Aging Dentistry Diet & Nutrition Diseases, infectious Exercise Homeopathy La
Grippe Mental
health, nervousness, RUM, drinking & opiates Mortality Pregnancy ,childbirth miscarriages Babies Public health Sarah Bernhardt's
cold prevention recipe Tonics Tuberculosis
19th century medicine bore
little relationship to what we know and experience today.
Pharmaceuticals
Drugs consisted primarily of
quinine, morphine, opium. belladonna, paregoric and castor oil, with some arsenic,
mercury and strychnine thrown
in. (While arsenic and strychnine have no recognized medical uses today, they
were sold as medicinal ingredients in the 19th century. Mercury was prescribed
for syphilis until the first effective treatment Salvarsan (arsphenaminne) was
marketed in 1910.) DePew' s
One hundred years of American Commerce
has a chapter on The Drug Trade which notes that morphine was discovered in 1804
and strychnine and quinine some years later "of vast importance to the physician
and pharmacist, furnishing as they did the active ingredients of valuable
remedial agents...One of the most important alkaloidal discoveries of
recent years was cocaine ... very extensively and successfully used as a
local anesthetic .... laughing gas, chloroform, ether ... have played an
important part since their discovery as alleviators of the sufferings of
humanity." Average importation of opium from 1869-71 was 90,000 pounds and morphine 1,912
ounces, increasing to an average of 552,516 pounds of opium and 30,000 ounces
of morphine in 1892-94 Chauncey DePew, One hundred years of American
Commerce 1795- 1895, published 1895 http://www.archive.org/stream/onehundredyears00depeuoft/onehundredyears00depeuoft_djvu.txt
Victorian Medicine: Strychnine: a potent killer, V L MacBeath, https://valmcbeath.com/victorian-era-medicine-strychnine/#.XrdpkGhJGUl
Natural products such as jalap and ipecac also were used with varying success.
Oil of peppermint was used for flavoring, fragrance and also medicinally.
Camphor can be a natural product or produced synthetically. Paregoric is an opium/camphor tincture. "Sassafras was widely used as a home remedy in the
19th century – taken in sufficient doses it induces sweating, which some people
thought had health benefits. Sarsaparilla apparently made its debut as a patent
medicine, an easy-to-take form of sassafras, much as Coca-Cola was
first marketed in 1885 as a remedy for hangovers, headaches and morphine
addiction.[4] Besides
the effects of the ingredients, sodas were
popular in the United States at the time, due to the belief that carbonated
water had
health benefits.[5] " Wikipedia accessed 2018 Sept 8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarsaparilla_(soft_drink)#History
These letters have endless
references to diseases,
much concern about 'nervousness'
and inquiries after various people's health, but very little to say about
medical treatment (except the occasional 'tonic') and limited discussion about preventive health measures.
Aspirin wasn't even on the market for most of the time covered, and first
marketed under that name in 1899 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_aspirin .
Here is how [Dr. Oliver Wendell] Holmes summarized
the value of medical pharmacology in 1860:16
“We frequently
hear the remark ‘that on the whole more harm than good is done by medication'.
Excluding opium ‘which the Creator himself seems to prescribe', wine which is
a food, and the vapors which produce the miracle of anesthesia and I firmly
believe that if the whole material medica, as now used, could be sunk to the
bottom of the sea, it would be all the better for mankind—and all the worse
for the fishes.” ... As for the benefits of no treatment, Holmes said he learned when he cared for
patients in the depths of poverty that “there was no help for the utter want
of wholesome conditions and if anybody got well under my care, it must have been
in virtue of the rough and tumble constitution which emerges from the struggle
for life in the street gutters, rather than the aid of my prescriptions”.
Quality
and Safety in Healthcare, 2006 August
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2564019/
The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act] and the 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act came after
these letters, and we can see why they were needed. As a
pharmaceutical librarian I have been fascinated to see how relatively new the
industry is, and how much progress has been made in the past century or so.
As much as I enjoy the 19th century I have no desire to have lived then --
particularly without the advantages of 20th and 21st century medicine which I've
been the beneficiary of. Matthew Herper, What's Pharma done for you lately? A Lot, Forbes blog June 16
2011 http://blogs.forbes.com/matthewherper/2011/06/16/whats-pharma-done-for-you-lately-a-lot/
The 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act
took 27 years to pass and was limited to food and drugs involved with
interstate commerce
Physicians and Medical Education
Medical education in the 19th century was of highly
variable quality. The 1910 Flexner report
resulted in many reforms and changes. " When Flexner researched his report, many American medical schools were small
"proprietary" trade schools owned by one or more doctors, unaffiliated with a
college or university, and run
to make a profit.
A degree was typically awarded after only two years of study. Laboratory work
and dissection were not necessarily required. Many of the instructors were local
doctors teaching part-time, whose own training left something to be desired. The
regulation of the medical profession by state governments was minimal or
nonexistent. American doctors varied enormously in their scientific
understanding of human
physiology,
and the word "quack" flourished.
Flexner believed that admission to a medical school should require, at
minimum, a high
school diploma and
at least two years of college or university study, primarily devoted to basic
science. When Flexner researched his report, only 16 out of 155 medical schools
in the United States and Canada required applicants to have completed two or
more years of university education.[10] By
1920, 92 percent of U.S. medical schools required this of applicants.[11]Flexner
also argued that the length of medical education should be four years, and its
content should be what the CME agreed to in 1905. Flexner recommended that the
proprietary medical schools should either close or be incorporated into existing
universities. Medical schools should be part of a larger university, because a
proper stand-alone medical school would have to charge too much in order to
break even financially.
Flexner sought to reduce the number of medical
schools in the U.S. to 31, and to cut the annual number of medical graduates
from 4,400 to 2,000.[11] A
majority of American institutions granting MD or DO degrees as of the date of the Report
(1910) closed within two to three decades. (In Canada, only the medical school
at Western University was deemed inadequate, but none were closed or merged
subsequent to the Report.) In 1904, there were 160 M.D. granting institutions
with more than 28,000 students. By 1920, there were only 85 M.D. granting
institutions, educating only 13,800 students. By 1935, there were only 66
medical schools operating in the USA. Between 1910 and 1935, more than half of
all American medical schools merged or closed.
When Flexner researched his report, "modern" medicine faced vigorous
competition from several quarters, including osteopathic
medicine,
chiropractic medicine, electrotherapy, eclectic
medicine, naturopathy and homeopathy.[16] Flexner
clearly doubted the scientific validity of all forms of medicine other than that
based on scientific research, deeming any approach to medicine that did not
advocate the use of treatments such as vaccines to prevent and cure illness as
tantamount to quackery and charlatanism. Medical schools that offered training
in various disciplines including electromagnetic field therapy, phototherapy,
eclectic medicine, physiomedicalism, naturopathy, and homeopathy, were told
either to drop these courses from their curriculum or lose their accreditation
and underwriting support. A few schools resisted for a time, but eventually all
either complied with the Report or shut their doors.[17] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexner_Report accessed
2018 Sept 8
Reforms were obviously needed, but the results were not without critics or
significant trade-offs.
