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diff --git a/41292.txt b/41292.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ed0ab21..0000000 --- a/41292.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10529 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Every Man his own Doctor, by R. T. Claridge - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Every Man his own Doctor - The Cold Water, Tepid Water, and Friction-Cure, as - Applicable to Every Disease to Which the Human Frame is - Subject, and also to The Cure of Disease in Horses and - Cattle - -Author: R. T. Claridge - -Release Date: November 5, 2012 [EBook #41292] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EVERY MAN HIS OWN DOCTOR *** - - - - -Produced by Bryan Ness, Thiers Halliwell and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - -Transcriber's notes: - -In this plain text version, italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and -bold text by =equals signs=. Numbered footnotes are located below the -relevant paragraphs. - -In the list of errata, page numbers are consistent with those in the -book but line numbers do not correspond because of word-wrapping -requirements to produce this screen-readable text. - -Capitalisation, hyphenation, and spelling styles vary throughout the -book and almost all have been left in the original format (some marked -with [sic]); some of the more obvious variations are listed below. -Inserted corrections are enclosed in [ ]. Abbreviations such as U.S., -M.A., and M.D. vary as to whether they are spaced or closed up. - -a-day/a day -ancle/ankle -aught/ought -a-week/a week -bason/basin -catemenia/catamenia -colic/cholic -degrees/deg./ deg. -diarrhoea/diarrhoea -ear-ache/ear-ach -etc/&c -everywhere/every where -Freywalden/Freywaldau/Freiwaldau -Greenough/Greenhough -headache/head-ache -Homoaepathic/Homeopathy/Homaeopathist -Hydropathy/hydropathy and related terms -Hygeia/hygeia -inquire/enquire -Jenison/Jennison -kidnies/kidneys -mattrass/mattress -Packing-sheet/packing-sheet/Packing sheet/packing sheet -Priessnitz's/Priessnitz' -reaction/re-action -ringworm/ring worm -Rubbing-Sheet/Rubbing-sheet/rubbing-sheet/rubbing sheet -shews/shows -sitting-bath/sitting bath -sitz/Sitz -smallpox/small pox -staid/stayed -tepid-bath/tepid bath -Vanderheyden/Van der Heyden -watercure/water-cure/Water-cure/water cure/Water cure - - - - - EVERY MAN HIS OWN DOCTOR. - - THE - - COLD WATER, TEPID WATER, - - AND - - FRICTION-CURE, - - AS APPLICABLE TO EVERY DISEASE TO WHICH THE HUMAN - FRAME IS SUBJECT. - - AND ALSO TO - - The Cure of Disease in Horses and Cattle. - - BY - - CAPTAIN R. T. CLARIDGE. - - AUTHOR OF THE "GUIDE ALONG THE DANUBE TO TURKEY AND GREECE;" - "HYDROPATHY, OR THE COLD WATER CURE," ETC. ETC. - - LONDON: - JAMES MADDEN, PUBLISHER, - 8, LEADENHALL STREET. - - M.DCCC.XLIX. - - LONDON: - PRINTED BY J. WERTHEIMER AND CO., - CIRCUS PLACE, FINSBURY CIRCUS. - - -[Transcriber's Note: The book does not contain a list of contents; -the following table has been compiled to assist the reader.] - - PREFACE iii - - ERRATA - - HYDROPATHY - I. Vincent Priessnitz. 1 - II. Hydropathy. 17 - III. What Does Hydropathic Treatment effect? 17 - IV. How are the Effects described in the last Chapter - produced? 20 - V. Is Hydropathy a Panacea? And what Complaints are - Curable by it? 24 - VI. Is Hydropathy new? Why is it not generally adopted? 26 - VII. The Lancet. 30 - VIII. Authorities in Support of Water as a Curative Agent. 32 - IX. Ablutions. 40 - X. Use of Cold Water for Drinking and Injections. 41 - XI. The Cold Bath. 43 - XII. Is going into the Cold Bath in a State of Perspiration - attended with Danger? 45 - XIII. The Packing Sheet, and Sweating Process. 46 - XIV. Sweating Process. 50 - XV. The Rubbing Sheet, or Abreibung. 50 - XVI. The Douche Bath. 52 - XVII. The Shower Bath. 54 - XVIII. The Sitz or Sitting Bath. 54 - XIX. Eye Bath. 55 - XX. Head Bath. 55 - XXI. Finger and Elbow Baths. 56 - XXII. Leg Bath. 56 - XXIII. Foot Bath. 56 - XXIV. The Tepid, or Abgeschrecte bath. 58 - XXV. Bandages, or Umschlags. 59 - XXVI. Diet. 62 - XXVII. Clothing, Air Baths, Wearing Stays, etc. 69 - XXVIII. Drugs. 73 - XXIX. Assimilation. 77 - XXX. The Crisis. 79 - XXXI. Dropsy. 82 - XXXII. Smoking. 84 - XXXIII. Questions put to Mr Priessnitz, and his Answers. 90 - - TREATMENT AND CASES - XXXIV. Gout. 92 - XXXV. Rheumatism, etc. 100 - XXXVI. Tic-Doloureux. 106 - XXXVII. Affection of the Throat and Pain at the Chest. 107 - XXXVIII. Fevers. 108 - XXXIX. Congestion of the Lungs. 118 - XL. Inflammations. 118 - XLI. Gripes, Cholic, Diarrhoea, English Cholera, or Cholera - Morbus. 121 - XLII. Consumption. 125 - XLIII. Cramps. 125 - XLIV. Asthma. 127 - XLV. Surgical Operations, Accidents, etc. 128 - XLVI. Small Pox, Measles, Hooping Cough, Croup, Scarlatina, - Colds, Shivering, etc. 135 - XLVII. Sore Mouth--Inflamed Gums 146 - XLVIII. Tooth-ache, Preservation of the Teeth, etc. 147 - XLIX. Watery or Inflamed Eyes. 148 - L. Deafness. 148 - LI. Ear-Ache. 148 - LII. Ringworm, Itch, etc. 149 - LIII. Psoriasis. 149 - LIV. Fistula. 151 - LV. Haemorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, Pains in the - Womb, &c. 152 - LVI. Change of Life in Females. 155 - LVII. Treatment of Ladies. 156 - LVIII. Giddiness, Dizziness, etc. 158 - LIX. Head-Aches. 158 - LX. Acute Inflammations in the Head, Chest, and Abdomen. 160 - LXI. Chilblains. 160 - LXII. Cold Feet. 160 - LXIII. Cold Hands and Whitlow. 160 - LXIV. Bunnion and Enlarged Glands of Foot and Instep. 161 - LXV. Depression of Spirits, Head-Ache, etc. 161 - LXVI. Deafness. 161 - LXVII. Hernia and Constipation. 161 - LXVIII. Liver Complaint, Congestion of Blood in the Head, - Enlarged Vein in the Leg. 162 - LXIX. Deformity. 163 - LXX. Spinal Complaints. 164 - LXXI. Constipation. 166 - LXXII. Indigestion. 166 - LXXIII. Stomach Complaint. 167 - LXXIV. Throwing Food off the Stomach. 167 - LXXV. Heartburn. 167 - LXXVI. Sea Sickness. 168 - LXXVII. Palpitation of the Heart. 168 - LXXVIII. Want of Sleep. 168 - LXXIX. Languid Circulation. 168 - LXXX. Ring Worm. 169 - LXXXI. Hands Frostbitten or Suffering from a Boil. 169 - LXXXII. Weak Eyes and Eruption on the Head. 169 - LXXXIII. Weak Ankles. 169 - LXXXIV. Treatment of Infants. 169 - LXXXV. Epilepsy. 170 - LXXXVI. Hypochondria and Hysteria. 170 - LXXXVII. Foetid Perspiration of the Feet. 171 - LXXXVIII. Stricture. 172 - LXXXIX. Inflammation of the Kidneys and Urethra. 172 - XC. Hydrocephalus. 172 - XCI. Syphilis. 172 - XCII. Chancre. 173 - XCIII. Gonorrhoea and Chancres. 174 - XCIV. Scrofula and Vaccination. 175 - XCV. Piles. 176 - XCVI. Rupture. 176 - XCVII. Chilblains. 177 - XCVIII. Cold Feet. 177 - XCIX. Eruption, Scabs, and Sores on the Arms. 177 - C. Consumption. 177 - CI. Insanity. 179 - CII. Cholera. 179 - CIII. Colds, Sore Throats, etc. 185 - CIV. Cancer, etc. 187 - - HYDROPATHY FOR ANIMALS 197 - - EXPENSES AT GRAFENBERG 212 - - ROUTES TO GRAFENBERG 212 - - INDEX 213 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -It is difficult to account for the fact that Hydropathy was practised at -Graefenberg, and at many other establishments in Germany, and that books -on that subject were published in that country, twenty years before it -was known in England. - -Most works treat upon some familiar subject, and are supported or -opposed; but my book on the Water-cure, from its great novelty, placed -me in almost as isolated a position at the time, as the publication of -Bruce's Travels did their author. - -A gentleman who had been at an establishment in Germany, and who -afterwards wrote in favour of the cure, on seeing the review of my work -in the Times, addressed me a letter wishing me every success, and saying -"that I had put my hand into a hornet's nest: that I had that day made a -hundred thousand enemies." - -These fears, I am happy to say, have not been realised: at least, as far -as I know. The leading papers reviewed my work favourably; my lectures -in England, Ireland, and Scotland, met with serious attention; and baths -and wash-houses resulted from a lecture I gave in Edinburgh. - -I have found numbers of persons willing to give the system a trial; but -unfortunately, few could spare time to go to Graefenberg, where it is -carried out with safety and success by the immortal Priessnitz. - -Though not a medical man, I seldom refused to administer aid when it was -asked of me, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that no accident -ever attended my operation; on the contrary, my humble endeavours, in -every instance, were more or less crowned with success. I am bound, in -candour, to say, that from members of the medical profession with whom I -have had the honour of becoming acquainted, I have invariably met with -the greatest courtesy. - -The propagation of any novelty, however useful, is a work of -time,--especially when, like Hydropathy, it attacks the deep-rooted -prejudices of society, and is opposed to the interests of a host of -individuals. - -Hydropathy--unlike brandy and salt, mustard-seed, and many other -chimeras with which its opponents wished to rank it--is not to be put -down. During the short period of eight years, its principles have -pervaded all society: we can hardly go into any society that we do not -find its advocate. The upper classes drink more water and less wine; the -poorer classes are beginning to bathe: for this purpose, baths and -wash-houses are open or being erected in most of the metropolitan -parishes--or, as it is expected they will pay their own expenses, it is -to be hoped they will be provided for the poor in every parish in -England. - -Hydropathic establishments are now to be found in England, Ireland, and -Scotland, and in America; and the practice of the Water-cure has -penetrated to the Antipodes. Hardly a week elapses but some work appears -on the subject. Messrs. Abdy's "Diseases Cured by Cold Water;" Sir -Eardley Wilmot's "Tribute to the Water-cure;" Col. Dundas' work, "To the -Halt, Lame, and Lazy;" Mr. Lane's "Life at the Watercure;" Sir Edward -Bulwer Lytton's "Confessions of a Water-drinker," are amongst those of -the non-medical productions. - -The following is a list of medical men who have recorded their opinions -in favour of Hydropathy:--Drs. Wilson, Gully, Johnson, Weiss, Marsden, -Ellis, Baxter, Rischanek, Weeding, Feldmann, Lovell, Courtney, -Heathcote, Balbirnie, Stummes, Paterson, King, Curteis, Hills, Preshaw, -Gibbs, Macleod, Paisley, Smethurst, Barker, Laurie, Bushnell, Mayo, -Weatherhead, Graham, Alexander, Freeman, Martin. - -Notwithstanding Hydropathy has made its way in an extraordinary -manner,--with the mass of evidence that has been produced in its favour, -it is matter of surprise that it has not become _even more_ general; for -it is a remarkable fact, that, in this age for writing, whilst so many -works, both in Germany, France, and England, have appeared in support of -Hydropathy, I do not know one that has seriously attempted its -refutation. It is true that, at its first introduction, some said my -only object was to make money; others cavilled at the term Hydropathy, -the absence of diphthong in the word Graefenberg, its want of novelty, -the non-professional terms I made use of in my work, and similar -trifles; but no one ever wrote a line to disprove the truth of the -system, or demonstrate the uselessness or danger of the wet sheet, -sitz-bath, or, indeed, any part of the treatment. - -That it was my intention to make money by hydropathy is an allegation -without a foundation; my object being completely philanthropic. Having -gained my own health and saved the life of my daughter at Graefenberg, -and having witnessed most astounding cures there, I wished to make -generally known so valuable a remedy,--to do this by writing, lecturing, -attending the sick, opening establishments, or any other means in my -power, my exertions have been unceasing. I may therefore be permitted to -repeat, my motives have been disinterested, as, thanks to Providence, I -am perfectly independent in circumstances. The promotion of hydropathy -has always been attended with expense to me--a sacrifice which I am -still willing to make for its advancement. - -We claim nothing for hydropathy on the score of novelty, because it is -well known that in India the natives understand the use of cold water in -curing fevers, wounds, bruises, etc.; in all probability it has been -their panacea for all diseases since the time of Noah. - -A hundred years ago, Dr. Sir John Floyer, in a work he published, stated -that he frequently saw people with cutaneous eruptions go to a spring in -his neighbourhood, dip their shirts in it, wring them out, put them on, -and walk away. He inquired, and never found any harm to result from thus -wearing wet linen. - -The Russians, from time immemorial, have gone into snow in a state of -perspiration. - -What we claim for Priessnitz' system is, a systematic mode of -manipulating; a cautious, modified plan of operations, by which no risk -is incurred, and more good produced than can be accomplished by any -other means known to the medical profession. Hydropathy would doubtless -have taken a much larger extension, had the trouble attending the -treatment been less, and its practitioners more competent. It has always -been matter of regret that Mr. Priessnitz has no successor, and that he -has not himself published something on the subject of the Water-cure. To -supply this desideratum, when last at Graefenberg, where I stayed twelve -months, I proposed to Mr. Priessnitz that he should furnish me the -matter, and that I should publish it; to this he consented, and gave me -verbally his opinion of the treatment to be followed in the various -cases as they occurred. The following pages are my humble endeavours to -place before the public the results of our conversations as a familiar -guide to the Water-cure for men and animals. - -The greatest enemies to hydropathy--its most violent opponents--are -those who know nothing whatever about it; who have never seen it -practised as it ought to be, or made reasonable inquiry into the -subject. This is what every science has had to encounter. When Lord -Spencer, many years ago, was in the habit of stating his belief that -steam and gas might be made available to useful purposes, he was -considered a madman, and would-be-wise people declared that what he said -on the subject was absurd. Dr. Lardner, in his "Encyclopaedia," -endeavoured to prove, and no doubt did convince his readers, that no -steam-boat could cross the Atlantic. Works may be read in the -"Bibliotheque" in Paris, written by medical men on the introduction of -the potato into France, to shew that fevers which raged at that time in -the capital arose from the use of that vegetable. - -Thus, it will be seen, speculative opinions are but of little value--we -want facts; and unless we are prepared to discredit the evidence of the -many respectable professional men, and others, whose names are here -given, the value of hydropathy must be admitted. - -The learned and talented Dr. Forbes, editor of the "British and Foreign -Medical Review," says:-- - -"The practice of the Hydropathists is so open, and their disciples so -numerous, that the innocence of their proceedings may be said to be -established by the absence of evidence to the contrary. We cannot enter -any circle of society without encountering some follower of this method, -ready to narrate a series of _psuchrolousian_ [Transcriber's note: -should be psychrolousian - 'psychro-' of or pertaining to cold] -miracles, prepared to defend and zealous to applaud the Priessnitzian -practice. Judgment must, therefore, be entered by default against its -opponents, and Hydropathy is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness, -since cause has never been shewn to the contrary." - - - - -ERRATA. - - -In consequence of the unavoidable absence from London of the -Author, while these sheets were passing through the press, the following -errors have occurred:-- - - _Page_ vii. _line_ 16, in preface, _for_ Spencer _read_ Stanhope. - " 29, " 40, _for_ Wilson _read_ Watson. - " 104, " 32, _omit_ "and the following process was adopted" - " 108, " 21, _omit_ not. - " 123, " 6, _omit_ before. - " 127, " 26, _omit_ until warm. - " 132, " 19, _for_ Scontetton, _read_ Scoutetton. - " 154, " 20, _for_ minutes _read_ weeks. - " 175, " 36, _for_ from Dartres, _read_ afflicted with - dartres. - " 208, " 25, _for_ and afterwards had wet bandages, dry - ones were applied, _read_ wet bandages were applied to the - inflamed part; when inflammation was subdued, the heating - bandages were used. - - - - -HYDROPATHY, - -ETC. ETC. - -I.--VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. - - - "Discover what will destroy life, and you are a great man--what will - prolong it and you are an impostor! Discover some invention in - machinery that will make the rich more rich, and the poor more poor, - and they will build you a statue! Discover some mystery in art, that - will equalise disparities, and they will pull down their houses to - stone you."--_Bulwer._ - - -Priessnitz was born at Graefenberg, October, 4th 1800. His father became -blind in his nineteenth year, and remained so until his death, which -took place in 1838, a period of thirty-two years, during fourteen of -which his son was his guide. His mother was killed by a bull in 1821. - -Priessnitz's family have been in possession of the estate he now owns, -consisting of about 180 acres of land, for upwards of 200 years, so that -a mistake arose in calling him a peasant, instead of a farmer's son, or -yeoman of Silesia. Two centuries ago (1645), when the country was -invaded by the Swedes, a soldier, attempting to carry off a female of -the family, was pursued and slain by one of Priessnitz's ancestors on -the spot now called the Priessnitz-Quelle (or spring). A tablet placed -over the spring, commemorates this event. - -Priessnitz was born, in what is now called the "stone house," (opposite -the large establishment) which he inherited with the land. - -He began dabbling in the Water-cure, when only twelve or thirteen years -old. Having sprained his wrist, he pumped upon it and applied a wet -bandage, which produced an _Ausschlag_, or eruption; he not knowing -whether it would be beneficial or otherwise. The question was, however, -soon decided; for the _sprain_ was cured. Finding the same plan, in -other sprains, cuts, and bruises invariably succeed, he recommended its -adoption to his neighbours. - -He next applied the wet bandage to swollen joints and local pains, and -was gradually led to its application in gout and rheumatism. Observing -that the wet bandage remained cold from want of heat in the part -affected, he covered it with a dry one to prevent evaporation, and -confine the heat. The appearance of eruption in many cases before -amelioration or cure, led him to suppose that there was generally some -peccant or foreign matter required to be drawn out, or eliminated. Thus -drawn on to think and reason on the subject, his powers of invention -were kept in constant activity to find new expedients for producing the -desired effects in the fresh cases presented to him; until the present -complete and efficacious system, or science was gradually developed and -matured. - -In treating a cut hand in one person he found it heal kindly; in -another, it became angry and inflamed: whence he concluded that the -blood of the one was healthy, and of the other impure. Reflecting on the -effect of bandages and baths, in extracting and attracting heat, and -exciting eruptions when applied, he resorted to the elbow bath, and -bandages up the arm, to relieve the hand. Other modes of treatment were -progressively discovered and added. - -When sixteen years of age, after loading a waggon with hay, Priessnitz -was standing at the horse's head, whilst his companions were cogging the -wheel; before this was effected the horse struggled, overcame him and -rushed down the hill, which was very steep. Unwilling that the animal -should destroy itself, Priessnitz would not relinquish his hold, his -foot caught in a bush and he fell between the horse's feet, was dragged, -trampled upon and severely bruised. He was taken up senseless, with two -of his front teeth gone, and three ribs on the left side broken, he was -carried home, and a doctor sent for: who, after causing great pain by -probing and _punching_ the side, applied his remedies, at the same time -prognosticating that his patient would never perfectly recover. -Priessnitz having no respect for treatment or opinion, declined the -doctor's further attendance. - -He then began to manage himself. By frequently holding his breath, and -pressing his abdomen on the side of a table, for a painful length of -time, he forced back the ribs into their proper position. Wet bandages -were constantly applied and changed, and water drunk in abundance. By -perseverance in these means he rapidly mended, and in twelvemonths his -health was completely restored. - -His own faith and that of many of his neighbours in the power of water -was thus established; and ere long the peasantry from all sides flocked -to him for aid. Some thought him endowed with the power of witchcraft; -others honored him as a prophet; all wondering at his success in curing -disease. Sponges used by him in washing his patients were regarded as -talismans--as containing within them something gifted with a mysterious -and marvellous operation. Broom-sticks were placed across his doorway, -to see whether on coming out he could get over without displacing them, -it being a prevalent opinion that only those practising witchcraft can. - -His antagonists took advantage of this disposition of the people; and -their opinion that Priessnitz was possessed by an evil spirit was -encouraged by the priests, who denounced him publicly in the church. -Some idea of the excitement got up against him may be found, from the -fact, that the peasantry were in the habit of throwing stones at the -early visitors to his house. - -Numbers, however, came to him for advice, which he then only gave at his -own house; afterwards he was induced to visit his patients. This seemed -to dissolve the spell, and his reputation began to decline, -notwithstanding he claimed no remuneration nor accepted any fee: from -hundreds his applicants fell off to tens. He soon perceived that what is -simple, costing neither money nor trouble, loses its value, or is but -coldly appreciated; he therefore returned to his previous usage of -giving advice only at home, leaving people to believe as much as they -pleased in the magical virtues of his remedies. - -His reputation now rose higher than ever, and spread far and wide. -Strangers from distant parts came to Graefenberg, so that he was -compelled to increase the size of his house for their accommodation; and -thus his establishment commenced. - -He was not yet, however, allowed to proceed smoothly in his career: many -viewed his growing reputation with jealousy. The two medical men and the -Burgomaster at Freiwaldau set on foot a conspiracy to crush him. Their -persecutions lasted thirteen years: but, as frequently occurs in -similar cases, these were among the circumstances that eventually -advanced his success; since but for this pressure from without, he never -would have so completely developed the power of water over disease; and -the physiological and pathological truths that have in consequence come -to light, must still have lain buried in darkness. During all this -period, he was strictly watched, to see if he applied aught else than -the pure element; calling for the exertion of his utmost ingenuity, to -supply, by water alone, the place of every other remedy. - -He was frequently brought before the Syndic at Freiwaldau; but all -endeavours to convict him of any unlawful act (which the administration -of drugs or herbs in an unlicensed practitioner would have been) had -failed, when in 1828, a more determined attempt was made to put an end -to his proceedings. Witnesses were brought forward to prove that he had -injured them, and others that he had pretended to cures that had -actually been performed by the medical men. But none, when examined, -could deny that Priessnitz had benefited them, and taken no payment in -return. - -There was a miller, whom both the doctor and Priessnitz claimed the -merit of curing. On being examined, the miller was asked which of the -two had effected the cure? "What shall I say?" answered he: "_Both_; the -doctor relieved me of my money, and Priessnitz of my disease. In return, -I have given him nothing--not even thanks, which I take this opportunity -of offering him for the first time." This was of little avail; his -calumniators had resolved his downfall. Accordingly, he was next accused -of quackery, in illegally tampering with the public health, and ordered -to be put under arrest. An appeal to the tribunal at Bruenn, caused this -unjust sentence to be reversed; and he then obtained permission to have -a cold-water bathing establishment. Discontented at this, his -persecutors shortly after brought him to the court at Weidenau, a -neighbouring town, on the hypocritical plea that the connection between -his accusers and the authorities of Freiwaldau might, contrary to their -wishes, give a colour of unfairness to the proceedings. The tribunal of -Weidenau could not reverse the sentence of that at Bruenn, but prohibited -Priessnitz from treating any persons but those of his own parish or -district. He replied that water was free to all, and that he was not in -the habit of inquiring whence an invalid came previously to -administering aid. Feeling he was right, he persisted in acting as -before; and for some time, no further notice was taken of him. - -In 1831, his enemies took a bolder course, by raising an alarm of the -craft being in danger. This enlisted in their cause the medical men at -Vienna, who brought the subject under the notice of the emperor. He sent -Dr. Baron Turckheim with a commission of district and staff surgeons to -Graefenberg, to investigate and report on the new system, and the -proceedings of its originator. Notwithstanding that most of these -gentlemen were prejudiced against both, they were astonished and pleased -at what they witnessed; and their report was of so favourable a nature, -that Priessnitz was allowed by imperial authority to carry on his -establishment, with the addition of the privilege enjoyed by staff -surgeons of giving sick certificates to public employes and officers -under his care. This state of things was, however, again shortly -afterwards disturbed. In 1835, the emperor Francis being dead, fresh -intrigues induced the government authorities at Troppau (a town about -fifty miles from Graefenberg) to withdraw the permission Priessnitz had -received for giving sick certificates. He was urged to appeal to the -higher powers, but declined, saying--"The matter must right itself," and -steadily refused giving sick certificates, even to foreign officers. -These complained, through their ambassadors, to the authorities at -Vienna; and for them, Priessnitz's power of granting certificates was -restored. The Austrian officers and employes being still excluded, also -exerted themselves through friends in the capital; and the matter was, -in the end, satisfactorily arranged. - -In 1843, the Prussian government, doubtless under medical influence, -forbade all officers or employes proceeding to any hydropathic -establishment out of Prussia, unless expressly recommended by their -medical advisers. - -The greatest difficulty in obtaining passports to the Hygiean temple is -also encountered by the Russian Poles. It has been observed by many from -both these countries who, nevertheless, reached Graefenberg, that their -medical men strongly recommended their not going to Priessnitz, and -willingly gave certificates for any other establishment, even though in -a foreign country. - -For thirty years, although all publications against Priessnitz and the -Water-cure were tolerated in the Austrian dominions, none in favour of -either were permitted. But, as though willing to do tardy justice and -urged on by public opinion, in July, 1845, the Vienna Gazette inserted a -favourable article on both subjects. - -From the age of seven to twenty-one, Priessnitz was in constant -attendance on his blind father; and on that account, escaped the -liability of being drawn as a soldier. Early in life he married a -distant relation of his own name, daughter of the _Schulz_ or chief -magistrate of Boemishdorf, who was by trade a miller. He has had nine -children, of whom six daughters and one son are living. The first-born, -a sickly boy, died of apoplexy. When taken ill, the wife and relations -insisted on having a physician from Nicholasdorf: this was at the -commencement of Priessnitz's career, and he reluctantly yielded. He has -since said he would not have given way, had he imagined the doctor could -have killed the child so soon, for a powerful medicine being -administered, death was the almost immediate result. Priessnitz supposes -it was calomel. Whatever it was, it produced spasms and death. - -This was a severe lesson to Mrs. Priessnitz, who since that event has -left the treatment of her children entirely to her husband. - -As has been said, the various manipulations which now form so complete a -system, were gradually introduced just as Priessnitz became aware of -their necessity and had experience of their effect. - -Finding that pain was relieved by natural perspiration, he instituted -the sweating process by covering the patients up well in bed. Some time -later he improved on this, by introducing the blankets. On a patient -becoming faint, whilst under the process, he found that opening the -windows to admit fresh air, and washing the face, afforded relief, and -ordered it with equal advantage generally. At first he sponged the -throat, then the chest, and gradually the whole body; finding the -extension of this practice most beneficial in _every_ case, he ventured -on the tepid (_i. e._ 62 deg. Fahr.) bath and ultimately the plunge or cold -bath. - -The relief afforded by local bandages to the finger, arm, leg, and other -parts of the body afflicted with pain, or to which he wished to attract -the vicious juices, suggested the use of the waist bandage, which he -found fulfilled many useful purposes, especially in relieving pain in -the abdomen, feverishness, and restlessness, and also in bringing the -abdominal functions into a healthy state. - -Satisfied of the benefit derived from local cold bandages, he thought -they might be extended over the whole of the surface of the body; and -this originated the wet sheet, which supersedes the lancet by relieving -the overcharged system of heat, and is the most powerful sedative known. -It has gradually superseded the sweating process, though not in all -cases. Priessnitz recommended the weaker patients to remain in the -blanket only a sufficient time to get thoroughly warm; but they, -thinking to accelerate a cure, sometimes remained in it too long, and -fainted from exhaustion--a reason assigned for confining his treatment -more especially to the wet sheet. - -In chronic cases, which resisted the application of bandages, tepid and -cold baths, he long tried local baths, to cause internal excitement and -reaction; thence arose the hip, arm, foot, and head baths, which were -generally successful: but in some obstinate cases, where they were not -so, Priessnitz wished for a more powerful agent, and hit upon the -douche, to which his attention was drawn by reflecting on the benefit he -had received by pumping on his sprained wrist. - -The rubbing sheet is a much later addition, being an improvement on -rubbing with wet hands, or using sponges. It is a means of rousing -latent heat, and administering an ablution to delicate persons, who -could not endure an immersion in the bath. - -This combination of novel and invaluable appliances will effect any -purpose attempted by the pharmacopoeia. In fact, so complete and -efficacious is the system, that it may justly be termed a science -putting into the shade all hygeian discoveries from the days of -Hippocrates to the present time. - -"Notwithstanding there are several defects in point of beauty, and a -sternness of outline in almost every feature," there is something in the -whole expression of Priessnitz's countenance peculiarly pleasing as well -as striking; and one reads there kindness of heart as well as firmness -and decision. - -Among all his neighbours, his character stands deservedly high. From his -infancy, he has been a pattern of sobriety and virtue, a good Christian, -kind neighbour, an excellent husband and father; ever prompt to acts of -benevolence and, though secretly, to acts of charity. Poverty deprives -no invalid of his succour. Many, for months together, enjoy the -hospitality of his table, and benefit by his advice, who have no means -of making any pecuniary return. Indeed, Priessnitz never demands a fee, -nor complains if none be given. Nevertheless, he has become rich by the -exercise of prudence and economy. - -It is worthy of record, that he never wrote a line or caused anything to -be inserted in newspapers on the subject of his discoveries, or employed -any of the means of publicity usually resorted to make known his -establishment; yet this is frequented by denizens of all nations, and -his fame extends to the antipodes. - -When the author went to Graefenberg in 1841, there seemed a deficiency of -English; of whom he found but three. There were members of every grade -of society from the crowned head to the beggar, all submitting -themselves to Priessnitz's directions. - -Anxious to make my countrymen acquainted with a system which had -benefited thousands, and from which I had personally derived great -advantage, immediately on my return home I published a work suggested by -my visit to Graefenberg, which proved to be actually the first that had -appeared in England on the subject. Many English were thus induced to -undertake a journey to see Priessnitz, and several books shortly -afterwards came out, attesting the writer's high opinion of his skill, -with their faith in the efficacy of his method. The number of English -pilgrims to the Hygeian temple increased; and it is at present one of -their favorite resorts. In 1848, a letter numerously signed was sent to -America, and was inserted in the _New York Tribune_. - - "To the Editor of the Tribune. - - "Sir, _Graefenberg, 14th August, 1849._ - -"The undersigned, desirous to alleviate suffering, and to promote the -health and comfort of human beings, wish to call attention to the -Water-cure as practised by Vincent Priessnitz. Not a particle of -medicine is ever administered in any form or quantity. No bleeding, -blistering, or leeching is ever employed. - -"It is not pretended that the Water-cure is a universal specific for -all diseases; but there are sufficient facts to prove that all diseases -curable, and many incurable by any known means, can be healed by a -proper application of the Water-cure, which the following cases will -demonstrate. - -"Count Mitrowski, an Austrian nobleman, aged fifty-four, who had long -been afflicted with gout, and whose name we are permitted to use, was -found insensible in his bed in an apoplectic fit. Some medical men were -quickly in attendance and Priessnitz was sent for. The professional men -considered the Count past recovery; and one of them said that he would -throw his drugs away and become an hydropathist if this patient was -restored. It was proposed by some to bleed the invalid, to which -Priessnitz objected, if he was to bear any part of the responsibility. -So far gone was the patient, and so nearly extinct did vitality appear, -that a priest administered the extreme unction, and according to the -custom of the country, a lighted candle was placed in each hand of the -apparently dead man. By cold water treatment alone under the sagacious -direction of Priessnitz, this gentleman recovered consciousness on the -_third day_, drove out in a phaeton on the fourth, and gradually -returned to his former habits. - -"The only son of a Sovereign Prince, aged three years, suffered for -fifteen months from chronic obstruction of the bowels, which baffled the -skill of his medical attendants, and resulted in total atrophy. For -twenty-seven days the child had _had no relief_, when, by the -physician's advice, Priessnitz was called in. He saw the child; and at -his suggestion the Prince and his family came here, in order that -Priessnitz might daily superintend the treatment. In a few days the -disease yielded to the water-cure, and at the end of three months, the -child returned quite well. - -"A lady of rank suffered severely from frequent head-aches, cramp in the -stomach, indigestion, and other maladies, which cannot here be -particularised. She constantly threw up her food, even whilst in the act -of eating, and could not have the slightest relief without medicine, and -even then had great pain and difficulty. She had been under medical -treatment for fourteen years, during which time she consulted fourteen -eminent physicians. In little more than a year under the Water-cure, she -was restored to perfect health. - -"A gentleman had one of the worst attacks of small-pox, complicated -with measles. From the fact of his vomiting blood any medical man will -judge of the malignity of the disease. - -"In a fortnight he was out of doors; and in four weeks all traces of the -disease were rapidly disappearing. - -"Here is one case of a gentleman advanced in life and long an -invalid,--another of a tender infant,--a third of a lady,--a fourth of a -person labouring under what is generally considered a fatal disease, and -_all restored_. - -"The undersigned trust you will kindly insert this statement, which they -are impelled to offer from a desire to make known to others the benefit -derivable from a system in the efficacy of which, as well as in the -sagacity and skill of its founder Priessnitz they have the fullest -confidence, and to which, humanly speaking, some of them owe their -lives, and are, - - "Sir, - - "Your most obedient servants, - - E. H. Tracey, the Hon., _England_ - J. Hailes, Major, Bengal Army - Hugh Barr, _Paisley, Scotland_ - J. H. O. Moore, Capt. H. B. M. S. - Edward Birch, British Consul - J. F. Sparkes, _England_ - C. A. Lane, Lieut. Col., Bengal Army - Alonzo Draper, _New York_ - T. V. Ganahl, _Inspruck, Tyrol_ - C. W. Ganahl, _Ditto_ - H. C. Wright, _Philadelphia, N. Y._ - H. D. Avrainville, _Ditto_ - Baron Rudolph, _Luettechan, Austria_ - Count Guillaume D'Aichott, _Westphalia_ - Charles Dr. Pickler, _Gratz, Styria_ - Baron de Leutch, Capt. Austrian Army - Count Pierre, Dr., _Goess, Styria_ - Baron Keller, Capt. Austrian Army - Count Zelenski, Chamberlain, _Austria_ - Gustav Hirschfeld, _Holstein_ - H. K. Marcher, M. D. _Denmark_ - Count Wallowitz, _Poland_ - L. Lemoile, French Consul - Baron de Wrede, _Austria_ - Count Henkel, Dannesmark, _Prussia_ - C. Balsch, Grand Logothet, _Moldavia_ - Baron de Pabst, _Holland_ - J. N. Spencer, Surgeon Dentist, _London_ - F. B. Y. Ribas, Spanish Consul, _Odessa_ - F. Harnish, Apothecary, _Bresslau_ - L. J. E. Rudnick, Phil. Doc., _Prussia_ - E. C. Ellery, _London_ - G. Pietsch, _Leeds_ - Sig. Goetzel, _Vienna_ - Count J. Schaffgotsch, Chamberlain to King of Prussia - Baron F. D'Unsulz, _Poland_ - Baron Schmidburg, Sect. Austrian Gov. - A. B. Mills, _Glasgow_ - J. T. Delvarnes, son of Ex-President of Chili - H. A. Muller, _Hambro'_ - Carl Burmester, _Ditto_ - H. Schierholz, _Ditto_ - Theod. Heyman, _Ditto_ - E. Holzmann, _Ditto_ - Count Szirmay, Chamberlain, A. G. - H. G. Robinson, _Yorkshire_ - L. de Grotoski, _Poland_ - Napoleon Maleski, _Ditto_ - J. Slatter, _Isle of Jersey_ - Le Chevalier de Montiglio, Sec. Legation, _Sardinia_ - Prince Auguste Ruspoli, _Rome_ - F. Kronwald, Councillor, _Austria_ - Count Zeno Sarav, Austrian Chamberlain - Baron Tindal, Sec. Legation, _Holland_ - The Rev. Thos. Smythe, _England_ - J. Hamilton, _Carnacassa, Monaghan, Ireland_ - Donilzi de Galetti, Capt., Russian Army - Alexr. de Harmasaki, _Moldavia_ - V. Hake, Lieut. Col., _Prussia_ - V. Crety, Lieut., _Ditto_ - Otto Schramm, Royal Councillor, _Prussia_ - Edward Hoffman, Lieut. Prussian S. - Edward Calvos. Lieut. Austrian S. - J. Gibbs, _Enniscorthy, Ireland_ - Edward Joseph Tabelar, Councillor, _Vienna_ - Baron C. V. Radzig, _Bavaria_ - Michael Avrial, Merchant, _Paris_ - Ignace St. de Ionnewald, Major, _Austria_ - V. Siegl, Barrister, _Austria_ - V. de Lauken, Lieut. Prussian S. - V. Siegler, Capt. Austrian S. - Count V. Orosz, Sec. Excise Bureau, _Vienna_ - V. Perboe, Lieut. Austrian S. - L. Liebshang, Postmaster, _Austria_ - L. Bardel, Lieut. Austrian S. - H. de Strager, Lieut., _Ditto_ - C. Niemann, Provincial Deputy, _Pomerania, Prussia_ - Victor Kurnatowksi, _Poland_ - Baron N. de Hoepken, _Stockholm_ - Genges Siebil, _Lyons, France_ - Karl Quovos, _Prussian Poland_ - Francis Rieger, _Cracow_ - Johann Gotthilf, President Criminal Court, _Prussia_ - Count Oscar Roswadowski, _Austria_ - Baron J. Wallish, _Ditto_ - Baron M. Lyncker, Lieut., _Prussia_ - Baron Mezenthin, Major, _Ditto_ - Ivan A. Roiz, _Brazils, S. America_ - Nicholas Arnault, _Paris_ - Guiseppe Weyher, _Trieste_ - August Navez, Lieut., _Belgium_ - Wilhelm Lommatsch, _Saxony_ - Baron A. Ledderer, Colonel, _Austria_ - Von Kutzl, Lieut., _Ditto_ - Von Bovelmo, Lieut., _Ditto_ - Baron Huelberg, Lieut., _Ditto_ - -"P.S.--We, the undersigned, cannot vouch for the exactitude of each -particular in the four cases, related above, not having been at -Graefenberg during their occurrence; but we are happy to state our -conviction and experience to be fully in favor of this mode of -treatment. - - E. Hallman, M. D., _Berlin_ - Peter Wilson, Writer to the Signet, _Scotland_ - Horatio Greenhough, _U. S._ - A. Schrotterick, M. D., _Norway_ - Francisco Bazan, _de la Province de Seville en Espana_, M. D. - J. M. Gutterieg Estrada, late Plenipotentiary to the Court of London, - from _Mexico_ - C. M. Mecker, _America_ - R. L. Jones, _Luton, Bedfordshire_ - A. J. Colvin, _Albany, N. Y._ - A. F. Webster, R. N., _Battle Abbey, Sussex_ - W. Cybulvo, M. D., _Prague_ - Dr. Hempin, _Prussia_ - W. Murray, _Monaghan, Ireland_ - W. S. Ellis, _Middle Temple, London_ - T. H. Cohen, _London_" - - * * * * * - -In 1845 a work of a very different tendency appeared, which, though -approving of the hydropathic treatment in itself, denounced Priessnitz's -application of it, and calumniated him personally in the most -unwarrantable and groundless manner. The author was R. H. Graham, M. D.; -and so unpardonable was his attack on Priessnitz that it drew forth the -following letter. - - "To the Editor of the London Times, - - "_Graefenberg, 2nd February, 1845_. - -"Sir.--We, the undersigned British and Americans, who have resided here -for periods varying from three months to two years and upwards, and who -consequently have had ample opportunities of acquiring correct -information, deem it our duty publicly to assert that a work, entitled -'A true Report of the Water-cure, by Robert Hay Graham, M.D.' abounds in -gross exaggerations, mis-statements, and calumnies respecting -Priessnitz. It would lengthen this document too much to go into a -detailed repetition of all those portions of Dr. Graham's work which we -could contradict; we therefore refrain from noticing any in particular: -it will be sufficient to say, that _from personal observations_, we can -deny several of Dr. Graham's allegations, and, from information upon -which we _can_ rely, we are convinced that many more are totally devoid -of foundation. - -"We have seen a letter dated January 15th, 1845, from Captain Wollf, -whom Dr. Graham gives as his authority for some of his most unfounded -assertions, and to whom he dedicates his book; and we beg attention to -the following extracts from that letter. - -"'I not only' says Captain Wolff, 'was a passionate Hydropathist, but am -still, to this day, known as an out-and-out one ... the information -which I gave Dr. Graham, concerned solely the scientific part of the -Water-cure, and could not, of course, be otherwise than favourable; I -being, as above stated, an Hydropathist. With regard to the wretched -stuff you allude to, as to whether Mr. and Mrs. P. drink wine or grog, -whether Miss J. S. and other English ladies were treated with or without -clothes, the tiresome story about Munde, or whether the Princess L. did -or did not employ the Water-cure, with such like, I have never concerned -myself; for I lived at Graefenberg exclusively for the Water-cure.' - -"Thus does Dr. Graham's principal witness fail him! It is only necessary -to add, that we do not place the least reliance on any of Dr. Graham's -statements. We are led to say thus much from regard to truth, and from -esteem for a great and good man, who has been basely vilified. - -"In our opinion Priessnitz, from long practice, varied experience, and -close observation, guided by his extraordinary genius, has acquired so -intimate a knowledge of the action of water, of its dangers and -advantages as regards the human body, both in health and disease, that -the most delicate invalid may safely rely on his judgment; and in this -opinion we are sustained by the fact of his great success in the -treatment of almost every variety of disease, which surpasses that of -any physicians on record. The patients who seek his aid may be divided, -with few exceptions, into two classes:--those who by medical men have -been pronounced incurable; and those, whose diseases are the result of -medical treatment: and, out of the large number whom he yearly treats, -it would be absurd to expect that he should never lose one. But we -cannot believe that the Water-cure is the best remedy for disease, -without also believing that he, its discoverer, is the best practitioner -of it; and to convince us to the contrary would require somewhat -stronger and more unexceptionable testimony than that of Dr. Graham. -From the portrait which Dr. Graham draws of Priessnitz, one who did not -know him, would be apt to imagine him as full of assumption and -Charlatanism, whereas he is as far from either as any man; being as -remarkable for his simplicity and truth, as for a native modesty and -unassuming propriety of demeanour, which, combined with his kindliness -of heart, win respect and regard from almost all who approach him. -Requesting that you will do us the favour to give insertion to this -letter, We are, Sir, Your obedient Servants, - - Lichfield (The Earl of) - E. H. Tracey (The Hon.) - W. S. Ellis, _Temple_ - Richard L. Jones - Gretton Bright - Augustus Blair (Capt.) - J. H. O. Moore (Capt.) - Thomas Smithell, M.A. - Andrew B. Mills - C. Sewell - Horatio Greenough, _U.S._ - W. D'Arley - John Gibbs - William Murray - Andrew J. Colvin, _U.S._ - Alonzo Draper, _U.S._ - G. Pietsch - James Hamilton - Henry J. Robinson - C. H. Meeker, _U.S._" - - * * * * * - -If Dr. Graham's object was to injure Priessnitz, it was, unquestionably -thoroughly defeated; for his fame continued to increase, and at the end -of the same year, Graefenberg was honoured by a visit from the Archduke -Charles, heir apparent to the imperial crown of Austria, who treated -Priessnitz with the greatest consideration, and shewed great interest in -the Hydropathic treatment. On his arrival, an address was presented to -him, numerously signed by the visitors at Graefenberg, and presented by-- - - Don I. M. Estrada, Ex-Minister from Mexico to London - Count Cyacki, Grand Marshal of Poland. - Count Shaffgatch, Chamberlain to the King of Prussia - Baron A. D. Lotzbeck, Chamberlain to the King of Bavaria - Capt. Moore, 35th Regt. - F. La. Moile, Ex-Consul de France. - -The Archduke seemed much pleased with it; and as it was a novelty in -Germany, where addresses are unknown, we think a translation may be -interesting to our readers. - - _Address presented to_ Archduke Franz Carl, _at Graefenberg, October - 4th, 1845_. - -"We, the undersigned natives of various countries, enjoying here the -hospitality and protection of a paternal government, hasten to take -advantage of the propitious occasion offered by the presence of your -Imperial and Royal Highness, to lay our homage at your feet. How could -we fail to evince the sentiments of gratitude which we entertain towards -your illustrious house, for the favour it has deigned to grant for the -development of a system, which has produced such happy results on -ourselves, on that around us, and on the thousands of invalids who have -preceded us. The protection of Government having been extended to the -establishment at Graefenberg and Freiwaldau, your Royal and Imperial -Highness has judged it not unworthy to see with your own eyes the -marvellous effects of a treatment, which gradually spreading over the -universe, will preserve the human race from the double curse of -intemperance and disease. For this condescension we tender our thanks. -In all times and in all countries the use of cold water as a curative -means has been acknowledged. The great physicians of past ages already -had recourse to it. Travellers relate singular cures effected by its -means amongst even the most savage tribes. In recent times we -occasionally see light feebly penetrating through the darkness of -prejudice and routine, and revealing the neglected virtues of this -simple gift of nature; but these facts remaining isolated, the germs of -such a noble discovery had hitherto always remained undeveloped. It was -reserved to the soil of Austria to give birth to the immortal author of -a system which can already rank among the sciences. Priessnitz, a simple -farmer, in a poor and retired hamlet, obeying only the promptings of his -genius, has triumphed over all obstacles, and, still young, has marched -with a rapid step towards the destiny of great men. Relying solely on -observation and experience, he realised truths which the science of ages -could not reveal. The fame of his marvellous cures resounded at first in -the immediate neighbourhood: but his star always rising and never -vacillating, at last ended by shining throughout the world. Invalids -from the most remote countries hastened in great numbers to submit -themselves implicitly to his directions. Many disciples of medicine even -hesitated not to throw aside their prejudice, and become enlightened by -his discoveries. His cottage became the refuge of suffering humanity, -his hamlet the seat of a new doctrine; still, far from being intoxicated -with so much success and such unexpected good fortune, Priessnitz has in -no way deviated from his original simplicity and primitive manners. His -greatest ambition is the accomplishment of the laborious task he has -imposed on himself; his sweetest recompence the affection and veneration -of all who surround him. We know not which to admire most, the rare -genius of this gifted man, or the firmness and modesty which -characterise him. Guided by gratitude, and the admiration we feel for -the Hydropathic system and its origination, we have ventured to present -this humble address to your Imperial and Royal Highness, trusting that -the visit of such an enlightened Prince will be a good augury for the -further dev[e]lopment and extension of the curative system from which we -have ourselves experienced such happy results." - -In the ensuing summer a most flattering testimony was decreed to -Priessnitz by the Emperor of Austria. It was a gold medal (called a -_Verdienst Medaille_ or medal of merit), and was presented to him by the -Governor of Troppau, on the 7th of July, 1846, at the altar, with great -ceremony, in the very church in which he had been formerly denounced. -Shortly after, an incident occurred which had nearly deprived the world -of this great man: this was the marriage of his eldest daughter, then -only seventeen, to an Hungarian nobleman of large fortune. The young -couple started for Hungary; and Priessnitz, on taking leave of them, was -observed to be much affected. Later in the day, whilst visiting his -patients, he found it difficult to lift one hand to his head. He hurried -home, where he hardly arrived when he was suddenly struck with general -paralysis, and was quite insensible. His attendants resorted to his own -remedies, he was placed in a tepid bath and rubbed by four persons for -nearly two hours before he began to regain his senses, when he ordered -the tepid water to be changed for cold; and he has since been heard to -say, the former would not have been attended with sufficient reaction, -and consequently would not have had the desired effect. He now ordered -his own treatment and recovered in a few days; his health was afterwards -re-established by a fortnight's visit to his daughter in Hungary. - -A few months since he was rejoiced by the birth of a son. This event -conferred great happiness on him; for, as may be remembered, his -first-born whom he lost was a son, and all his other children until the -last, were daughters. - -It is to be hoped, that Providence will spare his valuable life to see -his son grow up, so that he may initiate him experimentally in the -theory of Hydropathy, which can never be perfectly disseminated in any -other way. - -Several monuments and fountains erected at Graefenberg, testify the -admiration and respect in which Priessnitz is held. The English and the -Hamburghers are at present engaged in erecting similar testimonies. The -latter have placed his bust in the Exchange at Hamburg. - -Judging from the strides Hydropathy is making, it is fair to conclude -that in the course of time these examples will be followed by every -nation in the world.[1] - - [1] _Father Matthew's letter to Mr. Priessnitz._ - - "Cork, Sept. 25th, 1845. - - "My dear Mr. Priessnitz,--Though this is the first time I have had the - honour of writing to you, I look upon you as an old and much esteemed - friend. This feeling has encouraged me to address you as such, and to - solicit a favour. You have proved yourself the benefactor of the human - family, and have much promoted the sacred cause of total abstinence. - As a trifling mark of the high estimation in which I hold you, I - presume to present the enclosed temperance medal. Condescend to accept - it, and to wear it, and you will confer a deep obligation on, With - profound respect, dear Mr. Priessnitz, Your devoted friend, - - THEOBALD MATTHEW." - - -II.--HYDROPATHY. - -The term "hydropathy," has been cavilled at; its etymological sense -meaning "water-disease," whilst its conventional sense means -"water-cure." If disposed to dispute about terms, we might say that -"physiology," in its etymological sense, means merely a discourse about -nature; whilst, in a conventional sense, we understand it to treat of -the science of animal life. For want of a better word, that of -"hydropathy" was adopted, to express the manner of curing disease, by -cold and tepid general and local baths, wet sheets (sometimes called -linen baths), dripping-sheets, douche and friction, air, exercise, and -drinking water. To this may be added, simplicity in our habits, and -temperance in our manner of living. - -In fact, by the term "hydropathy," were intended all those appliances by -which nature may be put in the best possible way of assisting herself, -since no allopathist, homaeopathist[Transcriber's note: should be -homoeopathist], or hydropathist, will pretend that anything he can -administer has of itself any healing virtue. It is a common observation, -that riding, climbing, and exercise, give us strength; the horses, -hedges, mountains and ground, do not, however, impart strength, but they -afford the opportunity, the necessary resistance to develop or increase -that strength which is in us. The weak man, do what you will, can only -develop the strength which is in him, and the strong man the same. Let, -therefore, the reader judge which is best calculated to cause that -development--hydropathy or drugs. - - -III.--WHAT DOES HYDROPATHIC TREATMENT EFFECT? - -It promotes the vital energies, quickens the action of the absorbents, -strengthens the nerves, allays irritation, promotes healthy action of -the vital organs. - -The extreme vessels deposit healthy particles, which the absorbents -remove. - -Dr. Gibbs, in his "Letters from Graefenberg," states that water, applied -hydropathically, acts in the following ways:-- - -1st. By the more rapid liberation of caloric. - -2nd. By accelerating the change of tissues. - -3rd. By constringing the capillaries. - -4th. By increasing nervous power. - -5th. By restoring tone to the skin. - -6th. By derivation. - -7th. By forwarding the elimination of morbific matter; or, in other - words, as a sedative, alterative, tonic, stimulant, derivative, and - counter-irritant. - -And taken internally, it acts-- - -1st. As a solvent, and contributes to the greater part of the - transformations. - -2nd. Gives tone to the stomach. - -3rd. Promotes the secretions and excretions, particularly from the skin, - bowels, and kidneys. - -4th. It is a most important and indispensable element in the blood; and - "its partial application," says Dr. Johnson, "acts by determining - the force of oxygen from one part to another; it produces all the - effects of bleeding and blistering--except the pain," and he might - have added, the debility. - -The hydropathic treatment causes the elimination of all foreign matters -from the body, and thereby promotes contraction, without which there can -be no health, which Dr. Billing has shewn to demonstration; he states -"that the proximate cause of _all_ disease is relaxation and enlargement -of the capillaries: the indication of a cure, therefore, is to -constringe the capillaries, and cause them to contract, and resume their -healthy state." - -"As all organic action is contraction, all organic or animal strength -depends upon the power of the different parts of the body to contract." -If it be true, that the effect to be brought about in the treatment of -_all_ disease is to unload and constringe the capillaries, how can this -be better achieved than by the sweating or wet-sheet process, and the -cold bath; Dr. Johnson says--"The hydropathic treatment, which unloads -the capillaries by sweating, and constringes them by cold, is clearly an -efficient substitute for bleeding, purging, vomiting, uva ursi, -digitalis, antimony, mercury, arsenic, nitrate of silver, sulphate of -copper, iodine, iron, and multitudes of other remedies, enumerated by -Dr. Billing, merely by their power of unloading and constringing the -capillaries." - -Priessnitz's theory:-- - -1st. That by the hydropathic treatment, the bad juices are brought to, - and discharged by, the skin. - -2nd. A new circulation is given to the diseased or inactive organs, and - better juices infused into them. - -3rd. All the functions of the body are brought into a normal state, not - by operating upon any particular function, but upon the whole. - -If these are the results of hydropathy--and that they are so, has never -been disputed; nay, the truth is even proved by the following great -medical authority unconnected with the water cure: it must be admitted -that the sooner drugs are dispensed with the better. - - _British and Foreign Medical Review, and Quarterly Journal, October, - 1846.--Extract._ - -"The water cure is a _stomachic_, since it invariably increases the -appetite. - -"It is a _local calefacient_ in the wet sheet covered by a dry one. - -"It is a _derivative_; cold friction at one part, by _exciting increased -action there, producing corresponding diminution elsewhere_; _the -compress_ frequently acting, if not like a blister, at least _like a -mustard poultice_. - -"_It is a local as well as a general counter-irritant._ - -"_It is essentially alterative_ in the continual removal of old matter: -its renewal is shewn in the maintenance of the same weight. - -"An important hydropathic principle is, that almost all its _measures -are applied to the surface_. One of the most formidable difficulties -with which the ordinary physician has to contend is, that nearly all his -remedies reach the point to which they are directed _through one -channel_. - -"The only means of relieving certain diseases is _by inundating the -stomach_ and bowels with foreign and _frequently_ to them _pernicious -substances_. - -"Hydropathy employs a system of most extensive energetic general and -local counter irritation. - -"A fifth physiological feature of hydropathy is the number of coolings. -The _generation of caloric has been traced to its right source_. It -results from the burning up of waste matter, which by accumulation would -become injurious. - -"It is singular enough that almost all arguments used against cold -bathing are the strongest theoretical arguments in its favor. Dr. -Baynard, a most sarcastic writer, gives us the following anecdote:-- - -"Here a demi-brained doctor of more note than _nous_, asked, in the -amazed agony of his half-understanding, how 'twas possible that an -external application should affect the bowels, and cure pain within? -'Why doctor,' quoth an old woman standing by, 'by the same reason that, -being wet-shod or catching cold from without, should give you the gripes -and pain within.' - -"If a rude exposure of the surface to cold and wet is capable of -producing internal disease, there is no _doubt that a close relation -exists between these agents and the morbid_ conditions of internal -parts." - -After devoting upwards of thirty pages to prove the value of Hydropathy, -the reviewer sums up as follows:-- - -"After what has been said and written in favor of Hydropathy.