® Jl ® JU: 
ITS MERITS 
AS A DISINFECTANT, ANTISEPTIC, 
AND ANTI-ZYMOTIC. 
BY 
G. HERMANN MERKEL, M.D., M.C.A., 
BOSTON, MASS. OZONES 
vl 
ITS MERITS 
AS A DISINFECTANT, ANTISEPTIC. AND 
ANTI-ZYMOTIC. 
BY 
1/ 
G. HERMANN MERKEL, M.D., M.C.A., 
BOSTON, MASS. 
[iReprint from the Transactions of the American Eclectic Medical Association, 
1883, by permission of the author.\ 
BOSTON: 
FRANKLIN PRESS: RAND, AVERY, & CO. 
1884. OZONE. 
Ozone has engaged the attention of the most expert among the 
savants of Europe for almost half a century. The discovery of 
oxygen by Joseph Priestley in 1774 had given a soul to chemical 
science, before that a mere grouping of empirical observations; 
and the fresh impulse set investigation into active motion all over 
the Continent. The “vital air” which Dr. Priestley had exhibited 
was made the subject of numerous experiments in the various 
countries. It was impossible, therefore, that the existence of ozone 
should not be foremost among the demonstrations of the new 
chemistry. In 1785 Van Marum of Holland passed an electric 
current through oxygen gas, and perceived that it acquired thereby 
a peculiar odor and the power of oxidizing mercury. Cavallo dis- 
covered that this electrified oxygen — or “ electric aura,” as he styled 
it — had a purifying effect on animal and vegetable matter, and used 
it as a disinfecting application to fetid ulcers. Dr. John Davy, in 
1826, formally recognized it as a principle in the atmosphere, and 
thus gave it a place within the scientific household. 
Schonbein of Basle, however, professor of chemistry at the 
university, gave to ozone its “ local habitation and a name ” in 
1840. He first imagined that it was a body which combined with 
hydrogen to constitute nitrogen. This was disproved by other 
experimenters, who showed that the peculiar odor was produced by 
the decomposition of water alone, and that ozone was but oxygen 
in an allotropic form. Berzelius was decided in this judgment. 
Schonbein was unwilling to believe this, and contended, first that it 
was a hydrogen hyperoxide, H02, and afterward H03. This was 
subsequently shown to be incorrect; and finally Andrews, in 1856, 
demonstrated that ozone, however found, is identical in its nature, 
entirely distinct from hydrogen ; and likewise that oxygen is con- 4 
verted into it by means of the electric spark, and undergoes thereby 
condensation, and reduction of volume. 
Dr. Odling propounded the explanation that ozone was formed by 
the molecule of oxygen, 02, united with an additional atom, 02+0, 
or 03. Its formation, he believed, simply means the condensing 
of oxygen into two-thirds of its former volume. The oxidizing 
power which ozone possesses is thus explained by the well-known 
fact in chemistry, that molecules part with facility with their super- 
abundant constituents. Housewives using cream-of-tartar to raise 
their dough are profiting from this idea. The heating of ozonized 
oxygen will cause the oxygen to resume its original molecular 
dimensions, and part with the additional atoms ; which will then, in 
their turn, being in the nascent condition, form new unions readily 
with whatever substance may be contiguous. In our present state 
of knowledge, therefore, ozone is defined as simply a condensed 
or allotropic form of oxygen, and each is convertible into the 
other. 
Many of the former conjectures in regard to this substance are 
very amusing. Travellers have noticed the peculiar odor during 
periods of electric disturbance of the atmosphere, and the ancients 
regarded it as actually sulphurous. Homer repeatedly mentions 
objects which had been struck by lightning, from which, he de- 
clares, “the smell of smoking sulphur rises.” The thunderbolt 
was regarded as constituted of fire and brimstone, and was repre- 
sented as the weapon of the gods. In the “ Iliad ” a bolt is repre- 
sented “with the flame of burning sulphur” striking a ship. The 
destruction of Sodom, and other cities on the site of the Dead Sea, 
was doubtless thus occasioned ; the naphtha deposit thus set on fire 
affording a receptacle for the waters of the River Jordan which had 
before flowed over and to the Gulf of Akabah. The prophet Isaiah 
also speaks of the tophet, or crematory, prepared for the King of 
Assyria, and adds, “ The breath of the Lord, like a stream of brim- 
stone, doth kindle it.” In strict accordance with this sentiment, 
sulphur bore the name of theion in Greek, — the divine substance. 
Phosphorus, however, and even chlorine, has been included in 
the conjecture of being a celestial or atmospheric product. It may 
add somewhat of plausibility, that these elements were often em- 
ployed by experimenters in the generating of ozone. 
