by the disease in this town, and had been
relieved; two others had fallen victims to it, in the
neighbourhood, for want of proper assistance. ~The
general’s attack commenced in the early part of the
night, but whether preceded by the symptomatic —
cough I am unable to say. His residence was distant
ten miles from Alexandria. The night being excessively
eold, and his family physician being both aged and in-
firm, he contented himself with losing some blood by a
bleeder in the neighbourhood, and with the application of
such domestic remedies as his own understanding sug-
gested, till the following morning, when Dr. Craik,
who arrived at eight or nine o’clock, again opened a vein,
with a view to bring on deliquium. Whether it were
practicable or not at that time, Iam unable to state ;
but certainly the object was not effected; and a subse-
quent effort, made previously to my arrival (which was in
the afternoon), was equally abortive. The disease was
manifestly hastening to a fatal termination. I pro-
nounced decisively that death was inevitable, unless it
could be arrested by the operation of tracheotomy, to
which I strenuously recommended an immediate re-
sort, as the only expedient that could possibly preserve
the life of a man, whose loss every virtuous man‘in the
community would deplore,

Ficts relative to Cynanche Trachealis. 253

At first, I had reason to flatter miyself that I had ob-
tained the concurrence of the other physicians, and was
about to make preparation for carrying the measure
into immediate execution, when I was rendered unhap-
py, by discovering that Dr. Brown had availed. himself
of a few minutes of my-absence, to operate unfavoura-
bly on the mind of Dr. Craik, whose assent I was una-
ble to reclaim, by either argument or entreaty. Both
of these gentlemen were advanced in years, and had
each acquired a considerable share of reputation in his
profession; but that increased timidity, which is, per-
haps, a common attendant on old age, seemed not only
to have extinguished all ardour in the pursuit of addi-
tional celebrity, but also to have created a steady de:
termination to hazard no part of that stock which had
been already acquired, which they persuaded them-
selves, in case the experiment failed, would sustain a
diminution. I know not what might have been the re-
sult, and it would be presumption to pronounce upon ~
it; but I shall never cease to regret that the operation
was not performed. In this awful and afilicting state
of things, the lancet was once more resorted to, with-
out any better reason, perhaps, than such as impel the
drowning man to grasp at a straw, or something equally
incapable of affording him assistance.

From all the observations I have been able to make,
concerning this disease, I am disposed to believe, that
the point at which bleeding ceases to be a remedy can-
not be marked with any degree of precision, independ-
ent of considerations relative to the time and manner of
its commencement; but I have little doubt, that an at»

SUPPL. Kk

‘

254 Facts relatwe to Cynanche Tracheaiis.

tention to the foregoing remarks, with a slight share of
experience, will readily enable every judicious practi-
tioner to decide without difficulty, in every case that
may come under his notice; and, fortunately, where

the croup much prevails, he will seldom be brought to

the necessity of hesitating on this ground, for the dis-
ease is so alarming, and the cough so characteristic,
that fatal delays in applications to the physician will
rarely happen; so that it remains only to be ascer-
tained how far tracheotomy would avail, where the lan-
cet is no longer applicable.

A few additional remarks will close my letter, which
has already been extended to an unreasonable length.

_ In two or three instances only, during the winter of
the epidemic croup, a return of the disease, some
hours after its removal by blood-letting, obliged me to
repeat the remedy to the same extremity as at first,

when it was alike operative in its immediate effect, and -

in no instance have I been compelled to resort to it a
third time.

There is a variety of croup, to which I alluded in the

former part of this letter, which readily yields to —

emetics, or toa moderate dose of calomel, combined
with a few grains of powdered seneca-root. It is not
always practicable to discriminate, from appearances,
between this variety and that which is particularly the
subject of the present enquiry. The former most
commonly attacks in the night, while sleeping, and
without premonitory cough; but, as this is sometimes

ee eee

Facts relative to Cynanche Trachealis. 255

the case with both varieties of the complaint, my prac-
tice has been, in doubtful cases, to commence with the
usual remedies, and if, after the operation of an emetic,
the distress of breathing is not manifestly relieved, I
proceed, without further delay, to the use of the lancet,
while it is yet in due season.

If I might be permitted to select, from nosological
writers, an appropriate name for the disease in question,
and by which I should mean to be understood as: de-
signating the most inveterate species of the croup, I
should call it Cynanche Laryngea.

I have endeavoured to condense my remarks within
a moderate compass, and have, therefore, as well as for
other reasons, avoided speculative disquisition; for,
while I am at all times willing to impart the result of
my practical observations, I have never felt ambitious
to enforce them in the field of controversy.

Having now, as I hope, answered to all the points of
your enquiry, I have only to add, that should any thing
have been omitted, which you may deem essential to
communicate to your friend, I will endeavour to re-
trieve, in some measure, your good opinion, by reply-
ing promptly to your future communications.

Receive, dear sir, assurances of the oe respect
with which
Tam,
Your obedient servant,
Euisua C. Dick.

256 On the ficacy of Blisters,

: \

The preceding very interesting letter was drawn up by
Dr. Dick, in answer to a series of queries which I had
transmitted to him. A copy of the letter, together
with copies of several other papers, from Dr. John
Archer, and other gentlemen, on the same subject, were
transmitted to an eminent physician at Bremen, who
had requested me to obtain for him all the information
I could, relative to the nature, cure, &c., of the disease
to which they relate. It is probable, that extracts of
the papers, thus transmitted, may be published; but I
stipulated with my correspondent, that the whole of the
originals should not be made public by him.

) Mprror.

VI. On the Efficacy of Blisters, in preventing and cur-
ing Gangrene. In a Letter to the Enrror, from
Joun Froyn, MZ. D., of Virginia.

Christiansburgh (V.), November 27th, 1808.
”

.

Dear Sir,

I HAVE been more silent of late than I could
have wished; but the labour of my practice, which is
extended over a large tract of mountainous country, has
taken from me that leisure I wished to have devoted to
my friends; but, as I have time at present, I do not
know that I could devote it to a more useful purpose
than making some communications, which may be be,
neficial to our profession.

Pa

in preventing and curing Gangrene. ‘257

‘The communication regards the application of blis-
ters, and their efficacy in arresting the progress of morti-
fication. Two cases have occurred in my practice dur-
ing the last summer, and a third was given me by a
respectable practitioner.in this country. The first hap-
pened in this town, which is as follows :

On the night of the 20th of July last, the sheriff of
this county being up late with his brother, who was
then ill of a fever, thought he discovered two men at
the jail, whom he suspected were about to break it, as
that had often been done before.

He immediately went, with two young men, to arrest
them. On his approaching the jail, he called to them
to stand; one of them did so; but the other ran off, on
which the sheriff fired at him. ‘The man went about a
hundred yards, and fell in the weeds and bushes, being
unable to proceed farther. When they were directed to
the spot by the cries of the man, they found him badly
wounded in the left leg by many drop-shot. He was ta-
ken to his lodgings, and assistance sent for. I having left
town to visit a patient in Wythe county, about thirty
miles, the attention of another gentleman was requested.
while a messenger was dispatched for me. When L arriv-
ed, on the evening of the 22d, I found the patient feverish
and restless, with a large hot poultice extending from
above the knee, and enveloping the foot, as some shot
had entered it, and were thickly scattered up as high as

_ the origin of the gemelus muscle. I immediately dis-

continued the poultice, bled him largely, and gave a
cathartic. I recommended an operation, but he would

258 On the Efficacy of Bisters, ~

not submit to the knife in any way ; and, indeed, I did
not urge any thing but amputation, as the whole leg
was much swoln, and gave to the fingers a slight sensa-
tion of air in the tela cellulosa.

Several dark-red spots appeared on the 23d, and all
the symptoms were worse. Being still refractory, lit-
tle was done until towards evening, when I applied a
blister above the knee, as wide as my hand, and in
feneth about four-fifths the circumference of his thigh,

On the 24th, still worse, and the patient in a most

alarming state. On examination and enquiry, I found
that little regard had been paid to him, as all supposed
-he would die; and the blister, being suffered to lie
loose upon his thigh, had no effect. The leg was now
completely mortified, and the dark colour of the skin
extended to the superior anterior spinous process of the

os ilium, and gave a much slighter sensation of air to’

the fingers than in the leg, which was now apparent to
every one. I then renewed the blister, and applied it
myself, visiting him often, and careful to keep it in
place.

On the 25th he was better; the blister had drawn,
and the dark colour immediately subsided upon the cu-
ticle being cut, which discharged a very dark-brown
fluid. I still permitted the blister to remain, and on
the 26th the patient was still better; the mortification was
completely marked, and began to separate about the ori-
gin of the gastrocnemii and plantaris. I then amputated
the leg immediately above the edge of the mortified part.

in preventing and curing Gangrene. 259

He was afterwards bled according to the state of his
pulse, and treated in the usual way; in a short time he
was entirely recovered, and William Black (a taylor)
is now working at his trade.

