The Endemic Influence of Evil Government

Excerpt from The Endemic Influence of Evil Government: Illustrated in a View of the Climate, Topography, and Diseases, of the Island of Minorca

M. Dose - One ounce to be taken every hour for six hours preceding the expected paroxysm.

This prescription was carefully preserved by the heads of most families, and was prepared by the apothecaries of the Island and we had the satisfaction of knowing that its simple introduction relieved many, and accomplished no little good; but whatever degree of celebrity and reputation fell to our share in consequence, was more than counterbalanced by our horrid practice of insisting upon cleanliness, and obliging the patient to wash and shave himself - measures which the native practitioners and patients consider very improper in this disease; and SO loyally do they act up to this belief, that an individual suffering from the tertiana in Minorca, may often be known by a long heard and an unwashed face.

Neuroses.-next in the order of frequency, but first in point of fatality, stands that long catalogue of distressing diseases ofthe nervous system, termed neuroses; and they are to be found here, from the most insidious forms of neuralgia to the aggravated modifications of paralysis and mania. This class of affections, which, in the days of Cleghorn, were seldom encountered, are at this period the prevailing complaints. Extensive observations carefully conducted, among the residents of the interior, as well as the citizens of the town, prove that at present this class of diseases, particularly the more aggravated forms affecting the encephalon and spinal marrow, are more frequent and more fatal in their progress and termination than any other; and these affections assume every protean form, from apoplexy and mania to the milder forms of partial derangement and hypochondriasis. The number of cases of hemiplegia and paraplegia to be found in this community, far exceeds in amount the average number of any other district with which we are familiar; and they embrace every age, class, and station of society. The milder forms of monomania and mental despondency are so frequent, that the physician must be prepared to meet them in almost every adult that he is called to see; and he will find his patient anxious to detail to him his misfortunes, loss of property, pecuniary embarrassments, and the dread of approaching poverty and want; and these causes combined not unfrequently drive the poor unfortunate to suicide. In these cases, professional services are often of only tempo rary benefit, as the infirmities, induced by the mental distress and dejection, notwithstanding relieved for the time, will be sure to return with increased severity, as the causes still continue to Operate. It is thus sufficiently obvious that here is presented a wide field for the philanthropist, who could realize even more than his brightest hopes, simply by removing the endemic agency of a bad government in the establishment of a good one.

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