OZONE ANCIENTLY MISTAKEN FOR SULPHUR. 5 
It has also been conjectured that ozone rendered atmospheric 
air unwholesome, and predisposed to epidemics of cholera, yellow- 
fever, etc. The later evidence has proved the exact reverse, — that 
it destroys the causes of contagious and zymotic disease. 
The presence of ozone in the atmospheric air was at first dis- 
puted and denied. Professor Andrews of Belfast made several 
experiments in 1867 which seem to have been conclusive. M. Hou- 
zeau had declared that ozone and hydrogen peroxide only could 
decompose the neutral potassium iodide; but Andrews demon- 
strated that the body in the atmosphere that did this is identical 
with ozone. Dr. C. B. Fox, of the Royal College of Physicians, 
London, repeated the various experiments of his predecessors, 
and declares the matter placed beyond a doubt. Observation shows 
that ozone is more abundant at a distance than near the earth’s 
surface. Seaside places are visited by a greater quantity when the 
winds blow from the sea than when they proceed from the land; 
the sea being a great manufactory of allotropic oxygen. There is 
usually a greater development in February and May than in other 
months; autumn having the least. A large fall of rain is charac- 
terized by the increase, and the amount has been thought to be 
greater when we have a new or full moon than during the first and 
third quarters. In eclipses the amount is often very large; but in 
earthquakes the reverse is the case. In short, ozone is contained 
in the air in larger quantity in winter and spring than during the 
summer and autumnal months. The frequent storms and maxi- 
mum of electricity, with low temperature and activity of vegetation 
in spring, are doubtless the occasion of this larger amount; while 
the higher temperature, the decomposition of animal and vegeta- 
ble matter, and the minimum of electricity in the lower strata of 
the atmosphere, are causes of its diminution at other periods of the 
year. 
“Ozone is found in greater abundance,” says Dr. Fox, “in pure 
country air than in impure town air, on mountains than in valleys, 
at the seaside than inland, in well drained and ventilated towns 
than in those where these important sanitary matters are neglect- 
ed.” It is the great deodorizing and purifying principle of nature, 
and therefore is consumed in the oxidation of the noxious exhala- 
OZONE IN THE ATMOSPHERE. 6 
tions where human beings are closely aggregated together. Dr. 
Shapter could find little in the city of Exeter, in England, and 
Dr. Angus Smith could find none in the air of Manchester. Dr. C. 
Evans observed that the north-east wind which reached Hackney 
from the country was highly charged with ozone, but on arriving 
at Fulham, after having crossed London, had lost nearly all traces 
of this substance. On the other hand, the south-west wind arriving 
at Fulham was rich with it, but on reaching Hackney, after passing 
London, was almost destitute of it. Lyons, in France, has been 
named “ the town without ozone.” At Geneva and Chamouni the 
quantity is very large. Dr. Wetherill ascertained that the air of 
the public grounds at Washington yielded an abundance of ozone 
at night; while that of the streets of the city at the same time 
indicated an absence of this gas. At seaside stations there is an 
enormous amount. 
The municipal body of Paris organized a series of daily obser- 
vations in 1866 and 1867, in the various arrondissemetiis of that 
city, with most significant results. I extract the following as most 
instructive : — 
At Passy, near resinous trees, the mean was 6.39; at La Villette, 
close to a quay on the Seine, 0.96; at Menilmontant, near a tallow 
manufactory, 1.16; at Fountaine-Molifere, almost directly over a 
public urinal, 0.38; at the £cole de Mddecine, close to a hospital, 
0.80; at Rue Racine, near a reservoir, 1.69; at the Reservoir de 
Vaugirard, 8.37; at La Chapelle, close to artesian wells, 3.08, and 
at Butte-aux-Cailles, also near such wells, 4.79. 
Professor Heaton and others declare that ozone is always absent 
from the air of an inhabited room, even though the window is open. 
This, however, is disputed. It has also been declared, by the best 
Continental authorities, to be almost entirely absent from the air 
of hospitals, especially of those devoted to fever patients. Means 
for its artificial generation have been accordingly suggested. 
The preponderance of ozone in sea-winds has been noted in 
various parts of the world. Admiral Fitzroy lays down the rule, in 
the “ Weather-Book,” that the winds which accompany the greatest 
indications of ozone are those which blow from the nearest and 
largest sea. Tests were said to read about one-third higher when 
sea-winds blow than during the prevalence of land-winds. 
