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Report of Diseases treated at the Public Dispensary, New-York, and in the Private Practice of the Reporter, during the month of December, 1818.

ACUTE DISEASES.

REMITTENT Fever, 3; Continued Fever, 23; Ephemera, 1; Infantile Remittent Fever, 5; Phlegmon, 4; Ophthalmia, 3; Inflammaton of the Ear, 1; Inflammatory Sore Throat, 5; Malignant Sore Throat, 1; Hives or Croup, 1; Catarrh, 13; Bronchitis, ; Pneumonia, 23; Pneumoniatyphodes, 3; Hooping-Cough, 4; Inflammation of the Liver, 1; Jaundice, 1; Rheumatismus Acutus, 4; Erysipelas Phlegmonodes, ; Varicella, 1; Rubeola, 2; Hæmoptysis, 1; Vomitus, 2; Dysenteria, 1; Convulsio, 2; Spasmi, 2; Dentitio, 1.

CHRONIC AND LOCAL DISEASES.

Asthenia, 3; Vertigo, 5; Cephalalgia, 6; Dyspepsia et Hypochondriasis, 7; Gastrodynia, 5; Colica et Obstipatio, 10; Hysteria, 2; Patsy, 2; Asthma et Dyspnoea, 3; Catarrhus Chronicus, 9; Pulmonary Consumption, 7; Chronic Rheumatism, 12; Pleurodyne, 2; Lumbago et Sciatica, 4; Hæmorrhois, 2; Menorrhagia, 1; Dysinenorrhoea, 3; Amenorrhoea, 4; Hysteralgia, 1; Graviditas, 4; Cessatio Mensium, I Plethora, 2; Leucorrhoea, 3; Dysenteria Chronica, 2; Anasarca, 3; Ascites, 2; Vermes, 5; Tabes Mesenterica, 2; Syphilis, 9; Urethritis Virulenta, 7; Phymosis, 2; Hernia Inguinalis, 1; Fistula in Ano, 1; Amaurosis, i; Tumor, 2; Contusio, 4; Stremma, (Sprain,) 3; Luxatio, 1; Fractura, 3; Vulnus, 5; Ulcus, 7; Abscessus, 2; Ustio, 5; Pernio, (Chilblain,) 2; Scales et Prurigo, 4; Porrigo, 3; Erythema, 1; Psoriasis, 1; Lepra, 1; Aphthæ, 2.

The weather of December having derived its principal character from S.W. W., N. W., and northerly winds, has consequently been dry, and in point of temperature has partaken of the mildness of autumn, and the cold of extreme winter. The month commenced with a fine pleasant day, and in the evening a few flashes of lightning were observed. On the afternoon of the 4th the heavens became obscured by a succession of clouds from the south, and the night of the same day was marked by a southeast storm of the greatest violence, the wind

blowing a continual gate, and with such impetuous force as to be productive of considerable damage to the shipping. The succeeding day was also cloudy, windy and sometimes a little rainy. The weather was afterwards clear and pleasant until the 11th, which was accompanied by some rain, foltowed in the night by about two inches of snow. The winter now set in with a se. verity and uniformity of cold dry weather, seldom before known to have occurred so early in the season; and snow fell again in small quantity on the morning of the 16th. and about two inches in the night of the 23th. The concluding part of the month was of a more moderate temperature, and the two last days were attended by a little rain. The whole quantity of rain that has fallen and of melted snow does not amount to more than one inch on a level: and indeed the rain not only in this interval, but for several months past has been so scanty that many springs, wells and ponds never before known to fail, have become dry. The thermometrical range has been from 13 to 51. Mildest day the 5th; coldest the 17th. Highest temperature of the mornings 42°, lowest 10, mean 26°; highest temperature of the afternoons 51, lowest 19, mean 33; highest temperature of the evening 44°, lowest 20°, mean 31°. Average temperature of the whole month 30.

