Book COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT EVERYBODY'S III FlYSIll I OR, HOW TO ACQUIRE AND PRESERVE HEALTH. ILLUSTRATED WITH OVER TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY FINELY EXECUTED WOOD-CUTS,- MANY OF WHICH ARE ENGRAVED FROM MODELS IN THE AUTHOR'S PRIVATE CABINET, AND CORRECTLY REPRESENT NEARLY ALL OF THE ORGANS OF THE BODY, IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. WITH A VALUABLE APPENDIX, BY C. W. GLEASON, M.D., PROFESSOR OF THE INSTITUTES OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY, EDITOR OF THE "PHYSIOLOGIST,' AUTHOR OF " THE LAWS OF LIFE, AND ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH," POPULAR LECTURER ON SANITARY SCIENCE, ETC. soz® ojvzt %r sz^scri'PTiojy. oikDTO th®^©^®. x PHILADELPHIA: H. INT. McKIINTNEY & CO., 725 Sansom Street. boston, mass. : i. n. richardson & co. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. : FRANCIS DEWING & CO., 542 California St. MUSCATINE, IOWA : IOWA BIBLE AND PUBLISHING CO. ASHLAND. OHIO : OHIO PUBLISHING CO. TORONTO, CAN. : A. H. HOVET & CO., 34 King St., West. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by H. N. McKINNEY & CO., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at "Washington, D. C. CAXTON PRESS OF HERMAN & CO., PHILADELPHIA. PREFACE. The time has come when people wish to know for themselves the causes of their diseases, and the proper remedies. In many cases, where sudden illness enters a family, prompt measures must be taken, and in the absence of a physician, when unacquainted with the proper remedy, a life is lost. How important then, that everybody should study and understand them- selves. It is the aim of this book to give this much needed information. The Author has lectured for nearly thirty years in the principal towns in this country, and is well known, and has acquired a distinguished reputation as a successful Popular Lecturer, and a Physician. In addition to a thorough explanation of the Human Body, its construction, form, and requirements,, familiar diseases are explained, their causes and symptoms are given, with the remedies, and the reasons why such remedies are used. The causes, symptoms and remedies, are so plainly given, that any one can follow them ; and this alone makes the book invaluable. But not only does the Author tell how to cure disease, but he explains fully how to keep well, and avoid sickness, how to acquire and preserve health, strength, beauty and long life. The chapters on the Origin of Life, and the Uses and Abuses of the Re- productive Organs, have been carefully written and deliberated on before publication, and it is believed and earnestly hoped by the Author and Pub- lishers, that as they have been written in the highest interests of humanity, in a chaste and delicate manner, yet so plain that all can understand, that they will not be misunderstood ; and it is confidently believed that the book will be warmly welcomed by an appreciative Public, as meeting fully a long felt want. (3) W CONTENTS. TABLE OF CONTENTS. LECTURE L— -INTRODUCTORY l Know Thyself, a Divine Command ; Eeasons why every one should Study and understand the Nature and Uses of their own Organization ; the law of Self Preservation the First Law of Nature ; no one can be reasonable, Moral, or Eeligious in their Conduct upon Subjects they do not understand; cannot be Healthy, Happy or Useful, without Physiological Knowledge ; Influence of such Knowledge in Suppressing Quackery and Imposition. LECTUEE IL— OEGANS OF DIGESTION 10 Salivary Glands ; Uses of the Saliva ; Tea and Coffee ; The Teeth ; Causes of the Decay of the Teeth ; How to Preserve the Teeth ; The Tongue ; The Throat ; Deglutition, &c. LECTUEE IH.— THE STOMACH AND LIVEE 20 The Stomach ; Gastric Follicles ; Nerves and Blood- Vessels of the Stomach ; The Gastric Juice ; The Duodenum ; The Liver ; The Pancreas ; Physiology of Digestion, &c. LECTUEE IV.— NUTEITION 29 The Small Intestine ; The Villi ; Thoracic Duct ; Lacteal Glands ; Disease of the Lacteal Glands and Absorbents ; Large Intestine ; Piles ; Cure of Piles ; Constipation ; Cure of Constipation, &c. LECTUEE V.— HOW TO ACQUIRE GOOD DIGESTION 39 Quantity of Food Eequired ; Consequences of Over Eating ; Over Feeding Young Children ; Digestibility of Various Kinds of Food ; Why Bread is the Staff of Life ; What Kind of Bread is Best ; How to Make Good Bread. LECTUEE VI.— HOW TO ACQUIRE GOOD DIGESTION 47 Animal Food ; How it Should be Cooked ; Why a Sigh Temperature Hard- ens Meat and Makes it Leathery ; Salt Meat and Fish ; Fried Meats and Fish ; Why All Food Should be Cooked in Water Only ; Soups ; Time Eequired to Digest our Food ; Abuse of Alkalies ; Eapid Eating ; Frequent Eating; Stomach Must Eest, &c. LECTUEE VII.— DISEASE OF THE STOMACH 59 Inflammation of the Stomach ; Ulceration of the Stomach ; Perforation of the Stomach ; Cancer of the Stomach ; Ulceration of the Duodenum ; Conges- tion of the Liver ; Enlargement of the Liver, &c. LECTUEE VIIL— DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION 66 Symptoms Caused by Indigestion ; Why Indigestion Causes Impure Blood ; Why Indigestion Causes Scrofula ; Why Indigestion Causes Neuralgia and Eheumatism ; Why Indigestion Causes Catarrh and Consumption ; Why In- digestion is Not Cured ; How to Cure this Disease of the Organs of Digestion ; What to Eat, and What to Avoid, &c CONTENTS. V LECTTJKE IX.— CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD 77 The Heart ; Pericardium ; Kheumatic Inflammation of the Heart Case ; Inte- rior of the Heart ; Arteries and Veins ; Indolent Ulceration of the Leg ; Pul- monary Circulation ; Arterial Circulation ; Capillary Circulation ; Inflamma- tion of the Interior of the Heart ; Ossification of the Valves ; Functions of the Heart ; How to Stop Bleeding in Case of Accident, &c. LECTUKE X— HOW TO STEENGTHEN THE HEAET 89 Influence of Exercise Upon the Heart ; Influence of the Passions ; Influence of the Moral Sentiments ; Influence of Dress, &c. LECTUKE XL— DISEASES OF THE HEAET 95 Inertia, or Weakness of the Heart ; Irritation of the Heart ; Neuralgia of the Heart ; Enlargement of the Heart ; Fatty Degeneration of the Heart ; Diseases of the Blood ; Impoverishment of the Blood ; Impurity of the Blood ; How to Purify the Blood, &c. LECTURE XII.— DISEASES OF THE BLOOD 102 Scrofula ; Enlargement of the Glands of the Neck ; Causes of Scrofula ; In- fluence of Pork ; How to Prevent Scrofula ; Influence of Sunlight ; How to Cure Scrofula, &c. LECTUKE XIIL— CATAEKH 113 Anatomy of the Nose ; Snuff Takers ; Nerves of Smell; Cavity of the Throat; Disease of the Throat ; Enlargement of the Tonsils ; Symptoms of Nasal Catarrh ; Ozena ; Polypus in the Nose ; Causes of Catarrh ; Cure of Catarrh ; Nasal Douche ; Various Inhalations, &c. LECTURE XIV.— OEGANS OF EESPIEATION 128 Bones of the Chest ; Diaphragm ; Movements of the Eibs in Breathing ; Skel- eton of a Child at Birth; Lijurious Effects of Tight Dressing; Fashion ; Or- gan of the Voice ; Cultivation of the Voice ; Diseases of the Organ of the Voice ; Croup ; Diphtheria and Ulceration of the Larynx, &c. LECTUEE XV.— THE AIR-TUBE 142 The Trachea ; Inflammation of the Wind Pipe ; How to Stop Coughing ; Bronchial Tubes ; Air-Ceils ; Asthma ; Pulmonary Consumption ; What are Tubercles ; Formation of Tubercles ; Cavities in the Lungs ; Cure of Con- sumption, &c. LECTUEE XVI.— HOW TO STRENGTHEN WEAK LUNGS 152 How to Acquire Length of Life ; How to Strengthen Weak Lungs ; Influence of Position of the Body ; Influence of Dress ; Ventilation ; Eespiration of Impure Air, &c. LECTUEE XVIL— THE BEAIN AND NERVES 166 Anatomy of the Brain ; Composition of the Brain ; Brain Food ; Nutrition of the Brain ; Nerves of the Brain ; Sympathetic Nerves ; Causes and Cure of Nervous Irritability, &c. V1 CONTENTS. LECTUKE XVin.— ON THE SPINAL COED AND NEEVES 182 Anatomy of the Spinal Cord ; Origin of the Spinal Nerves ; Nerves of Motion, and Nerves of Sensation ; How to Strengthen Weak Nerves ; How to Strength- en the Brain ; Influence of "Want of Education ; Influence of Want of Phy- sical Employment, &c. LECTURE XIX.— DISEASES OF THE BEAIN AND NEEVES 195 Injurious Influence of Tea, Coffee, and Tobacco ; How Tobacco affects the Brain and Nerves ; How it affects the Nerves of the Heart and the Lungs ; How it injures the Brain, more especially in Youth ; How it Causes Cancer of the Lip, Tongue, &c. LECTURE XX.— THE EYE 203 Lachrymal Gland ; Closure of the Tear Passages ; Meibomian Glands ; Scro- fulous Sore Eyes ; Deformities of the Lids; Catarrhal Sore Eyes; Granular Lids ; Pterygium, or Film ; Crooked Eyes ; How to Straighten them, &c. LECTUEE XXL— THE EYE 214 Structure of the Eyeball ; Inflammation of the Cornea ; Middle Coat of the Eye ; Inflammation of the Iris ; The Pupil ; Closure of the Pupil ; The Crystalline Lens ; Near Sight ; Far Sight ; Cataract ; Internal Coat of the Eye ; Amau- rosis ; How to Strengthen Weak Eyes, &c. LECTUEE XXn.— ANATOMY OF THE EAE 225 The External Ear; Membrane of the Drum ; Myringitis, or Earache ; Opacity of the Membrane; Cavity of the Drum; Inflammation of the Interior of the Ear; Bones of the Drum; Ulceration of the Cavity of the Drum ; Perforation of the Membrane of the Drum ; Discharges from the Ear, &c. LECTUEE XXin.— INTEENAL EAE 236 Causes and Cure of this form of Deafness ; Use of the Aural Atomizer ; La- byrinth ; Nerves of Hearing ; Nervous Deafness ; Deafness from Old Age ; How to Cultivate the Ear, and Improve the Sense of Hearing, &c. LECTUEE XXIV.— THE OEGANS OF LOCOMOTION 244 The Bones and Ligaments ; Causes and Cure of Stiff Joints ; The Muscles ; Muscles of the Chest ; Muscles of the Abdomen ; Causes of Weakness and Eelaxation of these Muscles ; Muscles of the Spine ; Causes of Spinal Weak- ness ; Causes of Curvature of the Spine, &c. LECTUEE XXV.— OEGANS OF LOCOMOTION 260 Caries of the Spine ; Muscles of the Arms ; Muscles of the Leg ; Deformed Feet ; Corns and Bunions ; Ingrowing Toe Nails ; How to Cure them, &c. LECTUEE XXVI.— HOW TO ACQUIEE STEENGTH 274 Why Exercise and Labor are Irksome and Painful to Invalids ; Want of Sys- tematic Physical Education in our Colleges ; Utility and Dignity of Labor. LECTUEE XXVIL— HOW TO ACQUIEE STEENGTH 283 Injurious Influence of Idleness ; Why more attention is not paid to Physical Culture ; Good Health thought to be associated with Vulgarity and Coarse- ness ; Influence of Dress ; Influence of Joy, Hope, &c. CONTENTS. Vll LECTURE XXVIII.— ON THE SKIN 294 Structure of the Skin ; The Cuticle ; Cutis Vera, or True Skin ,' Organs of Per- spiration ; Sebaceous Follicles ; Cutaneous Absorption ; Uses and Abuses of Clothing, &c. LECTURE XXIX.— BATHING, &c 307 "Why we should Bathe Daily ; Moral Influence of the Bath ; Causes of many Diseases of the Skin ; The Hairs of the Skin and Scalp ; Growth and Decay of the Hairs ; Diseases of the Scalp ; Causes and Cure of Dandruff, &c. LECTUEE XXX.— DISEASES OF THE SKIN 318 Different Varieties of Diseases of the Skin ; The Papulae or Pimples ; The Squamae or Scales ; the Exanthemata or Bashes ; The Bullae or Blisters ; The Pustulse or Pustules ; The Vesiculse or Vesicles ; The Tuberculse or Tubercles; The Maculse, or Marks ; Burns, Scalds, &c. LECTUEE XXXL— UKINABY ORGANS 342 Anatomy of the Kidneys ; The Ureters ; Bladder ; Urethra ; Prostate Gland ; Seminal Vesicles ; Urine : Composition of Healthy Urine ; How to Detect Diseases of the Urine ; Eed Gravel ; White Gravel ; Yellow Gravel ; Albu- minous Urine ; Bright's Disease ; Diabetic Urine ; Pus, or Matter in the Urine. LECTUEE XXXIL— DISEASES OF THE UEINAEY OEGANS 355 Congestion of the Kidneys ; Uraemia, or Eetention of Urine in the Blood ; Inflammation of the Kidneys ; Bright's Disease ; Encysted Kidney ; Tuber- cular Kidney ; Cancer of the Kidney ; Gravel ; Diabetes ; Inflammation of the Bladder; Eetention and Incontinence of the Urine ; Enlargement of the Prostate Gland ; Inflammation of the Urethra ; Irritability and Weakness of the Urethra ; Seminal Weakness ; Stricture, &c. LECTUEE XXXIII.— CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN 374 Difference Between the Male and Female Organization ; Kind of Labor Best Adapted to the Male and Female ; Anatomy of the Female ; The Womb ; Prolapsus of the Womb ; Varieties of Displacement ; Causes of Prolapsus ; Symptoms of Procidentia ; Symptoms of Anteversion ; Symptoms of Eetro- version, &c. LECTUEE XXXIV.— DISEASES OF WOMEN 390 The Vaginal Canal ; Leucorrhcea ; Causes of Leucorrhcea ; Cure of Leucorr- hoea ; Ulceration of the Neck of the Womb ; Cure of Ulceration of the Neck of the Womb ; Diseases of the Cavity of the Womb ; Intra Uterine Tumors ; Ovarian Tumors. LECTUEE XXXV.— FUNCTIONAL DISEASES OF THE WOMB 400 Puberty ; Menstruation ; Irregular Menstruation ; Suppressed Menstruation ; Painful Menstruation ; Profuse Menstruation ; Cessation of Menstruation. Vfii CONTENTS. LECTUEE XXXVI— OEIGIN OF ANIMAL & VEGETABLE LIFE, 407 All Plants and Animals begin their existence in a minute Cell Germ ; The lower forms of Plants and Animals non Sexual ; Their Eapid Eeprodnction and Multiplication ; Sexual Plants and Animals ; Formation of an Ovum, or Egg ; Union of Male and Female Cell Germs, forming an Embryonic Cell ; Ova or Spawn of Eeptiles, Fish and Birds ; How they are Impregnated ; Incubation, and Formation of the Frog, Fish and Bird from the contents of the Ovum ; Time Eequired to complete the process of Incubation ; Vege- table Eeproduction ; Male and Female Organs of the Plant ; How the Seed Germs are Impregnated ; Influence of the best seed in increasing the quantity and improving the quality of Eoot and Seed Crops, &c. LECTUEE XXXVII— OEIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE 414 How the Human Being begins its Existence in a minute Cell Germ ; Forma- tion of the Human Ovum, or Egg ; Formation of the Male and Female Cell Germs ; How the Union of these Male and Female Germs Eesult in the For- mation of a New Being ; Causes and Cure of Sterility ; Appearance of the Human Ovum after Impregnation ; Formation of the Embryo, audits Develop- ment into the Human Foetus ; Its appearance at Twelve Days ; Fifteen Days ; Three Weeks ; Six Weeks ; Two Months; Three Months, Illustrated ; Foeticide Criminal ; Nutrition of the Foetus shown ; Influence of the Mother's Blood Upon Her Child ; How and Why all Diseases of the Body are Inherited ; Mental and Moral Condition of Parents Inherited ; The Sins of Parents Vis- ited upon their Children down to the second and third generation ; Insanity and Idiocy Inherited ; Management of Pregnancy ; How Child Birth May be Eendered Safe and Easy by Living Eight, &c. LECTUEE XXXVIIL— ABUSES OF THE OEGANS OF EEPEODUC- TION The Seminal Fluid constantly forming in Man and the lower Animals ; Enor- mous Length of the Seminal Ducts ; v Where they terminate beneath the Blad- der in the Seminal Vesicles ; Seminal Vesicles always contain this Fluid ; These Seminal Sacs only Emptied During the Act of Procreation ; What becomes of the Seminal Fluid when not used to Procreate the Species; Influence of this Fluid seen in modifying the Growth of Domestic Animals, the Capon and Cock, the Earn and Wether, Bull and Ox, a Continent Man and a Eunuch ; Influence of the Seminal Fluid upon the Voice, and Beard ; Influence of Castration upon Animal Life ; Most Important and Vital of all the Fluids in the Body ; Its Loss forty times as Weakening as the Loss of the same amount of Blood ; How to Acquire the Highest Degree of Physical Strength ; Prize Fighters and the Athletae are Trained in Perfect Continence ; Story of Samson, How he Lost his Strength, and How he Eegained it ; Dis- astrous Influence of Sexual Excess upon Physical Health, and the Mental and Moral Faculties ; Sexual Excess the Grave of Domestic Happiness ; Influ- ence of Sensualism upon Nations and Individuals; Disastrous Eesults of Want of Scientific Information in Early Life upon this Subject ; Onanism, or Secret Vice ; Its Consequences ; Spermatorrhoea ; Its Causes and Cure, &c. LECTURE I. INTRODUCTORY. Know Thyself— was inscribed upon the oracle at Delphos by the ancient Sages and Philosophers, for, adds the modern poet, "the proper study of mankind is man.'' There is no object, in a material point of view, which is more worthy of our study and investigation than the structure, form and functions of the various organs of the human body. The study of this wonderful system is not only im- portant, but it is intensely interesting ; for as we advance in its investigation, we shall not fail to observe that man is indeed fearfully and wonderfully made ! In view of the very great interest and immense importance of the subject, is it not strange that its investigation has so long been neglected by the great mass of our fellow men ? Co where you will into our various institutions of learning, and you will there find the pupils engaged in studies of comparatively little import- ance, while that great and noble science which teaches us the nature of ourselves, and our relations to the external universe, is passed by unheeded ! There are few objects with which we are less acquainted than with our own natures, and yet we are continually acting as though we were acquainted with ourselves, our capacities, our wants, and the best means of improving our moral, physical and intellectual condition. Is it, then, possible for the blacksmith to mend a watch, the machinery of which he is entirely unacquainted with, or for the statesman and the moralist to improve the moral, physical and intellectual condition of mankind, without first rendering themselves perfectly familiar with, the nature of that beautiful organization which enters into the formation of man, as well as the laws which regulate its development, and maintain its healthy ac- tion down to the latest period of time assigned to man ? If we turn our attention to the consideration of the various objects in the mate- rial universe which pass in review before us, we shall be struck with the wonderful order which is displayed in their movements, evincing design in their most beau- tiful adaptation of means to ends, and showing the necessity of a great superior and controlling Intelligence in their formation. The movements of all these va- rious objects, in the animate and inanimate worlds, are governed by fixed and unchangeable laws, which were established by the Creator for the preservation of the beauty and harmony of nature. The laws by which the winds blow, and the tides of the ocean measure with inimitable exactness the hours of ever-flowing time — the laws by which the plan- ets roll, and the sun viviiies plants — the laws which preside over the subtle com- binations of chemistry, and which measure the amazing velocities of light and electricity — the laws which regulate the productions of the animal and vegetable kingdoms, are all radiant with eternal beauty; and their contemplation fills us with awe and admiration, as we behold, reflected in their sublimity and grandeur, the wisdom and the power of their Creator ! " The inanimate worlds move and gravitate, and are chemically changed from form to form. The animate worlds live and reproduce their kind, and die, in obedience to fixed and unchangeable laws. These laws the intellect of man can discover and understand, and thus render his dominion coextensive with his know- ledge. So far as we understand the laws of nature, we can bring all substances governed by them beneath their action, and thus produce the results which we desire. So far as we understand the Creator's laws, he invests us with this power. "When knowledge enables us to speak as with the flaming tongue of lightning across a continent, is it not the same as though we had power to call down the swiftest angel from heaven, and send him abroad as the messenger of our thoughts ? When a knowledge of the sciences of astronomy and navigation enables us to leave any port we please on this side of the globe, and thread our labyrinthine way, among contrary winds, and through the currents and counter-currents of the ocean, and enter any port we please on the opposite side of the globe, is it not the same as though the Creator, for this purpose, had endowed us with his all-seeing vision, and enabled us to look through clouds and darkness around the convex earth?" 2 INTRODUCTORY. To man was given dominion over the earth, and in it he discovers a vast and perfect apparatus, adapted and designed to minister to his enjoyment, and to ag- grandise his power. The globe, with all of its dynamic energies, its mineral treasures, its vegetable powers, its life and action, is only a grand and divinely wrought machine placed in his hands, and on the condition of knowledge he may wield and use it as the artisan uses his instruments. Knowledge inaugurates us into the office of superintendent and director of the elements and all their powers. By means of knowledge they may all be made ministering servants to our pleasures ajid our profit. Such, is the true, philosophic relation in which we stand to this earth — to the perfect system of laws which govern it, and to the mighty and exhaustless energies with which its frame, and every organ of its frame, is filled. Gravitation, repul- sion, caloric, magnetism, air, water, light, lightning : by means of knowledge we can control their powers, and render them ministering angels to our profit and our pleasure. The health and happiness of mankind also depend upon a knowledge and obe- dience of the physical laws. If man violates the law of gravitation, and leaps from the precipice into the abyss, he is dashed in pieces upon the rocks beneath, as a punishment for his temerity. If he thrusts his hand into the boiling water, in violation of the laws of heat, he burns and destroys his own beautiful organization. If he leaps from the deck of the vessel into the ocean, he is drowned ; if he violates the laws which govern the movements of electricity, and neglects to rear the light- ning rod upon his dwelling, the subtle fluid descends, and he falls a victim to his own ignorance and folly. The intelligent mechanic constructs his beautiful steam engine in accordance with these principles; every part is designed with a particu- lar object in view, and is destined to occupy a particular place in the machine, and to move in accordance with fixed laws. When directed by knowledge, it flies along the iron rail with the speed of lightning, and power of steam. But when directed by ignorance and presumption, it hurls its unworthy superintendent to destruction ! The constitution of the human being is composed of a great number of organs, constructed upon the most beautiful, chemical, mechanical, and dynamic princi- ples, and is governed by a system of organic laxvs, upon the proper observation of which, the health of mankind depends. If we do not understand and obey the organic laws which regulate the healthy action of the nutritive system, we shall soon find disease manifesting itself in the stomach, the liver, or the intestinal canal, as a penalty inflicted upon us as a punishment for their violation ! The circulation of the blood is carried on through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins, and if we do not comply with those laws, which regulate the healthy action of this system, we shall soon labor under the influence of weakness and exhaustion ! If we do not comply with the laws of respiration, we shall soon labor under the influence of pulmonary consumption. The same is true in reference to the secreting, locomo- tive, and nervous systems. Their functions are all governed by fixed and unchange- able laws, which man, in his intelligence, is capable of appreciating, comprehending and obeying. Not only man's physical, but also his mental and his moral natures, are governed by fixed and immutable laws. If we comply with the mental laws, we shall thereby secure the strength and perfection of our mental powers ; And if we obey the physical, organic, mental, and moral laws we shall not only secure health and happiness in this world, but also in that world which is to come. The social rela- tions of man in all civilized society, are also regulated and governed by their own system of laws. Our various legislatures meet, from year to year, and enact these civil laws f and at the same time attach penalties to their disobedience. The civil government publishes its system of laws in the various towns and counties through- out each State, in order that every good citizen may become acquainted with their nature and penalty, as well as the necessity of their obedience. But the natural laws differ from the civil laws in the certainty of punishment which follows the disobedience of the former, and the possibility of escape from the violation of the latter. If it appears in the evidence upon trial, that man violates the laws of his fellow man, ignorantly or accidently, it is considered a mitigating circumstance, and not unfrequently his offence is forgiven. But the Creator is no respector of persons. He grants no indulgence to the ignorant and foolish man. INTRODUCTORY. 