--_Judgment -must therefore be entered by default against its opponents, and -hydropathy is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness, since cause has -never been shown to the contrary._" - - -IV.--HOW ARE THE EFFECTS DESCRIBED IN THE LAST CHAPTER PRODUCED? - -Are the effects, as described by hydropathists and by the British and -Foreign Medical Review, produced without purging, vomiting, drugging, or -the lancet--or by what other means are such essential results to be -attained? We answer, by hydropathy alone are they to be produced, -through the medium of the external and internal skin or mucous membrane, -the most important organ in the human structure, and the most neglected -by the guardians of the public health; and by the promotion of all the -secretions and excretions. - -The Abbe Sanctorius, a Florentine, might be said to have spent twenty -years of his life in a balance determining the amount of matters thrown -off by the pores of the skin. To ascertain this, he first cleaned and -then placed small glasses, some not longer than thimbles, on various -parts of the human frame, when the result proved that every man ought to -pass off from his person, daily, from six to seven pounds. Two and a -half pounds are supposed to be released by the ordinary modes of -evacuation, and the remainder by the pores of the skin. Now, if this -exhalation is impeded, and the necessary amount not eliminated (which -must happen if the skin has lost that energy, which exercise of the body -and cold ablutions can alone support), what becomes of the superfluous -juices thus retained in the system? The answer is easy; they circulate -through the internal organs and become the source of fevers, -inflammations, dropsy, and all sorts of diseases. Medical men see these -effects, but do not suppose them to have resulted from suppressed -perspiration. Instead of attacking the skin, they assault the stomach -and bowels, weaken the digestive organs, and by that means create -disease; whilst water, on the contrary, is a remedy, possessing at once -dissolving and strengthening properties, which would seem to neutralise -each other, but that we have daily evidence to the contrary. - -Herein lies the great secret of hydropathy: by its modes of application, -morbid humours are drawn to the surface and eliminated, the body is -cooled, and the skin put into a state to perform its indispensable duty. -In internal inflammations, the morbid heat from the internal skin or -mucous membrane is drawn off by the application of cold and irritation -to the surface, and the disease subdued without charging the stomach -with anything but pure spring water, which in contradistinction to -drugs, produces the most salubrious effects. - -The following extract shows that the skin is the great drain through -which matters injurious to the system, and superfluous heat are drawn -off and accounts for hydropathy being so universal a remedy. - - - _A Practical Treatise on Healthy Skin, by_ ERASMUS WILSON, _1 Vol. - 1845_.--_Extract._ - -"The structure of the skin and the diseases to which it is liable, have -latterly received from many of the medical profession considerable -attention. The skin is that soft and pliant membrane which invests the -whole of the external surface of the body, as also the interior which is -called mucous membrane. - -"The construction of these two membranes may easily inform us, without -having recourse to fanciful hypotheses, how disease, affecting any part -of this membrane, either internally or externally, may pass to any other -part and affect the whole; and thus how a faulty digestion in a lady, a -disease of the investing or mucous membrane of the stomach, may show -itself in eruptions on the face. We see at once, too, how it happens -that, calling into more active action the shower bath and flesh brush, -dyspepsia may be avoided or cured. It serves also to explain the -circumstance noticed by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, that the skin, with all -its products, 'is capable of supplying the office of the kidneys,' and -carrying off, as we know it to imbibe nourishment, the indispensable -excretions for which the proper organs may be deficient. - -"In explanation of this circumstance, we must remark, that the skin, -internal or external, in which terminate all the arteries and commence -the veins, in which too, the nerves of sensation commence, and the -nerves of volition terminate, not only envelopes the whole body -internally and externally, but is also the secretory organ of every -part, and the immediate means of communication with the external world. - -"The skin is the organ of contact with the external world, and the means -of making us acquainted with every part of the universe. The senses of -touch, of hearing, of smell, of taste, are all exercised by the skin. - -"By the vessels terminating in the skin, or of which it is formed, all -the phenomena of nutrition, and decay of appetite, and sensation, health -and disease are produced. - -"Whatever may be the climate or temperature in which the body is placed, -it is kept at nearly one uniform and vital heat by the varying and -adapting operations of the skin. - -"The skin is the organ by which electricity is conducted into and out of -the body. - -"Its functions are, in short, proportioned to its vastness; and as it -envelopes every part, so manifold are its purposes. - -"The structure of the skin is highly curious; it consists of two layers; -the one horny and insensible, guarding from injury; the other highly -sensitive, the universal organ of feeling, which lies beneath; the -latter feels, but the former dulls the impression. - -"The following will show how, by the perspiratory organs, excess of -water is removed from the blood, and the uniform temperature of the body -preserved. - -"Taken separately, the little perspiratory tube with its appended gland, -is calculated to awaken in the mind very little idea of the importance -of the system to which it belongs; but when the vast number of similar -organs composing this system are considered, we are led to form some -notion, however imperfect, of their probable influence in the health and -comfort of the individual; the reality surpasses imagination and almost -belief. - -"The perspiratory pores on the palm of the hand, are found to be 3,528 -in a square inch; now each of these pores being the aperture of a little -tube of about a quarter of an inch long, it follows that in a square -inch of skin on the palm of the hand, there exists a length of tube -equal to 882 inches, or 73-1/2 feet. Such a _drainage_ as 73 feet in -every square inch of skin, assuming this to be the average for the whole -body, is something wonderful; and the thought naturally intrudes itself, -What if this _drainage were obstructed? Could we need a stronger -argument for enforcing the necessity of attention to the skin?_ On the -pulps of the finger, where the ridges of the sensitive layer of the true -skin are somewhat finer than the palm of the hand and on the heel, where -the ridges are coarser, the number of pores on the square inch was -2,268, and the length of tube 567 inches, or 47 feet. To obtain an -estimate of the length of tube of the perspiratory system of the whole -surface of the body, I think," says Dr. Wilson, "that 2,800 might be -taken as a fair average of the number of pores in the square inch, and -700 consequently of the number of inches in length. Now the number of -square inches of surface in a man of ordinary height and bulk is 2,500, -the number of pores therefore, 7,000,000, and the number of inches of -perspiratory tube 1,750,000, that is 145,833 feet, or 48,000 yards, or -nearly 28 miles. - -"This is only a specimen of the extraordinary structure. - -"Besides the perspiratory vessels, the skin is provided with vessels for -secreting an oily substance, which is of a different nature at different -parts of the body; with vessels to repair abrasion and provide for its -growth, and carry off its decayed parts; with nerves and blood-vessels -that are probably as numerous and extensive as the perspiratory vessels. - -"It must at the same time be remembered, that the interior skin or -mucous membrane, is provided with equally numerous and complicated -vessels, to answer some analogous purposes. The whole of them may be -affected by applications to the external skin." - -Dr. Wilson has, in his work, introduced some equally curious and -instructive passages, as to the formation and uses of the oil-glands, -the structure and functions of the hair, the influence of diet and -clothing, and the effect of exercise and cleanliness on the health of -this extensive organ. - - -V.--IS HYDROPATHY A PANACEA? AND WHAT COMPLAINTS ARE CURABLE BY IT? - -Dr. Rauss, author of a work on hydropathy which passed through several -editions, says, "It is almost impossible for any one to die of an acute -disease, in whom reaction can be produced, and who from the commencement -is treated Hydropathically. - -"Those unacquainted with this treatment will naturally doubt its -wonderful power; and the physician, when he reflects upon the number of -patients who in acute diseases have perished under his hands, will no -doubt treat it with derision; nevertheless," says the Doctor, "as I am -not advancing a doctrine that may be controverted, _I here publicly make -known that I am ready, by deeds as well as words, to prove all that I -have stated_." "_To state_," adds the Doctor, "_what diseases are -curable, would be a tedious occupation; I shall prefer pointing out -those which are not, viz., all diseases of the lungs, all organic -defects, and all diseases in people whose muscles and sinews are past -all power of reaction, and from whom vitality has passed beyond -recovery._" The cure of all acute diseases, of whatever nature or kind, -with these exceptions, is to Priessnitz merely child's play; in no -instance of nervous fevers or inflammations, in any stage, was he ever -known to lose a patient; and what is worthy of remark in acute cases, a -cure is effected in a few days without the subsequent debility which -results from other treatment. Whilst I was at Graefenberg, all -descriptions of acute attacks came under my immediate notice, and I -assert, without fear of contradiction, that they were all cured, with -but one exception,--and that a highly valued friend of my own, a medical -man, who was attacked with inflammation of the lungs. The doctor, who -was advanced in life, retained his old prejudices, and consequently -refused to submit to the treatment until too late. Confident in the -power of Hydropathy for the last six years, whenever occasions offered -(and they were not few during my sojourn in Ireland), I applied the -treatment with invariable success. A case of inflammation of the mucous -membrane is worthy of notice. One M. D. declared his belief that the -patient would not live two hours; the other, that he could not exist -until the evening. On the application of the wet sheet and tepid bath, -the resuscitation of the man was as by miracle. In a case of diarrhoea, -the rubbing sheet and its bath acted to the astonishment of the family. -A young man had been under medical treatment for diarrhoea for a month, -when he could not sleep more than a quarter of an hour at a time. He -abandoned drugs, and was cured by hydropathy in three days. Dr. Engel of -Vienna, and many other writers on the subject, are quite of the same -opinion as Dr. Rauss as regards acute disease. This mode of treatment is -efficacious in chronic diseases accompanied by atony; in all nervous -affections, spasms, pains of which medicine will not discover the cause; -in cases of obstruction of the bowels, and all the systematic evils -which arise from them, such as indigestion, hypochondria, piles, -jaundice, &c; in gout, rheumatism, scrofula, and most diseases affecting -women; in fact, it is successful in a number of complaints altogether -beyond the reach of medicine. I have had frequent occasions for admiring -the result of the treatment in cases of ague, nervous, typhus, putrid, -and scarlet fevers; but its most signal triumphs are obtained over those -serious derangements of the system produced by the abuse of drugs, or -when consumptions are produced by iodine, arsenic, or the consequences -of mercury, tartar emetic, or other dangerous medicaments, have -manifested themselves." - -It may be stated without the fear of contradiction (not a word has been -written to the contrary), that in small-pox, scarlatina, measles, croup, -and all the complaints incidental to children; in fevers, inflammations, -cholera, cholic, dysentery, diarrhoea, and, in fact, all acute diseases, -hydropathy competently administered is omnipotent; and that in chronic -complaints it effects more than can be obtained by any other means. The -question is frequently put, "Will hydropathy cure all complaints?" I -answer it is no catholicon, no panacea; nor is any cure for all diseases -to be found. - - "As man, perhaps, the moment of his birth, - Receives the lurking principle of death, - The young disease that must subdue at length, - Grows with his growth and strengthens with his strength." - -Thus Pope viewed it, and thus it must be viewed by all who think on the -subject. What the advocates of hydropathy assert is, that sudden fevers, -of whatever nature they may be, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, English -or Asiatic, in fact, all complaints that are termed acute, when the -vital energies can be roused are sure of being cured; and that in -old-standing complaints, usually denominated chronic, the water cure -will do all that can be done by drugs, and that it is all-powerful over -many complaints which are beyond the reach of all pharmaceutical -remedies. - - -VI.--IS HYDROPATHY NEW? WHY IS IT NOT GENERALLY ADOPTED? - -It is frequently said, by way of detracting from the merits of the -Water-cure, that it is not new, that ages buried in the past have been -witnesses to its merits. To this it may be replied, its advocates admit -that the application of water to the cure of disease is as old as the -hills;--but let me ask, breathes there a man who can point to the page, -or call the dirty manuscript, from cavern or chest, wherein lies hid the -present process of Hydropathy's main arms, the wet sheet, sweating -process, the douche, etc.? Where shall we find the sage of ancient or -modern times, buried in herbalistic lore and practice, that ever -succeeded so completely in the cure of diseases, by thrusting nothing -upon his patient's stomachic organs but pure unadulterated water, as -Priessnitz? We seek not to prove its novelty, but its utility. - -It has been shewn that water as a curative agent, has been known from -the remotest period; but its means of application were insufficient. In -the days of Pliny, it agitated the Roman world. In the sixteenth -century, great efforts were made in our own country to introduce it into -practice, and again more lately, the subject was agitated, but it did -not advance. Thus it has been with all great discoveries--witness Steam. -Le Caus, who discovered its powers two hundred years ago, was consigned -to a mad-house. The French Academy of Science denounced Fulton's -discovery as a chimera and absurd, as it did Hydropathy a few years -since. Others, anxious for the existence of a hidden treasure, were -ever in search of it, each step conducted slowly nearer the goal; but a -Watt, was required to give full and vigorous development to its powers. -Thus, it has been with water, which, unaided by its present manifold -modes of application, was nearly as ungovernable as the steam without -the engine. - -All nations recognised and many partially profited by the healing -properties of water; but the genius of a Priessnitz was required to -explore its capabilities and resources, and, by reducing them to a -science, confer an inestimable boon on mankind and scatter to the winds -the accumulated fallacies of ages. - -If all these effects which we have shown, are to be produced by -Hydropathic appliances, is it not evident there is something to be -learnt? An acquaintance with its details, its _modus operandi_, can only -be acquired by study and experience, as Lady Morgan says, "knowledge is -a fruit which no longer grows upon trees; on the contrary, it partakes -more of the nature of the truffle, and must be dug for by those who are -desirous of tasting it."[2] - - [2] The following letter, extracted from Miss Costello's "Summer among - the Bocages and Vines," chronicles another melancholy instance of - persecution:-- - - "Paris, Feb. 1641. - - "My dear Effiat, - - "While you are forgetting me at Narbonne, and giving yourself up to - the pleasures of the court, and the delight of thwarting M. le - Cardinal de Richelieu, I, according to your desire, am doing the - honours of Paris to your English lord, the Marquis of Worcester; and I - carry him about, or rather he carries me, from curiosity to curiosity, - choosing always the most grave and serious, speaking very little, - listening with extreme attention, and fixing on those whom he - interrogates two large blue eyes, which seem to pierce to the very - centre of their thoughts. He is remarkable for never being satisfied - with any explanations which are given him, and he never sees things in - the light in which they are shown him, you may judge of this by a - visit we made together to Bicetre, where he imagined he had discovered - genius in a madman. If this madman had not been actually raving, I - verily believe your marquis would have entreated his liberty, and have - carried him off to London, in order to hear his extravagancies from - morning till night, at his ease. We were crossing the court of the - mad-house, and I, more dead than alive with fright, kept close to my - companion's side, when a frightful face appeared behind some immense - bars, and a hoarse voice exclaimed, 'I am not mad! I am not mad! I - have made a discovery which would enrich the country that adopted it!' - 'What has he discovered?' I asked of our guide. 'Oh,' he answered, - shrugging his shoulders, 'something trifling enough; you would never - guess it; it is the use of the steam of boiling water.' I began to - laugh. 'This man,' continued the keeper, 'is named Solomon de Caus; he - came from Normandy, four years ago, to present to the king a statement - of the wonderful effects that might be produced from the invention. To - listen to him, you would imagine that with steam you could navigate - ships, move carriages--in fact, there is no end to the miracles which, - he insists upon it, could be performed. The Cardinal sent the madman - away without listening to him. Solomon de Caus, far from being - discouraged, followed the Cardinal wherever he went with the most - determined perseverance; who, tired of finding him for ever in his - path, and annoyed to death with his folly, ordered him to be shut up - in Bicetre, where he has now been for three years and half, and where, - as you hear, he calls out to every visitor that he is not mad, but - that he has made a valuable discovery. He has even written a book on - the subject, which I have here. Lord Worcester, who had listened to - this account with much interest, after reflecting a time, asked for - the book, of which, after having read several pages, he said, 'This - man is not mad. In my country, instead of shutting him up, he would - have been rewarded. Take me to him, for I should like to ask him some - questions.' He was according conducted to his cell, but after a time - he came back sad and thoughtful. 'He is indeed mad now,' said he, - 'misfortune and captivity have alienated his reason, but it is you who - have to answer for his madness: for when you cast him into that cell, - you confined the greatest genius of the age.' After this, we went - away; and since that time he has done nothing but talk of Solomon de - Caus. - - "Adieu, my dear friend and faithful Henry. - - "Make haste and come back, and pray do not be so happy where you are - as not to keep a little love for me. - - "MARION DELAMORE." - - -A Medical Education does not necessarily assist in the knowledge of -Hydropathy; on the contrary, it acts as barrier to the acquirement of a -perfect insight into it. Hydropathy and Allopathy in their practice are -like the poles asunder. - -The question is frequently mooted, if Hydropathy is so harmless and yet -so certain in its operations, how is it that the medical professors, -whose object is to relieve their fellow-men, and prolong their lives, do -not take it up? To this it might be answered, "It is a difficult thing -to force any to believe the evidence of their own senses, if their -instincts or their interests (which are one and the same) happen to -point another way." - -In the practice of Medicine, as in every thing else, there are vested -interests, those in the receipt of large sums of money are content with -things as they are, those in more limited practice have not the courage -to enter upon anything new, however persuaded of its utility. Others are -deterred by the fear of being considered Quacks, or losing cast[e] with -their brother practitioners, and all see, that, in the ordinary -occurrences of life the application of Hydropathy is so simple, that -were it generally practised, nine tenths of the faculty would have to -throw up their briefs. A writer in Chamber's Journal justly -observes,--"If the subject be new and startling, and still more so, if -any interest or prejudice be disturbed by it, the clearest demonstration -on earth is of no avail." - -Since the education of medical men (totally at variance as it is with -all the principles of the Water-cure), gives them no advantage whatever -over a non-medical man in judging of what is, or what is not a fit case -for Hydropathy; or, in prescribing its practice, any opinion from the -faculty, opposed as their interest, and prejudices are to it, ought to -be received for as much as it is worth, and no more. One thinks -Hydropathy available in gout--another doubts that, but believes it to be -good in fevers or inflammations--a third would not hesitate to apply it -in dysentery or diarrhoea--a fourth, for a cold--and so on through the -whole category of disease; but, with the gravity of true sons of -Esculapius[Transcriber's note: Aesculapius], to their own patients they -recommend caution, which at once deters them from trying it. When these -practitioners are asked, how they arrived at the conclusion, that the -complaints they name may be cured by this treatment, their reasons are -entirely speculative; and when pressed as to why they do not apply it, -inasmuch as they admit it to be good, they argue the impossibility of -contending with public prejudices. - -Might we not ask, who are the authors of this state of things? Few -people think for themselves, either in Law, Physic, or Divinity. As long -as incomes from one thousand to thirty thousand pounds a year (and that -there are the latter is proved by the returns of the Income Tax), are -made by members of the profession, no reform with their consent can be -expected. At one period, after the amputation of a limb, bleeding was -staunched by the application of boiling pitch. Pare deprecated this -treatment, and recommended the taking up arteries, as is now done. He -was treated with derision: "What" said the old practitioner, "would you -hang the life of a man upon a thread?" When Harvey propounded his -theory, he lost caste with his brethren, and a medical writer doubts if -any practitioner of the period, who had passed forty years, believed in -the circulation of the blood. - -Jenner, to secure himself from the fury of a mob, sought refuge in the -house of Colonel Wilson; and there is still a minute in the books of the -Foundling Hospital, the first public establishment that adopted -Vaccination, stating that as its application could not be entrusted to -the faculty, the Committee recommended that the operation of vaccination -should be performed by the Clergy. - -Lady Mary Wortley Montague was so persecuted, that she always regretted -having introduced inoculation into the country. - - -VII.--The Lancet. - -The use of the Lancet is a subject that ought to interest every friend -to humanity in an especial manner. By this, our mortal foe, more have -fallen than by the sword. The use of one is as unjustifiable as the -other. "Blood is the life," this is the language of holy writ; he who -sheds that, deprives us of a part of our existence. - -"The use of the Lancet," says Dr. Dickson, "was the invention of an -unenlightened, possibly a sanguinary age; and its continued use says but -little for the after-discoveries of ages, or for the boasted progress of -medical science. - -"Will the men who thus lovingly pour out the blood, dispute its -importance in the animal economy? Will they deny that it forms the basis -of the solids,--that when the body has been wasted by long diseases, it -is by the blood only it can recover its healthy volume and appearance? - -"Misguided by theory, man, presumptuous man, has dared to divide what -God, as a part of creation, has united; to open what the Eternal, in the -wisdom of his omniscience made entire. - -"It is on the face of it a most unnatural proceeding. How can you -withdraw blood from one organ without depriving every other of the -material of its healthy state? - -"The first resource of the surgeon is the lancet. The first thing he -thinks of, when called to an accident, is how he can most quickly open -the flood-gates of the heart, to pour out the stream of an already -enfeebled existence." - -Capt. Owen, in detailing the mortality which took place among his people -on the coast of Africa, by yellow fever, says, "he had not one instance -of perfect recovery after a liberal application of the lancet.["] And in -the subsequent report of the Select Committee on the Western Coast of -Africa, there occurs the following passage. "The bleeding system has -fortunately gone out of fashion; and the frightful mortality that -attended its practice, is now no longer known on board our ships." - -"Let the reader," says Dr. Gibbs, in his letters from Graefenberg, "enter -the crowded hospitals in England or the Continent, and see how -mercilessly the lancet, the leech, and cupping-glass are employed in the -diseases of the poor. Look at the pale and ghastly faces of the -inmates." - -Among the numerous diseases which bleeding can produce, Darwin says, a -paroxysm of gout is liable to recur. John Hunter mentions lock-jaw and -dropsy; Travers, blindness and palsy; Marshall Hall, mania; Blundell, -dysentery; Broussais, fever and convulsion. "When an animal loses a -considerable quantity of blood," says John Hunter, "the heart increases -in frequency of strokes, as also in its violence." Yet these are the -indications for which professors bleed. Magendie mentions _pneumonia_ as -having been produced by it; and further tells us, that he has witnessed -among its effects "the entire train of inflammatory phenomena;" and -mark, he adds the extraordinary fact, "that this inflammation will have -been produced by the very agent chiefly used to combat it." We read in -scripture, "He that sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be -shed." It has ever been supposed, that this applied to the assassin; but -holy writ is deeper than this! and no doubt the time will come, when one -man will no more think of bleeding another, than he would of committing -any other act that should expose him to public ignominy. - -The operation of blood-letting is so associated in the minds of most men -with the practice of physic, that when a sensible German physician, some -time ago, petitioned the king of Prussia to make the employment of the -lancet penal, he was laughed at from one end of Europe to the other. - -"The imputation of novelty," says Locke, "is a terrible charge against -those who judge of men's heads as they do of their perukes, by the -_fashion_; and can allow none to be right, but the received doctrine." -Thus Hydropathy, like many other valuable discoveries, and even -Christianity itself, must wait its time; a circumstance much to be -lamented--because all that is sought by bleeding is effected without -this soul-harrowing process. Let such as doubt the fact, go to -Graefenberg, there they will learn that during the whole course of Mr. -Priessnitz's practice, not a single drop of human blood has been spilt; -and yet all diseases for which the lancet is applied are hourly -relieved. This is a fact so notorious, that no pen has ever been raised -to deny it; so long as interest governs prejudice, practitioners may -continue their destructive practice with impunity; but where are the -feelings? As observed by a writer, "what a long dream of false security -have mankind been dreaming! They have laid themselves down on the laps -of their medical Mentors, they have slept a long sleep; while these, -like the fabled vampire of the poet, taking advantage of a dark night of -barbarism and ignorance, have thought it no sin to rob them of their -life's blood, during the profoundness of their slumber." - -Dr. Kitto, in his clever work on consumption says;--"On the subject of -bleeding, purgatives, mercury, and a low course of diet, I shall have -occasion to show, in the course of my observations, that these agents -are not only unnecessary, but actually mischievous, particularly -bleeding, which has proved more fatal than the pestilence or the sword. -Nature is our best and surest guide; and if we would follow only her -admonitions, we should not so frequently have to witness the impotence -of our efforts to alleviate suffering; or to mourn the unfortunate -results of cases, which, despite the boasted improvements in the healing -art, but too frequently terminate in the grave." - - -VIII.--AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF WATER AS A CURATIVE AGENT. - -Thales, like Homer, looked upon water as the principle of every thing. -The Spartans bathed their children as soon as born in cold water; and -the men of Sparta, both old and young, bathed at all seasons of the year -in the Eurotas, to harden their flesh and strengthen their bodies. - -Pindar, in one of his Olympic Odes, says, "The best thing is water, and -the next gold." - -There was a Greek proverb to the effect that the water of the sea cured -all ills. - -Pythagoras recommended the use of cold baths strongly to his disciples, -to fortify both body and mind. - -Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who added friction to cold -bathing, was accustomed to use cold water in his treatment of the most -serious illnesses. It was Hippocrates who first observed that warm water -chilled, whilst cold water warmed. - -The Macedonians considered warm water to be enervating; and their women, -after accouchement, were washed with cold water. - -Virgil called the ancient inhabitants of Italy, a race of men hard and -austere, who immersed their newly-born children in the rivers, and -accustomed them to cold water. - -Pliny, in speaking of A. Musa, who cured Horace by means of cold water, -said that he put an end to confused drugs; and he also alludes to a -certain Charmes, who made a sensation at Rome by the cures he effected -with cold water. On being asked what he thought drugs were sent for, he -said, "he could not imagine, except that men might destroy themselves -with them when they were tired of living." - -Celsus, called the Cicero of doctors, employed water for complaints of -the head and stomach. - -Galen, in the second century, recommended cold bathing to the healthy, -as well as to patients labouring under the attacks of fever. - -Charlemagne, aware of the salubrity of cold bathing, encouraged the use -of it throughout his empire, and introduced swimming as an amusement at -his court. - -Michael Savonarola, an Italian doctor, in 1462, recommended cold water -in gout, ophthalmia, and haemorrhages. - -Cardanus, of Pavia, 1575, complains that the doctors in his time made so -little use of cold water in the curing of gout. - -Van der Heyden, a doctor at Ghent, in a work published in 1624, states -that during an epidemic dysentery, he cured many hundreds of persons -with cold water, and that during a long practice of fifty years, the -best cures he ever made were effected with cold water. - -Short, an English doctor, 1656, states that he had cured the dropsy and -the bite of mad dogs with cold water. - -Dr. Sir John Floyer published a work, called "the Psychrolusic," in -1702, showing how fevers were to be cured with water. From that period -to 1722, his work went through six editions in London. - -Dr. Hancock, in 1722, published an anti-fever treatise upon the use of -cold water, which went through seven editions in one year. - -Dr. Currie of Liverpool, who published a work in 1797, on the use of -water, introduced that element extensively in his practice with -astounding results. - -Tissot, in his "Advice to the People," published in Paris, 1770, shows -the importance of cold water. - -Hoffman, the famous German doctor, says that if there existed anything -in the world that could be called a panacea, it was pure water: first, -because that element would disagree with nobody; secondly, because it is -the best preservative against disease; thirdly, because it would cure -agues and chronic complaints; fourthly because it responded to all -indications. - -Hahn, who was born in Silesia, in 1714, wrote an excellent work upon the -curative agency of water in all complaints, a copy was lately found upon -a book-stall, and purchased by Professor Oertel, for little more than -one penny, and has been re-published; it is interesting to all who -regard with attention that great moral change which the Water-cure is -calculated to effect. - -In Dr. Hahn's work, it is stated that Pater Bernardo, a Capuchin monk -from Sicily, went in the year 1724 to Malta, and there made some most -astonishing water-cures, the fame of which spread throughout Europe: he -used iced water internally and externally, and allowed his patients to -eat but very little. He made a proposition that the doctors should take -100 patients, and said if they, by their mode of treating them, could -cure forty, then would he undertake to cure sixty more easily and -securely, and in a shorter time. His remedy of iced water, was just as -effectual in winter as in summer. A case is cited of a man, ninety-two -years of age, who was at the point of death from the virulence of a -fever, and was cured with cold water only. - -Evan Hahnemann, father of Homeopathy, in a work published at Leipsic, -1784, recommends fresh water, without which, he says, ulcers of any long -standing cannot be cured, and adds, if there be any general remedy for -disease, "it is water." - -The Rev. John Wesley, A.M., published a work in 1747 (about a century -ago), which went through thirty-four editions, called "Primitive -Physic, or an Easy and Natural Method of Curing most Diseases." - -After deprecating the manner in which drugs were imposed upon mankind, -the mysteries with which the science of medicine is surrounded, and the -interested conduct of medical men, the Rev. gentleman proceeds to shew, -that he was fully aware of the healing powers of water; and from the -long list which he has given, and which follows, it will be evident that -he thought water capable of curing almost every disease to which human -nature is exposed. He writes:-- - -"The common method of compounding and decompounding medicines, can never -be reconciled to common sense. Experience shews, that one thing will -cure most disorders, at least as well as twenty put together. Then why -do you add the other nineteen? Only to swell the apothecary's bill! nay, -possibly on purpose to prolong the distemper, that the doctor and he may -divide the spoil. - -"How often, by thus compounding medicines of opposite qualities, is the -virtue of both utterly destroyed? - -"Nay, how often do those joined together destroy life, which singly they -might have preserved? - -"This occasioned that caution of the great Boerhaave, against mixing -things without evident necessity, and without full proof of the effect -they will produce when joined together, as well as of that they produce -when asunder; seeing (as he observes) that several things which taken -separately are safe and powerful medicines, when compounded not only -lose their former power, but compose a strong and deadly poison." - -In recommending to his followers the use of water, Mr. Wesley proceeds -to state, "_that cold bathing cures young children of the following -complaints_:-- - - Convulsions, coughs, gravel - Inflammations of ears, navel and mouth - Rickets - Cutaneous inflammations - Pimples and scabs - Suppression of urine - Vomiting - Want of sleep - -"Water," he further adds, "frequently cures every nervous[3] and every -paralytic disorder. In particular:-- - - Asthma - Agues of every sort - Atrophy - Blindness - Cancer - Coagulated blood of bruises - Chin cough - Consumption - Convulsions - Coughs - Complication of distempers - Convulsive pains - Deafness - Dropsy - Epilepsy - Violent fever - Gout (running) - Hectic fevers - Hysteric pains - Incubus - Inflammations - Involuntary stool or urine - Lameness - Leprosy (old) - Lethargy - Loss of speech, taste, appetite, smell - Nephritic pains - Palpitation of the heart - Pain in the back, joints, stomach - Rheumatism - Rickets - Rupture - Suffocations - Surfeits at the beginning - Sciatica - Scorbutic pains - Swelling in the joints - Stone in the kidneys - Torpor of the limbs, even when the use of them is lost - Tetanus - Tympany - Vertigo - St. Vitus' dance - Vigilia - Varicose ulcers - The Whites - - [3] "And this, I apprehend, accounts for its frequently curing the - bite of a mad dog, especially if it be repeated for twenty-five or - thirty days successively." - -"Water prevents the growth of hereditary - - Apoplexies - Asthmas - Blindness - Consumptions - Deafness - Gout - King's evil - Melancholy - Palsies - Rheumatism - Stone - -"Water drinking water generally prevents - - Apoplexies - Asthma - Convulsions - Gout - Hysteric fits - Madness - Palsies - Stone - Trembling. - -"To this children should be used from their cradles." - -We then find the following prescriptions:-- - -"_For Asthma._--Take a pint of cold water every morning, washing the -head in cold water immediately after, and using the cold bath. - -"_Rickets in Children._--Dip them in cold water every morning. - -"_To prevent apoplexy._--Use the cold bath and drink only cold water. - -"_Ague._--Go into a cold bath just before the cold. - -"_Cancer in the breast._--Use the cold bath. This has cured many. This -cured Mrs. Bates, of Leicestershire, of a cancer in her breast, a -consumption, a sciatica, and rheumatism, which she had had nearly twenty -years. - -N.B. Generally where cold bathing is necessary to cure disease, -water-drinking is so, to prevent a relapse. - -"_Hysteric colic._--Mrs. Watts, by using the cold bath two and twenty -times in a month, was entirely cured of an hysteric colic, fits, and -convulsive motions, continual sweatings and vomitings, wandering pains -in her limbs and head, and total loss of appetite. - -"_To prevent the ill effects of cold._--The moment a person gets into a -house, with his hands and feet quite chilled, let him put them into a -vessel of water, as cold as can be got, and hold them there until they -begin to glow, which they will do in a minute or two. This method -likewise effectually prevents chilblains. - -"_Consumption._--Cold bathing has cured many deep consumptions. - -"_Convulsions._--Use the cold bath." - -And so on. In this valuable little work, from which are the above -extracts, confirmative of the value I set upon cold water, Mr. Wesley -prescribes the use of water for almost every complaint. - -Slade, in his "Records of the East," very judiciously remarks, with -reference to the Turks, that "notwithstanding their ignorance of medical -science, added to the extreme irregularity of their living, both as -regards diet and exercise, one day dining off cheese and cucumbers, -another day feeding on ten greasy dishes; one month riding twelve hours -daily, another month never stirring off the sofa; smoking always, and -drinking coffee to excess; occasionally getting drunk, besides other -intemperances--combining, in short, all that our writers on the subject -designate injurious to health--the Turks enjoy particularly good health: -and this anomaly is owing to two causes; first, the religious necessity -of washing their arms and feet and necks, from three to five times a -day, always with cold water, generally at the fountains before the -mosques, by which practice they become protected against catarrhal -affections; second, by their constant use of the vapour bath, by which -the humours that collect in the human frame, no doctors know how or why, -occasioning a long list of disorders, are carried off by the pores of -the skin. Gout, rheumatism, head-ache, consumption, are unknown in -Turkey, thanks to the great physicians, vapour bath and cold bath! No -art has been so much vitiated in Europe, by theories, as the art of -preserving health. Its professors, however, are beginning to recur to -first principles; and when bathing shall be properly appreciated, -three-fourths of the druggists will be obliged to close their shops." - -The question here arises: how is it that with so much evidence in favour -of water, it has never been brought into general use? Many reasons might -be assigned, but the principal [Transcriber's note: originally -'principle'] one is, that until the present day no system of treatment -has ever been based on scientific principles. It was in embryo, and, -like Steam, wanted its time for development. If people studied their -health as they do their interest, they would at least enquire into this, -the best means of preserving it. - -But in our present state of civilisation, nature is known by name only. -None save those reduced to the last stage of poverty ever satisfy their -thirst with water! Men, women, and children, rich and poor, old and -young, all avoid water--perhaps because it costs nothing (for, in our -artificial life, we are led to esteem things according to their venal -price), and, like air and sun, is shared in common with our poorer -fellow-kind. - -The Germans are water-drinkers, but the English have a distaste for it; -few ever drank half a pint undiluted at one time, in their lives, -imagining that water will cause inconvenience, whilst in the course of -the day, they think nothing of drinking wine, soda water, brandy and -water, and tea, to a great extent, all of which are injurious. A lady of -my acquaintance carries her distaste for water so far as to ruin the -health of her children by it. For some time the eldest, about four years -old, had been sickly: when at Rome, the mother consulted a medical man, -who said that the child wanted nothing but water, which was given it, -and the child got well immediately. I met the same family at Kissingen, -when at a spring the nursery-maid asked me if she might give the child -water, saying the children were always asking for it, but her mistress -did not like them to drink water alone. "Certainly," I replied, "give -her as much as she chooses to drink." - -In addition to cold water, fresh air and exercise are most important -means of health. They are especially useful in giving life and activity -to the skin, which seldom meets with proper attention, people generally -not being aware of the evil consequences attending their neglect of that -most important organ of the human frame. - -By protecting the skin from the air, we concentrate on it the heat that -is ever exhaling from the body, and thus complete what warm baths, -spirituous liquors, want of exercise, close rooms, and heavy -nourishment, have begun. We do not perceive that by keeping the body -warm, we weaken the skin, which becomes so sensitive to external -changes, that we are incessantly obliged to augment the thickness and -number of its coverings. At last, a time comes when nothing more can be -added to the clothing already too heavy. Then weak and irritable -persons, whose numbers--our erroneous system daily augments!--remain at -home, not aware of the innumerable inconveniences to which such a -resolution exposes them, and not knowing that the habitual washing of -the body in cold water, would enable them to leave their heated -apartments, abandon flannel, and expose themselves, without the -slightest danger, to the healthy effects of fresh air. - -It is the enervating softness and delicacy of modern customs, which -present the greatest obstacle to the use of cold water. Man looks for -agreeable impressions, and avoids whatever does not produce them. But -with a little courage, he would discover that the inconvenience of a -more rigorous and simple mode of life was but momentary, and when he had -found his health of mind and body improved by it, it would soon become -agreeable, whilst from luxurious sloth ensue enervation and disgust. -Being unable to change the nature of the elements, we should harden our -bodies, familiarise ourselves with the inclemency of the seasons, and -turn them to the benefit of our health. It is in vain that the man -whose fortune permits him to change the climate, looks for a milder sky; -if his effeminacy accompanies him, he will be like a lady of whom -Priessnitz speaks, who near the fire was cold. A warmer air would -enervate his skin more and more; and then he would be as sensitive to -cold, even in a Neapolitan climate, as, with a hardened body, he would -be at his ease in the hut of an Esquimaux. - -Another obstacle to the external use of cold water, is the false belief -that colds, which are the sources of much illness, result from it. -People cannot understand that a cold bath, followed by suitable -exercise, warms the feet and the body, and that there is _no_ surer -preservative from cold. - -The same incredulity is affected with regard to the revulsive effect of -the cold foot-bath; nevertheless nothing is better proved than its -efficiency in relieving the head. Every one knows that, after having -washed the face and hands in cold water, an agreeable warmth ensues, -which is not the result of warm water. That after any part of the body -has been exposed to cold, rain, or snow, it becomes hot; and that the -reverse is the case after the use of warm water; which accounts for -people in Summer feeling cool after a warm bath. - -When we wash the body with cold water, we should do it quickly, lose no -time in dressing, and afterwards take exercise. Washing should be -avoided when the parties are cold, because then the re-action or -re-production of heat is slower. These precautions would prevent the -most delicate persons from taking cold, though not in the habit of using -cold water. - -Professor Oertel was the first to publish to the world the astonishing -cures which were effected at Graefenberg; and he was followed by Brand, -Kroeber, Kurtsz, Doering, Harnish, and a host of others, whose writings -contributed to establish the reputation of Priessnitz, who by means of -the various forms in which he administers water, attacks all diseases -susceptible of cure, and very frequently establishes the health of those -who have been declared incurable. - - -IX.--ABLUTIONS. - -There can be no doubt, if the public were in the habit of using cold -ablutions every morning, their health would be improved, and the number -of consumptive cases much diminished. - -There are many ways of using ablutions, according to the health and -strength of the parties. - -Strong people ought to go into a cold bath the moment they get out of -bed; then rub themselves well for three or four minutes. If not in their -usual health, the bath should be protracted, and more friction used. - -Another or general mode is to have a washing tub, water only two or -three inches deep, put a towel into the water, leave the bed quite warm, -step into the tub, take up the towel with as much water as possible, and -squeeze it over the head and shoulders several times, rub the body well -with the towel, then sit down in the tub, and with wet hands rub the -abdomen, etc., for a minute or two. - -Delicate persons may be washed all over with wet towels; sometimes it is -desirable to wash first with tepid water, then with cold. - -Where there is a great whiteness of skin, which indicates a want of -circulation, or parties feel themselves indisposed, dripping sheets are -prescribed; the friction here used arouses the vital energies, and in -general produces a most refreshing feeling throughout the system. - -Priessnitz never prescribes cold immersion till the body be prepared for -it. When patients have been desirous of bathing in a river, he has -always opposed it; saying, "Bathing excites nervous sensibility; too -much bathing excites the system to an injurious extent." The various -baths resorted to in hydropathy, are to effect an object, and as such -are medically applied. Sea bathing for some constitutions is remarkably -wholesome, but to others it is injurious. - - -X.--USE OF COLD WATER FOR DRINKING AND INJECTIONS. - -Dr. Arbuthnot, in his work on aliments, says that "Water is the chief -ingredient in the animal fluids and solids; for a dry bone distilled, -affords a great quantity of insipid water: therefore, water seems to be -the proper drink for every animal." Berzelius, the great Swedish -chemist, proved the truth of Dr. Arbuthnot's observations, by distilling -the entire corpse of a moderate sized man down to water, with the -exception of eight pounds. - -And Milton has expressed his concurrence with those authorities in -eloquent language, when speaking of Samson:-- - - "O madness! to think use of strongest wines, - And strongest drink, our chief support of health, - When, God, with these forbidden, made choice to rear - His mighty champion, strong above compare, - Whose drink was only from _the limpid brook_." - -About twelve ordinary size tumblers of water a day are generally drunk -whilst under the treatment; instances occur where that number is -increased to twenty, and even thirty glasses, but such are very rare. - -At the beginning it is difficult to drink so much water; but by degrees -we become accustomed to it. All the operations of the cure lead to the -elimination of heat, which naturally causes thirst. Some persons on -first drinking water feel sick, or have diarrhoea, which proves that the -stomach is not in a healthy state. In this case, instead of -discontinuing the drinking of water, the quantity is increased. When -pain in the stomach comes from its being overcharged by food, water, in -large quantities is recommended to be persevered in until relief is -obtained. - -We know that emetics produce this effect, but such remedies weaken the -stomach--while water has the contrary tendency. - -Cold water, as a beverage, fortifies the stomach and intestines, by -clearing them of the bad juices they contain: favours the generation of -new juices, and mixes with the blood by absorption. It spreads itself -quickly through all the organs, attenuates, purifies, and dissolves the -sharp or thick humours, and discharges them by means of perspiration and -urine. Considered as a dietetic for slight indispositions, bad -digestions, and generally in all cases of disease for which the faculty -recommend aperients or mineral waters, it cannot be too highly -appreciated. In the morning, after a cold ablution, whilst taking -exercise, drink a few tumblers of water, and conclude every meal with a -tumbler of water. It will have the same effect as a purgative or mineral -water, without, like them, weakening the digestive organs. All persons -may drink cold water at all times of the day with impunity, if they are -not inconvenienced by it. That taken before breakfast, during exercise, -produces doubtless the best effects. It is above all after sweating that -drinking cold water produces an expectoration of phlegm. Water may be -drunk after breakfast, but not so as to overcharge the stomach. During -dinner the aliments should be moistened by some glasses of water, then -the stomach must be left to repose; some hours afterwards again water -may be drunk until supper-time. Drinking after supper is no less useful; -but it may break the rest, by causing an invalid to rise often in the -night. After drinking, exercise is indispensable, it stimulates the -action of the water, and accelerates a cure. When in exercise, though in -a perspiration, water may be drunk in any quantities. Water ought always -to be drawn fresh from the spring, and drunk as cold as possible. The -decanters which contain it ought to have stoppers, to preserve it cold -and fresh. After every operation in the cure, a glass of water should be -drunk; and it should be given in small quantities when in the sweating -process. I know a gentleman who has all his life been a free-liver, and -who, notwithstanding, is in good health, which he attributes entirely to -drinking a couple of tumblers of water the last thing at night and first -thing in the morning. - -Under the denomination of injections, we principally understand -clysters. When the patient is not in the habit of using them with cold -water, they must not at first be applied for longer than two minutes; -but by degrees the intestines become accustomed to the water, which is -often absorbed like that introduced into the stomach. When necessary, a -second injection is repeated immediately after the expulsion of the -first.[4] Cold injections are used for constipation and diarrhoea, two -diseases diametrically opposite, but which arise from the same cause, -the weakness of the intestines. Thus the contradiction is only in -appearance, the great object of injections being to establish the tone -of these organs, and regulate their functions. Injections ought to be -aided by the use of cold water in other ways. - - [4] Two ounces of water is sufficient for an infant; four ounces for a - child of six years old; eight ounces for a youth of fifteen; and - fifteen or sixteen ounces for an adult. - -There are also other injections in use at Graefenberg, such as for the -ears, nostrils, and genitals. Particular syringes are used for these -purposes. - - -XI.--THE COLD BATH. - -The cold plunge-bath should be sufficiently deep for a man of ordinary -height to plunge into, up to his arm-pits. The water aught[sic] to be -continually renewed by a spring. - -We have quoted many authorities to shew the advantages resulting from -exposing the body to the action of cold water. - -When cold baths disagree with us, it is because we are not in a state to -use them, or we stay in too long. - -When the body is overcharged with drugs or alcohol, when the juices are -dried up, or when there is an apoplectic tendency, and when in other -diseased conditions, the circulation is languid, cold plunge-baths must -be used with great caution. Many suppose that all the patients in a -hydropathic establishment, are indiscriminately ordered this sort of -bath. In this they err, because many are never allowed their use, and -others only after a long application of the rubbing sheet and tepid -baths. Strong robust constitutions may take the plunge-bath at once; but -in the Water-cure this is not allowed until the body is prepared for it, -and then only for a short time; generally for three or four minutes. -Priessnitz objects to persons staying long in the water: of course the -objection applies to invalids. For those who bathe in the sea, or other -water, he does not pretend to prescribe. - -Every day's experience proves that the immersion of the body, covered -with perspiration into cold water, is exempt from danger, provided the -internal organs are in state of repose. - -The risk which is incurred of catching cold on stripping and bathing in -a river, in this case cannot apply, as the body heated by artificial -means is at once immersed, whilst the bather often, injudiciously, waits -until chilled before he enters the water. - -If we walk fast, or a long distance, to the bath, it is requisite to -repose a little to tranquillise the lungs; then before perspiration -ceases, we ought to undress quietly, and either plunge head foremost -into the water, or wet the head and chest previously, to prevent the -blood mounting to those regions. - -Whilst bathing, the head ought to be immersed several times. After the -sweating or packing process, great care is to be observed in not -exposing any part of the body to the air previous to entering the bath. -The patient should keep in movement, rubbing himself well the whole -time. This stimulates the skin and abates the cold. - -The time for remaining in the bath, is governed by the coldness of the -water, and the vital heat of the bather; a second sensation of cold is -to be avoided, or re-action may be difficult. - -On leaving the bath, the patient is covered with a dry sheet, upon which -the attendant rubs, until the body presents a warm healthy glow. The -invalid should then dress quickly, drink a glass or two of water, and -walk out in the air to get warm; to effect this by the heat of stoves or -beds would be acting in direct opposition to Hydropathic rules. - -When irritation is excited during the cure, the cold bath is sometimes -suspended and tepid baths resorted to. Every house ought to be supplied -with a cold bath, as its habitual use by the members of the family would -secure them against colds, influenza, etc. - -Priessnitz says, "that the effect of going into cold water without being -previously heated, and doing so in a state of perspiration, is like a -blacksmith hammering upon cold, rather than hot iron. Cramp frequently -attends the former, whilst a healthy reaction is always the result of -the latter." - - -XII.--IS GOING INTO THE COLD BATH IN A STATE OF PERSPIRATION ATTENDED -WITH DANGER? - -"The transition from a Vapour-bath to snow, or to a Cold-bath, has been -practised by the Russians for time immemorial" with the most beneficial -results,--"this," adds Dr. Johnson, "is conclusive, that there is no -danger whatever in going into the Cold-bath while covered with -perspiration; unless it can be proved that perspiration produced by hot -vapour is a very different thing from perspiration produced by a -blanket;" and, adds the learned doctor, in his valuable work on -Hydropathy, which every one ought to read; "All physiological reasoning -goes to prove, that it is safer to go into cold water when the -temperature of the skin has been raised. - -"If there be danger at all, it is going into cold water _without_ -raising the temperature of the body. It must be the temperature that is -the question; for it cannot be of consequence whether the body be -covered with grease called perspiration or hog's-lard. Re-action will -most certainly be produced, and congestion as certainly prevented by -going into the water when the body is warm. Profuse perspiration does -not make the body hotter, in proportion to its profuseness, on the -contrary, it is cooler than before, for perspiration is a cooling -process. - -"When perspiration is present, the body is never extremely hot. Checking -perspiration is a chimerical danger; the oozing of perspiration subsides -of itself, almost at the moment the means that produced it are -withdrawn, and the perspiration on the body is that which has been -already produced, having now no connection with the body." - -At Cork in Ireland, it was told me by one of the first brewers, that -formerly his men, while in a state of perspiration, from pressing the -grain out of the vats, frequently caught cold and died: at last they -adopted the plan of going into cold water, whilst in that state; the -result of which has been that they now never catch cold from their -occupation, and are as healthy as other people. - - -XIII.