I generated the wordle diagram at the left by entering in the text from numerous diphtheria treatments found in an English-language GoogleBooks search of publications from 1850-1860. The sources included both allopathic and homeopathic remedies. As with all diagrams of this nature, the relative size of the word indicates the frequency of use in the text sample.
Now, do you think this ‘tells’ you something that a list of remedies wouldn’t? It certainly does highlight the fact that most remedies were an acidic solution that was mean to be gargled by the patient. But what else does it tell you (other than that I am a geek)?
(Note: a larger image can be found by clicking the image above or on this text)