The Flexner Report was embraced as the definition of the academic model that was
to characterize American medical education up to the present. Its success was
importantly assured by the huge financial gifts of the Rockefeller and Carnegie
Foundations ― this single model of medical education required large sums to
support the scientific focus at its core. The powerful stimulus of philanthropy
money also affected the fashion in which medical faculty would live their lives
in academic medicine; this was the important introduction of the full-time
system in medical schools. Medical professors were to be freed from any major
responsibilities for patient care and could dedicate their lives to research and
teaching. ..But
the full-time system was not without its serious critics. The most vocal
challenger and naysayer was William Osler, who was subsequently seconded by
Harvey Cushing. Osler believed that the focus of such physicians would be too
narrow, they would live lives apart with other thoughts and other ways [9].
He was apprehensive that a generation of clinical prigs would be created,
individuals who were removed from the realities and messy details of their
patients’ lives.... His [Osler's] mentee,
Harvey Cushing, voiced the same sentiments, basing his reservations on his
background of several generations of practicing physicians. Their voices were
hushed by the irresistible seduction of large sums of money tied to
implementation of the full-time system. ...There was maldevelopment in the
structure of medical education in America in the aftermath of the Flexner
Report. The profession’s infatuation with the hyper-rational world of German
medicine created an excellence in science that was not balanced by a comparable
excellence in clinical caring. Flexner’s corpus was all nerves without the life
blood of caring. Osler’s warning that the ideals of medicine would change as
“teacher and student chased each other down the fascinating road of research,
forgetful of those wider interests to which a hospital must minister”
[18]
has proven prescient and wise.
Duffy TP. The Flexner Report ― 100 Years Later. The
Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.
2011;84(3):269-276.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178858/
Paul Starr's The Social Transformation of American Medicine 1982 notes that
physicians' incomes were only an average of between $750 and $1500 in 1900. "A
magazine article in 1903 commented that doctors earned less than "an ordinary
mechanic".
While EJ Philips mentioned consulting various physicians, the one she seemed to
know best was Dr. Nagle, who also ran
boardinghouses, presumably to supplement his income as a public health doctor
(though his 1919 New York Times obituary reported an estate of more
than $250,000). Nagle worked forthe Health Dept of the City of New York Bureau
of Vital Statistics, No. 301 Mott St, and published mortality statistics I found
in the Library of Congress collection.
Mortality and life expectancies
"Model Shows How
Medical Changes Let Population Surge" Simple advances in hygiene had the
greatest impact, Gina Kolata, New York Times Jan. 7, 1997
"At the turn of the century, life expectancy at birth was 47.3 years. In 1994,
it was 75.7 years.... In 1900, fewer than 60 percent of women lived to the age
of 50, while 95 percent of women can now expect to live to be at least 50.
...Most of the health advances and resulting declines in mortality rates
occurred in the first few decades of the 20th century. This means, Dr. Preston
said, that they were due to simple changes in hygiene and public health, not to
sophisticated medical treatment. ... The declining mortality rates in the first
half of the century benefited children, for the most part. ... Asked what
changed the death rates in the first half of the century, Dr. Preston said he
thought it was the ascendance of the germ theory of disease. This resulted, he
said , in profound changes in personal and public health practices, like cleaner
water, the sterilization of food, keeping flies away from food, washing hands
and isolating sick patients... After the advent of small pox vaccinations, in
the 18th century, and vaccinations against diphtheria in the 1890's, there was
no major medical advance until the late 1930's, [Preston] said, when sulfa drugs
were introduced to fight bacteria, and in the late 1940's, when penicillin was
introduced." Demographic study by Dr. Samuel. H. Preston, and graduate student
Kevin M. White, University of Pennsylvania
Public Health Dr. Nagle and
Jacob Riis Dr. Nagle's statistics on abortion
infant
mortality and suicides.
Of course people were less likely then to die of cancer
or dementia when they were dying so young of other causes.
Germ Theory of Disease
The germ
theory of disease is
the currently accepted scientific
theory of
disease. It states that many diseases are
caused by microorganisms.
These small organisms, too small to see without magnification, invade humans,
animals, and other living hosts. Their growth and reproduction within their
hosts can cause a disease. "Germ" may refer to not just a bacterium but
to any type of microorganism, especially one which causes disease, such as protists, fungi, viruses, prions,
or viroids.[1] Microorganisms
that cause disease are called pathogens,
and the diseases they cause are called infectious
diseases.
Even when a pathogen is the principal cause of a disease, environmental and
hereditary factors often influence the severity of the disease, and whether a
potential host individual becomes infected when exposed to the pathogen. ...A
transitional period began in the late 1850s
with the work of Louis
Pasteur.
This work was later extended by Robert
Koch in
the 1880s. By the end of the 1880s the miasma theory was struggling to compete
with the germ theory of disease. Eventually, a "golden era" of bacteriology ensued,
during which the theory quickly led to the identification of the actual
organisms that cause many diseases.[3][4] Viruses
were discovered in the 1890s. Wikipedia accessed Sept 8 2018 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germ_theory_of_disease
It now seems incredible
that it took so long for the ideas of Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, Ignace
Semmelweis, Joseph Lister and others to be accepted.
Home remedies
New York, Jany 16th, 1887 Sorry you have had so bad a cold. We have
been indulging in the same. Hattie's throat has been sore for several days, but
by keeping indoors and applying Pond's Extract she is much better.
New York, Jany 31st 1887 Uncle was feeling better. A porous plaster had relieved the pain
in his back.
Chicago,
July 4, 1887 "Sorry you have had to feel the effect of combining cherries,
soda water & lemonade. Hope you are all right by this time. If at any time you
are taken with cramps, get some gum camphor"
Boston Sept
28 1887 A tallow candle is a very old remedy for a "cold in the
head"
Sarah
Bernhardt's cold prevention recipe 1892
Tonics and
patent medicines
Pepsin Tutti-Frutti for dyspepsia killing ad in 1896 theatre program 
Blood purifier for rheumatism, gout, dyspepsia, malaria, neuralgia, paralysis
constipation & stubborn blood diseases 1895 program
Boston,
Sept. 7, 1887 I find one good in attending the [baseball]games. It keeps me in the fresh air and I think that does me more good than
medicine. I do not get as strong as I wish to be. A little exertion fatigues
me. I was in hopes the bracing air of Boston would do me good, but the heat is
too much.
Boston, May
14th 1888 Poor child. You have my sympathy in your suffering. But that
will not cure you. I imagine the extra strain upon your system in those long
walks has done the mischief. For sometime before leaving New York Alice wanted
me to use a new remedy but I was afraid to try it - but at last did so, and used
one bottle before leaving New York, and got another bottle here. It is a
Spanish mineral water called Rubinat Cordial. I imagine it is doing me a
great deal of good. It does not pain or gripe. I have taken the label off the
bottle, and will enclose it so that if your druggist has not got it he will know
where to send for it. It is recommended by the high school doctors in New
York. I take about a wine glass full in the morning before breakfast, but only
on alternate days. So far it has been a decided success with me. In New York I
paid 35 cents for it. Here they charged me 50 cents.
