As both advice and rumours about the so-called ‘Asian’ cholera epidemic circulated in Prussia in 1831, this pamphlet was issued to counteract harmful and erroneous information with sensible advice. It was issued and distributed by Königliches Medicinal Collegium on behalf of the state of Baden-Württemberg, as a special offprint from the newspaper Schwäbischer Merkur, and was intended to serve as a public health pamphlet, and be presented to the state as a contribution to the nation-wide effort to control the epidemic (cf. Protokolle der deutschen Bundesversammlung, meeting of 29 September 1831, §217).

The introduction assures readers that even in countries whence the cholera originated some cities were not at all affected by it, and that certain factors, including an unhealthy lifestyle, contribute to its spread. Keeping one’s body clean, the air indoors fresh and dry, avoiding the overcrowding of houses, a good diet, and, generally, a healthy lifestyle are explained in much detail, together with the first signs of a cholera infection for easy identification. The practical part of the pamphlet closes with home remedies, including the external application of alcoholic tinctures, and the internal use of teas and ‘Hoffmann’sche Tropfen’ (compound spirit of ether).

Interestingly, the final paragraphs explain that all known cases of cholera are to be reported, that each person should support patients in their vicinity, and that only civic duty and a communal effort to restore health will vanquish the disease.

A similar pamphlet was produced in Basel in 1831. Of this Stuttgart publication, WorldCat only records two copies in German libraries (Württembergische Landesbibliothek and UB Tübingen).