Processed by: Archives Staff ; machine-readable finding aid created by:Eric Weig
Daniel Drake Carter papers
1879
University of Kentucky Special CollectionsLexington, Kentucky 40506
Chronological arrangement.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Daniel Drake Carter papers, 1879, 1VF46M135, Special Collections, University of Kentucky.
.05 cubic ft. (26 pieces)
Physician. Carter was the son of Dr. Joseph Coleman Carter. He began the study of medicine at Long Island College Hospital in New York City, and completed his studies at the University of Louisville, after which he enlisted in the Confederate Army, where he served as a surgeon. After his service, he entered into medical practice with his father until his failing health forced him to give up the practice of medicine altogether.
These papers consist of reports by physicians in Fayette, Woodford, and Scott counties, Kentucky, on the scarlet fever epidemic of 1876- 79. The reports are in the form of letters to Dr. Carter, evidently in response to his request. Respondents included A. C. Collier, Thomas C. Collins, C. T. Dale, G. A. Davis, R. S. Hart, George Hunt, James D. Munday, J. D. Neet, M. E. Poynter, W. T. Risque, J. F. Rodgers, R. S. Seeley, W. A. Smith, John Sullenger, James Sutton, B. W. Thompson, and Frank Ward.
Among the kinds of information included are number of cases treated; name, age, sex, race and counties of residence of patients; description of symptoms, including date of outbreak and length of illness; treatment prescribed; effects of treatment; and number of deaths resulting from the illness. Treatments attempted included use of emetics, bathing of the skin with whiskey and water, the application of poultices of flax and meal, and the use of belladonna and calomel as preventatives. The most beneficial results seem to have been obtained through the prescribing of fresh air, cleanliness, and good diet.