One hundred years ago
THE INFLUENZA spreads so fast, and is becoming so deadly in its assaults on all weak constitutions, that any preven- tive which seems effectual deserves attention. A correspondent of the Times declares that in the office of the Royal Insurance Company, Lombard Street, rooms protected by scattering a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the blotting- paper have been free from the scourge; while in another department where the oil was not used, five clerks out of twen- ty-five were prostrated by the disease. The immunity produced by the oil has been noticed during two outbursts of the pest, and though more evidence is required, it is certain that extracts of eucalyptus act as powerful disinfectants. The tree itself, it will be remembered, is believed to suck up the malarious influ- ence of marshes. As yet the doctors seem certain of nothing except that "fighting up" against the disease is fatal. Patients should go to bed at once. The Spectator 16 January 1892
Previous page
