Dr. Dimsdale. With a lancet, dipped in the variolous matter, I make an incision as short as possible, and so slight as to pass only just through the scarf-skin. I then stretch the little wound with my finger and thumb, and moisten it with the matter on the point of my lancet. This operation I generally perform on both arms, to prevent disappointment.
Couns. for the Pris. Do you take the matter from the natural small-pox, or do you prefer that taken from a person inoculated?
Dr. Dimsdale. It seems to be of no consequence, whether infecting matter be taken from the natural, or inoculated small-pox. I have used both, and never have been able to discover the least difference, either in point of certainty of infection, the progress, or the event; and, therefore, I take the infection from either, as opportunity offers, or at the option of my patients or their friends.
Couns. for the Pris. Did you ever inoculate with the lymph taken before the crisis of the distemper?
Dr. Dimsdale. I have taken a little clear fluid from the elevated pellicle on the incised part, even so early as the fourth day after the operation; and have at other times used matter fully digested after the crisis, with equal success. I chuse, however, in general, to take matter for infection during the fever of eruption, as I suppose it at that time to have it’s utmost activity.
Couns. for the Pris. What medicines do you prescribe after communicating the infection?
Dr. Dimsdale. On the second day, in the evening, I usually give a pill, composed of calomel and compound powder of crabs claws, each three grains, with one-tenth of a grain of emetic tartar. This I also repeat on the first appearance of the eruptive symptoms, in case they seem to indicate any uncommon degree of vehemence; and the next morning I order a dose of purging physic.
Couns. for the Pris. Do you confine your patients to their beds during the eruptive fever?
Dr. Dimsdale. By no means: on the contrary, as soon as the symptoms of the eruptive fever come on, they are directed, when the purging medicines have operated, to keep abroad in the open air, be it ever so cold, as much as they can bear, and to drink cold water, if thirsty; always taking care not to stand still, but to walk about moderately while abroad.
Couns. for the Pris. Is this your constant practice?