Washington
DC, April 25, 1891 I have not been feeling very well for the past few days,
have dyspepsia. We had very hot weather coming over on the cars, and I drank a
very cold apollonian lemonade which I think checked up my digesting apparatus,
and I ate some canned chicken which added to my misery, and on Monday & Tuesday
I felt very wretched. I have not told Hattie anything about it, for she has
enough to worry her in her present condition, without worrying about me. I had
some mixture from the drugstore which helped me very much and I feel better.
Pittsburgh, May 4, 1891 I am now taking "Scotts Emulsion of Cod Liver
Oil" and I think it is helping me. I was very weak, sick and nervous in
Washington but feel a good deal better now, thanks to the Emulsion.
Cod Liver Oil, National Museum of American History
http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2009/10/cod-liver-oil-and-pink-peignoirs.html
Chicago, Feby 1st
1895 I am sorry to hear Mrs. Smith continues so weak. I wonder if they
have tried "Valentine's Meat Juice"? It will stay "down" when nothing
else will and is very strengthening and worth trying. It would make her stomach
feel good anyway and give her rice water to drink.
Boil
the rice to a pulp and strain the water off, and let her drink that either warm
or cold as she feels like drinking it. I hope soon to hear the has found some
remedy to relieve her - she must suffer dreadfully.
Cambridge Mar
23,1895 I am very sorry to hear your [Neppie's] Mama is in poor health --
she should have a tonic. I have a new one I am taking. Although it has
been thirty years on the market -- I never heard of it until a week ago. It is
called "Fellows Compound of Hypophosphites". I have taken a very few doses and
feel that it is building me up. I had begun to have "that tired feeling" -- and
was afraid I was sinking back into the old condition. When we become weak, that
is the time disease catches hold of us -- so do get your Mama to take
something. Get it for her -- don't let her get down sick -- for then it will be
harder to build her up. And it would be a good Spring medicine for you -- the
doses are very small. One teaspoonful in a wine glass of water, with your
meals.
Chicago,
June 3, 1896 Your Mama has fallen into the same state I have been suffering
from for the last three years. She needs a tonic. She is in a nervous
condition and doesn't know what ails her. Do not wait for her to get something
for herself but get it for her. She is at a very critical age now, and wants
looking after. Do not tell her I have said so, but I think you had better have
her doctor see her. I am sure he will tell you she is "run down" and nervous.
I found Mrs. Holmes, my
friend here, in the same condition. I bought a bottle of Lydia Pinkham's
vegetable compound. She had been taking it a week when I again called and
found her much better. Says the compound did her a great deal of good. I do
not suggest this for your Mama, although I believe it would do her good, but she
certainly needs something. And it's part of her complaint not to do anything
for herself. She must have it done for her. I am sorry she is feeling so. I
know what it is & sympathize with her. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Pinkham
National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/ephemera/women.html
Diseases, infectious
and otherwise
Boston May 4, 1886 Hattie seems to like it [room and board in Boston] and I
hope she will soon reap some benefit to her health from it. I think she has a
little malaria in her system, which I hope the change of air may
eradicate.
Chicago, June 9,
1886 Fever and Ague I guess are a part of the trials you may
be exposed to -- but there is always something to battle with, and perhaps it is
not so bad in that part of the State.
Albert was talking
about moving to Texas.
New York Mar
17, 1887
Hattie is somewhat better. Has been taking Kusline, a new form of
quinine, and it seems to have done her good.
Seattle,
June 26, 1890 Well I am in Seattle! at the above hotel which stands on a
high hill overlooking Puget Sound -- the "Mediterranean of America". The view
from my window is indeed very beautiful. The City, like Tacoma, is built on a
succession of hills, but I think the site is prettier than Tacoma. And I should
think healthier. There is more swampland lying around Tacoma but the water is
salt in the Sound so may not be aquish [malarial].
New York, Feb. 5,
1892 Have you had Edward vaccinated?
Smallpox is said to be on
the "increase". Jack [Dolman, aged 4] is all right but I do not think
Elizabeth [8 months] has yet been vaccinated. It is perhaps better to be ready
for it.
New York,
Oct 15 1892 I hope
Diphtheria will soon be checked.
New York,
Mar. 24, 1893 Very sorry you have such a cold and hope the remedies
employed have broken it up. If not go to a doctor. Do no funny business with it
for Pneumonia is on the "rampage
New York,
Mar. 27, 1893 I went over to see Mrs. Nagle last Evening and learned that
Baby Lily Marigold is down with the measles.
Was quite sick when I was there on Thursday, but going about the house.
They thought it was only a cold but on Friday the measles put in an appearance.
Now you must use your judgment about coming with Ted. It will not be
necessary to you to go to 47 [East 21st. St.], but Lily taking the disease may
show it is in the neighborhood. I asked
Dr. Nagle if it
was very plentiful in the City and he said, "not more so than usual at this time
of year".
Of
course I want to see my "bit of Sunshine" [grandson
Ted] but I do not want him to catch the measles. As far as I know there
is only one child in the house, and she is about the size of Lily, but has more
care taken of her, and seems to be well & healthy looking. Let me know your
decision about coming as soon as you can. One thing is certain. Children get
the measles without being exposed to it, so that if you put them in a glass case
they may get it and not be anywhere near a child who has them.
Philadelphia 1893 August How did the lady who was ill get along? If it was pneumonia, she must either be
dead or better by this time. I heartily hope she got well, and will be spared
to her sons for many years to come.
Philadelphia Jan. 4, 1894 Thanks for
the recipe for whooping cough. I will tell Nellie [Dolman Law] about
it.
Hattie to Neppie, Philadelphia, Mar. 22,1897 I had quite a cold last week.
Doctor said I had follicular tonsillitis. I told him I was glad he gave
it such a high-sounding name.
Philadelphia,
Jan. 1898 When the doctor came on New Years Eve to see him [Jack Dolman] he
could not decide what ailed him but said it was either measles or Typhoid. And he hoped it might be measles, so on New Years Morning, sure
enough the measles were fully developed and we were all made happy for Typhoid
is so long and tedious and one never knows when it will take its departure. I
hope he will not take it, but he may for there are a great many suffering from
it in this locality. And in Nellie's neighborhood measles are epidemic. Glad
Ted has had them he will not have to suffer again.
Portland, Oregon July 5, 1895 The change of weather the past two days has
given us all a little shaking up in the way of "Summer Complaint". I was
quite queer yesterday and had two performances, but I am better today. The
first taken was Miss [Ada] Dyas on Monday night. Fortunately she did not have
to appear on Tuesday night, and was able to doctor herself up -- she was really
very ill -- the worst case amongst us, but she is quite well now.