6 We are all, indeed, punished alike for the violation of the same law. If the wise man and foolish man, the vicious and the moral, commit the safety of their lives to the dangers of a tempestuous sea in an unworthy vessel they find one common grave. Now, God's natural laws cannot be obeyed, unless they are understood ! We send our missionaries among the heathen and barbarous races, in order to make known to them the glorious truths of divine revelation ! We build our temples of worship and employ teachers to expound the moral law, so that none may perish through ignorance, but come to the knowledge of the truth which is revealed to us in the Sacred Scriptures ; while hundreds and thousands of human beings an- nually perish for want of that knowledge which the Creator has alone revealed to them through the study of themselves ! For ages, most of our attention has been directed to the improvement of man's moral nature, independent of his physical organization. Now the soul cannot exist in this world independent of the body, and the perfect system of laws which gov- ern it; and it is equally incumbent upon us as a Christian and a moral duty, to pre- serve the one and obey the other. The Bible reveals to us a most perfect system of laws for man's moral govern- ment, and those laws we believe to be divine, because they harmonize with man's nature, capacities, and wants. But it should not be forgotten that the great Creator who made the Bible, also made man, and the perfect system of laws which regulate his physical, as well as his mental and his moral nature; a knowledge of which he has only revealed through the study of our own organization. The laws of nature are indeed the laws of God, and execute themselves whenever their integrity is violated either voluntarily or involuntarily, through ignorant presumption, or wil- ful disobedience. Nor is there any difference in the sanctity of any of his laws ; since they are all of them founded in justice, they are equally divine, and He ex- pects all of his children not only to obey one but all of them ; and if we do not, he has provided the means of punishment, in the form of pain and disease in this world, and anguish and despair in the next. How exceedingly important, then, it is, that we should understand and obey these laws; inasmuch as we cannot hope to escape the penalty which is inflicted upon us as a 'punishment for their disobedience ! You would not entrust the safety of your lives to the care of an ignorant engineer — to the care of one who was entirely un- acquainted with the nature and power of the steam engine, as well as the laws which regulate its action. How foolish it is, then, for man to entrust his life, his health, and his happiness, to the direction of his own uninformed mind, to the guidance of one who is entirely unacquainted with the structure, nature and uses of his own physical organization, as well as the laws which regulate its movements. Not long since, I was walking through a beautiful park, when I saw painted upon a board attached to one of the trees, "all dogs caught within this park, will be shot:" says a friend of mine, "Doctor, unless dogs can read, they must be in great danger here." Now God has not only written his laws upon the trees, but in the stars and flowers, and upon the constitution of man, and if the human being is not able to read them, he is even in greater danger than the dog, for the dog has his master to read for him; but man has no master between himself and his God ! " Health, strength, and longevity, depend upon fixed and unchangeable laws, and not upon chance or accident. There is no arbitrary interference of higher powers with them. Primarily our parents, and secondarily ourselves, are responsible for our diseases, pain, and suffering. The Providence of God is no more responsible, because the virulence of disease rises above the ordinary powers of medicine, or because one-fourth part of those who are born die before they complete the age of one year — one seventieth part of the time allotted to them by the psalmist — I say the Providence of God is no more responsible for these things, than it is for picking pockets, or stealing horses !" Disease and pain come not by chance or accident ; but are rather the penalties which are inflicted upon us, as a punishment for our dis- obedience of the organic laws, which we can only become acquainted with by the study of ourselves. "There is, indeed, no effect produced without a cause," and to admit such an unphilosophic assertion, would sap the very foundation upon which the Christian religion depends for its support. Even the lightning does not deviate from its course, but moves in accordance with fixed and unchangeable laws, a knowledge of which, has enabled man to 4 INTRODUCTORY. cell down this swiftest angel of Heaven, and send him abroad, as the messenger of has thoughts ! The mutterings of the thunder, are no longer regarded as an evi- idnce of the wrath of an offended Deity, nor is the descent of electricity, in obedi- ence to His unchangeable laws, regarded as a special dispensation of Divine Prov- idence ! Since the days of our own immortal Franklin, the Creator has revealed to man His laws, governing the movements of electricity, and the means of regulating its powers, of chaining the lightning and bringing it harmless from the clouds; and if man avails himself of this revelation, and rears the lightning rod upon his dwell- ing, he secures its certain protection, as the reward of his obedience of nature's laws. The miserable victim of intemperance, who blunts his senses, and drowns his reason in the circean cup, and then exposes his constitution to frosty elements on a cold and dismal winter's night, as certainly violates God's organic and physical laws, and commits suicide, as he who voluntarily leaps from the brink of the" cata- ract into the abyss below ? But a few years since, and small-pox was regarded as a special dispensation of Providence, but the revelations of God, in the discoveries of modern science, have disclosed to us, in the principle of vaccination, the means of robbing this fearful pestilence of all its terrors I Many of our diseases, it is true, are hereditary, though never the result of chance or accident. Our parents may indulge their passions, appetites, and propensities to excess, and thus produce disease, pain, and suffering in themselves, and afterwards transmit disease and debility to their offspring. Color, form, features, scrofula, consumption, gout, rheumatism, idiocy and insanity, are all hereditary. " The sins of the fathers are visited upon their children down even unto the third and fourth generation," nor human law nor human device can break the entailment. " In these hereditary inflictions, nature abhors alike the primongeniture laws of Eng- land and the salic laws of France. All of the sons, and all of the daughters are made inheritors, not in equal proportions, but, by a kind of multiplication of the disease, each inherits the whole ! " Now what are the sins of the fathers which are thus visited upon their unfortu- nate offspring? "Sin" has been defined as a "violation of the laws of God;" and the " sinner" is one who lives in the daily or habitual violation of the physi- cal, organic, mental, or moral laws of the Creator ! Indeed, all pain, disease, and premature death, not only in this world but in that which is to come, result from the violation of the Creator's laws ! Verily, " the wages of sin is death," and the physiologically wicked do not live out half their days. The annals of medicine demonstrate that nearly one-third part of the diseases which afflict mankind are hereditary, and have been handed down from parents to progeny, in consequence of their violation of the organic laws ! What an inter- esting fact is here revealed to the philanthropist! The thought that at least one- third part of the disease and suffering of those who shall live in the next genera- tion depend upon our conduct in this, is well calculated to fill our minds with the awful responsibility which rests upon us. Many uninformed, but well-meaning men and women, have long thought that all pain and disease were providential and designed by the Creator for the improve- ment of man's moral nature — "to wean him from the cares and anxieties of the world, and to render him more spiritual minded." They seem to have forgotten that virtue is active, and that good health is indispensable for its proper cultivation. "Good health is indispensable to almost every form of human enjoyment. It is the grand auxiliary to all usefulness ; and if it is the duty of man to love the Lord his God, with all his heart, and soul, and strength, how much more abundantly may he do so, in the vigor of health, than under the palsy of disease?" It is, indeed, astonishing that we have so long assented to the truth of such absurd ideas as these, in view of their direct tendency to immorality, in rendering mankind irresponsible for their conduct in eating, and in drinking, and in the proper regulation of their appetites, passions and propensities. The organic laws hold mankind strictly accountable for their own habits, in eating and in drinking, and in all that relates to their conduct in the affairs and pursuits of life ; and a knowledge of these sub- lime truths, and their practical application would prove a most powerful means for the regeneration of the world ! " Verily the man who is" physiologically " wicked, INTRODUCTORY. shall not live out half his days ; " nor is this the worst of his punishment, for he is more than half dead while he yet lives. An honest deacon living in the interior of the State of Pennsylvania, frequently held a discussion with a professional friend of mine, belonging to the same reli- gious society — the deacon declaring that all pains and disease were produced by the mysterious ways of Divine Providence, and the doctor as sturdily declaring that they were produced by mankind themselves, by violating the laws of health. One evening the deacon ate very heartily of buckwheat cakes and sausages, and was seized during the night with a severe fit of colic. Under such circumstances, he sent for my friend, the doctor, who very promptly refused to go, sending him word, that if God had thought proper to afflict him, providentially, with the colic, it was his duty to grin and bear it, and not complain; at all events, he thought it was not his place to give medicine that would interfere with the operations of Providence ! In the course of an hour or two longer, the servant returned again, declaring that his master could live but for a short time if he did not obtain relief; and the physician knowing that God's laws were just and inexorable, and that he would not suspend them to relieve a thousand deacons, thought his brother had been punished enough for his folly, and concluded to try the effect of a little med- icine. As he entered the room, lie saw, at a glance, the nature and cause of the difficulty, and giving him a small quantity of tartar emetic, he soon found relief. The worthy deacon learned, from sad experience, to recognize God's laws for man's physical, as well as man's moral government ! Let it never be forgotten that for every offence against the laws of health, nature will bring us into judgment. That however graciously God may deal with the heart of man, all experience proves that he never pardons the stomach, lungs, or brain. These must expiate their offences unvicariously ! The human being can- not eat and drink to excess, and when overtaken with disease, lay all the blame upon Divine Providence, without the greatest blasphemy ! The Creator never accomplishes his purposes by the suspension of his own laws. If he should sus- pend the law of gravitation, it would be attended with the destruction of the uni- verse, which was created and formed by his own Almighty power ! Have you ever observed an instance of the suspension of this law ? Did you ever know the madman that leaped from the brink of a cataract into the abyss, to be suspended in mid-air, contrary to the law of gravitation ? Did you ever know a castle to rise as if by the influence of enchantment, in a single night, without the aid of mortal hands? Have you ever known the mountain torrent to change its course, and run up hill ? Certainly not. Such a result would reverse the order of na- ture, and annihilate the works of God himself! During the prevalence of the terrible blast, the old Greek sailor called upon Neptune, saying, " Oh ! God, thou canst save or thou canst destroy, nevertheless I will steer my rudder true." Says Cromwell to his army, "trust in Providence, and keep your powder dry." Says Napoleon, "I have always observed that Providence favors the heaviest battalions." The philanthropist who shall convince the world that health, strength, and use- fulness depend upon fixed and unchangeable laivs, and not upon chance or accident, will prevent more disease, pain, and suffering, than the art of medicine has relieved since its discovery. The injurious consequences arising from the general neglect to study and obey the organic laws, may be seen in the frequency of premature death. How few there are at the present day, who live to attain the age of three score and ten, the time allotted to them by the Psalmist. The statistics of our country show that more than one-fourth of those born annually, die before they reach the age of one year, and more than one-half before they complete the age of ten ! Now, surely the all-wise and benevolent Creator never designed that this early mortality should be the lot of man ; that more than one-half of his children should die before they come to years when they can understand and appreciate their own immortal nature and high destiny ! Premature death, so far as we can understand it, defeats the great object which the Creator had in view, at the time when he created man, and endowed him with immortal faculties, and sentiments to culti- vate and improve in this world, as a preparation for that higher and nobler sphere of action hereafter. If we consult the annals of medicine, we shall discover that the causes of the pre* 6 INTRODUCTORY. mature death of countless millions, are within the control of human agency, and left in operation only in consequence of our ignorance of ourselves, and our rela- tions to external objects. If we contrast the female constitution of the present day with that of the mothers of the American Revolution, we shall observe its vast inferiority. How pale, weak and effeminate — how utterly incapable of performing those high and noble duties which nature and nature's God has assigned her, as the mother, the teacher and the companion of man ! Go visit the neighboring cemeteries and inquire who it is that fills those new made graves — who sleep their last sleep beneath the cold and silent marble — and you will learn the fate of many a fond mother and her dearly beloved offspring, leaving scarcely a vestige to tell the melancholy tale of their sufferings. How few females live to attain the full period of life allotted to mankind ! Is it strange that old Dr. Beecher, the distinguished New England divine, when sur- veying the contrast of the past and present generation of females, exclaimed to the audience of young men that he was addressing, " for God's sake, young men, take good care of your old women, for you will have few old ones long !" The injurious consequences which result from our neglect to study and obey the natural laws of the hmnan constitution, may still be further seen from the fact that we are fast becoming a "nation of invalids." If we will station ourselves upon the corners of the streets, and observe the citizens as they move on before us, we will soon discover that at least nine out often labor under the influence of some ache or complaint, which embitters life, and destroys the pleasures of exist- ence. How many narrow chests and flushed countenances indicate incipient pul- monary consumption ! How many anxious countenances and glazed eyes indicate nervous debility, and mental imbecility ! How many red noses, rheumed eyes, and leprous countenances indicate that they have " loaned their stomach for a vinter's cess pool, or yielded it to the contaminating influence of the poisons of distiller or tobacconist !" How many devotees of appetite and victims of gout and rheumatism, in whose distorted joints you can almost hear the crack of the cork from the champagne bottle, as they hobble on before you ! How many distorted limbs, and pale and sallow countenances indicate the prevalence of scrofula, and humeral affections, produced from long confinement in impure air ! The sedentary avocations to which large numbers of delicate females are con- fined, in the principal cities of this country, occasion sad havoc in human health, and no small deterioration in public morals. An incalculable number of females are-confined at sedentary employments, in impure air, from early morning until •dewy eve, and, indeed, too often from dewy eve until early morning, engendering -disease in themselves, and afterwards transmitting disease and debility to their unfortunate offspring. But large as is this class to which I have alluded, it is as a •drop of water in the ocean when compared with the countless myriads of both ^exes, and of every age, pent up in the foul atmosphere of our countless factories ■throughout this country, inhaling alike the moral and the physical poison, which •corrupts .the mind while it enervates the body, "Can it be possible that the indivi- dual deterioration thus engendered, diffused and perpetuated, shall not, in the process of time, affept the great mass of society at large ? Unless these causes of deterioration shall be arrested by the general diffusion of physiological informa- tion, I think it is far from improbable, that some ten or twelve centuries hence, when New Holland shall have become a great and powerful empire, and the In- dies and Islands of the Ocean a swarm of independent Republics, that some con- templative philosopher shall stand on the banks of the Potomac, as Gibbon stood on the tower of the Capitol at Rome, musing and meditating on the decline and fall of a great and glorious Republic, and on the degeneracy of a free people, whose commerce, arms, and arts, and sciences, had long been the theme of universal admiration and envy I" I know not why America may hope to escape the fate of Greece and Rome, and of all the great nations of antiquity, unless she profits by their example, and avoids the cause of their decline. " I know that there may be, and I believe that there is something in the soil, genius and Republican Institutions of the Anglo American race, that will main- tain a most desperate resistance to these inevitable causes of national deterioration ; INTRODUCTORY. 7 but he must be blind, indeed, who does not witness the onward working of these causes in our own days !" If we would then avoid the fate of the most illustrious nations of antiquity ; if we would prolong our own individual existence, and increase our happiness, we must study the nature of ourselves, and our relations to external objects. This is a duty which is equally incumbent upon the healthy and robust, who would prolong life, as well as the weak and the feeble, who would wish to regain health. If you have a large and powerful horse, and you wish that he should last a long time, you treat him with the greatest kindness and attention ; you do not drive him too fast, and when he returns home covered with perspiration, you do not let him drink immediately, but cause the groom to rub and blanket him, in order that he may not take cold, and get rheumatism or stiffness in the joints. If you have a valuable watch, and you wish to preserve it for a long time, you use the greatest care in winding it, and keeping it from the dust and moisture, as experience has demonstrated this to be necessary to effect your object. Now why is it that man, with his boasted reasoning faculties, does not apply the same prin- ciples to himself? If fortunately he has inherited from his parents a sound and vigorous constitution, in the fulness of health he foolishly thinks that there is no end to his strength and vigor, and often abuses his organs by every species of ex- cess, and when at last overtaken by disease, and the grave yawns to receive its unwilling victim, he sees the folly of his ways when too late, and dying, shrieks — " millions for a single moment of life !" How often the author has met the mis- erable victims of consumption, or incurable disease, who were born with vigorous constitutions, but who, for a series of years, had violated every law of health, to get gold, or to stimulate their unnatural appetites and passions, with tears in their eyes, and a countenance marked with the lines of despair, inquiring if there was really no hope of relief, no possibility of escape from the impending penalty, as a punishment for the disobedience of the organic laws of the human constitution, that they had so long set at defiance. Verily it is true " an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure I" A knowledge and obedience of the natural laws of the human constitution, is also indispensable to the promotion of happiness. Do you labor under the influ- ence of any disease, as for instance, a felon upon your finger ? — how utterly impos- sible it is for you to enjoy yourself during its continuance ! Does the yourg lady experience the pains of toothache? — how nervous, irritable and unhappy she be- comes ! Health is indeed the greatest of all earthly blessings. It is indispensable for almost every form of usefulness! "Strike out health from the list of regal pre- rogatives, and the imperial diadem becomes a crown of thorns ! Without health, the armorial bearings and those glittering symbols of ancestral pride, and pomp, and noble birth, grow insipid, nay hateful to the eye of the possessor, as laughing in mockery at human suffering, and pointing to the grave as the only certain re- fuge from human woes — the only asylum which opens its gates indiscriminately to the relief of the high and the low." Without health, riches cannot procure ease, much less happiness. It would have been a cruel dispensation of Providence, if gold had been permitted to pur- chase that which is the poor man's chief wealth, and the want of which reduces the affluent to worse than indigence. The bed of sickness is indeed the greatest of all levelers, on this side the grave. Can the embroidered pillow, or the purple canopy, still the fierce throbbings of the fevered brain, or arrest the dire tortures of lacerating gout and rheumatism ? Can fame defy the stings of sickness ? No, the plaudits of the multitude can no more assauge the tortures of pain, than can "flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death." The renown of a thousand victories could not diffuse an anodyne influence over the pillow of Napoleon. The laurels of Marengo could not defend him from the depressing influence of a St. Helena. Can power, the darling object of ambitious minds, neutralize the stings of pain, and compensate for the loss of health ? No, indeed ! A motion of that magic wand, the sceptre, can cause joy or sorrow, sickness or health in the subject ; but neither the diadem or the purple can lull the aching head, or quiet the palpitating heart of the prince. Is beauty inaccessible to sickness ? Of all the gifts which Heaven can bestow, w the fortune of a face" is the most doubtful in value. It is a mark at which every 8 INTRODUCTORY. malignant star directs its hostile influence — a light that leads both its bearer and its followers upon rocks and quicksands oftener than into the haven of repose. Between beauty and disease there is a perpetual warfare. They cannot coexist for any length of time, and the latter is sure to be the victor in the protracted contest." Again, the study of science is far more interesting than the study of literature, Literature, for the most part, is mainly descriptive of the works of man, while physical science deals in the works of God ; and the difference in their relative value is almost in proportion to the difference in their origin. Physical science addresses itself to the noble faculties of causality, and explains to us the natural relation between cause and effect, and thus divests the human mind of that credu- lity and superstition, which is so disgraceful to the age we live in. Look around you but for a single moment, and observe what foolish notions pre- vail among the great masses of mankind, as