M. Morin explains, that the pulverizing of water — as into the 7 
form of spray — is always accompanied by the development of 
ozone. This change in the condition of the air, it will be remem- 
bered, is largely produced by passing the electric current through 
it. That electricity is developed in sensible quantities in the neigh- 
borhood of waterfalls, and in large amount on the seashore, par- 
ticularly when the waves dash themselves violently against the 
rocks, creating much spray, is well known. 
Sea-water also holds in solution about one-thirtieth of its vol- 
ume of air. It has been shown that this air contains thirty-two 
per cent of oxygen, whereas the air over land has only twenty-one 
per cent. 
Plants evolve ozone from their leaves and green parts, and set 
more free during the daytime than can be found in the air about 
them. The same thing is also true during the night, when they 
grow thickly and vigorously, but not in the case of isolated vege- 
tation. Plants growing in the country give off more ozone during 
the day than town plants. In the midst of towns and a dense pop- 
ulation, night air exhibits a larger proportion than day air; but 
as the animal population diminishes, and the vegetable kingdom 
predominates, the daily supply is increased till it exceeds that of the 
night. The interiors of the corollas of plants do not produce it. 
Dr. Danberry, following up these experiments, concluded that 
atmospheric ozone was due almost entirely to plants ; being gener- 
ated by the green parts during the day while emitting oxygen, the 
flowers producing none. 
9 
The disciples of the philosopher Empedocles planted aromatic 
and balsamic herbs as prophylactics against pestilence. The re- 
searches of modern observers appear to justify their notion. Lawes, 
Gilbert, and Pugh have attributed the production of ozone in vege- 
tation rather to the intense effect of the atmospheric oxygen upon 
the minute quantities of volatile hydrocarbons evolved by the 
plants, than to any action within the cells. Montegazza states that 
odoriferous flowers discharge a large quantity, but flowers without 
perfume are destitute of it. Cherry-laurel, clover, lavender, mint, 
lemon, fennel, develop it largely in the sunshine : so do the flowers 
of heliotrope, narcissus, hyacinth, and mignonette, as well as the 
essential oils, such as nutmeg, anise-seed, thyme, peppermint, etc. 
PERFUME OF PLANTS A GENERATOR OF OZONE. 8 
Ancient physicians regarded the odor of laurel as a disinfectant. 
They seem to have been correct. The sunflower is also said to 
exhale ozone in large quantities; and Dr. J. Murray even attrib- 
uted this virtue to the aroma of powdered tobacco. 
Faraday has shown that the friction of water-drops against all 
bodies develops in them a most powerful charge of negative elec- 
tricity. Doubtless the contact with the air has the like influence. 
Volta found it to be produced by allowing the fine spray of a 
fountain to fall on the plate of a straw electroscope. Humboldt 
observed that the spray of a waterfall or a lofty cascade filled the 
air of the neighborhood with negative electricity, which can be 
detected at three or four hundred feet distant. As electric dis- 
charges are incessantly taking place, the production of ozone is 
therefore constantly maintained. 
Saint Pierre ascertained that ozone was developed by the me- 
chanical action of blowing-machines, and ventilators producing 
strong currents. This fact, he suggests, may account for the healthy 
action of winds. Perhaps the attrition of the particles of air 
against each other has the same effect. Storms, tempests, hurri- 
canes, and water-spouts are all active in this way, and so beneficial. 
OZONE FROM ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICITY. 
OZONE IN EPIDEMIC. 
Different opinions have been given in regard to the influence of 
atmospheric ozone upon the public health. Dr. Tripe declared, 
that, during the seven weeks of the last quarter of the year 1857, 
no ozone was present at Hackney, and that, notwithstanding, there 
was no disease prevalent during that period, and the mortality was 
below the average; while London had five per cent in excess at 
the same time. Other writers have also conjectured that cholera 
years were characterized by an excess. 
More extensive observations, however, seem to have utterly dis- 
sipated these opinions. The members of the Scottish Meteorolo- 
gical Society carried out a series of observations in one of the 
suburbs of Edinburgh, and perceived, that, when the largest quan- 
tities of ozone were obtained, “ the air had a pleasant sharpness to 
the feelings, exercising, as it were, a stimulating influence on the 
spirits. When, on the other hand, the air was close, and seemed to 9 
exert a slightly depressing effect, little if any ozone was detected.” 