--THE PACKING SHEET, AND SWEATING PROCESS. - -Take all the coverings off the bed, arrange the pillows, cover over the -bed and pillows with a large thick blanket, then put a small sheet into -a pail of fresh cold water; if to reduce fever, let it be wrung out -less; if there is no fever, more; the drier the sheet, the sooner the -re-action; spread this sheet so wrung out, on the blanket. - -The patient extends himself, divested of every thing, upon the sheet, -which should be brought over him as soon as possible. The blanket is now -brought over the sheet, and the attendant tucks it in, beginning with -the neck, as tightly as possible, so that his patient can hardly move -hand or foot. Other blankets are then added, separately tucked in, and -turned up at the feet. Half-a-dozen blankets are not too many; and to -produce immediate heat, a feather bed is superadded, leaving the head -free. It is astonishing what an amount of covering one may support -without inconvenience. - -The great object is so to envelop the body as to exclude the air, and -prevent evaporation, in order that its own heat may be concentrated upon -itself. - -In ordinary cases, the sheet is well wrung out, and covered up as before -stated; but in cases of severe fever, the wet is only covered with a -single dry one. In cases of very great delicacy, but not in fever, the -sheet is put into tepid water instead of cold. - -This has by some been called a general poultice, as it performs upon the -whole body what a poultice or the bandages effect upon members of it. -Dr. Alexander of Newcastle terms it a linen bath. - -That wet linen should produce good and evil results appears paradoxical. -Damp beds are said to lead to injurious consequences, whilst wet linen -applied as a covering to the whole or parts of the body, produces the -most happy effects. - -Accustomed as Priessnitz is to witnessing none but the best results from -the application of damp linen, he could not be persuaded that mischief -arose even from lying in damp beds. - -In the Hydropathic practice the body is so hermetically enclosed in the -wet sheet, that not a particle of heat can escape or external air -penetrate, by which means the exhalation is concentrated upon the body; -this may be termed a linen bath or fomentation. - -In the case of people being accidentally put into a damp bed, none of -the above precautions are taken; there is no extra clothing, no binding -about the neck to prevent the escape of caloric, and therefore to these -causes must be attributed the mischief, if any ensue. - -It is, however, a question, where mischief follows, whether -one-twentieth part of the cases can be fairly attributed to the damp -beds. It is highly probable that Priessnitz's surmise of its being the -development of a disease lurking in the system which under the -Water-cure might easily be met, is correct. - -Wet sheets are resorted to in all fevers, and changed until the paroxysm -is abated. In Typhus, the sheet is changed every ten minutes, and as -often as forty or fifty times in a day. - -As a general rule, Mr. Priessnitz told me, if unwell, without waiting to -know the ailment--to take a packing-sheet, until warm, twice a day, -followed by a tepid bath. - -Packing-sheets may be persevered in for years in obstinate cases. The -usual time employed in their application is until the body is warm, -which will be from twenty-five to forty minutes. It is a great mistake -to suppose the application of the sheet is to produce perspiration. If a -genial heat pervades the body, it is all that is required, unless under -peculiar circumstances, previous to immersion in either tepid or cold -water. - -The following anecdote, told me by Major Beavan, is adduced as -corroborative evidence in favour of the use of wet linen to lower the -temperature of the body. In 1821, the Major having to pass through -extensive jungles to join his regiment in the East Indies, a distance of -nearly 300 miles, caught a fever. When at the highest stage of the hot -fit, it occurred to him that he might cool himself as they did wine and -other liquids in that climate. He accordingly had himself wrapped up in -a wet sheet for a quarter of an hour, when, finding himself relieved, he -added a number of coverings, and fell into a most refreshing sleep of -some hours. On awaking, he found mind, body, and appetite restored, all -of which had been prostrated to an extreme degree for several days. - -The packing-sheet is the greatest sedative known. It generally occurs -that persons who, from pain or nervous excitement, have not slept for -nights, doze off immediately on being enveloped in the wet sheet. - -The packing-sheet brings morbific matter to the surface, and thereby -relieves the capillaries. The ablution which follows acts as a tonic. - -The relief afforded to the overcharged system through the pores, by the -application of the packing-sheet, may be compared to the emptying of a -bason with a sponge; each sheet absorbing a certain amount of morbific -matter and superfluous animal heat, until the body is relieved. - -In fevers generally, the foetid odour of the sheet when withdrawn, is -hardly to be endured; and in eruptive fevers, the inclination to scratch -the body is allayed, and very little inconvenient sensation is felt -either night or day. - -In the morning, when fever is most felt, wet sheets and tepid baths -allay it; and in the afternoon, any return of it is again subdued as -before. The discovery of the wet sheet alone is sufficient to render the -name of Priessnitz immortal. - -But when, by these means, it would be difficult to produce perspiration, -recourse is previously had to a dripping or rubbing-sheet, and then the -patient is packed up; or the blanket is warmed before a fire, before the -body is enveloped in it. - -The sweating process, when used, is always succeeded by a tepid or cold -bath, or a dripping-sheet: if a tepid bath, cold water is afterwards -poured over the head and shoulders; but if a dripping-sheet, it is -repeated until the body is cooled. - -Every day's practice at Graefenberg, and elsewhere, shews that no danger -attends going into cold water in a heated state. - -But Mr. Priessnitz, whether from having a different class of patients, -or from the difficulty of getting servants to understand when the -patient had perspired enough, or the conviction that the same or better -results attend the packing sheet, we know not, has changed his practice, -and no longer resorts so frequently to the sweating process. The -following extract is from a letter received by the author from a -gentleman who has been a long time at Graefenberg. - -"The object of all Hydropathic appliances may be shortly and -intelligibly defined, as assisting Nature to regain that ascendancy by -which she of her own accord will throw off what is offensive to her. The -practitioner ought therefore to strengthen her in every possible way; -and we have the latest discoveries of science as a guarantee that the -present (the packing or wet-sheet process) method of carrying out the -cure effectuates this end more completely than any other; what therefore -is opposed to that, is so much drawn from the strength which it is the -object to promote, and inasmuch as sweating, however it may tend to -alleviate, undoubtedly weakens, it is a counteracting agency. - -"Priessnitz is reaping the benefit of twenty years' experience. He -follows still as he always followed (as far as it was possible for him -to read and understand) the mysteries of his great mistress, Nature. -Chance, I imagine, has in no way guided his choice; it may have assisted -him in interpreting some of the revelations of this great spirit, but he -has always had the same unerring basis on which to establish his system. -Through imperfect light he may have sweated for a time, but the still -small voice of truth has never ceased to whisper in his ear, and it is -highly conducive to his honour that he should now have the courage to -say that in this point he erred. He does this at the risk of reputation -and fortune; he subjects himself to the abuse of high and low; but he -acts up to his conviction, which is that the packing sheet, if to be -persevered in, is better than the sweating process." - -Though, however, the sweating process is not now so general, it is not -entirely abandoned. A lady, a friend of mine, had a cold--she was -ordered to sweat lightly twice a day, for two or three days. A gentleman -had a swelling in his mouth; he was ordered the same. Others are -ordered to sweat once or twice a-week, but the greater part of -Priessnitz' patients never sweat at all. - -Priessnitz guards people against the use of hot-air and vapour baths; -they weaken and relax the skin. The difference between bringing a great -amount of heat to act upon the surface, and causing the body to develop -its own heat, must be obvious to every one. - - -XIV.--SWEATING PROCESS. - -This process is precisely the same as that which has been already -described, with the omission of the wet sheet. To produce perspiration, -the body is enveloped in dry blankets. This tedious process in -moderately strong people is seldom effected in less than three hours. - -In the wet sheet, _no_ water is given--but in the blankets, as soon as -perspiration appears, it should be administered in small quantities; for -this purpose a tea-pot is desirable. - -In the Sweating process it is necessary to place a urinal in the bed of -the patient. On proceeding to the bath after either of the operations, -the attendant must take especial care to keep the body well covered, or -his patient may take cold. On throwing off the covering, let the body be -wetted all over instantly. This is an infallible precaution. - -When there is a difficulty in procuring a bath, the dripping sheet full -of water is used. If the first sheet does not cool, it must be repeated. - - -XV.--THE RUBBING SHEET, OR ABREIBUNG. - -This, by some, is called "the dripping sheet"; by others, "the wrung -out" or "rubbing sheet." The term "rubbing" is used, because when the -sheet is thrown on the body, great rubbing is used outside of it. It is -a quick and simple mode of taking a general ablution; and, when -frequently repeated, proves most effectual in restoring or increasing -the circulation. - -The value of friction to the human body is too well known to require -observation. Hair gloves, hard brushes, or coarse towels cause a glow -and an elastic feeling, though if long persevered in, they irritate and -weaken the skin. - -For the daily purposes of life, cold ablutions, and friction with dry -cloths are sufficient; but to rouse the dormant energies, to give -vitality to the system or combat illness, something more powerful is -required. - -The rubbing-sheet is a small sheet, soaked in cold water, and afterwards -wrung out. This the attendant throws over the patient naked, who, -standing up, receives it over his head and shoulders. When thus -completely enveloped, the attendant rubs (outside the sheet) the back, -loins, legs, and feet of the patient, whilst he himself rubs his abdomen -and chest. The operation lasts about three minutes; the wet sheet is -then replaced by a dry one, and friction again renewed until the body -becomes quite dry; after which, if one rubbing-sheet only is prescribed, -a waist-bandage is put on, a glass of water drank, and the invalid -proceeds to take the air. If two or three rubbing sheets are prescribed, -after the first operation as just described is over, the patient walks -about the room in the dry sheet, with no other covering, for four or -five minutes, occasionally approaching the window, which should be -opened, throwing open the slight covering, in order to expose his skin -to the air. The second and third rubbing-sheets are applied as the -first. - -Rubbing-sheets being used to effect several objects, are accordingly -well wrung out, or not much wrung out, or scarcely wrung out at all. The -first are used where there is a great want of vital energy, slow and -languid circulation; the second is the ordinary mode of using the -rubbing-sheet; the third is adopted where parties have lain in the -packing-sheet or blankets and have no bath to cool them afterwards. -Where there is a superabundance of heat, the rubbings are repeated -perfectly wet, until the body is cooled. - -The Rubbing Sheet is one of the safest and most efficacious appliances -in the Water-cure. Every human body has in it 100-1/2 degrees of heat; -this is not diminished by the rubbing; by extracting we increase. -Whenever persons are unwell, no matter the cause (except there may be -eruptions on the body), a Rubbing Sheet is advisable. Where patients -have been too exhausted to endure any other treatment, these sheets will -resuscitate them in an extraordinary way. - -Priessnitz perceived that merely rubbing the body with a damp and -afterwards with a dry cloth was beneficial; but he found that whilst one -part was under the operation, the other was exposed to catching cold; -this gave him the idea of the Rubbing-Sheet, with which the whole body -is covered at once. - -As a general rule it is safe to begin the treatment of any illness with -these sheets; they refresh the invalid, often ward off the complaint or -develop the malady. In the cold stage of intermittent fever these -rubbings down are persevered in until heat is produced; when the hot -stage ensues, recourse is had to packing sheets, tepid baths, etc. - -Where there is an excess of caloric, and fever is not declared, -rubbing-sheets have a cooling effect, and often put an end to the -illness at once. Where there is a want of caloric, as in ague, the -Rubbing Sheets cause a determination of heat from the interior to the -surface, in the same way that friction, or striking, brings heat out of -matter. This may be elucidated by rubbing any part of the body with -snow--re-action instantly ensues. - -After great fatigue or a chill, or where persons have reason to think -they have caught cold, two or three of these rubbings-down have an -extraordinarily restorative effect. - -They may be used by old or young, strong or weak, with perfect impunity. - -In lumbago or rheumatism, or where it is necessary to rouse the vital -energies, rubbing-sheets, four consecutively repeated, four times a-day, -are frequently prescribed. A friend of mine, after getting wet whilst -hunting, sat in his wet clothes, caught cold, and died. I am fully -persuaded, if he had applied the Rubbing-sheets on getting home, the -fatal result would have been avoided. - -In some cases where a patient exhibits great weakness, languid -circulation, and doubtful reaction, the sheet is wetted in tepid water, -and sometimes the body is subjected to the action of cold by degrees, -instead of being covered up at once, as is the case with the dripping -sheet. There are invalids who cannot suffer anything cold to touch -certain parts of their bodies; in such cases the tender part may be -covered with a dry cloth, whilst the dripping sheet is applied, and the -sensitive portion approached by degrees. - - -XVI.--THE DOUCHE BATH. - -The douche, of all means employed, is the most powerful in stirring up, -and removing humours from the position they may have occupied for years. -What is understood by a "douche," is a spring of water, conveyed by -pipes through the tops of small huts, from whence it falls in a stream -about the thickness of one's wrist. - -At Graefenberg, there are six douches in the forest, with the falls of -twenty feet, eighteen feet, and fifteen feet, respectively: the douches -for women have a fall of only twelve feet, but no difference is made in -the dimensions of the stream. - -Patients are generally some time under the treatment before being -permitted to take the douche. The douche is a most powerful stimulant. - -As the sun by repulsion, brings heat out of matter, so the douche, by -repelling, brings heat out of the body, and from the interior to the -surface. It sets up a powerful action in the system, and is an active -and useful agent for the cure of old-standing complaints. The douche -should only be used in conjunction with other treatment. - -The douche is never had recourse to in acute attacks; it is useful -principally in chronic diseases. By its agency the body is hardened, and -caused to develop its own force; it strengthens the skin, determines -morbific matters to the surface by the pores, and exercises a powerful -action upon the muscles and nervous system, by the action it provokes. -In arthritic cases and rheumatism, the relief thus afforded is -marvellous. It is so powerful a stimulant, that persons are frequently -known, on coming out of the douche, to declare that they feel as much -elation and buoyancy of spirits, as if they had been drinking freely of -champagne. - -A douche should be at some distance from the abode of the patient, -because the necessary walk to it produces a glow of heat, and renders -the body in a better state to produce re-action: no person should douche -if cold or chilly. - -The afflicted parts should be most exposed to the action of the douche, -though it must be received successively upon all parts of the frame, -except the head and face, unless otherwise prescribed. It should be -avoided on the abdomen and chest when the latter is weak. - -The douche ought to be discontinued when it produces feverish symptoms, -and commenced again when they cease. The duration of it, in a general -way, varies from two to five minutes, but is extended as the case may -require, from fifteen minutes to half an hour; the latter being ordered -in very especial cases. - -An attendant waiting in the anti-chamber, throws a dry sheet on the -patient on his coming out from the douche, rubs him dry, and puts on the -waist bandage. - -The time allotted for douching is two hours after breakfast, or dinner, -but this rule is not without an exception; some patients, after their -morning treatment, walk an hour, and then proceed to the Douche before -breaking their fast. - -Patients ought to be most particular in observing their doctor's orders -in the use of the douche. - - -XVII.--THE SHOWER BATHS. - -These baths so much recommended by the faculty are not used at -Graefenberg. Many persons in the habit of using them complain of -giddiness and head-ache. This arises from the re-action upwards, which -naturally results from their application. As an ablution, a bath, or -washing with wet towels is preferable. - -Mr. Priessnitz objects to the use of them, as parties take them without -previous preparation, or other adjuncts. Falling on the head, they -frequently cause congestion in that region. - - -XVIII.--THE SITZ OR SITTING BATH. - -By this is to be understood a hip bath: that used at Graefenberg is a -small flat tub about seventeen inches in diameter and twelve or thirteen -inches deep; a common washing tub placed against the wall will answer -the purpose. The water in this bath is seldom more than four to six -inches deep, in which the patient sits with his feet resting on the -ground. No rule can be laid down for the duration of this bath, as it is -ordered from ten minutes to an hour, and longer, depending upon the -effect it is intended to produce. It is sometimes prescribed three or -four times a day. - -The sitting bath is of so much importance that where not prescribed the -case is considered an exception to the ordinary rule of treatment. The -sitting-bath cools and strengthens the viscera of the body, and by -revulsion or derivation, draws the humours from the head, chest, and -abdomen; relieves pain in the gums or face, and dissipates flatulency -and cholic; and is of the utmost value to those who lead sedentary -lives. - -The object of using so little water in this bath, the foot and a half -bath, is, that reaction may be the sooner effected. The water is only -changed in peculiar cases. The abdomen should be well rubbed whilst -taking the bath, and exercise taken immediately after it, to bring on a -reaction. Where there is any tendency of heat or blood to the head, a -wet bandage in the shape of a turban should be put on the head -immediately before sitting in the bath, and continued the whole time. In -commencing the hydropathic treatment, or where the patient is low -spirited or unwell, or in cases where reaction is slow, a tepid sitting -bath of 62 deg. to 64 deg. is usually prescribed. If a patient takes -this bath immediately after the rubbing-sheet, or the room in which he -takes it is cold, he should be covered with a cloak or dry blanket. -Sitting baths must not be taken just before going to bed, excepting -under peculiar circumstances. - -In a case of asthma when the patient could hardly breathe, a tepid -sitting bath relieved him effectually in fifteen minutes. In all cases -of accidents to the head, evil consequences are averted by repeated -sitting baths. Head-aches are also generally relieved by these baths, -which shows to demonstration that the theory of cold water when applied -to the extremities driving the blood to the head, is completely devoid -of foundation. - - -XIX.--EYE BATH. - -As a preservative to the eyes, they should be kept open in a basin of -water for two or three minutes every morning, or oftener. Glasses may -also be used of the form of the eye, with water in them. For weak eyes, -they are applied two or three times a day for five minutes each time. -Where great inflammation exists, water should be thrown with the hand -into the eyes several times a day. - - -XX.--HEAD BATH. - -This bath can be taken in a common baking-dish, or any shallow vessel -that can be kept flat on the ground. To take this bath, place a rug or -blanket on the ground, and at the end of it, the vessel, containing -water about two inches deep. The patient should extend himself on the -rug so that his head may reach the dish or bason; then place the back of -the head in the water, and keep it there three or four minutes; then -each side of the head for the same time, and finish the operation by -again subjecting the back of the head to the bath for two minutes. This -process relieves headache. In cases of brain fever, and other diseases -which cause great heat or pain in the head, these baths are frequently -resorted to whilst the patient is in bed,--the back part of the head of -the patient being placed in water, which is renewed when hot. In -inflammation of the eyes, deafness, or loss of smell and taste, these -baths are of great utility. - - -XXI.--FINGER AND ELBOW BATHS. - -The wounded finger is placed in a glass of water; and there are cases -where a glass is affixed by a string to the wrist, and the patient keeps -the finger constantly in the bath. The elbow bath is used whenever the -hand is wounded: it draws off the heat, and lowers the inflammation. - - -XXII.--LEG BATH. - -The thighs and legs, when afflicted with ulcers, ringworms, etc., ought -to be put into a bath, so as to cover the parts afflicted, for an hour -or longer. This bath acts as a stimulant. - -Other members of the body may likewise be subjected to baths; but their -necessity must, be determined by circumstances. - - -XXIII.--FOOT BATH. - -This bath acts derivatively, and is employed as a counteracting agent -against pains of the head, inflammation in the face, congestion to the -upper regions of the body, fainting fits, bleeding of the nose, or -spitting of blood. - -Priessnitz prescribes cold foot-baths to effect the same object that the -faculty endeavour to promote by warm ones. - -The difference between a cold foot-bath and a warm one is, that after -the cold one, a warm glow succeeds and remains; whilst cold feet are the -necessary consequence of a warm bath. After the feet have been in cold -water for some time, the water becomes tepid from the heat extracted. If -the feet are put into hot water, heat, instead of being eliminated from -the system, is brought to it--the very opposite to what is intended. - -Sometimes, water at a temperature of 62 degrees is prescribed. - -Cold foot-baths are accused of driving the blood to the head, for which -notion there is not the slightest foundation, as the very opposite -effect always attends their application. In the case of bleeding at the -nose, I have seen them used several times; two cases, in fact, are -worthy of notice:--A man was nearly exhausted from loss of blood from -the nose; he put his feet into cold water, and the bleeding stopped in -two minutes. A young lady, similarly attacked, put a key down the back -and a wet towel upon the nape of the neck, without effect; her feet were -put into cold water, and the bleeding ceased immediately. These two -cases ought to satisfy the inquirer that cold foot-baths, far from -causing congestion in the head, relieve the head. - -Care must, however, be taken that the feet are warm when put into cold -water, and exercise should be taken after the bath, in order to bring -about re-action. - -To prove that re-action always attends the use of these baths, when -followed by proper exercise, we have but to observe our feet an hour or -two after using one. After great fatigue a foot-bath is most refreshing. -Mr. Priessnitz recommends the frequent use of these baths, as calculated -to ward off complaints--many of which originate in the feet. - -Friction and cold foot-baths are the best remedy for habitually cold -feet. - -Poor people who wear neither shoes or stockings, and whose feet are -constantly exposed to a sort of foot-bath, avoid many complaints with -which the rich are visited. It would be a misfortune to such people to -be furnished with covering for the feet, as will be seen by two cases -supplied me by friends on whom I can rely:-- - -An Irish gentleman, who removed a game-keeper from a low marshy estate -to one high and dry, asked him one day how he liked the change. The man -replied, "Not at all; he had never been well a day since he had been -there, for there was not a drop of water to wet his feet." - -A game-keeper, sent to prison to wait his trial for killing a man, being -unwell, thought he would adopt his old habits as far as his confinement -admitted of. He frequently immersed his feet in cold water, and kept -them in motion. Soon after he began this, he recovered. - -As a general foot-bath, the water should only come up to the instep; the -feet and legs ought to be rubbed by an attendant, or one foot rubbed -against the other the whole time. For cold feet ten minutes is -sufficient, and the water need only cover the soles of the feet; but for -other objects these baths are taken from fifteen minutes to half an -hour, often much longer. - - -XXIV.--THE TEPID, OR ABGESCHRECTE BATH. - -This bath is precisely the same as the half-bath, and applied in the -same way; the only difference being the water, which in this bath is -tepid; _i. e._ ordinarily 62 or 63 deg. of Fahrenheit, sometimes as high -as 76 deg. In ordinary cases eight or ten minutes are sufficient, though -in gout I have known it continued for hours. Great friction, except in -eruptive cases, is applied the whole time. - -The temperature during the use of this bath must be gradually diminished -by the addition of cold water. After rubbing the body for a short time, -the attendant throws a can of cold water on the head and shoulders and -then renews the friction, a process repeated until inflammation and pain -has subsided. If the patient feels weak or tired under the operation, he -is allowed to come out for a few minutes and then begin again. It is -customary with Priessnitz to put all new-comers into a tepid bath for -one or two minutes, then into the cold plunge bath and back to the -tepid. By these means he judges of their powers of re-action, and -prescribes accordingly. - -Tepid baths are always used in eruptive cases. All practitioners would -do well to begin with these baths and proceed by degrees to colder ones. -Every day's experience teaches Priessnitz the value of tepid baths. - -Whenever these baths are ordered--for instance for fifteen -minutes--instead of taking the whole at once, the dose is administered -_a trois reprises_. After the first five minutes, the patient gets out -of the bath and walks about the room, covered with a dry sheet, until he -gains a little life and activity in the joints, which will be effected -in two or three minutes. He then returns to the bath, and after the next -five minutes the same process is repeated. After the third process, the -patient is dried and walks about the room in the dry sheet for a short -time, by way of taking an air bath. This is an important modification in -the use of this bath. When patients are feeble and not able to support a -bath so long as is often necessary to remove the attack, of whatever -nature it may be, by dividing it in the way described, nature recovers -herself a little during each rest, and the sufferer is thus enabled to -take the whole; whereas, without any such pauses, the demand made on his -strength might be too great. With children this mode of treatment is -particularly observed. - - -XXV.--BANDAGES, OR UMSCHLAGS. - -Bandages fulfil two objects diametrically opposed to each other, viz., -to calm and to stimulate. One object is effected by leaving a good deal -of water in the bandage, not covering it with a dry one, and changing it -as soon as hot. The other by wringing the bandage well out, covering it -with a dry one and only changing it when dry. - -1st. The more heat there is in the intestines the quicker the body - bandages act. - -2nd. Outward cold applications cause a fresh generation of heat. - -3rd. By keeping the skin moist, these bandages cause the exudation of - peccant humours and eliminate the excess of caloric. - -4th. They equalise the temperature of the intestines, and keep up a - healthy action in them. - -5th. Wherever there is inflammation, their application and renewal - lowers the temperature, and their moisture causes the healing of - sores or wounds. - -Those most in use, may be termed heating bandages. That for the waist, -is worn day and night. It is 8-1/2 feet long; eight or nine inches wide, -with a double tape at the end to tie it with. To be put on with -facility, it ought to be rolled up like a surgeon's bandage, beginning -at the tape end. Then as much should be wetted and wrung out as will go -once round the body, which the remaining part will cover. The chest -bandages are made of coarse linen, _doubled_, in the shape of a -breast-plate, to fit the chest and the throat, tied with three pair of -tapes, one round the neck, under the arms, and round the waist. There -must be two breast-plates, one to button into the other: the smaller to -be wetted, the larger to be dry. - -In the water-cure the waist bandage is changed in the morning, at noon, -in the afternoon, and on going to bed. - -A clammy heat almost immediately succeeds the application of this -bandage: a sensation which one soon becomes accustomed to. Large or -small bandages of this nature are applied in an infinity of cases. Those -afflicted with complaints of the throat or chest, wear the chest bandage -at night. Bandages are also applied to the feet and legs as derivatives; -and to all wounds, bruises, diseased parts, or wherever pain is felt. - -The humid heat of these bandages has a stimulating and absorbent -property; they relieve the body of superfluous heat, and extract -vitiated matters from the parts to which they are applied, as is -frequently seen by the water in which they are washed. Moreover, they -regulate the bowels, kidnies[sic], &c. - -Mercury is constantly drawn from the pores in these bandages.--Prince -Leichtenstein, who had rubbed a light green ointment into his leg twelve -months previously to going to Graefenberg, found that for a fortnight it -came out of the flesh by means of these bandages. Some medical men are -sceptical on this subject: to be convinced of the truth let such go to -Graefenberg, where they may have constant evidence of the fact. - -These bandages assuage pain, and aid in curing--better than ointments -and plaisters[sic]. It is in vain that we seek to cure malignant ulcers -retained in the system by impure blood with ointments. At Graefenberg -this is effected by the general cure, in which these bandages occupy so -prominent a part. - -These bandages are used by every patient, and must be renewed after -every application of the treatment. If not mentioned in any of the -following cases, the omission is unintentional, and those for the waist -and diseased parts must be applied notwithstanding. - -To any one who has never been in a Water-cure establishment, the -application of these bandages will doubtless appear fraught with danger; -but so little is this the case, that they are applied to age and -decrepitude, to infants as soon as born, and to persons of weak, -nervous, and delicate constitutions. - -So far from colds being produced by these bandages, when covered with -dry ones, we find invalids almost entirely encased in them nightly for -months together. Let any one in pain, or who has a sore throat, try -them, and he will soon be a convert to our opinion. - -In inflammation, congestion of the blood, head-aches, burns, scalds, and -wounds, until inflammation subsides, bandages without dry ones over them -are used. - -For this purpose, linen several times doubled, is wetted in cold water -and placed upon the parts affected, where it remains until hot, and then -is renewed until the disease ceases for which it was applied. - -Sometimes these bandages are changed every ten minutes. In cases of -wounds or fractures, sitz-baths accompany these bandages, as together -they keep down inflammation. - -In inflammation and fever, and in all cases of sickness, discomfort, -pain or cramps, a larger bandage than usual is required: this is a sheet -folded up and applied from the arm-pits to the thighs, and changed -frequently. This large bandage is frequently ordered at night to sleep -in, instead of the smaller one. - -A gentleman, greatly afflicted, was packed up at night in a wet sheet, -with a blanket loosely bound round him, his arms and feet being left -free. This afforded him relief from pain. Of course, care was taken that -perspiration did not ensue. In the morning the patient took his usual -treatment. - -The following interesting fact, confirming the advantage of bandages, is -related in Baron Larry's "Memoir of the Russian Campaign." "An officer -underwent amputation of an arm, after which the surgeon lost sight of -him for some time. Two years subsequently, he met the officer in the -saloons of Paris, who stated, that his wound had been completely cured -by the constant application of cold wet bandages, which he wetted at the -different rivulets he met with in his retreat, without any other -application whatever." - -In a Water-cure Establishment bandages are applied wherever pain or -inconvenience is felt. Sometimes a patient has his legs, thighs, loins, -and perhaps an arm or his head encased in them at one time, and so -sleeps without any precautions as to increasing the amount of his -covering. - -A well-known English Gentleman caught leprosy in the East. Whilst under -treatment at Graefenberg, he slept in a pair of wet pantaloons, and a wet -waistcoat covered with dry ones every night. The dry covering soon -became wet, as did the blanket, when the patient felt chilly and -uncomfortable, yet no cold resulted. The blanket which was used as a -covering attracted the humidity. Priessnitz ordered a second blanket to -be put over the first, which absorbed the damp from the first. After a -couple of hours this was taken off and the under blanket was found dry: -thus the patient was relieved of his discomfort. - -A Gentleman afflicted with Lumbago was advised to bathe in the -Serpentine in winter. After having done so, he dipped his shirt in the -water, wrung it out, and put it on, then buttoning up well and putting -on a great-coat and a large neckcloth, he proceeded briskly to Hampstead -and back; this produced great heat, and cured the lumbago. These -circumstances lead to the conviction that dangers attending the -application of wet linen to our bodies, are less real than is -represented. Thus, the airing of linen before a fire previous to wearing -it, is of no advantage; the slight damp in it, on the contrary, excites -the skin, and is more beneficial than otherwise. - -One thing the reader's attention must be called to as an -incontrovertible fact. No person ever caught a cold or suffered -inconvenience from the application of wet sheets or bandages in the -Water-cure. - - -XXVI.--DIET. - -"It is not the plenty of meat," says Dr. Scott, "that nourishes, but a -good digestion; neither is it the abundance of wealth that makes us -happy, but the discreet using of it." - -Whilst under treatment, patients partake of three meals, breakfast, -dinner, and supper. The breakfast and supper consist of bread, butter, -milk and fruit. Dinner ought to consist of plain food, that is to say, -roast and boiled meat, poultry and vegetables, puddings and fruits; fish -and soup are not recommended. - -Priessnitz is not an advocate for what is considered highly nourishing -food; he contends that quantity is more essential than quality. The act -of feeding causes the stomach, like other members of the body, to -perform its office. - -A written case was presented to him of a person treating himself. -Priessnitz approved of what was doing, until he came to where it was -stated the patient ate roast beef and mutton daily--through this he -struck his pen. This opinion of Priessnitz's seems confirmed by Dr. -Beaumont of the United States, who made some useful experiments upon a -young man named ---- Martin, who was desperately, though not mortally, -wounded, by the discharge of a gun, the contents of which entered the -chest, and passed through the integuments of the stomach, so that the -whole process of digestion was laid open to observation. The most -important inferences arrived at by the doctor, from his observations, -were-- - -1st.--_That all stimulating condiments are injurious to the healthy -stomach._ - -2ndly.--_That the use of ardent spirits if preserved in, produces -disease in the stomach._ - -3rdly.--_That bulk as well as nutriment is necessary to the articles of -diet._ - -4thly.--_That the digestibility of aliment does not depend upon the -quantity of nutritient principles it contains._ - -Dr. Beaumont further adds, "Here we have incontestable proof, that -disease of the stomach was induced, and going on from bad to worse, in -consequence of indulgence in ardent spirits, _although no prominent -symptom made its appearance_, and ---- Martin was, in his general habits, -a healthy and sober man." - -I put the following questions to Mr. Priessnitz:--"Is it requisite to -eat meat every day?" "Yes, whilst under the treatment, because of the -waste which the operations and consequent exertions occasion." "In cases -of obstinate constipation, animal food must be partaken of sparingly?" -"When not under Hydropathic treatment, meat should not be indulged in -every day, except where parties are subjected to great exertion or hard -labour, and even then it is better to avoid it occasionally. In fact, -people would be more healthy if they only eat meat on alternate days, -and if all their food were cold instead of hot." - -From the habitual use of hot aliments the lining coat of the throat and -stomach becomes distended and weak--hence bronchitis and weak digestion. - -To the question as to drinking water. Priessnitz said, "Drink -plentifully at every meal, finish by a tumbler or two, and don't fail -drinking five or six glasses daily." - -Experience which is better than a thousand theories, proves that after -partaking of indigestible food, or eating too much, a few glasses of -water relieve the stomach. One is at a loss to conceive why people -should avoid drinking water at their meals, since none suffer from its -use, and Nature seems to require it. Those who feel indisposed, by -abstaining from food altogether for a day and drinking water, may -frequently avoid a serious illness. - -Butter is fat food and bad for delicate digestions. The leaner the food -the better, to restore tone to the stomach and bowels. To people of -strong digestions this does not apply. - -If we look around us, we find that three-fourths of the human family -live and labour, and digest, without tasting animal food; that the -remaining fourth, who indulge in it, do more homage to Apothecaries' -Hall than all the rest. But it is argued, much depends upon climate: -then how shall we reconcile the rice of the East, the potato of Ireland, -the oatmeal of Scotland, and the rye-bread of Poland? We can easily -understand people in hot countries living upon rice, maccaroni[sic], -etc.; but if what we understand by the term, nutritious food, is -absolutely indispensable, how reconcile ourselves to the potato as the -only food for the largest portion of the inhabitants of Ireland? Rye, -which is the staff of life to the Poles, is a grain next in degree to -wheat; then follow barley and oats. Potatoes are the very worst and -lowest description of food. Rye-bread is as manna sent from heaven, in -comparison with oatmeal, the chief food of the highlands of Scotland; -yet we see strong healthy people in Ireland and Scotland, living solely -upon these to a fine old age, without the assistance of the -Pharmacopoeia. - -Does not this prove Mr. Priessnitz is right, when he says quantity is -more essential than quality? - -The great mass of mankind live on vegetable diet, which comprehends all -the products of the earth. An author tells us, "Recent discoveries have -shewn that vegetables contain the same elements as flesh: the same -gluten, albumen, fibrin, and oily matters that exist in a beefsteak, are -also found in our esculent vegetables." - -Experience proves that vegetable diet is lighter and less liable to -bring on disease, than one in which animal food largely prevails. - -From an early period the philosophers of Greece,--from amongst whom we -may cite Zeno, Plutarch, Porphyrus, and Plautinus,--advocated and -practised an exclusively vegetable diet. The Pythagorean sages -inculcated the same: hence the prevalence of rice diet over the vast and -densely-peopled regions of Asia. Mahomet is said to have lived upon -dates and water. It is related that the philanthropists, Swedenborg and -Howard, were vegetarians; that Newton, Descartes, Haller, Hufeland, -Byron, Shelley, and a host of other men of genius, were advocates of a -vegetable diet. The continued use of meat produces scurvy, liver -disease, rheumatism, gout, piles, etc. - -Lamartine is a vegetarian. - -On the score of economy, it is ascertained that the same plot of ground -which would provide animal food for one man, would feed seventeen on -vegetables. - -For sick and delicate people, nutritious food should give way to coarser -fare when under treatment. Priessnitz says he lost a colonel in the -army, entirely from his indulgence in niceties and nourishing food; he -could not be induced to confine himself to plain coarse fare: his -digestion, in consequence, was always impaired. - -Salt is injurious when acid humours or sores affect the body. - -All spices, such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and mustard, are to be -avoided, on account of their stimulating properties: nature gave these -stimulants to the Indians, because their burning sky, by enervating the -body, rendered them necessary. - -In our climate the air is more compressed, and contains a larger amount -of oxygen, which predisposes to inflammatory diseases. "Use," says -Priessnitz, "the seasonings nature has given us, and leave to foreigners -theirs: nature has provided for man's wants; our eatables ought, on that -account, to agree with us the better." - -Good household or brown bread is considered better than white bread. - -Beer, wine, and alcohols of all kinds, are interdicted, as not -assimilating with the food. It is a mistake to suppose that such things -assist digestion: they have a totally opposite effect. Every museum of -natural history exhibits substances preserved in wine, spirits of wine, -or spirits, which would be dissolved in water. - -A question arises, if, after having undergone the Water-cure, it is -requisite to pursue any particular regimen? To this it may be answered, -that those who continue a life of temperance stand a better chance of -enjoying health and happiness than those who do not; but abstemiousness -does not follow the Water-cure as a matter of course, any more than it -does medical treatment. It is, however, necessary to abstain from -intemperance for a short time after leaving off the treatment, or -serious consequences may ensue. - -To those who have passed the meridian of life, whose circulation is -languid, who have been accustomed to stimulants, Mr. Priessnitz -recommends the occasional use of light wines; and in speaking of wine as -an alterative, he admitted that there could be no rule without an -exception. - -Tea and coffee attack the nerves. In my travels through Ireland, I was -shocked at the ravages made upon the weaker sex by tea, the abuse of -which has become a besetting sin. Give two or three cups of strong tea -to one unaccustomed to it, and its effects will be evident upon the -nervous system: in most cases it will deprive the recipient of sleep. I -have known a strong man who, to cure headache, drank three or four cups -of strong black tea, who, a few hours afterwards, trembled from head to -foot. The same often attends the drinking of coffee. Dr. Sir Charles -Scudamore, in his work on Hydropathy, states that Liebig, the best -living chemical authority, said that coffee impeded the digestion of -food for one or two hours, its carbonaceous principle requiring oxygen; -and that he looked upon green tea as a poison. Tea and coffee-drinkers -declare that neither affect them, and refer to persons who have drank -both during a long life, and are, notwithstanding, in health. There are -exceptions. The Bacchanalian, in like manner, justifies his revels, and -the Turk his opium--but "_mark the end!_" - -Stomachs weakened by the continued use of stimulants revolt at milk, -which is the only food of most animals when young, and, as such, -contains a large amount of nutriment, which is not the case with tea or -coffee. I know a lady, the wife of one of Napoleon's marshals, who, for -some complaint, was prescribed a milk diet. During a period of twenty -years she has not taken an ounce of anything in the shape of food, -having confined herself entirely to milk. Her health has been invariably -good, and, though no longer young, can endure an excursion on foot over -the mountains of Switzerland better than any of my female acquaintances. -Does not this speak volumes in favour of milk as a diet for children or -adults? - -At Graefenberg, patients who cannot drink milk mix it with water until -the stomach gains tone; others drink sour milk, and find it agree with -them, when common milk would not: this is to be accounted for from the -milk having already undergone the first process of fermentation, which -process would otherwise have taken place in the stomach. Most new-comers -to Graefenberg have a strong prejudice against sour milk, which, after -persevering in taking it for some time, generally ends in their liking -it exceedingly. Sour milk, with sugar and strawberries, is delicious. -Boiled milk, with bread broken in it, agrees with most people, and makes -a nourishing meal. To those with whom milk alone does not agree, cocoa, -with plenty of milk, is recommended as wholesome and economical. - -It has been observed by an able writer, that some people think that to -live well means only to eat, and, it might be added, to drink. To hear -that a man can enjoy the pleasures of the table, who refrains from wine -and beer, and whose only beverage is water, appears paradoxical. Some go -so far as to say that they prefer death to purchasing life on such -terms, forgetting that a temporary indulgence at the table for a couple -of hours may render them uncomfortable for the remainder of the -twenty-four, and that the exciting, overcharging, and thickening of the -blood, renders them hypochondriacal and morose, and makes invalids of -men who ought to be in the enjoyment of robust health. It is hardly to -be expected that nature will deal mercifully with him who has for so -many years sinned against her mandates: she will, doubtless, sooner or -later reward the crimes of _lese majeste_ committed against her high -prerogatives. - - "Nothing like the simple element dilutes - The food, or gives the chyle so soon to flow." - -The _bon-vivant_, from the excited state of his system, is not only more -subject to complaints than persons who live temperately, but is more -difficult of cure. When overtaken with pain and illness, notwithstanding -his stoicism in declaring for a short life and a merry one, no one -desires to be restored to health with greater earnestness, or manifests -a more ardent clinging to life than himself. - -Priessnitz's assumption that the indigenous products of the country -wherein we reside being best calculated for the support of health, is -borne out by Liebig, who says: "Even when we consume equal weights of -food in cold and warm countries, infinite wisdom has so arranged that -the articles of food of different climates are most _un_equal in the -proportion of carbon they contain. The fruits on which the natives of -the South prefer to feed, do not, in the fresh state, contain more than -12 per cent. of carbon; whilst the bacon and train oil used by the -inhabitants of the Arctic regions, contain 66 to 80 per cent. of -carbon." - -Avoiding all excess, it is man's prerogative to elaborate and assimilate -the most heterogeneous aliments, not being limited, like other animals, -to any particular food; and it is certain that those who approach -nearest to nature, who enjoy the benefit of pure air and lead an active -life, do not require to observe any particular rules. - -One thing, however, is admitted: the duration of life depends upon the -simplicity of our wants. Most people eat too much, especially of animal -food. No people talk so much of indigestion, dyspepsia, and -constipation, as the English; it has been said that they take more pills -and aperients, and pay more fees, than all the nations of the world -together! What a distinction from savage life! The child of nature, -whose only drink is water, can, without inconvenience, go for days -together without food, and then commit excesses that, if indulged in in -civilised life, would produce fatal results. - -It ought to be observed, that abstinence from wine and spices is -compensated by the pleasure water-drinkers take in being enabled to -partake _ad libitum_, of pastry, fruit, and other delicacies of the -table, which wine-drinkers dare not indulge in. - - -XXVII.--CLOTHING, AIR BATHS, WEARING STAYS, ETC. - -Mr. Priessnitz expects all his patients to leave off wearing flannel or -cotton next to the body; he maintains that by keeping up too much heat, -they weaken the skin, which then is less efficient in performing its -offices, and in consequence people become delicate and diseased. - -A patient coming out of the bath, on being prevented putting on his -flannel waistcoat and drawers, said, "Tell Mr. Priessnitz, they and I -having been intimately acquainted for twenty years, I hardly like -parting with them so abruptly." His reply was, "They are false friends; -in a short time your skin will regain the proper tone which they -deprived it of, when you will be warmer without flannel than ever you -were with it." Priessnitz does not preach one doctrine and practise -another--he wears nothing under his linen. Some patients of a slow -circulation, on commencing the treatment, are ordered to wear their -flannel waistcoats over their linen for a few days: the want of it is -not felt. It might naturally be supposed, that leaving off flannel of a -sudden, especially in cold weather, would be attended with serious -consequences; but this is never the case in the Water-cure. Invalids -frequently arrive at Graefenberg in the depth of winter, and after the -bath, invariably leave off flannel. Of the number of cases that came -under my observation, I never knew a single instance of a party catching -cold. After the bath, the patient is expected to keep up a brisk walk -for some time. In winter, it would be as well, after leaving off -flannel, to clothe warmer than usual for a day or two. - -Wearing flannel waistcoats in bed of a night is greatly debilitating. An -almost universal prejudice exists in favour of flannel in cases of gout -and rheumatism; hence the question arises, "Does it prevent or cure -those complaints?" Certainly not; for where do you see their victims -without flannel? Experience proves, that it neither protects the wearer -from disease, nor allays pain. - -Nightcaps destroy the hair, cause its premature decay, and have an -injurious tendency to those troubled with congestion in the head, -head-aches, etc.; such people cannot have their bedrooms too cold. There -is much sense in the old adage--"Keep the head cold, and the feet -warm." Previously to sleeping without a nightcap, and washing my head -every morning with cold water, I was constantly tormented with cold in -the head, from which I am now perfectly free. Perhaps, in some measure, -I am indebted to my last visit to Graefenberg for this happy change, -having passed a whole winter there without wearing either hat or -neck-cloth, or making any change from my summer clothing, although the -thermometer was frequently 12 deg. to 14 deg. Reaumur below zero. - -The constant use of oils and pomatums to the hair, unless the head is -often washed, closes the pores, and is prejudicial. - -With respect to the clothing, Priessnitz advises "when in an open -carriage, or sitting still, the body should be well clothed; when in -exercise, as lightly covered as possible." - -One half the cases of consumption in females may be traced to the -wearing of stays, and lacing them too tight. All artists agree, that -stays in growing people destroy, rather than improve, the figure. Bound -up in whalebone, they lose that graceful undulation of the back which is -so pleasing. Every one who has seen the Venus de Medicis, Canova's -Venus, or any other faithful copy of nature, must consider a very small -waist a defect. - -Stays, at best, are unwholesome, as they keep up an unnatural heat about -the body; and when laced too tight, are sure to be attended with serious -consequences. I have known several young ladies, whose teeth were -destroyed, whose breaths were intolerable, and who were consigned to a -premature grave, entirely from tight lacing. To have health, the -greatest of all blessings, the complicated machinery inside our bodies -must have room for action (the intestinal canal, for instance, is half -as thick as a man's arm, and sixty or seventy yards long); contract this -space, you contract the vessels, and irregularity of the functions -ensues. This is an offence against nature, which sooner or later she -will repay with misery and pain. - -Dr. Abernethy advised air baths, that is, the habit of exposing the body -naked to the air, which may be done with impunity after the cold bath, -but not otherwise. In winter, instead of increasing the amount of -clothing, Priessnitz advises exercise; for, in proportion as the body is -warmly clothed, and the air excluded, the less warmth is produced by the -body itself; resistance to cold causes the body to bring forth its own -energies and powers. There can be no doubt the feet are much warmer, -and that it is much healthier, to go without stockings; it necessitates -washing the feet oftener, which, if done in cold water, tends to bring -warmth to them. The Turks owe much of their health to their habit of -washing their feet. Before going to Graefenberg, people destitute of -shoes and stockings excited my pity; but since that time, my opinion is -changed: let such persons be well fed, but for health keep their feet -bare. The following extracts from Liebig support Priessnitz's opinion:-- - -"Our clothing is merely an equivalent for a certain amount of food. The -more we are clothed, the less urgent becomes the appetite for food; -because the loss of heat by cooling, and consequently the amount of heat -to be supplied by the food, is diminished. - -"If we were to go naked, like certain savage tribes; or if in hunting or -fishing, we were exposed to the same degree of cold as the Samoyedes, we -should be able with ease to consume ten pounds of flesh, and perhaps a -dozen of tallow candles into the bargain, daily; as warm-clad travellers -have related with astonishment of those people." - -"The Englishman, in Jamaica, feels with regret the disappearance of his -appetite, previously a source of frequently recurring enjoyment. And he -succeeds by the use of cayenne pepper and the most powerful stimulants, -in enabling himself to take as much food as he was accustomed to eat at -home. But the whole of the carbon thus introduced into the system is not -consumed; the temperature of the air is too high, and the oppressive -heat does not allow him to increase the number of respirations by active -exercise, and thus to proportion the waste to the amount of food taken; -disease of some kind, therefore, ensues." - -"The cooling of the body, by whatever cause it may be produced, -increases the amount of food necessary, the mere exposure to the open -air, in a carriage or on the deck of a ship, by increasing radiation and -evaporation, increases the loss of heat and compels us to eat more than -usual. The same is true of those who are accustomed to _drink large -quantities of water_, which is given off at a temperature of the body -98 deg. It increases the appetite; and persons of weak constitution find it -necessary, by continued exercise, to supply to the system the oxygen -required to restore the heat abstracted by the cold water. Loud and -long continued speaking, the crying of infants, and moist air, all exert -a decided and appreciable influence on the amount of food which is -taken."--LIEBIG. - -"No isolated fact," says Dr. Johnson, "can contravene the law that the -quantity of food is regulated by the number of respirations, by the -temperature of the air, and by the amount of heat given off to the -surrounding medium, as for instance by frequent bathing. Of course it is -a matter of indifference whether that medium be cold air or cold water." - -As a healthy naked body generates by heightened perspiration of the -skin, the same warmth as is produced by one which is covered, by means -of retaining the perspiration; so every one who is quite well, might by -use become so hardened, that during the coldest season he might feel, -when naked, as comfortable as any one covered with wool. The truth of -this was verified by two English gentlemen, the winter I spent at -Graefenberg. One day in December, when the thermometer was at 6 deg., of -Reaumur, below zero, they proceeded to a mountain, took off all their -clothes, except their drawers, and proceeded to the top, where, though -the wind was blowing strong at the time, they remained two hours. They -stated that after they had walked briskly, or got up the steam for ten -minutes, a glow of heat came on, which counteracting the cold, produced -the most agreeable sensation. Neither of these gentlemen caught cold or -suffered in any way from this experiment. - -The Scotch Highlander with his naked legs, does not feel colder, -surrounded by mountains of ice, than we do who are clothed. We prove -this by our bare faces in the coldest winter. - -As the skin performs the double function, of drawing nourishment from -the air, and exhaling the phlogisticised air of the diseased matter and -worn-out atoms of the body, it follows that the true art of curing, must -be to endeavour to restore these two functions. Hydropathy causes the -ejection of diseased matter and revives the activity of the skin. - -Dr. Johnson observes, "Discomforts are the necessary whips and spurs -which keep the living energies awake; whilst comforts operate upon us -like opiates: since to acquire a 'comfort' is only to remove a -discomfort; and to remove what keeps us awake, is the same thing as to -administer what will send us to sleep. The indulgences, therefore, -wherewith even young and healthy men indulge themselves; the -'comforts,' as they call them, of flannel, warm clothing, closed doors, -carpeted rooms, soft beds, hot food, are infinitely worse than absurd; -because the opposites of all these luxuries, so far from being injurious -to health, are absolutely _necessary_ to it. We actually kill ourselves -with comforts." - - -XXVIII.