Summer Complaint seems to be
gastrointestinal, judging by a Boston Globe ad of Sept 1887, saying that
"Cholera Morbus, Cramps, Colic, Diarrhoea, Summer Complaints and Dysentery all
cured by a teaspoonful of Perry Davis Pain Killer.
1889
ad "Microbe Killers"
Philadelphia Dec. 29, 1902 the
[Philadelphia] Bulletin tells us this Evening that Typhoid fever is now
pretty bad in West Philadelphia, and though smallpox is on the decrease
it is not yet over there -- so what comes next we cannot tell, can only hope for
the best.
Many of the routine inquiries as to health have
been edited out of the letters, but I can see why EJ Phillips did not take good
health for granted. Diseases readily treated today could be quickly fatal
without antibiotics. Baby Elizabeth
Ellen Dolman's illness and death is poignantly described in
letters of 1892. Dr. Nagle collected statistics on infant mortality in New York and the numbers (approaching 50%) are
astonishing. I've always been aware of just how many tiny gravestones are
found in old cemeteries. What came as a surprise in these letters was the
number of teenagers and young adults who died, primarily of Tuberculosis, including half of the
Dolman siblings.
Tuberculosis/consumption
I was startled to realize that Dolmans Sr. lost four of their eight children as
teenagers or young adults. This became clearer when I received genealogy
charts from various Dolmans, and could see how deaths mentioned in the letters
were related to characters I knew. Dolman Family tree The cause(s) of death are not clear from letters
I've seen, but would seem likely to be from tuberculosis. Charlie Dolman wrote
Albert from Florida, where he'd been taken to the milder climate in
(unsuccessful) hopes of
recovery. John Dolman Sr. died of consumption in 1895
History of Tuberculosis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tuberculosis#Nineteenth_century Victorian Era Consumption, V L MacBeath https://valmcbeath.com/consumption-the-most-feared-of-diseases/#.XrdlCWhJGUk
New York, Mar 8,
1891 Very sorry your sick Auntie is suffering so much -- a bad month for
consumptives
THE
HOLLENDEN
Cleveland, Ohio March 7th 1895
My
dear Son,
Mr.
Dolman is very ill. Dr. says it is consumption. He has had hemorrhages and he
said to the Dr. on Monday night, "Dr., this is the beginning of the end". I have
wondered for some time how he got about. And I do not think he will last very
long. And no one to take his place in that big family. This in haste from your
loving Mother
La Grippe
Odell's Annals of the New York Stage notes that 1890 was the year of the "grippe
scourge"
New York, Jan 3, 1890
Very sorry to hear Penelope has been so ill. Glad she was improving and hope
she will soon be well again. Of course every complaint is called La Grippe Now.
When Nellie [Dolman Law] was first taken sick the doctor said it was malaria &
bilious attack. After a week had passed he said she had Typhoid fever in mild
form. Now that she is about again he says she had "La Grippe" with Typhoid
symptoms. Guess I had it in Wissinoming [at Hattie's] on your wedding trip. I
know I was very sick.
Be sure and write to me
to let me know how Penelope is. Do not let her go out in damp weather. The death
rate is very high. Dr. [Nagle] told me at lunch time that 222 deaths had been
reported at the [public health] office in 24 hours. Of course not all from "La
Grippe". Pneumonia is the greatest gleaner at present.
Give my love and
sympathy to my daughter [in law]. I hope catching cold from her trip will not
prevent her coming again to see me. I guess she might have had it if she had
been at home. My love and Kisses to you both dear children from your loving
Mother.
New York, Jan 6, 1890
I am pleased to hear that Neppie is improving, although so slowly. It will be
best for her to remain in the house until her cough is better. Our old remedy
of squills, honey & paregoric is very good for the cough. I hope she has
no fever or chills.
On Saturday I got to
Aunty's [Zavistowskis]
about 2:15 PM. She was up but was taken quite sick about 4 PM and at 5 I put
her into bed. She continued to get worse, the fever being very high. So at
eight o'clock Uncle went for the doctor who got there a little after ten. He
said she has La Grippe. Gave her medicine and called again yesterday
morning, when he found her better but told her to keep in bed. She is a sick
woman.
Uncle [Zavistowski] is
now fancying he is sick because the doctor said to him, jokingly, that he "would
have it next". About an hour after, he thought he had a sore throat and began
gargling with vinegar. I do not think anything is the matter with him except
fright. But I suppose that will be enough to give him La Grippe, Influenza &
Pneumonia all at the same time.
Cancer
New York, Feb.
3, 1891 Mrs. Kirby just the same, poor sufferer. Never out of pain but she
has her mind bright as ever and her voice is not weak. She seemed delighted to
see me. Asked after everybody and told me to be sure and give her love to all.
Said she didn't want to forget anyone and wanted all to know she thought of
them. Said she couldn't understand why she was left to suffer. She was no use
to anyone, and was ready and willing to go. She is very thin. Mrs. Kirby just
the same, poor sufferer. Never out of pain but she has her mind bright as ever
and her voice is not weak. She seemed delighted to see me. Asked after
everybody and told me to be sure and give her love to all. Said she didn't want
to forget anyone and wanted all to know she thought of them. Said she couldn't
understand why she was left to suffer. She was no use to anyone, and was ready
and willing to go. She is very thin.
Is this cancer?
Hattie to Neppie, Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1893 I found Mama looking thinner
& more haggard than when she went away & from all accounts she had had a pretty
close call from a thorough break-down. The Doctor had been to see her the day
before & made an examination of her. She thought she had a cancer or
that her heart was diseased, both of which he denied. Said there was a slight
irritation of the heart from the nervous strain & her system run down. Said her
lungs were as sound as a drum. Told her she fretted too much.
Dentistry
1896 Gay Parisians program ad Sozodont for the teeth and breath 
Painless extracting 1896 Gay Parisians
New York,
Mar. 16, 1886 I have a nice visit to pay this afternoon to the dentist who
is going to cut off the tops of my two lower centre teeth, they having grown so
long are forcing the upper teeth to project outward. I am not nervous - oh!
dear no!
New York,
Oct. 21, 1887 I hope you will call on Dr. Walker or someone as good, and keep
your teeth in good condition. Wish I had found a dentist as good when I had
that tooth extracted in Cincinnati. The loss of that tooth has injured all the
others, as far as they are injured.
I am
fortunate enough to have better teeth than many people of my age, but had I
taken as good care of them years ago, as I have the last ten years, there would
be very little change noticeable. Take care of your teeth if you want to be a
good looking old gentleman.
New York , Apr.
17, 1890 I have been quite busy last week and this, trying to pack, sew and
have had so many other calls upon my time that I have not succeeded in getting
much accomplished. I have had to go to Photographers two days to sit for
pictures for our travels. Been twice to Dentist and have to go again tomorrow.