I have not the smallest shadow of doubt, as to the fa-
tal termination of this case, had not the blister been ap-
plied ; and I must here add, that, on the 23d, I judged
it expedient to commence with that practice. which is
commonly pursued in cases where sphacelus is feared.
But these, in my opinion, might have been given to the
end of the chapter, without having the effect; and the
perseverance in them was more in conformity to vulgar
prejudice, than any good effect I observed in the pre-
sent instance. I must confess, however, I have seen
them often do good, yet I have known them frequently
fail; nor can { think them entitled to the appellation of
specific, which some philanthropists, in the overflowings
of their goodness, have been pleased to bestow upon
them.

The second case is that of J S , a cooper, in
Giles-county, about twenty-five miles from this. In
August last, being a little drunk, and shaving at his
horse, cut his leg with a drawing knife. He continued
drinking, and paid no attention to it until it got in a
very alarming way, with slight symptoms of mortifica-
tion appearing. I ordered a blister over it; a small
part soon sloughed off, and the place soon healed. He
took but little medicine, I being desirous, in this case,
to determine, for the satisfaction of others, what in my
own mind I was so clearly conyinced of.

260 On the Efficacy of Blisters;

The third case, as given me by a gentleman of good
standing, is to this amount: that some months ago, I
do not recollect the date, his patient, J E ;
got drunk, and burnt his leg badly, by falling in the
fire; the part mortified. He gave cinchona, opium,
&c., &c., and applied a blister, which soon, as he said,
arrested the progress of the mortification, and the pa-
tient did well. —

T have many reasons to be attached to the blister;
but, however high my present opinion of them in mor-
tification, I am ready, at any time, to relinquish that
opinion, when repeated trials are made, and it should
be found unsuccessful in any. I was early attached to
them as a remedy in many complaints, and from their
good effect, often, when I did not expect much, has
given me a kind of professional prejudice in their fa-
your, which physicians are too apt to be governed by :
but my prejudice only extends to them, as a very valu-
able article of Materia Medica, notwithstanding many
opprobrious epithets, as “‘ extreme unction,” &c., &e,
I must, however, in this place, acknowledge, that I
was first induced to try this remedy, from a statement
made by Dr. Physick to his class, of its success in
his hands, and confirmed by a letter from Dr. Rush
to him, on that subject. Added to this, I was the
more sanguine of success, as I have seen much on the
efficacy of blisters. Some, indeed, I did not believe,
and only viewed as hypothesis, until it was confirmed
by the authority of Dr. Physick. I here allude to the ,
practice of medicine in the East-Indies, anterior to the
publication of Dr. Lind’s Lssay on the Diseases of

1G OS as

in preventing and curing Gangrene. 261

Hot Climates. The practice there was, then, particu-
larly in dysenteries, to throw up emollient clysters ;
and, if there was much griping, pain, &c., a blister was
applied to the abdomen, to prevent the mortification of
the intestines, and that high degree of inflammation
that precedes it. These observations, as well as 1
recollect, for I have not the books by me, may be
found in the London or Edinburgh Medical Journal.

If then it be true, that a blister will stop the progress
of mortification, which the East-Indians and physicians
on the Malabar-coast supposed, and is now asserted by
Dr. Physick, to which I can, from experience, bear tes-_
timony, would it not be worthy the trial in cases of
high degrees of inflammation, where sphacelus was sus-
pected, to prevent the access of that deplorable disease ?

I am, Sir, with high consideration and respect,
Your sincere friend,
Joun Froypn.

VII. Memorandums of the Practice of an American
Empiric, as communicated to the Enizor, by Dr.
Revzen Mussy, of Massachusetts.

February 2\st, 1809.
LAST summer, a man, who called himself Dr.
**KKAKH, passed through New-Hampshire and Massa-
chusetts. His object, in commencing travelling practi-
tioner, was, as he said, to revolutionize the practice of
SUPPL. b |

262 Memorandums of the Practice

medicine, and in this way ameliorate the condition of
humanity. ae

All the varieties of fever, he said, were but one dis-
ease; and this disease consisted in “ a fire at the vi-
tals.” The method of curing fever, he was generous
enough to communicate to every body. This method
was simple and easy, being nothing more than, by
means of medicines, to kindle another fire at the vitals,
superior in force to the first, and thus to drive or com-
pel it to go out at the pores. If this plan, in any in-
stance, should fail, the application of heat externally
would invite the fire to the surface; so that, by- the
combined operation of the internal medicinal fire, ‘and
the external artificial heat, the fever would, most cer-
tainly, be obliged to quit the patient.

His Materia Medica consisted in the pulverized tops
of the Lobelia (syphilitica?), the powdered root of the
Marsh-rosemary, and the essences of some of the aro- '
matic and stimulating plants, as Golden-rod, Fennel,
Patridge-bush (which last was a great favourite with
him), the Mints, Mustard, and Horse-radish.

When called to prescribe for a patient, he always co-
vered him closely in bed with a great mass of clothes,
and gave him a tea-spoonful of the powdered lobelia, in
a table-spoonful of rum,or brandy. It generally pro-
duced instant vomiting. He then gave one or more of
his essences, in pretty free doses, and in conjunction
with large draughts of the decoction of the rosemary. If
this course did not soon produce profuse sweating, he

¢

of an American Empiric. 263

applied heated bricks, wrapped up in wet cloths, to the
feet and sides of the patient. ‘The sweating excited in
this way was continued twelve hours. If, in the
course of this time, the disease was not all driven out,
the same course was pursued, only the medicines were
given in smaller doses. Many patients thus treated
immediately on the attack of the first symptoms of fe-
ver, recovered. But this febrifuge method was not
perfectly adapted to phthisis pulmonalis. Two con-
sumptive patients I knew of died in his hands, before
the sweating process was half completed. In no in-
stance did he do any thing like curing phthisis, though
in every case he promised long life.

By this time, I need not state that he was destitute
not only of any regular acquaintance with his profession,
but even of the rudiments of an English education, and
that his stay in every place was short.

VIL. Cases and Observations of the good Effects of the
Geranium Maculatum of Linneus, in Hemorrhages.
In a Letter from Dr. Joz Witson, to SamMuet
Benezer, J. D., of Philadelphia. Communicated
to the Eniror by Dr. Benezer.

Sir,

HAVING been informed, through the medium
of my brother, that it would be highly gratifying to
you, to. be furnished with a detail of those cases in
which I have observed the application of the Geranium
maculatum to be attended with the most happy ef-

264 Effects of Geranium Maculatum

fects, I with pleasure hasten to comply with your re-
quest.

Before I enter upon the subject, however, I beg
leave to remark, that this vegetable has never failed to
operate as a styptic in my hands; and, from what I
have seen of its efficacy, I can affirm, that, in point of
utility, it is inferior to nothing but the ligature. I have
always used the Geranium in epistaxis and the extirpa-

. tion of tumours, with complete success.

I shall now give you a cursory and succinct account
of three cases, in which I had an opportunity of fully
trying its salutary virtues; and, should you think them
unworthy of your notice, I hope that you will consign
them to oblivion.

CASE I. iw

Having undergone no inconsiderable degree of fa.
tigue, in the Alms-House and, House of E:mployment,
in the city of Philadelphia, I was attacked with a very
severe pain about my rectum, which ultimately termi-
nated in a copious discharge of blood, from the he-
morrhoidal vessels. In vain did I give my disease a
‘¢ Jancet-chase ;”? in vain did I resort to the use of lax-
ative medicines. Finding that it proceeded not from an
excessive action of the arterial system, as I had at first
supposed, I resolved upon trying the effects of the
galls: but having my expectation baffled in the latter,
as well as in the former experiment, I determined upon
using the Geranium maculatum. Accordingly, I took
three drams of the dried root, and boiled them in a pint

in Hemorrhages. 265

‘

anda half of water, till three gills were boiled away.
Of the remaining portion, I took a wine-glass full four
times a day. Having used this for about three days, I
found myself perfectly cured; and have not, since the
above-mentioned period, hac. a return of the disease.

CASE II,

Mr, A. E. Maple, of Nottingham-Square, being
greatly afflicted with hemoptysis, I endeavoured to re-
lieve him by bleeding and the internal use of the sugar
of lead, so highly recommended by Professor Barton, in
his Lectures, &c. My attempts, however, proved una-
vailing, I then resorted to-my favourite remedy, the
Geranium, and administered two drams of the pulverized
leaf, in a gill and a half of boiling water, the whole of
which he took as soon as it was sufficiently cool for
that purpose. It checked the profusion of blood in
less than three minutes; and in five minutes effected a
perfect cure*.

CASE II.

