The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware  19735

Telephone: 302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:         Vaughan, John, 1775-1807.                           

Title:               Papers

Dates:             1797-1802

Call No.:         Col. 319

Acc. No.:        62x22, 65x519

Quantity:        2 volumes (plus items laid in)

Location:        17 J 3

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

John Vaughan was a physician in Wilmington, Delaware.  Born in 1775, he was educated in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 1793 and 1794, while studying to be a doctor, he attended lectures on medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  Vaughan practiced medicine in Delaware, first at Christiana Bridge and later at Wilmington.  He was a member of a number of professional organizations, including the Philadelphia Academy of Medicine, the Medical Society of Philadelphia, the American Medical Association, and the Delaware Medical and Philosophical Societies.  He was a prolific author on medical and scientific topics.  Vaughan died in 1807 of typhoid fever. 

 

John Vaughan was married to Eliza Lewis.  A court document of 1811 lists their children as Lewis C., John D., Joshua F., Edmund, and Anna Eliza, all of whom were under the age of 14 in 1811.  Son Joshua Franklin Vaughan (1802-1834) became a physician.  Joshua married Louisa M. Sellers (born 1814), and they had one son, J. Frank Vaughan. 

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Consists of a diary, "Medical Diary no. 3," and a ledger, "Ledger no. 2.B." that has newspaper clippings laid in.  The ledger, covering 1796-1798, documents such activities as inoculating children, bandaging, visitations, and prescribing medicines.  In many instances, the medicines used were listed (names in Latin).  References to care provided to journeymen and other workers were made under the master's account.    The volume was later used as a scrapbook and contains clippings of poems, anecdotes, and short stories.  Three bills, two made out to Mrs. Vaughan for painting, window glass, and a light fixture, were laid in (now in separate folder).  Murdick & Duff painted a house in 1850; John C. Brison supplied a light fixture in 1853.  (This Mrs. Vaughan was probably not the widow of John Vaughan, but rather the widow of his son or wife of a grandson.)

 

Dr. Vaughan used his diary to list climatic conditions (temperature, wind direction, and weather) from July 1797 to December 1801.  As he believed that these conditions influenced the occurrences of diseases at certain times of the year, he noted what his patients suffered from during the same period.  Occasionally, he copied an article he read, something he had heard, or a letter that he had either written or received about a medical matter.  One of his correspondents was Dr. Benjamin Rush.  The diary also features Vaughan's observances of the yellow fever epidemic in Wilmington in 1802.  The back of the volume contains "A Catalog of the Books belonging to the Library of J.F. Vaughan, M.D., 1826," listing books on medicine, materia medica, and chemistry, plus "miscellaneous books," which included a Bible, an encyclopedia set, a dictionary, and history books.

 

A group of extracts addressed to Miss Anna E. Vaughan was found laid in one of the volumes.

 

   

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English, with Latin medical terms.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

           

 

PROVENANCE

 

Medical diary (acc. 62x22) transferred from museum.

Ledger (65x519) transferred from museum (museum no. 59.2751); purchased from William Baldwin.

 

 

RELATED MATERIALS

 

Diary available in microfilm for use in repository, Mic. 881.

 

Diaries and letters of both John and Joshua F. Vaughan are held by the Delaware Historical Society, Wilmington, Delaware.

 

John Vaughan helped to train William Darlington as a doctor; Dr. Darlington’s papers are held by the Chester County Historical Society, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Vaughan, Joshua Franklin, 1802-1834.

            Vaughan, Anna Eliza (Anna Eliza Vaughan Grubb), 1807-1874.

 

Topics:

Diseases - Causes and theories of causation.

Epidemics - Delaware - Wilmington. 

Medical care, Cost of.

Medical records.

Medicine - History - 19th century.

Meteorology - Observations - Delaware - Wilmington.

Physicians - Diaries.

Private libraries - Delaware - Wilmington.

Yellow fever - Delaware - Wilmington.

Diaries.

Account books.

Poetry.

Scrapbooks.

Bills of sale.

Physicians.

 

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location:

 

Folder 1:          “Medical Diary, no. 3., commenced January 1, 1797,” and continuing through 1802.  (acc. 62x22)

                                    See transcription below;

                                    Medical and meteorological notes of John Vaughan, covering 1797-1802.  Also includes copies of some letters and newspaper articles.  Includes a list of those who died in or survived the 1802  yellow fever epidemic in Wilmington.

 

Volume also used to list books in the library of Dr. Joshua Franklin Vaughan (son of John Vaughan), 1826-1827.

 

Folder 2:          Ledger no. 2.B., covering 1796-1798. (acc. 65x519)

                                    The ledger was later used as a scrapbook, and a number of pages are covered with newspaper clippings.

 

Folder 3:          loose bills found in the ledger:

                       

                        Jan. 29, 1801, but not clear what was being charged.

 

                        1850-1851, to Mrs. Vaughan from Murdick & Duff, for painting stairs, mantle, front of house, etc., and one pane of window glass.

 

                        Dec. 11, 1853, to Mrs. Vaughan from John C. Brison, Wilmington, for gilt cut glass light pendant, labor, repairs to chandelier.  On printed billhead: Brison did plumbing and gas fitting.

 

Folder 4:          poems and extracts addressed to Miss Anna E. Vaughan, present;

                        Essay: “The Beauties of Nature”;

                        Partial writing, maybe of an essay

 

Folder 5:          newspaper clippings, some dated from 1830s, found in ledger (which was also used as a scrapbook); also an illustration of children, “The Fisherman’s Return”

 

Folder 6:          notes about the medical diary kept by the volunteer who transcribed it

 

Folder 7:          “The Diary of Dr. John Vaughan,” play script (may be a draft) based on Dr. Vaughan’s medical diary, performed as a project at Widener University under the guidance of Robert J. Bonk.

 

                       

                       

 

 


TRANSCRIPTION OF THE DIARY (acc. 62x22)

 

[Note: page numbers have been added in pencil, and begin with the first entry, after several blank pages.  Blank pages throughout the diary have been numbered.  The entries themselves do not necessarily follow from page to page, but sometimes skip around.  When this occurred, the transcription follows the entries in their proper order, not page number order.  All page numbers are noted.  The transcription has not been checked against the text.]

 

[front flyleaf]

August 18, 1819

 

[title page]

MEDICAL DIARY NO. 3

Commenced January ye 1st A.D. 1797

Containing a Meteorological Table for every month; with a Nosological description of the diseases, which occur in their respective months; & a Pathological narration of such as are unusual or otherwise important.

 

[unnumbered blank pages]

[page 1]

Js. McCoy AEtat.* 23. for a week or ten days laboured under a Cattarh affliction at

length was attacked with a Chill & subsequent pyrexia, pain in the side, & I was called to on the 4th day – when I found his pulse very quick & full – expectoration fractial & frothy – cough troublesome – I drew Zxij** of blood which appeared almost a C[illegible] – the crassamentum a dissolved gelatinous mixture a partial separation of yellow serum Interspersed with flakes of red globules – gave the antimonial nitrous febrifuges & -

5th – symptoms stationary – the blood drawn today, Zxij was more compact – alias ut supra-

6th – The pain in his side was relieved for a few hours by bleeding- but returned – the blood drawn today showed a slight inflammatory buff – alias ut supra

recovered

[*AEtat.= age

**Zxij=12 ounces]

 

[page 2: blank]

 

[page 3]

L. Peterson AEtat.25 (Robinson’s man) had a catarrhal affection for 10 days - & at length was attacked with a Chill. Pyrexia & the usual symptoms of Pneumonia – pain in the right side – on the third day he spit a mixed red gelatinous fluid – on the 4th when I saw him he spat a white frothy substance – his pulse was quick & tense – I drew 18 oz. of blood which diminished the action of his pulse considerably – the blood a few minutes after it was drawn resembled thick molasses – gave Antimon. Nit. Feb.& the next time I saw him was at work – his recovery far surpassed my expectations.

I was called to see Wm. Colter AE30 of a very meager habit, on the 8th day of a Peri[illegible]y his pulse was very feeble great oppression at the precordia-his skin parched & hot – he died on the 10th day-

 

[page 4]

Ann Harris AEtat.18 (healthy& athletic) was attacked with Pneumonia – expectoration streaked with blood- pain in the right side – pulse quick & tense – At 10 AM I drew 12 ounces of blood which on cooling separated in a sand box form & then more of the inflammatory buff than any I have drawn this season – gave Ant.Nit. fb. & in which procured 3 or 4 [illegible] evacuations – perspiration. In this evening the pain & pyrexia were but little abated – I drew more blood – 2 – She rested tolerably well & the next morning was much easier – but in the night her disease was renewed by cold – I drew more blood which still showed the sizy buff - & applied a blister to the part affected – she was troubled for two days with a bilious diarrhea which was as frequent as 20 times a day – but was removed by 10 of Tal. & 10 of Calomel. Her recovery was pretty speedy.

 

[pages 5-9: blank]

 

[page 10]

Mrs. Thompson Aetat. 35 an extremely delicate hysterical lady – who had born several children & suffered 3 or 4 abortions in the seventh month of her pregnancy was attacked with a uterine hemorrhage, & pains resembling labour – but by the loss of 12 0z of blood, & the use of El. Vitriol. Root etc.– she carried it 3 weeks longer –When she was again attacked with severe pain - & at 7 PM the membranes ruptured & discharged their waters – after which a hemorrhage came on – I was called 11 PM when the midwife informed me of her situation - & that all her attempts to deliver were ineffectual – her pain was trifling – but uniformly preceded by syncope – I thought it most advisable to exhibit an anodyne to procure rest 7 probably a renewal of forcible pains - She now even remained in this situation until 4 PM of the next day when after a short sleep her pains became forcible & she was delivered of a dead child.

Her recovery surpassed any expectations. She was occasionally supported by mild cordials.

 

[page 11]

Mrs. McMullen Aetat.30 an indigent laborious woman who had born three children. Two of her labours were very difficult – was attacked with labour on the 5th & continued until the evening when I was called to see – on entering the room I was struck with the size of her belly, & the midwife informed me that the waters were just evacuated – her pains were forcible & in a few minutes she was delivered of a female child at full size – in a few minutes the pains recurred & a second evacuation of water – preceded by two male children entwined by their navel strings – the prec ordines soon followed & all was completed in 10 or 15 minutes. The three had but one placenta in common which was preternatural in size measuring 9 or 10 inches in diameter, & attached to the left of the fundus uteri – the umbilical cords of the two boys entered the placenta close in contact & they lay in a separate nidus from the girl form by a reflexion of the deciduas – their necks lay parallel & their navel strings were Knotted on each side which perhaps happened about the 7th month. They were putrid & the centrile eroded – the umbilical cord of the girl was inserted 4 inches from those of the boys.

 

[pages 12-14: blank]

 

[page 15]

June

The first part of June was more like April that its common predecessor – frequent showers & cool – but the latter end was extremely dry & much warmer than the beginning –

 

[pages 16-18 blank]

 

[pages 19-20]

July A.D. 1797

Date    Temp   Weather           Winds

1          82        C                     SW

2          86        do.                   do.

3          83        do.                   SSW

4          80        do.                   W

5          74        CC                   S by W

6          76        C                     do.

7          71        CC misty         SSE

8          89        Shower            SSE

9          84        C                     SSW

10        80        C Lt. shower   SW/SSE

11        82        C                     SW

12        80        do.                   do.

13        84        do.                   W

14        80        CC L.Gust.     SW/SSE

15        90        Cr. do.             do.

16        84        Cr.                   SW

17        80        CC Mist          NE

18        84        C-r. [Clear?]    W

19        86        C-r.                  SW

20        85        do.                   do.

21        88        CC                   do.

22        88        C                     W

23        83        Cr. R.C.           W/SE

24        80        Cr.                   SW

25        79        Cr.                   W

26        84        CC                   SSW

27        83        Cr.                   S by W

28        88        Cr. L.R.           SE

29        80        CC L.R.          SSE

30        79        Cr.L.R.            do.

31        78        R                     do.

 

[pages 21-27 blank]

 

[page 28]

Mete

 

[page 29]

AUGUST 1797

1          78        R.        NE

2          76        do.       do.

3          73        do.       do.

4          72        do.       do.

5*        79        do.       do.

The remainder of this month the register was interrupted from incidental causes. The weather was for the most part cool, particularly in the mornings.

*There was the largest fresh in Christiana that has been since ’75 – It carried away Mrs. Welsh’s new store & done immense damage.

 

[page 30 - blank]

 

[page 31]

The month of August was unusually healthy, the usual diseases of the season had scarcely a name. Boils & cutaneous eruptions were very general, but few were exempted, & as they diminished, our usual diseases commenced; though in a very partial degree…..

 

[page 32 -blank]

 

[pages 33-34; note: The following letter and excerpt appear in the journal in this location, but are dated several years later than the surrounding text. Presumably they were written on pages which had been left blank, at the later date. After the excerpt, the text resumes in November of 1797]

 

Copy of a Letter from Dr. B. Rush to Dr. J Vaughan, dated Sept. 1st 1801-

Dear Sir

I agree with you in the case you have described being scrophulous. The remedies for it should be local & general. The tumor on the face may easily be taken off by occasional & successive applications of arsenic. I have extracted such tumors after they have ulcerated by means of that caustic. It is the safest of all the caustics, inasmuch as it never acts upon sound flesh so as to destroy it. Lenient discutients should be applied to the other tumors. With these external applications she should take calomel & bark according to the state of her pulse. Both will be improper until that is reduced by means of gentle physic, low diet, and perhaps the loss of a little blood. Gentle exercise should be used daily. I have known it in two instances discuss obstinate tumors. It acts by invigorating the whole , & of course every part of the system. It should be addressed like Bark & Calomel only in the reduced state of the system.

Her diet like all the above external remedies should be regulated by the state of her pulse, and the condition of her system.

From Dr. Sir yours very

Respectfully,

Benjn. Rush

 

[page 35]

From “Poulson’s Daily Advertiser” of the 26th of Jan. 1802 the following is extracted:

Dr. Barton, of London, had discovered a method pf mixing vital air with wine, in sufficient quantities to produce a very efficacious remedy in all kinds of fevers, nervous affections, and in cases of pregnancy-

Professor Callissen of Copenhagen, had read at a meeting of the Royal Academy of Medicine, a treatise, in which he proves that the external application of boiling water, in cases of internal inflammation, produces a more speedy & effectual relief than blisters.

 

[page 36 - blank]

 

[page 37]

NOVEMBER

Meteorological observations

D.W.M.           Temp. Weather                       Winds

16                    27        C-y [cloudy?]              NW

17                    28        first snow – 1 inch      WNW

 

[page 38 - blank]

 

[page 39]

The winter of ’97 was remarkably healthy – but very pleurisies & even catarrhs that demanded medical aid.

In the commencement of ’98 catarrhs were very numerous, but mostly mild.

In the neighborhood of Glasgow there were a number of sudden deaths , denominated the affects of Phrenitus by Dr. Haslet. A Mrs. Wharm of that Neighbourhood, for some time subject to a chronic catarrh & occasional fever; was attacked with a Chill about four oclock on a Sunday afternoon – fever succeeded & in 24 hours she died. A similar case fell under my care on the 10th of March.

