Civil War Washington

CASE 19.—Admitted delirious and in low condition about the 21st day; free perspirations occurred two days later, after which convalescence was gradually established.—Private John Cross, Co. E, 14th N. Y. State militia; age 23, and of stout habit; had been sick three weeks when admitted Sept. 14, 1861, with typhoid fever. He was delirious and affected with great muscular debility and twitchings; pulse 120; skin hot and moist; face hot and dark-red; tongue coated brownish-white and fissured; body emitting a peculiar odor. Next day there was less delirium; but the subsultus continued with great roaring in the ears; the pulse was 104, tongue brown and slightly fissured, teeth covered with sordes, skin hot and dry, face flushed, on one side purplish-red, and abdomen tender on pressure. Turpentine emulsion and stimulants were ordered. In the evening the tongue was dry and coated posteriorly, and the delirium and subsultus persisted. Dover's powder was administered. On the 16th copious perspiration, with subsidence of the delirium and subsultus and increase of appetite was noted; the patient was weak and had great thirst, dryness of tongue and some incontinence of urine. In the evening the skin was warm and perspiring, the mind much clearer, the subsultus absent, the pulse 104, the tongue cleaner and moist and the bowels quiet. The Dover's powder was continued. He rested well, and on the 17th the tongue was white, pulse 100 and skin moist. Aromatic sulphuric acid was given. In the evening the pulse was 100, the tongue white and less fissured and the bowels regular. Next day sudamina appeared with free continued perspirations, great thirst for acid drinks, high-colored urine and regular bowels. After this the daily record varies but little, showing a good appetite, tongue moist, clean or with yellow or brown patches, the skin natural or moist, the bowels quiet except when sometimes moved after the administration of extract of senna, and the sleep sound. Some deafness and tinnitus were noted for a day or two. The patient was transferred to Annapolis, Md., October 1, where he was entered as a case of continued fever, and whence be was returned to duty October 21.