to the causes of our diseases and mis- fortunes, as well as their proper mode of relief. If any one labors under inflam- mation of the eyes, produced by scrofula or exposure to cold and damp air, it is often cured by the quack doctor with the very philosophical remedy of rubbing them with the end of a yellow cat's tail. If a child has the nose bleed, caused by the rupture of a very small blood vessel, he stops it by tying a red string around the child's neck. If the teeth cut through the gums with difficulty, they are soft- ened by the use of a black string. If the teeth decay and ache, the pain is arrested by touching the nerve with a splint from a tree that has been struck with lightning. Has the child any disease of the throat ? He often cures it by giving a little pow- der prepared by roasting a live swallow. Has it any internal fever? He breaks it by charms and spells. Is the man afflicted with paralysis ? It may be cured, they say, by the king's touch, or by magnetic rings, bands and belts. If he unfor- tunately steps upon a nail, and it pierces his foot, he cures it by greasing the nail and laying it aside until the grease dries in. If his child is troubled with worms, he sends away for the quack, who spreads a little molasses along the child's spine, and when they come up to feed upon it, he cuts their heads off by scraping the back with an old dull razor. But you will say that none but the most ignorant could be duped and cheated by such absurd remedies in the hands of the designing empiric. This is indeed true, but unfortunately they make up a large class in the community. Not many years since Dr. Chapman, the distinguished Professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, accosted Mr. Swaim, the maker of Swaim's Panacea, in the streets of Philadelphia, asking him how it was that many of the most distinguished and meritorious members of the Profession in Philadel- phia were starving in their garrets, while all the quacks and vendors of patent medicine in the city were rolling in wealth and splendor. Swaim replied to the Doctor by asking him another question : " How many of those whom you have passed in the streets this morning, in making your professional calls, do you think know anything of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, or the causes of their diseases?" To which question he replied, "notmorethan oneina hundred." " Well," says Swaim, "you may doctor that one, and I will doctor the ninety-nine with my inimitable panacea." The better informed portion of the community, it is true, do not make use of these charms, signs and incantations or disgusting remedies, but the practice of taking all kinds of quack nostrums for every ache and pain, is equally absurd, and far more pernicious in its results. If the more intelligent portion of the commu- nity get an ache or complaint, produced by some excess, instead of revolutionizing their conduct or changing their habits, they look immediately to the columns of the daily journal for a sovereign remedy. Here they will find long lists of vegetable pills, universal remedies, cod liver oil, and sarsaparillas, in infinite variety, and certified to cure all sorts of complaints by various respectable citizens, clergymen and others. After trying the various vegetable elixirs, and finding they do not answer, then they resort to cod liver oil or sarsaparilla, only to be attended with a renewal of the disapointment. Now suppose you were to treat an excellent watch, the machinery of which you were entirely unacquainted with, in the same manner. If it did not keep time, send out and get a bucket of water and pour through it, to wash the dust out ; and afterwards pour into it a bottle of oil to oil it — would you expect it to INTRODUCTORY. 9 keep time ? Certainly not. How much less, then, may you expect your own beau- tiful organization to keep time after drenching it with panaceas, elixirs, bitters and cod liver oil ? Even the intelligent physician says, " the public will be doctored, and if I do not give them medicine, some one else will." This is, indeed, unfortunately but too true for the welfare and happiness of society. The humane and intelligent physician, who would retain public confidence and be successful in his calling, can scarcely be honest to the dictates of conscience. If he is not continually dosing the patient with various remedies, the friends lose their confidence in his skill. In this respect the mass of mankind are much like the old Scotch woman, in her reply to the physician who had given, through a mistake, an over dose of tartar emetic, and killed her husband. When the doctor called the next day to pay his customary visit and found it was all over with his patient, he expressed his regret, and the wife, sobbing with anguish, exclaimed : " Oh, Doctor, it is no fault of yours or the medicine either, for it wrought him powerfully to the very last ! " A friend of mine in the city of Philadelphia, one of our oldest and most con- scientious physicians, was sent for to visit a gentleman's wife who suffered from dyspepsia, produced by excessive eating and sedentary habits. The doctor made very light of the case, telling her that she did not require much medicine, and that she must eat less and exercise more, or take medicine, be sick, and probably die. Now such wholesome truths were not pleasing to a sentimental female suffering from indigestion. She wished to be thought very sick, and she immediately sent for another physician, well known in the same city for his quackish- propensities. When he arrived he examined her pulse, and, with great gravity, sounded her lungs, and listened to the pulsations of her heart, and after asking her numerous questions about her health, he shook his head and asked why she did not send for him before, and declared that she labored under a complication of diseases, and that the case was one of the utmost gravity, and demanded the most careful treatment. He thought that with great care and the use of some fashionable nostrum, she might recover. Of course he was employed, and after attending the case with the utmost assiduity for six months, she finally died, and he sent in his bill for $300, which the disconsolate husband thought was quite reasonable, considering the num- ber of visits which the doctor had made. The patient was doubtless killed by over medication ! Many simple minded people are easily imposed upon by high sounding terms, the meaning of which they do not understand ; but they suppose that all of those who are capable of using them must necessarily be very learned. No one under- stands better how to take the advantage of this weakness than the empiric. If any of his patients ask him what is the cause of their disease, he confounds them with a cloud of high sounding words, saying that " the only true and legitimate man- ner of accounting for this rare disease is the physiological defects in the membra- nous system. The obtuseness of the abdominal abdicator causes the cartilaginous compressor to coagulate into the diaphragm, and depresses the duodenum into the flandango. Now if the disease were caused by the vogatum of the electricity from the extremities, the tympanum would also dissolve into spiritual sinctum, and the olfactory ossificator would ferment and become identical with the pigmentum. Now, as this is not the case, in order to produce your disease, the spinal rotundum must be elevated down to the spiritual spero. But as I said before, in order to produce this disease the inferior ligaments must subtend over the digitorum suffi- ciently to disorganize the stericoletum." This is what I call an explanation as clear as mud ! The only true remedy for the suppression of quackery, fraud and humbuggery is the diffusion of physiological knowledge among men ! If we would not have the ivy creep on the ground, we must erect a trellis, and it will ascend ! And so of the human mind, if we would detach it from that credulity, superstition and em- piricism which is so disgraceful to the age in which we live, we must unfold for it higher and nobler objects, and by the general diffusion of knowledge teach man- kind that the only amaranthine flower on earth is virtue— the only lasting treasure truth. 10 THE ORGANS OP DIGESTION. LECTURE II. THE OEGANS OF DIGESTION. The organs concerned in digesting our food, consist of a long intestinal tube or alimentary canal, which is some thirty-two feet in length, or about six times the length of the human body, and which has appended to it the salivary glands, the teeth, the gastric follicles, the liver, pancreas and the glands of the small intestine. Anatomy op the Salivary Glands. Fig. 16. The Saliyary Glands. The organs which form the saliva are called the salivary glands. When we remove the skin from the face, we shall bring into view below and in front of the ears, on each side, two organs called the parotid glands. These glands are sometimes inflamed and swollen in that disease called the "mumps." They receive a large amount of blood, from which they sep- arate a part of the saliva, which is poured into the mouth through two small pipes opposite the second upper double teeth. THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 11 When we remove a part of the under jaw and tongue, we shall also bring into view the submaxillary glands, located beneath the angle of the lower jaw, and the sublingual glands, located beneath the tongue on each side, and their ducts, which pour the saliva which they secrete into the mouth, on each side of the frsenum linguae, or bridle of the tongue. When the ducts which carry the saliva from these glands under the tongue into the mouth are obstructed, and they become distended with an accumulation of saliva, causing the throat to swell, the disease is called Ranula or the "Frog." Uses of the Saliva. It is estimated that the salivary glands secrete and pour into the mouth, about three pints of saliva every twenty-four hours. When examined by the chemists this fluid is found to be composed of water, holding in solu- tion a little soda, and a peculiar principle called pty aline, which acts as a kind of ferment upon the food we eat, converting its starch into glucose, and then into sugar, and finally after it reaches the stomach into lactic acid, which aids in the digestion of our food. Hygiene of the Salivary Glands. Grood food is the natural and proper stimulus of the salivary glands. When food is taken into the mouth it stimulates these organs to increased action, causing large quantities of blood to flow into them, rapidly increas- ing the flow of the saliva into the mouth, where it is mixed with our food, moistening and partly digesting it, and rendering it fit to be swallowed into the stomach. All of our food should be eaten slowly and chewed thoroughly, in order that the salivary glands may form sufiicient saliva, and thoroughly mix it with our food, before it is swallowed. It never should be forgotten that the process of digestion begins in the mouth, and that our food may be half digested before we swallow it into the stomach, and that if this most important part of the process is interrupted or imperfectly performed, it will not be completed in the remaining portion of the intestinal canal. Rapid eating and imperfect insalivation of our food, is the bane of civilized life, and a most fruitful cause of painful and difficult digestion, it also creates the pernicious habit so common among children and gluttons of drinking large quantities of fluids at meal time, or of "rinsing it down," as it is often termed. When fluids are drunk at meal time they diminish the secretion of the gastric juice, and greatly impair the powers of diges- tion. No animal living in a state of nature will eat and drink at the same time. When the noble lion has consumed his food, he lays down and rests until it is digested, when he arises, allays his thirst from the silver Spring, and again pursues his prey. Put some dry hay in one corner of 12 THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. the manger, and a bucket of water in the other corner, and see if the poor old horse or cow, with only blind animal instinct to govern their conduct, will take a mouthful of dry oats or hay, and then a sip of water to "rinse it down." All animals living in a state of nature eat their food dry, that it may be thoroughly insalivated and partly digested, while it is yet in the mouth, and before it is swallowed into the stomach. If we do not comply with this natural law of our organization, we shall be compelled to substitute some kind of artificial fluid in place of that which nature prepares for the purpose of partly digesting our food, such as tea, coffee or water. No one can abuse their organs of digestion in this way, without soon causing disease of the stomach, and indigestion. Any one can easily comprehend the injurious effect of drinking while eating, by the simple experiment of making some spirits of camphor. If we put a coarse piece of gum camphor into a bottle containing strong alco- hol, and immediately add a cup of water, it will so dilute and weaken the alcohol that it will not digest the gum camphor at all ; but if we powder the gum camphor very fine and then pour it into a bottle containing strong alcohol, and do not add any water, it will dissolve or digest in a few mo- ments j and so of our food, when well chewed and thoroughly mixed with saliva, and then swallowed into the stomach, and brought in contact with the undiluted gastric juice, it will be soon digested. When our food is eaten rapidly, and swallowed in large coarse masses of half cooked, and imperfectly masticated vegetables, meat, bread, &c, "rinsing it down" with repeated cups of tea, coffee or cold water, these fluids dilute, and reduce the strength of the gastric juice, causing pyrosis, "water brash," weakness of the stomach, eructations, flatulency, &c, &c. Many wretched victims of indigestion, after taking all sorts of whiskey bitters, and other nostrums in vain, have cured themselves of terrible dys- pepsia, by eating slow, and chewing their food thoroughly, and perfectly mixing it with saliva, and drinking nothing at meal time. Tea and Coffee. Sometimes the question is asked, what shall I drink at meal time or with my food ? And the answer is, nothing ! If any fluid is taken at meal time, it should be warm water or warm milk and water. Cold water reduces the temperature of the stomach, and retards the secretion of the gastric juice, and it is impossible to condemn too strongly the use of cold ice water or ice creams at meal time, nothing could be more productive of weakness of the stomach, and the pains of indigestion. When the mucous membrane lining the stomach and throat is inflamed, and the cavity of the stom- ach is empty, then iced water, and even small pieces of ice may be slowly swallowed into the stomach with great advantage, to allay inflammation, &c. THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 13 When tea and coffee are used as beverages, they should be carefully prepared and then taken only in limited quantities at the close of the meal. They both contain peculiar stimulating properties, depending upon the presence of a volatile principle called theine and coffeine, said to be ident- ical by the chemists, they also contain tannin and a bitter extractive. When tea and coffee are placed in boiling water in a properly covered ves- sel, they will first give off their peculiar stimulating principle, upon which their savor and flavor depend, then their tannin, and finally a black bitter extractive ; it is for this reason that they should only be steeped in a cov- ered vessel for five or ten minutes, or long enough to extract their agree- able stimulating property, and then be immediately poured from the grounds, before serving upon the table, otherwise the tannin and bitter extractive which they contain will be removed, spoiling their flavor and causing the most obstinate constipation, &c. When tannin and iron are mixed they form a dark fluid called ink. If tea and coffee are allowed to steep half an hour so as to extract their tannin, and we dip the bright polished blade of the table knife into them, on its removal the blade will soon be covered with a coating of ink ; lay this knife on mother's clean, white linen table cloth, and see what she will do with your ears ? Is it a wonder that coffee and tea drinkers are often troubled with most obstinate constipation, and a sallow, dingy, rusty skin, and dark complexion ? Many of these victims of strong tea and coffee are tanned through and through, and their skins look and feel like rusty parchment or old leather. Many people who drink strong tea and coffee three times a day, swallow tannin enough to tan all of the leather for their own shoes. Many of them have violent headaches, palpitation of the heart, nervous debility and ob- stinate constipation, for the cure of which they take enormous quantities of vegetable pills, and "the more they take the more they have to take," and it is no wonder they never find relief. They first drink strong tea, or take a powerful astringent to constipate the bowels, three times a day at meal time, and then take pills at bed time to open them again. After a few months of this kind of management, they get disgusted with medicine, be- cause it does not cure them, in spite of themselves, and their insane folly. When worn out and exhausted, they commence a course of "iron tonics," for relief; that is, they drink a solution of tannin at meal time, three times a day, and immediately after each meal they swallow a dose of iron, which uniting with the tannin of the tea or coffee fills their stomachs with ink, -thus converting their stomach into a kind of "ink factory/' After a long "course" of this kind of treatment, they conclude that all medicine is use- less, and become disgusted with all doctors. Instinct teaches all of the lower animals when thirsty to drink water 2 14 THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. only, and what the universal instinct of all animal life teaches them, is the most favorable to health and long life, must be the best of all fluids to drink. Anatomy op the Teeth. Fig. 17. The Teeth. The upper and lower jaws of the adult human being contain thirty-two teeth, which are divided into, those situated in front, called the incisors, or cutting teeth, designed to bite off our food, and then the canine teeth, so called from their supposed resemblance to the teeth of the dog, and the molars or grinding teeth, which are designed to grind, and reduce our food to the finest consistence before it is swallowed into the stomach. Figure (17) represents the portion of the bones of the upper and lower jaws, dis- sected in such way so as to exhibit the roots of the teeth, with numerous nerves entering their cavities. The teeth are divided into two portions called the crowns, which rise above the gums, and are covered with a dense coating called the enamel, for their protection, and the fangs or roots which are inserted into the sockets of the upper and lower jaws; they are also composed of two kinds of material limy matter, or bone earth, to give them solidity, and cartilaginous or gristly material, to prevent them from breaking while chewing our food. The transparent pearly layer called the enamel, which covers the crowns ftf our teeth, is sometimes called the vitreous or glassy layer, and is one THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 15 of the densest and hardest of all animal substances, being designed co resist the injurious influence of friction, and prevent the teeth from being worn away, as they otherwise soon would be, by rubbing against each other while chewing our food. Causes op the Decay op the Teeth. All animals living in a state of nature preserve their teeth free from decay until death. It is as unnatural for the teeth of any animal to decay prematurely, as it is for any of the other bones of their bodies. Dr. R. D. Mussey, formerly a distinguished teacher of anatomy at Cin- cinnati, Ohio, for many years, offered a standing reward of two hundred dollars, to any student who would procure him the jaws of any wild animal, the teeth of which presented the slightest evidence of rot or decay, and in vain. The enamel covering the crowns of the teeth being dense and like glass, is very easily injured by contact with hot substances. No person of ordin- ary intelligence would ever think of pouring hot water into a glass vessel, for fear of breaking it, and yet how many deliberately sip boiling hot tea and coffee j in fact almost all of our food must be red hot, or boiling hot, to suit our depraved taste and appetite. All anatomists know perfectly well that all of the teeth will be cracked, broken and destroyed, if the skull is put into boiling water with the other bones of the skeleton, to cleanse them. As long as the ox and the cow feed upon the blades of grass upon the hill side, and drink pure water from the silver brooks or fountains, their teeth remain sound and perfect, but, when fed on hot slops from the distillery, they soon decay. Being composed of bone earth or lime, and cartilage or gristle, the teeth are easily injured by contact with acids, such as vinegar, pickles, &c, and also, by contact with alkalies, such as soda, potash, &c. Macerate half a dozen large human teeth in strong vinegar for a few days, and it will re- move the hard limy matter, and render them as soft as cartilage j soak them in a strong solution of lime, potash, soda, or salaeratus, and it will remove the cartilaginous matter, and render them so fragile and brittle, that they may be crushed between your thumb and finger, as you would crush an egg shell. More salssratus and soda are used to make bread and cakes in America, than all of the rest of the world, and we shall find more people with de- cayed teeth in this, than in any other country, indeed it is only in America that we can find hundreds of amiable and beautiful young ladies not yet sweet sixteen, without a single natural tooth in their mouths, while the sign of the dentist multiplies in every direction. 16 THE ORGANS OP DIGESTION. How to Preserve our Teeth. Very few people have any adequate idea of the injurious influence of decayed teeth upon human health. While every one will admit that the introduction of decaying foreign animal matter into their stomachs, must be exceedingly pernicious, they do not appreciate the fact, that when their teeth are dead, and gradually mouldering and decaying in their mouths, they are gradually dissolved by the salivary secretions, and swallowed into the stomach, impairing digestion, and poisoning the blood. Dr. Ure, the distinguished chemist, assures us, that if we remove a little of the decayed animal matter from the roots of an old dead tooth in the mouth, and vaccinate ourselves, it will produce death, nine times out of ten ! If it was not for the strong antiseptic influence of the gastric juice, the same fatality would attend its introduction into the human stomach. A mouth full of decayed teeth is often the cause of terrible dyspepsia, which never can be relieved until the cause is removed by a skillful dentist. If we would preserve our teeth from premature decay, then we must stop abusing them, by carefully avoiding the use of all hot food and drink, and all alkalies and acids, such as soda bread and cakes, vinegar, pickles, &c. Cleanse the mouth and teeth twice a day, night and morning, with a soft brush and a little cool or tepid water, and to keep them white as pearls, use once or twice a week a little tooth paste, made of equal parts of honey, powdered gum myrrh, charcoal and prepared chalk. Phosphate and silicate of lime, and fluoride of calcium, are mineral sub- stances which enter largely into the composition of our teeth, and these substances also enter into the composition of the exterior covering of wheat and other grains. It is for this reason fine wheat flour does not contain sufficient mineral matter to form and preserve the teeth, and hence they are found most defective in those persons who eat fine flour bread, and most perfect in those persons who eat coarse bread, made of flour not de- prived of the exterior covering of the grain. We have dwelt somewhat at length upon the anatomy, physiology, and hygiene of the teeth, because they are not only useful to aid in the perfect digestion of our food, but they contribute, in no slight degree, to the mani- festation of the very highest form of beauty, namely, beauty of expression. "What pretty blooming girl, That lips so red, and tempting to the lover, Should not beneath their ruby casket cover One tooth of pearl, But like the rose beneath the church yard stone, Be doomed to blossom o'er many a mouldering bone." Indeed, the author can always excuse the vanity of any young lady, THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 17 if she laughs heartily, and opens her mouth from ear to ear, when she displays a mouth full of glittering pearly teeth, for they are so significant of character, so indicative of cleanliness and purity, from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. When a man would purchase a horse, how carefully he examines his mouth to ascertain his true value, from the appearance of his teeth, and so of a wise and intelligent lady, when she would purchase a companion for life, she should carefully examine his mouth, and so ascertain his true value. If this part of his person is neglected or covered with dirt, and to- bacco juice, it shows clearly that he has no respect for his mouth, and in- dicates that he will not be over anxious or particular about cleanliness of the rest of his person, and unless she wishes to associate with dirt and uncleanliness, she had better wait for a better bargain. But if she finds his mouth clean, and his teeth glittering like pearls, and his breath free from the odorous fumes of whis- key and tobacco, she will find him cheap at any price. The Tongue. The tongue is situ- ated in the cavity of the mouth, and forms its floor. It is composed of a number of muscles, which are attached to the inside of the low- er jaw or chin, and the upper end of the wind pipe The tongue is an organ of considerable size and power, as any one might suppose from what they have seen of its uses. It is said to be much larger in women than Fig, The cavity of the Nose, Mouth and Throat. 