DR. BECKER: I am inclined to look at the case somewhat in the manner of Dr. Ripley. Lying-in is a purely physiological case. We have heard a great deal about the bright side of obstetrical cases. I have had, within the last two years, two cases where there was trouble. I found it was not due, however, to the lack of antisepsis, but in both cases could be traced to taking cold. Now we recognize the matter of a woman’s keeping warm during the menstrual period. We know, as physicians, the serious results arising from the suppression of this function, and I believe is we were as careful to keep our patients warm as a great many are, I do not believe we would have one-half of the bad results we now have in practice.
DR. KINYON: I want to enter a protest against one point. My friend Dr. Robey makes a statement that the majority of the Homoeopathic fraternity do not believe in the germ-theory of disease. If this is true, I feel sorry for the Homoeopathic profession. I simply wanted to make this point, when somebody objected, and said we ought not to go from a case of erysipelas to a case of confinement. Why does he object?.
GEORGE B. PECK, M.D.: I flattered myself that the members of this Institute read my paper carefully at their homes, and if they did, they found that I confined myself strictly to my subject, and furthermore, have said all there is to be said on that subject. I am well satisfied of the truth of the germ-theory of disease. I wish it was absolutely demonstrated, for in the practical working of the germ-theory I find the strongest proof and the best explanation of the cure of disease I have found anywhere. The profession as a whole believes thoroughly in aseptic precautions. That is to say, at least three-quarters, as was indicated by the statistics which I presented last year, when this subject of the germ-theory came up.
I object to the use of corrosive sublimate on chemical grounds. The instant that substance comes in the presence of liquid albumen, it forms an insoluble precipitate. That being the case, I have no use for corrosive sublimate in a vaginal douche. It has been stated that the testimony of city doctors who enjoy select practices has been given here. I am a city doctor and I defy any one, unless it be some one who has practiced in the neighborhood of Five Points in New York, to have a meaner class of patients than I myself have in regard to one class of them.
For some years I have been city physician simply because if I resigned, and Allopath would be appointed in my place, there being no Homoeopath in the district qualified, and second, that it feeds the hospitals. I have been in places that no one cares to go, and I never lost a case or had any serious trouble or any germ-disease among those people. But that does not shatter at all my belief in the germ-theory. Because the people I find there are a class who enjoy perfect health, and I have no cares for their safety.
The matter of putting pure bacteria into the perinaeum is another proof of the truth of bacteriology. It will produce natural results. Its excreta, whatever they may be, depend upon the individual, and upon the species. It doesn’t make any difference whether the poison is due to the presence of bacteria or the results of their presence. If we use disinfectants, they should be mild and unirritating, and of those there are plenty.