Greatest variation in 24 hours 182. Barometrical range from 29. 22 to 30. 63 inches

From the extensive range, and sometimes sudden fluctuations, of temperature experienced during this period, an increase of indisposition might have been naturally expected; yet, owing perhaps to the general dryness of the weather, the results do not appear to have been unpropitious to health, at least not in a degree proportionate to the extremes of atmospheric temperature, which has affected not so much the quantum as the character of diseases. Of all the obvious qualities of the atmosphere, cold is certainly productive of the most extensive catalogue of evils; but universal experience shows that it is much less pernicious when attended by a dry, that when accompanied by a moist constitution of the air. occurrence of frosts affects more especially the organs of respiration, and accordingly catarrhal and pulmonary disorders have been frequent, and next to these febrile com

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plaints have held the most conspicuous rank in the class of acute diseases of this month. Inflammatory Sore-throats and Hives have from their number also excited some attention. Rubeola and Varicella have been met with only in sporadiac cases; but Pertussis still proves fatal to a few children, and the deaths from Phthisis, as recorded in the Bills of Mortality, are numerically higher than has occurred in any other month of the year. This latter complaint being in general the sequela of some previous disorder, its increase of victims in the present instance may be considered as one of the disasterous effects resulting from the many cases of Ca-, tarrhal and Bronchial disease that have occurred in the last two months.

Considering the season, rheumatic affections have not been numerous; but in a few cases the disease has been observed in its most acute form, where the patient appear ed to be tied as it were to a bed of torture, uneasy in every posture, and yet afraid to stir from the excruciating pain produced by the slightest movement. In these, after large and repeated abstractions of blood, the most favourable results were obtained from the use of calomel combined, as recommended by Dr. Armstrong, with opium and antimony in proportions sufficient to allay pain and excite a gentle perspiration. Mercury, by its very general and steady action upon the system, and more especially upon the extreme vessels,by which all the secretions and excretions are promoted, is certainly a most powerful remedy in equalising the circula. tion and excitability, the equilibrium of which is evidently destroyed in rheumatic as well as in other febrile affections.

Typhus has increased in frequency notwithstanding the reduction of external temperature, but in most cases the infectious origin of the disease could be clearly traced. Active purgatives in the first instance are still found to be among the most efficacious remedies in arresting the progress of this fever; and in the inflammatory and congestive forms of the disease we have in several instances eruployed the lancet with decided advantage. Active depletions, how ever, and more especially abstractions of blood, are to be had recourse to only in the early stages of the complaint. We are far from asserting that bloodetting is proper in every form of typhus, or that the evacuent process alone is the main pivot on which remedial agency must turn. There is even reason to fear that the practical indications arising out of the pathological principles of many modern writers may lead to dangerous extremes in vascular depletion; but at the same time it is much to be regretted that the opposite mode of treatment is yet pursued by some, that Brunonian Excitation still has its advocates, and that all ideas of vascular or local irritation and organic disturbance are too often merged in attention to

the doctrines of that so much dreaded debility.

Having in these reports completed the period of another year, it may not be improper to subjoin a few general remarks on the state of the weather and diseases.

The year set in with fine weather, though we had in January and February occasional falls of snow, hail, and rain; yet, on the whole, the winter was dry, and at times extremely cold. The 9th, 10th, and 11th of February, were the most severe days, the mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer fall. ing to within two degrees of Zero. March commenced with stormy weather, and, indeed, with the exception of the last ten days of May, the whole spring was cold, wet, and cheerless. The summer season was characterized by the prevalence of a temperature more elevated than usual, and the months of June and July were very dry. On the three last days of June the thermo meter ranged from 90 to 93 1-2 degrees; and a heat the most ardent prevailed from the 8th to the 17th of July inclusive, the temperature on one of these days being as high as 98°, or according to some observations, 100° in the shade. These excessive heats continued, with little alteration, until towards the close of August. In September we had also some hot sultry days; but, in general, the constitution of the atmosphere was very unequal, rapid fluctuations of temperature, fair intervals, and stormy or boisterous weather, reciprocally succeeding each other. In October and November the weather was in general pleasant and scasonable, but remarkably dry; and the temperature continued sufficiently mild until towards the middle of December, when the winter set in with great severity.

From a review of the state of diseases during the past year, we consider the city to have been, on the whole, healthy. The number of deaths, indeed, as recorded in the New-York bills of mortality, amounts to several hundred above the aggregate of the preceding year; but this may in some measure be accounted for by the great increase of population, and particularly the influx of foreigners, many of whom being unaccustomed to the occasional heats of our cli mate, were suddenly cut off, and contributed to swell our bills of mortality. Small pox also carried off a few in the beginning of the year; and pertussis was epidemic among children during the summer and autumn; added to which, typhus fever has extensively prevailed, and within the last year has proved fatal to not less than 263 persons. Besides these, the prevailing diseases have been such as are ordinarily connected with the different seasons of the year.