Mr. J. Campbell, of the same place, on the 23d of
June, 1806, divided the tibial artery, just as it passes |
obliquely across the tibia. It was impossible for me to
persuade him to have the artery taken’ up, and secured
by ligature. I immediately applied the pulverized leaf

‘* The sugar of lead is, certainly, one,of the most quickly-operat-
ing of all medicines; in hemorrhages especially. But I have ne-
ver had occasion to observe its effects within a shorter period than
those which are here mentioned, as proceeding from the Geranium
maculatum., i Eprror,

266. Facts relative tothe Diseases common to

of the Geranium maculatum, which completely put a
stop to the hemorrhagy.
Iam, Sir,
Yours, &c.,
Jon Witson.
Hights-Town, December 16th, 1808.

EE]

IX. Facts and Speculations relative to the Diseases that

are common to the Human Kind, and other Families of .

Animals. By the Eniror.

PROFESSOR BLUMENBACH,, in his learn-
ed work, De Generis Humani Varietate Natwwa, has
given place to a section, or article, entitled ‘“* Morbi
maxime memorabiles homini proprii.’? The professor
thinks it highly probable, that there are some diseases
wholly peculiar to the human kind; and these he has
distributed under the following five general heads, viz. ;

I. Fesres EXanTHEMATICAE,
II. HarEMorRHAGIAE,
Ill. Nervorum AFFECTIONES,
IV. CacnHexiaeE,

V. Morar Loca es.

I shall make a few remarks on some of the principal
diseases under each of these heads, or classes.

I. Eruetive Fevers.

—— ee

Ee

the Human Kind and other Animals. 267

To this head, Professor Blumenbach refers the fol-
lowing diseases, viz. :

1. Small-pox,

2. Measles,

3. Scarlatina, or Scarlet Fever ;
A. Mihary Fever,

5. Petechiea ; and

6. Plague.

Is it certain that the first of these diseases is peculiar
to the human race? Mr. Blumenbach himself says,
that Dr. Jansen informed him, that some Apes (Simiz)
at Amsterdam, being inoculated with variolous matter,
_ the local ulcer was induced, but not the variolous fever.
But I think it highly probable, that many animals, be-
sides man, are susceptible of the small-pox. Indeed,
Goetz, a German writer, has related the history of a
case of this disease occurring in a Dog. His account is
curious ; and, being short, I shall give the whole of it
a place in this Essay.

‘* Canis Variolis per contagium affectus.”’

“ Bruta per contagium hominum infici morbis, mon-
strant diversa exempla. Simile quid & meo accidit
cani domestico, qui cum infantibus meis variolas tunc
habentibus ludens, lotium corum etiam nonnunquam
bibens, exanthematibus rubris variolosis in Abdomine et
circa Penem, iisque presertim locis, ubi pauci vel nulli
aderant pili, per aliquot torquebatur dies, quiritando &
ejulando dolorem inde ortum indicans; bene interim

268 = Facts relative to the Diseases common to

appetens, & assiduo ea lambendo ac lingendo brevi rur-
sus curans*.”’ M4

Cases a good deal similar to this are recorded by

other writers. But it may be said, that the cases are

not stated with sufficient precision: and I will allow,
that it were to be wished, that Goetz had told us some-
thing more particular concerning the stages of the dis-
ease in his dog. The words, however, ‘‘ exanthema-
tibus rubris variolosis,” are very descriptive ; and it is
difficult to conceive that the author, who appears, from
several of his papers, to have been a man of observa-
tion, could have fallen into a mistake on the subject. :

But the susceptibility of other animals to receive the
variolous influence, will appear more probable from
the important lights, relative to the nature of the Vac-
cINE disease, which have opened upon us, sincethe
publication of Mr. Blumenbach’s work, in the year
1795+. That disease, it is well known, was originally
transferred to the inhabitants of four quarters of the
globe, from the udders of an animal belonging to the
class of mammalia. What has been the true origin of
the vaccine in the Pecora, has not yet been ascer-
tained. Time may reveal the secret. But there are,
certainly, some reasons to believe, that this mild and
salutary disease is merely a MopiFIcatron Of Va-

,

* Acta Physico-Medica Academie Czsarex” Leopoldino-Caro-
line Nature Curiosorum, &c., &c. Vol. ii. Observatio CLA XXIII.
p. 426.

t +] use the third edition of the work.

the Human Kind and other Animals. 269
,

riola; and, if I do not greatly mistake, time wi// com-
pletely establish the rpzENT1Ty of the poisons which
induce the two affections, however different from each
other they may now appear to be.

Of Measles, of Scarlatina, and of Miliaria, I have no-
thing particular to say. It may not, however, be amiss
to observe in this place, that Cats, and other species of
mammalia, are by no means exempt from some of the
Catarrhal affections, which are considerably allied to
measles. |

Of Petechiz, as a disease of animals, I have met with
intimations, by no means obscure, in the writings of
some of the older physicians on epidemics. Indeed,
the existence of petechial spots, as a symptom of dis-
ease in animals, will hardly be doubted, when we con-
sider, that such petechiz are merely an accidental
symptom of malignant fevers; and that malignant fe-
vers of different kinds have been extremely common,
in all ages and countries, among animals; especially,
perhaps, among the Pecora,—and the Solipeda*.

The term Pestis is, I think, by far too vague for the
purposes of exact medical science. It is certain, how-
ever, that the term is one of a very broad import in the
writings of the ancient physicians and historians of
Greece and Rome. From some of these writers we
learn, that the same pestilences prevailed at the same

* The horse and other animals of this natural family, to which,
in my work on Zoology, I give the name of CaBantr.
SUPPL. M mM

270 ~=—- Facts relative to the Diseases common ito

time, or in quick succession, among the human kind,
and among the domesticated animals of the fields, &e.:
nay, they tell us, that the horses and cattle (oxen, goats,
and sheep) have sometimes communicated the pesti-
lence to the human kind. On this subject, the valua-
ble work of Dionysius of Halicarnassus, in Eee:
is worthy of being consulted*.

A pestilential or malignant bilious fever has, for several
years, prevailed among the horses in various parts of the
United-States; in Canada, &c.; and has proved very
mortal to these useful animals. I propose to publish an
extensive memoir on the subject of this disease, which
appears to be very nearly allied to the most malignant
bilious fevers, confessedly of domestic origin, in the
United-States: and even nearly allied to the yellow-fe-
ver, which has so often visited the fairest and most po-
pulous cities of the Uniont.

I am now to say something of Mr. Blumenbach’s se.
cond general head of diseases, viz. :

II]. HAEMORRHAGES.

To this head the professor refers
* Antiq. Rom. Lib. ix.
t Ido not mean by this observation to assert, or even to inti-

mate, that these diseases are not specifically the same. On the con-
trary, I do believe that they are specifically similar.

o 1%

the Human Kind and other Animals. 271

1. Epistaxis,
2. Hemorrhoides, and
3. Menorrhagia.

The first of these diseases is, indeed, put down with
the mark of doubt; and I have somewhere seen it ob-
served, that man is the only animal, to whom a bleeding
at the Nose, independently of external violence, is natu-
ral. But this is not the case. Hzmorrhages from the
nose, as well as from other parts of the body, have been

observed to occur in the febrile epizootick diseases of
the United-States ; as I shall show, with the proper au-
thorities, in my memoir on the fever of horses.

As to Hemorrhoidal affections, they are, cer-
tainly, not peculiar to the human kind. The dog, with
whom costiveness isa common disease, is subject to
this troublesome affection of the rectum. This is a
fact which cannot be less familiar to hundreds of others
(especially to sportsmen) than it is to myself.

My own observations have also satisfied me, that the
common North-American Opossum (my Didelphis
Woapink*) is not exempted from a morbid state of
hemorrhage from the uterus. It is highly probable,
that the same thing occurs in the Kanguroof, and

* For some account of the generation, &c., of the opossum, I bee:
leave to refer the reader to my paper entitled * l’acts, Observations,
and Conjectures, relative to the Generation of the Opossum of
North-America.”” Philadelphia: 1806.

t Macropus major of Dr, Shaw

.

272 Facts relative to the Diseases common to

other animals, whose mode of generation is nearly allied
to that of the opossum.

Ill. AFFECTIONS OF THE NERVES.