 

[page 40: contains note indicated by asterisk on page 41, and this note is transcribed at the bottom of the passage on page 41]

[page 41-43; p. 42 blank]

Mr. Samuel Higgins, AEtat.26 has been indisposed for some weeks with a Cattarrhal affection, & on the 10th at a Fox chase was attacked with a fever Chill of two hours duration, during which he drank an immense quantity of cold water, & vomited incessantly. Fever succeeded, & about an hour after its commencement I saw him. He had a very frequent dry cough, oppression at the breast with pain & pain in the head – pulse full & tense & in sum the symptomata of pneumonia complete – I drew about 12 oz of blood * & gave him powder compound of Tal. Tart. Et Cremor Tartar to restrain the vomiting- An hour after bleeding he seemed considerably relieved-

11th At 7 AM I visited him & to my great astonishment found him quite exhausted. His pulse was soft & feeble – his extremities cold & of a leaden hue – his lips & tongue covered with a dark fur, & in fissures of a considerable depth- & a complete Typhomania – his eyes of a glazy appearance & the pupils somewhat enlarged.  [page 43] Blisters were applied & cardiac potions exhibited but to no purpose, he died comatose at 4 PM codem dis.

No warning given, unceremonious fate, a sudden oust from life’s meridian joys.

 

*The blood separated on standing, but the crassamentum, although collected in the form of a cake, seem’d soft & a number of fibers on its surface.  [This note found on page 40]

 

[page 44 - blank]

 

[page 45-46]

Mrs. Springer, AEtat. [blank] Was attacked with a most violent pain in her right eye attended with an aftermath chills & flashed of heat – The pain though continual was much worse at sometimes than others. I was called in about two weeks from the attack – when I found her almost exhausted – her pulses soft & frequent attended with subsultus tendineum – hysteric faintings - & great muscular debility – Blisters had been applied to shoulders, & several purges exhibited. As the pain was in some measure periodical & unattended with fever – I gave her Huxhams tincture of the bark & in as large quantities as her stomach would bear - & applied every form of Collyria that I could possibly suggest. Though they were nicely palliative, the faints would always relieve her for some hours, but it still returned – At length I began to conclude that nothing but a restoration of her menses would effecually relieve & yet this practice appeared somewhat critical from her period of life – With this intention I electrified her twice a day & gave a vitriolated tincture of SalMartis so as to exhibit from 6 to 8 grs. [page 46] grs. of the S.M per day – In two days her menses appeared, & she was immediately relieved from pain & is now perfectly restored – She had a similar affection of her eye about two years ago, subsequent to the measles – when she took a cathartic every other day for five weeks by the advice of her quack Dr. M.

Note, when I was called in this attack, the tunica conjunctiva was of a liver color, & a leaden film covered the cornea – tho’ not so as to render the eye impervious to the light –

A variety of plaisters were applied but to little purpose – the best collyria was a solution of opium & S. Saturni.

 

[page 47]

Mrs. Taylor was some days subject to a catarrhal affection & about 11 oclock every day was attacked with a violent shooting pain in the right frontal sinus, which extended in different directions through her head. From a presumption that bark will cure most periodical pains, I exhibited it in this case in the morning, but it was inadmissible from the imbecility of her stomach & affection of her breast. I then applied a plaister of Opium & Spirit Cornu Corvi to the region of the sinus - & one application effectually cured her.

I have been informed here of a case of periodical pain in the eye subsequent to the natural smallpox that was cured in a few days by the P. Barks.

 

[pages 48-49: blank]

 

[page 50]

JULY, 1798

On the second day of July the mercury in a Northern exposure in the shade stands at 95 at 3 PM & at 90 at sunset. And on the third at 94 at 3 PM.

(At Salem in Massachusetts the Mercury rose to 99 at 3 PM on the second day of July – Aurora.)

At New Milford (Connecticut) the Mercury stood at 101 on the 2nd of July.

 

[page 51 - blank]

 

[page 52]

Mrs. Dickson – Aetat.27 & the mother of four Children. About one month after parturition was attacked with pain in the Hypogastrium - & incessant vomiting & fever – Her Physician supposed her case a Hysteritis & drew 60 oz. of blood – After she laid about five weeks I was called in & found her subject to a king of hysteric-convulsions & during the paroxysma her attendants supposed her dying – she had also a most incessant singultus & violent periodical pains in the abdomen – after giving anodynes to quiet the stomach – I gave her muskin pills which immediately removed the singultis & her recovery far surpassed the expectations, & even astonished her attendants. She had but one natural evacuation.

 

[page 53-54: blank]

 

[page 55]

Meteorological  Observations of Aug. 1798

D. M.   Temperature    Weather           Winds

10        93                    C-r. ([lear?]      SE

11        921/2               Idem                do.

12        90                    Do.                  SW

13        80

14        87                    freq. rain & sultry

15        90                    do.

16        88                    do.                   SW

17        86                    Clear                SW

20        83                    Rain                 do.

21        88                    Clear                SE

22        83                    Do.                  SW

23        80                    Do                   Do

24        83                    Do                   SE

25        95                    Do                   Do

26        90                    Do                   Do

27        86                    Sultry with rain Do

28        85                    Cloudy with rain Do

29        75                    Clear                SW

 

[pages 56-58 - blank]

 

[page 59]

Meteorological  Observations of September 1798

D. M.   Temperature    Weather           Winds

3          75                    Cloudy with rain NE

4          78                    Do.                  Do.

5          75                    Clear                NW

6          76                    Do.                  SE

7          74                    Cloudy with a little rain Do.

8          74                    Clear                Do.

9          76                    Do.                  NE

10        79                    Do.                  Do.

11        77                    Do.                  Do.

12        75                    Cloudy            Do.

13        76                    Clear                Do.

14        79                    Do.                  SE

15        80                    Do.                  Do.

16        84                    Do.                  Do.

17        83                    Do.                  Do.

18        83                    Cloudy with rain NE

19        82                    Frequent rains Do.

20        81                    Showers          SE

21        78                    Clear                NE

22        78                    Do.                  Do.

23        75                    Do.                  Do.

24        75                    High winds     NW

25        65                    Do.                  Do.

26        64                    Do.                  Do.

27        65                    Do.                  Do.

28        60                    Do.                  Do.

29        61                    Do.                  Do.

30        69                    Calm                Do.

 

[pages 60-62 - blank]

 

[page 63]

Meteorological  Observations of September 1798 [sic, probably means October 1798]

D.M.    Temperature    Weather           Winds

1          69                    clear                 N. W.

2          72                    Do                   Do

3          70                    Do                   Do

4          70                    Do                   Do

5          74                    Do                   Do

6          75                    cloudy with rain Do

7          70                    Do                   Do

8          69                    Do                   N.E.

9          70                    clear                 Do

10        72                    Do                   Do

11        73                    Do                   Do

12        70                    Do                   Do

13        62                    cloudy                         Do

14        60                    Do                   Do

15        62                    clear                 N.W.

16        62                    Do                   Do

 

October

27 Rain the first of any consequence for eight weeks

On the 20th of November a snow fell six inches in depth

 

 

[pages 64-68 - blank]

 

[page 69]
The year 1799 being in nowise remarkable, & being also engaged in the business; my meteorological diary was interrupted until June 1800 – when I resolved to renounce politics, & other pursuits unconnected with Medicine-

The previous part of the season was remarkably cool- the weather pretty uniform- but there were peculiarities in the diseases indicative of a peculiarity of conditions of the atmosphere:

a. The Small pox by inoculation was distinct & favourable; but in the natural way, almost uniformly confluent, & uncommonly fatal.

b. Glandular Swellings, & various species of intumessentia, was unprecedentedly numerous.

c. The Cynanche Trachealis, was so prevalent in Feb. & March, that considerable alarm was excited – see Med. Ref. vol. 13-

d. Erysipelas & other cutaneous affections were remarkably frequent & obstinate.

[page 70]

The latter part of June/ from the 25th was showery – Thunder gusts frequent, & cholera infantum became frequent, also. Query – had the electricity of the atmosphere any affect on the bowels of children?

Dissected Mrs. White’s girl child AEtat [blank]. It was from its birth distressed with a most laborious respiration.

In dissecting off the integuments I found it was destitute of a sternum – the true ribs were joined by a soft cartilage – the heart was twice its usual size – the lungs were flattened & nearly encircled the thorax. The liver was preternatural in size, the spleen small & diseased.

 

[note: Here the meteorological tables were recorded on the right hand side of each page (even numbered pages), while the text was recorded on the left hand side (odd numbered pages).]

 

[page 71]

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS June 1800

D.M.    Temp. Weather           Winds

Mod.

[illegible]

12        80        dry                   SSW

13        85        PM thundergust WNW

14        85        dry                   S

15        73        dry                   E by N

16        71        dry                   SW

17        75        dry                   S

18        70        Cloudy with showers E

19        65        Do. Do.           SE by E

20        731/2   dry                   SE by E

21        78        dry                   SE by E

22        78        dry                   SW by W

23        79        dry                   E

24        82        dry                   SSE

25        82        Cloudy with showers E by S

26        79        Thundergust    W by S

27        84        gusts                SW

28        86        gusts                SSW

29        82        dry                   SW

30                    dry                   W

 

[page 72]

The latter part of June & beginning of July children were much affected with ulcerations of the mouth- in one case attended with induration of the glands of the neck.

A few grown persons had Hives so called – a nondescript eruption.

A few cases of violent rheumatoid affections of the head – mostly cured by active cathartics – Webster says a pestilential atmosphere – exerts special influence on the glandular system & head.

8 The first case of Dysentery , so called, occurred today.

9 The first case of Remittent – is connected without local inflammation in a woman near 80 years of age

13th I had a rheumatic affection of the head, & had my forehead blistered by the application of Spirit C. Cervi – tho it was not applied more than 10 minutes- I had frequently applied it before, without this effect & the apothecary of whom I obtained it observed, that he had frequently applied the same on himself without blistering – It showed an inflamm. Diathesis.

[note: additional medical notes for July are found on page 74]

 

[pages 73 and 75 – July 1-20 on page 73, 21-31 on page 75, but all put into one chart here]

METEOROLOGIC OBSERVATIONS JULY 1800

D.M.    Temp. Weather           Winds

1          76        dry                   NW

2          78        dry                   NE

3          80        dry                   NE

4          76 ½    showery           NE

5          82 ½    dry                   SW

6          88        dry                   W

7          91        dry                   W

8          86        dry                   E

9          90        dry                   W

10        91        dry                   W

11        89        dry                   W

12        86                                W by S

13        84        dry                   W by S

14        79        thundergust     SE

15        80        dry                   NNE

16        74        do                    NNE

17        74        do                    NNE

18        85        do                    SE

19        87        do                    S

20        91        thundergust     W by S

*from 5 PM of the 20th to 7 AM of the 21st there was a variation of 15 degrees

 

[page 75; see below for transcription of notes on page 74]

21        72        cloudy                         E by S

22        88        wet                  E by S

23        74        dry                   ENE

24        84        dry                   S by W

25        88        dry                   N by W

26        86        do                    W by N

27        86        do                    E

28        84        do                    NE

29        86        do                    E

30        87        do                    SE by E

31        91        do                    W by S

 

[entries for August 1-4 have been crossed out; see page 85 for August 1800]

 

[page 74]

14th Mrs. Alrichs Cd. [child] AEtat 3 Mths was affected with chollra infantum severely, & on rubbing it with brandy in the usual way a painful evacuation immediately succeeded-

In the night of the 14th 6 of my family were attacked with dysenteric symptoms without any manifest exciting causes, but the change of temperature –

From the 13th to the 17th the temperature changed 10 degrees& in the evenings & mornings the change was much greater. This sudden change produced a resolution or gradation in the diarrhea infantum – several cases put on violent dysenteric symptoms.

17th The first of Intermittent that occurred to me this season, presented today in a millwright, who contracted his disease by working over water in the cool days of the 13th & 14th – it was of the tertian type-

The cholera infantum was perhaps more numerous this month than ever known in this place. Children of the second summer were the general subjects – It was much aggravated by dentition – laving the gums often gave relief

 

[pages 75-78: Here the text is interrupted by the following letter:]

COPY OF A LETTER TO DR. CALDWELL & DR. RUSH – ON THE DISEASES OF THE SEASON-

July 8th, 1800

Agreeably to the interchange of promises which occurred during my visit in your city respecting a correspondence, I send you a SYLLABUS of The Diseases of the Season, & request your opinion on the subject as soon as convenient-

In the latter part of winter and commencement of spring, the Cynanche Trachealis was Epidemic beyond precedent in this place: & this disease was succeeded by a fe cases of malignant Cynanche in grown persons, & indolent swellings of the glands of the neck in children – a few cases suppurated-

Smallpox, commenced earlier in the Season, in the natural way & was malignant beyond Example. Almost every case was confluent- frequently purple or black & fatal. But by Inoculation – pretty mild. Convulsions were however uncommonly frequent & violent in the eruptive fever. The natural tendency of the Disease made me peculiarly attentive to my Inoculated patients: yet a few had it very bad-

The Smallpox ceased in the beginning of May; & casual eruptions followed it. I call them casual because I cannot refer them to specific contagion, tho’ I believe them to be owing to a peculiarity of Atmosphere. The ordinary force of this Eruption is usually called Nevis in children – in grown persons it was erysipolatous or herpetic, & in some cases it was an intumescence of the face, mostly confined to the cheek or jaw, attended with but little pain. In one case, in a young Lady of an irritable Habit, it was an universal

[page 77]

herpes farinous. Her parents at first thought her poisoned – next infected, & she was sent into the country. But after waiting three weeks without relief, she returned to town. I cured in ten Days, by a course of Mercurial Alteratives- with occasional purging. A case somewhat similar, but milder in degree, occurred in a girl of about six years of age – was cured by saline laxatives in three Days – In the beginning of June children were affected with ulcerations of the Mouth – in one case attended with swelling of the glands of the neck – grown persons with the Hives in a few cases violent- From the twentieth of June, as the weather became warmer with frequent thunder gusts, children were attacked with Cholera & Diarrhea ina more general Degree than is reflected in this place, particularly so early in the Season. In one case the Cholera terminated in an Ulceration of the mouth – hence the sameness of the Disease. A number of Cases of Cholera have occurred in grown persons, but specifically referred to eating Cherries. But was not the Cherries a more exciting cause of the Disease? One case, in a young Lady, terminated inan eruption of the Skin. This Eruption also proved critical in a gentleman a few Days since. He was attacked in the night, with great oppression of the precordia & to use his own words with “such distressed feelings that he could not describe them”; but on bathing his feet, he was considerably relieved & an Eruption appeared on his Skin. He called on me next Day, & as some apprehension remained, I gave him a Cathartic. But considering the Disease as a Cholera translated to the Skin by the Bath I gave a very small Dose, & one third of that operated.

[page 78]

I have observed a peculiar tendency of Wounds to violent inflammation & gangrene – the slightest scratch in some cases, produces violent irritation & pain. I was lately consulted on the case of a Lady affected with tetanus from the prick of a needle; & was this day consulted on a Case of painful inflammation of the hand, resulting from a blister produced by rowing. I have been informed of two cases a few miles N.W. in the Country, in which gangrene occurred in small phlegmons. And also, I had considerable Difficulty in preventing it in a Case of Fistula in Ano, a few Days since. It may be necessary to observe, that the fistula had three Sinuses- two of them extending laterally two inches from the Anus – all of which I laid open. There was no vitiation of habit in this case –

It may, also be worth of Remark, that difficult Labours have been unusually numerous, throughout the last year, & natural presentations rendered tedious, by a rigidity of the Os Uteri, even in Women who had before easy Labours. Pueperal fever proportionately frequent-

The disappearance of Birds is a phenomenon of some importance in the History of the Day. Cherry Trees are undisturbed- marshes divested by the blackbirds, & the common warbler fled to a more hospitable clime –

Vegetation is more luxuriant this season than it has been for 20 years – so say old men – the more subjects for putrefaction –

J.V.

