R EPOET 
. OF THE 
ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
BY 
J. W. C. O’NEAL, 
EXTRACTED FROM THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY. OF THE 
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR 1879. 
PHILADELPHIA: 
COLLINS, PRINTER, 705 JAYNE STREET. 
1879. REPORT 
OF THE 
ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY 
BY 
J. W. C. O’NEAL, M.D. 
EXTRACTED FROM THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE 
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR 1879. 
PHILADELPHIA: 
COLLINS, PRINTER, 705 JAYNE STREET. 
1879. REPORT OF THE ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
Adams is one of the southern tier of counties. Bounded north 
by Cumberland and York, east by York, west by Franklin and Cum- 
berland Counties, and south by the State of Maryland. 
None of the boundaries are natural, if we except part of the north- 
ern which is mountainous, and a small portion of the eastern, which 
is a rivulet or small stream coming out of the Pigeon Hills near 
Abbottstown, and uniting with the Conowago Creek near Berlin. 
A part of the county is the watei’-shed dividing the flow origina- 
ting the Conowago, from that which forms Marsh and Rock Creeks, 
the union of which near the Maryland line constitutes the Monocacy 
River. 
The Conowago enters into the Susquehanna, whilst the Monocacy 
goes to the Potomac. 
The drainage is complete through the northern and eastern por- 
tions of the county by Conowago Creek, whilst Marsh and Rock 
Creeks provide for the southern section. These principal streams 
have their fountain heads in the mountains and high grounds, rise 
quickly, drain thoroughly, and form much power for sawing and 
other milling purposes. 
There is but little marshy or springy soil, no artificial water chan- 
nels, and, as a consequence, little or no malaria. 
The area is twenty-four by twenty-seven miles, containing five 
hundred and thirty-one square miles ; three hundred and thirty-nine 
thousand eight hundred and forty acres, all of which is improved 
except fifty-eight thousand five hundred and nine acres. Fifty-six 
thousand one hundred and thirty-three acres are in forest. 
Adams County has a population of thirty-two thousand, thirty 
thousand of whom are native white, fifteen hundred of foreign birth, 
and five hundred and fifty negroes. 
Twenty-seven thousand five hundred have been born in the State, 
the balance are from Maryland, Yirginia, New York, Ohio, New 
Jersey, and from foreign lands. 4 
REPORT OF THE 
The towns and villages are— 
Gettysburg with a population of ... 3100 
Littlestown “ “ “ .... 870 
East Berlin “ “ “ .... 1075 
New Oxford “ “ “ .... 690 
York Springs Borough with a population of . . 550 
Fairfield with a population of .... 260 
Abbottstown “ “ “ .... 325 
Bendersville “ “ “ .... 375 
Middletown (Bigler P. O.) with a population of . 150 
Arendtsville with a population of ... 200 
Mummasburg “ “ .... 125 
Cashtown “ “ “ . . . . 150 
McKnightstown “ “ “ .... 140 
Hampton “ “ “ .... 150 
New Chester “ “ “ .... 125 
Hunterstown “ “ “ .... 150 
McSherrustown “ “ “ .... 250 
Gettysburg is the county7 seat, situated about nine miles north of 
the Maryland line, fifty-two miles from Baltimore by turnpike and 
about seventy by rail, one hundred and eighteen W. by S. from 
Philadelphia, and near Rock Creek ; latitude 39° 49' 18'', longitude 
0° 14' W., from Washington (Prof. Croll). Longitude 77° 17' W. 
from Greenwich (Prof. Bickley). 
It is the location of the Lutheran Theological Seminary and Penn- 
sylvania College, has repute as the locality' of the decisive battle in 
the War of the Rebellion, and as a summer resort for invalids. Its 
elevation is over five hundred feet above tide water at Philadelphia. 
It enjoys entire freedom from malaria, purity of air, and proximity to 
a number of springs holding a variety of medicinal waters alkaline in 
their character, and holding in natural solution the bicarbonates, 
with traces of lithia, iron, sulphur, etc., as represented in Stahle’s, 
Howell’s, Church’s, Stremmel’s, and Harmon’s Springs. 
The York Sulphur Springs are in the neighborhood of York 
Springs Borough, and in a locality which as early as 1796 was re- 
sorted to largely for the benefit of the waters, which are strongly 
impregnated with sulphur and iron, and for the vivifying influence 
of the atmosphere. 
There is little or no portion of Adams County7 destitute of vege- 
tation. The agricultural products are wheat, rye, corn, oats, buck- 
wheat, potatoes, butter, wool, and hay. The lumber is largely 
chestnut, oak, hickory, pine, and walnut. There is forest enough 
to attract moisture, and the drainage is such as to entirely protect 
the population from the influence of malaria. 
The chief eminence is the South Mountain, “ the first great chain ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
5 
of hills west of the seaboard,” with its various spurs rising from one 
thousand to twenty-one hundred feet above the sea level. The 
other principal elevations are Round, Wolf’s, Spangler’s, Culp’s, 
and Harper’s Hills, with round top and granite spur of battle 
memory, and the Pigeon Hills. The valleys are those of the Cono- 
wago and Carroll’s Tract, both running parallel with the mountain 
range. 