Philadelphia, May 12, 1892 Elizabeth is very ill
indeed. Got through the measles seemingly very well, but it is supposed her
teeth are causing some brain trouble, and it is quite uncertain whether she will
be able to pull through or not.
Philadelphia Nov. 8, 1897 I hope [Neppie's sisters] Jessie's rheumatism is
not troubling her and that Miss Grace's toothache has been relieved -- best
remedy I know is Listerine.
Homeopathy
Chicago, June 1887
"Try and find a good doctor to treat your catarrh trouble. I prefer
Homeopathy"
New York
Clipper, Feb. 16, 1889 "Homeopathy is again triumphant A cure for
Jim
jams has been discovered. In accordance with the law of Hahnemann similius
simulatur curantur , patients are instructed to swallow snakes instead of
whiskey" Puck
Boston May 9, 1890 Homeopathic "Nux vomica" would relieve her [Neppie, of
morning sickness]
Philadelphia has always
been the center of US homeopathy. But Middletown NY
had both a State Homeopathic Hospital -- and a State Hospital Dramatic Co. A
program of "Townsend's Thrilling Western Drama The Mountain Waif. A Realistic
Drama of the California Gold Regions (Nov. 29, 1895) featured Scenery by
Voegtlin, Madison Square Theatre
Mental Health Blues and nervousness RUM and drinking and opiates
Oscar Hammerstein's
Opera House programme for Camille (week
commencing Jan. 14, 1895) has an ad for Morphine, Opium, Laudanum and similar
habits, speed permanent cure, no suffering; not a reduction cure, so easy is
the cure that patients can retain in their possession during treatment the drug
to which they have been addicted and at no time will they feel uncomfortable
enough to yield to the temptation of resorting to it. National Health Co. 125
West 34th St. NY
Morphine, Opium, Laudanum and similar habits cured
Before it became a popular recreational drug, heroin
was used in medicine until its addictive properties became known. In the 1890s,
German pharmaceutical company Bayer marketed heroin as a morphine substitute and
cough suppressant. Bayer promoted heroin for use in children suffering from
coughs and colds. Partly as a result of these medical treatments, by the
early 1900's, heroin addiction in the United States and western Europe had
skyrocketed. Heroin Morphine & Opiates https://www.history.com/topics/history-of-heroin-morphine-and-opiates
Mrs. James O'Neill, mother of
playwright Eugene, was a morphine addict for many years.http://www.nytheatre-wire.com/sb06093t.htm
Coca-Cola, introduced in 1886 originally contained cocaine. "Confederate Colonel John
Pemberton,
who was wounded in the American
Civil War and
became addicted to morphine,
began a quest to find a substitute for the problematic drug.[5] The
prototype Coca-Cola
recipe was
formulated at Pemberton's Eagle Drug and Chemical House,[6] a
drugstore in Columbus, Georgia,
originally as a coca
wine.[7][8]
... Pemberton claimed Coca-Cola cured many diseases, including morphine
addiction, indigestion, nerve disorders, headaches, and impotence.
Pemberton called for five ounces of
coca leaf per gallon of syrup (approximately 37 g/L), a significant dose; in
1891, Candler claimed his formula (altered extensively from Pemberton's
original) contained only a tenth of this amount. Coca-Cola once contained an
estimated nine milligrams of cocaine per glass. (For comparison, a typical dose
or "line" of cocaine is 50–75 mg.[64])
In 1903, it was removed.[65]
Wikipedia accessed 2018 Sept 24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca-Cola#Coca_%E2%80%93_cocaine
Limited mental health treatment was available in
the 19th century. See
Wikipedia Neurasthenia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurasthenia
accessed 2018 Sept 24 would become a major diagnosis in North America during the
late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries after neurologist George
Miller Beard reintroduced the concept in
1869. ...Americans were said to be particularly prone to neurasthenia, which
resulted in the nickname "Americanitis"[3] (popularized
by William
James[4])
...From 1869, neurasthenia became a "popular" diagnosis, expanding to include
such symptoms as weakness, dizziness and fainting,
and a common treatment was the rest
cure, especially for women, who were the
gender primarily diagnosed with this condition at that time. Virginia
Woolf was known to have been forced to
have rest cures, which she describes in her book On
Being Ill. Charlotte
Perkins Gilman's protagonist in The
Yellow Wallpaper also suffers under the
auspices of rest cure doctors, much as Gilman herself did. Marcel
Proust was said to suffer from
neurasthenia. To capitalize on this epidemic, the Rexall drug
company introduced a medication called 'Americanitis Elixir' which claimed to be
a soother for any bouts related to Neurasthenia.
San
Francisco, Aug. 9, 1886 My experience in the past days of volunteer fire
departments warrants me in saying I never knew any man who reaped any
benefit from them - but I have known them to be the cause of breaking up many
happy homes. ...I hope you are in good health. Give all your attention to
keeping so. No happiness with poor health.
Neurasthenia a term that was first used at least as early as 1829 to label a mechanical
weakness of the nerves and
would become a major diagnosis in North America during the late nineteenth and
early twentieth centuries Wikipedia accessed
2018 Sept 8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurasthenia EJ Phillips often talks about "blues" and being
"nervous"
San
Francisco, Aug. 14, 1886 Hope your wedding cards job was an omen of good
luck and that other work follows to keep you employed and to dispel the
"blues".
New York, Jan.
9, 1887 All my life, I have never spent money for display or pleasure that I
knew I could not afford and I advise you now to follow the same course -- you
will be happier and better off in the long run. See how you are placed to-day by
listening to Seymour and there are 19 out of 20 men you may meet, who would do
just as he did. And you would still listen to the 19 men instead of the 20th or
your Mother.
New York, Mar
16, 1887 I hope you are energetic in trying to find a house for Mrs.
G[arretson]. Ha ha! ha! That is the best yet!! I think it is a good place to
select; the asylum is near! She is just as far gone as ever the Dudley woman
was.
Boston, Oct.
1, 1887 We could
keep on playing Jim [the Penman] here for another four weeks to big business. The business seems to
increase with every week. The musicians had to give up their seats last night
and go under the stage. Some are prognosticating that it will run again all
this season at Mad[ison] Sq'[uar]e [Theatre]. If so we shall all be ready in the Spring
to join Bartley Campbell in your big town house.
Bartley Campbell (1843-1888) was one of
the first American dramatists to make playwriting his profession. However he
died insane [in Middletown NY]. (Oxford
Concise Comp Theatre). "From 1876 until his mental breakdown in 1885 he was
America's most popular melodramatist.
Philadelphia, July 1, 1888 [I would have to] wear myself out before
starting for the long journey to California, and all for the benefit and
convenience of A.M. P[almer]. So
I may as well remain where I am. If he can do without me, perhaps someone else
will take me in the Fall. I have been his Jack at a pinch long enough. It has
made me ill and nervous, and I cannot allow him to impose upon me any longer.