This section, in Mr. Blumenbach’s book, contains
the following diseases, viz. :

1. Hypochondriasis,
2. Hysteria ;

Diseases of the minp, properly-so called ; such as

3. Melancholia,
A, Nostalgia, &c.; perhaps also

5. Satyriasis,

6. Nymphomania,

7. Cretinismus.

I will not, ina formal manner, undertake to show,
that dogs, cats, and many other animals, are really sub-
ject to morbid states of the system, very nearly allied to
those which we call Hypochondriasis and Hysteria. But
I think I could render it somewhat probable, that the
latter of these affections, in particular, is not peculiar to
the human kind. Will this be doubted, when we re-

flect (and we have facts abundant to guide us with
some safety in the reflection) upon the extreme tenuity,

flexibility, and delicacy, of the constitution of some of
the mammalia, with which we are acquainted : especially
some of the Feline animals? We have opportunities of
observing the remarkable delicacy of the constitution of

_

the Human Rind and other Animals. 273

~ the domestic cat. And there is one fact, I think very
well ascertained, with respect to this animal, which
would have some influence upon the mind of Mr. Blu-
menbach, in the regular discussion of this subject. A
cat has been seen to faint away, in a true lypothemia,
when she beheld blood taken from another cat, with
which she was accustomed to pass a great deal of her
_time!

I cannot, with much more confidence, attempt the’

: Baiition of Mr. Blumenbach’s paragraph, “‘ Morbi

- - mentis proprie sic dicti, ut Melancholia, Nostalgia, etc.

Sorte et Satyriasis, et Nymphomania.” To discuss a

part of the subject, relating the supporting facts, would

& require some intrusions upon delicacy. I shall, there-
‘ fore, say only a very few words, at present.

Where is the sportsman, or where is the master atten-
tive to the comforts, to the habits, the manners, &c., of
his dog, who will doubt that this faithful animal la-

j

f bours, at times, under a true melancholia ; at least, a
_ _ state of grief, and mental distress? Do not our books
; of natural history relate many instances and examples of

this kind ?

I know but little of Nostalgia as a disease, even in the
human kind. — But if it be merely a vehement desideri-

- um to return to one’s native country, or friends, I think
it would not be a difficult task to collect from the re-
cords of naturalists, sportsmen, and others, a large body
of facts to prove, that dogs and other. animals‘are by ne

274 Facts relative to the Diseases common to

means exempted from this mental affection. -I could not
treat this article at length, without appearing to treat it
somewhat /udicrously.

Satyriasis, so far from being wholly unknown, is

really a pretty common disease, among animals of dif-
ferent families, and classes. We have strikng exam-
ples of it in some of the Simie, a vast assortment of
animals, many of which are closely allied to us, not
merely by their external habit or appearance, but by
certain circumstances of structure, and by peculiarities
of function. But examples of a similar kind are afford-
ed to us by other families of animals, as by the Birds,
&c.

Neither is Nymphomania exclusively a disease of the
human female*. The Pecora, the birds, and other fa-
milies of animals, supply us with illustrations of my po-
sition. Indeed, the Gottingen professor himself has
furnished us with examples of something very like this
disease, as occurring in the class of birds, in his inte-
resting Specimen concerning the differences between the
hot-blooded Viviparous and Oviparous animals; a dis-
sertation which I have read with much satisfaction}.

* It will be observed, that Mr. Blumenbach speaks doubtfully
both of this disease and of Satyriasis.

+ See the Commentationes Societatis Regie Scientiarum Gottin-

eensis, &c. Vol. ix,

the Hamak Kind and other Animals. 275

In the class of Insects, there are' many examples of
_ species, in which there is a great difference in the pro-
portion which the sexes bear to each other. In one in-
sect, in particular, with which I am acquainted, the ra-
‘tio of females to that of males is very great: perhaps
nearly as fifteen to one. During the season of genera-
tion of these insects, it is amusing to observe the ardent
love of the females. ‘They not only make the first ad-
yances to the male, but they even quarrel and fight
with each other, contending who first shall receive his
embraces. —‘‘ Verum pudet fere ea enarrare,”’ as Mr:
} Blumenbach has said, when treating of another subject.
ae And I am even reminded, in this place, of the words of
Linnzus,—not always consistent in his professions of
modesty, —‘‘ GrniraLium curiosior indagatio abomi-

nabilis displicet*.”’

.

| In regard to Cretinismus; if the connection between
1 this affection of the mind and the swelling of the’ thy-
4 roid-gland, known by the name of Goitre and Broncho-
: cele, be really so intimate as many European writers
; have asserted, it may then with safety be conjectured,
: that eretinismus is a disease not entirely confined to the
j human kind; for the bronchocele is extremely com-
mon among some of the mammalia, in different parts of
| North-America. I shall, in this place, repeat what I
# have said on this curious subject, in a Memoir on Goi-
” tre, which I published several years ago.

* Systema Nature. Professor Gmelin, in his edition of this
great work, omits the word “ abominabilis.”? ‘Tom. i. p, 16.

276 Facts relative to the Diseases common to

“© The Goitre of the State of New-York is not con-
fined to the human kind. In that part of the Military
Tract which is called Manlius, I was assured that both
sheep and young calves are sometimes affected with
large swellings of their necks. A calf, which had been
weaned about three weeks, and suffered to run loose, af-
ter drinking the water ofa certain stream, became greatly

affected with a swelling of the neck. ‘The animal was.

soon killed, so-that it is not known how much farther the
disease might have proceeded. About three or four
miles to the east of Onondago, there is a brook, the
waters of which are said to occasion great swellings of
the necks of men, of women, and even of sheep. The
water of this brook is, certainly, highly impregnated
with lime-stone, to which the mischief is ascribed. In
this country, it is customary to turn out the sheep to
graze upon the Beech and Maple lands, that is, lands
whose principal large vegetables or timber are the beech*,
and different kinds of maplet. The sheep, being thus
set at liberty, have an opportunity of going to the brook
which I have mentioned, where great numbers of them,
iis supposed from drinking the water, become afflict-
ed with large swellings of their necks. These swell-
ings have not, hitherto, been observed to be attended
with much inconvenience to the sheep, and it is wor-
thy of observation, that in the winter-season they sub-
side, or leave them. I was informed, that neither
horses nor cows have been observed to be affected with

* Fagus ferruginea of Aiton.

~

+ Acer saccharinum, or Sugar-Maple, kc.

~

— 4 : j iS :
NN ED ET GE a a eS OD eS ee: ee ee ee ee

bo Soar

the Human Kind and other Animals. 277

similar swellings, from this or other brooks. But Mr.
James Geddis has lately assured me, that
both sheep and horned cattle are subject to this disease.
‘ It is apt,’ he says, ‘ to be fatal to calves and lambs.’
_ In Manlius,’ says the same gentleman, ‘ I have lately
seen a sheep with a very large neck. She was fatting
for the butcher, as she had. always lost her lambs by
this disorder*.”’

Since the publication of my memoir, I have heard of
eases of goitre in other animals, besides those already
mentioned, in the United-States. In particular, I am
assured, that a number of Goats are affected with such
tumours, in the vicinity of Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania,
where the disease prevails, to a considerable degree,
"among the human inhabitants.

It is not a new observation, that other animals, be-
sides the human kind, are afflicted with the disease of
goitre. Mr. Coxe informs us, that in some parts of |
Switzerland, even the dogs are subject to ‘ goitrous
tumours,’’ as he calls themyt.

After all, these facts do not prove, that sheep, goats,
dogs, and other mammalia, are subject to cretinism.
But they certainly render it probable, that these animals

* A Memoir concerning the Disease of Goitre, as it prevails in
different parts of North-America. Pages 12, 13, 14,—Philadel-
phia: 1800. 8yvo.

+ Travels in Switzerland, in a Series of Letters to William Mel-
moth, Esq. Vol. 1. p. 349.
Le SUPPL. Nn

vm 3y J bal Wo

\

278 °Facts relative to the Diseases common to

are not wholly exempted from this mental affection, so
far as such affection is really connected with an en-
larged, or otherwise diseased. state of the glandula thy-
roidea*.

Ill, CacwEexiaek.

To this class, Mr. Blumenbach refers the following
diseases, viz.: .

1. Rickets,

2. Scrophula,

3. The Venereal Disease, ¢
4, Pelagra, ;

5. Leprosy with Elephantiasis.

The two first of these affections are put down with’
the mark of doubt. But it was not necessary to ex-
press any kind of doubt, whether other animals, besides
man, are subject to Scrophula.

We have just seen, that various species of animals
are afflicted with goitre, a disease sometimes considera-
bly, allied to. scrophula. But, passing by this fact, I
know, from my own observations, that dogs are subject
to swellings of the lymphatic-glands, which, if not truly
scrophulous, we know not how to distinguish from
scrophulat. I think the Horse is subject to a similar

* See my Memoir, &c. Pages 49, 87, 98.
y gs

+ The dog, as I shall show in another memoir, is also afflicted
with Hepatitis, in certain warm climates, as those of Hindustan.

