Old whooping cough cure

Whooping-cough: There has grown up in Austria the unique custom of treating this disease by administering the rod. When the child is seized with one of the coughing fits, the rod is vigorously applied. The physicians declare that this strange custom has been preserved because it is effectual. The whooping- cough, they allege, is rather a nervous affection than anything else, and the flogging, besides being a good counter- irritant, rouses the child to an exercise of the will, which often suppresses the cough. — M. D. Conway, Fraser's Magazine, N.S.,vii M p. 615 
However A hairy caterpillar worn round the neck in a bag, or a roasted mouse is also said to be efficacious (and perhaps preferable!).