In the third, the Fauces begin to look black, and a real Mortification is come on, sometimes penetrating to a considerable Depth, with great Putrefaction. Here the mild Abstergents were deem'd ineffectual, and Caustics were recommended; such as Alum with Honey, Alum-Water, Oil of Sulphur, and Oil of Vitriol. These were used both to check the Putrefaction, and to destroy the mortified Flesh.
Sometimes the Oil of Vitriol was dextrously applied to the Part affected by an arm'd Probe; but it was oftener mix'd with Syrup of Roses, and in Children pour'd into the Mouth. Bole dissolv'd in Treacle-Water, and the Juice of Wood-Sorrel, was used by some for the like Purposes.
In the fourth Stage the Putrefaction is supposed to be extinguished, the mortified Parts cast off, and an Ulcer only remains. In this Case, the Fume of white Amber thrown on live Coals, and received into the Mouth, as a Suffitus, was advised; also the Vinum Myrrhites, a Decoction of Guaiacum, Roses, Balaustines, Pomegranate-Peels by way of Gargle; Medicines that were supposed to dry with some Degree of Astringency.
Such was the general Appearance of this Disease at its first being taken notice of in Europe; and such, as far as I can collect, the Methods that were pursued in treating it, by the most eminent Practitioners at that time.
The Disease which is described in the following Pages, seems to be the same with this Angina maligna, or strangulatory Affection of the Fauces, and seems only to differ from it in Degree; in which, as it is much more favourable and mild with us in general, than it was with them, we have greatly the Advantage.
OF THE
SORE THROAT
Attended with ULCERS;
As it hath appeared in This City,
and Parts adjacent.
About twelve Years ago, two Children, in a Family of Distinction, and some others in the same Part of the Town, being carried off suddenly, and their principal Complaints having been of a Soreness in their Throats, it occasion'd a Suspicion, that the Morbus strangulatorius was broke out amongst us: But as very few Cases occurred after these, or pass'd unobserv'd, the Disease and the Remembrance of it seemed to vanish together.
It began however to shew itself again about 4 or 5 Years ago, but not very frequently: And tho' some of the Faculty met with it now-and-then, it remained unknown to Practitioners in general, till within these two or three Years: Since which Time its Appearance has been more frequent, both in Town, and the Villages adjacent.