--DRUGS. - - "Thus with our hellish drugs, Death's ceaseless fountains - In these bright vales, o'er these green mountains - Worse than the very plague we raged. - I have myself to thousands poison given, - And hear their murderer praised as blest by heaven, - Because with Nature strife he waged." - - GOeETHE'S FAUST. - -The influence of habit and custom is such, that it is difficult to -arouse inquiry, when the result is calculated to derange the existing -order of things. Mr. D'Israeli observes, "Could we conceive that man had -never discovered the practice of washing his hands, but cleansed them as -animals do their paws, he would for certain have ridiculed and protested -against the inventor of soap, and as tardily, as in other matters, have -adopted the invention." - -All change, however beneficial, is attended with trouble; and we -therefore adopt the motto, "Whatever is, is right." This very motto is -the key to our method of cure--as it is to that of every other great -moral truth. Yet, to quote the words of Rausse, "We do not take this in -the sense of the philosophy of our days, or in that of the German -philosopher, Hegel, for then we must consider falsehood and -assassination to be good. Rather would we take these words in the sense -in which they were first proclaimed by the philosophy of Geneva, in the -sense in which the _first citizen_ used them for the foundation of his -truths; thus, that which is produced by nature is good; all -inclinations, all impulses of men derived from nature, are good; and -every mis-usage of nature is an outrage which she punishes with misery -and pain. All the principles of the art of curing at Graefenberg, -attested as they are by thousands, are dictated by that instinct which -nature has given to every human being as his inheritance." - -But are not all the cures performed at Graefenberg--all the doctrines of -Hydropathy--opposed to science? It may be answered, Yes; nor can we shut -our eyes to the fact, that nature refuses all respect for what we are -pleased to denominate learning--nay, tramples upon what is often called -science: particularly on that of medicine. By what delusions were -mankind first persuaded to submit to the use of poisonous drugs! In the -middle ages, water as a beverage, and as a cure for disease, fell into -total disuse. In the time of the Crusades, the Arab doctors introduced -the use of Oriental drugs, to which they attributed miraculous virtues; -and during the period of astrology and alchemy, and when researches were -being made for the philosopher's stone, almost every nation boasted of -having found some panacea--some elixir vitae: sometimes it was an oil or -an herb; at others, a powder or mineral; until, in process of time, -their accumulation formed the vaunted science of medicine. But, we would -inquire, are the effects of these compounds such as to lead to the -conclusion that they were recommended by nature? Have mankind become -healthier since their introduction? Are those nations who have done most -homage to this science, the strongest and soundest? - -To think of eradicating disease with poisons, of which physic is -generally composed, appears paradoxical. How is it possible to bring -physic to bear upon the dispersed and deeply-hidden diseased matter? -Even if this could be done, it is quite impossible, as every chemist -knows, for the peccant matters and physic to dissolve each other into -nothing. - -Dr. Forbes, editor of the "British and Foreign Medical Review," supports -this view of the case. He observes, "It is one of the most formidable -difficulties with which the ordinary physician has to contend, that -nearly all his remedies reach the point to which they are directed, -through one channel. If the brain requires to be placed under the -influence of a sedative or a stimulant, if the muscular system demands -invigorating by tonics, if the functions of organic life need correction -by alteratives, the physician has no means of attaining his object -except by inundating the stomach and bowels with foreign and frequently -pernicious substances. It being thus made the medical doorway to all -parts of the system, and so compelled to admit every description of -therapeutical appliances, the organ of digestion is contorted to a -purpose for which it was never intended." - -"The consequence," says Dr. Arbuthnot, "of such treatment with physic -is, that to the old evil a new stimulus is added, weak or strong, -according to the dose and quality: what is inflammable, stays in the -blood, and afterwards affects the brain." - -We may fairly ask, How can any of these consequences result from -Hydropathy? The following lines of Horace Smith are not far from the -truth:-- - - "Physic! a freak of times and modes, - Which yearly old mistakes explodes - For new ones still absurder. - All slay,--their victims disappear, - And only leaves the doctrine clear - That killing is no murder." - -Are those who do most to aid the apothecaries, and who indulge in -alcoholic drinks, healthier than others; or, are those who are in the -habit of consulting doctors free from pain? No! they drag on a miserable -existence. It might be asked, If certain herbs and minerals were alone -intended for healing man's infirmities, how would the inhabitants of the -temperate zone procure those that are indigenous to the tropics, and -_vice versa_? Instinct pleads in favour of the element that abounds -wherever human beings ought to live; and innumerable instances might be -adduced of the advantage which the use of water gives the savage over -cultivated man. - -From the most remote ages, water was known and resorted to as a curative -agent by the unsophisticated children of nature. In the wilds of -America, the savage is put into a close hut, built of stones, which hut -is heated to produce intense perspiration on the invalid, in which state -he is immersed in the river, near to which the hut is generally placed; -and by Pallme's travels in Kordofan, we find that, in the very depths of -Africa, fevers are cured by cold water. It appears our traveller lay -several days in bed with burning fever, when, at length, his attendants -lifted him out of bed, placed him with his back against the door, and -poured a large volume of cold water on his head and body. After the -shock he was put to bed, covered with sacks and sheepskins: this -produced relief and sleep. A second application of this treatment -effected a cure. - -Some writers err in supposing mankind to have arrived at an age of -decrepitude, from its not occurring to them that the deterioration of -health arises from art, and not nature. If you wish to be convinced of -this, leave civilised and go to savage life. There you will see the man -of nature as young and strong as the first created; the generation -cannot grow old, except by art, poison, or vice. Prescribe simple water, -and it is rejected with scorn; but let any quack recommend his drugs, -however poisonous, and they are swallowed regardless of results. It must -have been the enemy of all good who first persuaded mankind that poison -could produce health. - -The evils that arise from pernicious drugs, which have swept away -millions, and which will destroy the whole species if no reform takes -place, originate in misunderstanding the first or acute attack, which is -but an attempt of nature to heal. Men take acute attacks for disease, -whilst _in reality they are the means by which the system is relieved of -disease_. Bleeding, blistering, cupping, and drugging, subdue these -efforts,--not by emancipating the system, but by so reducing it that it -can no longer contend with its enemy. Men praised the unlucky discovery, -and hence a host of deadly diseases took their origin, such as -destructions and suppurations of the inner organs, dropsy, etc.: -complaints which were hardly known in times of yore, and which, but for -these causes, would never have reared their heads. However, as the -lamentable consequences in some cases do not appear until years after -the suppression of the acute conflict, no one thinks of attributing them -to drugs. This drug-plague is the most dreadful malady mankind has to -contend with; dug by themselves from the black abysses of the earth, it -has been cherished as the effect of deep science for centuries; how -frequently has the last shilling been offered up at its altar! Upon it -as many millions have been spent as would pay off the National Debt: to -the study of these dangerous errors, millions of men have applied the -whole of their lives and their ability: backed by this so-called -science, they contend against nature; but _how_ does Nature punish those -who wish to master her? Oh, great unspeakable Nature! how dreadfully -beautiful art thou, in thy inexorable and destroying severity! - -Mankind may still turn back, and regenerate health; but it is not -sufficient for them to renounce physic: they must abandon wine, spirits, -and poison, in every shape. For the curing of disease, we must not look -into the grey mysteries of the future, but far behind us, on the green -plain of Nature, and of the times which are past. - - -XXIX.--ASSIMILATION. - -The preservation of life requires not only that its consumption should -be reduced, but its restoration rendered more easy. For this purpose two -things are necessary, the perfect assimilation of that which is -beneficial, the separation from that which is injurious. Life, as will -be seen from the following definition, depends upon the identification, -the assimilation, and the animalisation of external matter by the vital -power, in its passage from the chemical to the organic world. - -The power of assimilating other substances into itself is the -fundamental principle of nature. This impulse and power is not only -prevalent in all organic matter, but also in elemental bodies, that is -to say, water, earth, and fire. The globe in the beginning was a rigid -rock, upon which air and water effected their power of assimilation. - -Assimilation is only possible by dissolving. For the purpose of -assimilation, air and water dissolved the earth's crust; by the agency -of those powers that surface originated which produces and nourishes all -organic bodies. As these exist in the same world in which the elements -continually exercise their power of dissolving and assimilating, it -follows, that from the beginning there must have been developed in all -organic elements the same power, as a protection to themselves. - -Air dissolves water into vapours, in order to assimilate gases from it. -Water extracts from air the oxygen gas. - -Fire absorbs the oxygen of air, dissolves water into its two component -parts, hydrogen and oxygen, and by converting the former to a flame, -transforms water to fire; air absorbs many gases which fire releases -from combustibles; air draws gases from the soil, the soil absorbs the -oxygen of the air. In this way the elements are in a constant conflict, -each endeavouring to dissolve the other, and to assimilate its matters -with itself. Organic bodies draw oxygen from the air by the process of -respiration, which is also the property of plants: these draw all -assimilatory matter which the earth offers by their roots. The same -process is performed by animals feeding on plants or herbs; whereas, on -the contrary, fire resolves all organic matter into its original -elements. This same process is carried out by water and air, with all -organic beings, but as long as these are living they only get their -evaporation, and after death their entirety. The earth exercises this -power but conditionally and partially, viz. upon all animals that exist -in it, and on all roots of plants; upon mankind the earth only exercises -its power of assimilation after death. The proofs of this conflict of -assimilation in organic matter itself are clear, one animal eats the -other as well as plants; that is to say, it absorbs by the agency of the -stomach so much of their substance as may be assimilated. Plants again -convert parts of dead bodies and other plants (the manure) into their -own substance. - -Besides this power of assimilation, there exists in every being, element -and organisation, the necessity of being exposed to foreign -assimilation. - -This is the fundamental principle of the true doctrine of healing. In -support of this theory, we find that water, if withdrawn from the power -of dissolution by the fresh air, stinks and putrefies. Air loses its -oxygen and becomes mephitic, if it does not find water or plants with -which it can enter into the conflict of dissolution and assimilation. - -Animals and plants fall ill and die if their surface is so covered that -neither air nor water can act upon them. If nourishment is withdrawn -from any organic being, that is to say, if it is deprived of the -opportunity of assimilating with external or foreign substances, death -is caused by the want of a supply of healthy juices; if, on the -contrary, this being is deprived of the influence or effect of this -foreign power of dissolution, illness is the consequence, arising from -the putridity of matter, from which putridity the system ought to have -been released by the agency of foreign assimilation. - - -XXX.--THE CRISIS. - - "Most blessed water! neither tongue can tell - The blessedness thereof, nor heart can think, - Save only those to whom it hath been given - To taste of that divinest gift of heaven. - - "I stoop'd and drank of that divinest well, - Fresh from the Rock of Ages where it ran, - It had a heavenly quality to quell - All pain: I rose a renovated man; - And would not now, when that relief was known - For worlds the needful suffering have forgone." - -To those unaccustomed to the Water-cure treatment, the Crisis is looked -upon as something beyond human endurance; but by those who understand -the nature of it, its arrival is hailed with joy, as the forerunner of a -favourable termination to their sufferings. A Crisis has a two-fold -object, the restoration of the animal functions to the condition of -health, and the cure of a disease. It is not therefore a necessary -consequence of the treatment; since, if there be no disease, the body is -free from vitiated matter, and no eruption can appear; but if noxious -matters exist in the system, whatever temporary relief be obtained by -drugs or ointment, no permanent beneficial effect can be produced until -they are extracted. Otherwise, original health, that is, the same -muscular power and elasticity of body proportionately dealt out to all -animals, will never be obtained during the life of an individual. -Nature, to effect the elimination of non-nutritious matter, may resort -to measures imperceptible to the patient, such as evaporation caused by -ablutions, by relaxation of the bowels, or other evacuatory means. -Although for twelve months, whilst at Graefenberg, I went through all the -necessary processes, I never had any perceptible crisis, except a slight -water-rash, and the same may be said of many friends of mine, who have -passed through the treatment. - -There is a critical period, if the treatment is persevered in: it is -when Nature is about to resume her power over the disease, the latter -having been attacked, and seeking to escape. It may be compared to a -tiger which a man is tempting in his lair: for a time, it lies dormant, -occasionally giving signs of existence, when suddenly the animal rouses, -and a violent struggle ensues. The man however proves the strongest of -the two. In all future attacks too, which are less vigorous, the tiger -is defeated, until he finally quits his lair, and flies from his human -conqueror. Thus at last are old diseases eradicated. In acute cases, the -first rencontre often settles the affair. - -Under the Water-cure it frequently happens that every evil and pain is -increased in intensity from the fact of the strength being always -progressing. The weak and debilitated feel little pain; feebleness has -produced insensibility. As the vital force diminishes, in the same -proportion are the symptoms less violent; but when strength and vigour -are daily gaining ground, so do the symptoms become more vigorous and -intense. Nature is in a state of revolution; and, by being reinstated in -her rights, she has declared war with all foreign powers that ventured -to invest her citadel, and trample upon her rights and laws during the -period of her prostration. - -An officer in the Prussian army, author of the most concise and -best-written work on the Water-cure, told me that at Graefenberg six -years ago he was radically cured of a complication of diseases: that he -had the so-called crisis; the first attack was painful and distressing -in the extreme; rheumatism returned to each part where he had previously -felt it; his foot, which some years before had been trodden upon by a -horse, became exceedingly painful; his hands and feet swelled to double -their ordinary size, and there was a discharge of an offensive nature -from them. This lasted for about ten days. In the course of his cure he -had two other attacks, each inferior in intensity to the preceding one. -After the last, he found his hearing, of which he had been deprived two -years, restored; he could walk as well as ever he did, a necessary -pleasure of which rheumatism had deprived him; in fact, he left -Graefenberg a new man, and has ever since been perfectly well. This -gentleman said that, whilst in a fortress, with his regiment, almost all -the officers, except himself, suffered from influenza, whilst he -escaped, from drinking cold water and taking several ablutions a day. - -When a crisis is expected, Priessnitz increases the treatment, as he -also does when it has made its appearance: instead of discouraging the -crisis to proceed, he encourages it by all the means in his power. So -that eruptions, boils, fever, diarrhoea, inflammation, or aught else -brought out by the treatment, may be gradually reduced by it. In this -stage of the Water-cure, no compromise can be made; the fight must be -continued until the enemy quits the field. - -A lady of my acquaintance, on the appearance of an eruption, gave up the -treatment until it disappeared; the eruption took an inward direction -and inflammation of the lungs was the consequence: the most vigorous -measures were now resorted to by Priessnitz, or her life would, most -probably, have paid the forfeit. Another lady was treating herself to -great advantage. After some time, when some boils made their appearance, -she became uneasy and low-spirited. Alarmed, she left off the cure; the -boils receded, and a fever succeeded them, which, as she could not -procure advice, ended in a painful illness. When hydropathy was first -introduced into England, the death of a clergyman, who had been treated -by it, caused a great sensation. This gentleman went to an establishment -on the Rhine, where he staid two or three months: on his determining to -leave, the doctor, who saw indications of a Crisis, advised him to stay. -The patient disregarded this advice and proceeded home; when, as -predicted, a number of boils appeared. Mistaking these friends for -enemies, he sent for a medical man, who declared the boils to arise from -poverty of the blood, administered something to cause them to retire, -and advised him to drink wine and beer, and live freely. As might have -been expected, the result was fatal. - -Had this gentleman been subjected to the Packing-sheet followed by -Tepid-bathing; and had the boils been constantly bandaged, his health -would, doubtless, have been improved. - -I have known patients, whose blood was in an unhealthy state, throw out -boils for months; but who, from constantly applying bandages to them, -suffered but little inconvenience. - -At some of the establishments in Germany, when a crisis is indicated, it -is the practice to recommend patients to diminish the treatment or quit -it altogether, thus throwing away the golden opportunity of realising -health. Whilst at others with a limited knowledge of the Hydropathic -treatment, some practitioners resort to Allopathic or Homoaepathic[sic] -means of mitigating nature's effort to escape her bonds. Let not such -men be trusted: they know not what they do. When in Ireland, I treated a -person of advanced age who had been confined to bed for twelve months. -In two days he was able to walk out on crutches. After I left, a large -boil came in his back: not understanding the matter he gave up the -treatment. Instead of the boil being forced to a head, it retired, and -he fell into his old state. Had this boil been encouraged to a large -size, the patient would, after its bursting, have felt much relief. - -It is a common practice, under medical treatment, to open a boil, and -thus put an end to it--a quick method, no doubt, of affording relief; -but the morbific matters that could have accumulated there, and been -eliminated by it, remain in the system. Fevers again, under our medical -treatment, are suppressed; whilst in the Water-cure, the morbific heat -is extracted by the pores, and the whole system cooled through the -medium of the mucous membrane or skin. - -It is in a crisis, that the mind of the great Water-king is made -manifest. Such is the unbounded confidence of patients in him, that most -of them ardently desire to pass through this ordeal. It must be -observed, that, though it is sometimes a painful period, the assuaging -power of the bandages, the non-necessity of confinement or abstinence -from the usual diet, and the perfect security every one feels as to the -result, renders it endurable. It is at the same time equally true, and -worthy the attention of any one about to undertake the cure, that during -the revivifying process, weakness and lassitude are the pregnant -attendants of the early part of it; and greatly disappointed would be -that new aspirant to health who should fancy that all was _couleur de -rose_. It is an old saying, and perhaps true, that all good things cost -money or trouble; and the attainment of health, by the removal of -long-standing complaints through the water-cure, is no exception to the -rule. It is a delusion to suppose that inveterate diseases are to be -cured by the water treatment, as by miracle, without suffering. Moral -energy and firmness are necessary to go right through the ordeal. In -such circumstances the patient must exert all his fortitude to adhere -strictly to the instructions that are given to him. - - -XXXI.--DROPSY. - -A frequent argument made use of against drinking water is, that it -produces dropsy. Now, if this were true, it must be evident such a -complaint ought not to exist amongst us--for whoever heard of an -Englishman drinking too much water? On the contrary, the English nation -is remarkable for an almost hydrophobic dislike to it. - -The more the human body has been saturated with drugs, alcohols, and -other foreign matters, the greater is the necessity for a free action of -the pores and perspiration, because by these agents it seeks to relieve -itself of diseased matter. When the skin is relaxed or incumbered by -that oily exhalation which is constantly exuding from the pores, and too -often suffered to remain on the surface, fluids collect beneath the skin -and cause inflammation--this is called dropsy. - -One of the greatest promoters of dropsy, as every medical man knows, is -the lancet, by which the good blood is extracted and a watery fluid -substituted. Strong poisons of whatever nature they may be, either -mercury, blue pill, calomel, bark, iodine, or any other of the ten -thousand drugs from which relief is sought, and for which alcohols or -other stimulants are persevered in, tend to vitiate the juices, and -produce gout, dropsy, and numberless complaints from which the habitual -water-drinker is exempt. - -No modern writer on dropsy attributes it to drinking water, nor, -observes Dr. Johnson, is there anything in the physiology of the -capillary system of vessels which can warrant such an opinion; on the -contrary, _drinking largely of diluting liquids is always recommended as -an important part_ of the cure of dropsy. Dr. Gregory, author of the -Theory and Practice of Medicine, states that "no diuretic medicines are -likely to be of service, without very copious dilution;" and adds, -"_there cannot be a greater error_ than to imagine that dropsical -accumulations may be lessened by withholding liquid." - -From the returns of 1841, within the city of London and bills of -mortality, amongst a people opposed to the use of cold water in any way, -we find that from dropsy alone the deaths amounted to 584. - -Is not this fact alone sufficient to carry conviction to our minds, that -dropsy is not the effect of water drinking? It may be safely affirmed -that those who never take physic and who adhere to a water diet, will -never be attacked with dropsy. - -This complaint, except when of long standing, or under very -extraordinary circumstances, is generally curable. - - -XXXII.--SMOKING. - -"Though smoking is decidedly prejudicial to health, it is not so bad as -drinking to excess." - -"Smoking irritates the nerves and promotes the secretion of saliva, -which is withdrawn from digestion."[5] - - [5] Dr. Schmidt, of Berlin, is of opinion, that the saliva, and not - the gastric juice, is the digestive agent; and in this opinion he is - supported by Dr. Beaumont, of America. Dr. Richers stated to me that - he attended a lecturer who, from some defect, could only swallow a - portion of his saliva; that in consequence, during the course of an - hour's lecture, he would throw off nearly a quart of saliva. - -"By blunting the nerves, a man, as in drinking, may stand a great deal -of smoking without being visibly affected by it." - -"A person who, previously to undergoing the water-cure, could drink a -gallon of fermented liquor, may, after it, be affected by a single -glass--from the fact of his nerves having recovered their sensibility." - -"Persons who previously to the treatment were great smokers, are -frequently rendered ill by very little smoking after it." - -"The nerves are strong and vigorous in proportion to their sensibility -and freshness.--He who goes through a thorough water-cure treatment, -gains a great moral as well as physical command over himself." - -"It is generally the weak and debilitated who are the most sensual and -debauched." - -"The sound man has purer tastes, independent of his greater -self-command." - -"We find amongst the children of nature, amongst simple peasants who -have had but little contact with civilisation, the purest virtue and -truest feelings of honor."--PRIESSNITZ. - - -OBSERVATIONS.--Persons who consider themselves in health, will derive -advantage by six weeks' or two months' treatment at Graefenberg, and will -learn how to apply it to themselves or families. - -Parents will there acquire the habit of using cold water, be prepared to -ward off disease from themselves, and learn, by simple means, how to -preserve the health of their children. - -Officers in the army, who have an insight into hydropathy, will have -nothing to fear from epidemics; they will find that fevers and -inflammations are diseases which form the easiest part of Mr. -Priessnitz' practice. - -The water at Graefenberg has no advantage over that which we find -everywhere, except that it is peculiarly cold and fresh. In the general -purposes of the cure, water should be soft, that is to say, it must -possess the quality of dissolving, and for this reason it must be cold, -and divested of all mineral properties; for to prove its fitness, linen -cloth washed in it must become white, and vegetables dressed in it -tender. Trout living in water does not prove its softness, but frogs do; -the softest of all waters is the rain. Hard water makes the skin rough, -but soft water, on the contrary, renders it smooth. When water, with the -slightest acidity in it, has been suffered to remain in leaden pipes, -pumps or cisterns for any length of time, it absorbs the dangerous -qualities of the lead; and this has been known to produce serious -consequences. It is necessary, therefore, that water should be drawn off -before any is drunk. - -Those who wish to begin ablutions in winter, should do so in a warm -room, and as a beginning, instead of washing, they may wet a towel, and -with it be well rubbed all over twice a day, or use the rubbing-sheet. -The morning immediately on getting out of bed, is the best time for the -first ablution; the other should be undertaken two or three hours after -eating, _never_ on a full stomach, nor immediately after making any -great exertion. The rubbing should be continued from three to five -minutes. - -It is conceived that one ablution a-day, and the drinking of cold water, -will enable those who are in health, and in the enjoyment of life, to -continue in that state. After any excess, instead of resorting to drugs, -the rubbing sheet should be resorted to, and an increase in cold water -as a beverage. The same means may be resorted to by persons who have any -reason to suppose that they have caught cold. - -In answer to the question, whether there is not some risk of catching -cold whilst washing, we answer, "Not the least." There is no better way -of guarding against colds, or of hardening the skin, to contend with -atmospheric changes. But in cold weather it is as well that all the body -should be wetted simultaneously. Even in cold weather the temperature of -the room to which the body is exposed, is higher or warmer than the -water used, which cannot, in consequence, produce a cold. The contrary -remark may be applied to warm water, as we have all experienced on -getting out of a warm bath even in summer. A Russian lady of the -author's acquaintance took a _warm_ bath immediately after dinner, the -result was, a want of reaction, and a complete paralysation of the whole -of one side of the body. - -Before entering cold water, we ought to wash the head and the chest, in -order to prevent the blood ascending to those regions. - -People, without knowing whether hot or mineral waters will be beneficial -or otherwise, make use of them because it is the fashion so to do, or -because their application is agreeable. A little reflection would show -them that there will not be a wholesome reaction; that taken inwardly -they must necessarily injure or destroy the coats of the stomach; and -when applied outwardly, weaken the skin, thereby rendering the body -susceptible to every change of weather. - -Those who resort to sea-bathing in general pay little or no attention to -diet. To derive advantage from a trip to any of our watering places, the -latter, for the time at least, should be attended to. - -The fact that the action of the human heart is repeated at least one -hundred thousand times a-day, with sufficient force to keep in continual -movement a mass of from 50 to 60 lbs. of blood, might lead to the -inquiry what watch, what machinery could be more easily deranged? Can we -wonder at men being ill who are constantly eating too much, who indulge -in acid wines, in thick and adulterated beer, or spirituous liquors, or -hot liquids of whatsoever nature they may be? - -Few of us sufficiently appreciate pure cold water. What will not man -submit to rather than adopt such means of cure--adapt himself to such -self-denial? What pain will he not endure; what poisons swallow or rub -into his flesh, rather than consent to seek relief from such a humble -source? - -Animals, when thirsty, repair to the brook to quench their thirst; when -wounded, to assuage the pain. Water is nature's medicine and man -despises it. - -What organic matter can grow or live without water? We know that animals -or plants excluded from its influence die. Observe the vivifying effects -of water upon vegetation after a shower. Then what shall be said to -vain, short-sighted man, who sets nature's laws at defiance, by avoiding -what they enjoin, and indulging in what they interdict? Why should he -live without water more than all else that has life? It may be answered -"He does not live his time;" for every day's experience proves that more -than half the inhabitants of the civilised world are tormented by one -disease or another, which causes them to die before the natural term of -life is completed. This, evidently, was not the intention of Divine -Providence, since water, found every where, will prevent or cure -disease, enable human beings to attain a good old age, and die without -pain. - -Stiffened joints, the dull eye, thickness of breathing, an unnatural -tendency to corpulency, wrinkles, baldness, bad sight, and sallowness of -complexion, are failings which clearly indicate an habitual distaste for -water. It cannot be doubted, that in many of these cases, the mere -drinking plentifully of water, and washing the body once a day, would -afford relief. If they had always been accustomed to this they would not -have been thus affected. - -What numbers of weakly, crippled children we see? "Parents, do you wash -their bodies; do you encourage them in the drinking of water? If not, -you are instrumental to their future misery: you deprive them of the -power of being healthy in life, or attaining to longevity." In looking -around on the organic world, we cannot but admire the perfection -everything seems to attain--the noblest work of creation an exception; -we exclaim, with Goldsmith, "Man seems the only growth that dwindles -here." - -"Health is the natural state of man. - -"The causes of bodily disease, not proceeding from external injury, are -material, and consist of foreign matters introduced into the system. - -"These foreign matters are divided into four parts:-- - -"I. Bodily substances which have not been eliminated in proper time. - -"II. Substances not assimilated, and notwithstanding which, remain in -the stomach, the skin, or the interior. -[Transcriber's note: items III and IV not explicitly identified] - -"Contagious ulcers. - -"Corrupted elements; epidemical diseases. - -"Every acute disease is an attempt to dispel diseased matter. - -"Fever is not a disease, but the consequence of it; it is an effect of -an exertion greater than the power of the system. - -"The radical healing of acute diseases is only possible by releasing the -diseased matter, by means of water, an agent which invariably effects -its object, and that always in a manner perceptible to the senses. - -"By means of physic and bleeding, acute diseases become chronic; the -system, medically treated, effects a partial, but never a total ejection -of diseased matter. - -"As sooner or later a body must yield to the effects of drugs, it is -quite impossible that any one suffering from chronic disease, unless -healed by Hydropathy, should die a natural death. - -"Chronic disease cannot be permanently cured by drugs: Hydropathy alone -will effect this, by changing the chronic evil to acute eruptions, which -are cured in the same way that acute diseases are cured. - -"Men, like other organic beings, ought to live according to nature's -law, without pain, and die a natural death, that is to say, without -illness or suffering. But with us almost every body dies prematurely, -from the effects of poisoning in some way or other."--ARBUTHNOT. - -It was stated to Priessnitz, that in a case of gout, the bowels of the -patient by the treatment, had become constipated, to which he replied, -"Cold water never produces torpor of the bowels, but on the contrary, it -excites." - -"In the cure of disease, that which is most agreeable is not always the -best. That which lowers the system, generally soothes and allays pain; -bleeding, drugs, opium, and warm baths do this, but they may fix the -disease firmer in the system, they diminish the energy so necessary to -eradicate the disease. Thus Gout, Piles, and many other complaints, are -never thoroughly cured by the faculty; they cannot abate the symptoms -without lowering the system." - -"To promote a crisis, dress lightly; warm clothing relaxes the skin. The -stronger and harder the skin, the better will a crisis be developed. -Every sore and boil cannot be considered a crisis, some degenerate into -disease, and have an inward tendency. In a proper crisis of boils, they -rise, burst, and heal." - -"For itching rash in the arm, do not wear the bandage, unless great pain -ensues, and in that case only at night." - -"Chopping or sawing wood is better exercise for the stomach and bowels -than walking." - -To a lady who complained of want of sleep, and much pain from an -eruption on her body, Priessnitz said "Take a tepid bath for some days, -eat lean meat without salt, and indulge freely in butter, you will get -well as soon as the rash has expended itself: there can be no repose for -the nerves until the humours that fret them are expelled." - -"Nervous temperaments are the strongest, but most irritable when excited -by acid humours." - -"Fingers being white after cold bathing denote weak nerves; the fingers -having lost their vitality, the blood ceases to circulate." - -"Constipation and relaxation of the bowels proceed from the same causes, -weakness and impurities; hydropathy corrects both." - -"It is impossible to warm, for any length of time, by hot viands and -warm water, their constant application only chills the more; by relaxing -and dilating they produce the opposite effects to those which are so -essential to health, namely Contraction. Cold water determines the -Caloric currents outwards from the vital centre, and promotes -decomposition." - -"I cannot understand how drugs can reach any destined point; it appears -to me that all drugs are inimical to the human subject." - -"Medicine introduced into the system, like the venom of a serpent, -permeates all the tissues." - -"Mercury becomes enveloped in phlegm or slime, and remains in the -system, notwithstanding the body is continually subjected to the laws of -renovation and decay." - -"Powerful medicines act speedily and detrimentally to the constitution. -The Water-cure is slow but advantageous in its operations." - -"The wet sheet, which is in fact, a poultice, extracts pernicious -matters, as a sponge water from a basin, and brings something away each -time it is immersed in it." - - -XXXIII.--QUESTIONS PUT TO MR. PRIESSNITZ, AND HIS ANSWERS. - -1.--Q. What should be done for:-- - -Severe cold settled on the lungs, attended with cough and expectoration? - -A. Rub the chest and throat with cold water, and hold water in the mouth -often. In cold climates, bandage the throat: in warm climates, washing -it often is best. - -2.--Q. Inflammation and soreness of throat attended with hoarseness and -difficulty in speaking? - -A. As No. 1. - -3.--Q. Exposure to change of climate with clothes occasionally wet, -attended with shivering? - -A. Rubbing-sheets. - -4.--Q. Continual public speaking of damp evenings? - -A. Rubbing-sheets. Wash head well. A foot-bath for a long time; and take -exercise afterwards until feet are warm. - -5.--Q. Cold accompanied by fever and restlessness at night? - -A. As No. 4. - -6.--Q. Head-ache occasioned by excitement? - -A. As No. 4. - -7.--Q. Shooting pain and tightness across the chest? - -A. As No. 4, and rub the chest well with wet hand. - -8.--Q. How guard against the effects of a damp atmosphere? - -A. Keep the throat and chest always bare; if kept close and warm they -will soon become relaxed. Parts most used should be exposed to the air. - -9.--Q. At present I am packed for half an hour, and take the plunge bath -at 5 A.M. Douche for three minutes at 12. Two Abreibungs and a Sitz-bath -for half an hour at 5 P.M. If I remain the summer, should I continue or -diminish this cure? - -A. Continue it certainly for a month, and then begin to diminish it, -leaving off the Douche for instance. - -10.--Q. If continued, might I take the Douche after my walk in the -morning before breakfast, and the Abreibungs at mid-day, so as to have -my afternoons free? - -A. Some cure must be taken after dinner as a rule; but in case of -necessity the cure may be shirked. - -11.--Q. Ought I to continue any part of the treatment on leaving -Graefenberg, and what? - -A. Washing morning and evening, either bath or Abreibung. - -12.--Q. After leaving must I attend to the same diet, and abstain -entirely from Wine, Coffee, and Tea? or may I indulge in them -continuously in small quantities, or only occasionally? - -A. Wine, Coffee and Tea may be taken now and then, but by no means -regularly. - -13.--Q. On any return of my old complaints, blistered mouth, -indigestion, restlessness, uneasy sensations in the back and side, what -portion of the cure should I have recourse to? - -A. The old complaints ought not to return, and will not if the cure is -carried through the summer; on the appearance of any of them, they must -be treated the same as they were here. - -14.--Q. The sensations mentioned before now return sometimes; but vanish -after a few days' severe treatment. It is only since the last month that -my limbs and muscles have appeared to recover their tone and firmness, -and enlarge. - -A. Both of these observations speak volumes for the continuance of the -cure, as one cannot do too much: but one may easily do too little; and -it would be highly advisable to keep on cleansing and strengthening -every possible way. - -15.--Q. Should I continue any of the treatment for the child? - -A. Bathe the child every morning and evening, that is, cold washing, by -means of bath or Abreibungs. - -16.--Q. Might I myself treat her in the cases of measles and scarlatina, -and how? - -A. In case of slight fever, a rubbing-sheet and Umschlag; but it is -impossible to prescribe beforehand how these diseases are to be treated, -as one cannot know how the child may be affected. If the fever is -severe, more wet sheets or rubbing-sheets must be used than if it is -slight. The criterion of treatment is the degree of fever. - - - - -TREATMENT AND CASES. - -XXXIV.--GOUT. - - -Great difference of opinion exists as to the cause of gout. Ancient -physicians called it the daughter of Bacchus and Venus; and truly -persons, or their progeny, devoted to these two divinities, offer the -greatest number of examples. - -To cure this complaint, the ingenuity of thousands of scientific men has -been taxed, and the whole pharmacopoeia applied to in vain. Perspiration -is mostly resorted to; but as this is effected by warm baths, vapour -baths, or drugs, the consequences are so debilitating that few -constitutions can bear them. The result of all medical treatment in this -disease is, the degradation of robust constitutions, and the promotion -of diseases worse than the gout itself. - -Volumes might be written on the various remedial measures which have -been resorted to in this complaint, and of which time has shewn the -fallacy. We now ask the invalid, if he ever knew the gout radically -cured by any pharmaceutical means? Were Hydropathists asked whether they -ever knew cases of gout cured by water, they would unhesitatingly answer -in the affirmative. Incipient gout is always curable. The same may be -said of chronic gout, except in isolated cases: then Hydropathy -invariably gives relief; and by regulating the functions of the body, -improves the general health. - -The following treatment and cases will shew how the manipulation is -varied, to combat this disease in its manifold forms:-- - -Gout cannot be cured by local applications; the whole system must be -purified by a general treatment, or no permanent cure can be effected. - -For occasional attacks of gout in the extremities, the constitution -being otherwise robust:-- - -In the morning, put a bandage on the part affected, pack the patient in -blankets (sweating process) until perspiration appears in the face. - -Then put him into the half-bath--water 62 deg. to 65 deg. Fahr.; let him be well -rubbed in this from 5 to 25 minutes, or until friction can be applied to -all parts alike. Cold water should be occasionally poured over head and -shoulders during the operation. This ended, put bandages round the waist -and on the afflicted part. - -For the second treatment:--About mid-day, rubbed in a packing-sheet; -take a sitz-bath for fifteen minutes--first time tepid 64 deg., afterwards -cold; then put the offending member into cold water for ten or fifteen -minutes, and renew bandages. - -In the afternoon, at 5 o'clock, repeat mid-day treatment. During the -day, drink ten to fourteen tumblers of water. - -The above treatment will generally put an end to a slight attack of -gout; but to eradicate it from the system, the cure must be followed up. -To effect this, for the sweating process on the second day, substitute -the packing-sheet until warm, which generally requires the patient to -lie in it from thirty minutes to an hour. - -Where a bath cannot be obtained, the rubbing sheet is used instead; this -should be very little wrung out, and if one does not cool the body, a -second or a third should be applied. - -The douche is often applied in gout; but as that cannot be the case in -ordinary practice, the practitioner must use his discretion in -prescribing it. - -It is good treatment to use the sweating process in the morning, and the -packing-sheet in the afternoon. - -The bandages must be worn day and night, and changed often. - - -_Cases._--A patient, fifty years of age, with rheumatic gout, bad -digestion, nervousness, fingers blue and swollen, slight pain in the -knee, much debilitated, was ordered:--In the morning, five rubbing -sheets, two or three minutes each, allowing a short interim between -each. At noon, the same. At five o'clock, the same. Ten tumblers of -water daily. Bandages to parts affected, and round the loins always. On -the patient experiencing great pain under the knees, the morning -treatment was changed to lying in packing-sheets until well warmed, -followed by the tepid bath. Patient soon improved in health. - - -A----, forty-six years of age, suffered fifteen years from periodical -attacks of gout, and had his last severe attack in his feet, hands, and -elbows, accompanied by paralysis, which affected his voice. - -_Treatment._--Laid in packing-sheet until perspiration ensued (two or -three hours); then tepid bath renewed by cold water being thrown over -head and shoulders; noon, rubbing-sheet, followed by sitz-bath 62 deg. for -fifteen minutes; cold foot-bath fifteen minutes, and head-bath ten -minutes; afternoon, morning treatment repeated. - -Alternate days, sweating in blankets instead of the sheets; all other -treatment the same as before. - -This continued treatment was persevered in for ten weeks, when patient -was prescribed sweating in the morning, and packing-sheet in the -afternoon, followed by cold bath. Sitz and foot-baths as before; -head-bath discontinued. Shortly after, sweating twice a day, with -foot-baths, fifteen minutes in the middle of the day. Sitz-baths -dispensed with. This treatment at the end of six weeks was again changed -for perspiring only once a day, for three hours. Patient was at length -ordered to discontinue the treatment altogether, and proceed to the -sea-side for a month. Soon after his return again to Graefenberg, he was -able to walk fifteen miles at a time, as is seen by his own letter. - - -B----, fifty-six years of age, suffering from Gout upwards of seventeen -years, generally incapacitated from following his occupation seven or -eight months in a year. Feet and hands distorted. - -_Treatment._--Packing sheet and tepid-bath in morning and afternoon, and -sitz and foot-bath, each fifteen minutes; at noon, bandages round the -waist. After a week's treatment, a fit of gout came on in foot and -ankle, which was combated by packing-sheet and tepid bath before -breakfast; tepid sitz-bath at noon, and the morning treatment repeated -in the afternoon. After three days, a boil began to form under the left -jaw; treatment continued, with the exception of patient's going (_after -the packing-sheet_), into tepid bath for two minutes, then into the cold -bath for two minutes, and back to the tepid, from ten to fifteen -minutes. - -In eight days, gout returned with greater violence, when recourse was -had to the packing-sheet, as before; with tepid baths from twenty -minutes to an hour, besides following up other parts of the treatment. -In seven or eight days the fit quite subsided. Some time after this he -had a relapse, which patient stated to me, under the allopathic -treatment, would have confined him to his room at least six months; this -was treated as follows:-- - -Packing-sheet until warm, followed by tepid bath, ten minutes; then -walked about the room for a quarter of an hour; then the bath again for -a quarter of an hour, a respite of a few minutes, and the bath a third -time. - -Two hours after the above operation, a tepid sitting-bath 62 deg., for -twenty minutes. - -In the afternoon the packing-sheet and bath as before. This treatment -was repeated, every day for six days, when patient was out of doors -again. - -From this time patient felt himself so changed a man, that the author -saw him cry with joy. He could use his limbs as he had not done for many -years, and to prove it, ran up a hill with astonishing alacrity. Three -days treatment were sufficient to reduce the swelling of his knuckles, -toes, and hands. - -This patient, on his first arrival, Mr. Priessnitz ordered, without any -previous preparation, into a tepid bath, where he was rubbed upwards of -an hour. - - -C----, aged forty. Gout generally returned in summer. - -_Treatment._--Morning, and afternoon, packing-sheet, tepid bath; noon, -douche, three minutes. - -After six weeks treatment, strong redness and much pain to the -conjunctiva; douche omitted. - -Sitz-baths of from an hour to an hour and a half; foot-baths; cold wet -bandages to the eye, which became effected. - -Then sweating processes, with wet bandages to the head, which afforded -relief. - -Alternate tepid, cold and tepid baths for a quarter of an hour; -immediately after the packing-sheet, foot-bath and water poured over the -ancle. Eyes still red; foot-bath resorted to three times a day, followed -by rubbing sheet, instead of the bath and bandage to the eye. Eyes could -bear the light. Patient's appetite good and sleep sound. At night his -arms, head, and most of his body were covered with bandages. - -In three weeks, patient's whole body covered with an eruption; recourse -again had to the packing-sheet and tepid bath twice a day. From this -time health improved daily. - -D----, a gouty subject, forty-five years of age. Priessnitz, called up -in the middle of the night, found the Baron labouring under an attack of -gout in his chest and stomach, which almost prevented his breathing. He -was immediately put into a packing-sheet for from five to ten minutes, -and out of that into a tepid bath, where two men rubbed him for a -quarter of an hour; cold water being continually thrown over his head -and shoulders; this effectually put an end to the attack, and the -patient afterwards slept soundly until the time for his usual treatment -next morning. This case shows that the fear of this treatment driving -gout to the stomach, is groundless and it combats a dangerous attack, -and quicker than it can be done by any other means. - - -_Hereditary Gout._--E----, a Polish nobleman, fifty-four years of age, -suffered two winters from hereditary gout, which had existed in his -family for upwards of forty years. - -He was attacked in his feet and arms, which confined him to his bed -several months. - -_Treatment:_--In the mornings, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, -rubbing-sheet followed by sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, -rubbing-sheet. - -In eighteen days he had boils on his feet and arms, from which matter -continued to exude for three or four weeks; at the expiration of which -Priessnitz said, "Now we will increase the treatment, to see if any more -bad matter remains in the system." - -The sweating process and cold bath were now resorted to three or four -times a week; the packing-sheet and cold bath other days; and the douche -every day for three minutes. This treatment was continued for several -weeks, during which no change of any kind was produced, a confirmation -of the cure being effected. - -On leaving Graefenberg, Priessnitz advised him to return the next year, -to see if the cure was a radical one. - -In 1845, the Count returned, when he was subjected to a most vigorous -treatment, such as sweating, douche, etc., for a month, without any -return of gout. - -On leaving Graefenberg he assured me, that he was not only cured of gout; -but that his digestive powers, which for years had been deranged, were -in perfect order, and that his general health was completely restored. - -Sixteen years previous to the Count's going to Graefenberg, he had his -elbow wounded by a ball in a duel, which occasionally caused him great -pain. For the cure of this, he, at the time, rubbed in a yellow -ointment. Singular to say, after a lapse of sixteen years, during a -crisis, this ointment re-appeared on the elbow and arm, so thick as to -be taken off with the finger. The exuding of this ointment lasted about -eight days. Since the cure of his gout was effected, the arm has been -pliant, and the elbow has been free from pain. - - -_Gout in Head and Feet._--F----, a German professor, aged sixty; a small -delicate man, with gout in both hands and both feet: all were -contracted, he had been a martyr to gout for years and upwards, when a -paroxysm of gout came on the following morning. - -The following treatment was resorted to. Morning, packing-sheet until -thoroughly warm; then tepid bath 64 deg. for two hours, during which time -200 cans of cold water were thrown over his head and shoulders. - -Twenty-five cans were first thrown; then great friction for some time; -then twenty-five cans more, followed by friction; and so repeated until -two hundred cans had been thrown over him. - -Heating bandages were applied to all parts afflicted, and kept there day -and night. - -The above treatment was resorted to again in the afternoon. - -One paroxysm that I witnessed, lasted three weeks. It was astonishing to -see the courage displayed by this patient. - -Each operation afforded relief for the time; but the enemy had strong -hold upon the system, and was ejected with difficulty. - -During all the time the patient had a good appetite and slept soundly at -night. - -He was still under the cure when I left Graefenberg. Priessnitz said, to -effect this cure, it would require at least four years' treatment, which -the patient said he would prefer to a renewal of the suffering he had -already undergone, previously to coming to Graefenberg. - -_Calcareous Deposit in the Knees, and high state of Inflammation._--The -last case shews how the human body may be exposed to the action of -water, with friction, for any length of time. The present case is that -of an English Gentleman, well known to all visitors at Graefenberg. - -G----, aged between 50 and 60, gouty for the last twenty years, with -contraction of the limbs, chalk stones having formed in the joints. This -patient travelled from Italy to Graefenberg during the heat of summer, -and, on arriving, had a most painful attack of gout in his lower -extremities. - -Priessnitz, without the least preparation, put him into a tepid bath, -and he was rubbed by three men for nearly three hours, occasionally -throwing pails of cold water over his head and shoulders. This so -reduced the inflammation, that, towards the end of that period, the -afflicted part might also be rubbed with the wet hand. - -Heating bandages were then applied to those parts and the waist. - -Water was drunk plentifully during and after the operation. - -Patient was able afterwards to get out of doors with the use of sticks, -and slept well at night. - -Next morning he began the regular treatment, which was as follows:-- - -Packing-sheet until warm; then the bath as before for about two hours; -noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, morning -process renewed. - -Mr. Priessnitz told this patient that, by the following means, he might -always ward off a violent attack of gout:-- - -On feeling the slightest sensation of gout, he should instantly be put -into a tepid bath, 62 deg., replenished with cold water, and be therein -rubbed for a couple of hours. - -This gentleman's general health is perfect: he very seldom has any -attacks, and they are slight; but the calcareous deposit in his knees, -up to the present, resists all attempts at removal. - - -_Acute attack of Gout._--A patient being attacked with gout was put into -a tepid bath, 68 deg., up to the neck, and rubbed by himself and two -men. By particular injunctions, the process was not to be discontinued -until all pain subsided. The original temperature of the bath was -maintained by fresh supplies of cold water. In seven hours the patient -was completely relieved. His after-treatment was:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and plunge-bath, bandage round the waist and on -part afflicted; at noon, douche, and afterwards a rubbing-sheet; -afternoon, rubbing-sheet; the simplest food. On a return of the acute -attack, patient was ordered to perform the bath operation again; but, -not persevering in remaining seven hours in the bath, the attack was not -overcome: the patient was then ordered cold bath every morning before -breakfast (temperature kept always as cold as possible), from fifteen to -twenty minutes, which effected the cure. This patient was allowed a -little weak chocolate, and was ordered to drink abundantly of water. - - -A---- had a most violent attack at Graefenberg, for which he was put up -to his neck into a tepid bath, 64 deg., and there rubbed by two men for -_seven_ hours. Priessnitz gave particular orders that the patient should -not leave the bath until all pain had completely subsided. Cold water -was frequently added, to keep that in the bath at the original -temperature. By these means the attack was completely subdued. Daily -treatment:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and cold plunge-bath; bandage to be applied to -parts affected; noon, douche, and sitz-bath, fifteen minutes; afternoon, -as in the morning. - -Instructions:--Eat plain food; and in case of a return of gout, -faithfully perform the first operation. - - -_Gout in the Foot and Ankle._--A lady awoke in the morning with pain in -her foot and ankle, which were both swollen. - -_Treatment._--Packing-sheet for an hour, followed by a rubbing-sheet; -after which a foot-bath, up to the instep, for a quarter of an hour; and -the foot and leg, up to the knee, well rubbed all the time. - -Bandages were then applied from the toes to the knee. - -At noon, and in the afternoon, the foot-bath was again applied, and the -bandages were changed. - -This simple treatment put an end to the attack in two days. If it had -not done so, it ought to have been repeated. - - -XXXV.--RHEUMATISM, ETC. - -Gout, rheumatism, sciatica, lumbago, tic doloureux, and neuralgia, all -being attended with inflammation, are so nearly allied, that the same -treatment as for gout, with slight variation, might be applied to any or -all of them. - - -_Rheumatism._--On a slight attack of rheumatism, rub the part affected -with wet hands three times a day, from a quarter of an hour to an hour -each time; then apply a bandage, which change when dry, and wear it -until the pain ceases. - -Rub the body all over with a wet towel, then a dry one; wait five -minutes, then repeat the same operation four times in succession: this -will animate the circulation. Then apply a bandage as in the case of -gout. This treatment should be applied several times a day. Rheumatic -subjects ought never to be overclothed, wear flannel, or fail drinking -water. - -When the attack is more severe, three rubbing-sheets in succession, -allowing an interim of from three to five minutes between each. The body -must be dried after each rubbing-sheet; this increases the effect of the -next rubbing-sheet. Rub the parts affected often with wet hands, and -apply bandages. This treatment may be repeated three or four times a -day. If there is a great want of circulation, the patient may lie in bed -until warm, between the application of each rubbing-sheet. - - -_Neuralgic Pains._--Whatever the nature of these pains may be (supposing -the patient not too debilitated), perspiration will generally be found -to relieve them. To effect this:-- - -When in bed in the morning, add a number of blankets, and on them a -feather-bed: there remain until in a profuse perspiration; then cool the -body, either by rubbing-sheets, a cold bath,--or get a washing-tub, -stand up in it, and have some jugs of water poured over the head and -shoulders. This very often settles the affair at once. - -A patient was afflicted in every joint so that he could not be moved in -bed without great pain. - -Packing-sheets until warm, which required about half an hour, ten times -a day, allowing an interval between them. Each packing sheet was -followed by a rubbing with wet hands. - -This treatment in one day enabled patient to stand; then the packing -sheets were used four times a day, followed by rubbing sheets. Parts -affected and loins always enclosed in bandages. Patient drank sixteen to -twenty glasses of water a day. He was out of doors the third day, and -afterwards pursued a more vigorous treatment, such as sweating, douche, -&c. - -A----, had a severe rheumatic attack in both knees; he thought swinging -his legs backwards and forwards would relieve him; instead of which, it -brought on enlargement of the joints and inflammation: whilst at -Graefenberg I inquired of Priessnitz what he ought to have done.