DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY PASSAGES AND ORGANS. 109 



Most of the time he appeared frantic, yet uncanscious ; and just 

 before going into a convulsive fit, he would stamp with his fore- 

 feet, continuously toss up his head, his neck being the seat of 

 spasmodic twistings. Next da} the symptoms had not altered 

 much, and, during my examination, he pulled back, broke a por- 

 tion of his manger to which he was tied, and fell head over heels 

 on the floor. During the forenoon he became more calm, and la^ 

 •!ii the floor, yet would occasionally jerk his head backward, and 

 have slight convulsions. I continued the prostrating plan of 

 treatment, only exhibiting smaller doses, and soon the patient began 

 to improve. The membranes of the eyes, mouth, and nostrils as- 

 sumed a more natural appearance ; then the plan of treatment was 

 altered, and the patient received tonics and stimulants, which soon 

 resulted in convalescence. 



Among all the cases that have come under my care and observa- 

 tion, I have neither found it advisable nor necessary to practice 

 the antiphlogistic treatment, in so far as it relates to bleeding and 

 purging; and I can not conceive a case, so depressing as influenza 

 is known to be, thai would require any such heroic treatment. 

 The safety of our patient depends on the judicious application of 

 remedies such as are here named, and, therefore, I would warn the 

 Jarmer asi;ainst the use of fleam and cathartic in the treatment of 

 influenza. Yet, after all, the best treatment may fail in restoring 

 9 patient. We require aid in the form of pure air, suitable diet, 

 ?nd good nursing. Failing in the latter important adjuncts, our 

 freatment avails but little. 



Influenza is a disease accompanied by a discharge from the res- 

 piratory, conjunctival, and schneiderian membranes; and the 

 organs of respiration themselves are more or less involved, as 

 shown by cough and soreness of the throat, lassitude, fever, thirst, 

 and loss of appetite. Now, if the term influenza means any thing, 

 it signifies epidemic catarrh, and the cases alluded to wore not cf 

 Ihis character, but quite diverse, indicating a low congestive state. 

 Still, the majority of cases that we have seen do appear to be noth- 

 ing more nor less than influenza ; but if the above diseases appear 

 simultaneous Avith the latter, there is danger of persons making 

 great mistakes io the treatment, for it is very apt to run intfl 

 typhoid fever. 