 

[page 79]

JULY 18TH, 1800

An infant swallowed a large cherry stone which descended into the rectum, & obstructed the passage of faeces. I extracted it with small forceps.  But on using a pair of forceps made of silver wire, they were completely tarnished of a shining purplish yellow – the effect was very slight on polished silver probes – the feces had been retained several days by the stone, were of a shining yellow colour & the consistence of thick soft soap. This Child has laboured under a diarrhea for 3 weeks.

19th J. Halens[?], a laborious man, but of a broken constitution, was indisposed this forenoon, & at 3 came home – went to bed in violent fever & immediate delirium – pain hips & bones – tenesmus, with great anxiety & distress. On being called I bled him & gave 2 oz. of Rochelle salt in solution. He vomited soon after & the dose was repeated – a considerable quantity of feces was evacuated – it was black granulated like coffee grounds & very fetid. Injections of soap suds were frequently given, which corrected this factor considerably & changed the appearance of the excrements in some measure.

[page 80]

20th He was somewhat relieved – his fever moderate – delirium removed & pain & tenesmus mitigated – 1 oz. of ol. Ricini was given every half hour until a free evacuation was obtained – injections occasionally – the fecal matter was still darkish but mixed with yellow bile.

PM his fever increased – pulse full & his eyes suffused – 12 oz. more blood was drawn & the termina was considerably the following alterative was given [Latin abbreviations] in two pills an hour different. He expressed great relief from bleeding.

21st He rested tolerably well during the night – In the morning symptoms were aggravated. 1 oz. ol. Ricini was given – large quantities of drink - tartrite of potash in solution as occasional drink – his pulse soft –

PM The tormina was considerably relieved – evacuations bilious – fever moderate – gave the mus. hydra [?] every two hours (8 grs) alkaline draught continued –

[page 81]

Hora somnis – One pil. A. clyanthera [?] & julep carbonate [?] of potash every two hours with 8 Gtt* [*Gtt=drops] the bain [?] – fever slight-

22nd He had an uneasy night, considerable pain & copious evacuation continued – AM Gave the carbonated julep – his drink a weak infusion of the tartrite of potash – little fever – in two or three hours he became easy & remained so till hora somnis. Recovered without further complaint.

27th A sailor was buried from on board a vessel from Santa Cruz – of a West Indian diarrhea.

28th A case of tertian in advanced pregnancy – fever violent – eyes turgid – 3 oz.[?] of blood were drawn & a febrifuge draught given which procured a speedy solution of the paroxysm-

30th Paroxysm returned – she was bled again – Bleeding moderated the force of the disease so much that it gradually ceased after two fits.

 

[page 82 – blank]

 

[page 83]

W. Alrichs, an ingenious watch maker informed me, that sickly seasons were always characterized by the breaking of watch springs – that the fact was so well established as to be proverbial & that it was peculiarly so this season.

 

[ page 84- blank]

 

[page 85]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR AUGUST 1800

Day Month      Temp. Weather           Winds              Pluviometer

1                      91        dry                   NE

2                      78        do                    NE by N

3                      82        do                    E by S

4                      84        do                    NW by W

5                      76        do                    N by E

6                      79        do                    NE by N

7                      81        do                    S by E

8                      86        do                    SW

9                      85        rain 5”             SE                   5

10                    83        dry                   SW by W

11                    80        do                    West

12                    83        do                    SW

13                    83        do                    NW

14                    72        do                    W by N

15                    78        do                    NE

16                    77        wet                  NE by E

17                    80        do                    SE by S           5

18                    75        cloudy                         NE

19                    84        dry                   NW

20                    74        dry                   SSW

21                    78        do                    SW by S

22                    84        dry                   SW by S

 

[here the table is interrupted by text written on both sides of each page; the remainder of the month is found on page 95]

 

[pages 86-87 – blank]

 

[page 88]

From the 1st of August, the temperature of the weather gradually moderated, bowel complaints lessened; giving way to intermittents of the tertian form mostly mild, & cured by the apothecaries.

The smallpox, however, presented itself in the far famed pallor of filth & wretchedness – the sour story. Two girls first took the disease. The eruption was confluent, or rather watery pustules, with excessive inflammation of the skin. Two of them died.

A few children were inoculated, & succeeded very well.

Towards the middle of August, Intermittents became more numerous & inflammatory – several cured by bleeding alone. Several cases of remittents also occurred & were considerably inflammatory.

 

[page 89]

Joseph Warner an old & respectable inhabitant of this Borough died on the 16th. He had purchased a plantation in the neighborhood of Nonesuch marsh, where he had spent a great part of the season in improving the Farm. This marsh had been inundated for some time, but was dried this spring.

Mr. Warner, was attacked on the 12th with chill succeeded by fever, & on the 14th came home in a boat, exposed to the Sun. He, however, was able to be up occasionally, & apparently not ill, till Friday evening (15th), when his fever increased. D.T. was called in, who administered anodynes.

 

On the morning of the 16th his fever aggressed in a more determined aspect – pulses full – pain of the head & back, with irritability of stomach. He was blooded & an antimoniated cathartic given – a profuse discharge resembling clot per anum came on – About noon, his pulse became imperceptible – the anxiety at the precordia became intolerable – his extremities cold, & at 8 PM death closed this unexpected tragedy.

 

[page 90]

On Sunday the [blank] inst. I dined on a line of mutton, that, tho killed the day before, was rather tainted – merely perceptible. Before I arose from table I felt a disagreeable sensation in my stomach, succeeded by a violent tormina, & diarrhea, evidently produced by the septic acid. I was previously indisposed by dyspepsia.

 

13th  Was called to M. Lockerman, in advanced case of remittent fever. D.T.’s patient. After the fever intermmited it remained obstinate without chills & revisited the bark for a considerable time – but was removed by a few of the arsenic pills.

Robin Campbell has R. fever – was twice blooded & recovered.

 

Margt. Goodfellow had a Quotidian (pregnant) cured by two bloodlettings.

 

Miss L. Mendenhall a remittent. Saw her on the 5th day. Gave an antimonial febrifuge. Next morning her fever intermitted – no ague occurred. Recovered.

 

[page 91]

On the 10th I visited Mrs. Hogg (a patient of D. Smith) in the 5th day of a bilious fever. She was as yellow as saffron – had a perceptual inclination to vomit – had discharged a large quantity of yellow bile – pulse frequent & soft – her gestures bespoke considerable anguish – tongue striped purple & yellow. She lived on Quaker Hill. She died on the 25th.

 

24th Arrived here the Ship Alexander, Capt. Davy, from the Spanish main, last from Havannah, in a sickly condition, had lost a number of her hands with this yellow fever. She was immediately remanded to the river Del. To seek a more hospitable port, secure from the dread of contagion. She went to the Pennsylvania Lazaretto.

 

26th Mrs Hogg (with bilious fever) & three children were buried today.

 

Bad accounts from Baltimore & Norfolk – yellow fever spreading with great mortality.

 

[page 92-93: Here text is interrupted by the following extract:]

EXTRACT FROM THE PHILADELPHIA GAZETTE – AUG.14TH 1800

 

A Case of the electric power, successfully applied by John Birch, surgeon, St. Thomas’s Hospital-

 

A.W. aged 18 received a blow from a Hammer on his thumb, the pain of which extended up his arm; the flexor muscles were in a short time thrown into such strong action, that the fingers were immovably contracted. The proper remedies, both internal & external were ineffectually applied for several weeks. The Lad was then sent to St. Thomas’s Hospital under the care of Mr. Chandler;, who, finding his application unserviceable, sent him to the electric room for my Opinion. In the presence of several of the Young Gentlemen, I placed the Lad on the insulated chair, and connecting him with the prime conductor. I drew the electric fluid from the fore arm by a needle point. In about three minutes, he complained of Uneasiness in the flexor muscles of the fingers; immediately the fingers began to extend, and in about five minutes he had the use of them. The indention in the palm of the Hand was considerable, from the length of Time the fingers had been contracted. I prognosticated this Effect would not be permanent; it continued however ‘till the hour of rest/hora somnis, but in the morning the hand clenched. This readily gave way to the reapplication of Electricity the next Day.- On the third Day the Spasm returned, but in a much slighter degree; the same application was continued for six days, when the muscles appearing to have recovered their Tones, it was desisted from. Some appearance of relapse being observed on the tenth Day, Electricity was resumed, and continued for several successive days. And, at the expiration of a month, the Lad was presented from the hospital – Well-

Days after, he returned to the Hospital with his fingers again contracted, owing to an Exertion he had made in use of the Hammer in a Smith’s forge. Electricity was applied as before, and with the same good success. The Young Man who had the conduct of the machine choosing to depart from the System I recommended on the Third Day, drew some sparks, and passed a few slight shocks through the muscles of the forearm which immediately caused the contraction of the fingers, and so strong that they could not overcome by the fluid for 3 successive Days. I was then acquainted with the fact, and putting the Machine in high Order I drew a fluid from the hand and arm for about six minutes. I then perceived a tremulous motion take place in the flexors which was followed by an Extension of the fingers one after another; the Antagonist muscles then acted as forcibly as to bend back the fingers; a perfect relaxation of Spasm next took place, and the Lad was relieved as Usual; I directed this gentle treatment to be continued every Day for a fortnight, when he was again discharged from the Hospital. Cured.

 

[page 94 – blank]

 

[page 95]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR AUGUST 1800

Day Month      Temp. Weather           Winds             pluviometer

23rd                 83        showery           East                 1

24                    76        do                    NE by E          6

25                    80        dry                   SE by S

26                    82        do                    SSE

27                    85        do                    SSE

28                    87        cloudy                         S by W

29                    78        do & clear       NNE

30                    73        growing rain    N by E             17

31                    73        dry                   Westerly

 

[pages 96-98 – blank]

 

[pages 99 and 101; page 100 is blank]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 1800

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventae             pluvio

1                      76                    dry                   SE by E

2                      78                    do                    W by S

3                      75                    do                    SW by W

4                      71                    do                    SW by W

5                      68                    cloudy                         NW by W

6                      70                    clear                 E by N

7                      72                    clear                 E

8                      80                    do                    E

9                      76                    do                    S

10                    75                    cloudy                         E

11                    73                    clear                 NE

12                    75                    do                    SE by E

13                    82                    do                    SSW

14                    84                    do                    NW by W

15                    73                    do                    Northerly

16                    68                    cloudy                         NW

17                    77                    clear                 West

18                    80                    do                    SE

19                    77                    do                    SSE

20                    78                    cloudy with showers S

21                    75                    wet                  SW                  6

22                    63                    cloudy                         NE

]page 101]

23                    61                    do                    E

24                    62                    do                    NE

25                    63                    wet                  E                      8

26                    70                    wet                  NW by W        6

27                    66                    rain                  Northeasterly  13

28                    68                    cloudy                         W                    1

29                    72                    clear                 W

30                    72                    do                    SW by W

 

[page 102 – blank]

 

[page 103]

SEPTEMBER-

Persevered the fogs of August but, was warmer in the day time – remittents became more frequent, & some of them of a pretty high grade.

 

Jno.Wiley, AEtat [blank] had bilious fever attended with coldness of the extremities – nasal hemorrhages- coma – oppression at the precordia – suffused eyes - & depressed pulses & obstinate constipation. A single bloodletting relieved the vascular system & equalized the excitement in some degree. Blisters were then applied which had a very good effect – the fecal matter discharged by cathartics was Dark coloured & offensive in the extreme. Alkalis corrected it. This fever partook of the recovered tertian type.

 

A.Otley, aged 40, had the same disease – two bleedings relieved the depression of his

pulses. He recovered.

 

[page 104]

18th- Died Mrs Vining Aged 71 of a Remittent fever – Phys’n. Tilton.

Also two children. I don’t know their diseases nor who attended them.

 

16th – was called to see Jno. Patterson a patient of Dr. Monro’s in remittent fever, with great pain of the head – a single blood letting relieved his head, & moderated his fever – the disease soon intermitted – it appeared from the beginning to be of a Quotidian type – exacerbation at noon, remission morning & evening-

 

Mrs. Campbell, pregnant, in a bilious fever, had black vomit for 24 hours – checked by Magnesia.

 

Luther [?] Campbell had Scarlatina simplex which degenerated into bilious fever-

 

Miss Wollaston had Scarlatina simplex, which terminated in a Quotidian.

 

Mrs. Shipley, Scarlatina terminated in Rheumatism.

 

Several other cases of Scarlatina occurred.

 

[page 105]

From the 28th to the 29th of Sep. though seen scarcely, shone the Equinactial storm, beclouded our atmosphere – rain more or less the whole week –

The day on which the weather cleared I had more febrile applicants than for a week before.

 

[pages106-110-  blank]

 

[page 111]

AN ACCOUNT OF A PESTILENCE AT NARBONNE, IN FRANCE - by P.C.VARLE’ [?]

“In the summer of the Year 1783, Mr. Faure, a merchant of Narbonne in lower Languedoc bought a house which had previously been occupied as an Anatomical Hall, and being desirous of having a well dug in the cellar, employed 3 men to do it. In performing this work, the Larourers met with some resistance, which they supposed to be a collection of stones in the way, and extracting them with their picks, an offecsive putrid matter ran from the place, which had such an effect on them they fell down in the well where they were at work. Mr. Faure going down to see them at work descended but 2 0r 3 steps before he fell senseless – The neighbouring people soon perceived the putrid smell, went to the house & removed Mr. Faure to his bed, as well as the Labourers, after taking all the precaution possible by putting vinegar to their mouths. Mr. Faure dyed in about 4 days after, and of nine people who went in the cellar to save the lives of the Labourers, 6 dyed – in the mean time the smell was increasing in such a manner as to create a pestilence in the neighbourhood, which obliged the people to remove from it. A great many of the neighbours died with the fester created by the malignant effluvia. The mayor being informed of the opening in that cellar, filled it up

[page 112]

and shut up the house. The disease was attended with black Vomit but not communicated by contagion.

