I have had occasion to mention some instances in which there was an apparent relation between puerperal fever and erysipelas.  The length to which this paper has extended does not allow me to enter into the consideration of this most important subject.  I will only say that the evidence appears to me altogether satisfactory that some most fatal series of puerperal fever have been produced by an infection originating in the matter or effluvia of erysipelas.  In evidence of some connection between the two diseases, I need not go back to the older authors, as Pouteau or Gordon, but will content myself with giving the following references, with their dates; from which it will be seen that the testimony has been constantly coming before the profession for the last few years: 

“London Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine,” article “Puerperal Fever,” 1833.

Mr. Ceeley’s Account of the Puerperal Fever at Aylesbury, “Lancet,” 1835.

Dr. Ramsbotham’s Lecture, “London Medical Gazette,” 1835.

Mr. Yates Ackerly’s Letter in the same journal, 1838.

Mr. Ingleby on Epidemic Puerperal Fever, “Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal,” 1838.

Mr. Paley’s Letter, “London Medical Gazette,” 1839.

Remarks at the Medical and Chirurgical Society, “Lancet,” 1840.

Dr. Rigby’s “System of Midwifery,” 1841.

“Nunneley on Erysipelas,” a work which contains a large number of references on the subject, 1841.

“British and Foreign Quarterly Review,” 1842.

Dr. S. Jackson, of Northumberland, as already quoted from the Summary of the College of Physicians, 1842.

And, lastly, a startling series of cases by Mr. Storrs, of Doncaster, to be found in the “American Journal of the Medical Sciences” for January, 1843.

The relation of puerperal fever with other continued fevers would seem to be remote and rarely obvious.  Hey refers to two cases of synochus occurring in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, in women who had attended upon puerperal patients.  Dr. Collins refers to several instances in which puerperal fever has appeared to originate from a continued proximity to patients suffering with typhus. [Footnote:  Treatise on Midwifery, p. 228.]

Such occurrences as those just mentioned, though most important to be remembered and guarded against, hardly attract our notice in the midst of the gloomy facts by which they are surrounded.  Of these facts, at the risk of fatiguing repetitions, I have summoned a sufficient number, as I believe, to convince the most incredulous that every attempt to disguise the truth which underlies them all is useless.