JACOB DYCKMAN, M. D.

New-York, December 31st, 1818.

THE

AMERICAN MONTHLY MAGAZINE

AND

CRITICAL REVIEW.

VOL. IV......No. V.

MARCH, 1819.

ART. 1. Florence Macarthy, an Irish Tale.

IN

BY LADY MORGAN. 2 vols. 12 mo. 1819.

New-York. W. B. Gilley, and James Eastburn & Co.

N the present state of human affairs, we know of few things which produce so great a sensation as a new novel; nothing which excites more desire and curiosity, induces more ardour of temporary pursuit, or affords a more abundant topic of conversation. A new actor or singer is almost as popular, but not quite so generally enjoyed, or so often presented to the public. That host of fashion and beauty, of wit and critical sagacity, which attends and discusses the exhibitions of the stage, is perhaps of small number in comparison of those who, during the first month of the existence of a new novel, devour its contents; and never was this gratification sought with more avidity than just now. Now that wars and rumours of wars have ceased; that civilized people are sitting down under their own vines and fig-trees; that heroes are stopped short in their achievements and swords rest in their scabbards; that domestic arts can be cultivated, and domestic comforts be enjoyed without interruption or the dread of it; that the hand which sows can reap the field; that knowledge VOL. IV.-No. v.

41

can be diffused without impediment, and people of every nation can traverse every region and find an enemy in none; when nothing but a few skirmishes with Indians, and a little confused information from Spanish colonies supply the news-what can we do for intelligence? Such of us as have no profession, as investigate no science, as have been accustomed, daily, "to hear and to tell some new thing;" and those of us, too, who have no library but a circulating library; to whom the vicissitudes of business and the affairs of our neighbours are not quite sufficient for our speculations, our communications, and our sympathies, must have some food for our imaginations of a little higher flavour and excitement, than the every day matters of our own observation, which are too much like those of other times to furnish all the zest that a satiated appetite demands.

To whom then are we more obliged than to the inventor of a new tale? about which we can indulge our curiosity so innocently and agreeably, hurting no living creature in word or deed, losing our

own cares and mortifications in livelier are somewhat above those second hand pleasures and pains of fancied existence, and vulgar fictions, which attract untaught and forgetting our ennui in the intensity minds, merely because they require no of deep emotions, or the brilliancy of effort of attention, afford no inferences, ideal scenes. Mrs. Opie, Miss Porter, and exhibit nothing beyond the limits of and Lady Morgan, aware of our wants, superficial observation; and which, reand our susceptibility to be pleased, have cording incident alone, without delineaall favoured us with new books. The tion of character, strength of thought, public have always encouraged them, opposition or power of motives, very nearly by buying and reading what they have approach to the gossip of silly girls, or written; and pay, if not praise, affords ignorant old women; and accord suffimotive sufficient to them to write as much ciently with the experience of such peras they can. But they have their admi- sons as to be congenial to their tastes, rers of a certain class, and that a pretty and to contribute further to deprave them. numerous one; nor do we remember that These are the books which a mistaken they have been arraigned and condemn- censure has confounded, under the geneed by the most formidable tribunals of ral name of novels, in one invective, with criticism. The high and mighty dispen- some of the most beautiful and extraorsers of fame have suffered them to shine dinary productions of imagination-proin their own sphere, without shearing ductions which are to be reckoned among them of their beams. the first gifts of genius to the world; and which, indeed, the world does accept and enjoy, as sources of most exquisite and rational pleasure, and means of most obvious and irresistible instruction. The lower species of novels are wearisome and disgusting to those, to whom a cultivated understanding and a just taste, make some philosophical truth and elegance of language necessary, in whatever interests them. Mere narrative, correctness, or vivacity in a novel cannot satisfy such minds. Human nature, under the genuine influence of well defined causes operating on its various conditions and principles, must be the groundwork on which the object of sympathy and admiration is laid.

