1832.] Proceedings of Societies, 213 



vies, April is considered the best month to arrive there ; as the transition of 

 temperature from that of the plains is then less than at other seasons of the 

 year. On first arrival at that temperate district, some persons experience slight 

 embarrassment of respiration, and occasional dyspeptic symptoms ; which are 

 in some measure ascribed to the elevation of the station ; but principally to a 

 slight degree of congestion of internal organs; especially the lungs and liver ; 

 arising from the abrupt change of temperature. The climate is stated to be 

 especially favourable to children, who quickly acquire all that alertness, activity, 

 and rosy complexion, so remarkable in the most healthy parts of Europe. 



The author next proceeds to specify in detail the effects of the climate on 

 convalescents, and those who were labouring under the chronic stages of several 

 • of the more important diseases of India ; numbers of whom have been sent to 

 that station. In convalescents from dysentery, and those who had long suffered 

 from the most obstinate chronic dysenteric affections ; the best effects were 

 experienced from a residence at Ootacamund : convalescents deriving early and 

 decided benefit from the change ; and many inveterate chronic affections which 

 could not be cured at other stations, were soon restored to health by the aid 

 of medicines. The treatment to which Dr. Baikie, from experience, gives a decided 

 preference, is the combination of Ipecacuanha and Extract of Gentian, sometimes 

 united with Blue Pill, and aided by application of leeches when any acute local 

 symptoms required their use : and a very careful attention to regulated diet, in small 

 quantity. By these means, the more distressing symptoms were often mitigated 

 after the second dose of medicine ; and a week's perseverance in the same reme- 

 dies, generally sufficed to overcome the most obstinate attacks. Dr. B. has 

 nearly abandoned the exclusive use of Calomel, since this plan of treatment was 

 brought to his notice ; he states, that the treatment now followed is more effica- 

 cious, more speedy, and more certain than any other ; the patients being less 

 liable to relapses than when the mercurial plan of treatment was trusted to. The 

 author mentions, particularly, an inveterate case of chronic dysentery, in which 

 repeated relapses had occurred ; and almost every article in the materia medica 

 used in such complaints had been employed in vain ; at last, Ipecacuanha and 

 Extract of Gentian were tried, and quickly checked the disease. The patient, who 

 had been long in a most wretched condition, was soon restored to the state of a 

 healthy and robust man. In this case even the Blue Pill proved injurious. 



Convalescents from fever derive benefit on arrival at that station almost equal 

 to that experienced by those who have suffered from dysentery. Those persons 

 who were attacked with fever and sufficiently near to be removed to Ootacamund 

 during the progress of the disease, or at its commencement, derived the utmost 

 benefit from the change of climate. 



Pulmonary affections, when not so far advanced as to preclude reasonable hope 

 from change to any good climate, find great benefit from residence at this sta- 

 tion. And in fact, all cases where debility and exhaustion are the principal affections 

 to be removed : and an uniform elastic, cool, dry, and bracing atmosphere the 

 principal desideratum, the climate of the Neelgherries may be recommended with 

 the utmost confidence. 



The diseases which derived comparatively less benefit from the climate of the 

 Neelgherries, are Intermittent Fevers and Hepatic diseases; in which a favorable 

 change is neither so certainly, nor so generally, to be expected ; unless the pa- 

 tients be in a very advanced stage of convalescence, and in fact, suffering chiefly 

 from debility ; in such cases, and especially after a short sea voyage, these patients 

 recover rapidly : but if they arrive at the hills with much remains of active dis- 

 ease, they become the subjects of tedious medical treatment : the causes of which 

 are clearly shewn to be the internal congestion inseparable from abrupt transition 

 to an elevated and cool climate. 



Mercurial Rheumatism, after the treatment of various acute diseases by Calo- 

 mel, appears to have been a frequent ailment among the convalescents sent to the 

 station at Ootacamund. Dr. Baikie's favorite prescription is Infusion of Sarsapa- 

 rilla in lime-water, as recommended by Mr. Brodie, according to the following 

 formula. 



Sarsaparilla Root, bruised, 5 iiss. Sassafras Root; Guaiacura Wood, rasped, 

 each 3 ii . Liquorice Root 3i. Recent lime-water, 18 ounces, macerated for 24 hours, 