/

the Human Kind and other Animals. 279

disease; and, if I do not mistake, the ingenious Mr.
John Hunter has somewhere observed, that he often
found scrophulous disease in the Monkeys*, and even
in the Turkeys, which he had dissected. ‘The turkey,
I well know, is very remarkably subject to disease of
the liver. é
Qn the subject of Rickets, I shall not venture to say
any thing positive. I believe, however, that this is a
disease to which other animals, besides man, are liable ;
and, it may not be improper to add, that there are whole
nations of men, who appear to be entirely exempt from
this disease. Such, not to mention others, are many of
the Indian tribes of North-America (and, no doubt,
South-America also), among whom we have never been
able to detect any appearances of rickets}. ‘

Of ‘* Venerea lues,”’ or the Venereal disease, what
shall I say? I know that some of the ablest writers
have asserted, and they sometimes appeal to their expe-
viments, that man alone is the victim of this disease, the

- offspring of ‘* unlawful love.” But many more experi-
' ments should be made (if, indeed, it be advisable to

make any experiments on this subject) before it would
be safe to admit the position, that to the dog and other
animals, the disease of syphilis is welt unknown.

* It forms no part of my object to assert, that the disease of scro-
phula is found in Monkeys, because Negroes are very subject to
this affection.

+ It may be worth observing, in this place, that scrophulous af-

fections are not uncemmon among the North-American Indians,

280 Facts relative to the Diseases common to

Linnzus has asserted, and his industrious and learned
editor, Gmelin, has repeated the observation, that the
‘‘ dog is very liable to gonorrhoea :” ‘ saepe gonor-
thoea infectus*.”? I do believe that there is some foun-
dation for this observation: and I may, perhaps, on
another. occasion, detail the facts and circumstances,
upon which I rest my suspicion.

Pelagra, except through the medium of books, is-a
disease with which I am wholly unacquainted.

Lepra and Elephantiasis, for aught I know, are pecu-
liar to the human kind. But I think that the dog, and _

other mammalia, are subject to certain cutaneous dis-
eases, which it might not, on all occasions, be easy te
distinguish from some leprous affections. The affi-
nity of some cases of Scrophula and of Lepra has been
acknowledged by physicians: and I have rendered it
very probable, that various species of eRe are sub-
ject to a true scrophula.

The mammalia are also subject to that singular affec-
tion of the reticulum malpighianum, which has been
called ‘* Albino,’”? Leucaethiopia, &c. This disease,
which has solicited much of Mr. Blumenbach’s atten-
tion, is sometimes, apparently, of a leprous nature}.

V. Locat DisEAsEs.

* Systema Naturae, kc. tom. i. Art. Canis familiaris.

+ See my account of the case of Henry Moss, in the Philadel:
phia Medical and Physical Journal. Vol. II. Part ii. Art. I.

—

the Human Kind and other Meese 281

The following is the full list of diseases, which Mr.
Blumenbach has referred to this section, or class, viz. :

1. Amenorrhoea,

2. Cancer,

3. Clavus, ;

A. Hernia congenita:

5. ‘* Prolapsus variae species, ut ille vesice urinarie
mversé cuius curatiorem notitionem debemus acumini
egregii Bonn :”?

6. Herpes,

7. Tinea capitis.

Amenorrhoea is, doubtless, a disease peculiar to
the human kind, if it be a fact that the human female is
the only animal, which is liable to the catamenial dis-

charge. And this opinion, advanced by some of the

earliest naturalists* whose writings have descended to
us, is warmly supported by Mr. Blumenbacht. I must
confess, however, that I do not think the observations.
of my ingenious friend are by any means, conclusive.

_ Twill not assert, that they are merely negative. Natu-

ralists and travellers of credit assure us, that various
species of Mammalia, especially in the order of Qua-
drumanae, do menstruate. Nay, some of the Giires,
or Rodentiat, also, it is said, have a catamenial dis-

* Pliny, &c.

¢ De Generis Humani Varietate Nativa. p. 50, 51.—See, alse,
the author’s Institutiones Physiologicz, kc. Sect. XLII. p. 421.

$ See Dr. Sparrman’s account of the substance called “ Dassen-
fiss,” which he thinks, is most probably the menstrual excretion of

-

282 ~=s Facets relative to the Diseases common to

charge. For these assertions I do believe there is some
foundation.—It will, indeed, be a most extraordinary
fact, if among the great number of animals which com-
pose the class of mammalia, there is only a solitary
species subject to the fluaus menstruus.—But the in-
quisitive researches of naturalists cannot fail, in time,
to conduct us to more certainty relative to this wonder-
ful function of the animal uterus. ;
Cancer is put down with the mark of doubt. Nor
have I any facts to prove, that man is not the only ani-
mal who is afflicted with this dreadful, and generally in-
curable, disease. I confess, however, that I greatly in-

cline to the belief, that’ some of the mammalia, besides ©

man, are subject to cancerous or cancer-like affections.
We have seen, that scrophula, not unallied to cancer,
isa disease of animals: and, besides scrophula, many
of the mammalia are subject to ulcerations of a trouble-
some, and even dangerous kind.

- Clavus is the next disease mentioned by the pro-
fessor. I have nothing to say on this head :

Nor concerning Hernia congenita, which, however,
is noted with the mark of doubt.

Of the Prolapsus of the inverted urinary bladder, I
know nothing, from my own observation ; and but lit-

the Hyrax Capensis of Gmelin (Cavia Capensis of Pallas): Cape
Cavy of Mr. Pennant.—A Voyage to the Cape of Good-Hope, &c..,

&c. By Andrew Sparrman, M. D. Vol, I. p. 309. London: 1785.

4to,

Ee

the Human Kind and-other Animals. 283

tle from reading. It seems that it very frequently oc-
curs in human births; but Mr. Blumenbach does not
know, that it has ever been observed in the fetal ani-

. mals of any other mammalia. The professor even at-
tempts to account for its non-occurrence in the class of
animals*.

Prolapsus of various kinds are frequently met with
among dogs, hogs, and other animals. In the first of
these animals, the Prolapsus of the rectum is a com-
mon.affection, The same animal and the hog are liable
to Hernias: particularly, I think, to Umbilical Hernias.

_ Herpes, of different kinds, are not unknown among

the mammaliat. Even Tinea capitis, or at least a dis-

ease extremely allied to it, afflicts the dog, and other

animals. These diseases in the mammalia are often

t cured by the same mercurial and other medicines,
which we employ for their cure in the human kind.

* « Caussam, cur memorabile hoc conformationis vitium in huma-
nis partubus toties, in aliorum vero mammalium foetibus, quantum
mihi constat, nunquam observatum fuerit, in angustiore pro portione
homini pubis synchondrosi, singulari fissura (quam itidem cl.
Bonn accuratissime indagavit) quasi bipartita, quaerendam esse
censeo.—cf. cl: Roose diss. de nativo vesice urinarie inverse piro-
lafisu. Gotting. 1793. 4. c. tab. aen.”——-De Generis Humani, &c.
p- 61, 62, in nota.

+ Herpes, in Mr. Blumenbach’s list, is marked doubtful.

284 Facts relative to the Diseases common to

*« Anceps haereo (says the professor) anne et huc re-
feram Vermes intestinales hominis, et binas ex Pediculo-
rum genere species, practer ipsum quantum novi in nul-
lojalio mammali observatas*.”

Perhaps, this is rather nice. Worms of various spe-
eies inhabit the human alimentary canal; such as spe-
cies of Taenia, Ascaris, Trichocephalus, &c. I believe
that naturalists are by no means acquainted with all the
species. Although I have paid much attention to the
subject, I confess that I am not prepared to assert, that
the same species of worm does, in any instance, inhabit
the intestines of man and of other animals. But no one
will be so bold as to assert positively, that this is not the
case.

Some worms are, unquestionably, congenite with |
the fetal birth. Other species seem to be more evi-
dently derived from without. In the former case, it
were, I think, natural to suppose, that the species of
worm is peculiar to the human kind: in the latter, it
will, indeed, be remarkable, if the same worm is never ~
found in the body of man, and in that of any other ani-
mal.

I can say nothing satisfactory concerning the two
species of PepicuLt, which inhabit the human body.
That they are exclusively confined to the human kind,
I cannot readily believe.—Is it certain, by the way,
that the Pediculus which inhabits the human head in

>

* Pag. 62.

*

:

the Human Kind and other Animals. 285

different parts of the world, the inhabitants of which:
had, for ages, been separated from each other, is speci-
fically the same? The investigation of this fact might
be worthy of the attention of naturalists, who visit new
countries. It might, perhaps, throw some light upon

the important question, concerning the origin of man-

kind. The laws of the Mexicans show us, that head
pediculi were very abundant among the ‘poor of that
singular people*. But it does not. follow, that the
Mexican pediculi were of the same species as those
which Cortes and his associates brought with them in-
to the countries which they visited and conquered. I
cannot help thinking, that a complete history of the hu-
man Pediculi would prove quite as interesting as a his-
tory of Bugs and Fleast.