18 THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. in men, although the author has never been able to verify the truth of this remark by anatomical dissections ; but to say the least of it, as may plainly be seen, by the accompanying illustration, (figure 18) it is far larger in both sexes than it is generally thought to be; and perhaps this will readily ac- count for the reason why it is so rarely fatigued or tired out, being able in many instances to wag from early morning until dewy evening, and too often I fear for the comfort of some people, from dewy evening until early morning. The Throat. The cavity of the mouth terminates in the pharynx or throat, which is some six or seven inches in length, and is lined with a delicate pale pink colored mucous membrane, which is gathered into numerous folds, to admit of its distension during the process of deglutition or swallowing. The throat contains great numbers of little thimble shaped mucous follicles, which secrete a large amount of white ropy mucous, designed to lubricate the parts, and prevent irritation and inflammation. The mucous membrane lining the mouth and throat is continuous with that lining the stomach and intestinal canal, and all parts of this membrane sympathize very closely with each other, in health and in disease. The lower end of the throat divides into two passages, one called the oesophagus or gullet, and the other the trachea or wind pipe. The Epiglottis. The epiglottis is about the size and shape of an apple tree leaf, and is composed of cartilaginous material, and that part of it which corresponds with the stem of the leaf, is attached to the upper end of the larynx, and base of the tongue. It is designed to bend down over, and close the upper end of the wind pipe when we swallow our food, preventing it from enter- ing the wind pipe, causing suffocation and death. The (Esophagus or G-tjllet. The oesophagus or gullet is a long elastic and cylindrical shaped tube, which commences at the termination of the throat, and passing downwards behind the wind pipe terminates in the stomach. It is composed of nu- merous elastic muscular fibres, which wind around it indifferent directions, enabling it to dilate and contract with wonderful facility, and down whose dark and narrow channel, scores of fat oxen, sheep, fish, flesh and fowl, cart loads of potatoes and bread, barrels of brandy, puncheons of beer, tons of tea and coffee, and rivers of water, are continually rushing into that abyss, from which they shall never return. Physiology of Deglutition. "When the food has been well chewed, and mixed with the saliva in the mouth, it is then carried back to the base of the tongue, where it is grasp- THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 19 ed by the muscles of the pharynx or throat, and forced on down through the oesophagus into the stomach. While the food is passing down the oeso- phagus into the stomach, the epiglottis bends down over the mouth of the wind pipe, closing the passage to the lungs, so that nothing can enter its cavity, and the moment we finish the process of swallowing, it rises up, opening the mouth of the wind pipe, so that we can breathe again. W e breathe and swallow alternately, and not at the same time. When persona eat fast, and breathe and converse at the same time, they are in danger of suffocation and death ! When little boys and girls have to swallow a big bowlful of mush and milk in five minutes, in order that they may jump and run, and play, then the epiglottis has very lively work, to enable them to swallow as rapidly as they desire ! We shall often see how dan- gerous it is for any one to undertake to swallow and breathe at the same time, when we observe a number of dear good old ladies, who have assem- bled on some pleasant Summer afternoon, for the purpose of enjoying a little social chit chat over a cup of tea. After taking six or seven cups of good strong green tea, their tongues are apt to fly like a clapper ! Now, the author would not for the world insinuate that any of these ladies are intoxicated. Not a bit of it. They are only tea'd a little bit ! At all events, the tea has a wonderful influence over the spirit of the conversa- tion ! One dear good old lady is telling an amusing story — nothing about their neighbors • no one dares insinuate anything of that kind. While talking, she draws in a long breath to carry on the conversation, and at the same time takes a big mouthful of strong tea, and as the tea rushes down the throat, it finds the epiglottis raised, and the windpipe open to allow the air to pass into the lungs, so into the windpipe it rushes along with her breath, causing a convulsive fit of coughing, and a feeling of suf- focation, and she gaspingly exclaims, " it has gone down the wrong way !" The author has frequently opened the upper end of the windpipe for the removal of glass beads, beans, peas, and grains of coffee, swallowed in this way, while at play, causing the greatest distress and danger ! The oesophagus or gullet, is sometimes contracted by disease or accident, so that nothing but liquid food can be swallowed. This disease can some- times be cured by systematic dilation of the parts with proper instruments. 20 THE STOMACH AND LIVES. LECTURE III. THE STOMACH AND LIVER. The stomach and the liver are situated high up in the cavity of the abdo- men, beneath the midriff or diaphragm, as seen in figure (19) the liver F IG . 19. being located beneath the lower ribs and di- aphragm on the right side, and the stomach beneath the lower ribs and diaphragm on the left side, the liver over- lapping and partly con- cealing the stomach. Pain and tenderness or soreness beneath the lower ribs, and the di- aphragm of the right side, indicate disease of the liver; while pain, tenderness, or soreness beneath the diaphragm and lower ribs of the left side in- dicate disease of the stomach. The human stomach is conical in shape, and is bent upwards upon itself, and is divided into two extremities, the cardiac extremity, being located beneath the heart and the pylo- ric extremity beneath the liver. The stom- ach is also composed of three skins or coats, Cavity of the body containing A B the lungs, and H the heart, - 011 f,,jdp OT)P n f divided from the cavity of the abdomen, by D the diaphragm, G tbe tne OUtSlQe One 01 liver, J the gall bladder, I the stomach partly covered by the liver, , . , . 11 i ,r E the largo intestines, F the small intestines. WniCU, IS Caiiea tue THE STOMACH AND LIVER. 21 peritoneal coat, the middle or muscular coat, and the internal coat, com- posed of a delicate mucous membrane which is continuous with the whole lining surface of the intestinal canal. The human stom- ach will contain on an average about three pints, but it is far larger in some persons than in oth- ers, in fact there is as much difference in the size of the stomach, between one person and an- Fig. 20. other, as there Cavity of the stomach, with the under surface of the liver B and C is raised up, exhibiting A the gall bladder and gall duct, uniting at D with the duct of the pancreas, and emptying into the small intestine, called in the the duodenum. difference size of the brain ; and there is as much difference in the power to digest food, between one man and another as there is difference in intellectual power or moral feeling. Indeed it is very easy to determine the relative degree of power to di- gest food, between one person and another, on the slightest examination of the peculiarities of their organization A lady or a gentleman of pure nervous temperament, with a large brain, and great powers of thought, feeling and emotion, will usually have a small stomach, and comparatively little power to digest food In persons of a nervous temperament the brain is the strongest, and the stomach is the weakest part of their organ- ization, and if not unusually prudent in their diet and mode of living, they will constantly suffer with indigestion, and finally fall into premature de- cay. At best and when in good health, they have comparatively little power to digest food. When the late Horace Man, well known as the father of the American system of Common School education, and a gentle- man of pure nervous temperament, was dining with a number of distin- guished clergymen in New York City, being urged to eat beyond his capacity to digest, he exclaimed, "why, gentlemen ! if I were to eat as you do for a month, I would be dead in two weeks ! " Nervous temperaments have large brains and small stomachs ) great powers of thought, and little power to digest food. They are creatures of emotion, thought, feeling, or sentiment. Men and women of great in- tellectual power, and grand moral ideas ; men and women who originate and carry forward all great moral reforms, while others eat and sleep ! A lady or a gentleman of a purely lymphatic temperament, with a small 22 THE STOMACH AND LIVER. head, a short pear-shaped nose, round face, and large abdomen, a sort of specimen of the human " Berkshire breed/' — such temperaments possess enormous stomachs, and great power to digest food, with comparatively little power to think or feel. They usually prefer to hire ministers, lawyers, and doctors to think for them. They form no opinions on religion, morals or politics, and they despise agitators or reformers. Excitement makes them feel dizzy, and to think gives them the headache ! Such temperaments live to eat, and do not eat to live ! Sometimes we shall observe these two temperaments united in marriage, and what a fellow feeling and tender sympathy they manifest for each other, more especially at meal time. The wife, with her sharp features, and little, weak stomach, and feeble powers of digestion, nibbles away at a little dry cracker, or toast, and drinks a little very weak " cambric tea," or warm milk and water, sighs, feels weak, and is very nervous and ex- citable, complains that " no one knows how bad she feels/' or how ill she is. While her husband, having filled his capacious stomach with pork, cabbage, dumplings, &c, wipes his mouth with his napkin, and surveys his poor miserable dyspeptic wife with disdain, and exclaims, " now, my dear, if you would only stop your eternal groaning and complaining, and eat like I do, then you could feel just as well !" Now, while you look at these two temperaments, you can realize the truth of the old saying, " what is one man's meat is another man's poison V The lymphatic hus- band, with his enormous stomach, and great powers of digestion, can eat enough at a single meal to kill his poor wife if she takes a month at it ! Gastric Follicles. The human stomach contains great multitudes of little thimble shaped cavities, looking like the empty cells of a piece of honey comb, called the Fig. 21. gastric follicles, which secrete from the blood and pour into its cavity during digestion, a large amount of fluid, called the gastric juice. When carefully examined by the chemists this fluid is found to be composed of water, holding in solution a peculiar principle call- ed pepsin, and a little chlorohydric and lactic Gastric Follicles highly magnified. aclClS. This watery fluid is designed to soften, and then dissolve and digest all of the albuminous portions of our food, such as lean meat, cheese, milk, eggs, bread, and the glutinous portions of vegetables, fruits, &c, but it has no power to act upon starch, oils or fat. These substances are insoluble in the weak gastric juice, and can only be digested by the liver and pan- creas, as will be noticed still further along. the stomach and liver. 23 Blood Vessels and Nerves of the Stomach. The stomach, receives a large amount of blood, out of which the gastric follicles secrete the gastric juice, to digest our food It also receives large branches of the eighth pair or pneumogastric nerves, with numerous branches from the solar plexus, and great sympathetic nerves, see figure (11J) It is through these large nerves that the stomach derives its power from the brain to digest our food. When these nerves are divided in any of the lower animals, the secretion of the gastric juice is at once arrested, and the process of digestion suspended. Experiment shows that if we feed a number of dogs upon their usual food, and then having administered chloroform, divide the nerves of the stomach, and at the end of six, eight, ten and twenty-four hours we kill them and open their stomachs, their food will be found undigested. Many such experiments prove, that it is the brain which causes the gastric follicles to secrete the gastric juice to digest our food, and conse- quently anything which exhausts the brain, will impair the process of diges- tion Over exertion of the body, and over excitement of the mind, will soon exhaust the brain and nervous system, and bring on terrible indigestion, a3 may be seen in the following illustration. A man in perfect health while at dinner, and in the midst of a sumptuous repast, which he enjoys with a keen and vigorous appetite, receives a mes- sage announcing a terrible disaster to his family, or some great misfortune in business. The nervous excitement consequent upon this announcement, suddenly overwhelms his brain with exhaustion, causing a deadly palor and instant loss of appetite. Or perhaps having eaten a hearty dinner an hour before, and in the midst of perfect digestion, and in good health, a terrible accident occurs upon the rail-road, and while looking at the re- mains of the awful disaster, the scene transfixes him with horror. The ex- citement is soon followed by vertigo or dizziness, and nervous exhaustion, and this condition of the brain being reflected down along the eighth pair of nerves to the stomach, not only arrests, but often reverses the process of digestion, bringing on emesis or vomiting. Remorse, anger, envy, jealousy, all of these mental perturbations and excitements, which exhaust the brain, diminish the secretions of the gastric juice, and produce an immense amount of disease of the organs of diges- tion. The manifestation of these passions not only endanger the souls, but they destroy the bodies of men. Melancholy, gloom and sorrow, fearfully depress and exhaust the brain and nervous system, and thus impair the powers of digestion and nutrition. For this reason it is a high moral duty to cultivate cheerfulness — to laugh and grow fat. Cheerfulness is a powerful tonic, invigorating the brain and nervous system, and promoting the secretion of the gastric juice, and 24 THE STOMACH AND LIVER. aiding digestion. It is a sin and a shame, certain to be followed by its own punishment, for any human being to indulge in melancholy, gloom and sorrow. The manifestation of such feelings depress and exhaust the brain, decrease the secretion of gastric juice, and destroy digestion, mak- ing us grow thin, lean, dyspeptic and miserable. Now there are many good people who erroneously fancy that cheerful- fulness, mirthfulness and laughter, are vulgar, and their manifestation sin- ful, that they are akin to Satan, and closely allied to evil, and that such levity is indiscreet, and does not befit the Christian character ; that all good Christian people should never smile, except by accident, and then should look and feel as if they had committed an unpardonable sin. They think that Christians should always look serious, and '-walk soberly," with a long face, and melancholy, bilious expression, groaning as if they were in pain, or suffering with a bilious attack ! A distinguished physician, living in Central New York, related the fol- lowing incident to the author. A young gentleman in fine health, and with an excellent constitution, having experienced religion, joined the church of which this worthy physician was a member. Having absurdly concluded that a member of a Christian church should never smile, or in- dulge in levity, but walk soberly, he drew on a long face, looked blue, and cultivated melancholy as a sort of moral and religious duty. Very soon his robust health and vigorous constitution began to fail, and he grew thin, dyspeptic, and miserable. Said the doctor, " I gave him wine, bark, iron, and the usual round of tonics, but all in vain ! he grew melancholy, then despondent, and finally became insane, and hung himself !" After death, the physician examined his body to ascertain the cause of his death, and discovered no traces of organic disease, except atrophy of the heart, lungs and stomach. These organs had withered and shriv- elled to half their original size. Now, this man did not die of religion, but he " died of the blues !" Secretion op Gastric Juice. The human stomach is estimated to secrete about twelve pounds of gas- tric juice every twenty-four hours, which is sufficient to digest thirty-five ounces of animal and vegetable food. The powers of the human stomach are indeed prodigious ! The amount of food and drink introduced into the body through the action of this organ, would, if gathered together, far exceed the bounds of human cre- dibility. If we were to live to attain the age of Thomas Par, of England, to be one hundred and forty-five years old, and were to eat only thirty-five ounces of any animal and vegetable food each day, and drink two quarts of water and other fluids, then we should consume more than 100,000 pounds of beef and bread, and more than 12,000 gallons of water; and THE STOMACH AND LIVER. 25 if we were to drink six cups of tea and coffee each day, we would re- quire more than 19,000 gallons of tea and coffee. Let any one visit any of the well stocked grocery stores along Market Street, and observe the endless varie- ty of materials drawn from the animal and vegetable kingdoms, to pamper the appetite of man, more especially in civilized life, and he will be lost in amazement. A slight glance 'round the shelves groaning beneath the productions of every clime, must compel us to admit that the powers of the human stomach are immense. These pickles and preserves, these spices and condiments, these Scandi- navian tongues, and "Westphalian hams, and above all, these sausages of Bologna and G-ermany, are alone enough to poison the wolf, the vulture, the shark, and the jackal, and if they did not kill directly, these natural gourmands, they would most assured- ly people the air, the ocean, and the wild woods, with as exquisite dyspep- tics and perhaps hypochondriacs as ever paced Chestnut Street, or made the grand tour of any of our fashion- able watering places, under the de- lightful influences of that fashionable disease known as the " Blue Devils." The Duodenum. The food having been softened and reduced to a fine pulpy homogeneous mass, resembling flour paste, by the action of the salivary glands, the teeth, and the stomach, and its nitrogenous substances being digested, it is now Fig. 22. The Digestive CanaL 26 THE STOMACH AND LIVER. sent forward through the pyloric values, situated at the smallest extremity of the stomach, into the upper portion of the small intestine, called the du- odenum. This -portion of the digestive canal is sometimes called the second stom- ach, and it is chiefly interesting as that portion of the digestive tube which receives the bile from the liver, and the pancreatic juice from the pancreas, see figure (20), and where the process of digestion is finally completed, by the conversion of the starchy substances of our food into sugar, and the oily or fatty substances into a fatty emulsion, capable of being absorbed into the blood. The Liver. The liver is the largest gland in the human body, and it is the seat of some of the most important functions of animal life. It is of a reddish brown color, measuring about twelve inches in length, and six inches wide, and three inches in thickness, and weighs from three to four pounds. It is located high up in the cavity of the abdomen, beneath the lower ribs and the midriff of the right side, and opposite the stomach, which it partly overlaps, see figure (19). It is concerned in the secretion of a thin yellowish brown fluid, of a bitter taste, and slightly alkaline reaction, called bile. The liver is composed of a great multitude of blood vessels, nerves, ab- sorbents, and bile ducts, all united together by a granular substance, and covered with a thin serous membrane. In one respect the liver is peculiar and differs from any other organ in the body It receives two kinds of blood, arterial or red blood, from the hepatic artery, to nourish its sub- stance, and dark venous blood, from the portal vein, out of which it se- cretes the bile. The bile ducts originate in minute branches in the interior of the liver, and uniting together, see figure (22), they empty into the gall bladder un- der the liver. The gall bladder is shaped like a pear with its largest extremity hanging downwards, a little .below the lower edge of the liver as seen in figure (20). When our food has been reduced by the action of the saliva, the teeth, and the gastric juice, to a soft pulpy consistence resembling flour paste, then it is discharged from the stomach into the duodenum, and when it reaches the mouth of the gall duct, it stimulates the gall bladder to action, caus- ing its fibrous coats to contract and pour out the bile into the duodenum, where it mixes with the food, and at once converts its oily or fatty sub- stances into a creamy emulsion, fitted to be absorbed into the blood. It will be observed, (see fig. 19,) that the bile is not poured into the stomach, as many people imagine, but into the duodenum, some six or THE STOMACH AND LIVER. 27 seven inches below the stomach. If this fact, that the bile did not enter the stomach, was generally known by the masses of mankind, what a pow- erful influence it would have on the price of " antibilious physic," man- drake pills, &c. How many unfortunate people have had to take cart loads of pills and physic, to cleanse the bile out of the stomach, when it does not go into it. Not much more than half of the old routine physi- cians themselves know whether the bile empties into the stomach or small intestine below the stomach, and when their patients eat and drink too much, they are said to be bilious, and they puke and physic them ! No bile can be introduced into the stomach, except when the action of the stomach and intestines is reversed, as seen in the act of vomiting, &c. The Pancreas. The pancreas is a long, narrow, flat, pale pink-colored gland, situated behind the stomach, and in its structure and functions closely resembles the salivary glands about the mouth. The pancreatic duct originates in the interior of this gland, and after extending its whole length, finally empties into the duodenum, opposite the cystic duct coming from the gall bladder, (see fig. 20.) The pancreatic juice secreted by the pancreas, is a clear colorless fluid, very alkaline in its reaction, and contains a peculiar principle called pan- creatin, which exerts a powerful influence in the digestion of starch, oils, fat, and other substances not digested by the salivary glands, stomach, &c. Physiology of Digestion. As already shown, the process of digestion is very complicated. It commences in the mouth, where the food is crushed by the teeth, and then throughly mixed with the saliva, and reduced to a soft, pulpy mass, and fitted to be swallowed into the stomach. The saliva acts as a kind of fer- ment, converting its starch into sugar, and then changing it into lactic acid, tn aid digestion, after the food has been swallowed into the stomach. When the food reaches the stomach, it acts as a healthy stimulus, in- creasing the flow of blood into the blood-vessels of the stomach, causing the gastric juice to be secreted in large quantities, which, when brought in contact with the food, attacks its albuminous materials, such as lean meat, eggs, milk, cheese, the gluten of bread, vegetables, &c, and soon red aces them to a fine, pulpy mass, of a grey color, and slightly sour to the sense of taste. The oil, starch, and fat, now being set free by the digestion of the delicate cell membranes, of the little cells which contain them, and not being acted upon by the gastric juice, the starch and fat globules are mixed with the digested food, and sent forward through the pyloric valve into the duodenum. 