Schonbein declared his belief that a deficiency of ozone, or an 
excessive production of miasmatic matters, in the atmosphere, 
favors the propagation of epidemic diseases; mentioning, in cor- 
roboration, that ozone is most abundant in winter, when zymotic 
diseases are least plentiful. It would be necessary, however, to 
show whether it affects the poisons which generate them. We 
know that it will destroy noxious odors; but can putrescent ema- 
nations produce a disease ? The earlier comparisons between the 
prevalence of cholera and the presence of ozone in the atmos- 
phere appear to have exhibited contradictory results. The out- 
break generally took place when the quantity of ozone approxi- 
mated a minimum; but its increase did not seem to have a decided 
influence in the way of arresting the progress of the visitation. 
In catarrhal and pulmonary disorder, atmospheric ozone appears 
to be of little benefit in advanced stages, but highly beneficial at 
first. Catarrh and influenza are seldom experienced in an atmos- 
phere highly ozonized. Tubercle will be removed by the constant 
contact of air in this condition. Rheumatism is also radically 
cured. 
MALARIA. 
The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher declares that malaria is like a 
heavy wet blanket thrown over the medical profession. It is cer- 
tainly a convenient term to use when something must be said to 
show people that the physician knows something; and the ration- 
ality of it is not in question. True, nevertheless, that no malarious 
air has ever disclosed other elements than the common atmos- 
phere. The chilly evenings succeeding to sultry, debilitating days, 
check the insensible perspiration, leaving the body loaded with its 
own poison, which is worse than any thing often found in the 
external air. The Roman Campagna can be safely visited by any- 
body properly dressed. 
Yet account should be taken of the fact that in damp atmos- 
pheres, and where there is decay going on, the oxygen of the air 
is steadily undergoing an electric charge, and parting with its 
superabundant particles, which had constituted it ozone. This 
indicates that there may be really a malarial condition of the 
atmosphere, and that it is coincident with a deficiency of electrified 
oxygen. The observations of Clemens, Schonbein, Berigny, 10 
Hammond, Billard, and T. Boeckel, tend to show that the quantity 
of ozone in the atmosphere, and the prevalence of diseases termed 
malarious, bear an immense proportion; likewise that this is the 
case not only in point of time, but also in respect to locality. Dr. 
Boeckel, indeed, has observed that the malarial fevers only reign 
when the ozonometer indicates zero. Dr. S. Gaillard has also 
noticed a similar relationship between the presence of ozone in 
the air and the appearance of intermittent and bilious remittent 
fevers. M. Wolf of Berne observed that a rapid diminution in 
the quantity of ozone is followed by considerable increase in the 
mortality. During an epidemic of dysentery which prevailed there 
in August and September, 1855, the energy of the disease appeared 
to augment or diminish with the quantity of ozone. 
Dr. Ross, medical officer of health for St. Giles’s, London, found, 
that, during an outbreak of relapsing fever, the amount decreased 
in the atmosphere as the mortality from the disease was greater. 
And at Salford it was remarked in 1869, that, “as the amount of 
ozone decreased, the seizures in measles, scarlatina, typhus and 
continued fever, increased.” 
In short, a deficiency of ozone in the air predisposes to disease, 
particularly of the epidemic form, by reason of the depressing and 
debilitating effects of such air, in consequence of its feeble powers 
lor oxidizing animal debris. A permanent diminution in the nor- 
mal amount probably favors the development of chronic diseases 
characterized by mal-nutrition, imperfect oxidation, and degenera- 
tion of tissues. 
Dr. Fox describes it as “vital air” plus force, that decomposes 
some of the offensive and deleterious products of putrefaction, 
and has important functions to perform in nature. In his work on 
the subject he presents a summary of its uses in the arts and 
industries, adding the remark, that the salubrity of a town or city 
may be pretty accurately estimated by the effects of its air upon 
ozonoscopes. “ Ozone,” he goes on to say, “is a deodorizing and 
purifying agent of the highest order, resolving and decomposing 
into primitive and innocuous forms. It should be pumped into 
our mines and cities, and be diffused through fever-wards, sick- 
rooms, the crowded localities of the poor, or wherever the active 
power of the air is reduced, and poisons are generated. Its employ- 
ment is especially demanded in our hospitals, situated, as they 11 
mostly are, in densely populated districts, where the atmosphere is 
nearly always polluted by re-breathed air, decomposing substances 
and their products, and where no mere ventilation can be fully 
effective. If practicable, it would be highly advantageous to direct 
streams of sea-air, or air artificially ozonized, into the fever and 
cholera nests of our towns.” 
OZONE AS A REMEDIAL AGENT. 
The European Continental savants have been active in their 
explorations to ascertain whether ozone can be employed to ad- 
vantage as a curative agent. Its solubility in water was naturally- 
considered as essential for this purpose. Schonbein demonstrated 
accordingly, by actual experiment, that this could be effected. 
