Observations on spasmodic cholera : its origin, nature, and treatment : with remarks on epidemic diseases generally / by Henry M'Cormac.

Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on spasmodic cholera : its origin, nature, and treatment : with remarks on epidemic diseases generally / by Henry M'Cormac. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    ON SPASMODIC CHOLERA. I feel persuaded that epidemic diseases are not the ne- cessary heritage of mankind. Like other terrestrial pheno- mena, they have certain causes or precursors. It is frequently a difficult problem to ascertain what these are, although it is a matter of the utmost importance to do so; for without a knowledge of this kind, how can we devise means for arrest- ing the progress or preventing the inroads of epidemics ? The production of pestilence is a result of the operation of one of the various agents, which act upon the organization, and influence the operations of living bodies. It is an enor- mous evil, no doubt; but it is somewhat consolatory to become acquainted with the manner of its production, and to know that if it arise from some invasion of the physical laws of our nature, so, a better acquaintance with, and closer observance of these laws, will ensure our preservation. Every disease, without exception, whether epidemic or otherwise, arising from external causes, must take its origin from the operation of some one or other of the phenomena of nature, acting in opposition to the functions of our organi- zation. But the specific manner in which diseases arise, is still far from being accurately known, although there are few subjects of inquiry more worthy of being studied; for until we know this, how are the physical health and well-being of mankind to be effectually promoted l Diseases are mostly intractable enough, and it is infinitely desirable to be ac- quainted with every means of preventing their inroads. Most epidemics have had a local origin. Some particular concurrence of circumstances generated the poison to which the first susceptible person exposed was the victim, and he in turn became the origin and the means of its further pro- pagation. This circumstance seems truly strange and mys- terious. It would appear to us enough, that those persons only should be affected who came within the influence of