The Quarterly Reviewers, indeed, in their zeal for good morals, did once lecture Lady Morgan (then Miss Owenson;) bidding her cultivate her understanding; learn to spell; check her prurient fancies; and fit herself for her own place-the fire-side; and since then there have been bestowed upon her a few sneers and kind admonitions. But no lady could be more indifferent to all the benevolence and wisdom of censure, nor more triumphantly oppose her successes, to all that could be said of her faults. She tells the critics that her books are demanded, and read, and translated; and that she has been married very happily notwithstanding her implied unfitness, expressed by the censors, for the duties and enjoyments of domestic life; and that her wide and exalted privileges in society make her a most fortunate observer of different countries, and great and little, and wise and ignorant people. And truly she is not without her merits: her stories always have great currency and temporary celebrity, and excite an interest strong enough to prepossess the public in favour of whatever is newly from her pen. She has some felicity of invention, and her works may be classed among those which serve to amuse without corrupting the mind, and

The probability of incident may be violated in a good novel without giving offence, unless the exaggeration be beyond certain limits and proportions; and perhaps it never can be strictly adhered to, to produce that series, combination, and completeness of events which the imagination demands. In actual life, relations are not so closely connected, nor long continued, as to exhibit the concurring effect which is requisite in a work where moral causes and results are sought as a specific object, and where obvious retribution is necessary to fulfil the pur

pose of the tale. But if imagination per- the province of imagination is somewhat mits the probability of circumstances to contracted, there are, in the changes of be transgressed, the truth of character, political relations, of manners and moof sentiment, and national manners, must tives among men, other and more natualways be preserved. To exhibit human ral causes of sympathy and interest than nature in incredible situations, or to pre- those afforded by times when gods came sent the human being under a conviction among human beings, when fathers sathat such is his condition; to modify the crificed children, when will could not be soul by those extraordinary circumstan- opposed to fate, when vain glory was hoces, and yet to preserve the genuineness nour, and when benevolence, refinement, and consistency of its character, so as to and knowledge, were suppressed by the engage and to exalt our sympathy; to relations of conqueror and captive, masmingle with it surprize and admiration, ter and slave. The influence of fashion, and to excite and refresh curiosity, is fortune, and opinion; the variety of pasthe true secret of creating the highest sions, emotions, and manners, modified poetical interest, as we may call that in- by education, rank, and profession, with terest which is divested of self-love and the circumstances and talents which expersonal affections, and which attaches cite to virtue or tempt to vice, and which itself to whatever is ideal. It is thus that call forth reason, pathos, and wit, form Shakespeare, Lord Byron, and sometimes the inexhaustable materials of the novelWalter Scott, affect us; and if we sup- ist and the dramatic writer, who confine ply uncommon, for incredible situations, themselves to contemporary history. In that the authors of Waverly, of Caleb addition to the object of pleasing, that Williams and Corinne, have made mis- of making the heart better, of illustrattaken patriotism, social affections, and ing some truth, of removing some prejuthe sentiment of enthusiasm such sources dice, is the purpose of the moral writer of profound feeling and delight. of novels and plays. He not only aims to "move laughter, and to draw tears;" to make gaiety graceful and distress affecting, to bring before the mind's eye the beauty of nature, and touch our hearts with what is simple and tender; but to develope ideas, to encourage effort, and make us ashamed of ignorance, of meanness, and of guilt; by showing how contemptible, odious, and miserable, the narrow-minded, sordid, and unprincipled are; and by contrasting with such, the enlightened, the generous, and the wise. To do all, or even much of this, what consummate ability is requisite ! what knowledge of society; what deep thought and fine perception; what well defined morals and delicate sense of propriety; what eloquence and enthusiasm; what extended observation, and what power of probable, new, and varied combination!

But fancy will not always soar-cannot always be alarmed by "the king of terrors," shudder at the remorse of the wicked, rejoice at the defeat of ambition, or weep for the destruction of innocence. Such is the love of simple truth, that when we mount the airy car, we must be wafted far from our native regions, and our own times. When we would expatiate in our own days, and in our own field of invention, we must descend to existing things; behold the phantoms of superstition and a thousand other illusions dispelled by the light of philosophy; learn that the crimes and oppressions that might kindle indignation and pity, are crushed by our established law; and that such a system of intelligence and justice prevails, as prevents to any great extent, those plans of fraud and injury, that give a complicated interest to fictitious history, in ages of arbitrary power and general ignorance.

But if, in respect to the most improved countries and recent periods of the world,

To return to lady Morgan; she has neither the fine endowments, or the elegant taste which constitute a first-rate writer. Some of her faults are not inherent in any want of enlargement of

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