Water was so thoroughly impregnated with ozone as to dispose 
entirely of noxious decomposing matters, thus restoring it to a 
normal condition. Other chemists concurred with him. Professor 
A. W. Hoffman of Berlin, and Professor Carius of Marburg, the 
most accomplished experts in such matters in all Germany, were 
employed to review the matter. Their report established the 
conclusion undeniably, that ozone is absorbed by water. 
In December, 1872, the Medical Society of Berlin memorialized 
the Imperial Commissioners for Religious and Medical Affairs of 
North Germany, in regard to the matter. It was done, and the 
ozone water was tested in every way that could be imagined. 
Crucial tests were made, both chemically and clinically, in the fever- 
wards of hospitals and in malarious and infected districts. The 
results were successful and convincing. Ozone water was found 
effective as a preventive and curative agent in contagious diseases 
of all kinds, and especially in malignant diphtheria, typhus, and 
acute rheumatism, and to be a specific for chronic affections of 
the heart and their sequelae. 
The Facultd de of France has since recognized these 
facts, and assigned ozone water a place in their Pharmacopeia, not 
only for those diseases, but also for bronchial affections, croup, 
whooping-cough, etc. 
The following extract from an editorial article in “ The Boston 
Journal” of Aug. 8, 1883, is a succinct statement of the matter; 
and, though by a secular writer, I will copy it as expressive of what 
we have to say ; — 12 
“ It is impregnated with ozone, or condensed oxygen. This 
preparation is useful, according to the amount of ozone it contains, 
for table-use and as a common beverage, being of an excellent 
dietetic quality; as a tonic in convalescence, after long and exhaust- 
ing illness, eradicating traces of the disease from which the patient 
has suffered; and, in its most concentrated form, as a medicine, 
when it should be employed under the advice and direction of a 
physician. As a medicine, its action is immediate and intense, 
and in many cases its use will obviate the necessity for other 
medicines. Its action as a medicine is to clear the system of 
impurities; and the class of diseases which it reaches is therefore 
a very large one, including all which result from any contamination 
of the blood. In Continental Europe it has already been suc- 
cessfully introduced, and adopted in regular practice; and several 
eminent physicians abroad have expressed the opinion that ozone 
is to be an important factor in the medical practice of the 
future.” 
It is now claimed that such disorders as Bright’s disease, dia- 
betes, rheumatism, intermittent and other fevers usually ascribed 
to a malarial origin, nervous prostration in its various forms, im- 
petigo and other skin-diseases, chlorosis, and the various female 
complaints, and other disorders resulting from impurity of the 
blood, imperfect digestion and assimilation, defective and faulty 
innervation, are successfully treated with ozone water prescribed 
by a competent and judicious physician. 
German physicians eminent in the profession in their own coun- 
try have increased the list of maladies thus curable. Corup-Bess- 
ner asserts, that in diabetes, gout, jaundice, and kindred ailments, 
ozone water is not only infallible, but indispensable. Dr. Lenders, 
district physician in Berlin, employed it successfully for intermit- 
tent and remittent fevers, typhoid, typhus, tuberculosis, bronchial 
catarrh, anaemia, chlorosis, septicaemia, pyaemia, puerperal fever, 
chronic affections of the heart, and other diseases occasioned by 
imperfect oxygenation of the blood. He cites several cases of 
gangrene occurring after surgical operations. A course of the 
ozone treatment had a most extraordinary effect on the spinal chord 
and nervous system generally. One case of locomotor ataxia, or 
tabes dorsalis, in which strychnia and argentum nitricum had proved 13 
utterly ineffectual, was successfully treated with ozone water. The 
patient recovered rapidly. 
The French Medical Faculty, and in particular Drs. Langier and 
Fougeras, have employed ozone and oxygenated preparations as 
an antiseptic in gangrenous wounds and specific ulcers, with suc- 
cessful results that seemed almost miraculous. Brillot, another 
eminent writer, testifies especially to the facts educed by his own 
experience, that ozone water is an efficient antipyretic, and that it 
will effectually preserve animal and vegetable matter from decay. 
Dr. Golden, of St. Thomas Hospital, London, declares in an of- 
ficial report, that, in a case under his charge, a putrescent syphilitic 
ulcer of long standing, on the back of the palate, was entirely cured 
by ozone applied externally, and administered internally. 
Dr. Fieber, professor and tutor in ordinary at the Imperial 
Hospital in Vienna, and director of the department for nervous, 
laryngeal, and thoracic diseases at the Mariahilf Ambulatorium, 
recommends ozone water, in the most unequivocal terms, as an 
unfailing remedy in neuralgia, nervous and exhaustive diseases, 
dyspepsia, sleeplessness, diabetes, and obesity. 