 

[page 113]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR OCTOBER 1800

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventas             Pluvio-meter

OCT. 1st         67                    cool                 W by N

2                      72                    clear                 SSW

3                      63                    do                    NW

4 - white frost 62                    do                    E by N

5                      62                    rain                  E                      10

6                      58                    clear                 NW

7                      56                    do                    do

8                      59                    do                    do

9                      65                    do                    N

10                    68                    do                    S

11                    60                    do                    W

12                    63                    cloudy                         SE by E

13                    67                    do                    SW by W        4

14                    57                    clear                 NE

15                    58                    dry                   NE by E

16                    64                    showery           SE by E           3

17                    64                    do                    NE by E

18                    66                    hard rain          SW by W        25

19                    57                    rain                  W                    6

20                    60                    clear                 SW

21                    68                    do                    SW by S

22                    68                    do                    SW by S          15

23                    55                    rain                  NW by N        6

24                    50                    clear                 W

25                    57                    do                    W

26                    61                    do                    NW by W

27                    58                    do                    N by E

28                    58 ½                do                    NE by E

29                    55                    cloudy                         NE

30                    54                    do                    NE by N

31                    56                    do                    NE                   3

 

[pages 114-116 – blank]

 

[pages 117-118]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR NOVEMBER 1800

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventas             Pluvio-

October 1st     62                    drizzly             NE by E          4

2                      58                    clear                 W

3                      56                    do                    NW

4                      55                    do                    SW

5                      58                    do                    SW

6                      52                    do                    NW by W

7                      52                    do                    W

8                      53                    do                    SW by W

9                      55                    hazy                 Westerly

10                    54                    cloudy with gales W by S

11                    52                    clear                 SW

12                    52                    do                    W by S

13                    52                    cloudy                         W by S            4

14                    48                    do                    W by S            snow

15                    47                    clear                 W

16                    47                    cloudy                         SW

17                    56                    do                    SE by S

18                    51                    clear                 W windy

19                    43                    do                    W

20                    38                    cloudy                         NW by W

21                    36                    snow                NW by W

22                    37                    cloudy                         W

23                    38                    do                    W by S

24                    37                    clear                 W

25                    36                    do                    W by S

26                    39                    do                    W by S

27                    46                    cloudy                         SW

[page 118]

28                    56                    clear                 W by N

29                    49                    do                    W

30                    41                    do                    NW by N

 

[pages 119-120 – blank]

 

[page 121]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR DECEMBER 1800

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventas             Pluvio-

Novem.1st       39                    clear                 NW by N

2                      48                    do                    SW

3                      43                    wet                  SW by W

4                      41                    do                    do

5                      42                    do                    NW by N

6                      37                    clear                 W

7                      37                    cloudy                         W by S

8                      42                    clear                 NW by W

9                      39                    do                    W by N

10                    40                    cloudy                         WSW

11                    45                    rain                  SW                  6

12                    54                    clear                 W

13                    35                    do                    SW by W

14                    34                    do                    do

15                    40                    do                    W

16                    41                    do                    W

17                    43                    do                    N by W

18                    44                    do                    do

19                    50                    wet                  E

20                    52                    do                    SE

21                    51                    clear                 S

22                    50                    do                    SW

23                    50                    cloudy                         SW

24                    54                    clear                 W by N

25                    48                    cloudy                         SE

26                    58                    clear                 SE

27                    62                    cloudy                         SW

28                    55                    rainy                Westerly          8

29                    48                    clear                 W

30                    38                   do                    NW

31                    37                    do                    SW

 

[page 122 – blank]

 

[page 123]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR JANUARY 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventas             Pluvio

JAN. 1st          35                    cloudy                         SW

2                      32                    clear                 W by S

3                      22                    do                    WSW

4                      24                    cloudy                         NE by N

5                      32                    clear                 W

6                      42                    rain                  E

7                      40                    clear                 W

8                      40                    do                    W

9                      41 ½                cloudy                         SW

10                    42                    do                    W

11                    42                    clear                 W

12                    40                    do                    W

13                    42                    do                    do

14                    43                    rainy                N

15                    49                    clear                 do

16                    44                    do                    NW

17                    48                    do                    NW by W

18                    37                    rain                  E

19                    42                    snowstorm       E

20                    38                    clear                 W

21                    37 ½                do                    E

22                    33                    do                    W

23                    32                    do                    NW by W

24                    32                    do                    N

25                    33                    do                    NW

26                    42                    cloudy                         W

27                    42                    clear                 N

28                    44                    do                    NW

29                    46                    rainy                SW                  22

30                    40                    clear                 SW

31                    47                    do                    W

 

 

[page 124]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR FEBRUARY 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestas       Ventas             Pluvio

1                      41                    clear                 W

2                      38                    snow                NE by N snow            80

3                      43                    clear                 SW by S

4                      42                    wet                  W

5                      44                    dry                   W

6                      43                    clear                 NE by E

7                      46                    clear                 W

8                      42                    cloudy                         W by N

9                      48                    clear                 W

10                    38                    snowy              NE                   40

11                    32                    do                    NW                 40

12                    30                    clear                 W

13                    36                    snowy              E                      30

14                    32                    clear                 Westerly

15                    31                    do                    W

16                    35                    do                    SW by W

17                    40                    wet                  S

18                    43                    do                    NE by N

19                    46                    clear                 NW

20                    42                    do                    NW

21                    34                    do                    NE

22                    38                    do                    E

23                    42                    do                    SE

24                    52                    cloudy                         S

25                    60                    clear                 do

26                    64                    do                    do

27                    66                    do                    W by S

28                    60                    do                    Southerly

 

[p. 125-126 – blank]

 

[p. 127]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR MARCH 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvium

1                      52                    cloudy                         SE

2                      48                    rain                  SE by E           20

3                      50                    clear                 W

4                      48                    do                    NE by N

5                      43                    cloudy                         E

6                      44                    rain                  NE by N          50

7                      45                    cloudy                         NW

8                      40                    do                    W

9                      44                    clear                 SW by S

10                    58                    do                    SE by E

11                    54                    showery           SW by W

12                    48                    cloudy                         do

13                    52                    clear                 NW by W

14                    48                    cloudy                         NE

15                    48                    cloudy                         NW

16                    56                    clear                 N by E

17                    55                    cloudy                         E by N

18                    56                    rainy                E by S            60

19                    55                    clear                 NW by W

20                    50                    cloudy                         NW

21                    50                    do                    do

22                    49                    do                    SW

23                    48                    clear                 W

24                    47                    do                    NW by W

25                    45                    cloudy                         W

26                    44                    wet                  NE

27                    47                    clear                 W

28                    48                    cloudy                         E

29                    44                    very hard rain  NE by N

30                    50                    clear                 NW by W

31                    54                    clear                 W

 

[pages 128-130 – blank]

 

[page 131]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR APRIL, 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempesta         Venta             Pluvium

1                      57                    clear                 SE by S

2                      56                    cloudy                         SSE

3                      64                    clear                 SE

4                      62                    do                    SSE

5                      59                    do                    NE

6                      52                    do                    NE by E

7                      47                    rain                  NE by E         

8                      47 ½                do                    N

9                      50                    clear                 NE by N

10                    46                    do                    W

11                    54                    do                    W

12                    55                    do                    W

13                    52                    cloudy                         SE

14                    59                    clear                 NW

15                    62                    do                    N by E

16                    60                    cloudy                         E

17                    54                    clear                 N

18                    59                    do                    S – E

19                    60                    rain                  E

20                    59                    do                    NE by E

21                    47                    cloudy                         NE by N

22                    42                    rain                  N

23                    45                    cloudy                         NE by N

24                    50                    rain                  S

25                    58 ½                cloudy                         E

26                    64                    flying clouds   NW

27                    69                    clear                 NE

28                    69                    do                    SE

29                    68                    do                    SE

30                    67                    do                    W by S

 

[page 132 – blank]

 

[page 133]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR MAY 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvium

1                      71                    clear                 S

2                      72                    cloudy                         SW

3                      70                    clear                 SW by W

4                      68                    do                    E

5                      72                    do                    SE by E

6                      65                    wet                  NW

7                      65                    clear                 W

8                      59                    wet                  NE

9                      62                    showery           SW

10                    64                    clear                 NW by W

11                    66                    do                    do

12                    75                    do                    NE

13                    77                    do                    E

14                    73                    do                    NW by W

15                    67                    rain                  NE by E

16                    68                    clear                 NE by N

17                    72                    do                    NW by W

18                    69                    do                    NE by N

19                    70                    do                    N

20                    76                    do                    N

21                    80                    do                    W

22                    85 ½                do                    SW                  thundergust

23                    73                    wet                  W

24                    68                    clear                 SW by S

25                    73                    do                    S                      thundergusts

26                    68                    do                    W

27                    70                    do                    SW

28                    76                    do                    S

29                    79                    do                    S

30                    80                    do                    SW by S

31                    83                    thundergust     E

 

[page 134-blank]

 

[page 135]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR JUNE 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvium [and other comments]

1                      81                    clear                 SW by W

2                      67                    cloudy                         N E                  showers

3                      69                    clear                 E

4                      71                    cloudy                         S

5                      82                    clear                 W

6                      69                    do                    SW by W

7                      67                    do                    do

8                      70                    cloudy                         do

9                      72                    do                    do

10                    70                    clear                 NE by E          “Stockton” wounded

11                    82                    rainy                E by N

12                    72                    clear                 NE

13                    78                    sign of gust.    N by W

14                    77                    clear                 NE by E

15                    80                    do                    E by S

16                    80                    do                    SE by S           “WD” began french study

17                    77                    do                    S by W 

18                    76                    do                    NW                 “Stockton” first appeared in street – look’d pale

19                    76                    do                    NW

20                    80                    do                    NE

21                    80                    do                    Easterly

22                    82                    do                    SE by S

23                    86                    do                    SE                   small showers

24                    86                    do                    S

25                    84                    do                    Westerly

26                    84                    do                    SE by E           “RH” timeout; shower in the evening

27                    86                    do                    SW by W

28                    89                    do                    do

29                    85                    do                    do

30                    88                    do                    SW

 

[page 136 – blank]

 

[pages 137 and 139, page 138 is blank]

To Professor Mitchil

Dear Sir;

Ever anxious of contributing to the solution of medical problems, & having met with a case of confluent small pox, in which the acid nature of the disease was manifested I hasten to inform of the fact-

A child aged 7 months had the confluent species of small pox, by inoculation. From the eruption, the alvins evacuations were black and granulated, resembling coffee grounds, & excoriated the verge of the anus – they also had an acid smell. To determine the existence of an acid, a small quantity of the fecula was put into a solution of potasse & an effervescence took place. The black colour was changed to a brown & the mucilaginous texture of the feces restored; & upon adding nitrous acid to the mixture, the black colour & granulated

[page 139]

form of the matter returned- hence there could be no longer doubt of the morbid nature of the discharge. Carbonate of potasse was accordingly given with unremitting attention during the course of the disease – the feces were changed, & I have no hesitation in saying that the alkali contributed greatly toward the favourable termination of the disease.

Wilmington. May 11th , 1801

 

[page 140 – blank]

 

[page 141]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR JULY 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvium [and other comments]

1                      88                    clear                 SE by E

2                      86                    clear                 Easterly

3                      84                    gust                 W by S

4                      77                    flying clouds   W                    *ever sacred day!

5                      79                    clear                 W by S

6                      80                    do                    N by E

7                      82                    do                    SE

8                      82                    do                    do

9                      83                    gust                 NE

10                    81                    clear                 SE

11                    82                    do                    do

12                    85                    do                    do

13                    82                    do                    E                      shower

14                    87                    do                    W

15                    87                    do                    SE by E

16                    90                    do                    NW                 gust

17                    72                    do                    N

18                    74                    do                    NW by W

19                    78                    do                    S

20                    79                    do                    SE

21                    78                    cloudy                         E                      rain

22                    79                    do                    W by S

23                    85                    clear                 W

24                    83                    do                    NNW

25                    78                    cloudy                         NW by W

26                    70                    clear                 NW

27                    72                    do                    W

28                    78                    do                    do

29                    80                    do                    SW

30                    70 ½                cloudy                         E

31                    70 ½                clear                 SW by S

 

 

[p. 142- blank]

 

[pages 143-144: this case study is written in John Vaughan’s own hand, but signed by William Simonson]

AN ACCOUNT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF THE SMITH FAMILY

On the third of August/1801/ Jno. Smith came to his mother, who had been insane for some time, to settle some business with her, when she caught him round the neck & kissed him, telling him “he should be a preacher of the everlasting gospel,” he immediately became crazy & thought he was inspired. On the evening of the 4th, she kissed him again & two other sons, two daughters & two daughters in law, & the whole of them became frantic immediately. On the morning of the 5th I was sent for in a great hurry, when I found the whole family in the utmost confusion – the whole of them believing they were possessed with an evil spirit, that their mother had died a week before & Satan had entered into her body & communicated himself to the rest by a kiss. Under this impression they had dragged the old woman out of bed & nearly beaten her to death. After a considerable time I rescued her from them & laid her upon the bed; they then

[page 144]

endeavoured to burn the house, but were prevented & several of the neighbours collecting, we separated them. In the course of three or four days, they all became peaceable & rational but John, who afterwards was your patient.

It is remarkable.

Sep. 10th 1801 Wm. Simonson

 

[page 145]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR AUGUST 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperatura    Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvium

1                      82                    clear                 W by S            shower

2                      77                    cloudy                         Westerly          shower

3                      72                    do                    NE by E

4                      74                    do                    SE

5                      70                    do                    NE

6                      73                    clear                 NE by N

7                      78                    do                    NE by E

8                      76                    do                    NE

9                      72                    rain                  NE by N

10                    81                    clear                 South

11                    84                    do                    S by E

12                    80                    do                    SW

13                    78                    do                    do

14                    76                    do                    do

15                    74                    cloudy                         SW by S

16                    84                    clear                 SW                  light shower

17                    80                    do                    W by S

18                    85                    do                    do

19                    90                    do                    do

20                    86                    do                    Easterly           showery

21                    86                    do                    NW by N

22                    84                    do                    NE by E

23                    82                    do                    NW by N        shower

24                    82                    do                    do

25                    78                    do                    NW by W

26                    75                    do                    W by N

27                    76                    do                    do

28                    79                    do                    S by W

29                    82 ½                do                    NW

30                    80                    do                    NE by E

31                    81                    do                    SW

 

[page 146 – blank]

 

[page 146]

Phthisis.

Mrs. McElwee of a florid complexion & the mother of nine children, was for several years occasionally subject to pain of the breast & cough – applied on the 19th of August – I found the symptomata of Phthisis complete – severe pain & stricture of the breast – hemoptysis – hectic fever – flushing of the face & heat of the hands & feet – some fullness of the pulse – suppression of the Cataminia, which had previously been excessive – I drew 10 0z of blood & gave the following powders-

Rx Nit, Potas. 3j*

Mur. Hyran. Gr iij**

Tart. Antim Gr i M***

Charta – vj- cap – un – ter in dia – ****

 

[*3j=1scrupulum, or 20grains

**Gr iij=3 grains

***Gr I M= 1 grain ?

****take one capsule three times a day]

 

The bleeding immediately procured considerable relief of the pectoral affection & checked the spitting of blood – On the 21st the Cataminia returned copiously, & the powders were omitted until they ceased.

