Genealogy Chat

I cant help wondering what a dose of rhubarb would do to already loose bowels!

This is why I read this site,There is not a day goes by that I don't learn something from one or other of you. It is fascinating. I do wonder in this instance just how effective the preparation was in treating a killer like cholera. We were still being injected against it when I was living abroad. We are so lucky these days to have preventative medicine Rose

I seem to be morbidly preoccupied with disease tonight! I've just got a book from the library about the history of Norfolk, and it has a reproduction of a poster published by the Swaffham Board of Health, explaining precautions that could be taken against cholera in the 1832 epidemic. I think you might find it interesting reading: "The medical Board at Swaffham submit the following REMARKS AND ADVICE Respecting the Cholera. No disease is more easy to cure in its First Stage, or more difficult afterwards. Cholera may be divided into threee stages. First, the Warning; secondly the Attack; and thirdly the Collapse. 1st. The warning, or looseness- This always precedes Cholera, and cannot be distinguished from any other common attack of the same kind; but if you apply for medical advice in this stage (especially within the first four hours,) the cure is easy and almost certain. In all such attacks, therefore, though you may think them of the common sort, whenever you find your bowels loose or uneasy, complain directly - all depends upon this. 2nd. The Attack, or Cramps. These generally begin in the legs and arms, and soon become extremely painful; here cure is uncertain, but still may be effected. Lose not a moment in trying to restore warmth, and getting medical aid. 3rd. The Collapse, or Blue Stage. Here the patient rapidly sinks, and reocvery, though not impossible, is but seldom to be expected. The following Medicine is reocmmended to be taken immediately, upon the first symptoms of attck. Powdered Rhubarb and prepared Chalk, each ten grains, powdered Ginger five grains; to be taken in a little warm water, or Ginger tea. Avoid drinking Spirits. This however, is not designed to supersede application to a medical man; on the contrary, the intention of the medicine is to check the disease in the first stage, till medical advice can be had, to which immediate application should be made." Considering the widespread illiteracy amongst the population in 1832, I wonder how many could actually read this advice? nell