Professor Preyer of Jena administered prussic acid to a large 
number of animals, and purposely deferred the use of ozone till 
the apparent symptoms of dying were present. Immediately .upon 
the application of the remedy, they recovered completely from the 
toxic influence. When administered by inhalation, it is a remedy 
for asphyxia and strangulation by drowning, coal or sewer gas, etc., 
and also in the syncope occasioned by the action of chloroform 
and ether. 
DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD. 
The most conclusive evidence of the value of ozone water in 
disease of the brain and spinal cord is given by Dr. Wilhelm 
Waldmann, chief physician in Berlin, in his celebrated treatise on 
“ Oxygen and Ozone ” (p. 22). He had been afflicted for many years 
with an affection of the spinal cord and hemiplegia, the result of 
chronic spinal meningitis. He lost entirely the use of the lower ex- 
tremities, and for two years was wheeled about in an invalid-chair. 
He was induced to give a fair and patient trial to ozone water, 
and thus states the result: “The first effect of the ozone in me, 
as in all the cases in my private practice in which I have since made 14 
use of that remedy, was a peculiar sensation in the stomach, caused 
by its special influence on the vagus nerve. It was as though the 
entire abdominal viscera had been set in motion. My appetite rap- 
idly increased, and I could take larger quantities of food without 
distressing the stomach or digestive organs. The sleeplessness 
disappeared, and I could now sleep soundly and uninterruptedly all 
night. My health was restored, and my spirits and mental facul- 
ties became again buoyant and vigorous. I had an intense desire 
to resume my correspondence and literary labor, and was able to 
walk a few steps at a time, at brief intervals. After persevering 
four weeks with this ozone treatment, the power of locomotion was 
so remarkably increased that I could walk a long distance with 
comfort and without fatigue.” 
Professor Waldmann also cites another example. A Mr. X., fifty 
years of age, had suffered from disease of the spinal cord, with 
the usual accompaniment of facial neuralgia, for more than twenty 
years. He had tried every known remedy, without relief. He was 
placed under the ozone treatment, employing inhalation and inter- 
nal administration. He very shortly experienced results like those 
of Dr. Waldmann, the disappearance of all symptoms, and entire 
restoration to health. The professor reports likewise the case of 
a lady. Mrs. Y., aged twenty-nine, was suffering from anaemia, and 
very nervous. She also exhibited symptoms of chronic catarrh of 
the lungs, also inclining to tuberculosis, emaciation, cough, and head- 
ache. All these disappeared under the ozone treatment. Dr. 
Waldmann strongly recommends the treatment in all bodily ail- 
ments, whether acute or chronic, especially during the winter, when 
patients are obliged to keep their rooms, and are precluded from 
exercising in the open air. He asserts with great emphasis that 
the most aggravated nervous disorders can be subdued, and natu- 
ral sleep secured. 
CASES WITHIN MY OWN KNOWLEDGE. 
I. R. H. D. of Boston began the use, under my direction, in 
February, 1883. He had been troubled with rheumatism all win- 
ter, in his arms and shoulders, could not put on his coat without 
help, and was often disabled from business. In one month he 
exhibited a marked improvement, and two months later he was 
well. 15 
II. T. B., also of Boston, had suffered from rheumatism for 
ten years. In November, 1882, I began his treatment, and he 
recovered in six months. 
III. W. M. B., a sufferer from rheumatism and blood-poisoning 
by inoculation, began the use of ozone water in February, and 
soon found his health improved, and his sufferings greatly dimin- 
ished. 
IV. Hon. William D. Park, late member of the Senate of 
Massachusetts, had intermittent and remittent fever. He had 
been an invalid for ten years or more, suffering from sleeplessness, 
emaciation, and almost total indigestion. I put him on the ozone 
treatment last fall, with most gratifying success. He has gained 
sixteen pounds in weight, and regards himself as well. 
V. E. A. C., a sufferer with dyspepsia and great nervous pros- 
tration, was treated by me in March and April, with decided benefit. 
VI. Mrs. P. had suffered fifteen years from dyspepsia, and 
depression of spirits. For two months her diet had been only 
gruel, when I was consulted. I treated her with ozone water; and 
she has recovered her appetite and cheerfulness, and with fair 
prospect of a thorough cure. 
VII. Mrs. M. had been for many years a sufferer from ovarian 
cysts. On the 30th of March, 1883, she was attacked with con- 
vulsions, which resulted in the rupturing of one of these abscesses, 
and the discharge of its contents into the tissue. Septicaemia, or 
blood-poisoning, was the result. Bright’s disease now appeared. 