New York, Jan. 22, 1889
I was sorry to hear you were in a fit of "the blues" or that affairs were not
progressing as smoothly with you, as you and I would have them. But perhaps it
is not as bad as you think. B. may have a disagreeable manner when he is
thinking, but I guess he appreciates your work even if he does not gush over
it. You know I have often been accused of being cross, when I have been in the
happiest of moods. And it may be the same with him.
Pittsburgh, May 4, 1891 I was very weak, sick and nervous in Washington.
New York,
Sept. 18, 1893 I have had considerable trouble and annoyance over the
matter [contract with Charles Frohman for the 1893-1894 season], and consequently am very nervous and not at all
well.
New York, Sept. 29, 1893 I have no real pain, but
great nervousness. If I can only get through Monday night all right, I hope
then to improve. The "part" would have been nothing to me in the past and I am
very near perfect, but I am so afraid that I shall not get through, that it
makes me fear to go through the ordeal. ... I have not told Hattie that I have
been to Dr. Smith as I had been getting medicine from Dr. Guernsey, but I was not
getting any better and thought it best to get another Dr. to brace me up.
Hattie to Neppie, Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1893
On the evening after the first production of
Lady
Windermere's Fan I had a letter from Maud Harrison
who had, I knew, been going with Mama to select her dresses & helping her in
many little ways. She wrote to tell me that Mama had got through the first
performance very nicely, looked lovely, &c, & then went on to tell me how sick
Mama had been, what a terribly nervous state she was in, how every little thing
exhausted her & all about it.
So to
New York I went Saturday morning leaving Jack in the care of his Grandma
Dolman. I found Mama looking thinner & more haggard than when she went away &
from all accounts she had had a pretty close call from a thorough break- down.
The Doctor had been to see her the day before & made an examination of her. She
thought she had a cancer or that her heart was diseased, both of which he
denied. Said there was a slight irritation of the heart from the nervous strain
& her system run down. Said her lungs were as sound as a drum. Told her she
fretted too much.
She
denied it, but she does & always has when she is away from her children. She
worries how they may be getting on & when she is home she worries because her
salary isn't coming in. Summer vacations have never done her any good for that
reason. It is among my earliest recollections. She is not weak in any way &
doesn't feel weak. I think it has all come from mental worriment.
Philadelphia, Mar 24, 1894 I am as usual beginning to feel a little "blue"
that my occupation is ended. I am rested and want to go to work again -- but I
shall have to wait for a long time before I shall be wanted I am afraid.
Philadelphia, Aug. 12, 1894 I have not made any arrangements for next
season, and do not as yet see any prospect of my getting anything to do. Of
course, you can understand that makes me rather "blue". It was later than this
when I got the "Duchess" last year and perhaps something may yet turn up.
Hattie to Neppie, Philadelphia, Aug 27, 1894 Mama has nothing in prospect
and that makes her nervous & blue at times. She is never perfectly happy when
idle.
Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1894 I feel "right down in the dumps". I am still
a member of the great army of the un-employed, do not think anything will be
given me before Novr, if then.
St. Louis, Oct. 16, 1894 I am not as strong as I would like to be, but if
in an engagement I think I should feel better.
Hattie to Neppie, Philadelphia, Oct. 31, 1894 It was well that I could go
[to New York], for she [EJP] had a wretched time of it. Long rehearsals,
running to dressmakers &c & the part was altered just enough to make it
confusing & more troublesome than a new one. And she was ill in the bargain.
The day before I arrived she had nothing to eat between 9 AM & 6 PM. She began
to feel so worn out & miserable by Saturday that she went to see Dr. Smith who
thought the trouble came from nervousness.
Sunday night there was a rehearsal, which was not over until 1:30 Monday
morning. Mon morning she saw the Doctor again & he then said her liver was
congested. She was a little better when I left her yesterday.
Detroit, May
15, 1896 I am glad to hear Ted enjoyed his visit to New York. I feel it
was not a very enjoyable time for any of you for I was tired, nervous & fidgety,
and did not know what to do to make it pleasant for you. It made me very happy
to have you all there and in my own happiness I fear I did not do all I might
have done to make the rest of you comfortable. The rooms were all so small. We
were crowded, yet I took the best they had. I thank you all for coming to see
me
Philadelphia Dec. 10, 1896 Since my arrival I have slept every Morning
until after 10 and the rest of the day soon passes. Yesterday left here at
12:30 and returned at 11:30 so did not get time to write. This Morning I feel
more like myself than I have since my arrival. The nerves are more rested. ...
Mrs. Dolman is now able to come out here but looks as if she didn't have any red
blood in her. She is excessively pale.
One ad in a Spring 1885Sealed Instructions program was for Brain and Nerve Good Crosby's Vitalized
Phosphites. It claimed to "strengthen the intellect, restore lost functions,
build up worn out nerves, promote good digestion, improve the mental and bodily
growth of children, develop sound teeth, clear skin, glossy hair and handsome
nails and to have been used with benefit by Bismarck, Gladstone, Emily Faithful
and thousands of the hard brain-workers of the world.
Suicides
At least three members
of Palmer's company committed suicide in the 1890s Frederick A Lovecraft in 1893, May Brookyn in San Francisco in
1894 and Will Palmer in St. Louis in
1895.
Suicide? Recalled from
retirement March 15th 1898 Dr. Nagle's statistics on suicides
Aging
New York, Feb. 14, 1886 after climbing
up two long stairs and finding the money order office, I discovered I had no eye
glasses with me and could not see to fill the blanks properly, so in disgust I
left the office and took the 4th Avenue cars home.
Boston, May 30,
1886 Mr. [Louis] Massen just called to know if there was anything he could do for
me. I told him "no". Kind of him though, wasn't it? Said he and his wife
would see me to the Depot which is only one block away, but I feel the kindness
for very seldom so you find actors so thoughtful of an old lady.
San
Francisco Aug 9, 1886 I am getting old - my health will not stand the wear
and tear it did
Boston, May 27,
1888 I am awfully nervous all the time, but I suppose that is the result of
my increased age.
Philadelphia June 5, 1891 Excuse this letter Neppie dear. I am very sleepy,
and my eye glasses make my eyes ache.
Cincinnati Jan 20, 1893 I have seen a few old acquaintances here, but more
that knew me than those I knew. Have not heard from the Egans or Mrs. Bass --
all my other friends have died or gone away. It makes me feel sad.
New York, Sept. 29, 1893 I have come to the
conclusion that a woman has no right to be on the stage after she is 50 [EJP was
63]. It has cost me $290 to dress the part, without counting my expenses of board
& and all I had was $400. So you see I am bankrupt, and if my health fails, I
do not know what is to become of all of us.
Providence, Rhode Island, Feb. 1894 You have waited and I pray trust, you
are now rewarded. It will be a great consolation to me, I assure you, for I do
not see much prospect before me of bettering my condition. Managers are looking
for the young and beautiful and I shall have to take a back seat.
