Read in the Section on Diseases of Children of American Medical Association May, 1884.
Omitting the historical review of the nature and origin of this malady, together with its pathological, histological and disputed theories of formation, and practically ignoring symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis as beyond the scope of the present paper and time at my disposal, and assuming that we are all familiar with this affection and that our results have been disappointing when faced by an epidemic, by the unfavorable mortality averaging, as Oertel claims, 40 to 50 per cent. the question naturally is suggested, Can we lower this fearful percentage? I present, gentlemen, a few facts gained from a study and experience of over one hundred and twenty (120) recorded cases occurring in my individual practice during a period of about fourteen (14) months. Its plan is not new, being advocated by Tropean, and endorsed by Dr. Whittaker,