 

[page 148-150 – blank]

 

[page 151]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperat.        Tempestae       Ventae             Pluvia

1                      86                    clear                 W

2                      86                    cloudy                         NW                 rain

3                      88 ½                clear                 W

4                      89 ½                clear                 W

5                      83                    do                    NE by N

6                      83 ½                do                    NE

7                      85                    do                    do

8                      87                    do                    E

9                      89                    flying clouds   SW

10                    86                    do                    W                    rain

11                    70                    clear                 NW

12                    69 ½                do                    do

13                    70                    cloudy                         do

14                    70                    do                    NW

15                    69                    rain                  SE                   rain

16                    68                    cloudy                         NE

17                    74                    clear                 NE

18                    72                    cloudy                         NE

19                    77                    clear                 NE by E

20                    78                    do                    E

21                    80 ½                do                    E

22                    79 ½                cloudy                         SE                   thunder

23                    81 ½                clear                 W

24                    74                    do                    NE by N

25                    73                    do                    do

26                    72                    wet                  NW                 rain

27                    66 ½                clear                 N by W

28                    64                    do                    NE by N

29                    65                    do                    N

30                    64                    cloudy                         Northerly

 

[pages 152-154 – blank]

 

[page 155]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR OCTOBER, 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperat.        Tempeste         Venta   Pluvia

1                      65 ½               cloudy                         N by E rain

2                      66                    do                    W by N

3                      65                    do                    do

4                      64                    clear                 W

5                      65                    do                    W by S

6                      58                    do                    WSW

7                      57                    do                    W by N

8                      56 ½                do                    W by N

9                      59                    do                    N

10                    60                    do                    NW

11                    65                    do                    W

12                    70                    do                    SW by W

13                    75                    do                    W by S

14                    74                    cloudy                         SW

15                    70                    clear                 W by S

16                    68                    do                    do

17                    70                    do                    westerly

18                    65                    do                    do

19                    54                    do                    W by S

20                    57                    do                    SW

21                    63                    do                    SW by S

22                    66                    do                    NW by N

23                    60                    do                    NW by W

24                    60                    do                    westerly

25                    60                    do                    SW by W

26                    64                    cloudy                         W by S

27                    65                    clear                 S by W

28                    62                    do                    W

29                    60                    do                    W

30                    55                    do                    NW

31                    53                    do                    NW

 

No rain since the first of the month

 

[page 156 – blank]

 

[page 157]

[a blotting paper is inserted here, with sums and the following lines:]

O thou who art sprung

As is mentioned or sung

From a substance both[illegible]

From a fluid called blood

Which redundantly flow’d

From the head of the ancient[?] medusa  

 

METEOROLOGOCAL TABLE FOR NOVEMBER 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperat.        Tempeste         Venta             Pluvia

1                      52                    clear                 SW

2                      53                    do                    SW

3                      50 ½                do                    SW

4                      50                    do                    W

5                      50                    cloudy                         SW by S          rain

6                      54                    clear                 W

7                      48                    do                    do

8                      49                    do                    NE

9                      52                    do                    do

10                    52                    cloudy                         do

11                    52                    do                    NW

12                    50                    do                    W

13                    50 ½                clear                 W

14                    52                    do                    W

15                    50                    cloudy                         Easterly

16                    56                    cloudy                         SW

17                    57                    do                    W by S            rain

18                    58                    cloudy                         W                    rain

19                    49                    do                    do

20                    40                    do                    NW by W

21                    38                    do                    NW

22                    37                    do                    W by N           snow

23                    36                    clear                 N                     drizzle

24                    46                    cloudy                         do                    rainy

25                    44                    clear                 W

26                    46                    do                    NW

27                    50                    do                    N

28                    59                    flying clouds   SE

29                    54                    clear                 W

30                    49                    cloudy                         W

 

[page 158 – blank]

 

[page 159]

METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR DECEMBER 1801

Dies Mensii     Temperat.        Tempeste         Venta             Pluvia

1                      46                    clear                 W

2                      42                    cloudy                         SW by S

3                      48                    do                    do                    drizzly

4                      50                    flying clouds   NW by W

5                      49                    cloudy                         do

6

7

8                      neglected         do                    do

9

10

11                    44                    clear                 W

12                    42                    do                    do

13                    42                    do                    do

14                    45                    cloudy                         do

15-31 [dates were written in, but entries were recorded; Dec. 6-10 were also left blank]

 

[page 160 – blank]

 

[page 161]

ESSAYS & OBSERVATIONS ON FEVERS & OTHER DISSISES (sic) WITH

A VARIETY OF CASES, etc.

By John Vaughan, F.D.M.S. – M.P.M.S. – M.A.M.S. - M.C.S.C.

Interdum vulgus rectum videt

Sometimes the vulgar judge and see aright

 

[page 162 – blank]

 

[page 163]

 

Preface to the Public

As the modus scribendi of the present day demands a prologue or dogmatical syllabus of the systems of every trifling production; the want of system in the following pages has an equal claim to a preface – or rather institutes a necessity of apologizing for a deviation from custom.

There is no medical scribbler but will, if candid, acknowledge that a rigid adherence to system is an incalculable restraint to the imagination, and will eventually pervert the judgment. For in the first place there is no system equally arbitrary, and secondly nor science so ambiguous and obscure – no phraseology so unmeaning as many of the nosological arrangements are the sports of fancy, and not a few of the technical terms are as diametrically opposite in common acceptation & literal construction as black and white. Consequently there is no task more difficult than to adhere to truth in such a system and none more fruitless than “to search for truth in academic groves” * or difficult to adhere to adhere to truth in such a system.

Inter silvas academi quorum verum. Hor.  

 

[pages 164-167 – blank]

 

[page 168]

CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN THE Y. FEVER OF ’93 & THE INDIGENOUS REMITTENT FEVER OF CHRISTIANA

The former [i.e. yellowfever] generally attacks suddenly with a chill or sense of coldness.

The latter [i.e. remittent fever] often was inauspicious, and preceded by an indisposition or disorder of the stomach of several days duration.

The former was in the first stage inflammatory, attended with violent pains in the back and in the forehead, over the frontal sinuses, & a burning sensation in the eyes.

The latter was often obscure, the fever sometimes appearing in the form of an intermittent, at other times assuming no regular type.

In the former the pulse was always full & tense & the blood drawn was unusually sizy – at first as firm as liver.

In the latter the pulse was generally soft but full & the blood drawn show little inflammatory buffism [?] less the disease was accompanied with catarrhal symptoms*.  (from foot of page: *Bloodletting procured immediate relief in the former, whereas in the latter its effects were uncertain & often doubtful.)

There was seldom any remission in the former, and never but in the morning.

The remission in the latter was irregular – mostly in the morning & evening & sometimes chills & heats alternated throughout the whole course of the disease & it partook more or less of the tertian type.

[note: the entry which begins on page 169 belongs to a different essay, and so it is placed after page 172, which seems to be the end of the essay which began on page 168]

[page 170]

The former was very rapid in its progress – generally terminating in ( ) debility on the third or fifth day.

The latter was more tedious & after the 7th and 11th days it sometimes terminated in an intermittent – but generally degenerated into a nervous fever –

The crisis in the former was generally distinct, & the event marked with precision – the fever either subsided gradually in the course of 24 hours with a complete relief of all the urgent symptoms – or ceased suddenly without a mitigation of the delirium & succeeded by the black vomit & spontaneous hemorrhage from the nose and gums, or convulsions-

The crisis in the latter was never observable unless it became an intermittent – the fever lessening gradually for several days attended with the most extreme debility & the patient was harassed with nocturnal fever and colliquative sweats –

A peculiar degree of restlessness & oppression at the praecordia & indescribable anxiety manifested the former – Whereas in the latter they were mild in comparison & sometimes scarcely apparent.

In the last stages of the former there was generally a burning sensation in the stomach, throat & fauces - & the tongue became striped or black & often quite parched & fissured, and the lips and teeth encrusted with a granulate substance of a chocolate color. In the latter those symptoms were more moderate; the tongue though darkened was rather moist.

[note: the essay on yellow fever began on page 168, continued on page 170, and ends on page 172; the essay which began on page 169 continued on page 171, and this second essay is transcribed after page 172]

[page 172]

In the former, the stomach was seldom disturbed for the first 2 days – then a vomiting or diahhea & sometimes a cholera supervened – which were copious in the extreme unless moderated by the warm bath – or an accidental diaphoresis.

In the latter the stomach was not always disturbed. Sometimes the disease commenced with a diarrhea, at others the most obstinate restiveness existed throughout the whole course of the disease & the diarrhea when present was not usually so dark coloured – but rather a mixture of bile & mucagenous matter, then was often more or less of a nausea & rejection of drinks, with some bile, through the whole of the disease.

The former frequently terminated in convulsions. The latter never – but in a coma gradually becoming more profound.

In the former the skin was at first yellow & then became variegated with purple and sometimes leprous – which was not normally the case in the latter. Seldom purple.

The former made no exception to constitution. The latter was principally confined to persons of delicate habits & valetudinarians.

The former was in every case the manifest result of contagion. The latter evidently an indigenous product.

The former evinced a tendency to local inflammation – the latter never unless combined with a catarrh.   

 

[page 169]

No. 2 as published in the Delaware Gazette

As our autumnal fevers partook in a considerable degree of the type of the Yellow fever, I hope a wrong narration of this semblance local remittent to that disease may not prove altogether interesting to the public.

The first case that occurred assumed no regular type – the fever was obscure & the debility great when I first saw the patient, which was on the 8th day – the tongue was dark coloured – a dark coloured blood oozed from the mouth. The surface of the body was yellow & interspersed with purple blotches. By the liberal use of wine – the vegetable tonics & Elixer Vitriol, this patient recovered.

The second case that presented was that of a boy aged 6 years. I was called on the 8th day & found him irascible with but little fever – his tongue black – pulse feeble – his body yellow – a laborious breathing with continual sighing - & a perpetual vomiting of a darkish colour bile – In this case little was attempted & less effected. He died comatose in a few hours.

About ten days preceding a woman had died in the same house with the same symptoms & but four days illness. This circumstance made me suspicious of contagion, but they lived in a sequestered place & the family affirmed that neither of them had been anywhere exposed to disease - & the sporadic occurrence of other cases in various parts of the neighborhood

[page 171 – begins with repetition of the work neighborhood]

soon convinced me that the disease was an indigenous product. Yet its resemblance to the malignant fever indicated the same mode of treatment, the event sanctioned the process.

The father of the aforementioned child was attacked about a week after the child’s death, & when relieved from all the urgent symptoms an interloping Quack prescribed a cathartic to expel noxious humours – but unfortunately for the Drs. Alexipharmic reputation the imaginary humours were so blended with the powers of life that all were expelled together. Yet this is secundem artem.

Every other case that presented proved fortunate under the identical treatment of the yellow fever; except a restraint in the use of the lancet - & as many cases were blended with catarrhal symptoms, the mercury was combined with expectorants, and blisters were used earlier in the latter than the former.

Our intermittents were also blended with an unusual complexion of malignity & typhous symptoms – a jaundice generally supervened on the 3rd or 4th day – Regular agues were scarcely known - & the most common form of this species or grade of fever was the tertian type. It not infrequently was an obscure double tertian – appearing like two diseases running different courses & worsen and better every other day, attended with extreme debility. And the intermissions were so obscure that it was often confounded with the remittent – as the latter was frequently with the contagious Y. fever.

N.B. Those facts tend to increase the public query suspecting the origin of the Yellow fever – but it must remain a problem till we are better versed in (pneu)matics- for appearances & facts, characteristics & (what) follows contradict each other, & human investigation is lost in the pursuit.

 

[page 173, 175, 177 – blank]

 

[Pages 174-178; the text appears on even numbered pages; the odd numbered pages are blank]

INTERMITTING FEVER OF ‘98

The intermittents of this fall were generally of the tertian type & very frequently of a double and single tertian alternating ie: turning every day at different periods, resembling two diseases running different courses – The stomach was unusually affected – more or less of a vomiting & a jaundice supervened within 3 or 4 days – The attack was generally obscure - & in fact the character of the disease was often obscure during the first 2 or 3 days, approaching a grade nearer to a remittent – The intermissions were often scarcely perceptible until a sense of coldness & crawling in the skin announced a second febrile exacerbation – But this circumstance varied in some measure every other day, e.g. admitting the attack to be at 5 or 6 in the morning – the prelude was merely a sense of coldness succeeded by a violent paroxysm of fever, continuing with little variation until the next morning – (in some cases there would be a slight remission in the evening of the same day & a more moderate exacerbation continuing through the night until 11 or 12 oclock next day – then the second, or meridian form commenced with

[page 176, the word with is repeated]

a more considerable chill & succeeded by less fever, usually moderating & going off about midnight – from this till morning the patient would obtain a little repose – when the chill was most manifest the fever was most moderate & vice versa.  

The cure of this fever was more difficult than usual- The intermittents were so slight as to preclude the use of Barks – And the pulse was so soft & feeble as to render blooding a doubtful remedy – The vomiting generally occurred at the cessation of the chillings & beginning of the fever – at this period I generally gave a dose of Vinum Ipicacuanha to evacuate the stomach - & as soon as the operation of the emetic was over a grain of Opium - & if this failed of procuring a diaphoresis – I then added the Saline mixture – [Latin abbreviation] & evacuated the bowels by injections –

The pil. Specifics was officially calculated for this form of fever – as they do not increase the action of the arterial systems, they could be given at all times & they generally procured a complete intermission in three or four days. Then Barks could then be given in injections.

This form of fever had several modes of termination – if neglected, the skin became parched – the intermissions not observable – the

[page 178]

stomach so irritable as to reject every thing – and in time the symptomotor complete the last state of indigenous remittents aforementioned. In this state the most powerfull remedies were to be resorted to – as blisters to the scrobiulis cordis – neck arms legs etc. & tonics without regard to the fever – the most eligible were volatile alkali in the form of julep columba & snake root in pill or decoction - & volatile alkali camphor & opium in the form of pill was the most serviceable febrifuge that I met with – I gave it without regard to delirium or coma finding it uniformly relieve to both; or either as present. Calomel also was an ingredient in every convenient formula – in such quantities as not to affect the bowels or at most to obviate cortiveness- which was but seldom troublesome at this period – But when the disease was treated as above mentioned from the beginning the crisis was usually announced by a horripilatio in the meridian form of the disease on the 5th or 7th day – the fever now became a regular intermittent of the quotidian type or ceased altogether in young persons – but in aged or infirm persons it remained irregular – gradually declining for some days & even weeks –

Since I have used calomel & opium liberally in the intermittent fever I am very rarely troubled with edema & dropsies. They are met in lessening the violence & duration of the disease but appears to have the most happy effect on the lymphatic system in promoting the secretions & preventing obstructions.

 

[page 179 – blank]

 

[page 180]

RUDIMENTS OF A LETTER TO DR. MILLER,

MARCH 25TH, 1802

I have read with much pleasure your interesting essay on the associated actions of the system & the medium afforded by the wide range of sympathy processed by the stomach in arresting febrile action.

It is truly fortunate that the functions of the stomach are not confined to the reception & digestion of nutritious matters, but are extended to morbid disarrangement, affording an easy method of moderating diseased actions in more remote parts of the complicated machine. That sympathetic connection, which constitutes the morbid functions of the stomach & its capacity of associating the vascular & nervous systems into diseased action is also an equal medium of arresting or subduing those actions when taken place – or of preventing their formation.

The present extraordinary state of the season has presented us with a number of cases exemplifying the doctrine. In this month, many cases of catarrhal affections, in some degree resembling Croup in violence & nature of attacks have occurred.

[page 181]

In one case of a child of 16 months old, violent convulsive agitations accompanied the occasion of fever, & threatened the most serious consequences, I gave a small dose of antimonial wine – bathed the feet, applied roasted onions to the wrists & feel to equilibrate the excitement – but without effect, & as ipecacuanha was more management in this irritable habit, I exhibited 6 grs. in three doses, which procured nausea & instantaneous release from convulsive distress – a fine sweat and calm sleep of two hours occurred. When he awoke, I gave two grs. Of calomel, which procured several acid, dark coloured & highly offensive evacuations – the mother compared the fecal matter to Bilge water in colour & smell.

In several similar cases, in all of which the fever was high & attended with startings – I first sought an armistice by arresting the febrile action with nauseating doses of tartaric antimony or ipecac & then gave calomel. In every case the alvin[?] matter was dark coloured & fetid – indicating a grade of disease of considerable malignity.

