An account of the epidemic fever of 1847-48, more especially as deduced from the statistical records of the extra accommodation of the Royal Infirmary : with a suggestion and plan for improved and more economical temporary erections for future occasions / by Robert Paterson, M.D.

  • Paterson, Robert, 1814-1889.
Date:
[1848?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An account of the epidemic fever of 1847-48, more especially as deduced from the statistical records of the extra accommodation of the Royal Infirmary : with a suggestion and plan for improved and more economical temporary erections for future occasions / by Robert Paterson, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    typhus and relapsing cases. It will be observed that these tents were only in use during the summer months; and the benefit arising from their use corresponds and bears out an important fact which has been long known to the profession, viz. that a greater number of cases seem to recover in the out-houses, and more especially in country cottages or huts, than do in hospital practice. This obser- vation was long ago made in Ireland, and subsequently by Dr Alison in his account of the fever epidemic of 1826-27; and I entirely agree with him in the bad effects which removal, and especially late removals, have upon the recovery of the patients sent to hospital. In addition, however, to the effects of removal, they are placed in a ward amongst a great number of patients labouring under the same disease; and unless the place is thoroughly ventilated, I am satisfied that the patients suffer by the combination. In the tents we noticed the effects of free ventilation and subdivision of the cases in the most perfect way. It seemed to act as a stimulus to the constitution to make greater efforts to throw off the disease, the complexions of the patients soon assumed a brighter aspect, and a much smaller amount of stimuli was required throughout the disease. When we combine the success of the treatment in these tents with the comfort experienced both by patients and attendants, the little expense that such erections cost, and their being useful on more occasions than one, it would be but justice to give them, in any future summer epidemic, a fair and fuller trial.* If a building could be produced, which would combine the open canvas covering and free ventilation of a summer tent, with the power of changing it at once and without removal of patients into a substantial winter abode, it would enable those who have the management of temporary erections, on such emergencies, to put more fully to the test the striking result of the statistics of the treatment of fever which I have just laid down. Some rough ideas, which my experience in these matters enabled me to suggest, have been kindly put into proper shape by ray friend Mr Peter Hamilton, architect. The short explanation which I have annexed will be better understood by reference to the plan. Supported on square stone bases, a little elevated from the level of the ground, let wooden or cast-metal pillars be erected at regu- lar distances of ten feet, and ten feet high; from the top of each * 1 n Dr O'Brien's account of the epidemic of ] 826-27, he mentions the erection of a shed in the garden of the Meath Hospital, capable of containing 240 patients; also of a series of tents in the lawn, which accommodated 180 more. No mention, however, is made of the result of tlie treatment in these places. I am also aware that tents were erected in connexion with some of the hospitals in Ireland, and also in America, during the present fever; and although I have received accounts from physicians in some parts of Ireland of the successful result of the treatment in them, yet I have not been al)le to procure any .statistical data.