Geologically, Adams County belongs to the southeastern or sea- 
board district of Pennsylvania, and is an undulating plain of reddish 
sandy clayey soil in the northern and western portions; while in the 
southeastern part a “micaceous soil” is found. 
The “Azoic system” is represented in the South Mountain. The 
“ Mesozoic, or new red sandstone formation,” spreads itself over a 
greater portion of the county. 
The minerals are iron and copper, both of which are found in dif- 
ferent localities. The iron ore is excellent in quality, “ and inex- 
haustible in quantity.” Mining for copper has been started in 
Hamiltonban Township. The surface indications are flattering. 
Openings have been made on the Russell farm above Millerstown, 
and by Dr. Snively of Waynesboro on a property owned by him 
further in the mountain. 
Limestone formations are found and worked in Conowago Valley, 
adjoining York County. An isolated deposit is used near York 
Springs Borough, whilst triasic layers are found in Carroll’s Tract; 
thus furnishing the agricultural interest with a means of building 
up the fertility of the soil. 
Through the central portion of the county, on a line running- 
northeast and southwest, what are called “ trap dykes” occur. They 
are upheavals from some terrible revulsion of nature, and are com- 
posed of “syenitic rocks.” Roundtop, Granite Spur, Culp’s Hill, 
and other elevations of the same range, or rather ridge, are exam- 
ples of this peculiar formation. The boulders form the so-called 
“ granite” of the region. 
Adams County was settled as early as 1736 by “ Scotch-Irish” 
and their offspring, immigrants from the lower end of Lancaster and 
York Counties. Man}' of their descendants are now among the in- 
habitants. In the beginning of the present century the county 
organization was made. In the local history there are few items of 
interest to the general reader until July, 1863, when the great battle 
gave her notoriety. To the profession there is little to attract atten- 
tion until the formation of the Adams County Medical Association. 
In pursuance of a call a meeting was held in the court-house in 
Gettysburg, June 14, 1873, attended by Drs. R B. Elderdice, Robert 6 
REPORT OF THE 
Horner, Wm. J. McClure, J. L. Baehr, A. Holtz, C. Thompson, and 
J. W. C. O’Neal. This meeting was organized by calling A. Holtz to 
the chair, and appointing R. B. Elderdice secretary, and J. L. Baelir 
treasurer. A committee was selected to draft a constitution and 
complete the organization. Each of the gentlemen present paid a 
year’s dues in advance, and the meeting adjourned until Monday, 
June 23, 1873. In the mean time a notice was forwarded to the 
practitioners of medicine, located in the different parts of the county 
(about thirty-five in number). At this meeting, Drs. H. S. Huber, 
J. P. Brenneman, Wm. C. Stem, E. W. Mumma, Charles Horner, 
R. N. Meisenhelder, F. C. Wolf, and A. B. Dill presented themselves 
and united with those previously named in permanent organization. 
The following gentlemen were selected as officers, and to serve to 
the end of the year 1874. 
President, Robt. Horner; Yice-Presidents, H. S. Huber and A. 
Holtz; Recording Secretary, R. B. Elderdice; Corresponding- 
Secretary, Wm. J. McClure; Treasurer, J. W. C. O’Neal. 
At subsequent meetings the organization was strengthened by the 
addition of the following-named gentlemen, and in the order follow- 
ing: I. W. Pearson, H. W. Howard, J. N. Smith, Walter H. O’Neal 
(now of Luzerne Co.), I. W. Hendrix, M. L. Bott (now of York Co.), 
Theodore T. Tate, E. S. Meals (now of Dauphin Co.), R. S. Seiss, 
I. W. Trimmer (now of Cumberland Co.), J. P. Lecron, E. Melhorn, 
A. W. Howard, Geo. W. Jordy (York Co.), 0. W. Thomas, and Y. 
H. Lilly. 
The organization for 1875, elected as officers: President, J. W. C. 
O’Neal; Yice-Presidents, I. W. Pearson and J. L. Baehr; Recording 
Secretary, Chas. Horner; Treasurer, E. W. Mumma; Correspond- 
ing Secretary, Wm. J. McClure. The meetings of this year were 
well attended and full of interest, and is the date of the adoption of 
a “regular rate of charges.” 
The organization for 1876 (centennial year) was: President, 
Charles Horner; Yice-Presidents, R. N. Meisenhelder and J. L. 
Baehr; Recording Secretary, Walter H. O’Neal; Corresponding 
Secretary, Wm. J. McClure; Treasurer, E. W. Mumma. In 1877, 
the following gentlemen were elected officers : President, R. S. Seiss; 
Yice-President, I. W. Pearson; Recording Secretary, Walter II. 
O’Neal; Corresponding Secretary, Wm. J. McClure; Treasurer, E. 
W. Mumma. In 1878 and 1879, the President was R. B. Elderdice; 
Yice-Presidents, A. B. Dill and J. L. Baehr; Recording Secretary 
for 1878 Walter H. O’Neal, for 1879 J. W. C. O’Neal; Correspond- 
ing Secretary, Wm. J. McClure; Treasurer, E. W. Mumma. The ADAMS COUNTV MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
7 
change in secretary was in consequence of the removal of Walter II. 
O’Neal to Parsons, near Wilkesbarre, in Luzerne Co., Pa. 
