AFTER reading in the June Journal, 1891, the article by H. C . Hoovey, under the above caption, I am prompted to mention a similar case, as narrated by a physician from S. Dakota.
Said the doctor: "I once had several cholera patients in—,where a lady came to me saying: 'Doctor, I feel sure I am going to have the cholera, and die, as did my husband.' Shortly afterward I was called to see her. I found her lying on the floor, where she had fallen from sheer weakness and usual cholera symptoms. She told me she was not going to stand it long, but would have to go like her husband. After examining her, I told her that she had called me just in the nick of time, that I had exactly the remedy, which, taken at just this stage of the disease, would surely save her; that had she delayed calling me a single hour, it would have been too late, but now she should certainly get well. I gave her a single grain of Dovers Powder,—an infantile dose,—telling her that in fifteen minutes she would be better, and that in an hour I should expect to see her up. I waited a short time, and saw her fears subside, and the reassuring effect of my words produce entire cessation of all pain. I left her with the conviction that the work was done, and that strength was fast returning; when I called again, she was up and well."
I enquired of the doctor whether the case would have developed into a genuine case of cholera, without his words and treatment? The reply was, "Yes, she probably would have died of the cholera;"—and then went on to mention a similar case which resulted fatally. He said a steamboat captain once sent for him, saying he had a valuable life on board,—Mr. S—,president of the American Fur Company, was very sick with cholera. While the doctor was attending him he noticed a young man frequently passing the door, turning his head to look in, and appearing very much frightened. This young man told a friend, he was very much afraid he should have the cholera. The doctor saved this "valuable life;" but the young man had the cholera, and not being a "valuable life," he died.