If we admit fever to be a disease of ventricular association, we must define the above cases to be in some degree pestilential – the stomach to be the primary seat of morbid action &

[page 182]

the fever a sympathetic contingency.

Now as far as those fevers produced by the operation of cold and definable on this sympathetic doctrine. To the stomach or arterial systems previously affected. In some cases long exposure to cold will produce diarrhea, in another pleurisy. The most obstinate intestinal affections I have ever met were owing to this cause, attended with chronic fever & these rheumatisms may be classed among the most uncontrollable muscular or febrile diseases.

It however is not as material in practice, whether fever be a primary affection or secondary action of association, if the sympathetic powers of the stomach are established, & projects this medium of control over vascular action. It would be deplorable indeed, if in cases of asphyxia, nervous debility, & all cases of defective excitement, we had to wait for stimulant remedies to travel through the chyloporesic viscera & become a constituent part of the blood before they were operative on the vascular system. Death & debility would be synonimous terms, & the utility of medicine confined to sthenic diseases.

[page 183]

Query, how few are these febrile diseases produced by cold, accountable on the doctrine of sympathy or associated action? Cold externally applied will produce diarrhea, pleurisy or rheumatism. Is the stomach primarily affected? Is the noxious impression on the skin communicated to the stomach & the vascular system associated into diseased action by an irrascible operation? It may be so!

Tobacco applied to the stomach will excite vomiting. The operations of cold may be similar in mode, but not in effect.

The effect of vomits in exciting the action of the lymphatic system into absorption , is astonishing. I had a case of hydrothorax, in which tincture digitalis was ineffectual, but a decoction of fresh leaves produced vomiting of 48 hours duration and removed the disease.

 

[page 184]

July 22

Visited B. Quain, in the last stage of phthisis, & was reduced to the painful necessity of telling her – there was but a mere possibility of her recovery. She had long been disposed to phthisis, & about four months since a catarrh, fixed the disease. She had a diarrhea of 6 weeks duration, complete with fever – pulse 100 – cough frequent, expectoration copious – legs anasarcous, & debility extreme. Wishing to alleviate her condition, I exhibited carbonate of potash [here follows the formula of the medicine prescribed, in Latin abbreviations]

 

[the entry on page 185 continues on page 187, so the entry on page 186 is placed first in this transcription]

[page 186]

Aug.

Owens a Shallopsman of C. Newlin died as Dr. Tilton reported with Yellow fever – he had for some time been affected with ague, but having been at Phila. he was supposed to have caught Y. fever.

T. Davidson’s daughter, 10 days from Pa. was reported to have Y. fever, by Dr. Smith – I saw her at her mother’s request – she had but little indisposition – her mother told me it was supposed menstruation. Dr. Didyays[?] her physician saw she had not Y. fever.

After the alarm her family removed into the country – on the next day (7 Sept.) her mother was taken sick – Dr. D. said with alarm & fatigue.

Hawley’s cellar, adjoining Davisons has been for a long time full of water & the common receptacle of every filth of hog pens & choacimian orders - complained of – condemned as a nuisance by the corporation, but neglected. Mr. Cloud complained of its being very offensive to them.

On the nights of the 29th & 30th & 31st excessive hard rains with violent thunder & lightning.

 

[page 185]

Spring of 1802

The measles occupied the fall of 1801 & declined during the winter, succeeded by scarlatina & glandular swellings – a few cases of Croup & influenza in April & May.

June was as usual healthy – some nondescript eruptions, which ulcerate & often connected with glandular swellings –

July 10 - A severe case of intestinal fever

19 - A case of ulcerous sore throat in a mulatto woman

20 - J.N. Sharpleys cd. [child]

During the latter part of July & by early part of August the eruptive state of fever was unusually general & severe – some children were covered from head to foot with blood boils, so called. On others large red blotches broke out & in 2-3 days ulcerated & some of these required a course of attesatives[?] to heal them.

From the middle of August the weather was extremely hot – varying from 85 to 90 (the [blank] 94) intermittents & remittents were numerous – some of them violent;

[page 187]

Sarah Lea died of Bilious fever.  J Alrich’s wife & two children were taken within 36 hours, all very ill but recovered – I & wife had opposed – bleeding relieved the anxiety but aggravated the pains – degenerated into intermittents & all recovered.

September

On the night of the 2nd the thermometer fell to 70 – M. Cloud was attacked on the 30th with mild dymptoms of fever – took 4 of Napier’s pills – they purged him for 24 hours – his fever left him - & he lay four days without complaint, but sick stomach – languor & drowsiness – died at 1 oclock of the 5th with anxiety & dark coloured vomiting.

5thSusan indisposed –m6th well

West’s girl had irregular menstruation & feverishness 3 weeks – on the first of Sept. she had chill & fever – paroxysms every day – on the 3rd dysenteric symptoms came, on the 4th at midnight she died delirious – no vomit or yellowness.

5. John MacFly’s wife, buried apprehension of Y. fever in her case – 5 days illness.

4. T. Musgraves cd. [child] buried.

[last words on page smudged]

[page 188 – blank]

[page 189]

Lewis Brown was attacked on the 3rd with symptoms of Intermittent fever – I saw him on the 4th night of fever mild – so on the 5th he was four weeks from Pa.

6th.

Lewis B. case assumed the aggravated form – great pain of the heart & back – anxiety – oppression at the praecordia- labouring pulse – attempted to bleed without effect – gave him cal et ipecac niter operated super et subter, which equalized the excitement, freed his pulse considerably.

Called to see Jno. Robinson’s Welsh boy – he went the day before without his coat, was brought home in a chill, had symptoms of an equivocal – gave cal. Et pr act.

7

L.B. much relieved. Gave M. Must. Ip et T. Thal which promoted face perspiration – his pulse somewhat labouring in the evening, applied blisters to the ankles – his feet were cold.

- Visited Robt. Haynes[?] cd. [child] on Brian’s wharf – attacked on the 3rd – lay comatose – stomach irritable – pulse labouring & dull pain & sense of weight in his head – gave cathartic.

 

Robb boy much worse – frequent sighing – groaning – tossing about, delirium, watery eyes – Cathartic Not operative – pulse labouring – drew 10 oz. blood of dark thick appearance – raised his fever, but freed his pulse - & a second cathartic Operated well – applied Epispartrin to his ankles.

Dr. Smith says that two or [obviously a number has been left out, probably 3]

 

[Here, the entries for the 7th continue on page 191, on which page are also entries for 8 and 9, and those continue to page 190]

 

[page 191]

of D. Bush’s family – a girl at Eli Mendenhall’s & J. Jackson’s wife, all have the same disease.

8th.

 L. Brown worse again (Tertian type) tongue dark in the center, a white stripe down each side – anxiety – pulse labouring, etc. Purged him. Briskly discharged bile in abundance. Blisters to the wrists. Called in Dr. Munro – agreed to be an aggravated case of bilious fever of domestic origin – heat restored to his feet by blisters.

Hayen’s[?] boy better –

Robinson’s boy much relieved.

Wind N.W. since the 4th – temp about 70 – dews heavy – considerable fogs-

 

Jacob Robinson’s wife died (at Barratts) at 10 oclock – aggravated symptoms ischemia etc.

9th.

L.B. much relieved – slight fever – blisters drew well – something of strangury[?] – stomach irritable – gave Vol. Jul. et decoct. Cort et serpentina

R. Hayen’s[?]  boy much better – gave decoct. Cortein

J. Robinson’s boy much better.

Called to M. Hollis at S. Canby’s – attacked in the night with chills – disorder of stomach – pain of the head – back – oppression etc. pulse low irregular.  He had taken Ol. Ricin – Ap. Epics to ankles –

[page 190]

9

Alarm great – many removing – The Board of Health addressed us by a circular, requiring a collective opinion on the existing disease – to which was reply’d – laying aside technical differences.

Mr. Joseph Bailey Presid. B. Health

Sir, agreeably to request, the subscribers report that a Bilious fever of a formidable grade has for some time past existed in our Borough, and attended with unusual mortality – whether the disease be specifically contagious or not, we are of opinion its present features demand attention. It may, however, be necessary to remark that the disease may hereafter be comparatively moderate or violent as incidentally influenced by the sensible qualities of the atmosphere.

We beg leave to suggest for your consideration the necessity of cleansing the lower parts of the town and removing all putrefactious materials from the streets, cellars, yards, etc. without further delay.

Wil., Sept. 9, 1802

E. A. Smith

G. Munro

J. Vaughan

J. McCreery

Dr. Tilton separately reported he had no case of malignant disease

 

[page 192 – the contents follows that on page 193, so the pages are reversed in this transcription]

 

[page 193]

10.

L.Brown much worse all night – great anxiety today – tongue furred and hard – skin dry etc – had him wrapped ina blanket wrung our of hot vinegar and water – evening much better – took Vol. Qul. et decoct. Cort.

M. Hollis – fur from fever

Called to see wife of T. Richison in 4th paroxysm of a tertian.

Visited J. Squib – 2 paroxm. of a tertian.

Mrs. March & Wilet girl at J. Rob.s

Robn.s boy free from fever appears well

J. Jeffer.s wife – irregular fever

11th.

L.Brown much better. Took J. C. et Vo. Qul. exacerbation of fever preceded by chill at 7 PM ordered an injection-

M. Hollis an equivocal return of fever-

Mrs. Richison, paroxysm today – became quotidian –

T. Worrington’s child an equivocal feverishness – watery eyes & considerable anxiety – tremulous pulse – gave an emetic.- T.W. himself indisposed –

Visited W. Proctor & wife, from King street (at Shellpot hill) very ill – him comatose, delirium, fever- her vomiting, irrational with great anxiety – they had been 3 or 4 days indisposed – left blisters et Alk. Draught – nobody to attend them-

Common favor[?] reports some new cases among the poor downtown –

 

[page 192]

Elias Dale & Mrs. Bates at G. Barratt’s reported to have died of malignant fever.

Many people removing –

Sun hot – tropical

11th.

Dr. Munro fled – foggy morning - hot even at 9 AM –

People removing in confusion and haste

 

[note: more yellow fever reports follow on page 195, but the following letter begins on page 192 and continues on pages 194 and 196]

 

Addressed the following letter to the B. of Health

Mr. Joseph Bailey

President of the Board of Health

Sir, considering you placed as a centinel to guard the general health of the town, I assume the privilege of submitting to your consideration a few observations on the state of things in the lower part of our borough. The general flight of the inhabitants from the lower squares of King St. and the adjacent district, though a judicious measure in the past, may be indirectly injurious to other districts, unless means be used to arrest an augmentation of noxious exhalation. Most of the inhabitants fled in the disorder of alarm, closed their homes, & probably have left putrefactive materials of various kinds in their enclosures. In addition to the filthy gutters

[page 194, with word gutter repeated]

 & cellars, already notorious, I respectfully suggest to you, the necessity of having alleys, cellars, yards, sinks, rainwater casks and hog styes, to the southward and westward of second street, examined ` and cleansed. It is more than probable, that green wood and the vegetable substances capable of generating noxious air, under certain circumstances may be left in the deserted cellars & out houses ; and the stagnant air of the houses may, also prove injurious on a casual emission. It appears to me essential to the welfare of those who remain in town, that all the deserted enclosures be speedily examined; and it would certainly contribute to our security, to have all the houses regularly opened & ventilated once in every twenty four hours – If the simple mean of strewing lime in suspicious or filthy places were frequently practiced, it would doubtedly be of considerable advantage. Though no new cases of malignant disease have presented within two or three days, it may be but a

[page 196]

delusive suspension. We recollect such was the case in Philadelphia, this season. I believe the northern and eastern parts of the town, are quite as healthy, as is usual at this season of the year. Let us endeavor to preserve them so. There is good reason to believe, that the late change of the wind to the northwest; has confined the disease to the southern and westward of second street; and when we reflect, that our summer winds are generally from the southward, we know not how soon a silent change in the air, may waft the insidious malady beyond its present limits. It is, also, to be wished, that the present excess of alarm could be moderated:- The well are disposed, by fear, to sickness, and the sick to aggravated misery. If we mean to stay, we should adopt the language of the poet: “Serene, and master of ourselves, prepare for what may come; and leave the rest to heaven.”

I am respectfully yours,

Dr. John Vaughan

 

[page 195]

12.

W. Proctor & wife very ill – no attendance – but blistered

L.Brown, convalescent

 

Visited poor Dale – several days given up – found him in a deplorable condition – directed his dusky skin to be rubbed with ol. Oliv. – to have blisters to his ankles – vinegar blanket at night –

 

Called to Rowland Phillips, six hours from the attack in malignant fever – pulse full &c. &c. violent – incessant vomiting – bled him, gave pr. cath. neutral draught.

 

T. Beesons convulsions worse fever –

M. Hollis – better –

T. Richisons lot worse – fairly continuous fever

13.

J. Bringhurst – violent catarrh fever – bled him – gave cathartic – pulse tense – blood buffy –

M. Hollis tertian exacerbation – vinegar blanket – sweated profusely –

W. P. better – drinks wine – uxor worse – black vomit – head occluded, viscera engorged –

Poor Dale – some better – bath omitted last night –

 

[page 197]

Called to J. Hindsman (BY)[?] 5 day of bilious fever, heat slight, frightened half to death –

Old Dibbledabble attended him – gave neutral draught – blistered ankles –

 

R. Phillips much relieved last night – went out in the fog this morning – scolded him – gave neutral draught – laxative – parried back –

 

Called to Jesse S. Zane a fugitive (went running) was walking about – pain of his forehead with tertian labouring pulse – drew 8 oz. blood – raised his pulse & produced sickness – went to bed – gave cath. Neutral draught – expect to transform it to simple inflammatory action. In several cases the violence of the attack is proportional to the degree of exciting case – is it not always so?

 

Visited Wm. Warren Lavler[?] – 4th day of fever – labouring pulse – drew 6 oz. blood gave alk. Draught – chills worse fever –

 

Mrs. Richison better – gave bark-vol.jul.

14 –

W. Proctor much the same – wife dead – had convulsions –

Called to W. Galey (crisis)[?]10th day of remittent – nothing unusual in the case-

I.. Ward third day of active fever – bled him, bleeding excited vomiting & profuse sweat – gave cath Apr alt –

 

[pages 198 and 200 are weather reports, so it has been decided to continue with the reports on patients and come back to those 2 pages]

 

[page 199]

R. Phillips more violent exacerbation etc. bled him – blood separated – gave him purl. alt.

I Stalint – first day of fever in profuse sweat – gave emetic & pr. alt. –

I Johnson active fever – bled et cath.

15

Wm. Proctor still living

Several new cases of tertian up town & in the country

16.

Jno. Ward tertian return –

Called to [blank] at Gilmore’s mill – 9th day of bilious fever – blisters &c.

R. Phillips worse today – L. Brown walking about town –

Elias Dale walking about his room

J. Hindsman not as well – blistered him

C.A. Rodney returned home from Kent indisposed by bilious disease – gave enema vol. et opium             17 .

Jno. Thompson’s daughter died – reported to be fever – no physician

Sundry patients worrisome grade fever

18 .

W. Proctor (crisis) dead - skin purple and yellow –

Sundry patients active fever

 

[page 201]

19.

Called to Mrs. Platt – son & boy – remittent fever

20th.