During the organization there have been eight withdrawals, all in 
consequence of removals except the last named: viz., J. W. Smith, 
of New Oxford; E. S. Meals, of Harrisburg; I. W. Trimmer (Lis- 
burn, Cumberland Co.), Walter H. O’Neal (Parsons, Luzerne Co.), 
Geo. W. Jordy (York. York Co.), W J. McClure (York, York Co.), 
I)r. Wm. C. Stem (for reason). For non-payment of dues the 
names of seven have been dropped. 
Death has taken two: Dr. II. S. Huber, Vice-President in 1874? 
died 21st of October, 1875—having served faithfully in the ranks of 
the profession nearly a quarter of a century ; Dr. A. Holtz, president 
of the preliminary meeting for the county organization, died in 1876 
at his residence in Hampton, much regretted and in the prime of his 
usefulness. 
The present membership in good standing, entitled to representa- 
tion in the State and National Medical organizations, is E. Melhorn, 
of New Chester; I. W. Pearson and A. B. Dill, of York Springs 
Borough ; E. W. Mumma, Bendersville; R. B. Elderdice, of Mc- 
Knightstown ; Reymond S. Seiss, of Littlestown; J. L. Baelir, of 
Middletown (Bigler P. 0.); Charles Horner, Rob’t Horner, and J. 
W. C. O’Neal, of Gettysburg. 
Adams County was first represented in the State organization in 
1874, and in the American Medical Association in 1875. 
During the county organization papers have been presented and 
read by Dr. Rob’t Horner, on Conservative Surgery; Wm. J. 
McClure, on Phthisis; J. W. C. O’Neal, on Katalysine Spring 
Water, Alvine Alimentation and Medication, and Puerperal Fever; 
R. S. Seiss, on Midwifery; R. B. Elderdice, on Typhilitis; J. L. 
Baehr, on Metritis. Reports of health condition have been received 
from R. S. Seiss, R. B. Elderdice, Charles Horner, I. W. Pearson, 
J. P. Lacron, Dr. Scott, and Rob’t Horner. Discussions and con- 
versations upon diseases occurring in local practice of many of the 
gentlemen have been numerous and interesting. 
The professional and social bearing of the members towards each 
other (and through example to non-members) has through the influ- 
ence of association been much improved, and the profession as a mass 
have observed the laws as laid down by the Code of Ethics. The 
of Adams furnishes emplo3'ment to about forty gentlemen in 
the practice of medicine, over half of whom have from time to time 
been connected with the local organization. 
Our county, usually so free from all character of disease (except 
that of an accidental character, including exposure), has within the 8 
REPORT OF THE 
last six months been sorely invaded by endemics of diphtheria and 
scarlatina. In October, November, and December, Fairfield was 
visited by diphtheria of a malignant type. Dr. Scott reports “one 
hundred and seventy-five cases, in which twenty-three were fatal. 
In connection with the diphtheria there was a prevailing ‘influenza’ 
inviting disease to the air passages.” When the cases “were diph- 
theritic croup they were uniformly fatal.” Dr. Scott was not satis- 
fied with the usual forms of treatment, “including the Reiter or 
Pittsburg form. Theoretically the last named should exempt Pitts- 
burg and its environs from an invasion of^Ui^disease.” 
Dr. R. B. Elderdice, of the adjoining s*4e to Fairfield, reports 
twenty-five cases of diphtheria with a fatality of two, one from ex- 
haustion following hemorrhage, the other from a formation of false 
membrane. His treatment was by chlorate of potassa in saturated 
solution combined with the tr. chlo. iron, used as a gargle, and in- 
ternally as an alterative and tonic. Thirteen of the doctor’s cases 
had, in addition, quinia, carbonate of ammonia, and alcoholic stimu- 
lants, as the several remedies seem to have been indicated. Milk 
was given as a diet. When there were local sores they were treated 
by local applications of carbolic acid, tinct. chlor. of iron with glyce- 
rine, in formulas modified to suit the respective cases. The cases 
did well and the remedies acted kindly. 
Dr. Elderdice reports the mortality of his s*4r as thirteen : viz., 
croup one, cholera infantum two, diphtheria two, atrophy and de- 
bility one, intestinal inflammation three, hydroperitonitis with cir- 
rhosis of liver one, hepatic catarrh (chronic) one, puerperal convul- 
sion one, phthisis (acute) one. 
His obstetric practice covers twenty-seven cases: “forceps were 
used once, cord around the neck in five cases; among the presenta- 
tions was one footling, one left shoulder, and twenty-five head; 
there were twro premature births, three stillborn, two partially ad- 
herent placentas, and one placenta prsevia. 
The fatal case of puerperal convulsion occurred twelve hours after 
natural labor was completed in a “primipara.” Four hours after 
labor the doctor was recalled to find his patient in a severe convul- 
sion. The spasms recurred at short intervals and were violent in 
character, a vein was promptly opened in the arm and the blood 
suffered to flow in a full stream to the extent of half a litre, and 
until the pulse was decidedly influenced by the loss of blood. This 
course was followed by an hypodermic injection of morphia (.008 
gram), cold applications to the head, and warm ones to the feet. 