-- - -_Answer_--He ought in, the first instance, to have rubbed the knees well -and often with wet hands and worn a bandage. If this was not sufficient, -then to have put the feet and legs, over the knees into cold water for -half an hour at least, rubbing them all the time, and apply a bandage -from the calf of the leg to the middle of the thigh. - - -_Chronic Rheumatism._--A----, contracted rheumatism in 1837, which -commenced as sciatica. Constitution greatly debilitated. Medical advice, -sea baths, hot baths, and other remedies, useless. - -Patient went to Graefenberg, August 1843, and left in May following. - -_Treatment._--Packing-sheet, followed by cold bath twice a-day; noon, -sitz-bath and foot-bath, fifteen minutes each; legs rubbed all the time -up to the knee. Douche three minutes daily. - -In November, one of his usual attacks came on, when sixteen rubbing -sheets a-day were resorted to. Four of these were given in succession -four times a-day; between each rubbing sheet, the patient being weak lay -down in bed, until warm bandages were applied as usual. - -This attack subsided after the second day, when patient renewed his -former treatment. - - -B----, travelling in North America, and exposed to severe rains without -the means of changing his clothes, suffered the consequences such -circumstances frequently entail. Rheumatism almost beyond endurance -induced him to go to Graefenberg. - -At the first interview, Priessnitz put him first into a tepid bath 64 -deg., out of which he plunged into a cold bath, where he staid about a -minute, and from that he returned again to the tepid, when bandages were -applied to his waist and parts affected. - -_Treatment._--Morning, packing-sheet until warm, then cold bath; noon, -rubbing-sheet; afternoon, packing-sheet, twenty minutes, and then -rubbing-sheet again. - -Left Graefenberg in a month, during which time patient used the -rubbing-sheet mornings and evenings; exposed his body (after that in the -morning) quite naked in his room, from a quarter to half an hour. - -On returning to Graefenberg, the douche was substituted for the -rubbing-sheet at noon. After continuing the treatment for some time, -rheumatism returned, when he was ordered three rubbing-sheets five -minutes each, twice a-day; between each an air bath of five minutes. - -A crisis of boils ensued, and after they healed, patient was perfectly -well. The patient writes to a friend--"I now leave Graefenberg with a -clean body, and a sincere wish for your own speedy cure, and that of all -the agreeable acquaintances that I leave behind me, under the safe care -of our virtuous and sagacious friend V. Priessnitz." - - -_Chronic Rheumatism, Chronic Headache, Constipation, Piles, &c._--A -Gentleman, aged about 45, was treated as follows:-- - -Morning, sweating process and cold bath, three minutes; noon, douche, -three minutes; an hour afterwards, sitz-bath fifteen minutes; foot-bath -fifteen minutes; head-bath ten minutes; one following the other -immediately; afternoon, noon treatment over again; all night--loins, -feet, legs, and thighs, to the fork, were encased in bandages. - -In a few months, rheumatism, piles, and constipation were cured, but -head-ache returned at intervals. - - -_Rheumatic attack in the Back, Shoulders, and Neck._--The sweating -process, followed by three rubbing-sheets not much wrung out, applied -without intermission for five minutes each, put an end to the attack at -once. If this number of rubbing-sheets had not cooled the body, more -must have been used. - -Had rheumatism continued, rubbing-sheets must have been resorted to -again in the afternoon, and the sweating resumed the next day. - - -_Rheumatic Fever._--For a slight attack of rheumatic fever, three -rubbing-sheets three times a-day were found sufficient. - - -_Rheumatic Gout._--A gentleman named Heymann, about 34 years of age, at -the fire at Hamburg was exposed to the wet from the engines for several -days and nights. The result was, a violent attack of rheumatic gout; -first in the knees and feet, then neck and arms; afterward in hip and -both breasts, which confined him to bed a whole year, from April 1843 to -April 1844. During this time he took large quantities of medicine, and -used steam and sulphur baths: about seventy of the former, and near a -hundred of the latter. Also mud and sulphur baths, which enabled him to -walk for about a month, when he was again confined to bed. Gout having -attacked the breast, both his medical attendants declared they could do -no more. 1st May, 1844, he was conveyed to Graefenberg, so crippled that -he could not dress himself. He began the treatment as follows:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, three rubbing-sheets, at -intervals of five minutes, with open windows; afternoon, packing-sheet -one hour, and tepid bath; bandage round the body, and from ankles to -knees during the night. - -Pain increasing, parts affected were rubbed with wet hands both day and -night until they became hot. Body entirely bandaged by night. Bandage -changed three or four times as pain resulted from the bandages being -dry. - -At the expiration of three months, patient enabled to walk out. -Treatment changed. - -Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, one rubbing-sheet, followed -by sitz-bath for quarter of an hour; douche before and after breakfast -for three minutes; then morning and evening packing-sheet and bath; -tepid for two minutes; then cold one minute and back to tepid bath for -two minutes, instead of an entire tepid bath. - -Two months' continuation of this treatment brought out an eruption -around the body, and on the calves of the legs; also a strong fever -which lasted nine days, which was succeeded by boils. - -Then three packing-sheet a-day were applied, and tepid, cold, and tepid -baths; continually changing from one to another for an hour and a half. -Douche and rubbing-sheet stopped during the fever. - -The eruption continued for three months, discharging whitish brown -matter. During all this time the last treatment was persevered in. - -The eruption and boils gave great relief. When pain was diminished and -the eruption ceased, the body bandage was relinquished and those of the -waist and calves retained, and cold bath for one minute, succeeded the -packing sheet. - -1st April, 1845. Douche, from three to five minutes, substituted for the -rubbing-sheet. - -May 16th, 1845.--Patient was declared perfectly well. He had gone the -whole of the winter without stockings, neckcloth, or waistcoat, wearing -only linen coat and trousers, and sleeping with his windows wide open. -When I saw him at Graefenberg, in May, I thought I never saw a man in -such robust rude health in my life. - -This case made a great sensation at Hamburg, as the party is well known -on the exchange of that city. - - -_Sciatica._--A soldier aged 35, after having been three months in the -hospital with Sciatica, without relief, was cured in five days by the -following treatment:-- - -In the morning sweating process and cold bath; noon, two rubbing-sheets; -afternoon, the same; much rubbing at other times with wet hands. -Bandages to the part were applied, and much water drank. - -This case was treated by the author at Limerick; and the following -process was adopted:-- - - -_Sciatica and Lumbago._--Patient ordered:--Morning, four rubbing-sheets; -at noon, the same; afternoon the same, and if necessary, to be repeated -on going to bed. The usual interval of time between each sheet to be -observed, and parts affected covered in bandages. The treatment to have -been repeated next day, had not the first removed the pains. - -In all cases of this nature, Rubbing with wet hands is highly -beneficial, and sometimes Enemas of cold water should be resorted to. If -obstinate, the sweating process must be employed. I knew a very severe -acute case of Sciatica and Lumbago relieved in two days, by the -application of four rubbing-sheets at four intervals during the day, and -the evening bandages were applied, and water drunk in abundance. - - -_Lumbago or Rick in the Back._--A young man woke early in the morning -with a most excruciating pain in his loins. He could not determine -whether it was simply Lumbago, or a Rick in the back, brought on from -playing at skittles or chopping wood the day before. - -Priessnitz had him turned on his stomach, his back rubbed for an hour -with wet hands, and then covered with a bandage. - -The Rubbing was to be repeated every four hours, and the bandage changed -every two hours. - -The patient was to remain lying on his stomach the whole day and night -if not cured. The reason for this must be evident to those who reflect -upon it. Cured the same day. - -Violent attack of Lumbago, supposed to have been brought on by using the -dumb-bells; the party being unaccustomed to their use. - -Patient had rubbing with wet hands, and wearing a bandage for two days, -when he could hardly rise from a chair; then he commenced the following -treatment:-- - -Saturday.--Morning, packing-sheet for an hour, followed by three -rubbing-sheets; noon, two rubbing-sheets and an Enema; night, a -rubbing-sheet. This was not renewed at night, as patient's extremities -were cold and prevented his sleeping. - -Sunday.--Four rubbing-sheets; after this operation, the improvement was -almost miraculous. Patient took a long walk. - -Monday.--Treatment as yesterday; could turn in bed with less difficulty. - -Tuesday.--Packing-sheet forty minutes, preceded by a tepid-bath sixteen -minutes, with great friction; noon, four rubbing-sheets; evening, loins -rubbed with wet hands for half-an-hour. - -Wednesday.--Slept well and could turn with ease in bed; three -rubbing-sheets and friction thrice during the day with wet hands. - -Drank fourteen tumblers of water daily, and wore a bandage night and -day. - -Thursday.--Perfectly well. By the means here described, patient's bowels -were kept in order; his tongue always clean. Had his treatment failed, -the sweating process must have been resorted to. - - -XXXVI.--TIC-DOLOUREUX. - -This is another of those complaints that baffle medical skill, and upon -which medical men are at issue as to the cause; some alleging it to be a -derangement of the nervous system, others think it is in the humours of -the body, which contain an acrimony irritating to the nerves. - -The result of my observation is, that if under the Water cure, it is not -cured in three months, it is extremely doubtful if it will succumb to -that treatment. Dr. Munde doubted if purely nervous Tic-doloureux was -curable by any process; but speaks more positively as to that which -arises from acrimonious humour. He says, "I speak with a perfect -knowledge of this disease, having suffered for three years, and having -made observations upon several others who suffered severely from this -complaint. Eight months' treatment cured me after trying all other -remedies in vain." - -I knew a patient who had laboured under Tic in his head for fourteen or -fifteen years, perfectly cured in three months. His treatment was the -same as for Rheumatism. - -Another patient put a bandage to her face at night, whilst under a -paroxysm of Tic; this increased the pain, the reason of which was, her -not having prepared the system first. Next day she underwent the -sweating process, and could then wear the bandage with great advantage. - -A person, whom I knew, suffering from Tic in his legs, made no progress -because of the injudicious use of the Douche. The Douche was abandoned, -and the packing-sheet and tepid bath twice a day substituted with great -advantage. - -Another _case of severe_ Tic came under my notice, that resisted all -treatment. The paroxysm was only allayed by very long tepid baths 62 deg., -and great friction. - -_Obstinate case of Tic in the Thigh._--This case is given to shew the -way in which Priessnitz meets extraordinary circumstances. - -H. from Berlin, aged 54, had a settled pain down one of his thighs; he -was treated for it seven years ago at Graefenberg. In a few months he -thought himself cured. For seven years he felt no inconvenience, and -lived as he had formerly done. At the expiration of that period, pain -returned; not wishing to devote so much time to the cure as he knew it -would require at Graefenberg, he went to Carlsbad, where the pain became -insupportable. In this state he again had recourse to Priessnitz. He has -now been there four months, undergoing a vigorous treatment of -packing-sheets, baths, rubbing-sheets, and sitz-baths, varied in an -infinity of ways, without experiencing much benefit; his sleep, which -has been disturbed the last eighteen months, still continues so. - -Nearly all the sleep he obtains is in the packing-sheet. In this he lies -from his arm-pits down to his thighs, from 9 to 11 o'clock at night, and -again from 2 to 4 o'clock in the morning. At 6 o'clock he commences his -usual treatment. The last fortnight before I left Graefenberg, pain had -ceased, but his sleeping was as disturbed as usual. - - -XXXVII.--AFFECTION OF THE THROAT AND PAIN AT THE CHEST. - -A delicate lady, aged twenty-five: morning, packing-sheet until warm and -tepid bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, rubbing-sheet. - -After a few days' treatment, catamenia came on, notwithstanding which, -as patient experienced no inconvenience, the treatment was continued as -before. In two days, pain in the abdomen and hips was felt. All the -previous treatment was now discontinued, and three rubbing-sheets a day -were prescribed, until pain ceased, when it was again resumed. - -Throat, and pain at the chest, were cured in six weeks, and patient had -gained eight pounds in weight. - -This lady thought she had an affection of the heart. Priessnitz enquired -if she felt pain there: she answered no. "Then," said he, "the heart is -sound." Three years ago, catamenia lasted only five days, but latterly -it extended to seven. Priessnitz said, with her it ought only to last -three or four days. This was effected. Her husband, who had occasional -attacks of bile, gained nine pounds in six weeks. I attended the -weighing of these parties, and can vouch for the fact. - - -XXXVIII.--FEVERS. - -Two Hundred Years Ago, Dr. Vanderheyden of Ghent wrote a work in which -he declared all fevers curable by cold water. Dr. Sir John Floyer, fifty -years later, wrote his work, and then came Drs. Hahn, Smith and others, -and finally, Dr. Currie of Liverpool, who by their works supported the -same theory. It is true that though where medicine saved its hundreds, -their practice saved thousands, the _Modus Operandi_ was somewhat -speculative. It was reserved until our own time to witness the -application of water reduced to a science. Priessnitz by his -packing-sheet has produced the great desideratum, which renders his -treatment omnipotent over all febrile disorders; and if he had -discovered nothing else, this would hand his name down to the latest -posterity. - -It is often asked what fevers are curable by the Hydropathic processes. -To this it may be answered, except where by age or disease patients are -not reduced to the last stage of existence, _all_ are curable. I made -constant inquiries when at Graefenberg--witnessed the treatment of -innumerable cases of fever, amongst others Typhus and Brain Fever, and I -could not discover that Priessnitz during his long practice had ever -lost a patient. - -I have frequently treated cases of fever and inflammation myself with -the most heartfelt satisfaction; as in every instance on the application -of the sheet or the bath, the patient was relieved in the same manner -that a plant dying for the want of water, is resuscitated on being -supplied with it. - -After the number of works published on this subject, all protesting the -safety of this mode of treatment, and the total absence of danger, it -may be fairly presumed, that the packing-sheet process will ere long -take the lead in medical practice. - -As almost all complaints trace their origin to fever or inflammation, if -these can be allayed on their first symptoms, a host of evils to the -human family will be avoided. - -It does not require any great sagacity to perceive that when the body is -surcharged with heat, if enveloped in a damp sheet, the sheet -immediately becomes hot; take it away and you remove with it a certain -amount of heat. The oftener this is repeated the more the calorie is -diminished, and each sheet requires more time to heat; continue changing -the sheet, and the body resumes a normal state. When once the heat is -eliminated the patient is cured of the Fever. - - -The following modes of treatment and cases will enable the practitioner -to judge how he should treat his patient as circumstances may arise. - -As general rules:-- - -In the cold fit, use rubbing-sheets well wrung out, with a slight -interim between each until the hot stage is produced. In the hot stage -packing-sheets should be changed as often as necessary. In Typhus I have -known them changed forty or fifty times in a day. The bath which ought -at first to be a little tepid and cooled by degrees, should be resorted -to at intervals twice or thrice a day, from a quarter of an hour to an -hour. Should the heat action be prematurely violent, or likely to end in -inflammation, resort to a sitz-bath with or without a foot-bath, instead -of the tepid bath, particularly where either the brain, organs of sense, -or those within the thorax are at all engaged. - -Rubbing-sheets, in certain cases where the vital energies are weak or -languid, will be sufficient to suppress a febrile paroxysm. Their -renewal and time of application must entirely depend on the age, -strength and idiosyncrasy of the case: water should be drunk in small -quantities, and frequently. - -Where the brain is attacked, water must be constantly applied to that -locality, so as not to allow of an increase of temperature. - -Where there is no want of bodily strength in the patient, the quickest -and surest method of putting an end at once to fever, is as follows. Put -him into a bath up to the shoulders, tepid 63 deg. or 64 deg. to begin with, and -to be renewed constantly by cold water being poured over the shoulders; -two persons rubbing the patient the whole time. - -When he is quite fatigued, take him out, dry the body and throw the -window open for air; when recovered a little, renew the operation, and -so on for the third time if necessary. Then dress and go out to walk. -Drink plentifully of water. - -If very cold on coming out of the bath, walk without the body bandage, -but put a large thick one from the hips to the arm-pits on returning -home. Let the patient rest two or three hours; and if fever return -repeat the foregoing treatment. - - -A Mr. B----, who was greatly debilitated, had, for fever, a tepid bath -for half an hour to an hour and half; also many rubbing-sheets; on one -occasion as many as twenty-nine in a day. If the fever resist the above -treatment, then resort to the packing-sheet. - - -Dr. L----, for fever, ordered, five or six rubbing-sheets in succession. -Head bath for a quarter of an hour. Bandage from hips to arm-pits, to be -changed often, even in the night; to be much in the open air. - -In typhus fever, medical men do not make the distinction between -congestion of the venous and arterial systems. They imagine that -inflammatory action exists, whereas it is in typhus, venous congestion: -therefore, the leeching and severe depletory measures are decidedly -wrong; they increase the existing evil, lower and exhaust the vital -powers, and if persevered in, lead to death, or a long lingering state -of convalescence. On the contrary, Hydropathy acts upon a diametrically -opposite system: by the imbibition of water, containing as it does an -excess of oxygen, the vital forces are sustained, the blood is -decarbonised, the appetite improved, the bowels regulated, etc. etc. - - -_Fever._--An English officer who caught a fever twenty years ago in the -West Indies, wrote to Priessnitz that all his prospects in life were -blighted, and that existence was almost intolerable. He came to -Graefenberg and was treated as follows: - -Early in the morning packing-sheet and bath; wore heating bandage -always. Breakfasted at eight o'clock, when, from nine o'clock until five -o'clock in the evening, he was ordered to change the waist bandage every -ten minutes. At five o'clock packing-sheet and bath. - -If ague appeared, which it did sometimes, then rubbing-sheets, well -wrung out were applied with great friction until the fit was over. - -This patient was perfectly cured in three months. - - -_Nervousness and slow Fever, and disposition to a Decline._--A lady was -treated as follows:-- - -Morning, five packing-sheets and bath, 62 deg.; noon, douche and sitz-bath; -afternoon, rubbing-sheet and two sitz-baths. - -At first, she was ordered to have a cold bath prepared by the bed-side -at night, and when fever and sweating came on, to go into the bath, and -repeat it if necessary. She had a bad cough at the time; her friends -thought such a proceeding would end in her death; the patient, however, -recovered from her fever and cough, and left much improved in health. - -On awaking in the morning with distracting head-ache, parched tongue, -and all the concomitants of fever, a lady was put into a packing-sheet; -in twelve minutes, head-ache ceased. After remaining enveloped an hour -or two, rubbing-sheets were applied, followed by a sitz-bath of twenty -minutes: she drank water freely. This one application effected a cure. - -A young lady had her foot and ankle much swollen from rheumatic gout. -Second day, arose with head-ache and pain in all her limbs; and towards -evening, had a slight fever. For this, she was put into a tepid bath -62 deg., and rubbed for forty minutes, when the arm-pits feeling no warmer -than the other parts of her body, she was allowed to leave the bath. -This application was sufficient. - - -_Typhus Fever_ requires the same treatment as other fevers. The -packing-sheet must be changed every ten or fifteen minutes: I have known -it changed as much as fifty times a day. When the patient is weary of -lying in the packing-sheet, he should be put into a tepid bath and well -rubbed for a time; and then lie quiet, with a packing-sheet doubled -several times from hips to arm-pits. Then packing-sheets should be -resorted to again. If the head is attacked, apply the head-bath whilst -lying in packing-sheet. Drink abundantly of water. - -Packing sheets, tepid baths, and cold baths (the former often repeated), -are also the treatment for brain fever. When a patient was in a state -of delirium, Priessnitz ordered her into a cold bath for an hour. - - -_Teething fever._--Tepid head-bath--water gradually made colder--applied -to the back of the head for half an hour. - -If this had not had the desired effect it was to have been repeated -after a short interval. Heating-bandages were to have been applied from -the hips to the arm-pits. - - -_Gastric Fever._--A young man attacked with gastric fever, was treated -as follows:-- - -Two packing-sheets, one after the other, until warm, followed, by tepid -bath, in which he was rubbed fifteen minutes, then put into cold bath -for one minute, and from that back again to the tepid bath for fifteen -minutes; patient was then dried, waited a few minutes, and then the -bathing as above was twice repeated. - -The whole of the treatment, _i. e._ packing sheet and baths, was -repeated three times during the day; between which, a sitz-bath of half -an hour was prescribed. - -Patient was cured in two days, and then declared himself stronger and -better than he was previously to the attack. - - -A gentleman aged thirty-four was thus treated:-- - -Packing-sheets twice a day until warm, followed by tepid bath. - -Two sitz-baths a day, twenty minutes each. Patient's back, shoulders, -abdomen and chest to be rubbed the whole time whilst taking the -sitting-baths. - -Patient having lost his appetite, Priessnitz recommended him to eat -plentifully of common unripe plums: these deranged his stomach, of which -he was immediately cured; and afterwards his appetite was better. - - -My servant was seized with violent pains in the abdomen during the -night, and in the morning head-ache and fever. Dr. Farr of Nice, who saw -the case, said depletion was requisite, and that the man might be well -in four or five days. I declared with Hydropathy he might be made to -wait at table the same day. He was put into a packing-sheet for an hour -and a half, then a bath; an hour afterwards a sitz-bath; wore the -bandage and required no further treatment. Dr. F----, until the next -morning could not believe that the fever was subdued. - - -Capt. D---- ordered, in the morning, two packing-sheets until warm, with -head in a basin of cold water all the time; followed by tepid bath, -renewed with cold; noon, cold sitz-bath one hour; afternoon, morning -treatment repeated. - - -_Bilious Fever._--A female attacked with bilious fever, swelled face, -and violent tooth-ache. Patient in the first instance, preferred -consulting a medical man, who administered a strong aperient; ordered -the feet to be kept in a hot bath for an hour, and said the fever would -certainly last seven days, if not longer. - -I applied a packing-sheet, and changed it after twenty minutes; then two -rubbing-sheets. Head-bath 62 deg. for a quarter of an hour: hot-water -poultice to face. This treatment completely subdued the fever the second -day. - - -Patient attacked with bilious fever, swelled face, and violent -tooth-ache. - -Packing-sheet for twenty, and another for thirty minutes; then two -rubbing-sheets, twice a day; head-bath 62 deg., and sitz-bath 62 deg.; hot water -bandage to face. - -On a return of the same in the spring of the next year: morning, -packing-sheet and rubbing-sheet; noon, sitz-bath 62 deg.; afternoon, -sitz-bath and foot-bath 62 deg.; the swollen part of the face put into cold -water fifteen minutes, twice a day. This treatment answered admirably. - - -_Nervous Fever._--Commencement of patient's illness was attended with -violent headache and excessive weakness particularly in his legs--unable -to stand. Ordered four rubbing-sheets, not wrung out, four times a day; -head-baths three or four times a day; fever, notwithstanding, increased, -and, patient was unable to bear the rubbing-sheet: upon which the -treatment was changed to four packing-sheets, renewed every quarter of -an hour, followed by a tepid bath for ten minutes. This process was -repeated three times during the day. - -Head became feverish. He took for this, a head-bath five minutes at a -time. In a fortnight, fever left him completely; when only three -packing-sheets a day, and cold bath after each, was ordered. In three -weeks, patient was out of doors. - -In the second week of his treatment, patient, besides several small -eruptions, had five large boils, which opened in the first week, and -discharged copiously for a fortnight, when his health improved daily; -and before the expiration of the sixth week, he was perfectly well. - - -_Remains of Fever strongly resembling Gout._--An artist caught a fever -in Egypt. In Rome, his fingers and feet became enlarged, in appearance -resembling gout, when he was treated for that complaint. Priessnitz at -once declared this a mistake, and that it was the remains of the fever. - -In three or four days after beginning the cure, patient had fever, and -in ten days another strong attack: his feet and legs became much -inflamed, attended with headache and great debility. - -His former treatment was now abandoned for the following: - -Three packing-sheets, one after the other, until warm; then the tepid -bath for fifteen minutes: from that into the cold bath for two minutes, -and return to the tepid again for fifteen or twenty minutes. This was to -be repeated in the afternoon. When fever subsided, patient renewed his -former treatment, and was perfectly cured in three months. I saw him in -Rome the next year, when he was perfectly well; and as an act of -gratitude to Mr. Priessnitz, he had caused to be painted a picture of -the "eternal city," to send for his acceptance. - - -_Intermittent Fever._--General R---- was attacked with intermittent -fever at the siege of Mantua, in 1798. His complaint resisted all -remedies: his liver became hardened and enlarged, exhibiting a tumour -extending three fingers' breadth above his navel. Came to Graefenberg -thin as a skeleton, complexion nearly livid, unable to walk without the -assistance of two persons. Obstinate indigestion and constipation; no -motion for fifteen years, without aid; congestion of blood to the head, -and threatened apoplexy; insupportable sensitiveness to cold. Arrived at -Graefenberg in 1839; now restored to health: liver restored to normal -size, with merely a slight swelling at epigastric region. - -His treatment was:--morning, partial baths (tepid), twenty minutes, with -strong friction; no water in the bath when patient first entered it, -that being poured over his head and shoulders. - -After one month of this treatment, sweating for half an hour, followed -by partial bath for five minutes; noon, tepid sitz-bath (70 deg.) for -half an hour; repeated in the afternoon. - -In two months patient could walk alone. During the third month, sweating -for an hour, and partial cold bath for five minutes; and sitz-baths were -now cold; eighteen glasses of water, drunk daily; fourth month:--after -sweating, the large plunge-bath, and friction by two men; twenty to -twenty-four glasses of water, daily. Fifth month:--appetite good; -commenced ascending the mountains. The douche found to excite too much: -therefore abandoned. - -August, 1840:--Left Graefenberg: his liver softer, though not sensibly -diminished. Recommended, whilst at home, to wear heating bandages -always, and use cold ablutions, but not to transpire, unless pain of -liver occurs. - -In January, 1841, eruptions on the skin, and many ulcers, made their -appearance. - -August, 1841, returned to Graefenberg, and commenced the same treatment -as before: sweating one hour; plunge-bath and two partial baths a day; -douche for five minutes every other day. - -In November, had fever for twenty-five days, and pains in his hands, -with open sores on his fingers for nine months; nails dropped off, and -were replaced by new ones; fingers always wrapped in heating bandages. -For the fever, six packing-sheets, changed every quarter of an hour, -except the last: in this the patient remained longer, preparatory to a -warm bath. - -This was renewed twice a day. - -Twenty-four glasses of water daily. - -March, 1842.--Left Graefenberg: liver reduced to one-half the size it -was. - -August, 1842.--Returned again to Graefenberg, when his treatment -was:--packing-sheet every morning one hour, followed by two -rubbing-sheets; noon and afternoon, two rubbing-sheets. - -October, 1842.--Was seen at his residence in health; pains from many old -wounds no longer felt. - -Patient aged forty-five. Ten years ago; caught cold, which ended in -intermittent fever, which resisted the usual remedies; was cured at -Graefenberg as follows:--morning, packing-sheet and plunge-bath; noon, -rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, as the morning. - -Fever and ague returned every fourth day, when treatment was changed. -Packing-sheet and tepid bath 62 deg., ten minutes; then into cold bath two -minutes, and back again to tepid, with much friction; at noon, five -rubbing-sheets; afternoon, as in the morning. The paroxysm over, resumed -the former treatment until perfectly cured. - - -_Fever and Ague._--S---- had fever, attended with ague; took nine -packing and six rubbing-sheets, and three tepid baths; two of the tepid -baths being followed by cold plunging bath. Cured the same day. - - -A lady attacked by slight fever and shivering, cured by five -rubbing-sheets. - - -_Sudden Fever._--Mrs. H----'s little boy awoke with fever; she kept him -in a tepid bath, renewed with cold, until he trembled with cold; then -put him to bed, where he immediately fell asleep, and awoke perfectly -well. Priessnitz said the mother would have done as well, if she had -given him a long sitz-bath. - - -_Catarrh and Fever._--Child restless all night. Tepid bath (nearly cold) -for a quarter of an hour; lean back in the bath so that the attendant -may well rub the chest and throat. Afternoon, rubbing-sheet and tepid -bath for a quarter of an hour. - -After each bath, a head-bath for twelve minutes, each side of the head -being alternately placed in the water. If this does not succeed, lay the -back of the head in water, and well rub the forehead with wet hands. Rub -the throat with wet hands three times a day. Eat no meat, and be much -out of doors. Child, after first day's treatment, wretchedly cold; but -pain in the head gone, and cough decreased. - -Second day, pain in his legs, and weak; which Priessnitz said was the -result of the fever. As the cough abated, treatment was moderated. Bath -to be tepid. In the middle of the day, throat and chest to be rubbed. In -the evening, a tepid bath eight minutes; head-bath as before; these were -given in consequence of his feverish state in the night. If the body -continued feverish, and the feet and legs cold at night, then heating -bandages to the feet and legs, up to the fork, would have been applied -all night. - - -_Fever and Diarrhoea._--A Servant of my own, disturbed many times during -the night with diarrhoea and fever, and with violent pain in his head and -abdomen, was put into a packing-sheet for one hour and a quarter; a -rubbing-sheet was then applied, followed by bandage round the waist; at -noon, sitz-bath one hour and a quarter. This simple treatment effected a -cure in a few hours. - - -_Constipation and Fever._--Patient took tepid-bath, rubbed by three men -for one hour and a half, getting out of the bath was dried and walked -about the room every half-hour for ten minutes; followed by other -treatment. - -Second day, the above repeated twice, with the addition of -packing-sheets and rubbing-sheets, in the interim. - -General laxity of the bowels for several days, rest disturbed for two or -three nights; could not rest the last night, diarrhoea and fever, strong -pulse (110). - -Morning, two packing-sheets, fifteen minutes each. In the first, patient -felt (as he said) as though he was in boiling water; on the application -of the second he felt cooler, after twenty-five minutes he was put into -a cold bath and there remained until heat had left the arm-pits, which -required seventeen minutes. Then a large towel was doubled four times -and placed round his loins, drank six tumblers of water and went to bed. - -At twelve o'clock all fever gone--to put an end to Diarrhoea, I ordered -two rubbing sheets three minutes each, to be followed by tepid sitz-bath -fifteen minutes, wet bandages and water to be drank as before. - -At five o'clock sitz-bath twenty minutes. - -Patient passed a good night, and next day found himself well. - -P.S. I treated this case myself at Naples. - - -_Cold Shivering by Day, and Feverish Heat when in Bed at Night._--A -young man--ordered three rubbing-sheets on rising quite warm from bed in -the morning; the same at noon, and in the afternoon drink plentifully of -water. - -Symptoms continuing--An additional three rubbing-sheets were used -previous to going to bed, and when heat commenced in the night, the body -bandage, which had been worn from the beginning was changed, and water -drunk. If in a state of perspiration early in the morning, a tepid bath. -This treatment had the desired effect. - - -XXXIX.--CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. - -When the lungs are unsound sitz-baths are liable to cause a pain to be -felt in that region, probably from causing congestion to them. I knew a -case of this kind, and named it to Priessnitz who said, to have relieved -this the patient should have been put into a very shallow tepid-bath, -water two inches deep, and there rubbed by two men until the pain was -removed. - -In a case of Gout treated by an inexperienced person--where fears were -entertained that congestion had taken place and castor oil was resorted -to--he advised the same bath and friction, _until it_ was removed. - -A third case, where after being some time under the treatment a -practitioner was embarrassed by his patient having fixed pain in his -bowels, Priessnitz said, the bath applied with vigour for a considerable -time would have been sure of removing it. - -If a patient is ever lost in these cases, it is through the want of -knowledge and the timidity of the practitioner. - - -XL.--INFLAMMATIONS. - -_Inflammation of the Lungs._--This complaint originates in some -obstruction, and is occasioned by an effort of nature to remove it. By -bleeding the symptoms are reduced, but the cause remains, and -consequently it frequently happens that under Hydropathic treatment -inflammation returns, which then, by producing irritation on the -surface, is extracted. - -Mr. Priessnitz' married daughter, this year, returned to Graefenberg, -with her husband, to be cured of an epidemic which raged in Hungary. The -husband was cured. The lady, with an eruption, went for two days into -the country; on return the eruption had nearly subsided; it had gone to -the lungs and inflammation resulted. She was put into tepid and cold -baths thirty or forty times during the day. These positive means put an -end to the inflammation in one day, and the next she was about as usual, -quite well. - -This apparently dangerous complaint, without any apparent cause, when -taken quite in its infancy, is generally cured by the following simple -means. - -Place a cold packing-sheet several times doubled over the shoulders, -chest, and back of the patient, whilst he takes a cold sitz-bath, for -from half an hour to an hour, during the time use great friction to the -feet and legs with hands dipped in water. All medical reasoning will be -to the effect that this treatment must cause congestion to the lungs; -but every day's practice at Graefenberg proves the contrary. - -Between the application of the above treatment, use a rubbing sheet. - -If the head is affected, let the patient lay quiet in bed, with his head -in a basin once or twice a day, from fifteen to thirty minutes, or much -longer if necessary each time. - -If fever, then resort to the tepid bath, until heat disappears under the -arm-pits; this may require a long time, but must be persevered in. - -The water of the bath must be continually renewed or it will become too -warm. - -I have known the sitz-bath, applied two or three times a day, completely -cure an attack of this nature. - -A lady, aged forty, attacked with inflammation of the lungs, was put -into a tepid bath 62 deg., and kept there three hours and ten minutes, cold -water being constantly poured over the shoulders, to bring down the -temperature. Priessnitz frequently felt the chest and arm-pits; and in -answer to patient's request to discontinue, he said if she did so until -all parts were cool alike, her life would pay the forfeit. - -After this, she took a cold bath twice a day, and wore the -heating-bandage. In two months, she was perfectly cured. It should be -remarked, that during the greater part of this times she felt a pain -and hardness in the side, but this all subsided. - - -_Spitting Blood and Inflammation._--A young man had inflammation of the -lungs at Vienna, which ended in great debility and spitting of blood. -Shortly after going to Graefenberg he had another attack of inflammation -of the lungs. - -_Treatment._--Tepid bath 62 deg., five minutes, then cold ten minutes, and -back to the tepid ten minutes. This change from one bath to the other -was repeated for nearly three hours, and ended about nine in the -morning; at eleven o'clock, a sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, -packing-sheet and cold bath for five minutes. Next day quite well of the -attack; he continued packing-sheet and cold bath, morning and afternoon, -and sitz-bath at noon; more heating-bandages on the chest. In ten weeks -perfectly cured. - - -_Inflammation in the Wind-pipe._--A lady--Chest, throat, and between the -shoulders rubbed for five minutes with hands, and frequently dipped in -cold water. During this time water was held in the mouth and changed -when warm. - -Bandages were applied to throat, shoulders, and waist. - -Walked the same afternoon a short time. - - -_Inflammation of the Brain._--Rubbing-sheets, head-baths, and bandages -to the nape of the neck, back of the head, and some distance down the -back, the rest of the body lightly covered. In an obstinate case, -recourse must be had to a tepid bath 64 deg. for a considerable time. - -In all cases, whether in fever or not, where the head is attacked, large -wet bandages may be applied, and changed every five minutes. Bandages to -the whole of the head should not however be applied in general practice. -The head ought to be free and the face washed often. - - -_Inflammation of the Gums._--A child suffering indescribable pain, no -sleep night or day. - -One or two rubbing sheets, two or three times a day. Heating bandages to -be applied to the head, as a turban, so that only the face can be seen, -and changed every five or ten minutes. The same round the waist, from -the hips to the arm-pits, and changed when warm. - -If the body is confined, administer a cold water enema; if one is not -sufficient, a second should be administered in half an hour; drink -plentifully of water. Child out at play the third day. - - -XLI.--GRIPES, CHOLIC, DIARRHOEA, ENGLISH CHOLERA, OR CHOLERA MORBUS. - -All partake more or less of the same character; to describe the -symptoms, nature, and medical treatment of these complaints, more -volumes have been written than there are days in the year. - -My object is not to inquire how such complaints arise, but to show how -by the most simple and safe means they are to be cured. - - -_Cholic._--This complaint invariably gives way to sitz-baths, clysters, -bandages, and drinking plentifully of cold water. - -A patient suffering from pain in the bowels for some days, was ordered -injections three times a day, notwithstanding the bowels were perfectly -free. - - -W----, taken with sickness and griping pains, could retain nothing on -his stomach, supposed that it arose from eating unripe fruit. An -injection of cold water was first resorted to; one not being sufficient, -a second in half an hour was administered, and during the day ten -others. Then two rubbing sheets, followed by a tepid bath, with great -friction, and large bandage, three hours afterwards, a sitz-bath, tepid, -fifteen minutes. - -Again, after a lapse of three hours, the former process. This put an end -to the gripes the same day. - - -An Austrian officer, attacked with violent pain in the abdomen, which -extended through to the back. Great heat and pain in the head, with cold -feet. - -Priessnitz wetted the body all over with cold water, particularly the -feet, and without drying the parts thus wetted, ordered the patient to -sit quite naked near to the window, which was open, for one hour in a -sitz-bath, his servant rubbing him the whole time. Patient was then -covered up well in bed to bring on re-action, the pains of which for a -short time were worse than cholic. The attack was put an end to by this -one application, or it was to have been renewed in the morning. - -The singular part of this treatment is, that the body was thus exposed -to the inclemency of a Siberian winter, wet and naked, for one hour. -When asked why he adopted such positive treatment, Priessnitz said, -because there was a great tendency to intestinal inflammation. The -patient was out and well next day. - - -_Dysentery and Diarrhoea._--For the information of the general reader, it -may be well to state, that Dysentery is brought on by damp, cold, or -unripe fruit, and is attended by the evacuation of bloody glaires, -violent pain of the stomach, burning at the arms, and spasms of the -bladder, a constant desire to evacuate without being able to render -anything but glaires. Diarrhoea is attended with many of these symptoms, -but there is no blood in the evacuation. Hereafter it will be shewn how -both these complaints are to be treated. - -Cold clysters, rubbing-sheets, sitz-baths, and bandage, are the chief -agents in the cure of these complaints. When attended with inflammation -take three or four sitz-baths a day, and change the body bandages every -ten minutes. - -In Diarrhoea or Dysentery the patient should take but little exercise. - -When Diarrhoea is recent, it is sufficient to drink plentifully of water, -wear a bandage round the wrist, eat little, and that of farinaceous -food. - -Diarrhoea is often the work of nature to carry off prejudicial humours; -which ought not to be prevented. At the same time it must not be -suffered to continue too long without resorting to measures to check it. -A patient came to Graefenberg who had suffered six weeks from this -complaint, which had reduced him almost to a skeleton. He was cured in a -few days. - -Where abundant evacuations of glaires are alternate with constipation, -cold injections are a great relief. If patients in Cholera, Diarrhoea, -Cholic, or Dysentery, cannot sleep, administer a very cold foot-bath, -water only half an inch deep, for fifteen minutes. Let the feet, legs, -and thighs be rubbed with wet hands the whole time, then the patient -should walk bare-footed in the chamber for ten minutes. - - -_Dysentery._--Begin with one or two rubbing-sheets, then cold injections -every quarter of an hour for two or three hours. - -Then tepid sitz-bath, rather warmer than usual, for half an hour, -followed by a large heating bandage doubled three or four times, from -before the hips to the arm-pits, leaving the arms free. Change this -every ten or fifteen minutes. Let the covering to the bed be light, but -keep the feet warm. Drink large quantities of cold water. - -When the bandage has been changed three or four times, if the patient is -better, let him remain quiet; otherwise repeat the treatment. - - -Miss B----, attacked with dysentery attended with great pain; ordered -four sitz-baths in a day, one hour each large bandage from hips to -arm-pits; changed often. - -Took them two days, and one in the night. These chilled her exceedingly, -which Priessnitz said was as it ought to be. - - -_Diarrhoea._--A delicate lady, ordered not to drink milk for some days, -but sixteen to twenty glasses of water; take but little exercise; at -noon wash with cold water; at eleven o'clock, cold sitz-bath, twenty -minutes, then walk a few times in the room, with only dry sheet over the -person; then sitz-bath again for twenty minutes; repeat this a third -time to complete the hour. - - -F----, had diarrhoea two days, when Priessnitz said, "If you are not in -pain, do nothing; if the contrary, take a morning rubbing-sheet, and -sitz-bath three quarters of an hour; noon, the same; afternoon, -sitz-bath three quarters of an hour; change bandages and walk less; -drink plentifully of water." - - -A---- had Diarrhoea whilst travelling, as he could not procure sitz-bath, -he lay in bed, changed bandages every half hour, and drank freely of -water. This treatment sufficed. - - -_Chronic Diarrhoea._--Morning, packing-sheet from hips to arm-pits until -warm, then cold bath; noon, two rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath -half-an-hour; evening, sitz-bath half-an-hour; or in the morning, -sitz-bath for half an hour, then walk, return and take cold bath; drink -plentifully of water and wear large bandages. - - -_Pain in the Bowels._--Tepid sitz-bath 62 deg. for three quarters of an -hour; rubbing the abdomen all the time; in a simple case this puts an -end to the pain at once. - - -_Severe Pain in the Bowels._--Tepid sitz-bath, half an hour to an hour; -much rubbing with wet hands on the back, stomach, and abdomen when in -the bath; no exertion of mind or body; eat only of one thing; drink much -water. When constipated, or had pain in the bowels, extended the period -of the sitz bath. Patient's recovery quite marvellous. - -The sitz-bath may be resorted to two or three times a day, and also -rubbing-sheet, if the case proves obstinate. - - -_Pain in Bowels and Diarrhoea._--Ordered sitz-bath fifteen minutes, walk -gently about the room five minutes, then repeat the sitz-bath fifteen -minutes, and again walk for five minutes, and after third time take -sitz-bath. Put on a large bandage well wrung out, and change it every -quarter of an hour. If not cured in three or four hours, repeat the -above treatment. If obstinate use cold injections. - - -_Relaxed Bowels._--Three rubbing-sheets and a sitz-bath on rising from -bed, for ten minutes in the morning; one rubbing sheet, and sitz-bath -twenty minutes at noon; the same repeated in the afternoon. If not -better, a clyster of cold water on going to bed; bandage, and drink -water as usual. - - -A young lady, troubled with relaxed bowels for some days-- - -Morning, three rubbing-sheets, and immediately after, tepid bath for -fifteen minutes; large bandage; at two o'clock two rubbing sheets. - -These simple means effected a cure; if they had not, the sitz-bath was -to have been resorted to again. - - -_English Cholera._--A Russian General attacked with English Cholera, was -suffering extreme torture when Priessnitz came. He ordered three -rubbing-sheets, five minutes interim between each; patient then to be -put to bed for half-an-hour, and well covered up to promote heat; this -was followed by a cold sitz-bath of 30 or 40 minutes; drank plentifully -of water and wore a large heating bandage. - -This one application effected a complete cure; had it not, the General -was to have repeated the treatment in the afternoon. - - -XLII.--CONSUMPTION. - -Mr. Priessnitz thinks that in the great majority of cases consumption is -curable until the age of fourteen or fifteen, when the complaint -generally assumes a more serious aspect. - -Young people are often considered consumptive when they really are not -so. A young lady of my acquaintance, having all the symptoms, was -ordered to Italy, where, notwithstanding the climate, the malady seemed -to increase. She went to Graefenberg, when Mr. Priessnitz at once -declared it was not consumption, that it was a contraction of the chest. -Two months' treatment caused the chest to expand and restored the -patient to robust health. Dr. Johnson says, "One thing of which I am -convinced is, that the true principle of treating consumption is to -support the patient's strength to the utmost;" and it must be remembered -that the great aim and principal effect of the Water-cure is to -_strengthen the system_, thereby giving the inherent curative power the -fairest opportunity of doing its own work. - -It must however be observed, that when consumption has fairly set in, -neither water or drugs will arrest its progress. A friend of mine writes -me most sensibly on this subject: "I fully believe," says he, "if all -girls were to _wash thoroughly every_ day, more than three-fourths who -now go into consumption would be saved." - - -XLIII.--CRAMPS. - -Rubbing-sheets, and rubbing powerfully with wet hands, for a -considerable time, particularly the feet, are efficient means of cure; -after each application let the patient remain quiet. If the hands or -feet become cold, apply friction again to them and the parts affected. - -Mr. Brown finding patient nearly dead from Cramp, immediately -administered an enema, then a rubbing-sheet with great friction, -followed by a tepid bath for nearly an hour, the enema took effect -whilst under the friction, rubbing-sheets and baths were repeated three -times before mid-day with good effect. - -In the afternoon, rubbing-sheets were used, and friction with wet hands. - - -_Cramp-Cough._--I knew a case of this nature which was most successfully -treated at Graefenberg. - -Morning, two or three packing-sheets followed by tepid bath; noon, tepid -sitz-bath, quarter of an hour; afternoon, morning treatment renewed. - -The Crisis was attended with inflammation and ulcers of the throat. - -Tepid-baths, were administered twice a day, for ten to fifteen minutes, -changing alternately from hot to cold and back to hot. To subdue fever -which was very active in the night, the patient took a plunge or two -into a cold bath before going to bed. - -Bandage on Chest at night, in addition to that round the loins. - - -_Cramps in the Stomach._--Patient's complaint was cramp in the stomach, -weak digestion, great nervous sensibility. Packing-sheet one hour, and -tepid-bath in the morning, four minutes, with great friction; then three -successive plunges into tepid, cold, and tepid-bath, to remain in the -last four minutes; noon, rubbing-sheet five minutes, followed by -sitz-bath ten minutes; afternoon, repeat morning treatment, wear bandage -day and night, and drink twelve tumblers of water daily. - -In a short time, the tepid-bath was relinquished for the cold-bath; and -the douche was used for two minutes, as a longer period was found to -disagree with the patient. A diarrhoea was cured by the addition of -sitz-baths; at which time the douche was not persevered in. - - -XLIV.--ASTHMA. - -I was astonished at the wonderful effects of the Water-cure treatment, -in cases of Asthma. One night, Priessnitz was called up to a patient -under the cure, who was almost suffocated. - -A tepid sitz-bath for thirty minutes with great friction of the abdomen -completely relieved him. This patient was perfectly cured in three -months. - - -A patient whose age was thirty-five suffered from chest complaint, -asthma, torpid circulation, and stricture. For some time three -rubbing-sheets a day only were prescribed, then a tepid sitz-bath; and -when he evidenced the cure of the Asthma, by ascending with ease the -highest mountains, the general treatment was resorted to. - -In three months the stricture was quite cured. Left Graefenberg the -fourth month. - - -The following interesting case, came under my especial notice. - -Mr. M----, aged 26, afflicted with Asthma for three years, tried all the -baths in Germany, and then determined on going to Graefenberg: _en -route_, he was confined to an hotel for eight days. When he arrived, -which was on the 4th January, 1846, he could with difficulty walk a -quarter of a mile. - -Inclement as the weather was, Priessnitz, at once ordered him into a -tepid bath, and stripped him of all flannels; next day he began the -following treatment, until warm. - -Morning, packing-sheet, tepid-bath; noon, rubbing-sheet, and tepid -sitz-bath; afternoon, the same. In a short time tepid water was -discontinued for cold. - -In about three weeks, two large boils appeared and broke, when he was so -much better, as to ascend the highest mountains, his health improved so -fast, that, first in the morning, he was seen up to his middle in snow, -always without hat, neckcloth or great coat. - -He was cured in about four months. - - -XLV.--SURGICAL OPERATIONS, ACCIDENTS, ETC. - -_Amputation._--The Surgeon's profession would be a very poor one if -Hydropathy were generally understood. - -If a finger, hand, or foot, be nearly severed from the body, they should -be put into the best possible form, bandaged, and placed between two -pieces of wood; over this a large bandage: the former may be wetted -often without being removed. - -A friend of mine in Italy had the misfortune, whilst botanising, to fall -from one rock to another, where he hung by his foot. This caused a -compound fracture, and the loss of his foot. I asked Mr. Priessnitz what -ought to have been done,--he said his shepherd would have known better -than to have cut off the foot; a stiff one being preferable to none at -all. The foot should have been healed as above described, a large -bandage applied from the toes up to the top of the thighs constantly -wetted; this would have kept the limb cold. As fever or inflammation -must proceed from the part afflicted, it is evident if the heat is -extracted thence, neither can ensue. The splinters would have come away -of themselves, and the patient might have been spared the loss of his -foot, and several months of severe suffering and loss of health. - - -_Crushed Finger._--A farmer at Graefenberg had his finger smashed by a -large stone rolling against it; so that it hung by the skin. It was put -together, bandaged, and so fixed between two pieces of wood; over this a -larger bandage was placed, the under part kept constantly wet. When pain -ensued, the elbow was put into cold water for twenty minutes. The -finger, though stiffer than the others, was preserved. - - -_Fainting Fit._--Open the window to admit fresh air; unfasten the dress. -Sprinkle water on the face and put the feet into a foot pan, with water -only up to the instep, and let the attendant rub feet and legs up to the -knees. - - -_Effects of Falls._--A young man who came with nervous fever, one day, -whilst labouring under violent palpitation, to which he was subject, -fell, and so hurt the back of his head, as to be insensible for half an -hour. Priessnitz, being sent for, ordered a foot-bath and rubbing with -wet hands up to the knee. Opened his waistcoat, rubbed the chest, and -threw cold water into his face. The friction and foot-bath continued for -an hour, when patient was ordered a sitz-bath for thirty minutes. -Bandages to waist and head. - - -Another party fell and injured his large toe against a stone. Ordered -three cold foot-baths a day, fifteen minutes each time, and bandage to -be kept continually wet. - - -Count C. fell down stairs, and afterwards felt pain in his side. -Bandaged the part. Next day a tepid bath for one hour. As the Count was -not young, this was not persevered in. Sitz-baths were substituted. - - -A. fell from his horse and injured his elbow and arm. - -Arm and elbow placed in a tepid bath for an hour. - -Repeated three times a day. Arm bandaged night and day. - - -_Bruised Shin._--Three sitz-baths a day 60 deg.; bandage the leg from ancle -to above the knee, and keep it raised. Throw tepid water over foot and -leg several times a day. - -Foot-baths may be resorted to, if the patient is already under -hydropathic treatment: otherwise not, as they draw bad matter downwards, -and might prevent the wound from healing. - - -B. trod upon a nail which entered his foot. His foot was put for an hour -twice or thrice a day into tepid water, and he wore a bandage on the -part. - -In all cases of the kind--either by cutting with sharp instruments or -otherwise, put the wounded part into tepid water until it ceases -bleeding, then bandage it, and afterwards use cold baths several times a -day to the part. - -Bandages must extend both ways beyond the wound, to carry off the -inflammation from the part. Viz.