What is a drachum? In 1889 there was an outbreak of dysentery and typhoid fever in St. Mary's County. An excerpt from the St. Mary's Beacon dated September 5, 1889, mentions the troubles faced by the family of Abell Hammett: An Afflicted Family Seven deaths have occurred in Mr. Abell Hammett's family within six weeks. Dysentery and typhoid fever are diseases to be dreaded, and it appears that the medical skill of the doctors have availed little in accomplishing the desired effect. No doubt that their mental and physical capacities have been taxed to the utmost. Chills and fever are beginning to show what they can do. Vegetation is profuse, consequently the decomposition of the same produces a plentiful product of maisma. For the benefit of those who reside in the malarial districts the following recipe is given, which we assert to be beneficial, if the ingredients be carefully selected and prepared and the directions be faithfully followed: Peruvian bark and wild cherry bark, each two ounces; cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, each one drachum; wine or good rye whiskey, 2 quarts. Let stand a few days to extract the strength. Dose - A small wine glass every three hours. Try it ye afflicted and be benefited. John S Wilkinson Rome, NY