Philadelphia, Feb.,
22, 1898 I have been idle for a year and so have many others in my
profession, even those younger than I. Whether I shall be able to appear again
is doubtful, though I am not in bad health, but the accumulation of years has me
tied down and I cannot do as I have done. I did hope to be able to pull through
for another five years at least, but it is vanity for me to think it. "All is
beauty."
EJ Phillips and stroke
Death of EJ
Phillips
Promise and Challenge
of Aging Research, US President's Council on Bioethics, 2002 http://bioethics.georgetown.edu/pcbe/background/agingresearch.html There have also
always been efforts to slow or reverse the process of aging, if not to beat back
death itself. In the last hundred years, this project appears at first glance to
have been more successful than ever. At the turn of the twentieth century, life
expectancy in the United States was, on average, about 45 years. At the turn of
the twenty-first century, it was 78 years.
Public Health Dr. Nagle and
Jacob Riis
Dr. John T. Nagle
worked at the Health Dept. of the City of New York, Bureau of Vital Statistics,
No. 301 Mott St. He had been an Acting Assistant Surgeon, US Army during the
Civil War. EJ Phillips was friends with him (and Mrs. Dr. Nagle) not just from
staying at their boardinghouse on East 21st. Street. Dr. Nagle was an
amateur photographer and Jacob Riis writes of how essential flash photography was to his expose of the New York slums in How the Other
Half Lives, and how Dr. Nagle helped with his early expeditions into
tenements (when the flash powder was set off with a revolver).
I'd love to know more
about Dr. Nagle's civil war medical/surgical experience.
New York, Nov
1890, I was much troubled on Saturday so thought I had better keep quiet on
Sunday. Therefore I did not get up until 4 PM. The looseness is still
troubling me and I begin to think it must be New York's new water.
New York's waster came
from the Croton watershed in upper Westchester county, carried to the city by a
system of aqueducts, tunnels, and holding reservoirs implemented as a results of
the great fire of 1835.....on fifth Avenue between Fortieth and Forty-second
Streets, the twenty-million gallon, Egyptian-inspired batter-walled distributing
reservoir, possibly designed by James Renwick Jr [was] in place by July 4, 1842,
when the water was turned on. ...The exceptional development of the city after
the [Civil] war outstripped the croton system's capacity, and after considerable
public agitation, a special act of the state legislature in 1883 called for a
new supply system that, when it opened in July 1890, carried water in from the
Croton Dam down the West Side to Central Park, vastly expanding the flow of
water.... the fate of the reservoir would not be resolved until 1899, when it
was torn down to make way for the New York Public Library. New York's
water supply, though overtaxed, was otherwise exemplary, its sewers, however
were a scandal. Stern, Robert, Thomas Mellins and David Fishman, New York 1880:
Architecture and Urbanism in the Gilded Age, New York: Monacelli Press, 1999
Building New York's Sewers, Joanne Abel
Goldman, Purdue University Press 1997 http://books.google.com/books/about/Building_New_York_s_sewers.html?id=2ofTUQ49ARMC
History of Sanitary Sewers: New
York http://www.sewerhistory.org/photosgraphics/new-york/
Philadelphia was not only the first city to provide
water as a public utility, but also pioneered new technologies - such as
distributing its water supply through a centralized system, using hydropower for
pumps, and installing disinfection systems - that fueled the revolution of water
and sanitation services in the United States. Philadelphia also faced
challenges in creating effective institutions to manage water resources. Public
demand for better health was often at odds with city leaders’ short term goals.
But Philadelphia made notable institutional achievements through its foresight
in planning and merging water and sanitation systems. Philadelphia’s geography
(Figure 1) is like many other older big cities: it sits at the confluence of two
rivers, the Schuylkill and Delaware, whose waters are the source for drinking
water and the destination for wastewater. ...Outbreaks of typhoid - which
had been an unfortunate annual occurrence since the 1860s - dramatically
worsened; the water-borne disease caused at least 600 deaths a year in the
1880s. Though several hundred typhoid deaths were expected in warm weather
months, as unprecedented amounts of waste tainted the drinking water supplies,
the death rate climbed. By the 1890s, citizen groups desperately petitioned the
city to clean the drinking water supply [3]. Not until 1902, nearly two decades
after drinking water treatment was proposed, did filtration begin, followed a
decade later by chlorination. The history of Philadelphia's water supply
and sanitation system, Niva Kramek and Lydia Loh, University of Pennsylvania
2007https://www.scribd.com/document/94148334/The-History-of-Philadelphia-s-Water-Supply-and-Sanitation-System
Croton Reservoir Forgotten NY http://forgotten-ny.com/2002/01/theres-no-stoppin-the-croton-from-hoppin-remnants-of-the-croton-aqueduct-old-and-new/
Elizabeth Ellen
Dolman (1891-1892) death of granddaughter Elizabeth Ellen Dolman 1892
3219 Clifford Street
Phila Pa
May 25th 1892
My dear Son,
I arrived here on
Monday 10:15 PM. Was pretty tired having been on the road since 2 PM on
Tuesday. I found John, Hattie & Jack very well but Elizabeth is very ill
indeed. Got through the measles seemingly very well, but it is supposed her
teeth are causing some brain trouble, and it is quite uncertain whether she will
be able to pull through or not. The doctor has just been and told Hattie she
was preparing for the 4th of July celebration again. Spoke of your being sent
for &c. Hattie is very tired
from taking care of her. My time in Chicago was short and not very pleasant as
it rained every day while I was there. Baby has been vomiting so I am going
down to the doctor. Love and Kisses to my dear children Albert, Neppie &
Edward from their loving Mother
3297 Clifford St
Phila Pa
May 27th 1892
My dear Son,
Elizabeth continues
very ill, but the doctor said at 12 when he called that he doesn't give her up
yet - he is to call again at 6 this evening. Mrs. Dolman has been here all
morning & taken Jack home with her to keep him all night, the doctor ordering
everything kept very quiet to let baby have as much rest as possible. She is a very sick
baby, but may pull through. Her temperature when the doctor took it at 12 was
102.6. Said it was higher than he expected to find it. Of course the trouble
is from her teeth - but I think the doctor now has the congestion under control
and will be able to bring her through, unless other complications arise - with
these little mortals one never knows what will come next.
Hattie is keeping up
pretty well - but looks very anxious and tired. I am sorry to write you such
sad news - but am very glad I was able to come here for my presence seems a
great comfort to Hattie. John has come home
early, looking as if he expected to find all over with his little daughter - for
he went to the doctor this morning to tell him how the baby was, and sent the
doctor back with a change of medicine - which seemed to have the desired effect
- for she is better than when John went away this morning - but it is still bad
enough.