This course made a decided impression, and governed the alarming 
symptoms for about two hours, when the spasms returned. Bromide ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
9 
of potass, was now given in full doses, and Dr. O’Neal, of Gettys- 
burg, was called in consultation. It was decided to reopen the vein 
and draw more blood, the flow was continued until relaxation was com- 
plete. The quantity, two-thirds of a litre ; the effect was to control 
the convulsion for a short time. An enema of solution of bromide 
of potass, and hydrate of chloral was ordered, but not given. The 
convulsions returned and death occurred at six o’clock in the after- 
noon, twelve hours after the delivery, and eight hours from the first 
convulsion. Immediately preceding and following death there was 
general swelling of the whole muscular system. There had been no 
prior oedema of the extremities, nor any other premonitory symp- 
toms indicating convulsions, during or immediately after labor. The 
sudden outbreak of spasm was the introductory warning. Treat- 
ment, though decided, made no lasting impression, and death was as 
sudden as the invasion was unexpected and alarming. 
Dr. Elderdice reports an unusual and interesting case of parturi- 
tion complicated by an invasion of pneumonia of the right lung. 
“The inflammation (acute in form) commenced with the labor, and 
complicated the case. The unusual presence of the characteristic 
chill, difficulty of breathing, suppressed lochia, were all present 
Pulse run variously from 99 to 120 beats to the minute ; temperature' 
from normal to 104° ; the pneumonic symptoms yielded to Dover’s 
powder; carbonate of ammonia, quinine, and whiskey given as the 
several symptoms seemed to indicate. 
Dr. Seiss of Littlestown reports his ride as free of endemic disease 
during the year, except during the appearance of scarlet fever in 
the fall months of 1818, when he encountered seventeen cases with 
one death. 
Dr. A. B. Dill, of “ York Springs Borough,” reports the appear- 
ance of malignant scarlet fever in the neighborhood some time in 
December under the circumstances as follows: A child (corpse) of 
Mr. Overholz, of Centreville, was brought from Centreville, Cum- 
berland County, to the house of Mrs. Lydia Smith, in the northern 
portion of the county (Adams), and taken from there to the “ Ground- 
oak Church” near Upper Bermudian Creek; in the church and in 
the presence of the assembled congregation the coffin was opened; 
in eight or ten days, cases of scarlet fever developed among those 
who had been in the congregation. Eighteen to twenty cases hap- 
pened among these people. From this point the disease spread in 
a southeast direction, taking “ York Springs Borough” in its course; 
then the epidemic turned southwest, following the valleys skirting 
the highlands to Arendtsville and neighborhood. “York Springs 
Borough” with a population of 430 had 10 deaths. 10 
REPORT OF THE 
Dr. I. W. Pearson, of the same neighborhood, traces the origin of 
the epidemic to the same source, and represents that the disease 
“was not confined to children, but attacked all ages and sexes from 
three months to fifty years. The mild cases were those who had 
had a previous attack of scarlatina. The previous attack seemingly 
acting as a modifier, just as vaccination modifies smallpox. The 
number of cases under treatment was about two hundred, and the 
mortality fearful” (number not reported). The endemic was pre- 
ceded by a prevailing ‘influenza’ partaking of the nature of an in- 
flammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels, in 
children, similar to the ordinary summer complaint (cholera infan- 
tum). This preliminary affliction was in the preceding October and 
November. This 4 influenza’ yielded promptly to remedies. Fol- 
lowing this (and in December) were cases of ‘ catarrh fever,’ com- 
plicated with cough but no mucous secretion, the fever not con- 
tinued, expectoration light, liver engorged, bowels constipated, urine 
scanty, and, as a rule, but little secreted. Anodynes and expecto- 
rants made little or no characteristic impression. Mercurials and 
diuretics acted kindly; and convalescence was quick under the in- 
fluence of quinine. There were no deaths, and the cases lasted about 
ten days. Then followed the endemic of malignant scarlet fever.” 
Dr. J. P. Lacron reports this same epidemic as endemic in Arendt- 
sville and neighborhood ; the affection seemingly taking hold of any 
material at all susceptible. 
Dr. Charles Horner reports the epidemic as he saw it in council 
with Dr. Thomas; his account is forwarded with this report. 
Dr. Robert Horner’s report speaks for itself, and is inclosed. 
The rain-fall during the year has been forty-one inches. 
By request of the members of the Society, expressed by resolution, 
the verbal report made at the meeting in September, 1878, by Dr. 
J. W. C. O’Neal, on Rectal Alimentation and Medication, was re- 
duced to writing, and read at the January meeting in 1879, and by 
order directed to be forwarded to the State Medical Society as part 
of this report. 
We append a map of Adams County, kindly furnished by Mr. J. 
P. Lesley of the “State Geological Survey,” on which is marked the 
locality of the epidemic of scarlet fever and diphtheria. To Prof. 
Croll, of Pennsylvania College, we are indebted for the statistics 
relating to population, and its divisions, latitude and longitude, 
etc.; to Mr. A. E. Lehman, of State Geological Survey, for eleva- 
tion of high points; to Prof. Bickel, of Pennsylvania College, for 
“ rain-fall;” and to others for further information, whose names have 
slipped the memory. ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
11 
Mountain Elevations. 
From A. E. Lehman’s Map for Geological State Survey. 
Feet above sea level. 
