Treatment of Cholera in the Royal Hospital, Haslar

Synopsis

On admission the patient was immediately placed in a hot bath, from 104° to 112° of Fahrenheit, in relation to the reduction of circulatory power, and of superficial heat; diligent friction of the abdomen and extremities, according to the place and violence of the spasms, being at the same time practiced.  The measure seldom failed, except in cases of extreme collapse, to excite some warmth, abate cramps, and lessen suffering, at least, for a time.

Occasionally, but chiefly when the patient represented the vomited fluid as being sour, a solution of carbonate of soda in water was substituted for plain water, as a portion of drink.  Sinapisms were sometimes applied; aromatics were now and then, though seldom, prescribed; and in two cases, where with moderately firm pulse, spasms were universal and excessively severe, blood was taken from the arm.  Pans with hot water were often applied to various parts of the body, but could seldom be long borne, or kept in place, from spasms or other causes of restlessness in the patient.

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