28 THE STOMACH AND LIVER. When the food reaches the cavity of the duodenum, it communicates a healthy stimulus to the liver and the pancreas, causing these organs to secrete and pour out into the cavity of the duodenum, large quantities of bile and pancreatic juice. These fluids being strongly alkaline, at once attack the oils and fat, and quickly convert them into a saponaceous emul- sion, while the pancreatine of the pancreatic juice, digests the remaining portions of starch converting them into sugar so that they may be easily absorbed into the blood. It is well known that starch and oils cannot be absorbed until digested by the action of the bile and pancreatic juices, and it will be noticed that the liver is a large and powerful organ, and only second to the stomach in aiding to digest our food. Bile is then secreted for the purpose of completing the process of digestion, and when the liver becomes diseased, and bile is not secreted, then oils and fats are digested with great difficulty. Starch and oils, or fat, are the last and most difficult to digest of all kinds of food. It is only when brought into contact with these strongly alkaline fluids, that they are finally digested, the starch being converted into sugar by the action of the pancreatic juice. Sugar does not require any digestion, being capable of absorption without any change directly into the blood, where it may be found in large quantities. NUTRITION. 29 LECTURE IV. NUTRITION. Our food, having been well digested by the action of the salivary glands, the teeth, stomach, liver and pancreas, and being reduced to a soft creamy substance, is then sent forward into the small intestine. Fig. 23. The small intestine is situated in the centre of the cavity of the abdo- men, and is about twenty-five feet in length, and is divided into two por- tions, the upper part of which is much the thickest, and is called the jejunum, and the lower portion is called the ilium. The small intestine is chiefly interesting, in a practical point of view, as being the seat of nutritive absorption. The mucous membrane lining the small intestine, is about five times as extensive as its outside surface, causing it to be ga- thered into numerous folds, which serve to diminish the rapidity with which our food passes through its cavity, and at the same time greatly increasing the Surface for the absorp- Small and Large Intestines. F Small Intestine; r . , G Ascending Colon ; D Transverse Colon : E De- tion oi nourishment. mg scending Colon Transverse Colon ; E De- C the Rectum. "When the lining surface of the small intestine is carefully examined by means of a magnifying glass, it is seen to be covered with a great multi- tude of little conical elevations call- ed villi, from their fancied resem- blance to delicate piles on the sur- face of a piece of velvet. These little villi are about one-third of a line in length, and are covered with a reflection of the delicate pink colored mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal. They contain a delicate net work of blood vessels, and the commencement of the lac- teal absorbents. 3 Fig. 24. A piece of small Intestine inverted. 30 NUTRITION- The lacteal absorbents originate in the villi of the small intestine, and passing through numerous little pink colored glands, located behind the small intestine, terminate in a sac in front of the spine, called the recepta- cle for the chyle. The thoracic duel is about the size of a common quill, and extends from j^kj. 25. the upper extremity of the receptacle of the chyle, up along the front of the spine, until it reaches the upper end of the sternum, or breast bone, where it bends downwards and enters the lower end of the jugular vein, at the left side of the root of the neck. Lacteal Absorption. Our food having been well digested in the upper portion of the intestinal canal by the action of the saliva, the gastric juice, and biliary and pancreatic fluids, is then distributed along the lining surface of the small intestine, its progress being- retarded by the numerous folds of mucous membrane, and being brought in con- tact with the villi, it stimu- lates them to action ; causing them to absorb its nutritive substances, while the innu- tritious materials are sent forward into the large intes- tine, and soon expelled from the body. The villi having absorbed the nourishment from oui food, it is collected by the A section of the cavity of the chest and abdomen, showing lacteal ducts, and carried the lacteal absorbents terminating in the receptacle for the ,1 n „ v f t. p l^Pal chyle, and the thoracic duct, terminating in the jugular vein, iorward. tnrOUgU tUe lacteal glands into the receptacle for the chyle (as seen in figure 25.) nutrition. 31 The Lacteal Glands. These little almond shaped bodies are about the size of a pea, and are situated behind the small intestine. They sometimes become enlarged and diseased in persons of a strumous or scrofulous constitution. While the Fig. 26. Fig. 27. Cavity of a lacteal gland. Formation of chyle corpuscles, by the lacteal glands. chyle or nourishment absorbed from our food is passing through these lit- tle pink colored bodies, located behind the small intestine, it stimulates them to action, causing them to form and cast off great multitudes of little round cracker shaped bodies, called chyle corpuscles, (as seen in figure 27.) These little chyle corpuscles which have been formed in countless mul- titudes by the lacteal glands, and cast off into the current of the chyle, or nourishment absorbed from our food while it is passing through their cav- ities, will at once begin to absorb nourishment from the chyle in which they float, and growing larger Yiq. 28. they rapidly change in color and shape. When first formed by the lac- teal glands the chyle corpuscles are of a milky white color, and as they ascend the cavity of the thoracic duct, they assume a pale pink color, and when they finally reach the upper end of the thor- acic duct and enter the jugular vein, they become bright red, and are then called blood cells or blood corpuscles. The formation of blood cells out of the food we . A fresh chyle corpuscle seen at the lower, soon de- eat, IS the first Step m the pro- veloped into blood ceils, seen above. cess of organization, or the conversion of our food into living animal tissues. Disease of the Lacteal G-lands. In persons of a strumous or scrofulous constitution, especially children, me lacteal glands often become enlarged by the deposit of grey cheesy, fcibercular matter, as often seen in the lungs and other organs in consump- 32 NUTRITION. tion. When these little glands become enlarged and their cavities filled with scrofulous matter, the lacteal ducts are obstructed, and the blood be- comes thin and impoverished for want of nourishment, producing that terrible disease called marasmus, or "wasting disease," or "consumption of the blood." When these little glands become enlarged and obstructed, the chyle which has been absorbed from our food cannot circulate through them, and the blood cells cannot be formed out of its albuminous materials, and the food though well digested cannot be assimilated or converted into blood to repair the waste, and build up the tissues and organs of the body. When persons are afilicted with this terrible disease, the appetite is of- ten excessive or morbid, the food which is eaten and perhaps digested, cannnot be assimilated or converted into blood, and so satisfy the cravings of hunger ; the whole body becomes thin and feeble, the blood poor, the extremities cold, the eyes hollow or sunken, the countenance pinched, the skin shrivelled, and the unhappy victim of thi3 disease dies with all the indications of starvation. Marasmus, or consumption of the blood, is often caused by want of suf- ficient food among the children of the poor, or by nursing sickly, scrofu- lous, unhealthy mothers, by the use of unwholesome and indigestible food, by want of sun light, and pure air. It is a scrofulous disease, and is caused by all those habits which tend to impair the process of nutrition. A few years ago, Mr. Guerin of Paris, was authorized by the French Academy of Medicine to experiment, and ascertain if he could not pro- duce scrofula at will upon many of the lower animals. Having selected a number of healthy young rabbits, pigs and puppies, he ascertained that by overfeeding or by underfeeding them, or by feeding them upon crude indigestible, and unwholesome food, not adapted to their weak and delicate organs of digestion, and by confinement in impure air, and in badly lighted quarters, they soon became diseased and scrofulous, with enlargement of all of the glands of their bodies, caused by impaired nutrition, or want of assimilation, from inability to digest and convert this strong food into blood cells, to repair the waste, and build up all of the worn out tissues and organs. By far the most common cause of scrofula among children is the use of indigestible and unwholesome food, such as can only be digested by strong, healthy men and women. Many persons fancy that scrofula is always hereditary. Now this is true in many instances, but far more fre- quently this disease comes from the kitchen than from either of the parents. It is a disease of debility, and depends upon impoverishment of the blood. When we look at pale puny little children, it will not be very difficult for us to determine what kind of food they eat, and why they look so NUTRITION. 33 stunted, and do not grow, many of them looking like little old men and women. They are either half starved, as sometimes happens among the children of the poor, when they do not get sufficient food, or the food they eat is too strong, heavy and indigestible, as often happens among the children of the wealthy, so that their weak and feeble digestive organs cannot digest and convert it into healthy blood, to develop their withered and feeble bodies. In diet as in all other matters, "extremes meet," and the children of the wealthy who are fed on strong food, or who are over fed, often look like and suffer with the same diseases which afflict the children of poverty and want. The lacteal glands often become enlarged and obstructed in adults, im- pairing the process of assimilation and nutrition, causing great waste of flesh, debility and exhaustion. When afflicted with this disease they will often be tormented with enormous appetites, and constant craving for food, eating at frequent intervals great quantities of food, and yet always hun- gry, and looking thin and emaciated, continually complaining of sinking sensations, often bed ridden or unable to sit up but for short periods, and still eat heartily, and finally dying of exhaustion, with all of the indica- tions of starvation. The Large Intestine. The large intestine is about twenty -five feet in length, and is divided into the coscum, the ascending colon G' } the transverse colon D; and the de- scending colon E, with its sigmoid flexure, and the rectum C, (see figure 23.) The coecum is a kind of blind pouch, situated in the lower portion of the right side of the cavity of the abdomen, into which the small intestine terminates, forming a kind of valve called the illio-coecal valve. Attached to the lower end of the coecum is a curious worm like appendage called the appendix vermiformis. The colon is the longest portion of the large intestine, and is divided into three parts, the ascending colon, which is situated in the right side of the cavity of the abdomen, the transverse colon, which crosses over be- neath the stomach and liver to the left side, and the descending colon, sit- uated in the left side of the abdominal cavity, and which forms at its lower extremity a curious curvature called the sigmoid flexure, from its fancied resemblance to the letter S. The rectum or lower portion of the large intestine is about eight inches in length, and is situated in front of the lower portion of the spine, and is much thicker and stronger than the other portions of the digestive canal. It is composed of thick strong coats of muscular fibres, and is lined with a mucous membrane, and contains numerous arteries and veins forming a 34 NUTRITION. very intricate network near the lower end called the hemorrhoidal plexus. When these blood vessels become enlarged at the lower end of the rectum, they produce that painful disease known as hemorrhoids or piles. Fig. 29. Piles. When the blood vessels of the lower portion of the rectum be- come enlarged, (as seen in figure 29) they may produce two varieties of piles, called external piles, when they are situated outside of the sphincter muscle, which closes the mouth of the bowel, and when they are situated inside of the mouth of the bowel they are call- ed internal piles. In many instances both varieties may be found to exist in the same person. Internal Piles. Internal piles are usually divided into three varieties. Sometimes they exist in the form of soft, spongy vascular growths, having a red granular appearance. While a second variety is made up of small The above cut represents the lower part of the i i n - n .-, ■, , , rectum laid open, bringing the piles into view. branches 01 VemS 01 the iOWCr DOW- ^e CO o?tl'ZT^ h6 ° hBeTYedt0{ eniarged vein3 el or rectum, dilated and filled with fluid, or coagulated blood. A third variety consists of pendulous tumors, arising from the inside of the rectum. Internal piles at first may only protrude from the mouth of the bowel, when the bowels move, but after a while the sphincter muscle, which closes the opening of the bowel, may become dilated from the pressure of the piles above, and relaxed by the frequent attacks of bleeding, so that the piles remain down all the time, save when the person is lying down. When they only appear externally at the time the bowels are moved, they should be immediately replaced after each stool. If this precaution be not observed, they will soon be- come congested and inflamed by the contraction of the sphincter muscle, causing great pain and suffering. The amount of bleeding in internal piles varies from a mere tinging of the stools to the loss of several ounces at a time. Sometimes these losses NUTRITION. 35 of blood seem to occur periodically, and serve to relieve the congestion of the liver, and other internal organs. In fact, the presence of piles usually indicates some disease of the liver, or other internal organ of the body. They produce great uneasiness and pain, low down across the spine, be- tween the hips, irritability of the bladder, with annoying mucous dischar- ges, and frequent losses of blood ; and it is not surprising that persons afflicted with them soon become thin, sallow, and bloodless. External Piles. Fig. 30. External Piles, exhibiting tb.9 Enlarged Hemorrhoidal Veins, pro trucling from the aims. External piles consist of a knot of enlarged veins around the mouth of the bowel, (as seen in figure 30.) When they first appear, these knots of enlarged veins are filled with fluid blood, which soon becomes coagulated, forming- one or more tense, painful, purple swellings. In this form of external piles great relief may be immediately obtained by opening the piles, and sqeezing out the coagulated blood. Causes of Piles. This painful disease is not often met with before the middle period of life, and it is far more common in women than men. Piles are caused by sedentary habits and confined employments, habitual constipation and all diseases that retard the return of blood from the lower bowel to the heart, such as disease of the liver, &c, straining at stools, the use of drastic pur- gatives, high living, and long residence in tropical climates. Cure of Piles. For the cure of internal as well as external piles, it is of great import- ance to remove and prevent congestion of the liver, and other abdominal organs, to insure a healthy action of the bowels, and to attend to the state of the general health. The rectum or lower bowel should be emptied, by the injection of half a pint of cold water, night and morning, and then some sedative and astringent ointment carefully introduced into the inside of the lower bowel, by means of a suitable instrument adapted to that purpose, as the action of the sphincter muscle, which contracts and closes the mouth of the bowel, will not admit of that being accomplished in any other way. Pile ointments may be composed of tannin and belladonna, or opium, carbolic acid, &c, according to the requirements of each particular case. Little difficulty has been experienced by the author in the cure of the worst cases of piles treated in this way for a short time. "" NUTRITION. Fig. 31. It will be found impossible, without the aid of a suita- ble instrument, to apply any astringent ointment to the inside of the rectum, in order to effect a permanent cure, by reducing the size of the enlarged veins. Ointments and washes applied to the outside do not reach the seat of the disease, and can only palliate and relieve pain. By means of Dr. Gleason's pile pipe any one can easily apply any soothing and astringent ointment to the seat of the disease inside the rectum, and soon effect a permanent cure in the worst cases. This useful little instrument consists of an ointment pipe, about three inches long, perforated with several openings, to admit of the free escape of the ointment, and a screw plugger, which forces the ointment out through the openings when in use. Constipation of the Bowels. This disease is usually produced by torpor and inactiv- ity of the muscular coats of the colon, or large intestine, or some painful affection of the rectum, such as piles, or pile Pipe. fissure of the anus, or debility of the muscular walls of the abdomen, so that they cease to contract, and assist the movements of the intestines, or it may depend upon disease of the nervous system, or disease of the liver, pancreas, or glands of the small intestine, causing a disordered or deficient secretion of bile, &c. By far the most prominent cause is torpor of the muscular walls of the colon, producing imperfect contraction of this part of the large intestine, loss of sensibility, and ac- cumulation of large quantities of fecal matter. This condition of the colon often occurs in old people, and others enfeebled by exhausting dis- ease, or among the votaries of fashion, accustomed to indolent and luxu- rious habits, or persons of sedentary or confined lives, and those who neglect to attend to the requirements of their own nature. The costive habit may, in fact, be easily acquired by little children early in life ne- glecting to attend to the indications and wants of their own nature, as they should be carefully taught to do at the same hour immediately after the morning meal. This is a most important and never to be neglected duty, that every intelligent mother will not allow to be neglected on the part of her children, if she values their health and happiness in after life. The habit once acquired of having a movement of the bowels after the morning meal, will soon become confirmed as a kind of " second nature," and continue all through life, greatly contributing to health and longevity. Constipation soon causes a defective appetite, slow and imperfect diges- NUTRITION. 37 tion, headache, palpitation of the heart, hypochondria, a pale, soft, flabby tongue, flatulence, fetid breath, a dingy, sallow skin and complexion, with dark lines under the eyelids, melancholy, low spirits, &c, produced by the reabsorption of the poisonous excrementitious matters into the blood, which should have been expelled by the bowels from the system. Sometimes vast quantities of faecal matter will accumulate in the large intestine, and may easily be felt through the walls of the abdomen, resembling a large abdominal tumor, for which it has often been mistaken. Cure of Constipation. For the cure of habitual constipation, the first thing to be accomplished is to get rid of strong purgative drugs, like the mischievous mandrake, and blue pills, and the substitution of mild aperients. This cannot often be accomplished at once, but gradually. No remedy will cure constipation, unless careful attention be paid to the diet. It is of the first importance that the food should be wholesome and digestible. Vegetables are laxa- tive, but often cause flatulency, and are objectionable on that account. Cooked fruits may often be used as a substitute, eaten as a part of the morning meal, and without sugar. Figs or prunes steeped in olive oil, may be eaten on an empty stomach, early in the morning. Or they may be prepared by drying them thoroughly, and then removing the dust, and steeping them in senna tea, until they become moist, when they may be redried, and kept for a long time, and eaten one or two at a time, early in the morning on an empty stomach. A small glass of soda water, or a glass of the fluid citrate of magnesia, may be taken in the same way as an admirable laxative. Oatmeal mush, or porridge, for breakfast, is regard- ed by many as a specific for the cure of this disease ; while others prefer cracked wheat mush, or Graham bread, made of coarse unbolted wheat meal. This must be carefully prepared by thorough cooking, or the out- side part of the wheat, so rich in gluten and fatty matter, will not be sol- uble in the weak gastric juice of an enfeebled stomach. Boil the cracked wheat mush three or four hours, cooking the outward covering of the wheat until it is soft and tender, and then eat with a little cream or milk for breakfast. All persons of costive habit should exercise daily in the open air, either on foot or horseback, as one of the most important remedies. General indolence must be carefully avoided. Drink a glass of cold water, and retire to bed at ten, rise at seven, wash the skin with tepid water, then rub freely with a coarse towel, drink a glass of soda or Congress water, or half a glass of the fluid citrate of magnesia. Knead the walls of the ab- domen gently with your hands and fingers, then exercise for three quarters 38 NUTRITION. of an hour in the open air, and breakfast upon bread, milk, cooked fruit, meat, &c, and immediately after breakfast solicit the action of the bowels. Do this at the same hour every day, and in a great majority of instances it will prove a cure for habitual constipation. After the costive habit has been broken up, to restore tone to the colon, various tonics may be used with great advantage, such as quinine and nux vomica, or the diluted nitro muriatic acid, &c. HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 39 LECTURE V. HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION Having studied the structure, nature and uses of the organs concerned in digesting our food, we shall be enabled to understand the natural laws which govern their growth, and maintain their healthy action. It has often been said, that "knowledge is power," and it is truly so, just in proportion as we are capable of applying our information to some useful purpose, such for instance as the improvement of our moral, physical and intellectual condition. That knowledge is most useful which contrib- utes most to the promotion of our welfare and happiness. What then are the natural laws or conditions upon which the growth and healthy action of our digestive organs depend ? 