Highest point near county line on Sliippensburg Road . 2100 
Highest point on Green Ridge . . • . . . 2000 
Highest point on Cold Spring Road 1770 
Pinch Gut 1620 
Mary’s Hill 1490 
Mountain west of Narrows 1485 
Caledonia (Cold Spring) 1450 
High Point, Chambersburg Pike 1440 
Newman’s 1855 
James Bigliam’s (Cold Spring Road) .... 1320 
Corwell’s Tavern 1310 
Raven Rock 1290 
Rock Top (west of Cashtown) 1210 
Graffenberg 1020 
Mt. Alto 1000 
Willow Grove 970 
Caledonia Furnace 955 
Cashtown 800 
Gettysburg 545 
May Weather at Gettysburg during 21' years. 
From observations made by M. Jacobs, dec’d, Prof, of Mathematics, etc., in Pa. College, 
and reported by his son Rev. Henry E. Jacobs. 
Mean temperature, 60.836°. 
Lowest monthly mean, 56.90°, 1850. 
Highest monthly, 65.33°, 1864. 
Maximum, 90°, May 22 and 24, 1863. 
Minimum, 32°, May 1, 1847 ; May 3, 1851. 
Mean maximum, 86.18° ; average date of maximum, 18th. 
Mean minimum, 38.88° ; average date of minimum, 11th. 
Range in 27 years, 58°. 
Greatest monthly range, 57°, 1851. 
Least monthly range, 36°, 1858. 
Greatest range in least time, 44° (40 hours), 1844. 
Mean rain-fall, 3.641 inches. 
Greatest rain-fall, 10.600 inches. 
Least rain-fall, 1.100, in 1845. 
Average number of rain days, 13.13. 
Most rain days, 21, 1846, 1848. 
Fewest rain days, 8, 1855, 1862. 
As indicative of the weekly progress of the season, the mean of 
the temperature of the following dates for a period of 18 years may 
be of service: 1st, 56.05°; 8th, 58.02°; 15th, 62.60°; 22d, 62.55°; 
29th, 65.29° PRELIMINARY GEOLOGICAL MAP OF ADAMS COUNTY, From thk Second Geologicai Survey of Pennsylvania 
Quartzite (Potsdam ?) 
Cambro-Silurian. 
Mesozoic red sandstone, 
etc. 
Chlorite and Hydro- 
Mica Schists. 
York County'limestone, 
Cambro-Silurian. 
A. Scarlet Fever Endemic. Drs. Lecour, Horner, and Thomas, 
Reporters. 
B. Diphtheria. Drs. Long, Scott, and Elderdice, Reporters. 
C. Endemic of Scarlatina. Drs. Dill and Pierson, Reporters. 
D. Endemic of Scarlet Fever. Dr. Seiss, Reporter. 
E. Scarlet Fever originated at Ground Oak Church. 
F. Beaver Creek forms the eastern boundary between Adams and 
York counties. It empties into the Conewago near East Berlin. 12 
REPORT OF THE 
The maximum temperature occurred once on the 1st (in 1858), 
and the minimum temperature twice on the 31st (in 1845 and 1856). 
In 1845, 1855, 1861, and 1862 the maximum of April was greater 
than May. In 1839, 1841, and 1846, the maximum of May was 
greater than that of June, and in 1843 and 1859 the minimum was 
lower in June than in May. The highest monthly mean temperature 
is within .51 of a degree of the lowest mean temperature of June, 
and the lowest mean temperature of May is 1.3 degree above that 
of the highest of April. On May 3d and 4th, 1861, the South 
Mountain, near Gettysburg, was covered by seven inches of snow. 
At Gettysburg, there was both rain and snow. 
Very respectfully submitted, 
J. W. C. O’NEAL, Secretary. 
Dr. Chas. Horner, of Gettysburg, reports as follows:— . 
In our practice during the past year, we have very little of in- 
terest or value to record. We have had no epidemics in our imme- 
diate field of labor; and there has been a remarkable exemption 
from the ordinary diseases of summer and winter. Not so, however, 
with some parts of the county. In the neighborhood of Fairfield, 
situated about eight miles west of Gettysburg, near the foot of the 
South Mountain, diphtheria of a malignant and fatal type has pre- 
vailed during the past autumn and winter months. 
Arendtsville, a small town located about eight miles north of 
Gettysburg, and on elevated and rolling ground, was visited by an 
epidemic of scarlatina during the winter months. The disease 
spread rapidly, and assumed a severe anginose form. I attended in 
consultation with my friend, Dr. 0. W. Thomas, of Arendstville, 
several families during the height of the epidemic. Mr. G. P., 
merchandising in the town, had nine children when the dreaded 
exanthematous fever made its appearance, all of whom were soon 
prostrated by the malady. The mortality in this family of children 
was Jive. Three died in a few days from the severity of the attack, 
being typhoid in its character. The pulse was frequent and very 
feeble, severe inflammation of the throat, with considerable swelling, 
and great difficulty in deglutition. 
The throat was covered with a pseudo-membraneous exudation ; 
breath very offensive, severe coryza, delirium with slight stupor, dry 
tongue, and purple color of the eruption. The fourth died from croup; 
the inflammation of the throat extending to the larynx ; and the fifth 
from the sequelae of the disease. This child appeared to be conva- 
lescing kindly for several weeks, moving about in the house, when ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
13 
complete suppression of urine took place, followed by grave cere- 
bral symptoms, from which it rapidly sunk. 