The right limb swelled to immense size ; high fever ensued, with 
chills. Her hope for life appeared very frail indeed. About the 
15th of April her physician began to administer ozone water. A 
week later the discharge of albumen was reduced one-half, and in 
two weeks it entirely ceased. Three months later she was in 
excellent health. 
VIII. Mr. J. S. D. had marked symptoms of Bright’s disease 
of the kidneys. In two weeks after beginning the use of ozone 
water, the discharge of albumen had almost entirely disappeared ; 
and a month later he was discharged cured. 
IX. Mr. J. H. D. had diabetes mellitus, and recovered in six 
weeks, from ozone treatment. 
X. Mr. S. recovered of diabetes insipidus, from the same 
remedy. 16 
XI. Mrs. A. B. was a sufferer from nervous prostration; also 
subject to floodings, and the stated recurrence of diphtheritic affec- 
tion. She had been afflicted in this way for nine years. She was 
treated with ozone water, and, though still under treatment, exhibits 
improvement apparently permanent. 
XII. Mr. S. B. N. had the misfortune to contract small-pox, 
from which his recovery was very imperfect. He was anaemic, 
wasted by marasmus, and greatly debilitated. He has been treated 
by ozone water with marked advantage. 
MALARIA, QUININE POISONING, ETC. 
XIII. Col. became my patient in April, 1883. He 
had contracted intermittent fever in the army, in the summer of 
1863, in the Yazoo district of Mississippi, where he was then on 
duty. The service was arduous, the severity of the heat compel- 
ling night-work, with its malarial exposure. The attack was very 
violent, and the chills very severe. He was treated with quinia in 
large quantities, without benefit. In August he came home on sick- 
leave, and was absent ninety days. His medical adviser now 
administered arsenic, with antidotes to counteract the previous 
drugging. On his way back to duty he was compelled to remain 
on the road, and receive professional care. Congestive chills were 
added to the other attack. More quinia and arsenic were given, 
and he became as regular in their use as at his meals. After the 
close of the war he returned North in a deplorable condition. He 
engaged in business, but continued to suffer. His weight, formerly 
one hundred and forty pounds, fell to one hundred and twenty- 
seven; the circulation was sluggish; the feet and hands, cold and 
moist; and sensation at the extremities was entirely suspended. 
The senses of hearing and sight were similarly impaired. The 
peculiar tintinnabulation and other symptoms of quininism were 
present and very conspicuous. He could neither read nor write, 
and lost the power to estimate distances. It was actually danger- 
ous for him to go into the street. A greenish film came over his 
eyes, the beginning of a cataract. Indications of ataxia appeared, 
and a creeping paralysis invaded the physical functions. An 
apoplectic or epileptic seizure also took place. 
In this critical condition he consulted a distinguished specialist 
in nervous diseases, and placed himself under his care. He was 17 
now treated with strychnia, belladonna, and electricity. The phy- 
sician gave him little encouragement. To the question how long 
might he expect to live, the answer was, about four months, if he 
took the best care of himself; but it would be no matter of surprise 
if he only held on three months. The wreck appeared to be almost 
complete. Under these prospects, the last winter was spent. 
There was faint hope for any ordinary attempt. 
In April he came under my attention. Other medicines were 
given up, and only ozone water prescribed, in the concentrated form. 
He had a second fit not long afterward, which alarmed every one 
very much. It was not hopeful; but I had no confidence of benefit 
from any thing else. I could but persevere, be patient, and wait. 
Presently a change for the better appeared. He did not, however, 
persist in the ozone treatment, without interruption, till June: so 
that I did not have a fair chance. His engagements and discour- 
aged feelings were in the way. But so much improvement was 
now evident, as to induce greater regularity. The appetite in- 
creased; the torpidity of function was mitigated; the numbness in 
the hands and feet disappeared entirely. There was also copious 
perspiration. By July he was able to walk without becoming tired, 
— a thing not before possible for many years. He gained thirty 
pounds, attaining a greater weight than before his sickness; be- 
came able to go up and down stairs with ease, and to walk in the 
street with a rapid gait. He does not as yet attempt to read or 
write; but he is cheerful, and very hopeful of good results. He had 
been considered as having but one chance in four to escape total 
blindness, and he has not lost that one. 
All things considered, this may fairly be regarded as an advan- 
tage gained by ozone treatment. 