Called to Wm. Alderdice – high grade of fever – child also ill

Miss Broom last stages of fever –

Jno. Taylor’s boy fever – W. Murdock [& wife – struck through] fever – Jno. Hawley – Mrs. Pepper – Mrs. Carpenter

21st.

Mrs. Sutton & girl – R. White’s negro – T. Campbell’s child – E. Smith’s boy – down town – several up town – Mrs. Murdock

22nd.

Mrs. Catherwood – J. Thompson’s boy – Mrs. Springer & Miss Sharp – Miss Montgomery. Mrs Alderdice dead – black vomit

23.

Lewis William’s negro last stage – Christian Sailor at T. Cole’s – Mrs. Montgomery & child – Francis Alderdice – Haleys[?] cd. [child] black vomit

24.

Mrs. Smith dead this morning – called to R. Joyce – cd. [child] very low – Sutton’s girl, black vomit – White’s girl ill –

25.

Fever Miles McGrath – Wm. Hatch – Eli Mendenhall’s wife & son – B. Ferris – Catherwood’s son – T. Campbell – T. Crozier – dead Carpenter’s wife-

26.

Fever J & M.[?] Coachman A. Catherwood & daughter – Mrs. Thompson – Mrs. Peterson – Dead a sailor on Bryan’s wharf – Hawley’s cd [child]

 

[a letter begins on page 202, but the transcription continues with the reports on patients]

 

[page 203]

27.

Fever Mrs. Jordan – B. Sharp – Mrs. Naff – R. White – B. Dell-  Dead a sailor at Cole’s- also a sailor at Mrs. Gunns sd. [said] to be fever-

28.

One case of urticaria Burnets Cd. [child] Scarlatina in Dell’s daughter - Dead F. Alderdice – Thompson’s son, Joyce’s daughter – Fever Jones-

 

Long too much engaged to make memoranda – many sick, many dead – N. Naff’s fever, kept its course after salivation –

 

[the transcription now goes back to pages 198 and 200, to pick up the weather reports on those pages]

 

[page 198]

12

Foggy – hot – strong southerly wind – buried Mrs. Swain – Paley

13

Foggy – hot dry – W. South

Buried Hetty Warner – Chlorosis

Abner Dickinson dead – reported to be fever

¾ of the people left the lower parts of the town – below Second Street – great alarm –

Board of Health disorganized in effect – some resigned – President fled - are not mankind reverting to barbarism ?

14

Foggy – very hot

Ws. South – lightning in the evening-

Mrs. Proctor buried –

The gutters &c. down town green & black – air extremely offensive – strong smell resembling bilge water, from French to Pasture streets

Mosquitos become very thick up town – flies vanished – the mosquitos not known so numerous for a generation as this season

15

Dead Mrs. Jackson – reported fever –

Hot, dry, Ws. West

16

Hot, dry, do. Dead Mrs Reynolds – hydrothorax

 

[page 200]

17  

Thunder gust A.M. – P.M. hot – Ws. West

Dead J. Thompson’s daughter

18

D. W. Proctor – cloudy – hot alternately – Ws. West

19

Ws. N & E. – change in temp of 10 degrees – misty – T. 72

20

Ws. W. Cloudy – alt – hot – temp 82-

21

Ws. W. hot. Gusts P.M. – frequent lightning-

22   

Ws. N.N.E. sultry – cloudy – P.M. hard rain –

23  

Ws. W. – rain – cool

24

Ws. N.W. cloudy, cold – P.M. clear Ws. Fr [from] west  

25 & 26  

Cool. Ws. Variable

27  

Ws. N.N.E. – cool  -- 28 N.N.E. clear

29 & 30 Temperature stationary – Ws. West

 

[page 202; this letter continues on pages 204. 206 and 208, with other reports on the odd numbered pages ]

Board of Health Requests

Isaac Dixon Prest. of Board of Health

Sir,

The requests of the Board of Health respecting the present state of disease in the lower district of the town, and the propriety of removing collections of filthy and noxious matters at this time, shall receive a prompt reply. In my report of the 20th “thirteen cases of Remittent fever” were enumerated within the Borough – “one dangerous,” Mrs. Alderdice, since dead. In the interim, the list is considerably enlarged, particularly in the district southwest of second street; and supposing your attention to be is specially directed to that district, I shall confine this report to the same limits – The persons probably requiring the attention of the Board, are Edw. Smith’s wife, Jos. Hadley’s child, Geo. Carpenter’s wife – a negro man in front street opposite Mrs. Byres’s all

[page 204, with the word all repeated]

extremely ill – and a sailor, a T. Cole’s – Mrs. Pepper. W. Murdock – I. Thompson’s son – A. White’s negro girl – Francis Alderdice & sister- Mrs. Montgomery, daughter and little girl,- Thos. Campbell’s child; & several others, whom it is, perhaps, improper and unnecessary to mention, are in different states of fever. The present state of the weather is extremely unfavorable to persons affected with bilious fever, & when we consider the situations of some of the present sick, we may reasonably expect a few cases of mortality. The season, state of the weather, and general prevalence of bilious fever in the country combine in the establishment of a belief that our disease is epidemic, uninfluenced by human contagion. An useful lesson is also afforded us, by the cares of a malignant grade being principally confined to a certain district of our Borough, while the milder forms of fever,

[page 206, with the word fever repeated]

and but five of them, exist in the middle and higher parts of the town. The question respecting the propriety of removing noxious matters from cellars, &c. at this time, is interesting to the community, and demands deliberation; but, I am strong by impression with the belief, that an attempt to remove some of our nests of effluvia at this period, would be aggravating the evil. If the filth of the prescribed cellars were now stirred up, and set afloat in the air, it would not be generally diffused in the Atmosphere, but hover about us in the disguised shape of fog, until dissipated by a fortuitous change of weather or disarmed by frost. From the advanced state of the season, it is, in fact, questionable, whether it be not more safe to let things remain as they are until frost, & make use of time freely to correct the miasmata casually evolved. There are many instances on record of

[page 208, with the word of repeated]

embedded filth being disengaged at improper seasons, to the great injury and destruction of mankind – The only safe expedients which occur to me, respecting Hadley’s cellar, are either to cover it over, until frost, or hastily drain it off during a strong northerly wind, into a well dug for the purpose, & correct the remaining ordure with lime.

I am with esteem,

Yours, Dr. John Vaughan September 23, 1802

 

[page 205]

From the 12th of October the fogs encroached higher uptown -

Susan Kendal & girl took malignant fever on the [blank]th without any communication with the sick or down town –

Jehu Webbs girl do. do.

All had very malignant symptoms –

On the 15th the weather became foggy, drisling – 16th &17th wet – the sick died – many of the well sickened etc. Melancholy times –

On the 22nd & 23rd many families left our neighborhood – on the 22nd my cara sposa & her two dear little boys left us for Christiana, I hope we shall meet again, well & happy-

Hearts[?] with an all wise Providence! – Separations of this sort, are somewhat like the final separations of earthly connexions – if we meet again, as I fondly hope we shall, will it not be proportionably happy – it almost unnerved me! I must remain as a faithful centinel at his post, & rely on the mercy of heaven!

[page 207]

27th

Jno. Ferris Jr. the American Howard [this is probably a reference to the British prison reformer John Howard] attacked with pestilence – weather cloudy hazy, cool – at 9 PM cleared up with a heavy thunder gust from the W.N.W.-

28th W.N.W. a little in the morning – no new cases – 29th clear, cold –

30th

[illegible] in the morning – afternoon cloudy Winds N. W. Poor Ferris ill – a victim of his humanity, I fear –

31st

Rain wind N.E. Noon S.C. Evening South –  [a line is crossed through]

Called to Dr.. Morrison 4th day of his disease, hopeless – Poor Ferris, very ill – perhaps he is about to receive the just reward of his human exertions, a crown of righteousness-

Nov.1st

J. Ferris dead – bid farewell to his mourning fellow citizens – This corpse was kept until next day & about 100 weeping friends performed the last sad office of attending his remains to the silent grave – adieu my friend adieu!

We were allied by the bonds of public calamity – we were copartisans in distress! I am left, a monument of mercy!

No. 2 dead Dr. Morrison – Finis-

[page 209]

November

From the first to the fourth it was cold – the weather then moderated & the greater part of the month quite moderate – few diseases – Two or three cases of cattarhal fever occurred possessing a shade of particular livery –

December

Moderate & healthy until the night of the 15th. 16th excessively cold – Brandywine mills stopped – 17th Christiana & Brandywine frozen, skating good-

January was moderate in the beginning of the month – on the we had a snow of 6 inches – the latter half was severely cold – tho somewhat changeable – occasional rain.

February came in mild – on the 3rd mild until about 2 PM then was a complete hurricane with hail, snow & rain alternately & very considerable thunder– succeeded by an excessively severe frost –

 

[page 210; the entries are in 2 columns in the diary, but here in one list]

Number of persons within this Borough with grades of Fever in Sep.& Oct.1802

                                                                        Rec’d [recovered]       died

To Market St. So. of 3rd St.

Caleb Kendal & child                                                 2

Son Wilson -                                                                           1

Mrs. Springers Son                                          1                                  0

Lydia Vallet -                                                                                      1

& child                                                1                                  -

Lena Hindsman –                                                                                1

Sarah Hartley -                                                                                    1

Woman ([blank) & boy at John Thelwell        2

Hannah Harland –                                                                               1

Girl (E.Harland)                                              1

Nansy – y. woman                                          1

Thos. Kean -                                                                                        1

Lindsay’s girl                                                  1

Walkers girl                                                     1 

Mrs. Sutton & girl                                           2

Jno. Warners girl                                             1

Jonas Alrichs -                                                                                     1

Mrs. Alrichs & son - nurse

Beasley & mulatto woman                  4

Geo. Carpenter & wife -                                                                     2

James McMinn -                                                                                  1

Sailor at Cole’s -                                                                                 1

Mrs. Kean & Mrs. Janvier -                                                                 2

Mary & Sally Kean & Nurse                           3

Th. Cryer & child                                            2

Est[?] Warner -                                                                                    1

                                                                        22                                14

 

King St. So of 3rd St.                                                 rd.                                dd.

Mrs. McClung                                                 1 -

Andrew Catherwood &                                                                      2

            daughter Ann                                     

Mrs. Cd. & son Wm.                                       2 -

Clendan Boyd & child -                                                                     2

Mrs. Boyd                                           1 -

[two names crossed through]

David Bush & family                                      4 -

Wests girl (Mary Brown) -                                                                  1

Jno. Hadleys wife & child -                                                                2

            Do. cd. [child]

            Jno. Hawley                                        1 

Mrs. Bates & Mrs. Robinson-                                                             2

T. Musgrave & child -                                                                         2

Do. do.                                                                                    1

Mrs. Gunn & grandchild                                 2 

J. Cooley[?] at Gunns -                                                                       1

Taylor -                                                                                                1

 [name crossed through]                                 11                                14

 

French St. So. Of 3rd St.

Mrs. Springer, Mrs King

& Wm Sharp -                                                                         3

Ann Sharp                                                       1-

two Negro women sd. House                         2-

Robt. White & daughter & negro                   3 -

Mrs. Thompson, son & daughter                                                        3

Sarah Webb -                                                                                      1

Ruloff Peterson                                               1-

Wife of do. -                                                                           1

7                                  8

 

 

Walnut So. [of] 3rd St.

John Olivar & son                                           2

Mrs. Saunders -                                               1

Michl. Dawson                                                1-

Wm. Fred & Mrs Liston                                 2 –

W. Hawkins -                                                                                      1

Pat Trainer -                                                    1

Peter Young -                                                                                      1

Mrs. Montgomery, daughter

& child                                                3 -

10                                2

 

 

[page 211]

Market St. Second St. East                             Rd.                              Died

Eli Mendenhall, wife

& girl                                                   2                                  1

James Murdick,

wife, son, & daughter                                     4 -

Mrs. Pepper & 3 children                                4 -

Widow Alderdice

& son Alphonse -                                                                    2

Jane & Debby Alderdice                                2 -

Mordecai Cloud [? Clow?]-                                                                1

Susan Cloud [? Clow?]                                   1 –

Timothy Jackson’s wife -                                                                    1

            & daughter                                          1

Jas. Johnson’s cd [child]                                 1 –

John Quigley                                                   1

John English’s wife                                         1 –

Mrs. Bowdich’s children                                1                                  1

James Brown -                                                                                    1

Peter Eddy’s wife                                           1 -

Thos. Clarke -                                                                          1

Girl at Derrick’s                                              1 -

Woman over the bridge                                  1 -

22                                9

 

 

Front St.- E. Market St.

Mrs. Biays & daut. Betsy -                                                                 2

Rebecca do.– man Bill &

negro man                                           3 -

Saml. Whitaker -                                                                                 1

Four negroes at L. Williams’                           4 -

Mrs. Shillington                                              1 -

R. Joyce’s children                                          1                                  1

Carried over                                                    9                                  4

 

Brought over                                                   9                                  4

Thos. Campbel & son                          2 -

Mrs. Richey’s girl                                            1 -

Mrs. Campbel                                                  1 -

Ed. Smith & wife -                                                                             2

Son & niece                                                     2 -

Rowland Phillips &

Mrs. Vanneman                                   2 -

Elias Dale                                                        1 -

David Masters                                                 1 -

Jno. Donaldson                                               1 -

Mr. Lennard                                                    1 –

                                                                        21                                6

Mrs. Swann                                                     1

22                                6

 

 

Water St. E. Market St.

George Bell                                                     1 -

Mr. Scantling (stranger do.) -                                                              1

Davis Hatch                                                    1 -

Capt. Crane’s sailor                                         1 -

Mrs. Geo. Pierce                                             1 -

Dr. Martin’s wife                                            1 –

                                                                        5                                  1

 

[page 212]

 

Cases of fever West of Market St. & [So. crossed out] of 3rd St.

In Shipley Street

                                                                        Rd.                              Dd.

Wm. Sherer -                                                                                       1

Mrs. Janvier’s child                                          1

Amos Jones son & daughter                           2

3                                  1

 

Orange St. West pf Market St. & 3d.

Irishman at Allenden’s                                    1 –

                                                                        1

 

Thorn Street

Robert Hagin’s son                                         1 -

Capt. Rotoftz man (schooner)                        1 –

Man at do.[?]                                                  1 –

J. Brians wife, daughter & girl                        2                                  1

W. A[illegible]  [no tally mark recorded]

                                                                        5                                  1

 

Second St. West of Market St.

Mrs. Kean -                                                                                         1

Anderson’s Fanny (negro)                              1 

1                                  1

 

Front St. W. do.

Mrs. Jourdan -                                                                                     1

1

 

Third Street                                                     Rd.                              Dd.

Lydia Warner -                                                                                    1

Webster’s girls                                                2 -

Negro -                                                                                                1

                                                                        2                                  2

 

 

Market Street N. of 3rd St.