The ages of these children ranged from one up to eighteen years; 
and the family was of a decided strumous diathesis. I also called 
to see, with Dr. Thomas, a son, aged nine years, of Mr. J. H., re- 
siding in the town. This boy was suddenly seized with a violent 
convulsion. The history of this case I learned from the doctor to 
be the following: He was among the first to suffer from the epi- 
demic poison, but had been convalescing favorably. Indeed, he was 
so well, that he had been going to school for several days. Taking 
cold, no doubt, from exposure, he became dropsical, urine albumi- 
nous, followed by convulsions. In this case brisk purgation, with 
the use of diuretics, relieved the dropsy and brain difficulty; and 
the patient made a good recovery. It has long been a noticeable 
fact, during the prevalence of scarlatina, that a few families are 
almost desolated by the epidemic poison, either from some peculi- 
arity in the constitution of the children, or from some local cause; 
or, perhaps, we might say more properly, from both. Such was 
the observation of the attending physicians during the epidemic. 
These cases are regarded as the malignant form of the disease, and 
usually terminate fatally in twenty-four hours or less. Indeed, 
death generally takes place in the first stage of the malady from 
congestion, especially of the brain, marked by coma and convulsions. 
From information furnished by Dr. O. W. Thomas, I learn that 
the fever made its appearance in Arendstville about the 1st of Feb. 
of the present year, and continued until the 20th of April following. 
During this period of time there were 124 cases, of which number 
19 died, being a percentage of 15.32. This result was in an area of 
four miles square. From this specified locality the fever spread, 
and quite a number of cases made their appearance in the vicinity 
of Arendstville, and in the neighboring villages. But they were 
mild in character, the doctor says, and only one death took place, 
and that was from some complication of the disease. 
“ In tracing the epidemic to its origin,” the doctor remarks, “it was 
certainly that of contagion.” During the latter part of January, 
Mr. L., with his famil3', of our town, made a visit to the neighbor- 
hood of Petersburg in this county, where the fever was prevailing 
in a severe form. In three or four days after the family returned 
home, one of the children, a little girl, was attacked with scarlatina, 
though of a mild type. Two other children, a little girl and boy, in 
the same family were attending the common school, and occupying 
the same bench. In less than a week they were both prostrated by 14 
REPORT OP THE 
the fever. The doctor then adds “ that in three weeks from this 
time the school, numbering GO, was reduced to 18 pupils.” 
The treatment pursued in the grave cases of the fever, and the 
one that proved the most successful, was the stimulating and sup- 
porting plan. We administered from ten to fifteen drops of the 
tincture of chloride of iron and one or two teaspoonfuls of spiritus 
frumenti alternately every two hours, regulating the dose of each, 
according to the age of the child. 
As a gargle we employed the carbolic acid and the liquor calcis, 
in the proportion of from four to eight drops of a strong solution 
of the former, to a fluidounce of the latter. We likewise used the 
chlorate of potassa as a wash for the throat. If the children were 
unable to gargle on account of age, we used the vapor of carbolic 
acid and liquor calcis inhalation. When the patients refused to 
swallow the tincture of chloride of iron or the carbonate of ammonia, 
we substituted the sulphate of quinia in mixture. Occasionally 
deglutition is almost impossible from the inflammation and tume- 
faction of the throat; we then resort to injections per anum of 
whiskey, sulphate of quinia, and beef-tea. The diet in these cases 
consisted of liberal quantities of milk and beef-tea. 
The mild cases of the fever, I am informed by the attending phy- 
sicians, required but little medication. Some gentle laxative medi- 
cine, together with diaphoretics, and sponging the surface of the 
body, particularly that of the face, breast, and upper extremities, 
with vinegar and water, was the only treatment found necessary. 
The plan of inunction was likewise used in these cases with marked 
benefit. Keeping a uniform and proper temperature in the sick- 
room, a thorough ventilation of the dwellings, and a liberal use of 
disinfectants were strictly enforced during the epidemic. 
Dr. R. Horner reports:— 
Our practice during the last year has not been characterized by 
any great amount of disease, and with few exceptions by any spe- 
cial increase of their gravity. 
We have had scarlatina at intervals during the year, a few cases 
at a time, and generally mild in type. 
Diphtheria has been prevalent in our practice during the winter, 
and with few exceptions has been in a form that yielded readily to 
treatment. 
In surgery we had an interesting case of tracheotomy. 
On the 18th of last August, my associate, Dr. J. M. Radebaugh, 
was called in consultation with Drs. Howard and Mutnma, and ex- 
amined a boy aged four years, who, ten days before, had gotten a ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
15 
coffee grain into his windpipe. During the first eight da}Ts auscul- 
tation showed the grain to be movable. From that time its rattle 
could not be detected, though there continued to be violent spas- 
modic attacks, each of which threatened suffocation. 
Auscultation showed clearly obstruction in the right bronchus. 
The usual remedies having been previously tried without avail, Dr. 
R. performed tracheotomy ; and the violent effort consequent having 
failed to dislodge the grain, he introduced a long bent probe into the 
right bronchus, when the grain was immediately expelled. The 
wound healed promptly, and there has been no subsequent trouble. 
RECTAL ALIMENTATION AND MEDICATION AS REPORTED 
TO THE ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY, 
SEPTEMBER, 1878. 