1st. It is a natural law that the wants of our bodies limit the powers of digestion. The gastric follicles can only secrete sufficient gastric juice to digest what food the human body requires, and if a larger amount is eaten, it will not digest, but will undergo the process of fermentation and decay, filling the intestinal canal mithputrid, decaying animal and vegetable substances, which irritate the delicate mucous membrane lining the intes- tinal canal, often causing inflammation and ulceration, and other painful For this reason it becomes important for us to study and understand what quantity of food is required to secure the most perfect health of the organs of digestion, and the highest intellectual, moral and physical devel- opments. No man, however well inclined he may be to do right, can be reasonable, moral or religious in his conduct upon subjects which he does not study and understand. It is only for this reason that the great major- ity of even the Christian Church, are yet living in a state of perfect bar- barism, in all that relates to the moral duty of subjecting their own appe- tites to the dominion of conscience. Many experiments and observations have been made with the view of determining the quantity of food required by a healthy man, to maintain the most perfect health, and to manifest the greatest physical power, and intellectual and moral activity. Numerous carefully conducted exper- iments and observations, have been made by British army and navy sur- geons, and it has been concluded that while in active service, a man requires about 35 ounces of dry animal and vegetable food daily, in order to secure the greatest strength and most perfect health. 40 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. Of this amount ten ounces should be animal, and twenty-five ounces vegetable matter, consisting of bread, peas, beans, &c. The introduction of this diet scale in the British army and navy, is said to be attended with the most remarkable success in diminishing the numbers upon the sick list. The training of men for pugilistic and gladiatorial contests, and for the display of great feats of physical strength, shows that our ordinary diet scale may be reduced with the greatest advantage. Indeed, were it true that strength depended upon the amount of food consumed, then the vul- ture would be stronger than the eagle, the jackal than the lion, and the gourmand than the temperate and abstemious man ! Gluttony is synony- mous with weakness, idleness and stupidity ! When the vulture, jackal, and their scarcely more human brother, the inebriate and the glutton, have gorged themselves to repletion, their whole vital energies, at least for a time, will be expended in digesting their food. The vulture seeks his moun- tain lair, the jackal his den, while the glutton, stupid with feasting, and drunk with wine, seeks his easy arm chair, where, overcome with lethargy, he expends his nervous energies in stupid and inglorious repose ! The amount of food required will depend first, upon our age, second, upon temperature, and third, upon our activity. We require more food in proportion to our size and weight, in infancy, more in cold than in warm weather, and more when active than when inactive. But how few stop to inquire, of a cultivated mind and enlightened conscience, how much food they should eat, in order that they may attain the highest degree of physical, intellectual and moral culture ! Human beings are not strong and healthy in proportion to the amount of food they eat. Over eating is one of the greatest evils in civilized life. How few are really " temperate in all things." It has been shown that the brain is the source of all power, and that it digests our food, and when we eat more than is required for health, the brain will be overworked while striving to digest the excess of food which we have eaten, causing stupid, heavy feelings, and disinclination to engage in the active duties of a stir- ring and useful life. All gluttons are torpid, feeble and indolent. The same is true of the lower animals. When the anaconda has gorged him- self to repletion, he becomes stupid and sleepy, and remains in a torpid condition for many days. When the brave eagle has gorged himself with his prey, he becomes torpid and heavy, and so descends into the dark silent valley, where he perches himself upon the limbs of the dead forest oak, and closes his eyes in sleep, until his food is digested, and when hunger returns, he spreads his sail broad wings, and mounts upwards, and so bathes and strengthens his form in the pure balmy light of the HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 41 The same melancholy spectacle is often exhibited by human beings. Hay- ing gorged themselves with pork, cabbage and sour apple dumplings, and baked beans, corn bread, and other heavy indigestible substances, washing it down with copious libations of beer, wine and whiskey, all of the ener- gies of the brain will be required to digest it, leaving little or no nervous force to be expended in thought, reason and reflection. No wonder such persons complain of feeling sleepy and stupid after eating, thinking they are "bilious" and have the "yellow jaundice in the blood," &c. The same melancholy spectacle may often be seen in church, when peo- ple make gluttons of themselves, and wickedly violate the laws of healthy digestion, and irreverently sleep through the whole of the service, thinking the sermon very dull and the minister in his dotage, because his eloquence fails to digest their enormous dinners. When we observe a poor clergyman laboring with a congregation in this stupid lethargic condition, with their stomachs full of all manner of unclean things, pork, cabbage and baked beans, and strong coffee for breakfast, and cold ham, turkey and gristle for dinner, whose brains and nervous energies are fully taxed to digest what they have eaten, and whose mental and moral natures are overwhelmed with stupidity and lethargy, we are reminded of an incident in the life of the great Emperor Napoleon. While in Egypt he besieged a fortress built out of nothing but mud and dirt. In vain his shells and shot plunged and plunged into the side of this mud fortress. There it stood a great impassive mound of nothing but mud and dirt. He could neither burn down mud, nor batter down dirt, and so it resisted all of his terrible assaults. Many an eloquent preacher with a congregation in this drowsy, stupid, lethargic condition, has had a similar experience. Though his lips be tipped with divine fire from on high, and he pours forth his thoughts in words that seem to live, and move and breathe, it is all in vain. He must not only sow the good seed, but the ground must be prepared for its reception, other- wise it will not take root. No doubt the worthy clergyman, inspired by the enthusiasm of the occasion, fancies he is addressing brains and mind, but it is a cruel mistake, for in many instances it is nothing but ham, and turkey and gristle. No wonder there are so few surrenders among those who listen to him, there is no eloquence, no matter how gifted the orator may be, which is adequate to fire such materials with sentiment, emotion and divine love. Within mankind are combined the appetites of a brute and the attributes of an angel, and when these meet in solemn council to make up the role of a man's destiny for time, as well as for eternity, shall it be said of him that he allows his appetite to hound out the seraph ? Is it not amazing that man invited by the exalted pleasures of his in- tellect, and the sacred sentiments of his heart, to a banquet which is wor- 42 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. thy of the gods, should stoop by the way side to feed upon garbage, and t<3 drink from out the Circean cup which transforms us all into beasts. How many brilliant scintillations of wit, and poetry and pathos, how many glorious ideas and heaven born inspirations, have all been extinonished and lost, while the brain was laboring to digest young onions, radishes and garbage. Because a man has a few animal appetites which must be grati- fied that he may live, shall he become all animal, an inebriate, a debauchee, a sensualist and a glutton ? Rather let him eat in moderation that he may live, and let him live, that he may cultivate and develop his glorious intellectual faculties and moral sentiments to their highest capacity. Men sometimes assure us that they u can digest anything" and it is doubtless true of some persons, who do not exercise their brains and facul- ties upon anything but what they eat and drink, and who were never guilty of a single thought in all their lives, a sort of human grubs, eating only that they may exist. No man can eat unwholesome food who spends much of his time and his brain power and nervous force in profound thought, reason and reflec- tion, without causing disease of the stomach and organs of digestion. All men and women of literary habits and scientific pursuits, can eat but little food, and digest that which is most wholesome. Gluttony clips the wings of the intellect and debases the moral nature. Overfeeding Young Children. It is frequently supposed by many that excessive fatness is indicative of high health. The premature death of many young children may be traced to this fatal mistake. How often ignorant mothers overfeed their little children to make them grow fast, until they become so fat they can scarcely see out of their eyes ! When a child, fed in this way becomes like a fat ox, a burden to itself, all of the mother's friends observe "what a healthy child !" Such children rarely live to attain the age of manhood. By far the largest majority sicken and die of inflammatory disease of the digestive organs. The greatest mortality in infancy is to be found among this class of fat healthy children. They die of cholera infantum, and inflammatory affections, followed by effusion of water on the brain, &c. When the poor child sickens or cries out under this stuffing process, the poor ignorant mother thinks it cries because it is hungry, and stuffs it the more, and when its poor little stomach becomes so full it runs over, and the food runs down the corners of the child's mouth, the mother scoops it up with a spoon, and crams it down again ! This natural preparation (holding up a child's stomach, about as large as an egg) shows you the size of the child's stomach at birth. It will not HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 43 contain, as you will observe, more than one or two tablespoonfuls at a time, and yet the fond mother would think her young infant " would starve to death," if it did not eat at least a teacupful of "cracker stuff!" Is it strange under such circumstances, that its stomach is often out of order, and that it "wants a little magnesia or catnip tea to sweeten it;" that it be- comes cross and irritable, that it has fits and convulsions, and infantile cholera, and other diseases so destructive of human life ? The only won- der is, that such children do not all die. If they had not prodigious vital and recuperative powers they must all perish ! Now, when parents murder their own children in this way, they try to console themselves and relieve their consciences from all responsibility, by laying all of the blame upon the shoulders of Divine Providence, when, in reality, the parents alone are responsible for the death of their own chil- dren ! Indeed, it is high time in this enlightened age, that parents should be taught that the great and good Creator holds them strictly accountable for the preservation of the health of their children. The position of mo- ther involves the" greatest responsibilities, and the highest and noblest du- ties, and if not qualified by thorough physical, mental and moral training and education to discharge these duties properly, hard indeed will be the fate of her unfortunate offspring ! Digestibility of different kinds of Food. We are told that " bread is the staff of life," and so it is when properly prepared. All physiologists and chemists agree that good wheat bread is among the most wholesome and nourishing of all kinds of food. The best bread is made without fermentation, and out of good coarse flour, containing all of its nutritious qualities, all of its carbonates, nitrates, and phosphates, all of its brain, muscle, bone and fat forming qualities. To make good unfer- mented bread, the coarse wheat flour should be mixed with water and a little salt, and baked in small loaves in cast iron bread pans, known as "Wisconsin basins." The oven and pans should be hot } the dough made of the ordinary consistence, and the pans filled half full When placed in hot pans, and put in a hot oven, the heat coagulates the gluten on the outside surface of the dough, and prevents the steam from escaping, causes the bread to raise in a moment, and if the oven is sufficiently hot, it bakes before the steam escapes, and remains light and wholesome. This is the sweetest, most nourishing and wholesome, of all kinds of bread, and is easily made with half the labor required in making good yeast bread. Few persons have any idea of the chemical nature and action of yeast upon flour in the manufacture of bread. They do not understand that yeast is nothing more nor less than fermenting, putrifying, and decaying vegetable matter, the odor and taste of which is anything but agreeable to 44 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. any one. Fermentation is the first stage of decay I During this process the starch of all vegetable substances undergoes a chemical change, form- ing alcohol and carbonic acid gas. if the temperature is above 70°, and lactid acid, if it is below that temperature. Temperature exerts a con- trolling influence over the fermentation of starch, and decides whether it shall be lactic acid, or alcoholic fermentation. If the temperature is al- lowed to fall below 70° lactic acid fermentation sets in, and the bread becomes sour, and is then unfit for use. During the progress of fermentation a portion of the starch containing flour, is converted into carbonic acid gas and alcohol, diminishing its nutri- tive value about fourteen per cent., so that for every dollar's worth of flour made into fermented bread, more than fourteen cents is thrown away in the process of fermentation. When labor and economy are not a consideration, and persons from long habit or vitiated taste, prefer fermented bread, then it should be carefully prepared. Mix a little good hop yeast and water with your wheat flour, knead the dough until it will not stick to your fingers or the bread trough. Thorough kneading is indispensable to make good yeast bread, and the poorer the flour the more kneading will be required. This is one of the grand secrets of making good bread out of poor flour. There is no dan- ger of spoiling it by a little extra kneading, since it cannot be kneaded too much. Having kneaded the dough until it does not stick to your fingers or the bread trough, put it in small bread pans, not more than one or two inches thick, and set the pans in a warm place where it will remain at a tempera- ture above 70° until it is raised. If the temperature is allowed for a mo- ment to fall below 70° it will sour and spoil. As soon as it is well raised, place it in an oven moderately heated, and bake thoroughly, or until the outside is of a fine cinnamon color all over upon the upper and under surface. Bread cannot be baked too much to be sweet and wholesome, in fact the more it is baked the sweeter and more digestible it becomes. Under done bread, and uncooked starch, are the most indigestible of all substances. We read that " bread is the staff of life," but there is nothing said about dough. Even little children will often beg for the crust, and say it is the sweetest and most delicious part of the whole loaf, and the only wonder is that bread makers do not make their bread all crust, or just as sweet and delicious by thorough baking. We are often told that the early settlers of this country baked their bread but once a week, filling the old dutch oven on Saturday afternoon, and allowing it to remain in the oven all night, and removing it next morn- ing. Half baked bread and half cooked vegetables are the bane of dys- peptics. HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 45 When thoroughly baked, bread should be put away in the bread chest until it is at least one day old, or until the process of fermentation has been completed, and all of the carbonic acid gas has escaped. If eaten fresh, the process of fermentation will continue in the stomach, more espe- cially in those of weak digestion, producing a large amount of gas and acid, causing much distress. But again stale bread is not only more digesti- ble but it is far more nourishing, as often remarked by frugal house wifes it will "go twice as far," to feed a family on stale bread. Hard working men, those who build our railroads and canals, eat no fresh bread and hot cakes to fill their stomachs with gas, and puff themselves up so they can scarcely breathe j but plenty of good firm stale bread, and the same is true of prize fighters and the athletse. During the long war with Napoleon, there was a great scarcity of bread in England, and the British Parliament raised a commission to ascertain what could be done to relieve the distress of the people, and when it was ascertained that stale bread was far the most digestible and nutritious, Par- liament passed a law to remain in force during the war, making it criminal for bakers to sell bread less than two days old. More fresh bread and hot cakes are eaten in America than in all of the rest of the world, simply because we have so few good bread makers ! It is com- paratively easy for people to eat warm sour dough, but when old and stale, it would not be tolerated by the most vigorous stomach. Many persons having discovered they cannot make good bread, resort to warm or hot dough, as the only alternative. It is a great accomplishment for a lady to make good bread — an accomplishment that any lady may well be proud of. It is a far greater accomplishment than to play elegantly upon the piano, and it indicates a higher order of talent, and as much industry and appli- cation to learn the art. It is no easy task, I assure you. No amount of theory will accomplish it. It requires time, hard work, and that experi- ence which can only be acquired by practice. Long since I made up my mind to leave, at least a part of what I may earn in this life, to found professorships in some of our largest and best colleges for the education of women — not to teach young ladies how to play on the piano, or make wax flowers, but to make good bread. Observation has taught me, that more than fi.%- young ladies can play elegantly upon the piano where one can make good bread In the great lottery of matrimony, when a man marries a woman who can and does make good bread every time, because she knows how, and not by guess work or accident, he may well congratulate himself that he has drawn the first prize, and is a most fortunate fellow, and I can congra- tulate him from the bottom of my heart, on his good fortune. With good bread to eat, he cannot help feeling good all the days of his life. Acci- 46 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. dents excepted, he will live to be old, and finally die rich, because he can- not help it. He never employs a doctor, or purchases any medicine, or loses any time by illness, and it costs him little or nothing to live ! But a man who has married one of those poor, silly novel readers, who does little but play on the piano, and make wax flowers, one of those shiftless, slip- shod, shillie shallie sort of women, who can't bake a loaf of good bread, who makes hot dough, biscuit or cakes, for breakfast, and has what is left over for dinner — sour and half baked all of the time — such a man has drawn a blank, and is to be pitied. He is a most unfortunate fellow. With such food to eat his stomach becomes weak, sour, and full of gas all of the time. He feels low spirited, cross and irritable, then becomes a confirmed dyspeptic, gets the "blues," becomes discouraged, and dissatisfied with life, looks shiftless, coat out at the elbows, shoes down at the heels, is out of health and out of money, out of credit and out of friends, and finally becoming imbecile or insane, ends his miserable existence in the asy- lum or the poor house ! HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 47 LECTURE VI. HOW TO ACQUIEE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. Animal Food. It is true that man can live on bread alone, and in warm climates and for certain temperaments, and other peculiarities of constitution, or in certain diseases, it may be best for some to live upon an exclusively vegetable diet, while for similar reasons a mixed diet may be the best for others. Com- mon observation and experience proves that in a climate like ours, a mix- ed diet is the most favorable to health. If "bread is the staff of life," then good beef is the crutches. Let a man in good health, eat plenty of good bread and good beef, and it will give him an eye like an eagle and a heart like a lion. Such a diet contains in great abundance, all of the elements which are necessary for the perfect nutrition of all the organs of the body. When skillfully cooked and well digested, it will contribute to the development of the most powerful physical constitution, and to the manifestation of the highest order of in- telligence, and the finest moral feeling — the diet of a Shakespere, a Newton, and a Washington. How Animal Food Should be Cooked. Quite as much will depend upon the way our food is cooked as upon any other quality, in fact the very best and most wholesome food may be easily spoiled by bad cooking. There is no part of the education of the people of this country, which, has been so sadly neglected as the art of cooking. A college thoroughly supplied with all of the latest, and most approved chemical and philosophical apparatus, for a course of thorough instruction in the science and art of cooking, should be founded in every city, and the graduates of such an institution, would readily command salaries four times as large as those received by the professors in any of our literary colleges. It may not be generally known that the chief cooks, who preside over this department of some of our first-class hotels and restaurants, receive from $5,000 to $25,000 a year, for their services. It is an old Spanish proverb, that " the Lord has sent into this world a great variety and abundance jf delicious food, to gratify the palate, and to minister to the wants of all mankind, while the devil, ever intent upon mischief, has sent along a lot of ignorant, miserable cooks to " spoil it all.* 1 Very much will depend upon the way meat is cooked, as regards its di- gestibility. The object of all cooking should be, to render our food more palatable, and more digestible, than when in its raw or natural condition. 