The origin of disease is to be traced to impairment of the or- 
ganic nervous system, which controls, and is in turn itself sustained 
from, the circulation of the blood. Any case which impairs the 
circulation, or covers the tone of that department of the physical 
organism, will be followed by functional disturbance; and eventu- 
ally, if this is not corrected, organic lesion is certain to result. The 
great category of diseases is thus accounted for. The most pro- 
lific source is arrest of vital functions; and zymosis is perhaps the 
most influential factor in the case. Whether the poison is intro- 
duced from without, or is engendered within, the body, is of relative 18 
importance only. The urgent matter is to arrest it, and render it 
innocuous. The various antiseptic, detergent, cathartic, and other 
remedies have this object in view; and their value depends entirely 
upon their efficiency to accomplish it. 
The enthusiasm with which every “ new remedy” is greeted, and 
the almost equal suddenness with which most “ new preparations ” 
are discarded, show conclusively that the medicines in use do not 
adequately meet the wants of physicians. We cannot return to the 
atrocious mercurial and other agents of another age and method. 
The immense fortunes made by certain venders of proprietary med- 
icines-protected by copyrighted label, and the great competition in 
that department of business, demonstrate with equal force that the 
people at large are conscious that medical skill, and the agents em- 
ployed, fall more or less short of what the public have the right to 
expect. Impurity of the blood, and impairment of nervous energy, 
constitute the basis of the prevalent diseases; and the ordinary 
means have not, in their opinion, succeeded in remedying them. 
Ozone, being a condensed and active form of oxygen, the great 
life-agent of nature, appears to be the needed auxiliary. It enables 
the proper medicines to do their part more effectually, and so aids 
the skilful physician in his zealous efforts. It neutralizes the 
various morbid and disintegrated elements in the body, stimulates 
the nervous system and the emunctories to remove them, thus 
itself operating as a medicament of rarest virtues. It also adds 
vigor to the body itself. Where oxygen exists in due proportions, 
there is health; and ozone, being a concentrated oxygen, is most 
potent in securing that condition. 
The various disease-germs, bacilli, bacteria, microzymes, or 
whatever they may be, die in pure air, or fluids abundantly sup- 
plied with oxygen. They thrive and multiply only in decay in 
morbid conditions, or where the integrity of the structure is some- 
how impaired. Ozone, by changing such conditions, and restoring 
the vital energy at the same time, proves its own superiority to 
chlorine and other compounds, as the destroyer of sepsis, and the 
great corrigent of zymosis. 
In innumerable cases where opium, morphia, quinia, iodine, bro- 
mides, etc., have been ineffectual to control or mitigate a complaint, 
ozone water under the concentrated form has accomplished the 
desired result, and rendered those drugs unnecessary, delivering 19 
the patient from the risk of those fearful re-actions known as quin- 
inism, morphism, chloralism, bromidism, mercurialization, etc. 
Again: in what physicians term “ the expectant treatment,” the 
simple ozone water is particularly efficacious. In any perceptible 
impairment or weakening of the nervous and muscular systems, 
its persistent use can be relied upon to restore health. Women 
anticipating the change of life will find it a proper remedy in their 
case. It exercises a restorative influence in convalescence after 
long and exhaustive sickness, eradicating whatever susceptibility 
may exist for any relapse. 
These results are all to be attributed, we cannot repeat too often, 
to the antizymotic quality of ozone. It purifies the blood, arrests 
and prevents decomposition in the fluids and tissues of the body, 
assures the purity of the blood-forming material, and invigorates 
the nervous and muscular structures. The various and compli- 
cated functions of the system are thus performed with uninter- 
rupted regularity, and the individual sustained in health. It is a 
corrective, aperient, alterative, and purifier of the circulation. Its 
beneficial effects are speedily derived in all forms of intestinal 
disease, malarial or choleraic; also in rheumatism, and, in short, 
in all disorders owing their existence to a depressed condition of 
the nervous system, or a morbid state of the blood. It is equally 
efficacious as a lotion for open wounds, ulcers, eruptions of the 
skin, diseases of the eye and ear, blood-poisoning, and inflamma- 
tions generally, in fact, for all ailments characterized by morbid 
glandular secretions, or discharges from membranes or tissues. In 
cutaneous eruptions, whether contagious or non-contagious, its 
judicious and persistent use, under the direction of the physician 
and according to directions, can handly fail to ameliorate, and even- 
tually to eradicate, the disorder, however it may be seated. 
Distinguished physicians have given the same testimony. 
Professor Mohl of Heidelberg, in a recent lecture, declared the 
ozone therapeutics to be the greatest and most important char- 
acteristic in future medication. Professor Kuhne and Dr. Scholz 
also declare their conviction, derived from experience, that ozone 
must and will be a permanent factor in the 
future. .