--If the calf of the leg be wounded, the -bandage ought to begin at the ancle, and be continued up to the knee. In -all cases take one or two tepid sitz-baths a day. They prevent the head -being affected. - - -_Tape Worms._--Rubbing-sheets once or twice a day, bandage always round -the waist, cold injections morning and evening, and drink plentifully of -water. - -For other worms recourse must be had to the general treatment. - - -_Sea Sickness._--Wear a large thick bandage on chest and abdomen; and if -it does not prevent, it will mitigate sea-sickness. - - -_Apoplexy and Paralysis._--Instantly put patient into tepid-bath, water -about two inches deep, throw cold water over head and shoulders, and use -immense friction with wet hands for a very long time. For a wonderful -case of cure of Apoplexy, refer to the letter written from Graefenberg to -the New York Tribune. - - -_Lock Jaw._--The same as for Apoplexy. - - -A Belgian Doctor had a paralytic stroke two months previous to coming to -Graefenberg. In a fortnight he had another; when he could neither speak -nor eat, and was too feeble to take the bath. - -Sixteen rubbing-sheets a day, four at a time, restored him the use of -his faculties in two days. - - -A crochet-needle was, by accident, driven into the side of a young lady; -a surgeon lanced the part and extracted it, when Priessnitz simply -ordered a bandage to the part, to be changed every quarter of an hour -until inflammation subsided, and subsequently, as often as it became -dry. After the first day no inconvenience was felt. A green matter -exuded from the wound, which P. said was nothing more than usual in such -circumstances. - - -_Scalds._--Put the part affected into cold water, or apply a cold -affusion for an hour two or three times a day. Wear a bandage -continually wet; when the inflammation has subsided, put a dry bandage -over the wet one. - - -_Burns._--If a burn be bad, and the patient cannot endure the -application of water, in that case use tow or lint; but if possible, -wring a bandage well out, apply it to the burn, and put a dry one over -it. Change the bandage often; but if this is too painful, let it remain, -and wet it often. A cold bath applied as a derivative will afford great -relief; _i. e._ if the leg is burnt take a foot-bath; if the hand, put -the elbow in cold water, &c. - - -_Rupture of the Tendon Achilles._--A friend of mine, running across the -road, heard the crack of a whip; and supposed at first that some one had -struck his leg with a whip, but he soon found he could not put his foot -to the ground, that he had met with an accident called _coup de fouet_, -or a rupture of the tendon Achilles in the calf of his leg. The only -treatment for this, which effected an immediate cure, was binding it up -in a surgeon's bandage very tight, and keeping that wet night and day. - - -_Accidents to the Head._--A man chopping wood struck a child a back blow -on the forehead; the wound was wetted with tepid water for some time, -and then a bandage was applied. - -Two tepid sitz-baths were administered during the day. - - -Another child seven years old, fell against a stone and laid his -forehead open. - -Bandage applied, and wetted occasionally without being taken off; a dry -one kept over it. - -Another bandage at the back of the neck, renewed often. - -Tepid sitz-bath fifteen minutes, three times a day. Feverish symptoms -arose during the night; sitz-bath renewed. - -Prince Ruspoli, Lord Anson, and another were galloping along a road at -the dusk of the evening, not perceiving a drain, two of their horses -fell into it. Two of the party were taken up insensible. On being -brought into Freywalden, they were instantly put into tepid baths of -65 deg. - -The prince having fallen on his temple was much stunned; four men rubbed -him in the bath, in five minutes he became conscious and assisted in -rubbing himself; in ten minutes he felt cold. After being in the bath -twenty-five minutes he was taken out, well dried and put to bed, with -bandages on his head and back of the neck, and but slight covering. -After an hour's repose, a tepid sitz-bath was administered for an hour. -During the night patient suffered great pain in his head. Next day he -was out of doors, but took three sitz-baths during the day; in the -morning for an hour; the others, half an hour each time. Bandages always -to the injured part. In a few days he was quite well. - -The prince's friend was threatened with congestion in the head, and had -great pain in the stomach; the faeces were nearly black. He took many -injections; three sitz-baths daily, an hour and a half each time, and -one during the night. This treatment effected his cure. - - -_Cuts and Wounds._--For a clean cut, it will often be sufficient to -close the wound at once, and cover it with a dry bandage, so as to -exclude the air. - -A bruise, or jagged cut, should be bound up, and covered with a wet -bandage; and this, when inflammation has subsided, must be covered with -a dry one. Do not remove the under bandage, but pour water on it -occasionally, and cover it again with the dry one. Let the bandage -extend both ways beyond the wound, to conduct away the heat from it. - - -_Calf of Leg torn off._--Dr. Scontetton, surgeon to the forces at -Strasburg, states, "A soldier trying to descend at night from the walls -of the barracks, fell, and tore the flesh off the calf of his leg. The -doctor put the lacerated flesh together as well as he could, and bound -the leg and thigh up in a bandage; a trough was then made in a slanting -position in which he placed the leg. Over the man's head he fixed a cask -of water with a tube, from which the man was to keep the bandage -constantly wet.[6] By this treatment alone a cure was effected in a -fortnight, during which time the man suffered no pain, nor was even -deprived of his appetite." - - [6] He drank nothing but water, and wore a bandage round his waist. - - -_Sprained Shoulder._--A patient fell down an ice-berg and severely -bruised his shoulder, so that he could not raise his hand. The bruise -was immediately saturated with cold water for an hour, and cold wet -cloths applied for a long time. When inflammation had subsided, a -heating bandage was applied and renewed when dry. Elbow bath twice a -day, fifteen minutes each. - -This treatment was repeated two or three times a day. - - -_Accident to the Eye._--A child five years old, ran a knife into the -ball of the eye. Cold wet bandages perfected a cure. The blue of the eye -ran, but the boy, now fifteen years of age, sees perfectly well. - - -_Swelling of a Vein--Varicose Veins._--A young lady was afflicted with -swelled vein just over the large toes of both feet; the swelling in one -foot shortly disappeared, the other became more developed, the foot and -ancle inflamed. - -I wrote to Priessnitz, who advised "a cold foot-bath, three times a day, -for twenty minutes; water up to the ancle and not to be changed. After -the bath, rub the foot (omitting the affected part) and leg, -particularly in front, up to the knee, until heat is restored; then -apply a bandage (well wrung out) to the foot and leg up to the knee, -always changing before dry. If an eruption or swelling take place on the -foot, take a sitz-bath half an hour, twice a day, and the sweating -process, followed by cold bath every other day. Do not perspire more -than an hour. The foot should be kept a little elevated." - -Patient not getting better, and the medical men declaring the case, in -their opinion, incurable, she went to Graefenberg. The following is the -treatment pursued there:--Packing-sheets for fifteen minutes; changed -for another of twenty minutes; and cold plunge-bath morning and evening; -between which douched twice a day, and a sitz-bath taken; always wearing -foot and leg and waist bandage. - -Priessnitz, on seeing the case, declared the complaint was not a local -one, that "it was a general derangement of the nervous system", and so -it turned out, as veins in the arms, thighs, and elsewhere enlarged and -diminished under the treatment. Both feet and legs now became swollen -and inflamed up to the knee, so that patient was obliged to move on -crutches. Treatment increased. Length of cold bath and douche extended -to five minutes each. To prevent the pain that must have attended the -limbs, in so inflamed a state, coming in contact with water, the -bandages remained on those parts whilst taking those baths. This crisis -continued for two months, when it began to recede, then came again in a -more moderate form; receded and again made its appearance a third and -last time. Catamenia became regular, appetite good, and patient could -walk without assistance. The cure was effected in ten months. It is now -upwards of two years since the party left Graefenberg, and she is -perfectly well. - -By this it will be seen, that that which is produced by the treatment, -must be made to recede under the treatment. Had Priessnitz relinquished -any part of it at the most trying moment, the cure would not have been -effected. - -Speaking to him of varicose or enlarged veins, he said "they are -generally curable. I had a patient with an enlarged vein in his foot, -when on the ground the vein became full, measuring nearly two inches; -this was cured in eighteen months." - - -_Sprains._--In all cases of sprains, rub the part, with hands dipped in -water, for a long time; the oftener the better, and put on a wet -bandage, which when heat has subsided, change for a heating bandage. - -If the sprain is a bad one, apply a cold bath or cold affusion to the -part for half an hour, then the wet, and afterwards the heating bandage, -which change often. - -The bath should be repeated thrice a day, and friction used the whole -time. - -If general treatment is necessary, then packing-sheets. Tepid bath and -tepid sitting baths must be resorted to. - - -_Sprained Ankle._--Put the foot immediately into cold water, and rub -foot, ankle, and leg up to the knee for an hour, particularly the -wounded part. The water of the bath, after the first time, only up to -the instep, but repeated three or four times a day. Bandage the foot, -ankle, and leg up to the knee; first, with quite wet bandages, and when -inflammation has somewhat subsided, then with heating bandage. The foot -should not be allowed to remain quiet. If not able to move about, the -patient should put a rolling pin under his foot and keep that in -movement. By these means a sprained ankle is cured in a few days, that -without it might continue for a month or longer. - - -_Wound in the Abdomen._--A lad leaning upon a piece of wood, hurt his -abdomen; it was rubbed with cold water for half an hour, followed by -sitz-bath half an hour twice a day. - - -_Bleeding at the Nose._--Sprinkle the face with water, bandage the back -of the neck and the loins; shallow foot bath, where obstinate. Bandage -the genitals and change the bandage often. - -Dr. Gibbs states, that whilst at Graefenberg, he was greatly troubled -with bleeding at the nose. He tried bandages at the back of the neck and -foot-bath to no purpose. Priessnitz then ordered him two packing-sheets -in succession, the first fifteen minutes, the other twenty-five minutes, -followed by cold bath. This treatment had the desired effect. - -I knew a case where a man bled profusely at the nose. He put his feet up -to the calves of his legs in cold water, and the bleeding stopped in ten -minutes. - -A child had a blow on the nose, which occasioned it to bleed frequently. - -Bandage worn on the forehead for a week or two, and foot baths, -completed a cure. - - -_Spitting Blood, Sickness, etc._--This is sometimes occasioned by piles. -Sitz-baths (tepid 62 deg.) may be taken; bandages worn on the waist always, -and on the chest at night. All irritation should be avoided, and repose -of body and mind observed. Water ought to be drunk abundantly. Bleeding -of the lungs, the effect of pulmonary consumption, is not curable. To -distinguish the difference between cases requires the experience of such -a genius as Priessnitz. - - -XLVI.--SMALL POX, MEASLES, HOOPING COUGH, CROUP, SCARLATINA, COLDS, -SHIVERING, ETC. - -All these complaints form the easiest and surest part of Priessnitz's -practice. No child or adult ever died at Graefenberg of any of them. This -fact, attested as it is by all writers on Hydropathy, leads one to look -on the incertitude of medical practice in diseases incidental to -children, with wonder and dismay. - -Priessnitz considers these complaints wholesome, being the medium chosen -by Nature for relieving the system. - -On their appearance, his great aim is to strengthen the patient, and -eliminate the morbific matters by the pores of the skin. It is -frequently asked, "But does not the hydropathic process drive the virus -into the system?" No, on the contrary, the packing-sheet acts as a -poultice to the whole body; and this, followed by a tepid bath, causes -an outward action, and the system is cooled and relieved through miles -of drainage (the pores), the true medium through which relief can with -certainty be obtained. - -A young man with measles, at Graefenberg, had as many as 400 -packing-sheets applied in about fourteen days. - - -_Small-Pox._--Small-pox, of all diseases, is that which should be -treated hydropathically; because by its operation the morbid matters are -thrown out by the pores of the skin, upon which it rarely leaves any of -those scars so detrimental to the beauty of the person. - -In the Water-cure, judiciously treated, the small-pox is under no -circumstances attended with danger, nor is the patient reduced in -strength as under any other treatment. "Small pox," Priessnitz says, -"instead of being suppressed, ought to be encouraged, as it relieves the -system of humours that ought to be carried out of it, and is a healthy -process." At one period the profession were as much at fault in the -treatment of small-pox, as they now are in that of cholera. No means -were left untried, but they failed in arresting its ravages. Jenner's -discovery was hailed as an intervention of Providence, and he was voted -two grants in parliament. If Priessnitz is right, this discovery may be -hailed as a curse rather than a blessing. He states that the insertion -of poisonous matter into the blood of a healthy subject produces -poisonous consequences, is repugnant to our feelings, and at variance -with the laws of nature. - -In small pox, where there is much eruption on the face, a muslin -handkerchief, wetted, may be used as a bandage to the part. - -If the head is much affected, head-bath and wet bandages must be -resorted to. - -Bandage the back and thighs if they require it. In these complaints, as -in all others, if the bowels require opening, use injections. Drink -plentifully of water. - - -I treated a young lady in small-pox as follows:-- - -First day--patient was confined to the sofa with head-ache and general -lassitude; next morning, fever and several pustules: two -packing-sheets, the first twenty minutes, the other twenty-five minutes; -and tepid bath 70 deg. for eight minutes. Afternoon--As the packing-sheet -did not heat so soon as that in the morning, it was not changed, but -patient remained in it an hour and a quarter--the tepid bath eight -minutes--drank sixteen tumblers of water, windows always open. Second -day, eruption much increased over the body and face; treatment as -before. Third and fourth day, eruption increased; same treatment -persevered in. Fifth day, treatment only in the morning. Sixth day, -eruption decreasing. Eighth day, catamenia, all treatment suspended; -which it should be observed would not have been the case had any fever -remained. Tenth day, patient out walking, eruption nearly gone. Twelfth -and thirteenth day, one rubbing-sheet on getting out of bed. It should -be stated, that the wet bandage was _perpetually_ worn during the -treatment. - -Patient quite as well and as strong as before the attack. Complexion -much clearer. - -The most extraordinary thing to be observed is, that the patient was not -confined to bed for an hour--felt no disposition to scratch herself. The -tongue, after third day, was perfectly clean, and her rest after the -first night undisturbed. - -The fever was taken out the first day, from which time she was not -inconvenienced in the least. This young lady had been twice vaccinated. - -The second and third day a smell remained in the room after patient was -taken out of the sheet and bath, that was perfectly intolerable; which -shows that the virus was taken out, and accounts for the eruption being -so mild. - -Another friend of mine, 46 years of age, caught the small pox, though he -had been vaccinated twice. He was treated much in the same way, and was -out of doors quite well the twelfth day, never having been confined to -his bed for an hour. Windows open night and day. - -In all eruptive complaints, packing-sheets allay the fever. To effect -this, where the fever is strong, they should be changed once or twice, -or even oftener. When there is much eruption, the heat of the bath which -follows the wet sheet must be increased in extraordinary cases even to -80 deg. - -The packing-sheet process and the tepid bath must be used twice a-day; -patient must drink abundance of water; windows of the room ought to be -always open; if constipated, clysters; waist bandages in all cases. - -This treatment persevered in, must cure all eruptive and other fevers. -No fear need exist as to the eruption by these means being driven -in--all experience shows it is the way to bring it to the surface. - - -Dr. Farr declares himself a convert to the Water-cure in cases of -eruption and other fevers, and did me the favour of writing the -following letter:-- - -"Miss ---- for two days had a sensation of languor, drowsiness, and pain -in the head and loins, with sickness and fever. On the third day there -appeared on the face small red spots, and successively on the inferior -parts, until the fifth day! these rose into pimples, and then filled -with puriform matter; dry hard scales formed, and on these falling off, -pits or marks were left on some of them. The cold water cure had been -commenced when I first saw her, which had cut the fever, and altered the -character of the eruption; but as soon as the pustules began to form, -the nature of the disease was no longer a matter of doubt; the pustules -were as well developed, and went through their regular changes as well -and as perfectly as though no application of cold had been made use of. -This was the first case of small-pox I saw this winter at Nice, but -shortly after several others occurred, and some of them of the confluent -kind. I must confess I was surprised at the complete success of the cold -water cure in this case. - - "W. FARR." - - "Nice, 13th April, 1848.["] - - -_Scarlatina and Measles._--These two complaints are treated alike:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet twenty-five minutes, then change it for another -for twenty-five minutes, followed by tepid bath 64 deg. for ten minutes. -Bandages. If the eruption is extensive, heat of the bath must be -increased. - -Repeat the treatment in the afternoon. If there is much heat between the -hours of treatment, take as many rubbing-sheets one after the other as -are necessary to subdue it. Much water should be drunk. - - -_Scarlatina._--This complaint, on its first indication, is often subdued -by the following simple means:-- - -Two or three packing-sheets. Large bandage round the waist. Drink water -and walk out. A few hours afterwards repeat the same. - -If obstinate, two or three packing-sheets, changed when warm, followed -by tepid bath 64 deg. - -If in scarlatina, or measles, the throat is affected, drink often in -small quantities. Renew the packing-sheet frequently. When fever is -diminished, slight perspiration in packing-sheet for half an hour; then -tepid bath twenty minutes, with friction. Bread and milk diet. - - -A child, eleven years old, exhibited symptoms of scarlatina. Dry and hot -all over the body. Stitch from chest to back. Was put into a tepid bath -64 deg. and rubbed for an hour, cold water being continually thrown over its -shoulders; child extremely cold; walked out. The same operation -performed again in the afternoon and twice the next day put an end to -the attack. - - -_Hooping Cough._--Rub the child well all over, particularly the chest -and back of the neck with hands continually dipped in cold water; or use -a rubbing sheet. Bandage the chest, breast, and loins. If sufficiently -strong, let the child lie in bed until quite hot, then tepid bath 64 deg. -and use great friction until quite chilled. If fever be present, a -packing-sheet should precede the tepid bath, and afterwards a bandage -round the waist. - - -Hooping cough may also be treated thus:-- - -Tepid bath, with great friction, for ten minutes in the morning; two -rubbing-sheets at mid-day; the same in the afternoon: head-bath before -going to bed; chest and body bandaged and changed often; drink much -water. - - -_Mumps._--Begin with rubbing-sheets; then packing-sheets and tepid-bath. - -Bandage the throat, loins, and side of the head affected. - -Change the bandages often, keep the mouth full of water, and change it -when warm. - - -_Croup with Sore Throat and Cough._--A child, on awaking in the morning, -had face very red and found much difficulty in breathing. Treatment:-- - -A cold water injection, then two rubbing-sheets, and bandage all round -the body from the throat to the hips. - -An enema did not act, but appeared to cool the body; it remained in the -body eight minutes. When discharged, another rubbing-sheet and wet -bandage were applied. Breathing free, and child slept until morning. -Then well rubbed in bath 62 deg. for ten minutes. - -Ate little breakfast. Dined on rice pudding. - -Afternoon. Flushed and feverish. - -Priessnitz, who now saw the patient, approved of what had been done, and -said if the croup had continued, eight or ten rubbing-sheets ought to -have been administered; allowing ten to twenty minutes between each; -depending upon the violence of attack and strength of patient. - -Evening. Patient was feverish, when the following was ordered:-- - -Body, _but not_ the feet, to be enveloped in packing-sheet, and there -remain until feet were warm: then tepid-bath 64 deg. ten minutes. If the -feet are cold in the bath, rub them with wet hands until a good -circulation is produced. - -In the night, fever abated and the child slept soundly. - -Next day croup nearly gone and appetite good. - - -Another child with croup was treated in the same way on the first day. -At nine o'clock at night, chest, windpipe, and between the shoulders, -were rubbed for some time with wet hands; then the waist, throat, and -chest were bandaged. - -Slept well, but flushed and feverish in the morning; complained of sore -throat. Packing-sheet until hot, and tepid-bath 64 deg. - -Still feverish. - -At noon, rubbing-sheet, not wrung out. If no fever and appetite, to go -out. - -Repeat rubbing-sheet in the afternoon. - -Should fever continue, packing-sheet followed by rubbing-sheets. This -was not necessary. - -Second day. Tepid bath in the morning, and rubbing-sheets at twelve and -five o'clock. Both children cured in three days. - - -A child seven years old, subject all his life to severe attacks of -croup, on being seized with one at Graefenberg, was treated as follows:-- - -Rubbed between the shoulders, and on the chest, for some minutes with -wet hands; then lifted out of bed, and well rubbed all over, especially -in the legs, in a very wet sheet from five to eight minutes. - -A wet handkerchief was then put on as a shawl, and a bandage round the -waist; when the patient was allowed to return to bed for ten minutes; -after which the same treatment was repeated. This induced sleep, and he -awoke free from all signs of croup. - -At twelve o'clock there was a relapse, when the rubbing was renewed, and -bandage applied to the waist. - -At five o'clock in the afternoon, tepid-bath 64 deg. for some minutes, and -patient slept all night in bandage and wet shawl. - -The treatment was renewed second day. - - -A child three years old, also liable to attacks of croup, on being -attacked one evening about nine o'clock, was instantly rubbed on the -chest, windpipe, and between the shoulders, followed by a general -rubbing in rubbing-sheet for five minutes; then bandages were applied to -throat, chest, and round the waist. - -This apparently gave great relief, but in the morning he awoke flushed -and feverish, complaining of his throat. A rubbing-sheet followed by a -tepid-bath for some minutes, was resorted to; and at twelve o'clock -another rubbing-sheet followed. Fever having subsided, he was allowed to -go out. - -At five o'clock the rubbing-sheet was repeated. He wore the bandage on -his throat down to his chest day and night, changing it when dry. Had -fever continued, he was to have lain in packing-sheet at five o'clock -until warm, instead of the rubbing-sheet. Since this time both children -have been perfectly well.--_August, 1845._ - - -_Ophthalmia._--Inflammation of the eyes is generally catarrhal or -rheumatic, and requires the same treatment as rheumatism and gout. I -never saw it acute, but always chronic. - -To the rheumatic treatment, Priessnitz adds eye-baths, and the douche. -The latter must be received in the joined hands; from which, water -coming from a height will rebound as high as the eyes. Head-baths are -equally indispensable, as well as fomentations, to these organs. Chronic -ophthalmia, even at Graefenberg, is most obstinate, and requires a long -course of treatment. - - -A captain thus attacked, felt, after several head-baths which he -continued for three quarters of an hour, a pungent pain in the head, -accompanied by swelling of the ears. An abscess was expected in one of -these organs, when the pain gave way to a virulent deposit, formed in -the thick part of the cheek; after this, the eyes were re-established. - - -Another sufferer came to Graefenberg, with an exfoliation in the corner -of the eye. To the whole of the treatment, Priessnitz added eye-baths; -after each of which, the invalid was to look fixedly at the light, and -immediately re-plunge the eyes into cold water. This man, who was -perfectly blind on coming, was, on leaving Graefenberg, able to read with -spectacles. - - -A third patient presented a very remarkable case of blindness, the -result of a cold caught during hunting, by which he lost his sight. He -had been nine months blind, when he arrived at Graefenberg; after each -process of perspiration, which he submitted to twice a day, the bath and -the head-bath, matter mixed with blood came from the eyes. One might say -that some pounds exuded from the eyes in the course of three weeks. I -did not see the termination of this cure, before leaving Graefenberg; but -I can affirm, that the last time I spoke to the invalid, he could -distinguish colours, and also objects at a certain distance. - - -_Itch and Ringworm._--These diseases are more easily cured by cold -water, than by any other means. The process of perspiration in the wet -sheet, leads to success; but ringworm is frequently more difficult to -cure than the itch. It requires longer time, and a more energetic use of -cold water.--The douche is also indispensable in cases of ringworm, in -order to bring the morbid humours to the skin. The most difficult -ringworms to cure, are those which have been driven in by bad treatment. -This disease is really equal to the gout, in point of obstinacy, for it -re-appears upon the skin after the use of the douche a long time. After -the process of perspiration, and cold baths too, it again shows itself -under forms much more serious in their aspect, than in the beginning. - - -_Cold, Cough, with Inflammation._--A lady was ordered-- - -Packing-sheet, half or three quarters of an hour, then tepid bath 64 deg. -for an hour, twice a day. After first day much better. Third day cured. -If patient is fatigued by staying in bath so long, let him come out and -walk about the room for a few minutes, then enter the bath again. - - -Major----, a strong man, pursued the following treatment and was cured -the third day. - -Morning--Packing-sheet, two and a half hours, and tepid bath 64 deg., ten -minutes. Took a long walk. - -At noon--Packing-sheet, one hour, and bath ten minutes. - -Afternoon--The same. - -Bandaged throat and chest day and night. - - -_Chronic Sore Throat._--Child two and a half years old. -Morning--Packing-sheet one hour and then cold bath; noon, tepid -sitz-bath, fifteen minutes. Bandage round the throat at night, but not -by day; rub the throat often with wet hands. - - -_Sore Throat, Pain in the Limbs, and Prostration of Strength._--A young -lady so attacked was ordered not to eat any dinner that day; to run up -and down stairs and about the room until warm. - -Then a blanket, warmed by the fire and the patient enveloped in it, -covered by many others, patient to keep in movement in the blanket the -first quarter of an hour, to promote perspiration (the sweating -process). Bandage throat, chest, and waist. Hold water in the mouth, and -rub the throat often with wet hands (requisites in all cases where the -throat is engaged). Patient being under the general treatment at the -usual time, packing sheet and tepid bath, etc., were used. - -Cure effected the second day. - - -_Cold and Cough._--A child six years old. Tepid bath 64 deg. twice a day, -fifteen minutes each time, and waist bandage. Cured the second day. - -For an adult the above is also good treatment, with the addition of -holding water constantly in the mouth when walking, and wearing bandages -on chest and legs up to the fork at night; morning, two rubbing sheets; -the same at mid-day and in the afternoon. Two foot-baths during the day -of ten minutes each; feet to be rubbed well the whole time. Bandages as -in former case. - - -_Cold, and Sore Throat._--Bandage the throat at night, expose it by day, -even in winter. - - -_Pain in the Bowels._--Packing-sheet until hot, then tepid bath 66 deg. -morning and afternoon; at mid-day, sitz-bath 64 deg. twenty minutes. It was -truly astonishing to witness the result of one day's treatment. - - -In a case of great swelling in the throat, bandages were applied to it -always, and changed every twenty minutes. To this were added -rubbing-sheets three times a day, and a sitz-bath 64 deg. for twenty -minutes. - - -_Cold._--In a severe cold, suspend packing-sheet in the morning and -substitute rubbing sheet; at noon, packing-sheet for an hour, followed -by tepid-bath 64 deg. - -If not soon well, sweating process for an hour and half, followed by -tepid bath 64 deg. - -In a common cold, Priessnitz ordered three rubbing-sheets, with great -friction, on going to bed. For children, he finds a tepid bath, for ten -minutes twice a day, is sufficient; dining on farinaceous food and going -out as usual. - - -_Cold with Head Ache._--Two rubbing-sheets and tepid sitz-bath for -twenty minutes before dinner, and the same in the afternoon. After each -operation a cold-head bath for ten minutes. - - -_Cold, Sore Throat, and enlarged Tonsils._--Packing-sheets and -tepid-bath twice a day. Tepid sitz-bath and bandages are generally -ordered. - - -_Cold settled in the Knee._--One day rising from kneeling, a patient, -aged 50, felt great pain in her knee, which swelled so as to prevent her -going out. Despite medical skill, it increased in size, and the foot -lost all sensation; this took place twelve months previous to going to -Graefenberg. - -The patient for the first seven or eight weeks was confined entirely to -her room. In the morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath; noon, stood on -the leg up to the top of the thigh in cold water half an hour; -afternoon, repeated the same; drank ten glasses of water daily; and kept -the leg and foot constantly bandaged. At length she began to walk with -two sticks; then she took a cold bath in the morning, and after ten -weeks the douche twice a day, ten minutes each time. Digestion good. - -The bone resumed its position and the swelling began to diminish; when, -the foot having gained its action, she could walk with a stick without -other assistance. This lady was an excellent example of the benefit of -the Water-cure. - - -_Cough, Sore Throat, and pain in the Chest._--Heating bandage to the -throat at night; expose it by day. - -Morning, packing-sheet until quite hot; then tepid bath 64 deg. for fifteen -minutes twice a day. - -In the middle of the day tepid sitz-bath, twenty minutes. It was -astonishing to witness the change for the better, after the first day's -treatment. - - -_Cold and Cough._--An infant aged six years. Tepid bath 64 deg. twice a day, -for fifteen minutes each time. - -Heating bandage round the waist. Cured in two days. - - -_Severe Swelling in the Throat._--A gentleman resident in my house was -ordered three rubbing-sheets, three times a day, and bandages, changed -every twenty minutes. - -A friend of mine was constantly annoyed by relaxed and sore throat, -without any assignable cause. At length it was found that he slept with -his mouth open. An Indian-rubber band to go under the chin and over the -head, so as to keep his mouth shut was used at nights and from that time -he was no more annoyed with the complaint. - - -_Flatulency._--Injection and sitz-baths. - - -_Drowsiness._--Foot-bath, and rub the head with wet hands. If these -means are not sufficient, use the packing-sheet, followed by friction in -tepid bath for an hour. - -A patient complaining to Priessnitz of feeling heavy in the head after -dinner, was ordered to pour a bottle of water on his head, and take -head-baths occasionally. - - -_Hysteria._--Rubbing-sheets every five minutes, until every appearance -of hysteria is gone. The patient should lie in bed between each -packing-sheet to get warm. - - -_Ague._--Tepid bath 62 deg. with great friction until fever is reduced; then -packing-sheets, changed on becoming warm; followed by tepid bath, -bandage, drinking water, etc. The sweating stage is much relieved by -packing-sheets. - - -_Shivering._--For a shivering fit, a patient was ordered five -rubbing-sheets, with an interval of five minutes between them--patient -to walk about the room during that time: first application effected a -cure. - -A young lady strong and robust, always cold, sleepy, and indisposed to -leave the house, was ordered to use the packing-sheet until warm; then a -tepid bath for an hour and upwards, three times a day. In three days she -was perfectly well. - - -_Weakness of Chest and Short Breathing._--A delicate lady was ordered -two packing-sheets, from the arm-pits to knees, and tepid bath 64 deg. Feet -being cold were rubbed in shallow foot-bath for a quarter of an hour, -then dried, and she walked about her chamber for a quarter of an hour -before going to bed. - - -_Itching of the Fingers, like the approach of Chilblains._--Wash hands -in tepid water, 64 deg., three times a day for five minutes; wear -heating-bandage from the wrist to the elbow. - - -XLVII.--SORE MOUTH--INFLAMED GUMS. - -For this complaint, sweating twice a day, long tepid baths, head-baths, -and sitz-baths, were ordered. Tepid water, 68 deg., should be held in the -mouth. - - -XLVIII.--TOOTH-ACHE, PRESERVATION OF THE TEETH, ETC. - -If the tooth is unsound, it must be stopped or extracted. Sometimes when -a tooth is plugged, the pressure on the nerve renders it insupportable. -At Geneva, a clever dentist avoided this painful result by first -cleaning out the tooth, then placing a small plate of metal very flat -and thin as a sort of shelf in the tooth, so as to leave a hollow below -it. By this means, he avoided the pressure upon the nerve, and the -stopping was not felt. This is foreign to our purpose; but I insert it -as a useful hint. In ordinary cases of tooth-ache, or inflammation of -the gums, fill the mouth with warm water; then with the hand dipped -frequently in cold water, rub the cheeks until it can be borne no -longer; then rub the gums even to bleeding, and bandage the face: if -pain returns in the night, repeat the rubbing. Long and often-repeated -tepid foot-baths are also useful. - -A patient at Graefenberg writes as follows:--"Priessnitz ordered me, for -tooth-ache and pain in my gums, to rub the back of my head and down my -neck often and for a long time. The first application afforded me -relief. After ten or fifteen minutes' rubbing, the pain would leave for -hours, and then return. Soon there was a longer interval between the -attacks: at last, the pain ceased altogether." The theory of this mode -of curing such an ailment is based upon true philosophical principles. -Who does not know that the nerves of the teeth centre in the back of the -head? It is evident, then, that by friction to that part, the -inflammation will be drawn from the gums. - -A friend of mine, suffering intensely from pain in the gums, found -relief from a tepid sitz-bath of thirty minutes. As a preservative for -the teeth, there is nothing like water. It is related in a useful little -pamphlet, entitled "Facts, proving Water to be the only beverage fitted -to give health and Strength to Man," that General Norton, the Mohawk -Chief, who was in this country some years ago, said that when the -Indians are in their own settlements, living upon the produce of the -chase, and drinking water, their teeth always look clean and white; but -when they go into the United States, and get spirituous liquors, their -teeth look dirty and yellow, and then they are frequently afflicted -with tooth-ache, and are obliged to have their teeth drawn. For cleaning -the teeth and preserving them, there is nothing so good as cold water; -warm or tepid water exposes us to catch cold in the gums, whilst those -who are in the constant habit of using cold water are seldom troubled in -this way. - - -XLIX.--WATERY OR INFLAMED EYES. - -For watery eyes, an eye-bath three times a day for five minutes will -draw blood to, and strengthen, them. For inflamed eyes, throw water with -the hand into them three times a day for five minutes each time, and -wear a bandage on the forehead at night. - - -_Sore Eyes._--Place the back part of the head in cold water three times -a day, ten minutes each time; then use an eye-bath for five minutes, -twice a day: for this purpose, glasses are to be procured of the form of -the eye. After the eyes are closed in the water for about a minute, they -should be opened for the other four minutes. At night, a bandage should -be placed at the back of the neck: this and the head-bath have the -effect of drawing inflammation from the front. In most cases, foot-baths -twice a day are beneficial. Where there is great inflammation; a very -wet bandage may be applied to the eyes for an hour occasionally. As a -preservative to the eyes, open them in the wash-hand basin of a morning -for two minutes, or throw water [i]nto them occasionally, for two or -three minutes at a time. - - -L.--DEAFNESS. - -Rubbing-Sheet three times a day, wear bandage over the ears at night, -and drink plentifully of water; tepid sitz-baths. This treatment will -often relieve deafness: where it is ineffectual, the general treatment -must be resorted to. - - -LI.--EAR-ACHE. - -Linen wetted should be introduced into the ear; all round the ear often -rubbed with wet hands for a quarter of an hour each time, and a bandage -worn round the head; also tepid foot-bath for half an hour. - -In obstinate cases, perspiration and tepid baths, sitz and foot-baths, -must be resorted to. For an obstinate pain in the ear in a strong man, -two packing-sheets and tepid bath for two hours were prescribed; next -day, sweating for five or six hours, and cold bath. - - -LII.--RINGWORM, ITCH, ETC. - -These diseases are more easily conquered by Hydropathy than by any other -means. The most difficult ringworms to cure, are those driven in by bad -treatment. This disease is equal to gout in obstinacy. We shall here -warn the sufferer that the diet prescribed must be rigorously observed. -Dr. Munde states that "three men, attacked with this disease, arrived at -Graefenberg, at the same time as himself; the first, following the -treatment with energy for two months, returned home resolved to continue -through the winter, and then return to Graefenberg to finish the cure, -which, at the time of his departure, was more than half effected. The -two others remained at Graefenberg, one for eight months, the other six; -both left radically cured. The treatment of one of these cases was -attended by an acidity in the throat, and by the vomiting of matter -containing chalky substances. The acidity of the throat was such, that -it caused the tongue to be ulcerated.["] - - -LIII.--PSORIASIS. - -The following extraordinary case is as stated by the patient, an English -gentleman, himself. An eruption made its appearance on his head when -twenty-three years of age; cause unknown. Underwent medical treatment -six years, and tried every remedy five physicians could suggest. Thrice -salivated, tried all sorts of ointments, some so powerful as to burn the -flesh. Visited Harrowgate the third time, when the eruption spread all -over his body. Stomach and bowels a continual source of annoyance. -Arrived at Graefenberg 27th July, 1843; next morning, went into tepid, -from that to cold, and back to tepid bath; and afterwards pursued the -following treatment:-- - -Morning, two packing-sheets, the first for a quarter of an hour, the -second for an hour, followed by tepid bath for half a minute, then cold, -and back to tepid bath; noon, packing-sheet one hour, and -rubbing-sheet; afternoon, packing-sheet one hour, and rubbing-sheet. At -the expiration of first bath, the bowels acted regularly. Morning and -afternoon treatment the same; noon, douche three minutes, and sitz-bath -half an hour. - -Sept. 5.--Considerable pain felt in thighs and legs; ordered after -douching to walk a few minutes, with legs exposed to the air. - -Sept. 20.--Diarrhoea. For this, the patient was put into packing-sheet -doubled, from the arm-pits to the hips till warm; this was renewed seven -times every quarter of an hour. Patient free from pain, but weak. Cramp -returned in the evening, when a tepid sitz-bath was ordered, if that did -not succeed, a clyster was to be administered. - -The sitz-bath removed the pain. About this time pain in his side, which -patient had felt from his youth, left him and has not returned. Patient -observed that the smell of the packing-sheets, after his having lain in -them, was offensive. Eruption at this time evidently worse. Third month, -packing-sheet and cold bath instead of tepid bath, and in the afternoon -cold bath instead of rubbing-sheet. - -Reaction after every operation improved. Eruption so bad that skin -cracked in various places, and discharged yellow gummy matter. - -Fourth month.--Eruption caused head to feel quite sore; wore bandage to -head and changed it four times a day. - -Fifth month.--Rheumatic pains in shoulder, which had been felt at -intervals for years. Rubbed well on coming out of cold bath; pain ceased -in eight or ten days. After some time the pain returned again in both -shoulders; this was subdued by rubbing-sheets as follows:--three the -same night on going to bed; next day at noon, four afternoon, -packing-sheet, followed by three rubbing-sheets, and on going to bed -five more. Never felt rheumatic pain since. Eruption worse, covering the -entire surface of head and ears, and spots on the body as before. - -Jan. 8.--Ceased sweating from weakness; eruption improved in appearance. - -Seventh month.--Commenced sweating again; eruption improved. - -Eighth month.--Eruption still improving, leaving the skin inflamed and -contracted; the spot on left leg gone, and lumps on neck decreasing in -size. - -Ninth month.--Head and ears better, left off venturing to expose them to -the air; washed them frequently with cold water; eruption began to peel -off when rubbed. Towards the end of the month, body quite free from all -eruption. Patient winds up by saying, "I have gradually left off the -various operations, preparatory to my departure, and am happy to say, -that now every particle and sign of the eruption has disappeared." - -June 17, 1844.--In a letter written some time afterwards to a friend, he -stated that he was perfectly cured of the disease. - - -_Fistula._--Patient three years previously had been cured of stricture, -to the treatment for which he attributes his present complaint. Morning, -packing-sheet till warm, and cold bath; noon, rubbing-sheet and tepid -sitz-bath ten minutes; afternoon, packing-sheet and cold bath. Bandages -to the fork and arms, and round the waist always. - -In three months, douche for three or four minutes. Sitz-bath to be cold -instead of tepid, and alternate days foot-bath and tepid half bath, -without rubbing-sheet. Cured in five months. - -In three months, douche for three or four months; sitz-bath to be cold -instead of tepid; and alternate days foot-bath and tepid half bath, -without rubbing-sheet. Cured in five months. - - -Another patient stated that, he suffered from piles; for these he was -drugged and leeched at the anus; treatment which was no doubt the cause -of the fistula. - - -_Nose Frost-bitten._--Chafe it with tepid-water 62 deg., and wear bandage -continually. - - -_Leprosy._--Patient ordered three packing-sheets and tepid-baths daily, -wet linen drawers and waistcoat, with dry ones over them at night. -Another patient wore two pairs of wet drawers for the same disease by -day. - -In another case, patient was ordered packing-sheets and long cold baths, -and slept in a wet dress that fitted him, with a dry one over it; the -whole being covered with a thick blanket. The patient described that his -dress very soon became dry, whilst the blanket was wet and he was cold. -To obviate this, Priessnitz told him to put on a second blanket, and in -two hours take it off. - - -LIV.--FISTULA. - -Where parties are otherwise in tolerable health, this complaint is -always curable in about eight or nine months. When health is -established, contractility takes place. In cases where patients have -been long under medical treatment, the cure of fistula requires great -patience and perseverance. - -Morning, packing-sheet and bath; noon, rubbing-sheet, douche; afternoon, -four o'clock, douche; five o'clock, packing-sheet and bath. - -Bandage to waist and part affected. The latter made of old linen. - -Cold food is better for this complaint than hot. No sitz-baths. - - -LV.--HAEMORRHAGE, IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION, PAINS IN THE WOMB, &C. - -All these diseases are successfully combated by hydropathy. - -Away from Priessnitz, excessive menstruation requires cautious -treatment. Persons so afflicted may, however, adopt the following means -of relief. - -At the period, wear a large bandage round the waist, wash the body with -cold water on rising in the morning. - -Drink plentifully of cold water. - -When discharge has ceased, use a sitz-bath for fifteen minutes, once or -twice a day. - -If patient is very ill she must remain in bed lightly covered, wearing a -very broad bandage, which must be changed every five minutes, or at -most, every ten minutes, until better. - -In cases of flooding, equally broad bandage, very wet, and changed -often; also bandage the calves of the legs, and change it every five or -ten minutes. - -In case of great weakness, a tepid bath of 64 deg. for eight or ten minutes, -with much friction, must be resorted to, fresh water being constantly -added, and fresh air admitted into the room. - -At the period when menstruation is coming on, if in great pain, let the -abdomen, feet, and legs, be well rubbed for a long time by hands dipped -often in cold water. - - -_Too frequent Menstruation._--This frequently arises from weakness; in -that case, the general treatment to fortify the system is requisite. - -Three rubbing-sheets a day, drink plentifully of cold water, eat -everything cold. - -On rising in the morning, wash internal parts well with a sponge. If -this is not sufficient, add packing-sheet and cold bath in the morning, -and during the week, take two tepid sitz-baths fifteen minutes, 62 deg., -rubbing the abdomen all the time. Change waist bandage often. - - -_Irregular Menstruation._--A lady, apparently in good health, came to -Graefenberg in 1840. She suffered greatly from head-aches, occasioned by -irregular menstruation; when she arrived, though catamenia was strong, -she was ordered a sitz-bath, when it ceased and returned in fourteen -days. During the patient's stay, it returned three times, -notwithstanding which the treatment was continued. - -Sweating morning and evening two hours, followed by first tepid and then -cold bath. - -During the day two tepid sitz-baths, followed immediately by tepid -foot-baths, fifteen minutes each. - -Douche three minutes. Head-bath, five minutes each side, making fifteen -minutes. - -Ten to twelve glasses of water, used waist bandages, and took much -exercise. _Cured in six weeks._ - - -_Suppressed Menstruation._--When catamenia comes on, except in -extraordinary cases, all the operations of the Water-cure are suspended, -but when patients are in a crisis or fever, they are continued. When -menstruation, from any cause, is suppressed, the following treatment is -prescribed. - -Three or four times a day, three or four rubbing-sheets, not much wrung -out, with great friction. These are each time to be followed by tepid -foot-baths of fifteen minutes each. - -A lady at Graefenberg, for this complaint, took packing-sheet and tepid -bath in the morning, four rubbing-sheets at noon, four in the -afternoon, and four at night; between each rubbing-sheet, she walked or -ran naked about the room, with the windows open, though in the depth of -a Silesian winter. This treatment brought on catemenia the third day. No -bandage was used. If blood had gone to the head, then foot-baths were to -have been applied, and the feet and legs rubbed with hands dipped in -water the whole time. If these means had failed, then the sitz-bath and -douche were to have been added to the treatment. After every operation, -patient must go out of doors and take much exercise, and drink not less -than twelve glasses of water a day. In some cases, cold foot-baths are -more active than tepid ones; and in obstinate complaints of this kind, -the sweating process is useful. - - -_Pains in the Womb._--Tepid sitz-bath from forty minutes to an hour, -rubbing the abdomen well whilst in the bath with wet hands. Sweating in -cold weather beneficial; in hot weather the contrary. To effect a cure, -the general health must be established. - - -_Haemorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, &c._--A patient aged 42, was cured -of haemorrhage in six minutes. - -Packing-sheet followed by rubbing-sheet, were first resorted to. After -three weeks it became necessary to increase the packing-sheets to fifty -a day. They were applied from the arm-pits down to the hips. Patient -kept in a perfect state of repose. - -In five days this treatment stopped the haemorrhage; then packing-sheets -and cold baths twice a day, were had recourse to, until patient was -cured. No sitz-baths. Large bandage, often renewed, was always worn -round the waist. - -An English lady of title, nearly exhausted from violent haemorrhage, -arrived at Graefenberg in October. She was ordered not to put her foot to -the ground for two months, to sleep with her window open, and to be -covered with one sheet only. After the packing-sheets, she was carried -to the cold bath and back to bed. She felt as in an ice-house. In two -months, great improvement: then, though winter, and the ground was -covered with snow, she was ordered to go out without bonnet or umbrella, -and as lightly clad as possible; and to douche twice a day for ten -minutes. Everything being done to cause contraction. In May she was -declared perfectly cured. The husband, on coming to her, was in -ecstasies at her healthy appearance, and was at a loss to find words to -express his gratitude to Priessnitz. - - -_Head-ache, Pain in the Limbs, and great uneasiness._--A child taken in -the night with the above symptoms accompanied with fever, was ordered -immediately-- - -Rubbing-sheet, sitz-bath, and head-bath; at noon, rubbing-sheet and -sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet twenty minutes, and tepid-bath. - -If the packing-sheet heated soon, then to be changed for twenty minutes. - -If symptoms continued, renew the rubbing-sheets, sitz, and head-baths, -in the night. - -Patient well in the afternoon. - - -_Pain in the Breast._--A lady, two days after her confinement, had her -breast hardened by milk, so that she could not endure the infant's -attempt to draw it. She applied the bandage, covered with a dry one; it -was immediately soothing, and in less than an hour, the milk began to -flow. - - -_The Whites._--These find a certain cure in hydropathy. Very often -sitz-bath, beginning with tepid water and afterwards using cold and -injections, effect the object. When they do not, rubbing sheet and the -douche are resorted to. - -A case within my knowledge was cured by the following treatment: - -Three tepid sitz-baths 60 deg. daily; morning, two packing sheets; one -fifteen minutes, the other twenty-five minutes, followed by cold bath, -with cold water thrown over the body; afternoon, the sheets were -repeated, and either a rubbing sheet or cold bath. When patient did not -feel well the tepid bath was used. Body bandage worn always. - - -LVI.--CHANGE OF LIFE IN FEMALES. - -Health would be re-established by a few months' treatment--such as -rubbing-sheets and douche; drinking water and wearing the bandage. Those -who cannot _devote time_ to go to Graefenberg, should take a rubbing -sheet every morning, wear a waist bandage, and drink seven or eight -tumblers of water a-day. - - -LVII.--TREATMENT OF LADIES. - -_Pain at the Chest, Dry Cough, Weak Digestion, Pain and Pressure at the -Nape of the Neck, Cold Feet, Great Emaciation and Suppression of -Catemenia for three months, Skin dry and hard, Unable to Walk._--A lady, -38 years of age, for the above symptoms, was treated as follows:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and tepid-bath; noon, rubbing-sheet; afternoon, -as in the morning. - -Bandages on chest and abdomen day and night. - -Ten glasses of water drank daily. - -In ten days able to walk a little, cough eased, better spirits. - -In a month, skin softer; and shortly after, a cold plunge-bath was -ordered instead of tepid. - - -_Accouchement._--Experience has demonstrated the utility of cold -ablutions, sitz-baths, simple diet, and exercise in the air, to females -enceinte; water should be substituted for all stimulants. Madame -Priessnitz, for her easy and prompt accouchements, is indebted to cold -water and sitz-baths, which she took daily for six weeks previous. - -The following statement to me in writing, by an American gentleman, -shews the value that ought to be set on hydropathy by ladies. - -"From 1837 to 1844 inclusive, Mrs. ---- was, to all appearance, very -healthy, but had an abortive accouchement every year, sometimes twice a -year. After the second accident of this nature, she took advice; when, -on one occasion, she was subjected to depletion; another, she was -advised to pass her time entirely in a recumbent position; she had the -best advice that could be procured in Boston, Florence, and Liverpool. -These mishaps caused her many distressing and alarming symptoms. She now -went to a hydropathic establishment for a few weeks, and derived great -benefit from the treatment; this determined her on going to Graefenberg, -when Priessnitz assured her, if confined there, no doubt need be -entertained of a favourable result, or the life of the infant. In April, -1845, she arrived at Graefenberg; after six weeks she became unwell, and -continued so for some time; she, however, persevered in the full -treatment until April, 1846, when she gave birth to a male child -weighing twelve pounds, six ounces. - -"Her treatment had been packing-sheet and cold bath in the morning, -rubbing-sheets, douche, and sitz-baths in the after part of the day, all -the winter. The latter she took the very morning of her accouchement. - -"During labour, the bandages round the waist were quite wet, and changed -every ten minutes. She was also ordered to walk and use her arms as much -as possible. - -"After the birth, she was washed twice a day with tepid water -15 deg.[Transcriber's note: probably Reaumur scale], with wet towels. - -"The child, immediately on entering the world, was put into water as it -came from the fountain; afterwards warm water was mixed with it until it -reached 15 deg. The child's baths were afterwards tepid 15 deg., and gradually -reduced to 12 deg. After two months he had two of these baths a day. - -"In case of pain in the bowels bandages were applied; if not attended -with immediate relief, a cold clyster. He is now three years old, strong -and cheerful; his mother free from all those symptoms hitherto so -obstinate, mysterious, and apparently fatal. I leave Graefenberg with the -highest sense of gratitude towards the wonderful man, whose intuitive -genius has proved such a blessing to thousands. I regard hydropathy a -thousand times more as a science of life than a remedial agent. I have -seen enough to convince me that he who lives according to its precepts, -_must_, barring accidents and pestilence, live to a good old age; it -will teach all to make their passions harmonise with their organisation, -and then it will be, not only a medicine, but a religion." - -If fever of any kind supervenes upon accouchements, wet sheets and -tepid-baths are resorted to. - - -_Pregnancy._--A delicate lady, who accompanied her husband to -Graefenberg, became in the family-way; she had long suffered from -derangement of the stomach, which now became much worse: she wasted away -and became weakly. - -Ordered two rubbing-sheets daily, one in the morning, the other in the -afternoon. A sitz-bath occasionally. - -Bandage round the waist, always drank plentifully of water. - -Under this treatment, she became stout and plump. She walked until the -day before her accouchement. When she felt the pains of labour coming -on, Priessnitz caused her to sit up until the last moment, with a -bandage round the abdomen, which, during labour, was changed every six -minutes. The delivery was quick and easy. - - -_Experience shews_ the utility of cold ablutions and exercise in the -open air, to females who are in the family-way. To this add simple diet, -and drinking plentifully of cold water. All stimulants should be -avoided. A sitz-bath occasionally, and a bandage when sensations of pain -are felt, will also be beneficial. - - -_Sterility._--I could enumerate instances out of number, of parties (who -had often deplored the absence of children) having families, after -undergoing the cleansing and fortifying process of the Water-cure. - -A gentleman, now an M.P., and his lady, were travelling for their health -in Italy. A friend of mine at Venice, advised them to go to Graefenberg. -They did so, and after five months, the lady became enceinte. She wrote -afterwards, that she had been married eleven years without having had a -child; that since her trip to Graefenberg she had three. Her meeting with -that gentleman at Venice, she said she looked upon as an act of divine -Providence. - - -_Difficulty in passing Urine._--Wash the parts with cold water often; -the body twice a-day; bandage the parts; drink plentifully of water and -eat grapes. - - -LVIII.--GIDDINESS, DIZZINESS, ETC. - -Bandage (wet) round the head; lie in bed and change body-bandage often. -Tepid sitz-bath 62 deg. for forty minutes. If after a few hours, patient is -not better, resort to packing-sheet and tepid bath; or three or four -rubbing-sheets twice or thrice a-day, followed by tepid foot-baths. - - -LIX.--HEAD-ACHES. - -When they proceed from nervousness, rubbing-sheet for three or four -minutes, well wetting the head first, followed by sitz-bath for fifteen -minutes. When these fail, resort to packing-sheet and tepid bath. -Head-bandage. - -It frequently happens that well washing the head, rubbing the temples -for a long time with wet hands, and wearing a wet bandage as a turban, -the head-ache is relieved. - - -_Head-ache and Flushing from anxiety._--A lad was ordered: - -Foot-bath twenty minutes; feet very much rubbed during that time. Body -bandaged and bandage often changed. - -Tepid sitz-bath 62 deg. quarter of an hour; head-bath for ten minutes, and -afterwards bandage round it very often terminates head-ache at once. - -When head-ache is obstinate, the duration of the sitz-bath must be -extended, and a perpetual bandage from the ankle to the knee. This, -though it may produce an eruption, may be continued for months. Bandage -the head night and day. - - -_Head-ache._--For a violent head-ache, Priessnitz ordered the body -bandage to be changed every ten minutes. This did not answer--when -patient was relieved by the following treatment; a rubbing-sheet for -five minutes, and sitz-bath for an hour, the head being bandaged all the -time. - - -A lady of a fine strong constitution, suffering from intense nervous -head-ache, was treated as follows:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and bath, followed by head-bath, three minutes to -each side, and the same to the back, making nine minutes; noon, -rubbing-sheet, sitz-bath; afternoon as in the morning. Patient always -went without stockings and bonnet. In three months health much improved -and headache less frequent. - - -_Head-ache._--Some head-aches are relieved by fomenting the forehead and -temples with towels wetted with hot water for half an hour, occasionally -washing and rubbing those parts with cold water; when, if not cured, the -treatment should be repeated, and afterwards a bandage may be applied. - - -LX.