It is therefore absolutely necessary to endeavour to stop this Discharge with all the Expedition possible. If the Patient is costive, it will be of Use to procure Relief in this respect, by Clysters or Suppositories as soon as can be done: To apply Vinegar, by the means of Tents or otherwise, as near to the Orifice of the Vessel as we can: To convey the Steam of it into the Fauces and Nostrils plentifully: To keep the Patient in a sitting Posture, or his Head raised as high as may be, and his upper Parts moderately cool: If these Methods don't immediately take Effect, Recourse must be had to the most efficacious Remedies, amongst which we may rank the Bark and Opium.
It is not uncommon for hectic Heats, Night Sweats, Want of Appetite, and Dejection of Spirits to attend those a considerable time, who have had the Disease in a severe manner. Asses Milk commonly relieves them, or a Decoction of the Bark, and Elix. Vitriol if the Case is more obstinate.
Having thus related, as concisely as I could, the most material Circumstances that have occurr'd to me in respect to the Symptoms, Progress, and Event of this Distemper, the Juvantia, Lædentia, and the Accidents chiefly to be regarded in its Cure; in such a manner as I hope will enable those who have not seen or known it, to distinguish it from a common Sore Throat and to treat it with some Degree of Propriety and Success, I shall conclude with observing;
1. That the Sore Throat attended with Ulcers seems to be accompanied with a strong Disposition to Putrefaction, which affects the Habit in general, but the Fauces, and the Parts contiguous in particular. And it seems not unreasonable to suppose,
2. That the Cause of this Disposition or Tendency is a putrid Virus, or Miasma sui generis, introduced into the Habit by Contagion, principally by means of the Breath of the Person, from whom it is received.
3. That this Virus, or contagious Matter, produces Effects more or less pernicious, according to the Quantity and Nature of the Infection, and as the Subject is disposed to receive or suffer by it.
4. That putrefactive and malignant Diseases, in common, admit of the most sensible and secure Relief, from Discharges of the peccant Matter, either upon the Skin in general, or on particular Parts of the Body.
5. That the Redness, and cutaneous Efflorescence in the present Case may be consider'd as an Eruption of the like Nature; and therefore to be promoted by such Methods as have proved successful in similar Diseases.
6. That a cordial, alexipharmac, warm Regimen has been found by Experience to be of the most Use in such Cases; and that Bleeding, Purging, Antiphlogistics, liberally employed, either retard, or wholly prevent these Discharges.