I think it is too bad
that Neppie has gone to so much trouble for me. The small room was large enough
for me - and I should not feel at all comfortable in the large one, while you &
she occupied the small one. So if you wish to make me comfortable - please
return to first principles - and let me have the small room. I cannot leave Hattie
while baby is sick. Should she pass away - I may take Hattie to see you, for
under the circumstances I think a change would be the best thing for her. Of
course I have not mentioned such a thing to her - but I have thought it. Will
send you word at once if anything fatal takes place. Love and Kisses to my dear
children Albert, Edward and Neppie from their loving Mother
3207 Clifford Street
Phila Pa
May 30th 1892
My dear daughter
Neppie,
Hattie asks me to write
and thank you for her for the pretty presents rec'd from you this Morning for
Jack & Elizabeth. She is too full of care and anxiety to write. Her little
daughter still lingers with us, but very little hope exists that it will be for
long. The Doctor almost gave up hope yesterday. He has not yet been this
Morning but we are looking for him every moment. I will keep this open to give
you his opinion when he comes. Hattie is behaving very
bravely but the strain she is under is making her look very thin and I am afraid
she will break down if the little one is to be taken from her.
I do not feel like
letter writing today, dear, so please excuse this if it is not very lucid or
satisfactory. Mrs. Dolman is here and Mrs. Robinson has sat up with us for the
past two nights helping us to watch the little sufferer. She is holding her now
and will not give her up and I am sure the poor woman must feel dreadfully
tired, but she will not give up until the little one comes out of a sleep she is
taking, as she thinks it will be the turning point, for better or worse. I hope I shall have
better news to tell you in my next. Now I can only thank you for your loving
kindness to Hattie and the babies and send you John's thanks. Our love to all
with love and Kisses to Albert, Edward and Neppie from their loving Mother
4:30 PM
Doctor did not find much change to encourage us. Temperature was rather lower
but not enough. Will come again this Evening. Your loving Mother
3207 Clifford Street
Philadelphia Pa
Monday June 6th 1892
My dear daughter
Neppie,
We thank you for your
prayers and good wishes to our little darling who is still with us, but we
cannot be sure whether she will remain with us or not. Sometimes we feel that
she has improved and again a change comes that makes us fear the worst. She
does not give any indication of knowing us, and at times rolls her eyes up so
that one can scarcely see anything of her eyes but the white. She has been, and
is a very sick baby and we are all very tired, for we cannot leave her alone for
a moment for fear spasms will come.
No one would think such
a little creature would require so much constant attention. Hattie has grown
very thin, but is keeping up surprisingly. Mrs. Dolman was here yesterday and
is here today helping us to take care of Jack. The latter is very good under
the existing state of affairs. You know it is hard for him to keep quiet. He
is growing fast -- quite a big boy now. I wish Edward could come and play with
him. I hope that Edward is
still a lovable little bit of Sunshine. I should like so much to see him. Kiss
him for us all. Hattie would like you to come see her this Summer. She will
not be likely to go anywhere unless her little girl passes away.
Had got this far when I
heard Hattie calling me to assist with Elizabeth who had a sick turn and vomited
quite a quantity of thick phlegm. An hour previously her bowels had moved more
freely than usual. Now I think we shall soon know how it is to be. The doctor
is expected in a few moments. I will wait and send you his opinion before
closing this. Perhaps she may yet live to wear the pretty little wrapper Aunt
Neppie sent for her birthday.
Monday 5 PM
The doctor has just
gone. Was surprised to find Elizabeth had been vomiting but also said if she
can retain anything on her stomach after this it may be for the best, but I
think he is very doubtful of her recovery. Poor Hattie & John. They have
worked so hard to save her. Well, dears, will now close with love and Kisses to
you, Albert and darling bit of Sunshine, my dear children from their
loving Mother
June 10 92
My dear sister,
I don't know that I can
collect my thoughts enough for a letter but will try, for I know you would like
to hear from Baby. I wish I could send better news. The dear little sufferer's
life still trembles in the balance. Sometimes we feel hopeful & again it does
not seen possible for her to keep up the struggle longer. Every one marvels at
the wonderful vitality she has shown. Last evening I was quite despondent, for
she had scarcely slept for 48 hours. I don't think she had more than 3 hours
sleep in that time & that only in little snatches. To-day she has been more
drowsy & has taken a number of little "cat-naps".
The Doctor lanced her
gums to-day. He is unable to determine whether the brain trouble is the result
of the measles having struck in or from delayed dentition. He has worked very
faithfully with her & declines to give her up yet. He says her breathing has
been so good through all the long trouble. Four weeks next Monday since he
began to visit her & he has been every day & sometimes twice a day. John goes
down every morning to him to report & every evening. For more than two weeks
Baby has not known us & part of the time can't see us. She is so changed &
unlike herself & looks so helpless & pitiful. It seems months since I have seen
Elizabeth. If she could only tell us how she feels we would feel better able to
relieve her. Everybody has been very good & kind & sympathetic.
Little Jack has been at
his Grandma Dolman's a great deal. I hate to have him away but yesterday the
Doctor was so anxious for Baby to sleep his Grandma took him home & he is there
now. And how are you all?
And dear little Sunshine. Don't let him run the slightest risk of measles if
you can help. I laughed at measles & treated the matter lightly when Elizabeth
first showed that she had them, although I was careful not to let her take cold,
but now I have a horror of them I can assure you. This is the first letter I
have written since Mama came home. Love to Buddie & "Ted". Your loving sister
Hattie 9:50 PM
3207 Clifford Street
Phila Pa
June 12th 1892
My dear Son,
Your little niece
passed away at 8:30 this Evening. Your dear sister is keenly feeling her first
trouble but is bearing up bravely. Sends love to you all. I am writing a
number of these so excuse brevity this time. God bless and keep you all in
health. Love & Kisses from your loving Mother & sister to you all. Mother
Funeral will be on
Wednesday AM.
Bibliography
Address of the Committee to Promote the Passage of a Metropolitan Health Bill
microform : New-York, December, 1865. New York : J.W. Amerman, printer, 1865.
Boston Public Library, Microtext
Bordley, James and A. McGehee Harvey, Two Centuries of American Medicine
1776-1976, Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 1976.
Cowen, David L, and Alan B. Segelman, Merck, Sharp & Dohme, Antibiotics in
Historical Perspective, 1981 Thanks to Sara Day for this gift.
Leavitt, Judith Walzer and Ronald L. Numbers, Sickness and Health in America:
Readings in the History of Medicine and Public Health, Third edition, 1997
Martin, Justin, Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmstead:
Abolitionist, Conservationist and Designer of Central Park, Cambridge, Da Capo
Books, 2011
Useful information on Civil War Medicine given Olmstead's work on the US
Sanitary Commission. https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Place-Frederick-Olmsted-Lawrence/dp/0306821486
Sontag, Susan, Illness as Metaphor, New York, Farrar, Strauss and
Giroux, 1978.
Starr, Paul, The Social Transformation of American Medicine, New York: Basic
Books, 1982.
Stern, Robert, Thomas Mellins and David Fishman, New York 1880:
Architecture and Urbanism in the Gilded Age, New York: Monacelli Press, 1999
Popular Medicine 1896, Vassar College http://projects.vassar.edu/1896/medicine.html
Last updated March 24, 2024
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