48 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. All methods of cookery which serve to render food more indigestible, and unwholesome, are sinful and wicked, and produce an incalculable amount of pain, sickness and misery. Experiment will soon convince any one that baking or frying a piece of meat hardens its albumen and fibrin, and renders it far more indigestible and unwholesome than when raw. Baked or fried albumen, custards, or fried eggs are among the most insoluble and indigestible of all substances, while raw eggs, or soft cooked eggs are com- paratively digestible and wholesome. When meat is broiled or roasted slightly over the fire, the grease drips off and the meat being rare done or cooked but little, is comparatively soluble and digestible. The process of baking is quite different from that of roasting meat. When meat is roasted or broiled over or before the fire, the fat drips off the meat while it is cook- ing. When it is baked in a hot oven, the fat penetrates the muscular fibres, or is baked into the meat, saturating it with an oily fluid, ren- dering it far more indigestible. But again, experiment will show that a high temperature will harden or toughen all albuminous or fibrous substances, and render them insoluble and indigestible. Bare done meats, soft cooked eggs, &c, are far more digestible than when hard cooked or well done. It is for this reason that raw eggs, and raw meat, are far more digestible and nourishing than when roasted or fried. Food which is not digested cannot nourish the body. When meat is boiled, it should be put into water already boiling, and not into cold water Hot water instantly coagulates the albumen and fibrin, and forms a coating on the outside surface, which retains all of its saline and nutritive juices, and all of its osmazome and flavoring matter, &c. After boiling not more than ten minutes, add enough cold water to reduce the temperature 20° below the boiling point. Do not boil it any longer, but raise the kettle and place it at the back part of the range, where it will remain 20° below the boiling point, until the meat becomes soft and tender. In this way the cheapest and toughest pieces of the meat of any animal, may be made as tender, nourishing and digestible as the most expensive portions. Boiling meat at a high temperature toughens, and renders all kinds of meat indigestible and unwholesome, while cooking it at a low temperature, 20° below the boiling point, softens it, and renders it more di- gestible and more nourishing. By careful cooking the expenses of any family for meat, may easily be reduced one half or two-thirds. It is well known that when the tenderloin of any animal sells for thirty-five or forty cents, certain parts of the same animal, quite as high flavored and equally nourishing, may be purchased fox five cents. When these cheaper parts are cooked with skill and care, by an intelligent well educated cook, ^hey can be made equal in flavor and digestibility, and in nutritive value, to the very best o* most expensive parts. HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 49 Beef is more nourishing, but it is much heavier and more indigestible than other kinds of meat. When eaten raw, it is far more digestible than when boiled, fried or roasted. When eaten in this way, it should be cut into thin slices like dried beef, and then seasoned with a little salt, and only warmed before the fire. Consumptives and scrofulous persons have derived great advantage from the use of raw beef, and coarse, stale wheat bread. Yeal, and the meat of young animals, contains more gluten than that of older animals, and for this reason, is not so digestible or wholesome. Boiled lamb, mutton or chicken, cooked soft and tender, will generally agree with persons having weak and irritable stomachs, and feeble organs of digestion, when all other kinds of animal food and meat, cooked in any other way, cannot be eaten without much pain and suffering ! Salt fish, salt and smoked meats, are far more indigestible than when fresh. Salt hardens albumen and fibrin, and renders these substances far more insoluble in the weak, gastric juice of the stomach, and more indi- gestible. Boiled salmon, shad and trout, may be eaten by dyspeptics, while salt codfish, and mackerel, smoked ham and smoked salmon, or sausage, would kill any one but a wolf a jackal, or a gourmand ! It has been shown that the gastric juice, being a watery fluid, cannot digest oils, fats, gums or starch. When eaten as food, these substances must pass through the stomach undigested, and when they reach the upper portion of the small intestine, they will be dissolved or digested by the liver and the pancreas, &c. When any kind of food which is easily di- gested in the stomach by the action of the gastric juice, is mixed with that which is not digestible in the stomach, it will cause indigestion When any kind of food is fried or cooked in grease or butter, the oil or fat forms an insoluble coating on the outside, which the gastric juice cannot pene- trate, and for this reason it is rendered very indigestible. Fried meat, fried mush, fried cakes, fried potatoes, and fried doughnuts, are simply an abomination, and lit only for savages ! Pastry, sweet cakes, composed of flour, sugar and lard, or butter, and in fact, all food composed of flour, sugar and oils, are rendered insoluble in the weak gastric juice, and are indigestible, while either of their ingre- dients, eaten by itself in its simple and natural condition, is comparatively wholesome and digestible. When such indigestible and unwholesome kinds of food are eaten, and are not digested, they will soon begin to ferment, filling the stomach with gas, causing flatulency, and then putrify or decay, filling the stomach and intestinal canal with putrid decaying animal and vegetable substances, which irritate, inflame and ulcerate the mucous membrane lining the in- testinal canal, causing an incalculable amount of pain, misery and suffer- 50 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. ing. These diseases are known as "biliousness," "liver complaint," "dys- pepsia/' terms which are used so often, and which nobody, not even doctors know the meaning of. Water then, is the proper menstruum for cooking food, and tends to promote its solubility. When meat is carefully cooked by steaming or boiling, at a temperature 20° below the boiling point, it will become tender, and soluble in the weak acid juice of the stomach, so that old people can eat and digest it, though they have not a single natural tooth in their mouths. It will melt like cream in their mouths, and be readily digested by their feeble stomachs, forming an abundance of rich, creamy blood, the presence of which they will soon feel to the very ends of their withered and shrivelled fingers. Feed an aged man or woman, without teeth, on a piece of tough beefsteak, taken from an old hard working ox or cow, close up to the horns, and hammered on a meat block with a cast iron mallet, until it is about as hard and tasteless as a chip, and then, fried in old Ohio lard, "strong enough to kill rats with/' and you might about as well give them a nice piece of shoe leather, forty times tanned, so far as its digest- ibility may be concerned ! When meat is stewed it should be cooked very differently. Wipe the meat clean with a napkin, cut it in small pieces, and put it in a kettle, in cold water, stir frequently, and let it stand an hour or two, and then cook at a temperature 20° below the boiling point, until it is well done, before adding any vegetables. Beef tea and beef soup should be prepared much in the same way. After removing all of the fat, then cut the beef fine, soak it in cold water one hour or two, stirring it frequently, then bring it to a boil only a minute or two, then strain and it is fit for use. Never boil beef tea for an hour or two as many do; it coagulates the albumen and fibrin, and renders them comparatively insoluble. Beef tea or soup prepared in this way will agree with an invalid, or a dyspeptic when it could not be tolerated a moment, prepared in the ordinary way. Coarse flour bread or mush, or cracked wheat mush or puddings, made out of flour containing the outside or woody film of grain, requires very thorough cooking to render this outside part of grain tender and digestible. When imperfectly cooked, it is tough and irritating to the mucous mem- brane lining the stomach and intestinal canal, and does not agree with many dyspeptics who have weak and irritable stomachs. This difficulty may be overcome by grinding the grain finer and by extra cooking. Coarse bread and mush, &c, are not as digestible as fine flour bread, but far more laxa- tive, and it is by virtue of its mechanical irritation, caused by its coarse particles, that it becomes laxative, and it is for the same reason that it does HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 51 not often agree with those who have very weak and irritable stomachs, as in many forms of dyspepsia, &c. Soups, and other kinds of liquid food are often indigestible, for the reason they are composed of large quantities of water, holding in solution small quantities of nutriment, and so dilute and weaken the gastric juice as to retard the process of digesting or converting them into chyme, and fitting the nutriment which they contain to be absorbed into the blood It must not be forgotten, that all kinds of food must be digested before they can be absorbed into the blood. Starch, oils and albumen, in a state of perfect solution, cannot be absorbed until they undergo this change, and are converted into a milky fluid called chyle. Even milk must be di- gested, before its nutriment can be absorbed, and when the stomach is weak, it often requires cooking, before it will agree with an invalid. When milk is well boiled, and mixed with one-third lime water, it will agree with many persons who could not eat it in its raw or natural condition. The time required to digest various kinds of food may be ascertain- ed, by consulting the following tables, compiled from the best athori- ties upon this most important subject. It will be noticed that the same kind of food is more or less digestible, according to the method of prepar- ation. h. m. Roasted Potatoes 2.30 " Turkey 2.30 " Wild 2.18 " Beef 3.00 " Mutton 3.15 " Oysters 3.15 h. m. Boiled Kice 1.00 " Tripe 1.00 " Trout and Salmon 1.30 " Venison 1.30 " Sweet Apples 1.30 " Sago 1.45 " Milk 2.00 " Tapioca 2.00 " Codfish 2.00 " Beef Liver 2.00 " Lamb 2.30 " Beans 2.30 " Parsnips 2.30 " Mutton 3.00 " Potatoes 3.30 " Eggs, soft 3.30 " Oysters, stewed 3.30 " Green Corn 3.45 - " Fowl 4.00 " Cabbage. 4.30 Soups, Chicken 3.30 " Oyster 3.30 " Beef 4.00 Fowl Veal Duck " " Wild 4.00 4.00 .. 4.00 4.30 Pork Fried Catfish ... 4.00 3.30 " Flounder " Eggs 3.30 3.30 " Beef 400 " Veal 4.30 " Pork 515 " Sausage 5.30 Corn Bread 3.15 Wheat Bread 3.30 Bye " 3.30 Oatmeal " 3.00 Oatmeal Mush 2.30 52 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. The foregoing table has been compiled from the experiments and ob- servations of Br. Beaumont upon the stomach of St. Martin, and indicates the time required to digest different kinds of food in a healthy, and not a diseased stomach. The following table, from a different source, will show still further the comparative digestibility of different kinds of food, and may be studied by the invalid with great advantage. This table is, with slight modification, from Leared : EAST OF DIGESTION. MODERATELY DIGESTIBLE. HAED TO DIGEST. Mutton, Beef, Pork, VeniSon, Lamb, Veal, Hare, Rabbit, Goose, Sweetbread, Young pigeon, Liver, Chickens, Duck, Heart, Turkey, Wild waterfowl, Brain, Partridge, "Woodcock, Salt meat, Pheasant, Snipe, Sausage, Grouse, Soups, Hashes, Beef-Tea, Eggs, not hard boiled, Mackerel, Mutton-broth, Butter, Eels, Milk, Turtle, Salmon, Turbot, Cod, Herring, Haddock, Pike, Halibut, Flounder, Trout, Salt fish, Sole, Eaw or stewed oysters, Lobster, Fresh fish generally, Potatoes, Crabs, Boasted oysters, Beets, Shrimps, Stale bread, Turnips, Mussels, Rice, Cabbage, Oil, Tapioca, Spinach, Melted butter, Sago, Artichoke, Hard boiled eggs, Arrowroot, Lettuce, Cheese, Asparagus, Celery, Fresh bread, Sea-kale, Apples, Muffins, French beans, Apricots, Buttered toast, Cauliflower, Currants, Pastry, Baked apples, Raspberries, Cakes, Oranges, Bread, Custards, Grapes, Farinaceous puddings, Nuts, pears, plums, Strawberries, Jelly, Cherries, pine-apples, Peaches, Marmalade, Cucumbers, onions, Toast water, Rhubarb plant, Carrots, parsnips, Black Tea, Cooked fruits, Peas, beans, mushroo Sherry, Cocoa, Pickles, Claret, Coffee, Chocolate, Ale, Porter, Champagne. HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 53 This table gives us the comparative digestibility of different kinds of food in a healthy, and not a diseased stomach. When the stomach is irri- tated, inflamed or ulcerated, all kinds of food, and even a little water, will Gause an increase of irritation, or inflammation and pain. All mankind must eat food to live, and when the stomach becomes diseased, it is far more difficult to cure than a broken arm, for the broken limb can be confined in splints, and rest, while the stomach cannot rest without starvation and death. When the stomach becomes weak, irritated, inflamed or ulcerated, select these kinds of food most easily digested. We must often go back to the diet of infancy, and feed upon milk, until the stomach recovers its health and strength. Boiled milk and lime water is perhaps the most easily digested of all kinds of food. Raw milk contains considerable sugar, and will often fer- ment and sour, causing flatulency and distress ; but when it is perfectly fresh, and scalded, and mixed with one-third lime water, it will digest easier and quicker than any other kind of food, with which the author is acquainted. When there is great irritation, inflammation, or ulceration of the stomach, only a small quantity, a spoonful or two should be eaten at a time, and the quantity gradually increased as its strength and tone improves. This diet may be continued in many cases of disease of the organs of digestion, for several months, with the most striking advantage. When the stomach becomes stronger add a little oatmeal gruel, sago or boil- ed rice, and then a little boiled lamb or fish. In this way an invalid with a weak stomach may begin at the foot of the ladder, and if wise, prudent and patient may gradually climb. More disease, pain, suffering and prem- ature death, is caused by the imprudent use of unwholesome food, than by all other causes combined ! It is a natural law of healthy digestion, that the quality of the food we eat, must be adapted to the nature of the human stomach. Our food should be sufficiently coarse and stimulating to the stomach, to cause the secretion of the necessary amount of gastric juice to digest it. If our diet is composed of too fine materials, such as gum, starch, oil, sugar, sweet meats, candy, fine flour bread and cakes, &c, it will not stimulate the stomach sufficiently to cause the gastric follicles to secrete the gastric juice, or rennet, in sufficient quantities, to dissolve and digest the food, and hence, the Esquimaux and Greenlander, who subsist largely upon whale oil, and the fat of the polar bear, mix their food with earth to give it sufficient bulk, and adapt it to the wants of their digestive organs. Common observation and experience teach us, that oily substances are extremely difficult of digestion, and more especially, when submitted to a high temperature, as in the preparation of various kinds of cakes and pastry, gravies, &c. 54 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. Heat will convert the sweetest cream or butter into rancid grease almost instantly, and so destroy all of its natural sweet creamy flavor, and render it extremely offensive to the stomach, while sweet cream and butter may be eaten moderately, even by dyspeptics. Old rancid "cooking butter" old as Methuselah and strong as Samson, should never be eaten by any one unless his life is well insured. Many people purchase cheap cooking butter for the sake of economy. It is true they cannot eat it with bread or vegetables, as their noses and tongues stand guard, as faithful sentinels to warn the stomach of the approach of this offensive enemy, and they will not tolerate its disgusting smell and nauseous taste. It can only be smuggled into the stomach, by mixing it with sugar, spices and flour in the form of sweet cake. Having smuggled its way into the stomach, the gastric juice cannot digest it, and the stomach will soon separate its ingredients, and having digested the flour of the cake, the rancid butter fumes and ferments. "The languid stomach, Curses e'en the pure delicious fat and all the race of oil ; For more the oily aliment relaxes its feeble tone ; The insoluble oil, so gentle, late and blandishing, In floods of rancid bile o'ernows. What tumults, hence What horrors rise, 'twere nauseous to relate." Alkalies. The gastric juice, as before mentioned, contains, besides pepsin, which serves the purposes of a kind of ferment, a considerable quantity of chloro hydric acid, to digest our food. If we neutralize this acid with a little soda or sakeratus in the stomach, it will diminish the power of digestion. It is for this reason that the use of alkalies after eating will cause indiges- tion, by neutralizing the lactic and chloro hydric acid of the gastric juice, and they should be carefully avoided. Soda, biscuit, and salseratus bread, are a fruitful cause of dyspepsia, and diseases of the stomach. Alkalies have often been used by excessively fat people to reduce corpulency, with great success, taken one or two hours after the principal meals, but if used for too long a time, will so impair the tone of the stomach, as to produce incurable disease. Alcohol coagulates albumen, and retards the solution of albuminous food in the stomach. When the white of an egg, or milk is mixed with whiskey or brandy, the albumen will at once coagulate, and is rendered comparatively insoluble by the gastric juice. All alcoholic substances promote indiges- tion by rendering the food less soluble, and should be carefully avoided by persons with weak stomachs, and impaired digestion. When used as food, they increase the amount of fat forming matter, and diminish the amount of albumen and fibrin, or muscle and brain forming matter in the blood, HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 55 and for this reason, boxers, prize fighters, and the athletse abstain from the use of them while training to develop their muscles, and increase their physical strength. It is a natural law of healthy digestion, that our food should be eaten with deliberation, and thoroughly masticated and mixed with saliva, to adapt it to the capacity of the stomach to digest it. The human stomach, as you will observe, (holding up a natural stomach) is a thin membranous sack, and is not adapted to digest large masses of coarse crude food, and for this reason, our food ought to be well crushed, and thoroughly chewed, and reduced to the finest consistence while it is yet in the mouth, before it is introduced into so delicate an organ as the stomach. Those animals who do not chew but swallow their food, like the turkey and ostrich, are provided with large membranous craws beneath the skin of their breasts, which receive the food, and after it has been softened by its juices, it is carried into the gizzard, a sort of mill where it is ground to the finest pulpy consistence, and then sent forward into the stomach, where the process of digestion is completed. Unfortunately for the wel- fare and happiness of most rapid eaters, no analagous mechanical arrange- ment exists in the human body, and if they eat their food ostrich fashion, unless they have gizzards, they will be badly off for the means of digest- ing it. The American people have often been called a nation of dyspeptics. In no other country on the face of the globe, do we find this disease so com- mon, and in no other country do people eat their food so rapidly ! The American people are an active, sanguine race, busily engaged in the great battle of life, — in the turmoil, toil and strife of trade and com- merce, in transferring the standard of civilization from the frozen shores of the Atlantic to the golden sands of the Pacific. In this country, men appear upon the stage of life with the brilliancy of a meteor, and disap- pear with the flash of the comet ! They "go ahead," as the saying is, and "live like lightning, and die like lightning!" If they ever stop to eat, it is only when compelled to do so by the sternest cravings of nature, and then they eat as though the safety of their lives depended upon the com- pletion of the repast in about ten minutes. G-o station yourselves in the spacious dining saloons of some of those palaces that float upon our inland seas and rivers, during the fashionable Summer season, and see how the elite eat their food, and you will no lon- ger be astonished that dyspepsia marks itself, in indelible lines, upon the countenances of nine-tenths of the American people. As the well known gong in the hands of the sable waiter, peals forth its thunder, announcing that dinner is ready, you had better quickly stand 56 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. one side or you will be run over! In they rush like a cloud of hungry vul- tures descending to their prey — every one as he rushes forward pell mell, casts an anxious glance down the long table that groans beneath its weight of sumptuous viands, spread upon its ample surface, and having hastily seated himself in front of the largest piece of baked beef, brandishes his knife and fork and prepares for action. With an agitated, nervous hand he quickly helps himself to everything within reach upon the table, and then begins the process of "bolting" his dinner, a feat of dexterity that would do honor to the most adroit juggler cf ancient or modern times. In the first place he cuts his potatoe into four equal parts of convenient size, and after cutting a large piece of meat he pierces it with his fork, and with a skillful and rapid movement it is deposited in his mouth, and before he shuts it, for fear of losing time, in pops a quarter of potatoe and a mouth- ful of bread, when he stretches up his neck and rolls his eyes, as if in mortal fear of suffocation, and with a desperate and convulsive struggle "bolts" the whole mass into his stomach. This habit of rapid eating is so com- mon in this country, as to be designated by foreigners the "American habit of swallowing their dinner." Some people say they have not time to eat their food, like rational hu- man beings, and so they must eat it and run like a turkey. Now if we do not voluntarily find time to eat our food in a proper manner, we will soon be compelled to find time to be sick, and perhaps find time to die. If we are so overwhelmed with cares or so thronged with business that we do not find time to eat our dinners in a proper manner, then we had better go with- out eating until supper time, or until we finish our employments, and not insanely sacrifice health merely for the pleasure of eating. A man who is too busy to take care of his health, is much like a mechanic who is too busy to sharpen and take care of his tools. The position of the body after eating, exerts a controlling influence upon the process of digestion. After eating to repletion the inferior animals seek a position of repose, where they can rest and digest their food. If you examine (fig. 19), you will observe that the great cavities of the body are filled with the vital and nutritive organs, in constant motion ! Now if we bend the body forward while sitting or standing, it will greatly diminish the size of the cavity of chest and abdomen, and compress the vital and nutritive organs, and im- pair their functions. Most persons have often observed while engaged in any sedentary employment, and bending forward, what relief would be af- forded by straightening up. How often when engaged in any work requir- ing us to stoop forward as in sewing, we are compelled to rise up on account of pain or uneasiness in the side or chest, caused by compressing the vital and nutritive organs against each other, and interrupting their proper ac- HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. 