--ACUTE INFLAMMATION IN THE HEAD, CHEST AND ABDOMEN. - -Frequent rubbing-sheets; packing-sheets, and sitz-bath, cut short the -premonitory stage of the disease. In the event of increase of pain and -fever, tepid bath 62 to 64 deg. should be used, and patient kept in it -until the axillae are cold. Packing-sheet, after the lapse of -twenty-four, thirty-six, or forty-eight hours, when all inflammatory -symptoms have ceased, may be had recourse to. Should these symptoms -return, the tepid bath must be repeated, and its duration regulated by -circumstances. - - -LXI.--CHILBLAINS. - -Put the part affected in tepid water three times a day for twenty -minutes; if the fingers are attacked, apply a bandage from the wrist to -the elbow; if the toes, from the ankle to the knee, and wear it night -and day. - - -LXII.--COLD FEET. - -When cold, to be well rubbed with wet hands, but _never_ put into a -bath. To cure cold feet, rubbing-sheet to the whole body, and friction -to the feet two or three times a day; after which, walk about room, or -passage, or cold wet stones, for ten or fifteen minutes, or until heat -has returned. Persons suffering from cold feet, on going to bed at night -may use the bandage as follows: first bring heat to the feet by exercise -or friction; then put a bandage into cold water, wring it out well, -envelope the feet in it, and over that place a thick dry bandage. - - -LXIII.--COLD HANDS AND WHITLOW. - -Rub the hands with snow or cold water and let them dry of themselves; -when they are wounded, keep the snow or water away from them. To draw -heat or bad matter from the hands, bandage from the wrist to elbow and -use elbow-bath, fifteen minutes each time. In ordinary cases of whitlow, -rub the finger, hand and wrist often with wet hand, and bandage the -finger at night. If obstinate, resort to the same treatment as for cold -hands. - - -LXIV.--BUNNION AND ENLARGED GLANDS OF FOOT AND INSTEP. - -A lady aged 45 was ordered--morning, packing-sheet twenty minutes and -tepid bath 62 deg.; noon, sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, -rubbing-sheet. Bandage to feet and legs up to the knees at night, and -from ankles to knees only by day If the feet are wounded by tight boots, -take foot-baths twice a-day and wear a bandage on the feet at night. - - -LXV.--DEPRESSION OF SPIRITS, HEAD-ACHE, ETC. - -A patient derived immediate relief from the following treatment: -morning, packing-sheet half an hour, then tepid bath two minutes, cold -three or four minutes, and back to the tepid; noon, rubbing-sheet, -sitz-bath fifteen minutes and head-bath ten minutes; afternoon, morning -treatment repeated. When better, the packing-sheet in the afternoon was -abandoned for a sitz-bath ten minutes. On dreary wet days the -packing-sheet was to be resorted to again. After the sitz-bath, the feet -were to be put into water for two or three minutes and well rubbed. - - -LXVI.--DEAFNESS. - -Away from Graefenberg, persons are recommended to use the rubbing-sheet -twice a-day, take a foot-bath ten minutes, and wear a bandage round the -ears at night. - -A young man from Hambro', suffering from deafness, followed up the -general treatment for three or four months, when a boil appeared on his -abdomen and increased to the size of an egg; this burst whilst patient -was taking the douche: from that time he heard as well as ever. - - -LXVII.--HERNIA AND CONSTIPATION. - -Both these complaints, which are so completely out of the reach of -drugs, are always cured by hydropathy. - -Don----, late minister from a foreign court to England, through my -interpretation, inquired of Priessnitz how long he should be before he -was cured of constipation? A twelvemonth. How long of my hernia? Four -months. His treatment was as follows:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and tepid bath, afterwards changed to cold bath; -noon, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, as in the morning; bandage -to the hernia and round the waist always. - -In about four months hernia was perfectly cured and patient declared -that as he eat, slept, and walked well, he considered himself in health, -and consequently left Graefenberg. I heard from him in Rome afterwards, -when he continued perfectly satisfied. - - -_Hernia._--A German baron, thirty-five years of age, assured me that -nine months before I made his acquaintance, he came to Graefenberg for -hernia: that he had been cured the last two months, but he was waiting -to be assured of it. - -He was induced to come, from a captain in his regiment having been cured -of a double rupture two years before. - -Cases _ad infinitum_ might be quoted to show the certainty of the -Water-cure effecting cures of this nature. - - -LXVIII.--LIVER COMPLAINT, CONGESTION OF BLOOD IN THE HEAD, ENLARGED VEIN -IN THE LEG. - -An English M.D., 70 years of age, was attacked with yellow fever in the -tropics, which affected his liver, when indigestion and dyspepsia -resulted. - -At Rome, being seized with pain in the heart and congestion of blood in -the head, he was bled: finding himself no better, he proceeded for the -best advice to Paris, where depletion was again recommended. This -determined him to go to Graefenberg. - -The doctor told me Priessnitz took a most accurate view of his case: he -began by packing-sheets and tepid-bath, morning and evening; -rubbing-sheets, sitz and foot-baths at noon. - -The treatment caused him varied sensations, but generally a tendency to -healthy action. One day he felt unusual pain about the region of the -heart, and congestion in the head. Having a gouty tendency in his -system, he became alarmed, and sent for Priessnitz, who put a large wet -bandage doubled in the form of a shawl over his shoulders, and over the -region of the heart, and then requested him to put his feet up to the -knees in cold water for half an hour. - -The doctor declared to me, that if asked a question as to the danger of -such a proceeding, he should have said that he thought death would -immediately ensue, and that but for the confidence Priessnitz' success, -as witnessed by himself, had created, no power on earth could have -induced him in such a complaint to follow the orders thus given. As it -was, however, he plunged his feet into the water at once in presence of -Priessnitz, who stood with him the whole time. By degrees the symptoms -decreased; in an hour after the operation he was completely relieved, -and that night slept remarkably well. - -For a slight attack of fever, the doctor was prescribed five or six -rubbing-sheets and a head-bath, to walk in the open air, and change his -body-bandage in the night. At another time, for blood to the head and -great nervousness, he bathed the head after dinner, bandaged the neck -and dispensed with neck handkerchief. - -When the doctor first came to Graefenberg, his walks were limited to the -piazza in front of his rooms; these were extended by degrees, until even -during the inclemency of the winter and the depth of snow everywhere -encountered, he extended his walks thrice a day up into the woods, and -was always the first to be seen out in the morning. In about nine -months, the gentleman was completely cured of all his ailments. - - -LXIX.--DEFORMITY. - -An artisan kept his bed for a long time, his illness is supposed to have -originated in a cold. He was almost bent double. In this state he went -to Carlsbad, where the waters rendered him so weak that he moved about -with great difficulty. In this state he came to Graefenberg. - -Morning, packing-sheet one hour, bath three minutes; noon, two -rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath; afternoon as the morning. - -Large bandage round the loins, drank twenty tumblers of water before -breakfast; and twenty more during the day. - -In about three months this patient was able to ascend the highest hills, -then he was ordered to carry loads of wood on his head, and put a stick -behind his back through his arms at all times, to assist in bringing him -straight. He staid all the winter: in the spring his health was -perfect, and he was nearly upright when I left him at Graefenberg. - - -LXX.--SPINAL COMPLAINTS. - -Priessnitz says it is difficult to prescribe for these complaints at a -distance; and that except in young people, or where the disease is in -its infancy, a cure is seldom effected. It is however always safe to -adopt the following treatment, which will refresh and strengthen the -patient. - -Three rubbing-sheets, at intervals during the day. - -One or two foot-baths, but NO sitz-baths without advice. - -If the feet swell, continue the treatment, all the same, rub with wet -hands, and bandage the legs, from the ankle to the knee, this will -reduce the swelling. - - -_Spine complaint and general debility._--A lady. - -Morning, packing-sheet until warm, followed by plunge-bath one minute; -noon, douche three minutes, return home and then take a rubbing-sheet -and sitz-bath, twenty minutes; afternoon, as in the morning. - -Rubbed the back and nape of the neck with wet hands, twice a day. - -Patient staid all the winter; during which time symptoms were combated -as they arose, she gained strength and flesh. - - -_Spinal affection._--A young lady, after submitting to all sorts of -medical treatment for three or four years, came to Graefenberg. She was -clothed in flannel, suffered greatly from indigestion, constipation, and -languid circulation, feet always cold, walking a short distance brought -on pain in the back. - -Second day after her arrival, Priessnitz ordered,-- - -"Put aside all flannel, go as lightly clad as possible, keep bed-room -window open day and night, and sleep with only a single sheet as a -covering, leave off stockings and run bare-footed on the wet grass near -the house, or on the cold stones of the passage for half an hour before -breakfast in the morning. - -"Eat black bread and drink sour milk, lie on the stomach and have the -spine rubbed several times a day with wet hands." - -First four days, patient had cold feet in and after the packing-sheet, -this was then followed by tepid, then cold, and back to tepid-bath, feet -well rubbed, previous to going into packing-sheet, and last thing at -night; by this treatment head-ache was relieved and the feet became -warmer. - -In ten days began the douche for one minute; digestion improved; no -longer constipated. Bandages always round the body, and to feet and legs -at night. - -Patient was at Graefenberg nine months, during which time the treatment -was often changed to meet circumstances. One time, suppressed catamenia -was relieved in two days by sixteen rubbing-sheets a day. At another, -patient met with an accident in the leg; Priessnitz to keep this to the -surface, ordered more water to be drunk. This patient left Graefenberg in -excellent health, though not entirely cured of the affection of the -spine, that being out of its perpendicular position. - - -_Pain in the Shoulder and Chest._--A lady in the treatment complained of -pain in the shoulder and left breast, and down the side. - -Ordered, when in sitz-bath the upper part of the body to be well rubbed. - -Body bandage to be more wrung out than usual, and extra covering over -it. - - -_Pain in the side, Chronic cold in the head._--A German officer aged 50, -afflicted as above, and with continued stoppage in the nose, and -frequent head-aches, was told by his medical man that he had no chance -of being cured, was completely relieved at Graefenberg, in three or four -months. - -Packing-sheets and tepid baths twice a day. Rubbing-sheet and sitz-baths -were resorted to for a short time, the cold bath substituted for the -tepid bath, and to this treatment the douche was added. - - -_Weak Chest and Worms._--A child three years old. Wash with tepid water, -12 deg. once, and after some time twice a day. - -Wear body bandage always, and drink water. - - -_Pain in the Chest._--A gentleman had pain in his chest, like the hurt -from a blow, about the size of a crown-piece. - -Ordered sixteen rubbing-sheets a day, _four at each time_. - - -LXXI.--CONSTIPATION. - -This complaint is always relieved, and if sufficient time is devoted to -the treatment, finally overcome by Hydropathy; space forbids my going -into details, or numerous cases might be given in proof of this -assertion. The reader's attention may however be called to the letter -addressed to a newspaper, and signed by upwards of one hundred patients, -giving the case of the son of Prince Leichtenstein, who was cured in a -few days of Constipation, which had endured twenty-eight days in -defiance of all medical aid. To effect a permanent cure, the treatment -must be persevered in for a long time, very often a twelvemonth. - -In a recent case. Rubbing-sheets until feverish heat ceases: sometimes -four or three suffice; at others the number must be increased to sixteen -or twenty, to be immediately followed by a clyster. Then take a walk, -and on returning, a sitz-bath fifteen to twenty minutes, the abdomen to -be well rubbed the whole time. - -Body bandage to be worn always and often changed. This treatment to be -resorted to twice a day. Great exercise to be used, and cold light food -to be partaken of. - - -A delicate lady who had suffered from this complaint for upwards of -twenty years, was relieved in a fortnight, and had no return of it -during her stay at Graefenberg. Her principal treatment was:-- - -Packing-sheet and bath twice a day. Rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath at noon. - -A second case, which came under my observation, was that of a Russian, -who for many years had only been relieved by medicine or enemas. He went -to an establishment at Moscow for six months, where he derived great -benefit, though he still used enemas. At Graefenberg he abandoned the -latter, his bowels were relaxed and have continued so ever since. - - -LXXII.--INDIGESTION. - -Foul tongue and pain at the pit of the stomach; a lady having tried all -other remedies, was ordered the following, which answered admirably. - -Three cold sitz-baths a day, for an hour each time, rubbing the abdomen -the whole time, eat nothing but brown bread and drink sour milk during -three days. - - -_Loss of Appetite, Foul Tongue, etc._--Patient had foul tongue, and loss -of appetite. - -Morning.--Sweating and tepid bath, stomach to be well rubbed in the -bath. Sitz-bath thirty minutes in the afternoon. - -It is very essential to drink abundantly of water, and take great -exercise. - - -A child five years old. Pale, foul tongue, loss of appetite, thirsty and -awaking with screams. Ablution in the morning, and three tepid -sitz-baths daily four minutes each; chest, back, and abdomen to [be] -well rubbed all the time; waist bandage day night. Drink as much water -as possible. Cured in three months. - - -LXXIII.--STOMACH COMPLAINT. - -Patient's stomach deranged, food used to return to his mouth: difficult -of cure. His second visit to Graefenberg, cured in nine months. -Packing-sheets and rubbing-sheets. Noon, douche, rubbing-sheet and -sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet and bath. - - -LXXIV.--THROWING FOOD OFF THE STOMACH. - -Morning, rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath fifteen minutes. Noon, the same -repeated. Afternoon, sitz-bath. - -A gentleman of my acquaintance pursued three or four months' treatment -for this complaint, and left Graefenberg without being cured. - - -LXXV.--HEARTBURN. - -Drink large quantit[i]es of water fasting, rub the part with wet hands -and wear a large bandage, changed often, round the waist. If this does -not effect a cure, take a rubbing-sheet or two and a tepid sitz-bath -twice a day. Nausea and sickness are to be treated in the same manner; -if, however, the latter become chronic, then packing-sheets, tepid -baths, and sitz-baths must be resorted to. The diet should be brown -bread and milk only. The milk should be boiled, if it otherwise -disagrees with the patient. - - -LXXVI.--SEA SICKNESS. - -To avoid sea-sickness or relieve it. The traveller should lay on his -back, and place a large wet towel on his abdomen, changing it when dry. -After a sea voyage take a few rubbing-sheets and sitz-baths. Wear a -waist bandage, and if constipated resort to cold water clysters. - - -LXXVII.--PALPITATION OF THE HEART. - -Many rubbing-sheets; rub the whole, side for a long time and often. -Large bandage. Two sitz-baths a day, fifteen minutes each; rubbing the -afflicted side the whole time. A lady afflicted as above was relieved in -ten minutes by the rubbing-sheets, and dabbling her feet well in cold -water. - - -LXXVIII.--WANT OF SLEEP. - -Before going to bed, take a shallow foot-bath (only to cover the soles -of the foot) for seven to ten minutes, rubbing the feet to above the -ankles all the time, then walk about the room bare-footed until the feet -are quite warm. - -A lady, in the treatment, complained of want of sleep. - -Two packing-sheets in the afternoon, the first changed as soon as hot, -followed by tepid bath. - -Two foot-baths for one hour each, the water only to cover the soles of -the feet. Feet to be well rubbed the whole time. When the servant is -tired of rubbing, patient should walk about the room with bare feet for -a few minutes and then resume the foot-bath. - - -LXXIX.--LANGUID CIRCULATION. - -I attended many cases of this kind with Mr. Priessnitz, where the -languid circulation arose from using the head more than the body. In a -general way he began with rubbing-sheets in the morning and afternoon -for a few days, and then in the morning packing-sheet until warm, and -tepid bath, cold bath, and back to tepid bath. Noon, rubbing-sheet and -tepid sitz-bath fifteen minutes; afternoon, packing-sheet and tepid -baths as in the morning; or a rubbing-sheet. Bandaged always. - - -LXXX.--RING WORM. - -A boy aged seven years had ring worm over the eye and behind his knees. -Cured in six weeks. Two packing-sheets and tepid baths daily. Bandage to -the knees. Child could not endure the douche. - - -LXXXI.--HANDS FROST-BITTEN OR SUFFERING FROM A BOIL. - -Rub the hands well with tepid water, and particularly the wrist. Put the -elbow into cold water for twenty minutes, three times a day. Bandage the -whole arm from the arm-pits down to the wrist. - - -LXXXII.--WEAK EYES AND ERUPTION ON THE HEAD. - -A child two years old had weak eyes, from which there was a constant -discharge and an eruption on the face and head; it was treated as -follow:-- - -Packing-sheet one hour and sometimes longer, followed by tepid bath. -Large bandage from hips to arm-pits night and day. Dabbed the face often -with cold water and bandaged the head at night. In three weeks eyes -quite well and the eruption diminished. - - -LXXXIII.--WEAK ANKLES. - -If an infant, ablution every morning and bandage the ankles night and -day. If an older person, ablution and foot-baths twenty minutes. Morning -and afternoon, bandage always. - - -LXXXIV.--TREATMENT OF INFANTS. - -Immediately after birth bathe the infant in warm water 82 deg., put a wet -bandage on navel, bound on with a dry one, change it morning and evening -_only_. Continue this until the navel is healed. The temperature of the -bath to be reduced two degrees every fortnight, until 68 deg., which is to -be used until child can run alone. It may be washed with cold water at -three months of age. - - -_If an Infant is uneasy or restless and cries._--Put on a body bandage; -if this is not sufficient, give it an extra tepid-bath. - -The child of an Hungarian commissioner was born weak and sickly, with -great difficulty in breathing. The physicians treated the mother to -improve the milk, when the child refused the breast. From three days old -it was spoon-fed. On the fifth or sixth day, the father put the child -into a packing-sheet until it was warm, when he changed it, and then -applied the tepid-bath. - -After four day's treatment a lump appeared on the chest, which increased -until it became as large as a man's fist. On the eighth day it broke, -and half a tumbler of matter was discharged. From this moment the child -gradually improved and is now the healthiest of his children. - - -_Child-teething, Pain in the Head, and Diarrhoea._--Tepid bath for about -five minutes three times a day. - -Two head-baths from ten to fifteen minutes each, and one clyster. - -A body bandage, and change it often. - - -LXXXV.--EPILEPSY. - -This complaint in a general way is not to be cured by Hydropathy; but -Priessnitz thinks persons subject to it should use cold baths, and cold -water as a beverage. I know a young man who was six months at -Graefenberg, it is now twelve-months since, and as he has not had an -attack, he considers himself cured. - - -LXXXVI.--HYPOCHONDRIA AND HYSTERIA. - -A disarrangement of the system, and inaction of the abdomen, cause much -uneasiness and discontent. This disease being moral as well as physical, -requires pure air, scenery, society, and a complete change in the manner -of living. What is so calculated to combat this complaint as -Hydropathy? - -A patient became hypochondriac, in consequence of chronic derangement of -bowels, struck with rush of blood to the head, face became crimson, lost -speech and consciousness, had convulsions and spasmodic movement of the -arms. - -First operation was to put him into a cold bath, and use strong friction -for an hour. He was put into a packing-sheet, in which he became -delirious; he was then rubbed by four men in a tepid bath, 64 deg. He was -still unconscious and yet winced on being pinched; water thrown on his -head caused a slight cry; great heat on the head. On ceasing the cold -affusion, pulse though oppressed began to be felt--eyes -fixed--conjunctiva inflamed. - -Friction continued two hours, then ceased for one hour and a half, and -begun again: in an hour spasms ceased, eyes began to move, without -seeing. Patient apparently exhausted, pulse gained its power, though -still often intermittent, upper part of the body hot, lower extremities -could not be warmed all night, consciousness had not returned in the -morning, pulse better, but sleep interrupted,--patient groaning. All -night wet bandage applied to the head. At 6 o'clock next morning, -sweating process, perspiration preceded consciousness, up to which -moment patient was insensible to all that had occurred. After half an -hour's sweating, he was well rubbed in tepid bath 66 deg., and put to bed, -when he slept. On awaking he partook of bread and milk. - -At 2 o'clock P.M., awoke covered with perspiration, and from that time -until next morning, slept at intervals, pulse regular, talked calmly and -rationally, bowels in a normal state. - -In the morning, packing-sheet; and later, sweating process; both -followed by tepid bath 64 deg.--temperature of the body still high. After -good night's rest, appetite returned, and so much better as to renew the -treatment to effect a cure of that which brought him to Graefenberg. - - -LXXXVII.--FOETID PERSPIRATION OF THE FEET. - -This is relieved by foot-baths, and wearing a bandage on the feet at -night; but it cannot be cured without the sweating process. - - -LXXXVIII.--STRICTURE. - -Sweating and tepid bath, and cold sitz-baths, are generally resorted to -in this complaint. If cold water is found too severe, tepid is used for -a time; a bandage is always applied to parts affected. - -For stoppage of the water, three to six rubbing-sheets; if they fail, -resort to sweating process until water comes, then a tepid bath, or -rubbing-sheet. - -Medical men, to effect this object, put the patient first into a warm -bath, and then bleed him until he faints: by these means, the prostate -gland becomes relaxed, and water flows; or water is passed by the use of -catheters, which at Graefenberg are always dispensed with. - - -LXXXIX.--INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS AND URETHRA. - -The treatment must be regulated by circumstances: sometimes sweating, at -other times the packing-sheet, tepid bath, and bandage. - - -XC.--HYDROCEPHALUS. - -A child one year and a-half old had water on the brain, and a large -protuberance in the middle of the forehead. Ordered, a tepid bath -morning and evening; a rubbing-sheet after an hour's sleep at noon, and -repeated before going to bed at night. Drank water only at meals, and -then but little. Bandage from arm-pits down to the knees; was much in -the open air. After twelve months, the protuberance went down, leaving a -ridge like a pigeon's breast down the centre; shape of head completely -changed, and the boy was perfectly well. - - -XCI.--SYPHILIS. - -This complaint always succumbs to the treatment; and a cure effected by -it leaves none of those lamentable consequences which attend the -exhibition of drugs. By Hydropathic means, the virus is completely -thrown out of the system through the pores; whilst the administration of -mercury is attended with secondary symptoms, which are more fatal than -the disease itself. If taken in time, secondary symptoms are also cured -at Graefenberg. It frequently happens, that patients treated for another -complaint, find syphilis return, though they imagined themselves cured -of it years before. Recent cases of syphilis in otherwise healthy -persons, are generally cured in less than two months; but the cure of -secondary symptoms is a work of time. There are many sufferers from this -undermining malady, who have been at Graefenberg one, two, and even three -years. In health, they, are much improved; but the malady is too deeply -seated to be eradicated. One gentleman, when I was there, was refused -admittance; he died in a few days, when it was found that mercury had -eaten part of his wind-pipe away--a result that never could have been -brought about by water. The following is another deplorable case, the -result of bad treatment:--Patient aged thirty-five, tall, thin, and bent -when walking; supports his head by pressing his hands on each side of -it; part of the cranium destroyed. The brain covered over by a skin; the -parietal bones destroyed, and thick pus exudes between the skin and -bone, and smells horribly. Inside of the left eye is an ulceration with -raised borders, which allows a portion of the orbital arch to be seen -surrounded with pus; pulse weak and irregular; constant pain. Treated -for secondary symptoms, with mercury in 1841; came to Graefenberg with -three ulcers the size of a shilling on his forehead, with burning pains. -Packing-sheets and tepid baths morning and evening, with other -intermediate treatment. This case is introduced to show the sort of -cases Mr. Priessnitz will undertake: of course, a cure will require a -considerable time. - - -XCII.--CHANCRE. - -Case of a very strong young man:-- - -For five days--sweating (after perspiration broke out) morning, one -hour; afternoon, half an hour; then tepid bath, followed by cold bath -and back to tepid. After five days--from sweating went into plunging -cold bath; in another week, douched from two to five minutes at eleven -o'clock; bandage round the body and on the sores, which were bathed and -had water thrown on them frequently; wore suspending bandages; eat -sparingly; no meat or butter, and took but little exercise. Perfectly -cured in six weeks. - - -XCIII.--GONORRHOEA AND CHANCRES. - -Sweating, followed by bath in the morning; douche at eleven; at twelve, -rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath; afternoon, packing-sheet and bath; chancres -increased to the size of a sixpence then, and in two days cicatrised. -Patient cured in twenty-five days. - -_Gonorrhoea, &c._--Packing-sheet, tepid bath, and sitz-baths were the -means used. The complaint continuing, Priessnitz supposed it arose from -debility of the parts, and ordered:-- - -Six sitz-baths of ten minutes, allowing five minutes to elapse between -each, twice a-day; packing-sheets to be changed as soon as warm, -followed by cold bath. - - -A young man, immediately on discovering this complaint, who took -sitz-baths as above described, injected cold water into the urethra, -bandaged the parts and drank plentifully of cold water and lived low; -was cured in two days. - - -Another person was subject to involuntary emissions, by which his -strength was wasting away. In a month after he began the cure, he found -an old gonorrhoea return (which had evidently been driven into the system -and was the cause of his malady); he was now treated for this and -restored to perfect health. - -A Russian officer, declared cured of chancre three years before, found -the complaint return, when he was again treated by mercury. His throat -continued to trouble him, his voice was husky, and piles began to make -their appearance. After pursuing the Water-cure for a short time, as -described in a former case, he had a crisis in his foot, and diarrhoea -for a fortnight, when he passed a considerable quantity of blood. After -this, the piles disappeared entirely, and his voice became sound and -clear. It should be observed that he sweated alternate mornings only; -the other mornings, packing-sheets and bath. - - -A young man aged 23, attacked with secondary symptoms: sore throat, -etc., was ordered three packing-sheets and cold baths a-day; -rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath. - -I knew another strong young man suffering under secondary symptoms, so -that he could hardly walk with the use of a stick; he went to -Graefenberg, staid there two months, and returned to England the picture -of health. - -As there are always at Graefenberg a large number of individuals -labouring under these complaints, cases of cure might be adduced _ad -infinitum_: suffice it to say, that hydropathy in their cure is -omnipotent. Buboes and chancres, when taken in their infancy, are -eradicated from the system in a few weeks, sometimes days, without the -debilitating effects attendant upon other deceitful remedies. - - -XCIV.--SCROFULA AND VACCINATION. - -Priessnitz, when asked what he conceived to be the cause of such an -increase of scrofula as is said to have taken place of late years, said, -he attributed it to vaccination, syphilis and drugs. - -When vaccination is performed without producing its desired effect, the -virus remains in the system, and when it proceeds favourably, it is a -question if it is ever thoroughly ejected. - -Every practitioner knows the difficulty that exists of finding children -from which to take matter where no taint is in the blood. The child -subjected to vaccination is not only exposed to the sins of his own -forefathers, but also to those of the stranger. - -The consequences attendant upon syphilis, and the evil results of -mineral poisons, are such as to lead us to believe that Priessnitz' -opinion is not without foundation. I am doubtful whether scrofula is -ever cured,[7] though whilst at Graefenberg I saw many obstinate cases -relieved. Children who arrived there perfect cripples, were enabled to -use their limbs like other people. I think I may in great truth say, -that in all cases the enemy received a check, and the general health of -the patient was improved. - - [7] Mrs. Outas' child was cured. - -A patient states, that previous to inoculation his family were well; but -since that operation they have been scrofulous. He came to Graefenberg -some years ago from Dartres, when Priessnitz told him to go home, give -up all beverages but water, use cold baths daily, and he would be well; -though incredulous, he followed the advice, and in two years was -perfectly cured. - -For scrofula, the whole treatment must be persevered in for a long time. - - -XCV.--PILES. - -Piles are caused by an accumulation of blood in the vessels which merge -into the large intestines; they either discharge blood, or are confined -to a swelling of the veins, in otherwise healthy subjects. Hydropathy -effects a radical cure of this complaint, whilst medical remedies are -only temporary, and often lead to serious consequences. - -_Treatment._--Morning, three rubbing-sheets and sitz-bath, twenty -minutes; noon, the same; afternoon, the same, and an additional -sitz-bath, making four sitz-baths during the day. At night, a -rubbing-sheet but no sitz-bath, as it is too late to walk after it. Body -bandage; much water to be drunk; douche four to eight minutes in the -middle of the day, if possible. - -Out of the general treatment, persons troubled with piles may take -sitz-baths and wear a bandage on the part affected. - -A patient having piles and sore eyes, was advised neither to take -sitz-baths or eye-baths. When Priessnitz was asked the reason, he said, -"Because you have too much bad matter in your system, which I am afraid -of attracting to those parts." - -In a common attack of piles, two or three sitz-baths a-day, fifteen -minutes each, and wearing a bandage upon the part at night, will afford -relief. - -Persons subject to piles should especially avoid all heating and -stimulating drinks. - - -XCVI.--RUPTURE. - -I knew of a case of double rupture, in an officer 34 years of age, which -was perfectly cured at Graefenberg in three years. Another case of single -rupture was cured in nine months, and a recent one cured in four months. - -There can be no doubt of the complete omnipotence of Hydropathy over -this malady; its cure is only a matter of time. It is difficult to lay -down any prescribed treatment, as the chief aim of the practitioner must -be to bring his patient into fine health. All organic action is -contraction; all strength depends upon the power of the different parts -of the body to contract, and nothing will aid the operation so much as -the different appliances here made use of. As a rule, I observed that -when rupture exudes, the sweating process should be resorted to; when -perspiration has broken out, gently rub the part with the hand until the -rupture is gone in again. Bandages are worn continually. - - -XCVII.--CHILBLAINS. - -Rub the feet or hands affected for a quarter of an hour in tepid water -three times a-day, and bandage the leg from ankle to knee if in the -feet. If in the hand, the arm from wrist to elbow. - - -XCVIII.--COLD FEET. - -Take a shallow foot-bath, cold, one inch deep, before going to bed, for -fifteen minutes; let the feet be well rubbed the whole time, then walk -about the room bare-footed for half an hour, so that re-action may take -place, or they will be colder than before. - - -XCIX.--ERUPTION, SCABS, AND SORES ON THE ARMS. - -A child had tried sulphur bandages and all other conceivable means:-- - -Morning, noon, and afternoon, packing-sheet and tepid-bath; the latter -after a few days changed to the cold-bath; bandages night and day; cure -effected in a few weeks. - - -C.--CONSUMPTION. - -Until the age of fifteen or sixteen Priessnitz conceives this complaint -to be always curable. Very often when parties are supposed to be -consumptive, they are not so. A young lady arrived at Graefenberg during -my stay there. I thought she had delayed it too long; she appeared in -the last stage of consumption. Priessnitz however took the case--and, -principally with rubbing-sheets, administered three times a-day, -effected an extraordinary cure in two months. I saw this lady -afterwards at Florence, and was quite surprised to see what an extremely -fine woman she had become. - - -There was also a young lady suffering under the following -symptoms:--great debility, very thin, weak eyes, little or no appetite, -and a short cough, which would awaken her about four o'clock in the -morning, and trouble her the whole day. She was considered by M.D.'s as -consumptive. Priessnitz took a different view of the case, and as she -was cured in two months he was right. Her treatment was as follows:-- - -Morning, packing-sheet and plunge bath, the tepid-bath having been used -only for a short time; at ten o'clock, douche; at eleven, rubbing-sheet -and eye-bath; at five, packing-sheet and bath; chest, waist, and -forehead bandaged every night; waist bandaged always. - - -_Consumption of the Nerves._--A gentleman aged 30, came to Graefenberg in -a most deplorable state, supported on one side by his wife, on the other -by his servant. Second night he was taken alarmingly ill, with a fever -and a stoppage in his bowels. He was too weak for a packing-sheet or -tepid-bath, therefore twelve rubbing-sheets were administered within -three hours; and two head-baths during the intermediate times. When a -change for the better took place, enemas were applied and relief -afforded. The next day patient was out of doors. I left Graefenberg about -this time, therefore do not know if he recovered. - - -_Spitting Blood._--A young lady was subjected to spitting blood, pain at -the chest, and general debility. Priessnitz doubted if the lungs were -affected, and tried packing-sheet and tepid-bath, which patient was -found too weak to support. Then rubbing-sheets twice a day; patient -still too weak. Then rubbing-sheet, and tepid sitz-bath ten minutes. -Feverish excitement and loss of appetite came on. Back of head put into -cold water for quarter of an hour; to be repeated several times a day. -Bandage at all times down the middle of the breast and round the waist. -When spitting of blood came on, then cold foot-baths were resorted to. -Patient tried the treatment for a month, but was not much improved by -it. - -On leaving, Priessnitz advised her to spend the winter in Italy, to eat -nothing but bread and grapes, and to use cold ablutions. - - -CI.--INSANITY. - -This disease, Priessnitz says is curable, when it proceeds from bodily -suffering or disease; but when caused by mental suffering or misfortune, -is generally incurable. I witnessed the treatment of a case of -aberration of mind at Graefenberg; the patient was put into a tepid-bath, -held there, and rubbed for nine hours and a half; he was then put to -bed, and next morning awoke perfectly composed. - - -_Hydrophobia._--Dr. Short in 1656, published a work, in which he stated, -that with cold water, he had cured the bite of mad dogs and dropsy. -Priessnitz says he never treated the human subject for this complaint, -but that he had cured a dog, by tying him up and throwing a large number -of pails of water over him. At first it caused him to shiver a great -deal, proving the absence of fever to any extent. When dry the aspersion -was repeated; the shivering diminished at each successive aspersion, -until it was entirely allayed. If, on throwing a dog, thus treated, -bread, and he will eat it, it is a sign he is cured. Dr. Sully, of -Wivelscombe, in a work published some years ago, states, that he dropped -water constantly on the wounded part, and that it invariably acted as a -preventive. My impression is, that hydropathy is adapted to the cure of -this complaint. - - -CII.--CHOLERA. - -Spasmodic or pestilential cholera first appeared in England in 1831, and -in France in 1832; great difference of opinion exists as to its cause, -and hardly two practitioners agree as to the best way to effect a cure. -Some persons think, as many would get well without medical aid as with -it; and this conjecture is supported by what took place on its -visitation in Dublin. The numbers attacked were so great, that for the -humble class, large tents were erected outside the city, and the medical -men were so harassed by their own connexions within it, that the poor -were left very much to fate. On comparing notes of the mortality that -took place, it was found, that the number of deaths of those who -received medical aid, and those who were deprived of it, were about -equal. Pages might be employed in enumerating instances related, in -which the cholera was cured by cold water, though administered without -reference to any hydropathic rules. In 1832, Cholera made great ravages -in Silesia, when numbers at Freywaldau and the neighbourhood, fell -victims. Priessnitz's patients did not escape, though they avoided its -fatal consequences. A friend of mine, who was at Graefenberg at the time, -assures me that in cholera, Priessnitz never lost a case, though -seventeen of his patients, and many persons in the neighbourhood, were -treated by him. My landlord at Freywaldau, confirmed the last of these -statements, and said that his daughter fell a victim, who, he felt -persuaded, would have recovered, had she been treated with water instead -of drugs. - -To ward off this disease, and place the system, if attacked, in the best -condition to resist it, we ask the dispassionate reader, are not -hydropathic rules in accordance with reason and common sense? - -There are three different stages in cholera; the first is that of a -common diarrhoea, accompanied with oppression of the chest, anxiety, and -collapse of the face; if neglected, it assumes a more serious form, the -pulse becomes weak, and there is a difficulty of respiration. - -The second stage is ushered in by giddiness, great depression of pulse -and of the vital energies, with spasms, accompanied by purging and -vomitings. - -In the third stage, the patient is suddenly laid prostrate, serous -fluid, in large quantities, is discharged from the bowels and stomach, -with cramps and spasms, hardly any pulse, and difficult respiration. -Under ordinary treatment, this frequently terminates life in a few -hours. - -To those who have witnessed the wonderful results of the Water-cure -treatment in cholic, diarrhoea, &c., it must be evident, that in the -primary stages of this malady, the treatment resorted to in those -complaints, would be perfectly effectual; and that cholera, in its worst -and most fearful form, is to be successfully combated by no other than -hydropathic means. - -If, after visiting a contagious case, Mr. Priessnitz feels at all -uncomfortable, he takes a packing-sheet and tepid-bath. - - -_Asiatic Cholera._--On the first appearance of Cholera symptoms, which -are generally those of languor and chilliness, do not wait for a -development, but apply most vigorously a rubbing-sheet; then dry the -body, and administer a clyster of cold water. In two or three minutes -repeat the rubbing-sheet and clyster, wait five minutes and repeat the -same a third time. Then a cold sitz-bath, letting two attendants rub the -patient with hands dipped in water, particularly on the abdomen, the -whole time; water should be drunk whilst in the sitz-bath, until patient -vomits; when cramps in the stomach and vomiting have subsided, place a -large bandage round the body, and put him to bed well covered up. After -sleeping, apply a tepid-bath with friction for some time. If not cured, -renew the whole operation. - -If, after the sitz-bath, cholera appears on the advance, warm a blanket, -and pack the patient as in the sweating process; if he remains therein -several hours, and the symptoms do not decrease, renew the whole -proceedings, and again try to produce perspiration; when effected, keep -it up two or three hours. After this a tepid-bath 62 deg. with friction. The -success of the treatment very much depends upon drinking abundantly of -water. The bandages used, should be doubled or trebled, and changed -often. If patient is unable to stand or sit upright, lay him on a bed, -and let several attendants rub him all over with wet hands. - -Extract from a letter from Dr. Gibbs to the editor of the "Water-cure -Journal." - -"You cannot have forgotten the consternation of the profession when this -fearful disease invaded us in 1832. Neither can you be ignorant that the -faculty, generally, are as ill prepared to contend with it now as they -were in former years; but for the information of those who may not be as -well acquainted with such matters as you must be, I beg to make an -extract from the minutes of the proceedings at a meeting of the Western -Medical and Surgical Association, as reported in the _Lancet_ of -September 19, 1846. In the course of a discussion on the treatment of -cholera, Dr. Cahill said, that he 'positively felt a creeping of the -skin at the relation of the enormities which had been perpetrated by -practitioners upon their patients. When he listened to the recital of -practitioners who described the extravagant cases of mercury and of -opium which they administered, he could not refrain from fancying that -he was witnessing the orgies of so many Indian savages, whilst counting -the scalps of their victims. He thought it a pity that the invention of -such a system of torture should not experience the fate of the inventor -of the brazen bull, and illustrate upon his own person the efficacy of -his infernal ingenuity. He believed that in the majority of persons who -died of Asiatic cholera, death was the consequence of the treatment -rather than of the disease. He had seen above a thousand cases of -Asiatic cholera; and in no instance had he seen any benefit from any -mode of treatment. On the contrary, he had seen persons die of -narcotism, who would have survived if left to the _vis medicatrix -naturae_. He had seen others die of absorption of air through the veins -when the saline fluid was ejected; and he knew many who had had the -extraordinary luck to escape both the doctor and the disease, yet -rendered miserable for the remainder of life by the effects of the -immense doses of mercury which had been given to them during the cholera -paroxysms. In fact, it was afflicting to contemplate the sufferings -which the rash and empirical practice of the profession in the -management of this epidemic had created.' The learned gentleman likewise -said 'With respect to cholera, since nothing was known of its nature, -and no treatment had any influence over it, the best plan was to do as -little as possible: give carrara, soda, or pump-water, with a little -laudanum, perhaps in the diarrhoeal stage, and the patient would not be -deprived of the chance which nature had given him.' - -"It is to be presumed that the doctor had not seen this disease treated -by the Water-cure, under the operation of which, if I am correctly -informed, and as I can readily believe, results very different from -those, which he witnessed, were obtained. It is stated that more than -twenty cases were successfully treated by Priessnitz, and between thirty -and forty at Breslau, by a clergyman, whose name I regret that I have -forgotten; and it is added that neither practitioner lost a patient by -death. The treatment adopted by each of them was nearly the same; the -principal difference between them being, that the one employed the -sitz-bath, and the other the shallow tepid-bath. - -["]If on the appearance of the premonitory symptoms, judicious treatment -be promptly adopted, it seems not improbable that the disease may be -cut short. Those symptoms may be any combination of the -following:--shivering, dizziness, a ringing noise in the ears, a small -quick pulse, accelerated respiration, languor, praecordial anxiety, a -cold white tongue, nausea, vomiting, severe gripings, and watery -diarrhoea. If it be not checked, the disease quickly passes into the -second or algid stage; the circulation becomes feeble, the blood is -drained of its fluid, the muscles are contracted and cramped, the tongue -is colder and whiter, the thirst becomes burning, the lips livid; the -features contracted, the extremities shrivelled, and the skin cold, -clammy, and discoloured. - -"Little is known respecting the nature of this disease; but the most -rational opinion seems to be, that it owes its origin to a poison -pervading the blood; deranging the balance between the arterial and -venous circulation, impairing the nervous energy, and impeding all the -functions of the various organs, excepting the secretions from the -stomach and bowels; the preternatural excitement of which would seem to -indicate an effort of nature to expel the disturbing causes from the -system. This opinion obtains additional probability from the fact, which -often has been observed, that the more profuse is the diarrhoea, the less -fatal is the disease. - -"Cholera may suddenly appear without manifesting any, or at least with -very slight, premonitory symptoms; especially where the patient is -labouring under any serious affection of the brain, lungs, or -air-passages, when it will sometimes graft itself on the primary -disease, and aggravate all its most various symptoms. - -"On the first manifestation of premonitory symptoms, immediate recourse -should be had to repeated friction in a wrung-out sheet, as in the -earlier stages of fever. This will tend to stimulate the nervous energy, -and to maintain or re-establish the balance of circulation between the -arterial and venous systems; will counteract the disposition to internal -congestion by promoting cuticular circulation; will aid the lungs by -freeing the exhalants of the skin, and will forward the elimination of -the virus through the same channels. - -"But it will not be sufficient merely to attempt to resist the -encroachments of the disease; the efforts of nature to expel the cause -of it, also claim assistance. To this end cold or tepid water should be -freely drunk to facilitate the vomiting, to dilute and weaken the -action of the poison, to stimulate the kidneys, and to supply the waste -of fluid in the blood. Dr. Rutty, in his synopsis, says, 'It [the -drinking of water][Transcriber's note: author's insertion] has also -frequently been found efficacious in stopping violent vomitings and -purgings, partly as a diluent, and partly as a bracer to the fibres; and -in violent, deplorable choleras, cold water is recommended by the -ancients, and at this time is ordered by Spanish physicians with good -success, though Celsus orders it warm.' - -"Enemata of pure water, tepid or cold, should likewise be freely -administered; the quantity administered to an infant at one time should -not exceed two ounces; four ounces would be sufficient for a child six -years old; eight ounces for a youth of fifteen, and fifteen or sixteen -ounces for an adult. - -"But the principal process is _long and entire friction_, either in the -shallow tepid-bath or in the sitz-bath. The latter seems to deserve the -preference, inasmuch as it will more directly and powerfully aid nature -in her efforts; its primary action being that of a purgative, while a -less body of water will suffice, than could be made to fulfil the same -intention in a vessel of the shape and size of the half bath; but, if -the sitz-bath be employed, then friction with wet hands should be -applied to the extremities. Cold water may be used in the sitz-bath, -provided that there is nothing in the previous state of the patient to -contra-indicate its use; in which case tepid water must be employed. -Tepid water about 70 deg. Fahr. may likewise be employed in the shallow -bath, as the body of water therein must be greater than the sitz-bath; -but warm applications are never indicated. Vapour-baths have been tried -to recall the circulation to the surface, but without effect. On this -point, Dr. Daun in his 'Medical Reports on Cholera,' says, 'O'Brien lay -on the steam couch for three hours before he expired, in a heat that I -am convinced would have raised a lifeless body to a temperature nearly, -if not equal, to that of a person in health; but his body preserved an -icy coldness to the last.' In this case friction in wrung-out sheets, or -in the shallow bath, or perhaps the stimulus of the cold dash, would -seem to be indicated. - -"Cramps, in the extremities, should be combated with brisk friction, -with wet hands to the parts affected. It is often necessary to draw off -the urine with a catheter. Before the algid stage sets in, the heating -bandage round the body may be very beneficial; but during the algid -stage it should be omitted. - -"The third stage or that of re-action, is marked by the following, among -other symptoms; the pulse becomes fuller and harder, the skin becomes -warm, and its livid discoloration disappears; the tongue becomes red and -warm, the cramps cease, diarrhoea decreases and stops, and the kidneys -begin to act. In this case it is well to encourage moderate diaphoresis -in the dry blanket. - -"The predisposing causes to cholera are any excess in eating or -drinking, the habitual use of alcoholic liquors, unwholesome food, -sitting with wet feet, a neglected cold, uncleanliness, impure air, -deficient light or ventilation, and violent indulgence of the passions." - - -CIII.--COLDS, SORE THROATS, ETC. - -_Influenza._--This complaint which commits such ravages, is always easy -of cure. - -When a person feels heaviness in the head, sore throat, pain in bowels, -and lassitude, he should immediately be put in the packing-sheet until -quite hot, then a tepid bath for five or six minutes, and be well rubbed -all the time. This treatment to be repeated during the day. Drink -plentifully of water, wear a bandage round the waist and throat; if cold -and chilly, take two or three rubbing-sheets. To relieve the heaviness -of the head, resort to a foot-bath 62 deg. for fifteen minutes. Influenza -generally succumbs to this treatment in two or three days. - - -_Sore Throat or Quinzy._--On the slightest symptoms of sore throat, rub -it well for five minutes with wet hands two or three times a day; hold -cold water constantly in the mouth, and with it gargle the throat, and -wear a bandage, this generally prevents the complaint proceeding -further; if it does not, more vigorous measures, such as those pointed -out for a cold, must be pursued. For Quinzy, the sweating process and -tepid-bath twice a day also, or two rubbing-sheets in the intermediate -time must be used, a bandage several times doubled and often changed, -applied round the throat and waist, and much water drank, gargled, and -held in the mouth. - - -_Heaviness after dinner._--Pour a bottle of water on the head, and take -head-baths occasionally. - - -_Bronchitis._--In all old affections of the throat a cure is doubtful, -it requires the discrimination of Priessnitz to determine which will and -which will not be benefited by the Water-cure. - -I should say the majority of cases of bronchitis are beyond remedy. At -the same time, it cannot be denied that very extraordinary throat -affections are cured, especially when they arise from secondary -symptoms. - - -_Palpitation of the Heart, stitches in the side, etc._--A young lady -felt violent palpitation of the heart, and numbness of the whole side of -the body. Three-rubbing sheets and a foot-bath with friction, allayed -the palpitation, then a body _umschlag_ was applied. Next night the same -symptoms returned, and were combated in the like manner, afterwards the -patient was treated with packing-sheets, tepid-bath, foot-bath, and -douche. Whenever any obstructions of this nature occur, it is always -safe to resort to rubbing-sheets two or three times a day. - - -_Erysipelas._--This disease is an effort of nature to relieve itself by -the skin; the packing-sheet process in this case is resorted to, -followed by a rubbing-sheet or tepid-bath: when the head is overcharged, -sometimes the body is placed in a packing-sheet (previously put into -tepid water instead of cold) from the arm-pits to the knees, and then a -tepid-bath or a bath with very little water in it. Much water should be -drunk, and bandages applied to parts affected. - - -_To refresh and invigorate._--A gentleman with no decided complaint, but -generally feeling a degree of languor, and want of nervous energy was -ordered, a rubbing-sheet in the morning and afternoon, and a sitz-bath -in the middle of the day, followed by much exercise. - - -Another party felt somewhat below his usual standard of health and -activity. For years there had been an accumulation of matter in his -nose, from which at times there was a free discharge. Priessnitz said it -was a sort of safety valve, and had better not be stopped: the patient -derived great advantage from pursuing the following treatment for six -weeks:-- - -In the morning, a packing-sheet for twenty minutes, then changed for -another for fifteen minutes; this was followed, first by tepid, and -afterwards by cold bath; at noon, a rubbing-sheet and sitz-bath for -fifteen minutes; head-bath three minutes each side, making in all nine -minutes; in the afternoon, rubbing-sheet, sitz and head-bath. - - -CIV.--CANCER, ETC. - -When taken in the commencement, this disease is generally curable; -later, a cure admits of doubt. - -Princess Esterhazy, who was so long in England, consulted all the -leading medical men in Vienna for a cancer in the breast: they could -afford her no relief. She went to Graefenberg and was perfectly cured in -seven months. Six years afterwards, one of the family informed me she -still continued in perfect health. - -A neighbour of Priessnitz had a cancer in his hip; he advised him not to -allow of an operation, as it would grow again. The man disregarded this -advice, it did grow again, and his life paid the forfeit. A general -treatment is required for this complaint. - -Our opinion that water, even without Priessnitz's valuable modes of -applying it, is the best remedy--is supported by Dr. Abernethy, who, in -his book entitled "Surgical Observations", mentions a case of a lady -(page 200), who had gone up to town for the removal of a diseased -breast, who was cured without amputation, the only local application -being linen moistened with water. Dr. Abernethy applied water poultices -also for glandular swellings, which had the effect of removing the -swelling without suppuration--_see pages_ 189 and 192. I know a French -lady who cured herself of a hard swelling on the breast: she took a -rubbing-sheet every morning, a sitz-bath at mid-day, drank ten tumblers -of water daily, and wore a wet bandage, with a dry one over it, on the -breast always, until the hardness was removed. - - -_A case of White Swelling._--A letter from Dr. Gibbs to the Editor of -the Water-cure Journal. - - "My dear Sir, "_March, 17th, 1848_. - -"I have heard even friends of the Water-cure express doubts of its -efficacy in the treatment of white swelling. For the benefit of such -unbelievers I transcribe the case at foot, from a letter which I -received from the mother of the youthful patient. - -"The enemies of the system frequently assert that it cures only -imaginary diseases; how many would rejoice if it could be proved that -white swelling properly came under this category! - -"From the details of this case, it appears that, by the advice of -Priessnitz, an operation was performed by the late very eminent surgeon, -Dieffenbach; and this affords occasion to observe, that Dieffenbach -several times remarked, that patients sent to him from Water-cure -establishments were in a healthier condition for the knife than others, -and more speedily recovered from the effects of an operation. - -"'Until the age of four years my daughter was perfectly healthy, when, -at the commencement of winter, she was attacked by cough and wheezing on -her chest, which gave the idea that her lungs were affected. Leeches -were applied, and medicine given with little effect. She continued to -look very ill, and became extremely peevish and inactive. In the spring -she was suddenly seized by a pain in her left knee, which rendered her -quite lame. The complaint was pronounced to be white swelling. One of -our first surgeons assured me the attack was of a most acute nature, the -joint of the knee being considerably enlarged, and the suffering very -great. By steam-baths and leeching the inflammation was in some degree -subdued, and mercury was used in various ways, internally, and -externally. In a week or ten days the violent pain subsided, but she -could not bear the limb to be moved in the slightest manner. In that -state the child continued for eighteen months, during which she had -three acute attacks similar to the first, which were got under in the -same manner, after each attack the limb became more contracted, and the -constitution was evidently sinking, although wine, porter, and fresh -meat, etc. etc., were allowed, in order to keep up her strength, but -they did not succeed. She was at the sea-side for the benefit of the -bathing, which appeared to strengthen her more than anything else, when -I learned something of the water system from Captain Claridge's book, -and subsequently from himself. At first, I must confess, I was rather -startled at the idea of trying such an experiment on my child, but, as -every thing else had failed, I made up my mind to go to Graefenberg and -put her into the hands of Mr. Priessnitz. In the beginning of September -he commenced with her, giving her at first two packings up and a tepid -bath, and one knee-bath during the day, and compresses on the knee and -body. He desired that she should have crutches, and try to move about as -much as she could without hurting herself. She continued the same -treatment during the ensuing winter, during which she had a constant -rash on her entire leg, and subsequently several gatherings on and round -the knee, none on any other part of her body. In the spring she -commenced the cold bath after the packing up, and the douche bath. Her -strength increased rapidly, her looks became quite healthy, and her -appetite excellent. The appearance of the knee was very variable until -the end of the summer, when it diminished considerably in size, and she -could bear to have it moved without any annoyance; but about Christmas -it became suddenly nearly as bad as ever it had been. All cure was then -stopped, except one packing up and tepid bath, and the knee compresses -were changed every quarter of an hour. The inflammation and pain were -soon got under, but she continued the slight cure until the spring, when -she commenced the packing up and cold bathing twice a day--douche-bath -twice, and knee-bath twice, with rubbing with the wet hand, and -compresses changed after every operation. During this summer she made a -wonderful improvement, and the limb became so strong that she could bear -to have it pulled so as to drag her about by it. Mr. Priessnitz said he -thought the child was now quite free from _all disease_, and that I -might have an operation performed to straighten the limb, in which -opinion several English medical men quite agreed with him. I then took -her to Berlin, having been two years at Graefenberg; the leg was made -quite straight by Dr. Dieffenbach, and since then the child enjoys -perfect health, being quite strong on her limbs, though still somewhat -lame. She continues the use of the cold bath and douche every day. It is -generally thought that she will outgrow the lameness. I forgot to -mention that from the time the knee was attacked, the chest and cough -quite recovered.'" - - -_Swallowing Glass._--A cure effected in the house of the Princess -Sophia, by her priest, the Rev. Mr. Klose:-- - - _June 1st, 1843._ - -A married woman, 26 years of age, in eating, swallowed a piece of glass, -which stuck in her throat; after many unavailing efforts, either to -force it up or down, she sent for a surgeon, who gave her an emetic, -which also proved unavailing; then he tried to extract it with -instruments, and applied a number of leeches to the throat, _to no -effect_. The second day, the surgeon declared he could do no more, and -she was attacked with inflammatory fever. As a _dernier ressort_, Mr. -Klose determined on trying hydropathy. - -She was enveloped and kept in the wet sheet, with bandages round the -throat, day and night, both being changed as soon as they became warm. - -At the beginning of this treatment, the invalid was unable to swallow -even a drop of water, could scarcely breathe, and a horrid smell came -from the mouth. Her medical attendant said that mortification had set -in, and gave it as his opinion, that she could not live through the next -day. - -Third and fourth days, the same treatment was continued, with the -addition of three enemas, which operated slightly. The packing-sheet, -instead of being changed, was wetted with a sponge: moving the body -occasioned pain. She threw up a great deal of phlegm and matter, which -stank so horribly, that no person could remain near her bed-side. - -Fifth day.