Mr. Blumenbach concludes the subject which he has
examined by observing, that he passes over those dis-
eases which, although they are not peculiar to man, are
nevertheless much more common among our species

than among any other animals: such as

1. Troublesome Dentition,
2. Mola,
3. Abortion,

* See Clavigero’s History of Mexico. Vol. II.

+ An English writer, by the name of Southall, published a
work on Bugs, in the year 1730.

SUPPL. 0 0

‘

286 Facts relative to the Diseases common to
A, Difficult Labour, &c*. i}

I greatly mistake if many species of animals do not
suffer considerably from the process of Dentition.
That this is the case in some animals, is acknowledged
by medical writers; and is well known to those who
have the management of domestic quadrupeds. To this
I might, with some propriety, add, what has been said
by certain writers, that dehtition, as a disease, is much
more common among some nations than among»others:
and that it more frequently occurs among civilized than
among savage flations:. Thus, among the Indians of
North-America (those, at least, with whom we are: best
acquainted), cases of difficult dentition are by no means
common. ‘This I would, in some measure, ascribe to
the structure of the cutting teeth of the Indians, which,
in general, are more sharp-pointed than those of the
Europo-Americans.

‘As to the diseases of the Teeth in animals, they will
claim some of my attention ina second memoir. At
present, I shall content myself with observing, that
many of the mammalia seem, in common with man, to
suffer exquisite pain from tooth-ache : and Caries of the
teeth is a frequent occurrence in the same class of ani-
mals.

Mola isa common disease in animals. Its occur-
rence in the Hog, is known to every butcher. I even

* “« Taceo eos morbos qui etsi homini non proprii, tamen longe
quam aliis animantibus frequentiores sunt, ut dentitio gravis, mola,
abortus, fiartus difficilis, etc.” De Generis Humani, &c. P, 62.

——— — a

ne Sat ait

Sse ae

Sa,
the Human Kind and other Animals. 287

doubt if mola be much less equal in the mamimilia
than in the human kind. .
*

As to Abortion, hs instances of this in the family
ofjanimals are very numerous: though not, I presume,
so frequent as among the human kind. Abortions,
however, are much more common among civilized than
among savage nations. And it is well known to Mr.

_ Blumenbach, that a kind of abortus naturally and inva-

riably takes place in whole genera of certain orders
of the mammalia. This is the case in the. common
Opossum of North-America; in the Kangaroes of
Australasia, or New-Holland; and in other animals of
the order of Peéedimanes, as the French naturalists call
them.

Cases of Difficult Birth very frequently occur in the
class of animals. Nor are these cases confined to a few
of the mammalia, in a state of domestication. They oc-
cur in many of the wid animals. ‘They are not unfre-
quent in the class of Birds, especially, perhaps, when in
a state of confinement. Thus the Canary-Bird (Frin-
gilla Canaria) sometimes dies while endeavouring to
part with her eggs. George Seger, one of the pupils
of Thomas Bartholine, has shown, that a species of
Viper (Coluber Berus?) sometimes excludes her eggs,
or young, with great difficulty. In my Anatomy and
Physiology of the Rattle-Snake, &c., I shall relate in-
stances of a similar kind, in regard to other animals of
the class and order of Amphibia Serpentes. Instances.
of difficult parturition occur even in the great class of
Insects. And, indeed, I am inclined to believe, that

288 Facts relative to. the, Diseases, &c.,

birth, in almost all the classes of animals, is connected
with more or less of pain and difficulty, We even ob-
serve something of this kind in the vast class of )Vege-
tables :_a fact which deserves, to be kept in view in an
investigation of the many Analogies which subsist be-
tween animals and vegetables.

As having some relation to the question which I
have been examining, I may.observe, that eatra uterme
conceptions, and monstrous births, occur in some of the
classes of animals, but especially in that of the mammalia.

With these observations, I shall close my remarks
on one of the most curious sections in Mr. Blumen-
bach’s work. I must confess, however, that, in my
opinion, the Professor has treated the subject with less
ability than many other questions in his work.

——=a

X. Experiments and Observations on Cutaneous Ab-
sorption. By Reusen D. Mussey, MZ. D., of
Massachusetts. Communicated by him to the Ent-
TOR.

THE analogy of structure between man and
other animals, and the great number of absorbent ves-
sels found running along the cellular substance under
the skin, seem strongly to favour the doctrine of Cuta-
neous Absorption. For what purpose, it is natural
to ask, were absorbents thrown in such profusion under
the cutis vera, if some of their extremities do not open
externally, and occasionally take in substances applied

.

’

\

On Cutaneous Absorption. 289

to them? But to produce conviction on a mind cau-
tiously inquiring after truth, stronger evidence than is
furnished by analogy is often necessary; and, on a
subject so important as the present, our opinions should
be fixed by experiment alone.

Doubts respecting the existence of this long-acknow-
ledged function of the skin were raised by Mr. Seguin, of
Paris, and acquired great strength from the experiments:
made in this city by Drs. Rousseau, Klapp, and Dain-
gerfield. ‘These experiments, in which mercury and sti-
mulating odorous substances were the principal articles
employed, had labour, ingenuity, and candour to re-
commend them to the public, and induced many physio-
logists to renounce their former opinions on this point.

It long since occurred to me, that coloured sub-
stances which are but moderately stimulating, and the
colouring part of which is known to be absorbed from the
intestinal canal, and to enter the circulation unchanged,
ought not to be neglected in the prosecution of an ex-
perimental inquiry into this subject; and I resolved,
should no one anticipate me, to make some experi-
ments myself, when a convenient opportunity should
occur. Accordingly, March 22, 1809, I instituted a
course of experiments, with the Rubia tinctorum, or
Madder. '

EXPERIMENT I.

I immersed myself, my head and anterior part of the
thorax excepted, in a pretty strong watery infusion of

290 On Cutaneous Absorption.

the rubia tinctorum, and remained in it two hours and
forty-five minutes. The urine discharged immediately
after leaving the bath was pale, and considerable in
quantity. Three hours afterwards, the urine was again
discharged ; it was slightly tinged with red. The
bladder was not again emptied till the following morn-
ing; and, though the time elapsed was ten hours, the
urine had no perceptible redness, and in appearance
“was nearly or quite natural. Treated witha solution of
* the common sulphat of iron, the highest-coloured por-
tion of urine gave a tinge of a purplish-brown. The
other portions, treated in the same way, were not sen-
sibly changed in their colour.

EXPERIMENT Ii.

March 23, I continued three hours in the madder-
bath. On leaving it, the urine was, as before, pale, and
considerable in quantity. Five hours after, the urine
discharged was strongly tinged with a reddish colour.
Three hours from this, it was much paler; and the
next morning, or eighteen hours after leaving the bath,
the urine discharged was of its natural paleness. The
portion discharged five hours after leaving the bath was
a little deeper coloured than common Sherry or Sicily
wine. Treated with the sulphat of iron, a strong
purplish-brown precipitate was produced. With the
same test, the urine drawn seven hours after coming
out of the bath gave much less of the colour; the suc-
ceeding portions gave more.

On Cutaneous Absorption. 291

EXPERIMENT IIl.

Recollecting an observation of Haller, that ‘ as heat
increases perspiration, so cold increases absorption,’ I
determined to enter the bath at as low a temperature as
I could bear. In an hour and five minutes, a strong
chill and some spasms compelled me to retire. The
urine immediately discharged was, as in the two first
experiments, pale. At the end of three, and of five
hours afterwards, the urine had a little more colour, but
the difference was small; and I am not certain that the
sulphat of iron produced any of the brown colour.
The urine, at succeeding intervals, had nothing pecu-
- liar in its appearance.

EXPERIMENT IV.

March 25, I continued three hours in the madder-
bath. Urine was drawn at the time I left the bath, and
at the expiration of five, and of seven, and of fifteen
hours afterwards. ‘The first portion was pale, and un.-
usual in quantity. The second portion exhibited a
deeper colour than had appeared in either of the pre-
ceding experiments, and, with the sulphat, a very
strong purple-brown was produced. The third por-

tion, or that taken seven hours after I left the bath, had a’

feeble tinge of red, and was acted upon in a small de-
gree by the sulphat.. The fourth portion was natural.

Blood was drawn from my arm at the end of three,
and again at the end of five hours after I left the bath.

292 On Cutaneous Absorption.

The different portions were suffered to stand unagitated
until a separation had taken place. The serum was
then carefully decanted off. No difference appeared in
the two portions; each was opaque, and of a pale-red
colour, slightly tinged with yellow. The sulphat add-
ed to them produced a very slight change, but I am
not positive that the purplish-brown appeared at all.

In all the above experiments, the urinary bladder was
emptied immediately before I entered the bath. The
urine was uniformly pale, and, tested with the sulphat,
exhibited none of the purplish tinge. In the first, se-
cond, and fourth experiments, the bath, by the occa-
sional addition of hot water, was kept at a comfortable
temperature. I had no thermometer (it is said to be
unphilosophical to experiment without a thermometer) ;
but, fortunately, the results of these experiments have
shown that very nice attention to temperature was not
necessary.

