On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
As it is highly probable that cholera will be prevalent this year, I deem it right to make a communication to you, for publication, of the very important fast that "sulphur infused through the system is a certain preventive of cholera. The best mode of administering the sulphur, and one which all classes and ages can employ, is thus :mdash;For an adult put half a teaspoonful of washed flour of sulphur in each stocking every inorning, so that the sulphur shall come in contact with the soles of the feet: the body has so great an affinity for sulphur, that it will be absorbed by the feet and become infused through the body, and effectually prevent an attack ol cholera. The above mode of administering the sulphur is the best, because it is susceptible of universal employment. Drinking sulphur-water and the inhalation of air slightly charged with sulphurous vapor is another preventive mode of administering the suiphur, which renders sulphur springs safe places of resort in the cholera season. I annex an account of the mitigation of the cholera after the occurrence of an earthquake, and there is no doubt in my mind that it is due to the sulphurous vapor that escapes from the earth at such a time. A St. Jago paper, speaking ot the recent earthquake at that place, eays it has effected prodigies, the number of deaths from cholera having diminished very materially, and the peopte generally believed that the earthquake dad effectually killed the malady. Persons suffering under violent attacks arose from their beds, and after being for hours in the streets, in the damp morning air, felt no return of their sickness. Firing cannon, or burning gunpowder, to a limited extent, would have a similar effect. from the sulphurous vapor involved. This information as to the utility of sulphur in the prevention of cholera, is obtained by observation and conversation with eminent medical and scientific gentlemen, and irom all that I can gather on the K'-ject, it appears to be a fair conclusion thatmdash;the existence ol cholera is due to an absence of a proper proportion of pure oxygen in the atmosphere, and hence the purification of the blood and generation of heat in the body is diminished; and as the body possesses a strong affinity for sulphur, and sulphur possesses a strong affinity for oxygen, the use of sulphur attracts and restores the oxygen to the body, and the proper generation of carbonic acid, which, together with the laxative and diaphoretic action of the sul phur, purify the blood, keep up the heat of the bodyj and prevent cholera. A more activeremedy than sulphur is required to cure the cholera, but the use of sulphur as I have stated, will prevent an attack of the cholera, and therefore I send you this communication under the truth of the maxim, old yet substantial, that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Yours, amp;c, W. W. H. Philadelphia, Jan. 12th, 1853.