By J. W. C. O’Neal, M.D., Gettysburg. 
A fluid thrown into the bowels by means of a pipe (as a passage) 
is termed in medical and surgical parlance a Glyster. 
Among the ancients and before the Christian era, medicines were 
administered in this way, and the same practice has been continued 
to the present da}r. So common was the procedure, that in looking 
up the bibliography of the subject, it seems remarkable that the 
writer should be unable to place his hand upon a single monograph 
detailing an account or history, either of the instruments used, or 
of the subject in general. Its use and application was so common 
and seemingly simple that writers did not consider it necessary to 
enter into a detail of the method of its application. 
The early fathers in medicine gave circumstances under which 
the use of the then simple instrument (a bladder and a quill) was 
indicated. Costiveness, abdominal pains, spasmodic strictures of 
the intestines, and the whole “ category” of bowel and intestinal 
trouble, then, as now, called for the use of this simple instrumental 
interference. 
An old work on medicine, written by Cornelius Celsus, and 
divided into eight books, and issued in the early ages of medical 
literature, gives the then history and application of glysters, with 
most of the circumstances calling for their use, and the mode and 
manner of their application ; the subject matter of the procedure 
being seemingly as well understood then as it is now. 
The original contrivance was simply a bladder, having inserted 
into its neck a quill from the wing of a goose, and this for years 
served the purpose of the now finished and durable hard rubber 16 
REPORT OF THE 
syringe, or the convenient arrangement of the gum extension injec- 
tion pipe. 
Years ago after administering an enema for the purpose of empty- 
ing the bowels, and thus relieving spasmodic pain, it was noticed 
that the pain was relieved wdthout the bowels being emptied. In 
other words the effect was produced, but not in the looked-for man- 
, ner. The paroxysm of pain was relieved, the muscular system 
relaxed, and the nervous system controlled. The presence of the 
material thrown into the lower bowel caused no irritation, and failed 
to stimulate the persistaltic action, but had quieted the “ complaint 
of nature’1' (pain), and invited “her sweet restorer” (sleep). 
On another occasion, a case of nausea, somewhat persistent, a 
consequence of child bearing, the bowels being constipated, an enema 
was directed for the purpose of inviting an alvine discharge. The 
nausea was relieved, and without the expected passage. These 
enemas carried both stimulants and anodynes. Their action was 
as if administered by the mouth, provided the stomach had its 
normal power. They quieted the urgent symptoms as full}r as an 
anodyne would have done if administered endermically. 
These observations induced further reflection on the subject, and 
after a time a test case was encountered, in which an inflamed stom- 
ach refused to receive ingesta to support an exhausted system ; 
and the idea suggested itself to resort to the gtyster to support 
and nourish exhausted nature. Articles of diet, in the shape of 
rich milk, egg-nogg, and beef soup, were thrown into the lower 
bowel, retained, and gladdened the anxious friends of the afflicted. 
In 1867 a case of typhoid fever was encountered, when the stom- 
ach refused to receive food, after the system had been fearfully 
reduced by the inroads of disease. Injections were resorted to as 
a means of bridging the period when normal support would not be 
tolerated. For eight days, at intervals of four hours, milk and eggs, 
alternated with beef soup, strained, were administered. As many 
as four enemas were at times retained, and when a motion of the 
bowels was invited or forced, nothing would come from them except 
effete matter, showing that the absorbent vessels had appropriated 
all the administered nourishment, and passed the effete matter which 
was useless. In answer to a recent letter of inquiry to the mother 
of this patient, the following is a portion of the reply: “ I have not 
forgotten the faithfulness and kindness shown my son during his 
illness in 1867. His age at the time of the attack was eleven years. 
The active part of his affliction continued five weeks. During the 
first stage of the fever he was restless and delirious, and when the 
fever was broken he was entirely prostrated, and would receive ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
17 
no food, his stomacli rejecting all articles of nourishment. It was 
then that strength was imparted to him by the administration of 
injections of milk, egg-nogg, and beef soup, at intervals of four 
hours. His recovery seemed wonderful, and may be entirely attri- 
buted to the support judiciously administered at a period when the 
stomach refused entirely to receive food.” 
In addition to the regular feeding of this case by the rectum, he 
was washed night and morning with dilute alcohol, and after each 
washing was annointed with hog’s lard. His recovery was complete; 
and about a year ago, having arrived at the age of manhood, he was 
settled in life by matrimony. This case illustrated fully the power 
of the lower bowel to receive and appropriate food, when the stomach 
wholly refused or was unable to perform its natural functions, and 
but for this resource the case must have proved fatal. 
Following this case was a number of others fully sustaining the 
power of the lower bowel to appropriate food when thrown into the 
rectum. 
In the summer of 1876, attention was directed to a case of nausea 
and vomiting, the result of pregnancy. The sufferer was the wife of 
a cultured and intelligent gentleman, a physician not in practice. 
In its character it was severe and alarming; so much so that a 
member of the profession was summoned from a neighboring city in 
consultation. The whole catalogue of remedies (and their name is 
legion) was exhausted without quieting the distressing and alarm- 
ing gastric irritability. Nothing would remain on the stomach. 
During this long period of twenty-four days, this lady was sup- 
ported entirely by rectal injections. When this mode of relief was 
suggested to the anxious husband, a smile of derision was on his 
countenance, and his consent was obtained only because all other 
means had been exhausted. 