The pulse was a little accelerated soon after I entered
the bath, and retarded before I left it. In the first, se-
cond, and fourth experiments, I felt a small degree of
languor, and slight head-ache for two or three hours:
after bathing. During this time the pulse was in-
ereased in frequency, not falling below seventy, and in
one instance going as high as eighty-four in a minute.

I invariably took a full meal after each experiment ;
but, during the four days in which I was engaged, I
avoided eating or drinking coloured substances. In
the three first experiments I avoided friction; in the

On Cutaneous Absorption. 293

fourth, I employed considerable friction upon the lower
extremities.

EXPERIMENT V-

In order to ascertain whether the colour of the urine
could be imitated, I made a saturated infusion of mad-
der in water. This was introduced guttatim into a
portion of clear water, until it acquired nearly the same
tinge with the urine. I then threw in a few drops of
the solution of the sulphat of iron; the purplish-brown
was instantly visible.

EXPERIMENT VI.

Into a quantity of pale, recently-drawn urine, I dropt
the saturated infusion of madder, until the urine acquir-
ed precisely the same hue as the red urine of the fourth
experiment. The sulphat of iron, added to the urine
thus tinged, and to the urine of the fourth experiment,
produced the same purple-brown colour in each. This
_ experiment was repeated in the presence of my friend
Mr. French, and he declared that he could discover no
difference of colour in the two portions.

EXPERIMENT VII.

Doubtful whether the colour of the serum in the
fourth experiment could, with propriety, be referable to
the presence of madder, I took blood from my arm.
March 27, I found the serum of this blood considera-
bly redder than the former, but it had nothing of the

SUPPL. Pp

294 On Cutaneous Absorption.

_yellow tinge, and was transparent, The sulphat of
iron added to it produced no change in the colour.

EXPERIMENT VIII.

To satisfy myself what allowances should be made
for the increased action of the blood-vessels induced by

the bath, in accounting for the deep colour of the urine,

I placed: myself, March 30th, in a bath of pure water, at
a comfortable temperature. I remained in it three
hours. My pulse, on my entering the bath, was about
72 in a minute. At the end of the first hour it
beat 67, at the end of the second hour, 62, and at the
end of the third hour, 62. Four hours after leaving the
bath, my pulse was 80 in a minute; but I had very
slight languor and no head-ache. In this, as in former
experiments, I ate a full meal, and took a walk soon
after coming out of the bath.

Urine was discharged at the time of my going into
the bath, at the time of my leaving it, and at the diffe-
rent intervals of 3, 5, 8, and 17 hours afterwards.
The urine drawn at the time of leaving the bath was a
little paler than either of the other portions, and was
much more abundant. The other portions were
scarcely distinguishable, by their colour, and in neither
of them could the red tinge be at all perceived. ‘Test-
ed with the sulphat, these different portions exhibited
no change of colour, or rather they exhibited nothing
of the purple, or the brown. / A large proportion of the
sulphat produces a slight change in the appearance of
common urine, I have occasionally seen a semi-

ee ee ee

On Cutaneous Absorption. 295

opaque, whitish appearance, after mixing the sulphat
with pale urine.

EXPERIMENT IX. -

I accidentally discovered that potash’is an excellent
test for the presence of madder. A saturated solution,
in water, of caustic, or moderately carbonated potash,
dropped into a weak infusion of madder, turns it to a
bright cranberry-red, without destroying the transpa-
rency of the infusion.

This test was applied to the red urine of the second
and fourth experiments, portions of which I had fortu-
nately preserved; the same cranberry-hue was instantly
visible.

I made a saturated infusion of madder in recently-
drawn pale urine. I dropped this saturated infusion
into a quantity of pale urine, until it acquired precisely
the colour of the red urine of the fourth experiment.
The potash added to each, produced the same degree of
cranberry-redness. I should have applied this test to
the serum of the fourth experiment, but it had com-
menced a spontaneous decomposition. ‘The serum of
the seventh experiment was not changed by the addi.
tion of the potash, in any other way than in becoming
paler in colour, in proportion to the degree it was di-
luted.

296 On Cutaneous Absorption.

EXPERIMENT X.

To throw additional light on the query, did the co-
louring matter of the blood enter the urine, and produce
the red appearance exhibited in the Ist, 2nd, and 4th
experiments ?, I agitated a small bit of crassamentum,
with a quantity of pale, recent urine, until it acquired
nearly the colour of the urine of the fourth experiment.
The urine thus coloured was tested with the solution of
potash, but no change followed, except a diminution of

colour, in proportion to the quantity of the solution add- .

ed. The sulphat of iron did not change its appearance.

EXPERIMENT XI.
With a view to compare the appearances of the urine
after taking madder internally, with those which
followed its external application, I took, March 31,
two ounces of a strong infusion of madder. At this.
time the urine was discharged: it was pale, and was
not altered by the addition of the potash. At the end
of two hours, the urine was again discharged: it was
pale, as before, and was not affected by the potash. At
the end of five hours, the urine drawn was faintly ting--
ed with a reddish hue. The solution of the potash
sensibly reddened it. Succeeding portions were pale.

EXPERIMENT XII.

April 1, half past 3, P. M., I took six ounces of a
strong infusion of madder. The urine discharged at

¥;

On Cutaneous Absorption. 297

this time was pale, nor was it in the least altered by the
addition of the potash. ‘Two hours and a half after I
took the madder, the urine was considerably tinged,
and, on the addition of the potash, it assumed the
bright cranberry hue. Five hours from the time the
madder was taken, the urine had a deeper colour than
the last mentioned portion, and, with the potash, it
gave a proportionably deeper-coloured result. Treated
with the sulphat of iron, it assumed the purplish-brown
tinge. The urine discharged the following morning
was of a faint red, and was perceptibly changed by the
potash. ‘The pulse in the two last experiments was
somewhat accelerated, owing either to the madder or
to exercise—more probably to exercise. I had no
head-ache.

EXPERIMENT XIItf.

I made an infusion of two pounds and a half of the
best madder in about thirty gallons of water. April 4,
at half past 2 o’clock, P. M., I entered this infusion, |
and remained in it until half past 6 o’clock, P. M.
The temperature of the atmosphere was 68°, that
of the bath fluctuating from 85° to 87°. In con-
sequence of considerable previous exercise, my pulse
stood at 100 beats in a minute, at the time of en-
tering the bath. In half an hour it was 87 in a mi-
nute; in an hour and a half it was 79; in two anda
half it was at 76; in three and a half it was at 72; and-
in four hours it was at 68 in a minute.

298 On Cutaneous Absorption.

Urine drawn immediately before entering the bath
was pale, and yielded no colour when treated with the
potash, Urine drawn three hours after entering the
bath was pale. Urine discharged one hour after leay-
ing’ the bath had considerable colour; and, with the
potash, yielded the bright-red. In three hours from
the time of leaving the bath, I again examined the —
urine: it had more colour than the last portion, and
rendered a deeper red with the alkali. The urine dis-
charged the following morning had a faint tinge of red,
and was visibly affected by the alkali.

Blood was drawn from my arm two hours before I
went into the bath, and again one hour and a half after I
came out of it. The two portions of serum had consi-_
derable colour, though the last drawn portion was deep-
er than the first: neither of them were sensibly altered
by the addition of the tests.

EXPERIMENT XIV.

My friend Mr. Clark politely offered to assist me in
making an experiment. April 7, he entered the mad-
der-bath, fifteen minutes before 1 o’clock, P. M., and
left it fifteen minutes after 4 o’clock, P. M. The tem-
perature of the atmosphere was 47°, that of the bath
65°, during the first 45 minutes: the remainder of the
time it fluctuated from 85° to 95°. His pulse, on en-
tering the bath, was 56 ina minute. An hour after, it
was 83. At the end of two and a half hours, 72; and
at the time of his leaving the bath, it was at 67,

~

—_ ~~"

OS eS ee eee
= . oo

On Cutaneous Absorption. 299

‘The urine, on his entering the bath, was pale, and suf-
fered no change by the addition of the alkali. On his
leaving the bath, the urine was again discharged ; and,
though it was not perceptibly tinged, instantly turned
of a bright-red when the potash was added. Five
hours after the experiment, the urine gave a deep-red
with the test; and the portion discharged the follow-
ing morning was sensibly reddened by the alkali.

Reflecting on the results of the foregoing experi-
ments, I can account for them in no other way than on
the supposition that the colouring matter of madder en-

- tered the system in consequence of its external applica-

tion; and, until a more satisfactory way of accounting
for them be known, the doctrine of Cutaneous Absorp-
tion must be considered as placed beyond the reach of
controversy.

