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 –