128 SEVENTH REPORT—1837. 
rative chemical examination of crude tubercle and ordinary fibrine, as 
well as from the action of re-agents on softened tubercular matter, the 
following is deduced :—Ist, that crude tubercles, as met with in inci- 
pient phthisis, do not differ chemically from fibrine or solid albumen ; 
2dly, that softened tuberculous matter differs not in its chemical ha- 
bitudes from ordinary purulent matter. 
Observations on the Disease called Cocosm by the Africans, or the 
ARABIAN Leprosy; the ArApaTTa of the Caribes of Guiana; the 
RavesycGE of Northern Europe; all of which appear to be identical ; 
and on the Method found most effectual in the Treatment of this Dis- 
ease. By Joun Hancock, M.D. 
The author having long since paid much attention to the leprosy 
observed in Guiana and the West India islands, among blacks, whites, 
and aborigines, was surprised to find, by the description given in the 
Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. xviii., that the radesyge 
of Scandinavia exhibited exactly the same train of symptoms. He 
therefore arrived at the conclusion, that these diseases, supposed by the 
learned writer in the Edinburgh Journal to be distinct, were really 
identical; and after detailing the characters of the cocobe, or Ara- 
bian leprosy, he states the result of his own observation to be totally 
opposed to the notion of the cocobz being in the smallest degree con- 
tagious, unless, possibly, under predisposition, and other concurring 
causes, and in the ulcerative stage. 
Unfortunately, in the colonies the disease is considered to be incu- 
rable. If attended to early, however, the symptoms may be easily ar- 
rested by the use of saline lenitives, with antimonial anodyne diapho- 
retics, vapour-baths and frictions, bleeding, spare and abstemious diet, 
and the several means for promoting lymphatic absorption, and all the 
secretions. The difficulty of the medical treatment in more advanced 
stages of the disease, is augmented by the aversion entertained for it, 
and the consequent want of accommodation and assistance. 
The author describes the result of his practice in some cases where 
cures were effected ; notices the value of opium, in combination with 
mercury and antimony, bleeding, saline purgatives, and regulated diet. 
Among other remedies, he found the Coonu-paru useful ; and describes 
bathing as of great and paramount advantage, especially the alternate 
use of warm vapour and cold effusion. 
“ The aborigines of Guiana, on noticing the first appearance of the 
disorder, in general resort to fomentations, tepid and vapour baths; 
and form a drink of the bark of a tree (Mouca), together with thé root 
of a vine termed Paramaroora,a species of Cissus, and.the bark of the 
Waiacano (Guiacum). This infusion stands to ferment with a portion 
of honey, and is taken several times a-day: it produces a copious flow 
of urine and perspiration, and evacuates the bowels withal. They 
make use also of the bark of the tree Tamootu (a nondeseript), both 