This lady is to-day a living example of the power, not only of 
alvine support, but of alvine medication. 
During the spring of 1878, a farmer living on Ilock Creek was 
attacked with what seemed to be a colic, the pain of which promptly 
yielded to an anodyne thrown under the skin by the endermic syringe, 
but returned repeatedly whenever food was taken normally. Food 
by the stomach was discontinued, and he was entirely supported by 
alvine injections from the 18th of April to the 20th of July. The 
aliment used was milk and beef soup, given in doses of from four 
to six ounces once in four hours (for a time), then once in six hours. 
This gentleman (Mr. David Conover) is living evidence (and in 
health) of the power of rectal support, administered when the stom- 
ach was in a condition not to receive or digest nutritive aliment. 18 
REPORT OF THE 
A case of malarial poisoning and nervous depression was sup- 
ported during last summer (1878) from the 31st of May to the 16th 
of August, almost entirely by nourishing matter administered by 
the glyster pipe, and died then only when the mode and manner of 
giving the nourishment was suspended. 
This case, and the particulars surrounding it, was for a time under 
the observation of Dr. Charles Horner in consultation with the regu- 
lar medical attendant. The patient presented much that was remark- 
able and interesting. The nervous and physical prostration was 
such as to invite the observation not only of different members of 
the profession, but of the friends and the community generally. 
The relief given by rectal alimentation was marked and satisfactory. 
There is little doubt entertained that there are many cases of 
death caused by the want of proper food, and the ability of the 
stomach to receive and appropriate it. Hence the anxiety mani- 
fested by friends, relative to the absence of the power to take nour- 
ishment. Medical men join in this anxiety, and sometimes are as 
importunate and zealous in morally forcing upon the natural organ 
material it will not take as the most interested friends. The ques- 
tion then naturally arises, Can this class of persons be sustained 
by rectal alimentation ? The cases heretofore alluded to indicate 
that they can. It is evident that many can be thus sustained until 
the normal powers of the stomach return to their natural condition. 
There are many persons who have imprudently overtaxed and over- 
powered their digestive powers, and are victims of dyspepsia, and 
require almost entire rest; this can be given so that the organs of 
digestion, by the aid of the rectum as a receptacle of food, can have 
sufficient leisure to be restored to the normal pondition. 
In the case of nausea from the pregnant state, the sufferer ex- 
pressed entire satisfaction produced upon her feelings on the recep- 
tion of food in the anal region; a satisfaction almost like unto that 
of deglutition. Nature thus tells iis of the applicability of the pro- 
cedure. If this should not satisfy the inquirer, take another indi- 
cation,—the anal tolerance of the contents of the syringe. And 
when these two sources of evidence unite, it seems that nature can 
speak in no stronger language or plainer terms. 
Another symptom of encouragement is the yielding of disease, 
strength coming to the weak, and, in time, an entire restoration of 
health. Compare these indications with the Conover case. The 
exacerbations of pain were produced when he swallowed nourish- 
ing fluids or strengthening solids. His stomach would not even 
tolerate milk; and yet the lower bowel would not only receive it 
kindly, but would retain it until the absorbent vessels would appro- ADAMS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
19 
priate all the nourishing material it contained. Indeed, glysters 
could be accumulated one upon another, until there would be three, 
four, and five repetitions. 
With these facts before us, should the human system be allowed 
to lose its strength, and suffer from debility for the want of food ? 
With this knowledge and experience to illustrate, the profession 
would be blamable did it not give the procedure a fair and 
ample opportunity to vindicate its claims. This matter calls for 
thorough investigation, and will be found to apply measurably to 
affections of the upper bowels and stomach, especially in cases 
where it is desirable not to irritate an inflamed mucous membrane 
by the presence of ingesta. Take, as examples, gastric inflamma- 
tion, spasmodic stricture of the stomach or intestines, a reversion 
of the peristaltic motion, and the line of diseases of a similar char- 
acter, and it will be found that a system supported by rectal ali- 
mentation and treated by anal medication, will have a decided ad- 
vantage over that treated in the ordinary way by carminatives, 
absorbents, alteratives, detergents, stimulants, tonics, anodynes, 
and the whole list of ordinary remedial agents as employed by med- 
ical routinists. 
The physiology of the rectum as a lower stomach is not under- 
stood clearly ; it is thought, however, to nourish through the power 
of the absorbent vessels. That food is taken up and appropriated 
there can be no doubt. Precisely how taken up, or how appropri- 
ated, is not as yet clearly intelligible to the observer. Feces held 
in the bowels after an invitation to be passed by nature, become 
dry, and at times hard, losing much of the moisture that renders 
them plastic when normal. Milk thrown into the rectum, when 
permitted to remain, parts with its nourishing properties in a simi- 
lar manner. Soups, etc., send back only their effete matter. As 
the fluid is taken from the feces, so are the nourishing principles 
picked from the articles of alimentation. Reasoning from this 
standpoint, may we not come to the conclusion that the use of a 
part may develop a function; and that a condition of disease 
may so sharpen a rudimentary power as to enable it to perform 
a duty hardly designed in the primary organization ? With much 
temerity the whole subject is respectfully referred to the considera- 
tion of the profession.