SCARLET FEVER. Synonyms.—Scarlatina; Scarlet Rash. Definition ...

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF DOUBTFUL
NATURE.
FEBRICULA.
Synonyms.—Ephemeral Fever; Simple Continued Fever; Synochal
Fever.
Definition.—A slight transient fever of doubtful etiology, unattended
by any characteristic lesions, and terminating in recovery in from
twenty-four hours to seven days.
“In malarial regions, periodic fevers are the rule; in non-malarial
regions, in the majority of years, the disease is evanescent fever, or, as it
has been lately described, febricula. Of this we have two varieties,—one
which may be strictly termed evanescent, passing off by the third or
fourth day; the other protracted, and which terminates from the sixth to
the ninth day.”
Etiology.—A number of conditions predispose and possibly cause
febricula, among which may be mentioned colds, retained secretions,
prolonged physical or mental effort, gastric disturbances from
overeating, or from tainted foods or hurriedly eating while overheated,
from exposure to the sun or excessive heat, and to inhalation of sewergas
or other noxious odors.
Anders speaks of “undeveloped or abortive forms of the infectious
diseases (typhoid, influenza, rheumatism).” Evanescent fevers
frequently occur during epidemics of the above-mentioned diseases, and
may be due to a modified infection.
Symptoms.—The disease begins abruptly. Commencing in the
morning with a slight chill, the temperature rapidly ascends to 103°, but
instead of falling through the night, as in other cases, it is 104° the next
morning. Then there is a gradual decline through the day to 100°, a
slight increase through the night and entire subsidence of febrile
symptoms on the third day.
“Any one that has suffered from this evanescent fever will see that Fig.
15 is a correct index of his sensations. Commencing in seeming perfect
health, there is a chill, with febrile symptoms increasing through the
The Eclectic Practice of Medicine - PART I - Infectious Diseases - Page 253