--Vomiting increased, also the heat of the whole body; the -increase of heat rendered it necessary (notwithstanding the pain she -felt on being moved) to administer a tepid-bath 18 deg. Whilst in the bath, -her head, throat, and chest, were frequently wetted with cold water, and -the abdomen and feet were well rubbed. This bath afforded her great -relief, and whilst in it, she threw up much matter with ease and without -coughing. She remained in the bath thirty-five minutes, the same -temperature of the water being maintained throughout. At the expiration -of this time, the body was considerably cooled, but the pulse was still -very high; for which reason, recourse was again had to the -packing-sheet, which produced a regularity of the pulse. She was now -enabled to swallow the first drop of water. - -Sixth day.--Mortification pronounced to be subdued, but as she could -not take anything in the way of nourishment, four injections of milk -were administered, and when fever returned, water injections instead of -milk were given. - -Seventh day.--Besides the former treatment, a tepid-bath was -administered, with the same effect as on the fifth day, viz. much -vomiting and decrease of cough. - -Eighth day.--Patient much better, treatment in consequence changed, only -large bandages being applied to the chest, throat, and neck, and in the -afternoon she could swallow some cold thin soup. - -Ninth day.--Heat and fever returned, large quantities of matter vomited, -and inflammation of windpipe. Treatment changed back again to -packing-sheet and bandage and one tepid-bath. - -Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth days, same treatment. - -Thirteenth day.--Fever ceased, vomiting diminished, and patient able to -swallow some milk and water. - -Fourteenth and Fifteenth days.--Great improvement, could eat a little -apple sauce. - -Sixteenth day.--Some fever, but she could swallow some spoonfuls of milk -without coughing. - -Seventeenth day.--After a tolerably quiet night, there was found in the -bed a piece of glass, which must have been thrown up by coughing. - -Eighteenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first days.--Great -improvement, and diminution of vomiting, also of bad smell. She drank, -and ate some light food very slowly, but without coughing. - -Twenty-second day to 8th July.--Every day improvement, recovering -strength, and walking a little in the garden. - -9th July.--Went to church. - -10th.--Resumed her occupations, quite well, except when working she -suffered some slight pain, which ceased when she rested. - - -_Mr. Wright's case._--(Extract from a letter)--"Diseased lungs, -breathing organs generally impaired, chest, formerly full and prominent, -fallen in, breathing difficult, sleep disturbed, dry cough, sometimes -painful, for more than a year; a short walk caused perspiration, 46 -years old, formerly robust, healthy, and strong. - -"Cold water my only beverage for fifteen years, no alcohols. - -"Three years ago began flannels, fur muffles round neck. Used every -possible precaution to keep the fresh air from throat, chest, body, and -lungs. - -"Habituated to cold ablutions, it never occurred to me, that if the body -could stand these ablutions, no ill consequences could result from -admitting the air freely to it. - -"Began hydropathic treatment at Graefenberg, 10th January, 1843, -thermometer at zero. At once abandoned all flannels, and superfluous -covering. Linen shirts substituted for cotton ones. - -"Treatment:--two packing-sheets, followed by tepid-bath, a day; at -eleven o'clock sitz-bath. Waist bandages always. Drank ten tumblers of -water before breakfast. Hail, rain, or snow, always walked before -breakfast; soon commenced the douche and two rubbing-sheets of an -afternoon, instead of the packing-sheets. - -"From the first, found the treatment, the exercise and pure air, -exceedingly stimulating. - -"Neck, throat, and chest, exposed in all weathers. In three months a -rash was produced; appetite voracious, breathing improved, cough ceased. - -"About 1st April, joints, especially knees, began to grow stiff, sore, -and weak--pain in walking, and difficulty of straightening knees after -sitting. Low and gloomy in spirits, and altogether disheartened; told by -people around it was a good sign; the treatment was taking effect, and -so indeed I found it, affecting body and soul. - -"Whole body became very sensitive to the touch of cold water; it seemed -as if the nerves were laid bare; in fact, had a perfect horror of the -treatment, which became more intolerable as the season advanced and -became damp. Damp weather of April worse than the cold of January and -February. Now became afflicted with throbbing pains in teeth, jaws, and -face, attended with sickness, for which I rubbed the back of my head, -neck, and face with cold water, and also my knees frequently. - -"This," says Mr. Wright, "was the crisis of my misery. The most -enthusiastic hydropathist could not have wished me more wretched than I -was. It appears to me, the only way to a cold water heaven, is through a -cold water purgatory. I was frequently congratulated on my sufferings, -as one making a speedy and radical cure. - -"Latter end of April, boils made their appearance on arms, hands, -fingers, and other parts of the body. All came to a head, and healed -during the month of May, and more succeeded them. - -"Continued treatment vigorously, exposing myself to atmospheric changes -as much as possible. I now feel, that _all disease of my lungs is -removed_. _My chest has resumed its natural fulness, my cough is -entirely_ gone, and my voice is as strong and as deep-toned as it ever -was. Altogether my physical nature has experienced a great renovation. I -can now walk six or eight miles before breakfast without fatigue. I have -walked, on an average, about ten miles a-day since at Graefenberg. What -of life, of usefulness, of health and comfort that remains to me in this -world, I owe to the Water-cure under Providence, and to the kind friends -who, much against my will, compelled me to come to Graefenberg. Nothing -surprised me so much, as the perfect safety with which I cast off my -warm comfortable flannels, mufflers, neckcloth, hat, etc. Inflamed -lungs, and an increase of my cough, were the least that I expected; but -I was most agreeably disappointed, for although frequently wet through, -and my neck, chest, and the hair of my head (as I always went -bare-headed) constantly covered with snow, my lungs have always escaped, -nor have I had a cold, that a packing-sheet, or one night's bandage has -not removed. I frequently, on arriving at my room drenched with rain, -wet, and fatigued, took a rubbing-sheet, which prevented all evil -consequences, and invigorated me. - -"From what I have experienced and seen in others, I can never again fear -cold, influenza, or fevers of any kind, as I feel sufficient confidence -to treat myself. The most malignant acute diseases are here speedily and -easily subdued, and that by a remedy which leaves no sting behind, -whilst drugs often leave an enemy in the system more difficult to expel, -than _that_ they were intended to eject. - -"It is surprising what confidence all exhibit in the cure and its -practitioners. We have just had a case of small-pox, of the most -malignant kind. Persons passed through the passage into which the -patient's room opened all day long. The same bath-servant that attended -him attended other patients. The latter went into his room constantly to -see him. His wife attended him, and yet no one thought of taking the -disease; or if he did, had any fear of it, knowing from what we had -previously witnessed, that it was entirely under the control of this -treatment. - -"The patient was confined to his room fourteen days, the disease broke -out from head to foot. - -"After the fourteen days, he walked out amongst the other patients, and -the wonder is, that nearly every trace of disease is passing from his -face. - -"Treatment.--Packing-sheets, tepid-bath, rubbing-sheets and fresh air -were the only remedies." - - "_June 20th._ - -"Before closing, I wish to add, I suffered much from tooth-ache and pain -in my jaws. Priessnitz ordered me to rub the back of my head and down my -neck _often_ and _long_. From the first application I found relief, -after fourteen or fifteen minutes rubbing. The pain would leave for -hours and then return; soon the pain returned at longer intervals, until -it ceased altogether. - -"The theory of this mode of curing tooth-ache, is based upon true -philosophical principles. Who does not know, that all the nerves of the -teeth centre in the back of the head? It is evident then, that by -rubbing there, the pain will be drawn from the teeth. - -"I have now been three months out of the treatment, only continuing the -bath and rubbing-sheet; neither of which shall I ever abandon, as I -consider them luxuries, and preventives of disease. I would rather be -deprived of one of my daily meals, than of either of them. I am now -well, and about to return to the field of my labours. - -"Whoever is ill and not passed recovery, may, I believe, find health by -the treatment administered by Priessnitz, provided he is willing to -labour for it, but if any one expects to find it whilst wrapped up in -flannels, lounging in easy chairs or on sofas, in confined rooms, or -without great self-denial, personal activity and exertion, he will, most -certainly, be disappointed. - - "HENRY C. WRIGHT, - "Philadelphia, U. S. - "_June 21st, 1844._" - - "_To Jno. Gibbs, Esq._" - - -_The Countess of Jennison's case._--The Countess, who had only been -married seven weeks, went to visit the Princess Tour and Taseis, when -she joined in skating, dancing, and playing at various games. On her -return home, she was seized with a violent head-ache, when a blister was -administered to the back of her neck. The pain continuing, a blister was -applied to the chest, and subsequently to other parts, all without -avail. Several doctors were consulted, whose measures weakened her -nerves. A severe nervous fever ensued, which deprived her entirely of -the use of her limbs. After seven months' extreme suffering, and the -speculative operations of various medical men, the case was declared a -hopeless one. - -She made her will, received the sacrament, and was at times quite -unconscious of what was passing around. Her debility may be judged of by -the fact that she could neither move joint nor limb, nor even close her -mouth or eyes. She was mere skin and bones, and her knuckles became -black. - -Her husband, as a _dernier ressort_, went to Graefenberg to consult -Priessnitz, the result of which was, Mrs. Browne, a bath-woman, going to -Bruenn to bring the Countess to Graefenberg, Priessnitz persisting in it, -that by management she could be brought. When Mrs. Browne stated her -intention to the M.D.'s in attendance, nothing could exceed their -astonishment. The first thing this bath-woman did, preparatory to the -journey, was to wash the body with tepid water, and it is heart-rending -to hear her account of the manner in which tow had been allowed to fix -itself in the hips, elbows, and other parts exposed to pressure; -however, little by little she succeeded in cleansing the body of all -these medical applications. She then ordered an upholsterer to make a -soft, narrow, mattress, with a number of tapes attached to it, and the -Count arranged the carriage so that the body might be extended in it. - -The next morning, all being ready, Mrs. Browne bound up the arms, the -legs, and the whole of the body, in a number of wet bandages, with dry -ones over them, by this means there was more pliancy to the whole frame -than if it had been confined in one sheet, and it was much easier to -exchange the different bandages when they became dry _en route_. - -The Countess was now fixed on the mattrass by means of the tapes, and -then placed into the carriage: in this manner she proceeded, night and -day, stopping occasionally to change the bandages. Had these bandages -become dry, they would not have been endurable. In this way the patient -arrived at the Hygeian Temple. - -It would be impossible to give a detailed account of the Countess's -treatment during the time she was attaining to convalescence. As a -general outline, it may be stated, that when first brought to -Graefenberg, she was constantly kept in a packing-sheet from the arm-pits -downwards. Her feet were kept in water, with but slight intervals, day -and night for months; even when somewhat better, and able to go out in a -carriage, her feet were in cold water. Priessnitz did not wish this, but -her feet burned so dreadfully when out of water, that there was no -alternative. During the first four months of the treatment, enemas were -administered, nature being too weak to assist itself. When she had -gained a little strength, her hands were put on the table and pushed on -a few inches by her attendant, and the same with her feet. She could not -move them herself. After four months she was strong enough for the -douche and cold-bath. - -The packing-sheets were changed when dry--at times in fever they were -hot in ten minutes, at other times two packing-sheets a day were -sufficient. - -At the end of forty-nine weeks she left strong and healthy, able to walk -without sticks, and was three months advanced in pregnancy. - - 1845. - -Four years after I met the Countess again, at Graefenberg, and was -astonished to behold her such a fine, fat, healthy woman. Since being -cured she has had three children, one died almost immediately after its -birth, the second is a fine child, and for her accouchement of the -third, she came to place herself under the care of Priessnitz. She did -remarkably well, and left Graefenberg in perfect health. - -I consider this one of the most wonderful cures effected by Priessnitz. -Those who saw the complete _anatomie vivante_, which she was, declared -that nothing but a miracle could save her from her early tomb. - - - - -HYDROPATHY FOR ANIMALS. - - -The unspeakable utility of the horse to man in all conditions of life, -civilised and uncivilised, has naturally led scientific and professional -individuals to devote much anxious consideration to the physiology of -the animal, and to the determination of the means of healing the -diseases which horse-flesh "is heir to." Buffon placed the horse next to -man in the order of creation; and certainly if the anatomical structure -of the equine species be alone regarded, an argument is provided in -favor of the consecration of thought and intelligence to the -establishment of curative remedies for its disorders. But the service -which the noble animal has rendered in all ages and countries where the -breed is known--his docility, instinct, patience, and courage, have -entitled him to the advantages of human intelligence upon the high -ground of gratitude; and, accordingly, for many years past, the -veterinary art has been pursued with remarkable zeal and earnestness; -the loftiest minds not conceiving the study and practice thereof below -their attention. If, however, the attainment of perfection in the -faculty of curing the bodily ailments of man is a work of tardy -progress, how much slower must be the advancement of a science of -posterior introduction? It was but in the last century that the -circulation of the blood was discovered, and vaccination introduced; it -is only within the last six or seven years that the vast utility of -hydropathy has come to be appreciated. There is now, however, less -excuse for dilatory improvement in veterinary practice than there was -when the alleviation of human suffering was in its infancy. The -physiology and pathology of the quadruped being understood, the value of -the immediate adoption of the remedies applicable to man is at once -determinable by anatomical analogy. Hence the introduction of new -systems of treatment has been almost simultaneous, and in very many -instances the results have been correspondingly fortunate. Hydropathy -is a very remarkable case in point, and the following pages will -illustrate its value. - -Priessnitz's precepts recommend themselves as much to the veterinary -surgeon as to the medical practitioner; the success of his treatment of -the diseased animal being, perhaps, even more easy and certain than of -man. - -To understand this it will suffice to compare the habits and mode of -living of each. A further investigation will account for the general -health of untamed animals, and the host of maladies that result from -civilisation. On one side all is nature, on the other all is artificial. - -As the treatment of the horse or cow at Graefenberg is not of very -frequent occurrence, Priessnitz has not laid down any positive rules for -the manipulation; that must therefore depend upon the ingenuity, -observation, and experience, of the practitioner. - -If, for instance, a horse or cow is attacked with fever, cholic, etc., -reference should be made to the treatment of man affected with such -complaints. All that has been said on the subject of drugs, the lancet, -cold ablutions, and the importance of the skin applies equally to all -animals. - -How can we expect to cure horses with poisons? - -How get them into condition, by depriving them of their blood? - -A gentleman of high standing in society, and well known in the sporting -world, having, some years since, derived great advantage from the -Water-cure, determined on trying its effects upon animals, by becoming -his own veterinary surgeon; the consequence is, that for five or six -years he has not spent one shilling upon drugs of any kind. On being -applied to for his opinion as to the effect of the treatment upon -horses, he favored the author with a letter of which the following is an -extract: - - -"With respect to the treatment of horses, my groom can give no -information, excepting indeed, that he can verify the good effect of the -treatment insisted upon by myself; and such is his prejudice (exactly -similar to that of the Medical Profession) that he would, I am sure, -revert to his former practices if he dared. But I can most safely affirm -that the effect of the Hydro-therapeutic Treatment of Horses, is most -wonderful. I have, with coach horses and hacks, say forty horses. I -never allow of any bleeding or physic. When the hunters are to be -prepared for the season, two or three of a day are whisped over with -cold water, a linen cloth of fifteen or sixteen yards in length, dipped -in cold water and well wrung out, is then lapped round from their heads -to their tails, covered over with rugs, and bound pretty close by -surcingles: thus they remain for an hour or so, when they are again -rubbed over with cold water, followed by rubbing with dry cloth or -whisps quite dry, and then sent out to exercise for twenty-five minutes, -or half an hour. This treatment is continued twice or thrice a week, for -_at least_ half a dozen times; and I'll venture to say that nobody's -horses can look, or go better; and they never ail. I will just relate -one fact. I bought a horse for Mrs. ---- seven or eight years ago, a most -excellent lady's horse, but he coughed so badly (always) three or four -years since, that we thought she would be obliged to give him up, he has -been treated as above for two years; I rode him a gallop a few days ago, -when he had not a symptom of cough. Many dealers have been through my -stable:--Smart, Elmore, etc. etc., and they have all adopted my plan of -bandaging the legs of their horses, which I do for two days after a -day's work; and as Elmore said last spring, they looked 'as if they were -going to begin a season instead of ending one,' so clear were their -legs. - -"If a new horse (which is often the case) comes down by railroad, he -generally gets a sore throat and cold, this, I need not tell you, is -soon got rid of, as above."--_May 4, 1848._ - - -The following extract is from a letter to the author--written by a -gentleman whose health has been re-established by the Water-cure; who, -during the last forty years, has been the possessor of hundreds of -horses, and is said to be one of the best judges of a horse in England. - - -"I will not defer answering your interesting letter, although I know not -that I can write anything to be of much use to you. The manner in which -I have treated my horses for the last thirty years is as follows:--If it -is in my power I always bring a horse in cool, my groom first puts a -common watering bridle on, takes one girth off, and slackens the other, -the reason why I do not remove the saddle immediately is, because the -back becomes tender; the horse is then taken into the pond, the boy -holding up his own legs, the higher the water gets towards the back the -better; that is, let the animal go as deep into water as he can, not to -swim; this takes two or three minutes, then two men take scrapers, and -with these press out the dripping water, after this, with straw whisps, -the animal is washed for about ten minutes, he is then covered up with -two blankets, and his legs bandaged; the ears are now well rubbed and -pulled until dry: this is all I do to a horse. He does not break out -into cold perspirations during the night, and next morning he is -perfectly clean. By putting your hands under the blankets when he is -done up for the night, you will find a genial warmth pervading the whole -body. Blood horses, however fatigued, are usually very sensitive to the -brush and whisp, consequently cleaning tires them still more, which -causes them almost always to break out into cold sweats. The ventilation -which ought to be at the top of the stable, must be good, otherwise the -system works ill. Owing to the unusual good health that I have had in my -stable, I was led to think most seriously of applying water in a similar -way to the human subject, so that after reading your book, I became at -once a confirmed Hydropathist. Many people will say, my system was that -pursued in the post-horse stables; but the contrary is the fact. The -post horse was washed, and his heels clipped close, and left to dry -without friction, evaporation was great, grease and other maladies -attacked the animal. I know a coach master who saved L400 per annum by -giving up washing upon this old plan. You have now got the result of my -experience. I have had fewer roarers than most men for the number of -horses in my possession, in fact, only two, one of these went so, when -lent and out of my stable. The loss in valuable horses from roaring is -enormous. I think a friend of mine lost L700 in one season from roarers, -I have the confidence to think that had he pursued the Water-system all -his horses would have been saved. Be assured, water is as applicable to -the animal as the human subject--fever is the bane of the one as much as -the other, and water is the antidote. Why are cart-horses so much -healthier than higher fed horses? simply because the former live much -more after nature than the other. A cart-horse goes to a pond and drinks -what he likes, not so with the blood horse, he must only have a certain -quantity, and this at stated periods; this I conceive to be wrong, and -have in consequence for the last six years always kept buckets of water -in the horses' boxes, so that they might drink when they liked. My -friends have often said, 'But you do not allow them thus to drink when -going to hunt?' 'Certainly' was my reply: if the animal always has -access to water, he never distends his stomach, and by constantly -sipping, fever is kept down. We do all we can to encourage fever, and -then have recourse to strong drastics and bleeding! Constant water cools -the animal, and the gentle sweats, which the blankets produce, operate -as safety valves."--_January 5, 1848._ - - -When in Ireland, visiting the far-famed dairy farm of Mr. Jefferies, in -the neighbourhood of Cork, I was informed by the bailiff, that out of -every seven cows attacked with an epidemic which raged at that time, on -an average five had died, and that the loss on that estate had not been -less than 2000_l_. On my suggesting hydropathic treatment, the bailiff -said that some time ago a traveller by that means had cured him of -rheumatism; this determined him on trying it upon the cows: success -crowned his efforts; instead of losing five out of seven, he saved seven -out of nine; this treatment, however, at once so novel and so -troublesome, he found extremely difficult to prosecute, servants could -not be induced to use the necessary friction, or endure the toil which a -number of sick animals entail: this, together with the discouragement -and ridicule thrown upon his proceedings by the veterinary surgeon, -caused him to desist. The following is a letter which I subsequently -read from the bailiff-- - - -"Dear Sir--I am most anxious to communicate with you as to the efficacy -of the cold-water cure, when applied to cattle affected with the late -epidemic. - -"About six months ago, I had it tried on nine head of horned cattle; -seven out of the nine recovered, and are now doing well. I feel quite -confident that, if the cure be generally [Transcriber's note: originally -'genenerally'] known, and properly applied, much may be done in the -recovering of diseased cattle. - - "I am, Dear Sir, your obedient servant, - THOMAS B. MARTIN. - - _July 14, 1843._["] - -It is possible that the omission of any reference to the mortality under -the old treatment, as stated verbally to me, may have arisen from -motives of delicacy towards those who recommended a perseverance in that -treatment. - -It would be easy to multiply instances of the effect of the application -of the cold-water cure, but as the limits to which the author intends to -confine himself, at present preclude their accumulation, he must be -content with those proofs of its efficacy already cited, and proceed to -the subject of _treatment_. - -An opinion is held by many inexperienced persons that disease in a horse -is a perpetual disqualification; that the physical evil is irradicable, -destroying the animal's title to a future warranty, and rendering him -only fit for the paddock or the knacker's yard. Such notions are as -great an outrage upon the usefulness of veterinarianism as they are -contradictory to all experience. The late Sir Astley Cooper, one of the -most eminent surgeons that ever dignified the profession by his talents, -was said to have taken a peculiar pleasure in purchasing horses which -their owners had condemned, and applying himself to the cure of such -maladies as they might be afflicted with, then putting them into -condition and selling them. He never, for many years before his demise, -gave more than seven pounds for a horse, and has been known to sell them -afterwards for considerable sums. When the horse is well-bred, and his -wind is unimpaired, however reduced he may be, and suffering from -enlarged joints and tender feet, he is still susceptible of cure; and no -system is so conducive to this end as the hydropathic process. Indeed, -the writer of these pages is quite satisfied that an Establishment -devoted entirely to the invigoration of worn-down animals, and the -complete cure of the diseased, would demonstrate the utility of -hydropathy, and prove a most lucrative undertaking. - -Without further preamble we proceed to details. - - -_Ventilation._--The introduction of fresh air, day and night, into -stables, is of primary importance. Stables should be lofty, and -ventilated from the top. - -Many years ago, Mr. Horne, the coach-proprietor of Charing Cross, lost -nearly half his horses from glanders. He called in a new veterinary -surgeon, who instantly broke most of the windows in the close foetid -stable. "If," said he, "the stable is cold, cover the horses better, -but let them have fresh air." By this means the stable was rendered -wholesome, and the horses that were afterwards put into it continued -healthy. All horses would be the better for standing in water -occasionally. All hunting establishments should have a box with a clay -floor, into which water could be introduced, so that a horse might have -a foot bath every day, especially when the feet are hard and dry. - - -_Food and Exercise._--The arguments made use of against highly nutritive -food, and the necessity for exposure to cold and exercise for man apply -with equal cogency to animals. - -Mr. Newman, the postmaster in Regent-street, has no racks in his stable; -but his horses, at stated periods, eat chaff and oats mixed together: he -gives them no hay. This method of feeding horses is found economical and -healthy. A friend of mine feeds all his farm horses as he does his oxen -and pigs, upon Indian corn, oil cake, chaff, and bruised beans boiled up -together. He never gives them any oats, and no horses in the kingdom -look in finer condition. - - -_Sudorific Process._--This is the same for horses as for men; and is -often sufficient to effect a cure, as the greatest part of the diseases -of horses proceed from suppressed perspiration. In a general way -packing-sheets and consequent ablutions will effect all that may be -necessary to cure a horse or a cow of an acute attack, but instances as -in man, may occur, when sweating would be desirable. - -To produce perspiration in a horse the same objection to the use of -hot-air or vapour baths, exists as in the treatment or man; but as the -animal's skin and nervous system is less excitable, it does not apply to -the same extent. - -To sweat a horse, that is to bring out of his system a certain amount of -caloric. Throw many pails of water over him, let his body be rubbed with -wet whisps for from five to twenty minutes, and then rubbed dry. Next -envelope him from head to foot in blankets, and over them throw a -Macintosh cover. This might be made to be put on with very little -trouble. After the horse has perspired, for an hour or two he must have -a cold bath or undergo the process of water being thrown over him, of -being wet, whisped, and dried as before. And the whole should be -renewed a second time during the day. Or varied by the packing sheet. - - -_External use of Cold Water._--Friction with coarse wet cloths or -whisps, packing-sheets, sweating, entire-baths, hip-baths, foot-baths, -douche-baths, and bandages, constitute all the external treatment -requisite for a horse. Friction by rubbing the body of the animal for -some hours with coarse cloths, and whisps of wetted straw, is an -operation of great efficacy in bringing out stagnant humours, -reanimating half paralysed limbs, and in strengthening the joints. The -douche, where no other can be had, is applied by means of a fire-engine. -The baths have the property of giving a tone to the skin and the nerves. -The bandages for the horse are the same as those used for man; they are -of two sorts, heating and cooling. - - -_Internal use of Cold Water._--There are two ways of applying cold water -internally, viz.: drinks and injections into the cavities; but ablutions -long continued and often repeated form the most important part of the -treatment. - - -_The Strangles._--This disease is cured by the wet sheet packing, or the -sudorific process, cold-ablution bandages and exercise. - -It is much better, by either of these processes, to draw the humours to -the skin, which they undoubtedly will, than to throw them on the lungs, -whence they escape by the nostrils, a means of evacuation chosen by -nature. The natural course being impeded, open the pores of the -cutaneous organs, and the running at the nostrils will cease. - - -_Foundering of horses._--Friction, the wet-sheet or sudorific process, -the douche and foot-baths, are here brought into requisition. - - -_The Staggers._--Bleeding procures a temporary relief, but does not -remove the cause of this complaint, which arises from a stoppage of -perspiration, and consequent inertness of the skin. The humours which -ought to be eliminated by perspiration mix with and thicken the blood; -this causes a general stagnation which frequently affects the brain. -This, it is conceived, must be a solution of this malady, because in -the beginning one single friction, powerfully applied, affords immediate -relief. - -In severe cases, the animal should be subjected to the sweating process, -and cold ablution. The animal's head should be wetted every hour with -cold water, and green food prescribed as a diet. The douche in these -cases is of the greatest utility. - - -_Weakness of the Limbs, and Sprains._--These affections are generally -successfully treated by constant friction with cold water. This rubbing -subdues the heat; bandages should be continually worn. The weakness of -the hips and loins soon disappears under this treatment; the douche in -these cases is highly beneficial. - - -_Broken Knees._--Let the part be carefully washed, then bandages applied -_above_, and _below_, and _upon_ the part affected, and kept continually -wet as long as inflammation continues. After which, use wet bandages, -covered with dry ones, until the part is healed. - - -_External Inflammation and Wounds._--After having well cleaned the sore, -it should be covered with a heating-bandage; and if the inflammation is -severe, and the heat great, the bandage should be frequently renewed. -The animal should take a bath, but without wetting the wound. - -External inflammation proceeds from two causes; first, the tightness of -the saddle, which wounds the flesh; secondly, from the blows which the -horse receives. As soon as you perceive that the horse has been hurt by -the saddle, take it off, and having rubbed him well dry, place upon the -wound a heating-bandage, firmly tied on, and let it be frequently -renewed; but always before renewing the bandage, clean the part affected -with cold water; the parts near the wound must be treated in the same -manner. This bandage and friction are useful in cases of throat -obstructions; the bandage must be changed as often as it becomes hot. -Before it becomes quite dry, it should be renewed, taking care each time -to rub well the parts affected, which renders them, when exposed, less -sensitive. This gives elasticity to the wound. - - -_Tender Feet._--All horses should stand upon clay, bricks, or stones; -not upon straw, as it heats the feet too much. For corns or tender feet, -foot-baths for an hour or two, two or three times a day are resorted to; -and bandages should be worn from the fetlock to the knee-joints, to draw -the heat from the feet. A friend of the author's, travelling on the -Continent, tried this on a mare which became lame: it succeeded -admirably. - - -_Cholic._--Apply one or two clysters of cold water; wet the body, and -rub the animal well for an hour with wet whisps, and then put round the -body a sheet wetted and doubled several times, covered with a dry -blanket. If the first operation is not sufficient, resort to the packing -process, and afterwards the rubbing. This system persevered in, the -cholic is sure to give way. - - -_Lock-Jaw._--Friction, the douche, and perspiration, are the remedies -resorted to. During the intervals of their application, cold bandages -should be applied. - -The irritation of the skin counteracts the lock-jaw. The efficiency of -cold water in this complaint has been known in England for years. An -article, some time ago, appeared in the Chelmsford paper, stating that -the possessor of a valuable horse, which had been seized with lock-jaw, -after trying all other means in vain, threw from the loft, upon the -animal, a hogshead or more of water, and then had him covered up in -blankets. This brought on perspiration, and a cure was the result. An -acquaintance of the author's, in Gloucester[s]hire, who treated a horse -in a similar way, was equally successful. - - -_Fever and Inflammation._--For the treatment of all fevers and -inflammations the reader is referred to the method prescribed for human -beings in similar cases. - -For a horse in a high state of inflammation, Priessnitz prescribed his -being put into a river for five minutes, then taken out, rubbed dry, for -five minutes, then put again into the water and again rubbed, a process -renewed until the inflammation had completely subsided. Sometimes this -is effected in a short time; at others, it requires constant application -for seven or eight hours. Perseverance in this treatment is certain of -effecting a cure. - -In an ordinary case of fever, resort to the wet-sheet packing; if -necessary, change the sheet often, then administer a cold bath or -affusion; repeat the operation twice a-day. - -In all cases of inflammation or fever, if the body is confined, it is -necessary to resort to clysters. - - -_Want of appetite._--If frictions with wisps of straw upon a wet surface -repeated three times a day do not produce appetite, the wet-sheet -packing followed by ablutions and bandages must be resorted to. - - -_To refresh and invigorate a horse._--Let him be well rubbed with coarse -wet cloths or whisps of hay for an hour or two twice a day, then walked -about until dry: a foot bath twice a-day for an hour each time, and the -loins and legs bandaged. - -If the skin of the animal is dry and contracted, use the packing sheet -twice a day followed by cold-bath, or throw several pails of water over -the body, use friction until the skin is dry, then bandage round the -body. - -If horses are allowed to be out at grass, they ought, nevertheless, to -undergo the operations. With certain exceptions it would be better to -keep horses up and send them out to exercise at stated times. - -After every operation animals ought to be led about a little. - - -_Murrain amongst cattle._--On the first symptom of the disease, such as -the coat starting, the animal is to be subjected to the treatment until -shivering is produced, and until shivering has ceased, or at least -greatly decreased. - -This will require, generally, one, two, or three hours. The animal -should stand in a cold bath, that is, a pond or river, and water must be -continually thrown over the whole body. - -During the whole operation, the body and legs of the animal must be well -rubbed with the hand, or with a coarse cloth or whisp (that is, whilst -in the bath). - -It will require two men to do this properly. Should the water be too -deep for the men and sufficiently deep to cover the back, the animal -must remain five minutes in the water, be then taken out and well rubbed -for five minutes, and so continued till the shivering described above is -produced. - -Should shivering _not_ be produced the case is hopeless. - -On coming out of the bath, rub the animal for five minutes, then give -him half an hour's walking exercise, with a warm rug as a covering. - -The bath is to be repeated twice a-day. After exercise a large piece of -coarse cloth wetted with cold water is to be placed over the body and -chest, this wet linen is to be covered with a dry one. - -As soon as this bandage becomes dry, it must be re-wetted, but before -replacing it, rub the beast well for at least five minutes. - -This bandage is to be continued night and day and frequently changed. - -Administer two clysters a day, each to consist of a quart of cold water. - -Green food is best, but when this cannot be obtained, bran wetted with -cold water must be substituted. - -The more water drunk the better. - -This treatment is to be continued until the coat looks smooth and -healthy, and the appetite is regulated. - -The first cold bath if carefully applied for two or three hours, will -check the disease. - - -Two cases of cure came under notice, whilst these pages were in the -press. One that of a bull of a spinal affection, and a horse with a -large swelling under the belly. The bull was well rubbed all over with -wet whisps, and afterwards had wet bandages, dry ones were then applied. -The horse was simply bandaged, which bandages were changed when dry. He -laid down the second day, which he had not done for some days before, -and was well in three days. - - -_Fits in Dogs._--Immerse the body in cold water, and let it be well -rubbed until the dog recovers. - - -Cold water, tepid water and friction, packing sheets, the sweating -process, entire baths, hip baths, foot baths, the douche, clysters and -bandages, are all brought into requisition in the treatment of beasts: -therefore reference should be made to the foregoing pages, in "order to -understand when any one or more may be necessary." Experience proves -that their effect upon man or beast is the same. - - -In order to give the practitioner an idea of how he might treat a horse, -I subjoin the mode of treatment I adopted upon three horses belonging to -a nobleman, whilst these pages were going through the press. - -Monday, 19th June, 1849.--Three horses ill, two with sore throat and -coughs, and one with pleurisy. Veterinary surgeon on Sunday, bled and -applied mustard poultices to the latter. Monday morning, at ten o'clock, -horse no better, a doubtful case. Proceeded as follows. - -Took him out of the stable, drenched his whole body with many pails of -cold water, then had him rubbed for several minutes with wet -whisps--more water and whisps again, and finally whisped dry. Then wet -sheets, wrung out, were wound round neck and body, and covered with dry -ones. Before twenty minutes elapsed he was in a glow--in this state he -remained for an hour and an half, when the water and friction was again -repeated. When nearly rubbed dry, a sheet was doubled, wrung out in cold -water, and placed round his loins, a dry one over it, and rugs put to -produce a re-action. A change for the better was so evident, that the -stud groom (who at first was inimical to the process being tried), -declared his conviction it would cure the horse. The whole process was -repeated in the evening and next morning, when the horse's appetite -returned, and he was declared better. The same evening he was subjected -to the packing-sheet and ablution, wore the bandage round the loins, and -was cured. As the medicine, administered the day before, had acted on -the bowels, I did not resort to clysters, which I otherwise should have -done. - -For the sore throat, one horse the first day was treated exactly as -above described, but it was found unnecessary to resort to the cold -ablution, previous to the packing-sheet process. A wet bandage covered -with a dry one was worn round his waist and throat continually. - -The third horse, having a sore throat and slight cough, only had a wet -bandage with a dry one over it applied to the throat, and changed when -dry. - -Thus, these three horses, without a grain of physic, were cured in three -or four days. The great advantages of being thus cured, are, that the -cold water created an appetite, whilst drugs would have deprived the -animals of it. It gave them strength, hardened the skin, and rendered -them less susceptible to atmospheric influence than they were before, -and produced effects the very opposite to those of drugs. - -It must be obvious that this treatment had the effect of equalising the -circulation. - -Several years ago I treated a horse in a similar way, twice a day, for -farcy, that is to say, I subjected him to the washing, rubbing, -wet-sheet, and bandages, as before described: in ten days he was -perfectly well. A friend of mine seeing a cow belonging to a relation of -his in the last stage, had her well wetted and rubbed for an hour, put -round her waist a wet blanket, and covered her up warm; in a few hours -she was better. The treatment repeated a few times twice a day effected -a cure. - - -_Bandages._--The application of wet bandages, covered with dry ones -round the loins, and to parts affected, after every application of the -Water-cure, is most important. - -These bandages must be worn day and night; during the day they should be -changed whenever they become dry--it is not necessary during the night, -except where there is great inflammation, the oftener they are changed -the better. - -Animals under treatment for fever, inflammations of any kind, should be -allowed to drink as much _cold water_ as they like, and eat green food. - -To give a horse a hip-bath, which we call a sitz-bath, must be left to -the ingenuity of the practitioner; it is of equal advantage in the -treatment of horses as men, particularly in attacks of cholic -inflammation, etc. - - -The following extract from the _Weekly Dispatch_, of July 23, 1847, -confirms what is advanced in favour of water; and excites surprise that -it did not lead scientific members of the medical profession to more -extensive inquiry:-- - - -"EFFECT OF PRUSSIC ACID ON A RABBIT.--Yesterday se'nnight, Dr. Robinson, -of London, delivered the third of a series of dissertations on poisons, -before the Faculty, at the Maidstone Infirmary. The subject of the -evening was principally corrosive sublimate--on the mode of detecting -which, the learned lecturer imparted some valuable hints. At the -conclusion of the dissertation, the effect of prussic acid was tried -upon a rabbit. Three drops were administered from a glass (the surface -of which, most probably, abstracted half of the quantity), and the -animal immediately exhibited the usual symptoms--increased action of the -lungs, dilatation of the pupils, and the peculiar shrill cry, which in -such cases is usually indicative of immediately approaching dissolution. -In order to give it a chance of recovery, however, a few drops of -ammonia were administered, without apparent benefit. A constant stream -of cold water was then poured upon the base of the skull and along the -spine, when the animal very shortly exhibited symptoms of resuscitation. -It was then wrapped in warm flannel. In a quarter of an hour, it was -sufficiently recovered to walk. Dr. Robinson had, in a former lecture, -mentioned that this mode of treatment had been discovered by accident. A -cat which had annoyed the apprentices of a chemist was poisoned by them -with prussic acid, and thrown away for dead. By mere accident, however, -it fell under a stream of water, which was pouring from a pump; the -effect of which was its gradual resuscitation. Benefiting by this hint, -the same means have been since successfully applied to more than one -human subject who had taken prussic acid. No instance, however, had come -within Dr. Robinson's knowledge where an animal had been restored after -the symptoms which this rabbit exhibited; and the singularity of the -case struck the faculty as being one, a knowledge of which it was -desirable should be promulgated. The rabbit is now in full health and -vigour.["] - - -EXPENSES AT GRAeFENBERG. - - The expense of the table, viz., breakfast, dinner, } - and supper, per week } 0 8 6 - Apartment for week 0 4 0 - Servant " 0 4 0 - Fees paid to Mr. Priessnitz, per week 0 4 0 - ----- - L1 0 6 - ----- - -Persons not residing in the establishment are at liberty to take their -meals at the public table at the following charge:-- - - Breakfast or supper, comprising bread, butter, and } - milk, at discretion } 0 0 2-1/2 - Dinner 0 1 2 - -The small town of Freiwaldau, near Graefenberg, being chiefly devoted to -the accommodation of visitors, affords a desirable place of residence, -at remarkably low prices: a single man may have an apartment at from -3_s_. to 5_s_. a-week; a family, at from 10_s_. to 20_s_. a-week. - -All articles of consumption are remarkably cheap; for instance, beef and -mutton, 3_d_. per pound; veal, 2-1/2_d_.; pork, 3-1/2_d_.; bread and -vegetables in proportion. - - -ROUTES TO GRAeFENBERG. - -Graefenberg, since the opening of the railways may now be reached in four -or five days, at an expense of from 8_l_. to 10_l_. Although this outlay -is incurred in carriage, the patient will soon save it in his daily -expenses when there, besides having the advantage of Priessnitz's own -superintendance. - -1st Route.--London, Ostend, Cologne, Prague, and from Prague to -Hollensdorf, which is twenty miles from Graefenberg. - -2nd Route.--Hull to Hamburg; from thence by railway to Berlin, Breslau -and Niepe; whence a carriage can be procured to Graefenberg, the distance -being only twenty miles. - - - - -INDEX. - - - Abdomen, wound in, 134; - inflammation of, 160 - - Abgeschrecte Bath, see Tepid, 58 - - Ablutions of cold water, their value, 40 - - Abreibung, or rubbing-sheet, and its objects described, 50 - - Accidents, 128; - to the head, 131 - - Accouchement, value of Hydropathy in, 156 - - Ague and fever, how treated, 116, 146 - - Air-baths recommended and described, 70 - - Amputation, needless if the Cold-water cure be applied, 128 - - Ankle, sprained, 134; - weak, how treated, 169 - - Apoplexy, treatment of, 130 - - Appetite, in horses, how produced, 207 - - Archduke Franz Carl, address to, from the patients at Graefenberg, 14 - - Assimilation described, 77 - - Asthma, cases of, how treated, 127 - - Authorities in support of water as a curative agent, 32 - - - Bandages, their effects and methods of application described, 59; - ditto for horses, 210 - - Bilious fever, treatment of, and cases, 113 - - Blood spitting, the remedy, 135; - case of, 178 - - Bowels, pains in, how treated, 121 - - Brain, inflammation of, how treated, 120 - - Breast, pains in, assuaged, 155 - - Breath, shortness of, how treated, 146 - - Broken knees, cure for, 205 - - Bronchitis, doubtful, 186 - - Bunnions, how treated, 169 - - Burns, how to treat, 130 - - - Cancer, cases and remedy, 187 - - Catarrh and fever, treatment of, 116 - - Cattle, murrain amongst, 207 - - Chancre, case of, cure of, 173 - - Chest, pain in, how treated, 107; - weakness of, 146; - cases of pains in, 165 - - Chilblains, how removed, 160, 177 - - Cholera, English, treatment of, 124; - Asiatic, observations on, and treatment of, 179 - - Cholic, how treated, 121; - in horses, remedy for, 206 - - Clothing, the proper kind of, 69 - - Cold baths, their value and importance, 43 - - Cold feet and hands, 160, 177 - - Cold water, observations upon its utility, 84 - - Colds and coughs, cases and remedies, 143 - - Complaints curable by Hydropathy, 24 - - Congestions of the lungs, treatment and cases, 118 - - Constipations and fevers, how treated, 117, 166 - - Consumption, observations upon, 125; - cases of, 177; - of the nerves, 178 - - Cows, treated hydropathically, 201 - - Cramps, remedy for, 126; - in the stomach, 126 - - Cramp-cough, a case and its treatment, 126 - - Crisis of the Hydropathic treatment described, 79 - - Croup, treatment and cases, 140 - - Cuts and wounds, remedy for, 132 - - - Deafness, how relieved, 148; - cases of, 161 - - Deformity, how remedied, 163 - - Depression of spirits, how removed, 161 - - Diarrhoea, how treated, 123; - chronic, 123 - - Diet, simplicity of recommended, 62 - - Diseases cured by Hydropathy, 36 - - Dizziness, how removed, 158 - - Douche-bath and its uses described, 52 - - Dropsy, how promoted, 82 - - Drowsiness, how remedied, 146 - - Drugs, the evils arising from the use of, 75 - - Dysentery, how treated, 123 - - - Ear-ach, relief of, 149 - - Elbow-bath, how applied, 56 - - Epilepsy, how cured, 170 - - Erysipelas, remedy for, 186 - - Expenses at Graefenberg, 212 - - Eye, accident to, how remedied, 133; - sore and inflamed, how treated, 148; - weak, 169 - - Eye-bath, how applied, 55 - - - Fainting-fit, directions for treating, 128 - - Falls, cases of, 129 - - Feet, foetid perspiration of, remedied, 171; - horses tender feet, how treated, 206 - - Fevers, hydropathy applicable to, 108; - treatment of, 109; - of horses, how treated, 206 - - Finger-bath, how applied, 56 - - Finger crushed, treatment of a case, 128 - - Fingers, itching of, how treated, 146 - - Fistula, case and remedy, 151 - - Fits in dogs, remedy for, 208 - - Food of horses, 203 - - Foot-bath, its mode of application and effects, 56 - - Foundering of horses, remedy for, 204 - - Frost-bitten, remedy for, 151; - case of, 169 - - - Gastric fever, treatment of, and cases, 112 - - Giddiness, how removed, 158 - - Glass, instance of swallowing, cured by hydropathy, 190 - - Gonnorrhoea, cases of, effectually cured, 174 - - Gout, how treated, with illustrative cases, 92; - hereditary, 96; - in head and feet, 97; - with contractions of limbs and calcareous deposits, 98; - acute attack of, 98; - in foot and ankle, 99 - - Graefenberg, routes to, and expenses at, 212 - - Graham, Dr., his attack on the Water-cure refuted, 11 - - Gripes, how treated, 121 - - Gums, inflamed, how treated, 120 - - - Haemorrhage, in women, how combated, 152; - cases of, 154 - - Head, accidents to, how treated, 131 - - Head-ache, remedies for, 158 - - Head-bath, how applied, 55 - - Heart, palpitation of, case and remedy, 186 - - Heart-burn, how treated, 167 - - Heaviness after dinner, 186 - - Hernia, how cured, 161 - - Hooping-cough, cure for, 139 - - Horses, instances of Hydropathic treatment of, 198, 199 - - Hydrocephalus, case of, cured, 172 - - Hydropathic treatment, its results described, 17; - of horses, 204, 209 - - Hydropathy, the science explained, 17; - its effects, 17; - is it new? 26; - authorities in its support, 32; - for animals, essay on, 197 - - Hydrophobia curable by Hydropathy, 179 - - Hypochondria, how treated, 170 - - Hysteria, cure for, 146, 170 - - - Indigestion, how remedied, 166 - - Infants, treatment of, 169 - - Inflammations, treatment of; - of the lungs, 118; - the windpipe, 120; - the brain, 120; - the gums, 120; - (external) of horses, 205 - - Influenza, treatment of, 185 - - Insanity, curable or otherwise, 179 - - Intermittent fever, 114 - - Invigoration, recipe for, 186; - of horses, how produced, 207 - - Itch, how cured, 142, 149 - - - Jenison, Countess of, her case, 195 - - - Lancet, the, its dangers and abuses, 30 - - Languid circulations, how stimulated, 168 - - Leg, case of lacerated calf, 132 - - Leprosy, how removable, 151 - - Limbs, pain in, removed, 155; - loss of use of, the Countess of Jenison's case, 195; - of horses, weakness how treated, 205 - - Liver complaint, case of, how cured, 162 - - Lock-jaw, see Apoplexy, 130; - in horses, how cured, 206 - - Lumbago, 104 - - Lungs, congestion of, how treated, 118; - diseased, Mr. Wright's case, 191 - - - Measles, treatment of, 138 - - Menstruation, its irregularity and frequency checked, 153; - cases of, 154 - - Mouth, sore, how treated, 146 - - Mumps, cure for, 139 - - Murrain, in cattle, how removed, 207 - - - Nervous fever, treatment of, 114 - - Neuralgic pains, how treated, 100 - - - Op[h]thalmia, remedy and cases in illustration, 141 - - - Packing-sheets, the system of packing described, 46 - - Palpitation of the heart, how relieved, 168 - - Paralysis, how remedied, 130 - - Piles, remedy for, 176 - - Priessnitz, Memoirs of 1; - his Hydropathic treatment, 6; - testimony to his system of cure, 8; - the Emperor of Austria decrees him a medal, 15; - his sentiments on smoking, 84; - his replies to enquiries as to the treatment of various - affections, 90 - Psoriasis, singular case, how treated, 149 - - - Quinsy, remedy for, 185 - - - Rabbit, Hydropathic treatment of, under the influence of - prussic acid, 210 - - Rheumatism, how treated, 100; - chronic, 101; - in back, neck, and shoulders, 102; - fever and gout, 103 - - Ringworm, how removed, 142, 149; - case of, 169 - - Rubbing-sheet and its objects described, 50 - - Rupture, case of double, effectually treated, 176 - - - Scalds, treatment of, 130 - - Scarlatina, how treated, 138 - - Sciatica, how treated, 104 - - Scrofula, how eradicated, 175 - - Sea sickness, remedy for, 130, 168 - - Shin, bruised, how treated and results, 129 - - Shivering, cure and case, 146 - - Shower-baths objected to, 54 - - Sitz or sitting-bath described, 54 - - Skin, a practical tr[e]atise upon, 21 - - Sleep, how procured, 168 - - Small-pox, Hydropathic treatment of, and detail of cases, 136 - - Smoking, Priessnitz's observations upon, 84 - - Sore throat, remedies, 143, 144 - - Spinal complaints, cases of, and how treated, 164 - - Sprained shoulder, 132 - - Sprains, treatment of, 134 - - Staggers, how removed, 204 - - Stays, the evils of wearing, 70 - - Sterility, how conquered, 158 - - Stomach complaints, cure of, 167 - - Strangles, how cured, 204 - - Stricture, how curable, 172 - - Sweating process described, 50; - of horses, 203 - - Syphilis, treatment of, 172 - - - Tape worm, treatment of, 129 - - Teeth, how preserved, 147 - - Teething fever, treatment of, 111 - - Tendon Achilles, treatment of a rupture, 131 - - Tepid bath, its composition and application described, 58 - - Throat, affections of, how treated, 107; - sore and swollen, 145 - - Tic-doloureux, treatment of, 106 - - Tooth-ache, remedy for, 147 - - Typhus fever, how treated, 111 - - - Umschlags, see Bandages, 59 - - Urine, passage of, how accelerated, 158 - - - Vaccination, how promoted, 175 - - Vein, swelling of, various, how treated, 133 - - Ventilation of stables, importance of, 202 - - - Water, its great uses, 37; - for ablutions, 40; - for drinking purposes, 41; - observations upon its value when cold, 84 - - White swelling, case of, and treatment, 187 - - Whites, certain cure of, 155 - - Windpipe, inflammation of, 120 - - Womb, pains in, how alleviated, 154 - - Wounds, of horses, how treated, 205 - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Every Man his own Doctor, by R. 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