Rensselaer Republican, Volume 20, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1888 — Turpentine in Diphtheria. [ARTICLE]

Turpentine in Diphtheria.

Medical Record. We have on several occasions referred to the use of turpentine in diphtheria. Recommended originallv in Germany, and claimed to be almost a specific, it was there, also, that the employment of the drug was subjected tojthe mostsevere criticism. Some recent publications have again d rawn attention to the alleged value of this substance, and most remarkable among these is an article by Dr. Roess, which appeared in “ L’he Therapeutischs Monatshatte.” The author asserts that he has employed turpentine in diphtheria for the past four years. In that time he lost only five cases out of sixty that came under treatment. Two of the fatal cases concerned infants one year old,who appeared moribund when first seen and died a few hours later. Tne other fatal cases were also unusually severe from the start, two dying in thirty-six boure, and one surviving five days. This is certainly a noteworthy' record, as diphtheria elatistica go. The oil of turpentine was administered in dram doses three times a day. Sweet kpirits cf niter was used as a corrective, in the proportion of one part of the spirits to fifteen of the turpentine. Symptoms of intoxication were never observed by the author. In addition to the turpentine, a 2 per cent, solution of sodium aalicy late was given every two hours in tablespoonful dosea. A gargle of chlorate of potash solution was likewise employed whenever possible. Under this plan of treatment rapid amelioration of local signs and constitutional symptoms was observed. Usually improvement began at once, and it was rarely necessary to push the drug beyond five or eight doses. It should be remarked in this connection, however, that a very generous and stimulating fluid diet (strong broth, port wine, milk, etc.,) formed a feature of Dr. Roese’s plan of treatment. Those who are inclined to be skeptical with regard to the utility of medicines in the severer forms of diptheria (and the profession contains many such) will scarcely accept the author’s figures without challenge. On the other hand, for the very reason that violent diphtheria ..ordinarily justifies so gloomy a prognosis, we are ever ready to employ any means at our command which may possioly reduca its frightful mortality. There ia no reason, therefore, why the turpentine treatment of this diease should not be given a fair tiiaL 0. J. Jones, the buffalo breeder of Kansaa, recently sold to Austin Corbin, president of lhe Reading railroad, six load of buffalo. They will be sent east before long and will be put on Mr, Corbins place on Long Island. ‘ »