Hetty & Mary Broom                                                 2 -

Rcct.[?] Sherward & 3 daughters                   4 -

Hannah Phillips                                               1 -

Reba. Martin & T. McConnell                        2 -

Susan Kendal -                                                                                    1

John Webb’s girl -                                                                               1

Jas. Lea’s girl (sore throat)                              1 -

Mrs. Richison – Mrs. Newlin                          2 -

Mrs. Th. Rea & Mrs. Clitherd                         2 -

T. Gifford – A Gifford & Jourm.[?]               3 -

Saml. Canby & M. Hollis                                2 -

Saml. File’s child                                            1 -

Mary Reynolds -                                             1

                                                                        18                                2

 

 

West Street

J. Jn.[?] boy,

[illegible] child                                    2

 

Shipley St. N. [of] 3rd St

Jn. Ferris -                                                                                           1

B. Ferris & 2 girls                                            3 -

Jn. Martin -                                                                                          1

girl                                                       1 -

Jn. Taylor’s boy                                               1 -

Mrs. Boyd                                                       1 –

Miles McGrath                                                1 -

Orange Dills –scarl. 3, fever1                         4 -

J. Warner & 2 girls                                          3 -

S. Solomons & family                                     4 -

N. Wayne -                                                                                          1

A. Otley                                                          1 –

 

 

 

[page 213]

MISCELLANIES

Extract from the Delaware Gazette November 1st AD 1797

At a meeting of the Ciceronian Society of Christiana[ Society of – crossed through] Bridge, for the purpose of discussing subjects of general utility, held on Monday, the 23rd instant, the following prefatory address was delivered by Doctor John Vaughan, published by order of the Society Benjn. Thompson, Sec.

Christiana Bridge – Oct. 25, 1797

Fellow Citizens,

I should feel a particular qualification, in being nominated to address you on the utility of social establishments, if a consciousness of incapacity did not preclude it, - yet, as liberality is one of the most splendid traits in the character of a social being, (and such I am persuaded you are,) I am induced to hope, that you will receive the few observations

[page 214]

that I present you on this occasion, with the same degree of candor that I feel in combining and detailing them to you.

If a precedent is necessary to give sanction to our conduct, we can obtain the authority of nature herself. When the father of the universe had created man, he declared it not good for him to be alone; and accordingly furnished him with a help-mate, equally rational and perfect as himself, and qualified to aid and participate in the happenings of social communication and an infinitude of similar declarations in our theology, exhorts us to associate together for our mutual welfare. Also, on examining the great folia volume of nature, we find that this social faculty is not confined to man alone, but presents itself under the character of instinct, in a variety of the animal creation. Some of the more rapacious quadrupeds, associate themselves for the purpose of plunder and devastation; others more feeble, congregate themselves, to contend the liberty of the forest, with, perhaps, but a single furious foe.

[page 215]

And other animals, though naturally timorous and inoffensive, will sacrifice their lives in defence of their nidus, or their young. That the associating principle is instinctive, scarcely requires a proof. An appeal to the feelings of a Human being, and to the universal condition of mankind, is sufficient; their feelings it may be said, are required by education and habit. By these causes, it is true, our social feelings are strengthened and confirmed, but their origin is coequal with the existen of the first Human mind. Aristotle, and some of his disciples, deny that man is a gregarious animal. But fortunately for mankind, nature is more bountiful than them. And it is not less repugnant to the feelings of a benevolent mind, than its realization would be injurious to society, by destroying the principle of common safety; which is the only support of nations, and protection of individuals. How fruitless would be the efforts of an indigent peasant, in defending his cot against a band of ruffians, whilst an association

[page 216]

of his fraternity might not only repel a foreign foe, but arrest their freedom from the grasp of a petty despot. Therefore an enemy to society, should ever be considered a common enemy to mankind. In the early ages of society we find that Ignorance was the result of inexperience alone, and no sooner was a partial knowledge of nature acquired, than the sages revealed their discoveries to their youth. And those sages, who in their day were worshipped as secondary deities, would blush to show their faces is a society of modern mind, that it is ever progressive and inquisitive. An expansive mind, is never satisfied in implicitly assenting to the Doctrines of its tutor; but when once matured, is no longer compelled to make a virtue of necessity, and is ever anxious to explore some unknown path of science; or at least examine its present acquisitions, and compare them with the order of nature herself. – Thus in the language of the poet:  

[page 217]

The learned is happy, nature to explore;  

The fool is happy, that he knows no more;  

Which at once informs us, that Nature is as various in her organic modifications as she is in her nominal products; & while one mind is soaring in the sublimities of the Creation, another is vegetating in stupid indifference, regardless of every thing but the sordid wants of life; and if by accident he should stumble on something heretofore unknown, he would rather ruminate on the contracted pleasure of possessing a secret than have his name immortalized by the discovery and lisp’d in adulation by infants then unborn. Of what advantage is such a nominal man to society? He ought never to be considered a social Creature, but be classed with a polypus or an oyster; and for my own part, I must candidly confess, “that I would rather be a Dog, and bay the moon

[page 218]

than such a Roman.”  This diversity of nature inculcates the necessity of social establishments both to promote and diffuse useful information. Most men by nature possess an inclination for some particular pursuit, with which they may become well acquainted, and yet appear novices among men of general information. e.g. A physician , might address an architect in the technical phraseology of dogmatist and contend that every thing must be done secundum artem – the other might reply in the language of his profession, and measure the Doctor’s arts, with a square and compass; which would make a literary jargon, scarsely surpassed by the confusion of Tongues at the Tower of Babel. But by a familiar association, this inconvenience might be obviated; the former might obtain some Idea of planning a house, should he wish to erect one; and the latter have some

[page 219]

knowledge of his situations when assaulted by disease. Thus the numbers of a liberal society deposit the fruits of their industry in one common stock, and each reap the benefit of mutual labours. How often do we find unsuspected abilities, shine with luster in the discussions of organized societies; when otherwise those talents must inevitably have been buried in oblivion. Do we not find many useful facts and observations in the fugitive essays of literary institutions? And are these not some of the most beneficial remedies and important discoveries to mankind, recorded in the commentaries of medical societies, which the authors might have thought too contracted to be made the subject of a separate publication, that are now resounding the memories of men, whose names would have been forgotten. It was on this principle that M, Bose, a celebrated electrician, requested to die by the electrical shock, that his death might furnish an Article for the memoirs of the Academy of Sciences at Paris. Those facts, Gentlemen, should excite in us a spirit of

[page 220]

emulation, & while we are participating in the enjoyment of each others company – while we are expanding our minds & accustoming them to inquiry, we have the pleasing reflection that we are also fulfilling the duties we owe to society.

Every reflecting mind must admit, that these are relative duties imposed upon every rational creature. The duties of families & government, are incumbent on all men; other duties are confined to individuals in particular, in consequence of their connection with certain societies, because they tend to promote the good of those societies; and I have no doubt, gentlemen, but you all feel interested in promoting the utility of our infantile organization, & that you will restrain no effort that promises a favourable influence on society, or tends to cultivate harmony & disseminates useful information among us. I am confident that you are all persuaded, that

[page 221]

general information in unquestionably more desirable than the most profound knowledge of one subject only – yet those who make false pretensions to it, often meet with ridicule when searching for applause. Such also is the reward of those, who talk familiarly and degradingly of persons they never knew, and attempt to describe places they never saw; for when fertility of invention, deserts the standards of truth, to aid the boast of vanity, it becomes not only a dangerous, but a despicable talent. “Truth and integrity” says the illustrious Franklin “are of the utmost importance to society”, and when social establishments are governed by these principles, the advantages that result are immense and invaluable. They repress vice, and encourage virtue, science, order, and happiness.

In societies, as in fertile climates, human talents germinate, and are expanded; & the mechanical and liberal also flourish. These truths are pleasant; and it were to be wished that no evils accompanied them; it however appears an established

[page 222]

law in nature, that good and evil, pleasure and pain, are perpetual concomitants. But to leave this part of the subject to some contracted Hermit, I shall only observe, that ambition and indecorum, are, in my opinion the Scylla and Charybdis of social establishments. It however, must be admitted, that a laudable ambition is one of the most powerful incitements to inquiry, and should never be restrained; while on the other hand, an undue ambition, or wish to tyrannize, should ever be considered a bane to society, and opposed by the efforts of every sincere philanthropist.

If nature has furnished one man with Herculean strength, is he privileged to trample on all men that are unable to oppose him as a pugilist, - or if he has bestowed on man a happy faculty of associating and expressing his ideas; has he an implicit authority of commanding all mankind to be mute, because nature has been

[page 223]

less bountiful to them? Nay, if such a man is capable of reflection, he will no doubt acknowledge, that other men may equal , and probably surpass him in the exercise of another faculty, that is equally and perhaps more desirable. He possibly will also, on a scrupulous examination of himself confess, that splendid talents are too often accompanied with notorious vices, which should teach him the necessity of caution in the use, and restrain the abuse of his lucid gift of nature. On this principle, Agamemnon was induced to address the incorrigible Achilles thus:  

“Strife and debate, thy restless soul employ,

 “And wars and horrors are thy savage joy.

“If thou hast strength ‘twas heaven that strength bestowed,

“For know, vain man, thy valour is from God.”

With respect to indecorum, it may be presumed that the present state of politeness precludes the necessity of animal version. Yet every candid

[page 224]

observer will doubtless admit, that the sentimental rules of Chesterfield, are more strictly observed by the modern Beaux Esprits than the numbers of any self created society. For some men there are, but I hope not in this assembly, that are as uncontrollable as a murmuring brook, and would not restrain a single thought, even if Cicero himself were lecturing. And a man that has neither curiosity nor patience, to listen  to an interesting discussion, should never be privileged to hold a seat among men of order, for a

“Want of order, is a want of sense,

“And sure result of uncouth ignorance.”

Personal animosity, or invective, is also a hydra product of an unsocial spirit, an would eventually thwart the efforts of the most judicious man. Therefore,

Let us in Bonds of lasting peace unite,

And truly cultivate, our social rite.  

 

[page 250]

In the months of April, May, June & July 1800 there were imported to Jamaica from Africa 6,794.

Aurora Oct. 24th – O! Shame! O! Justice! O! Humanity! Have ye fled from Britain & its dependencies? How long will an avenging providence suffer such iniquities.  [illegible]

            John Vaughan 

Jno. Vaughan, M.D., Wilmington, Del.

 

[inside the back cover]

Johannes Vaughan

John Vaughan

J.F. Vaughan [written twice]

 

[Dr. John Vaughan’s son Dr. Joshua Franklin Vaughan used this diary in 1826 to record his library.  Joshua turned the book upside down and began writing from the back.  The pages have been numbered continuously from the front, so the entries of Joshua’s library begin on page 250 and then the page numbers go backwards.]

 

[page 250]

Doctor John Vaughan

Dr. J.F.V.

J. F. Vaughan, M.D., Wilmington, Del.

J.D. Vaughan [crossed out]

 

[page 249 – blank]

[page 248]

A

Catalogue

of the

Books belonging

to the

Library of  J.F.Vaughan, M.D.

January, 1826, A.L. 5826

 

[page 247 – blank]

[page 246]

MEDICAL BOOKS

Volumes

1. ANATOMY

Bell’s                                             3

Baillee’s (morbid)                         1

 

2. CHEMISTRY

Bache’s                                         1

 

3. SURGERY

Dorsey’s                                        2

Cooper’s (first lines)                     2

Bell’s                                             1

Averill’s                                        1

Cooper on the joints                      1

 

4. MATERIA MEDICA

Barton’s Cullens                           2

Murray’s                                        1

Chapman’s Therapeutics               2

Paris Pharmacologia                      1

American Pharmacopeia               1

Coxe’s Dispensatory                     1

 

5. MIDWIFERY

James Burns’                                 2

Burns on the Gravid Uterus          1

Danman’s Aphorisms                    1

Dewees’ Midwifery – do. Diseases of Children  2

 

[page 245]

6. PRACTICE OF MEDICINE         VOLS.

Rush’s Medical Enquiries             2

Rush on the Mind                                     1

Rush’s Pringle                               1

Rush’s Hillary                               1

Cullen’s Practice                           1

Thomas’ Practice                           1

Browns Clements                          1

Darwins Zoonomia                       2

Heberden’s commentaries             1

Scudamore on Gout                      1

Blackall on Dropsies                     1

Bateman’s synopsis                       1

Currie’s synopsis                           1

Laennec on the Chest                   1

Sweidans Syphilis                         1

Orfila on Poisons                          1

Faithorn on Liver Complaints       1

Ballingall on Diseases of India     1

Blane’s Medical Logic                  1

Prout on Urinary Organs               1

Johnson on the Liver                     1

[page 244]

7.

Blumenbach’s Physiology             1

Phillips on Indigestion                  1

Accum on Culinary Poisons          1

Endless Amusements                    1

Gregory’s Lectures                       1

Medical & Surgical Register         1

Eclectic Repertory                       

Medical Recorder                        

Hamilton on Mercury                    1

Medical Lexicon                           1

Paris on Diet                                 1

January 1826 A.L. 5826

 

[pages 241-243 - blank]

 

[page 240]

 

MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS                       VOLS.

Encyclopedia-  quarto                   18

Scott’s Family Bible “                   4

Latin Dictionary “                         1

Virgil (Staughton’s)                      1

Selecta Profanis                            1

Hora Solitarica                              2

Divine Economy                           3

Life of Christ                                2

McEwen on the Types                  1

Greek Testament                           1

Johnson’s Dictionary                    1

Goldsmith’s Animated Nature     4

“ Greece                                  1

  Rome                                   1

  England                               1

  Essays                                  1

Anacharsis Travels                        4

Universal History                          2

American Revolution                    2

Rollins’ Belles Lettres                   3

Irving’s Elements                          1

Murray’s Grammar                        1

Murray’s Exercises                        1

Oriental Customs                          1

Morse’s Geography                       1

Portfolio                                        4

Village Sermons                            2

[page 239]

Life of Franklin                             1

Immortal Mentor                           1

Hervey’s Meditations                   1

Young’s Night Thoughts              1

Milton’s Works                             2

 

[pages 235-238 - blank]

 

[page 234]

 

 

LIST OF BOOKS LENT & TO WHOM

[note: most entries are lightly crossed out, presumably to indicate that the books were returned]

W. Huffington – Greek Testament

Dr. Maxwell – Gregory’s Lectures-

Humours of Love

Mrs .Dr. Stout – Shipwreck – Life of Franklin-PortFolio – Monk

Chancellor Ridgely – Accum on Culinary Poisons

H.M. Ridgely- Rush on the Mind

Dr. Lister – Hamilton on Mercury – Darwin’s Zoonomia 2 vols – Dorsey’s Surgery vol 1st- Baillies morbid anatomy /

Dr. Adams- Baillies Anat Morb.[?]

[page 233]

PB Battell – Bach’s Chemistry – Murray’s Mat Medica – Scudamore on Gout

R. Frame – Scott’s Family Bible 2 vols

Jno. W. Ruth – O’Meara’s Journal 2 vols.

[page 232]

1826-

Feb.

Miss H. Warner – Gaieties & Gravities 1 vol -

 

March

Miss Davis – Koningmarke 2 vols. Hoggs Tales  

 

Oct.

M. Wells – Odonnells- To the Wells - Rush on Mind – Gaieties & Gravities 1 vol – Burns Poems – Monk

Dr. Cooper- Carver’s Family

Mrs. Clark ([illegible])– Roman’s Wells – Netterville-

HS Stout – Berean - Gaieties & Gravities 1 vol.

Mrs. Stout – Byron 2 vols, Collins, Gond 2 vols

 

[page 231 – blank]

[page 230]

BOOKS LENT WILMINGTON, May 16, 1827

Dr. Tilton – Laennec on the chest –

Miss Caverly – The long Finne – The Man of Integrity ([illegible])

W. Peckworth – Hora Solitairia 2 vols –