Smallpox is the result of a specific, morbid poison working in the system, which is reproduced during the course of the disease. It is accompanied by certain symptoms, and a peculiar eruption upon the skin. When this specific poison is absorbed and infects the blood, a period of latency occurs which is termed the stage or period of incubation. This period of incubation lasts from ten to sixteen days (usually thirteen or fourteen). Then the disease proper commences by a fever which lasts up to the appearance of the eruption, and is called the secondary stage. The ordinary duration of this fever is four days; it may be sudden in its attack, or be preceded by a great tendency to vomiting, drowsiness, and oppression of the brain, and severe muscular pains, resembling rheumatism, especially in the small of the back. Also in many cases there is severe sore throat. After four days of this fever, the third stage or period of eruption commences, when the fever and the other severe symptoms accompanying it usually ceases for the time being.
    The eruption first appears in small, bright red pimples on the face, neck and upper extremities, then on the body, and lastly on the lower extremities. These pimples on the second or third day of the eruption change into vesicles or little blisters, which contain a clear whey-colored fluid; these vesicles continue three or four days and then ripen into pustules which contain yellow matter. The number of these pustules varies according to the severity of the case, from a dozen or two to some hundreds or thousands. There is great swelling of the whole face, head, and neck, the eyelids often closing entirely and blinding the patient. After about two days more or about the eighth day of the eruption, the pustules rupture and matter exudes which dries into scabs or crusts. During the exudation of matter the pustule shrivels and dries up. The crust is detached between the eleventh and fourteenth days, leaving the skin beneath of a dark reddish brown hue, which lasts for many days or weeks. On the face the pustule often penetrates or burrows under the skin, which upon the cessation of the ulceration leaves a permanent scar or "pit."
    At about the eighth day a secondary fever occurs which lasts during the period of occupation, or maturating, and then ceases. With the falling of the crusts, about the fourteenth day, the disease terminates.
    The cause of the disease is obscure, through there is many reasons to believe that it first originated in some of the lower animals and from them extended to the human species. It is communicated from one person to the other through immediate contact with the body, by breathing the infected atmosphere, or in any way coming under the influence of the germs of the poison which exists in the exhalations from the secretions of the body of the patient. The poison is carried into the clothing of the patient, and bedding, in the scabs which fall from the body, &c. These poisonous germs may exist for years even unimpaired. The disease is probably generated in the suffering patient during all stages, and is most dangerous when most noticeable to the sense of smell. It extends for quite a distance around the patient, and it is, therefore, unsafe to even enter the same house, or come in contact with him in the street.
    It should be borne in mind that this dread disease is one which cannot be cut short when established, but must run its course. Much may, however, be done to mitigate the sufferings of the patient and render less dangerous and unsightly the consequences resulting from the ravages of the poison.
    In the treatment of the disease, so far as possible, a free eruption should be prevented. No heating drinks should be given to force out the eruption. The diet should be light, consisting of gruels, ripe fruits, &c. The room in which the patient lies should be cool and well ventilated, the bed clothing light and kept scrupulously clean. The prevention of smallpox is partially to be secured by the use of powerful disinfectants. The only reliable means, however, for its prevention is to be found in vaccination. This cannot be too forcibly brought to the attention of the public--as to that alone can we look for safety from a most terrible scourge.
    For sixty-eight years has vaccination been in constant use for the prevention of smallpox. Dr. Jenner made the discovery that a certain eruptive disease affecting the teat and udders of cows was often communicated to the milkers of the cows, and when thus attacked with what he called "cowpox," they escaped the infection of smallpox, and thus occurred the idea of introducing it purposely into the human system by what is called "vaccination." The protective influence of vaccination has been abundantly proved by the results attending its general practice. The most stringent laws have been enacted at various times by the European government compelling general vaccination. These have been productive of the greatest good. In England out of every 1,000 deaths in the half century from 1750 to 1800 there were 96 deaths from smallpox; and out of every 1,000 deaths in the half century from 1800 to 1850 there were only 35 deaths from smallpox.
    Also in Germany, statistics prove that out of every 1,000 deaths before vaccination was used 66 were deaths from smallpox but that out of every 1,000 deaths after vaccination was enforced, the deaths from smallpox were only 7. Thus it is proved that where vaccination is most perfectly carried out smallpox is least mortal. Another important fact in this connection is that the epidemic influence of the smallpox has greatly diminished since the adoption of vaccination. Previous to the introduction of vaccination, records in Europe show that the ratio of smallpox epidemics were about 75 in every 100 years. Since vaccination has been practiced there is a ratio of but 24 epidemics in the 100 years. Another fact is shown, that in the cases of smallpox occurring in persons after vaccination, it is most invariably of a much milder nature, and very rarely fatal. Many other points of interest in this connection might be mentioned, but enough has been said to show the great importance and value of this protective means against a most virulent contagious disease.
    Owing to the fact that smallpox is so near to our doors, and that it may at any time make its appearance in our midst, I will vaccinate, free of charge, those who need, and will come to me at my office, or at the Drug Store.