In detailing my experiments, I have maintained as
rigid an adherence to truth, as my knowledge of lan-
guage would allow me. Every one knows how difficult
it is, by means of words, to give precise ideas of co-
lours. [have used the expressions purplish-brown and
eranberry-red. Different language would probably
have been adopted by a different experimenter; and it
might, perhaps, more happily have expressed the ideas
intended. But words cannot alter an impression made
on the organ of vision.»

In attending to the results of my experiments, I have
not trusted merely to my own eyes. Many of my
friends have examined the different portions of urine

$00 On Cutaneous Absorption.

drawn in different experiments; they have witnessed
the effects of the tests on these portions; they have
compared these effects with those produced by the same
tests on different fluids, as water, urine, and diluted se-
rum artificially coloured with madder; and they have
unanimously declared the results to be satisfactory and
decisive. I think no person of common candour,
could have witnessed these results without acquiescing
in their validity; indeed scepticism itself must have
turned believer, in view of proof so plain. I speak
with great confidence on this subject, since I consider it
impossible that so many of my scrutinizing friends,
as well as myself, should have been deceived.

From the effect that the sulphat of iron produces on
the red urine, I think it probable that the astringent
principle of the madder enters into the circulation,
passes the kidneys unaltered, and that the gallic acid
it contains seizes upon the oxy-sulphat of iron con-
tained in the common sulphat, and produces the brown
colour. The reason, doubtless, why the result is not
darker coloured, is, that the gallat of iron is very much
diluted by the fluid which contains it. The purple hue
is probably owing to red particles of madder floating
amidst the gallat of iron. I offer no solution of the
change produced on an infusion of madder, by means
of the vegetable alkali.

The red particles of the hae inevitably retained by
the serum, and the extremely diluted state of the mad-
der it contained, will very well account for the want of
effect produced on the different portions of serum to

On Cutaneous Absorption. 301

which the test was applied. ‘This is certain, that I
added several drops of a strong infusion of madder, to a
very small quantity of serum, and could not detect it by
my tests. One-sixth of the quantity of madder would
have been detected by the tests, in the same quantity of
water or urine.

Comparing the quantity of coloured urine, together
with the degree of colour exhibited in the two last ex-

‘periments, I should judge that not less than twenty or

thirty ounces of fluid were absorbed by the skin in the
last experiment. But it would be very difficult to
come at any thing like precision on this point.

Will it, after all, be said, that the lungs might absorb

the colouring part of the madder? I think not. Every

woollen-dyer knows too much to raise an objection like
this. The following experiment, however, is in point.
I distilled a pretty strong infusion of madder at the
boiling temperature. The fluid caught in the receiver
was colourless as water, and did not receive any colour
by the addition of the alkali. Nor did the boiling
heat in the least injure the colour of the infusion in the

retort. A few drops of it in water or urine could be

detected by the potash in the same manner as before.

Although the doctrine of cutaneous absorption may

- now be considered as resting on an immoyeable basis,

yet it remains for future experiments to show what are
the different substances which are absorbed, and with
what facility they may be made*to enter the skin. It

_ would, however, be an extremely limited view of the

SUPPL. Qq

302 On Cutaneous Absorption. :

subject, should we suppose that Nature prepared ‘the
cutaneous absorbents for the purpose merely of taking
in an infusion of madder, ‘The rational conclusion is,
that they have a higher destination, and that they occa-
sionally, if not constantly, take an active and important
part among the animal functions.

/

.
En

303

Statement of Deaths.

X. Statement of Deaths, with the Discs and Ages,

e City and Liberties of Philadelphia, from the

lst of January, 1808, to the 1st of January, 1809.

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Statement of Deaths.

304

CONTINUED.

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t Statement of Deaths. 305

. DEATHS IN EACH MONTH

OF THE ABOVE PERIOD.

Adults. | Children.{ Total.

January ° - . - 91 AS 136

*) February - - - 73 50 123
March - - - ) 91 3 154
April - - - 96 73 169

| May - - da 81 98 179
June - - - 95 132 227
July = ~ - 111 263 374
August » - - - 109 188 297
September - - - 88 97 185
October - - - 71 83 154

~ {November - . - 81 71 152
December : - - 59 62 121
Total - - - 1046 1225 2271

By order of the Board of Health,
~ WILLIAM NESBITT, Cleré.
Health Office, Fan. 21, 1809, \

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OBITUARY.

WILLIAM SHIPPEN, M. D., Professor of
Anatomy and Midwifery in the University of Pennsyl-
yania, died on the 11th day of July last, at the advanced
age of seventy-three. He was one of the principal
founders of the Meprcat Scuoot of Philadelphia ;
and, by his popular manner of teaching the sciences
which he professed, he contributed, in an eminent de-
gree, to the growth and reputation of the most exten-
sive and flourishing Medical Seminary in the United-
States. It is the intention of the Editor to give, ina
future number of the Journal, a ‘‘ Sketch of the Charac-
ter’? of his Preceptor and Friend.

— +o

Died in Philadelphia, on the 11th day of January
last, in the 47th year of his age, Matthias Barton, Esq.,
of Lancaster, in Pennsylvania. He was the son of the
Reverend Mr. Thomas Barton, for many years a mem-
ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Lancaster*,
and an elder Brother of the Editor of this Journal.

* Mr. Barton, the Father, died in New-York, in the year 1780.
He was one of the principal founders of the “ Juliana Library

SUPPL. Rr

310 Obituary. ;

Although Matthias Barton was but little known to the
world as a man of literature or science; and may,
therefore, seem to have but a slender claim to comme- ‘
moration in a work such as the present, yet he was the
means of considerably enlarging the stock of natural
knowledge in the United-States ; and as a man of exact
observation he was, perhaps, inferior to few of his ;
countrymen. :

In the course of his annual tours through many parts
of Pennsylvania, and the adjacent States, he indulged a -
strong, almost innate, desire to inquire into the natural
history of his country: and the mass of original matter
which he thus collected, and which he always commu-:
nicated to the Brother, who now endeavours, however
feebly or imperfectly, to commemorate his worth, was
very considerable. In particular, the facts which he col- :
lected, often from his own immediate observation, rela-
tive to the mannersand habits of the animals, especially the
viviparous Quadrupeds, the Birds, and the Fishes, are
some of the most curious and important that the Editor
has hitherto met with. He flatters himself, that they will
be considered as an important addition to the stock of
zoological history: they will, certainly, greatly inhance

}

Company” at Lancaster; and cultivated, with considerable success,
some of the branches of Natural History, at a.time when these stu-
dies were almost entirely neglected in Pennsylvania. He formed a
considerable collection of the Mineral Productions of Pennsylvania.
See a “ Discourse on some of the principal Desiderata in Natural
History,” &c., &c., page 86. '

Obituary. 31L

the value of the work in which he has been for many
years engaged, ‘‘ On the Instincts and Manners of Ani-
mals.”

Mr. Barton also made a large collection of the Mine-
ral Productions of Pennsylvania, the greater part of
which has come into the hands of the Editor. In this
collection, there are many rare specimens of the ores
and clays of Pennsylvania: and the fossil objects, repre-
senting the impressions. or images of organized bo-
dies, would be deemed a valuable acquisition to any
cabinet. 4

But these were not the only services which he ren-
dered to science. ‘Though uninstructed, without the
aid of a master, he excelled in the arts of Drawing and
Painting. A portion of the leisure which he was able
to snatch from the duties of his public station*; and
not a little of the time which he was put in possession
of by repeated attacks of the painful and distress-
ing malady¢ which ultimately removed him from his

friends and the world, were employed in painting, after
nature, many of the animal productions of his country.
His drawings, especially those of the birds and fishes of
Pennsylvania, are acknowledged, by many competent
judges, to be some of the most beautiful in natural his-

* Mr. Barton was eleven years a member of the legislature of

his native state, viz.: eight years a member of the House of Repre- “*

sentatives, and three of the Senate.

+ A hereditary Gout.

312 Obituary.

tory: in point of accuracy, the Editor is of opinion, that
they never have been excelled, and seldom equalled. .

Neither these inestimable drawings, nor the manuscript
observations, to which the Editor has alluded, shall be
lost. They have been preserved with care, and shalk
be given to the public, which will acknowledge them, in
this respect at least, as proofs of the correctness of this
eulogy of one, a Brother and a Friend, whose loss the
writer will never be able to repair: of a man whose
public usefulness, whose private ‘virtues, whose man-
ners, and the charms of whose society, had endeared
him to thousands.—To such worth and virtues, feeble
indeed is this tribute of respect and affection., But it
has one value, that of unaffected sincerity.

— +

Died lately at Chesnut-Hill, Dr. Amos Gregg, Jun.,
a young Physician of great merit. He devoted much
of his attention to the study of Natural History, espe-
cially of Botany, and was the author of seyeral papers
in this Journal.

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