57 tion. The erect position of the body will be carefully maintained in sitting and standing, in proportion as we value the blessings of good health. Action alternate with rest is a natural law of healthy digestion. All action not followed by rest is attended by a loss of power. Now inasmuch as the stomach cannot rest while digesting our food, it must be allowed to remain empty until it recovers its exhausted energies. It requires about five hours for a healthy stomach to digest a hearty meal, and it requires at least half as long after the meal is digested for the stomach to rest, and recover its exhausted energies. Continuous labor will soon destroy the powers of digestion. If we eat breakfast at seven it will digest by twelve, and by two or three o'clock, the stomach will be restored and prepared for our dinner. Two meals a day will be amply sufficient for all persons of sedentary or inactive life. Eating lunches, and feeding children at frequent intervals, is exceedingly pernicious, and soon destroys the tone of the stomach. For many years, the author has eaten his breakfast from seven to eight, and his dinner at from two to three o'clock in the afternoon, and nothing for supper, and is fully convinced from experience, that this course of living is the most favorable for the most perfect health. Laboring men, who eat their breakfast at five or six o'clock in the morn- ing, may lunch at twelve, and dine at six or seven o'clock, but no one should, as a rule, eat anything after the sun has set, and the period of re- pose and sleep has arrived. The universal instinct of all animal life, teaches them the importance of this great law. A desire to eat frequently is the result of habit, and may easily be changed at will. For instance, any mother may teach her child to nurse several times in the night, or not at all, just as she pleases. Frequent- eating, continually munching apples, nuts, cakes and candy, is a most per- nicious habit, and an intolerable nuisance to the stomach, keeping it in a constant commotion, and should be speedily corrected. The habit of fre- quent eating is injurious in two ways : first, it keeps the stomach in con- stant employment, with no rest ■ and second, it deranges the process of digestion, by mixing fresh crude food with that which is nearly digested. If you were engaged making mortar for building purposes, and after you had nearly prepared it fit for use, some one should rudely mix with it a quantity of fresh clay, then you would be compelled to go through with the same process again, and so it is with the digestion of our food ! It is a natural law of healthy digestion, that when the stomach becomes irritated, inflamed or diseaied, it requires rest for cure ! The importance of observing this principle is generally recognized in reference to all diseases of the body. No one afflicted with inflamed or sore eyes would think of using them in reading, &c, because they would soon learn from experience that the use of their eyes under such circum- 58 HOW TO ACQUIRE A HEALTHY STOMACH AND GOOD DIGESTION. stances, will be followed by increased pain and inflammation. The same law holds good in reference to all of the organs of the body when diseased. Use, under such circumstances, will increase the pain, inflammation and disease. If we suffer with indigestion, produced by functional or organic disease of the stomach, we must not forget that this organ requires rest, in order to recover its wasted energies. The failure of invalids to recognize and obey this natural law of their own organization, is one of the greatest ob- stacles to the speedy cure of all diseases of the stomach and organs of digestion. When the stomach of the dyspeptic becomes weak and ex- hausted, or diseased from over eating, so that it cannot digest even the smallest quantity of the simplest food without pain or suffering, he fool- ishly imagines that it can only be strengthened by giving it more labor to perform ! English factory children have received the commisseration of the world, because they were scourged to work eighteen hours out of twenty-four, but there is many a theoretic republican who is a harsher Pharaoh to his stomach than this, — who allows it no more resting time than he does his watch ! — who gives it no Sunday, no holiday, no vacation in any sense ! What would you think of a master who should compel his slaves to la- bor after they were fatigued and exhausted, in order that they might be refreshed and restored? You would certainly think that the only suitable place for such a man, would be the lunatic asylum. Nor is the practice of eating large quantities of even the simplest food, when the stomach is diseased and exhausted, more reasonable or less fatal in its consequences. Last Summer the author was requested to visit a sturdy mechanic suffer- ing with chronic inflammation of the stomach, brought on by over eating. He prescribed a low diet and rest, with suitable cooling remedies, &c. In a few days he had so far recovered, as to be able to be about the house, but was "dreadful weak," of course, and so told his wife that he thought if he could only "eat something nourishing" he would soon regain his strength. His wife inquired what he would prefer, when he replied he could not think of anything he could relish but some apple dumplings, so she cooked half a dozen for dinner, and after they were carefully prepared, he sat down to the table and began upon them, and in a few moments he managed to dis- patch five, when raising his eyes, he saw his little son looking so wistfully at the last one, when he gently patted him upon the head, observing "poor papa is sick," and swallowed the last one, barely escaping with his life. If the physician could only sew up the mouths of his patients, leaving only a small opening at one corner, there would be little trouble in curing the various forms of indigestion, and hence I say much more depends upon the patient than the physician in the cure of these affections. DISEASES OE THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION, 59 LECTURE VII. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. Having illustrated and described the structure, nature and uses of the different organs concerned in digesting our food, and the laws which gov- ern their growth, and maintain their healthy action, it now remains for us to study the causes of their diseases, the means of prevention, as well as the best method of cure. The organs of digestion are the most exposed, and consequently the most liable to abuse and injury, of any of the organs of the human body, and it is for this reason they are most frequently diseased. The stomach is easily assailable through the mouth, while the heart, brains, kidneys, &c, are locked up within the great cavities of the body, and cannot be reached except through the circulation of the blood, and for this reason they do not as frequently become diseased. The human stomach is made the common receptacle of everything clean and unclean, wholesome and unwholesome, whiskey, wine, beer, opium, tobacco, red pepper, mustard, pepper sauce, pickles, preserves, sweet meats, vinegar, hot cakes, hot tea, hot coffee, and cold ice cream, frequently eaten in enormous quantities, and at all hours of the day and night, keeping the stomach in perpetual commotion, and allowing it no time to rest and recover its exhausted energies. Many people who think them- selves perfectly sane, deliberately apply to the exquisitely delicate and sen- sitive mucous membrane lining their stomach, many times a day, what they could not endure for an hour when applied to the hard tough skin covering the outside surface of their bodies, and yet wonder why the mucous mem- brane lining their stomachs so often becomes irritated, inflamed and diseased. Let some of our epicures and gourmands mix with their food some red peppers and mustard, some young onions and radishes, some pepper sauce and vinegar, some whiskey and tobacco, and make it into a poultice, and then apply it to their tough skins for an hour or two, by way of experiment, and many of them will discover what causes their stomachs to become irritated, inflamed and ulcerated. A few such experiments would teach them a most important lesson in practical hygiene, and the best means of curing diseases of the organs of digestion. When such pernicious habits of eating irritating and unwholesome food, and the use of stimulating beverages are followed by sedentary occupations, they are sure to produce irritation, inflammation and ulceration of the stomach and organs of digestion. 60 DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. Our ancestors ate plain food, and for that reason did not often eat too much. They had more exercise in the sun light and pure air, they retired early, and slept in well ventilated dwellings, and were far more regular in all of their habits, and for that reason enjoyed better health. Inflammation of the Stomach. When we eat plain, wholesome and digestible food, in proper quantities, and at proper intervals, and drink pure water, they will stimulate the or- gans of digestion to healthy action, causing an increased flow of blood to the stomach, followed by an abundant secretion of gastric juice, and the thorough digestion of our food, without the manifestation of any pain, or disagreeable sensation. But when we eat large quantities of unwholesome and indigestible food, salt meat, salt fish, green vegetables, sour unripe fruit, sweet meats, pastry, old cheese, fried cakes, hot cakes and coffee, cold ice cream, iced water, whiskey, beer, wine, &c, and other irritating and indigestible food, it will irritate the mucous membrane lining the stomach, causing congestion and inflammation, followed by the secretion of large quantities of ropy mucous, or slime, causing a foul stomach, vulgarly called " biliousness" by uneducated people ! If this disease is not cured by careful regulation of the diet, and proper medical treatment, it will soon cause pain and uneasiness, heat, burning sensations, with tenderness and soreness through the region of the stomach, wandering pains through the chest, headache, white furred tongue, &c. Fig. 32. ^ e accompanying il- lustration, (fig. 32,) re- presents the cavity of the stomach the a day after" eating and drinking at one of our fashionable parties. The mucous membrane has lost its pale pink color, and as- sumed a deep purple red, and is congested with blood, and highly in- flamed. Its cavity, con- tains large quantities of slime or mucous, mixed with shreds and particles of undigested food. A single indulgence in eating and drinking will often produce, in this way, an attack of gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, that will require seve- ral weeks of temperate and sober living to remove. Treatment. When the mucous membrane lining the stomach becomes irritated, congested or inflamed, from the use of indigestible or unwhole- Appearance of the Cavity of the Stomach after indulging in the use of irritating and unwholesome Food and Drink. From the Author's private Cabinet. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. 61 some food and drink, all kinds of food and drink, even a little water, will increase the disease, often causing nausea and vomiting. When any of the lower animals suffer with disease of the stomach, they instinctively stop eating I — Abstain carefully from the use of all kinds of solid food for several days, use only boiled milk and lime water, or a little bread tea, or thin gruel, and drink only small quantities at a time of cool water ; and when there is much headache and fever, with restlessness, to remove the accumulated secretions of mucous from the cavity of the stomach and in- testinal canal, take one or two bottles of citrate of magnesia, in divided doses ! When the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestinal canal becomes irritated and inflamed, and the disease is neglected or improperly treated, and the person so diseased still continues imprudent, indulging in the use of irritating and unwholesome food and drink, the disease becomes chronic, and is soon followed by thickening of the mucous membrane lining the stomach with contraction of the gastric follicles, diminishing the secretion of gastric juice, causing terrible indigestion. When the mucous membrane lining the pyloric extremity of the stom-^ ach has been irritated and inflamed, in old long standing cases, it becomes congested and thickened, gradually diminishing the size of the pyloric valve, through which the partially digested food is discharged into the duodenum, causing the food to be retained in the stomach, producing flatulency, regurgitations or eructations of food partly digested, and mixed with slime or mucous, and sometimes with dark grumous or bloody mat- ter, of a sour, acrid taste, and exceedingly offensive smell. In many instances the mucous membrane lining the stomach, more es- pecially that part lining the pyloric extremity, becomes ulcerated (as seen in figure 33 .) When the Fig. 33. mucous membrane lining the stomach becomes ul- cerated, it will cause pain and soreness through the region of the ulceration, greatly increased by the use of irritating and un- wholesome food and drink, followed by great debility and exhaustion. Treatment The dis- Ulceration of the Mucous Membrane, and thickening of the Mucous Membrane with contraction of the Gastric Follicles, ease has nOW become chro- From the Author's private Cabinet. nic and far more difficult of management. In the treatment of all organic diseases of an inflammatory or ulcerative nature, rest is of the first importance 5 02 DISEASES OP THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. to secure success. When the arm is broken, after the bones are adjusted the arm is confined in splints, and placed at rest. When the eyes from over use or other causes, become inflamed and sore, they are covered with soothing applications, and the light is carefully excluded from the room to secure rest. When a man's carriage is broken down, he does not think of repair- ing it while using it. And so of the human stomach when it becomes dis- eased and broken down, it must rest to be repaired. Carefully abstain from the use of all kinds of food that is difficult of digestion. Boiled milk and lime water, bread tea, oatmeal gruel, sago, tapioca or farina, eaten very sparingly are the only kinds of food that will be admissible. The author has often been compelled in the treatment of ulceration of the stomach, to confine the diet to a tablespoonful of milk and lime water, once an hour or two, for several weeks in succession, before the stomach acquired sufficient strength to digest other food. The greatest obstacle to the cure of gastric ulcerations, is the difficulty of controlling the diet, particularly as the appetite is often morbid and ex- cessive, with a constant craving for food and a temptation to eat too much, or that which is injurious. The difficulty is often made still more conspic- uous by the absurd interference of friends, by their suggestions that the person will " starve" if they do not eat something, &c. If there is much tenderness and soreness over the region of the ulcera- tion, counter irritation should be produced, by means of stimulating lini- ments or plasters, which may be renewed sufficiently often to continue the irritation of the skin. Internally, the chlorate of potash should be ad- ministered in ten grain doses, three times a day, in a wineglassful of water. In many cases, especially among habitual drinkers and gross livers, ulcera- tion of the mucous membrane of the stomach may gradually extend itself, Fig. 34. until it finally perforates the coats of the stomach, allowing its contents to escape into the cavity of the abdomen, caus- ing violent inflammation, pain, exhaustion and death. It is often noticed, that persons of sedentary or confined employ- ments, who work at some kind of mechanical pursuit, are more liable to ulceration of the stomach than others en- gaged at different employ- ments. A confined, stooping position, interferes with the proper action of the stomach, and is very unfavorable to digestion, and often causes disease of the stomach. Ulceration of the Stomach, followed by perforation, &c. From the Author's Cabinet. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OP DIGESTION. 63 Ulceration and thickening of the mucous membrane lining the stomach, when neglected or improperly treated, more especially in certain constitu- tions where there is a hereditary taint or predisposition, is often followed by cancerous disease of the pyloric extremity, (as seen in fig. 35.) It is well known, that long continued irritation of any part of the body, will be followed by congestion, inflammation and thickening, or change of structure and functions, and finally the development of diseased or malig- nant action. Cancer of the lip is often produced by the irritation caused Fig. 35. Cancerous Disease of the Pyloric Extremity of the Stomach. by smoking, cancer of the tongue by the irrita- tion caused by a carious tooth, and even a wart or mole may become can- cerous by continued fric- tion or irritation. In cancerous diseases of the stomach, the skin assumes a pale, lemon waxy color, called the " cancerous ca- chexia/' followed by ter- rible neuralgia, or rheu- matic pains, frequent vo- miting of dark grumous or bloody matter, looking like " coffee grounds," followed by great emaciation, extreme debility, and finally dropsy and death. In many instances, ulceration of the stomach may extend upwards along the mucous membrane lining the throat, mouth, nose, &c, causing "ulcer- ated sore throat/' " canker in the mouth/' " ozena/' &c. Or it may extend downwards through the Fig. 36. pyloric valve, (as seen in fig. 36,) causing ulceration of the small intestine or the large intestine, with great irritability and weak- ness of the bowels, and constant tendency to diar- rhoea. In many cases of long standing, more espe- cially, when complicated with disease of the lungs, or consumption, ulceration of the mucous membrane lining the small and large intestine, causing Ulceration of Stomach A, and of the Pyloric Valve C, and of the Duodenum B. 64 DISEASES OP THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. Fig diarrhoea, is almost always present. When the lining surface of the upper portion of the small intestine becomes inflamed and thickened, it causes a contraction of the mouths of the gall and pancreatic ducts, (see fig. 36, 1 and 2) preventing the secretion of bile and pancreatic juice, causing congestion and enlargement of the liver, with a new train of symptoms. When the liver becomes torpid, con- gested or enlarged it will cause pain, weight and heaviness in the right side and shoulder, with tenderness or sore- ness, on pressure over the lower ribs of the right side, and constipation with a dingy, rusty or sallow skin, from re- tention of bile in the blood. Careful examination will show dulness and Enlargment of the Liver. dark outline. Shown by the face, known as nob nail" fulness or swelling of the right side, (as seen in figure 37) showing the liver in the dark space congested and en- larged. This form of liver disease often occurs in dram drinkers, and among habitual drunkards, and gross and imprudent livers. When neglect- ed or improperly treated, the liver gradually increases in size, and finally assumes a dirty straw color, and be- coming degenerated, acquires a fatty consistence with a knobby uneven sur- liver." The skin now assmes a dirty brown or dingy yellow color, the abdomen enlarges, respiration becomes short and difficult, the feet begin to swell, and finally dropsy manifests itself in the cavity of the chest and abdomen ! It is very rare that dropsy manifests itself as a simple disease. It is almost always caused by disease of the liver, heart, lungs or kidneys, and often proves fatal, only because the local organic disease causing it is incurable. There is no form of in- temperance more likely to produce disease of the organs of digestion, or more fatal in its consequences, than the pernicious habit of dram drinking, especially in the morning. The stomach being empty, is far more sensi- tive and impressible at this hour than at any other period during the day, and it is quite notorious that morning drinkers rarely live to become old men! Treatment. When the liver becomes torpid, congested and enlarged, the diet should be carefully regulated. Avoid the use of fat meats, but- ter, gravy and oily food, and the use of all alcoholic stimulants, such as DISEASES OP THE ORGANS OP DIGESTION. 65 beer wine, whiskey, &c. Sponge the skin over the region of the congested and enlarged liver, with the nitro muriatic acid, night and morning. Fig. 41. Cavity of the Abdomen with enormous Eulargment of the Liver, caused by Intemperance. The nitro muriatic acid bath for this purpose, should be made about the strength of ordinary vinegar. If the bowels are confined, use mild laxa- tives, and avoid the use of mandrake and other drastic purgatives, as cal- culated to irritate the liver, and do more harm than good. As a powerful tonic to stimulate the liver and restore its healthy functions, no remedy will be found equal to the diluted nitro muriatic acid, taken in doses of ten or fifteen drops, after eating three times a day. 66 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. LECTURE VIII. DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. Wlien the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestinal canal becomes irritated, inflamed or ulcerated, or when the liver becomes torpid, congested or enlarged, the symptoms will vary according to the nature, ex- tent and duration of the disease. The appetite is changeable, in some cases it is diminished, but much more frequently it is excessive, with feelings of faintness and hunger, nearly all of the time. When the stomach is weak or diseased, and does not digest our food, it will not nourish the system, and so satisfy the crav- ings of hunger. An excessive or morbid appetite is a common symptom of weakness or disease of the organs of digestion. Disease of the organs of digestion also causes foul breath, bitter, acrid disagreeable taste in the mouth, with a furred tongue, especially early in the morning, flatulent eructations or belching, regurgitations of acrid, bitter fluids, or mucus mixed with food, wandering aches and pains in the side, chest, shoulders, head and back, nervousness, fluttering and palpitation of the heart, with unsteady and irregular pulse, trembling feelings, sinking and fainting sensations, starting in the sleep, dreams and unrefreshing slumbers, wakefulness, pain and tenderness beneath the left breast, often extending up through the chest and down, through the bowels. When our food is not digested, it ferments, putrifies and decays in the stomach and boy els, like yeast, forming a large amount of gas or wind, and acid, with frequent belching, vertigo or dizziness, headache, defective memory, small, weak pulse, feeble circulation, cold hands and feet, &c. When the liver becomes involved, and disease of the stomach becomes complicated with torpor, or disease of the liver, then the bowels become constipated or irregular, with occasional looseness, and slimy or mucus stools. The urine is often scanty and high colored, with red or brick dust col- ored sediments on the bottom of the vessel, if it stands over night, causing irritation and inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, and water passages, with pains in the loins and back, smarting or burning sensations through the bladder, urethra, &c. Very few persons appear to appreciate or understand the various symp- toms caused by diseases of the organs of digestion. Almost always these symptoms are thought to indicate disease of the heart, lungs, brain, kid- DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. 67 ncys, and other organs of the body, for the reason, that when the organs of digestion become diseased, all of the other organs of the body often become affected sympathetically, causing many erroneous conclusions as to the origin and nature of the disease. The stomach and organs of digestion are to the other organs of the hu- man body, what the roots are to the tree or plant. Cut off or destroy the roots, and the leaves, the flowers, and the fruit will all wither and perish. When the stomach and organs of digestion are strong and healthy, and our food is well digested, it will form rich pure blood. The food we eat to-day is formed into the blood which circulates in our veins to-morrow* and the next day it is worn out and cast off from the system. Our blood is constantly changing, constantly being renewed from the food we eat, and then entering into the formation of the various tissues and organs of the body, then wearing out, and dying, and being cast off in the form of the various secretions from the skin, lungs, kidneys, and other organs of our bodies. Our blood is not the same day after day, and year after year as many people fancy, but is constantly changing, and its quality and quantity will always depend upon the food we eat and digest. The blood is made out of our food and must partake of its nature. Good food well digested will make good blood, and bad food badly digested will make poor thin and impure blood. In fact the whole nature and appearance of any animal may be changed and wonderfully improved, by a skillful management of its diet, as has often been shown by experiment. The blood cannot be cleansed and purified by dosing with mandrake pills, whiskey bitters, &c, as so many ignorant and superstitious people fancy. How many poor, wretched, ignorant and superstitious invalids have killed themselves, swallowing cart loads of brimstone and cream of tartar, bone set and catnip tea, pills, bitters and panaceas to (< cleanse the hlood" more especially in the spring of the year, when a little knowledge of them- selves would have shown the absurdity of such treatment. When our blood is rich and pure it will heal all diseases, and repair all injuries. Every one has seen how rapidly the flesh of a young child will heal, when injured by accident, and how slow is the recovery of the aged and infirm. When a child breaks his leg, how soon he will recover, and how slow and doubtful the recovery of the old man. The young and vigorous are rarely afflicted with any chronic diseases, while the aged and debilitated are often so. Young children having vigorous stomachs and good blood making powers, their blood is rich and rapidly heals, and restores every part of their bodies that may be diseased, or injured by accident. Not so with the aged and infirm, their stomachs and organs of digestion having 68 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. been abused for many years, are at last worn out, and their blood becomes so impoverished that it cannot repair the waste and wear incident to life, and death often comes without any serious organic disease. Indigestion often causes the skin and complexion to become rusty and dingy, sallow, faded and spotted, owing to the retention of various impuri- ties in the blood, which ought to be cast off and discharged from the sys- tem by the action of the liver and digestive canal. When our food is not promptly digested, the starch and sugar which it contains will often undergo the process of fermentation in the cavity of the stomach and intestinal canal, forming large quantities of lactic acid and alchohol, which is absorb- ed into the blood and sent to the brain, causing vertigo or dizziness — a spe- cies of alchoholic intoxication The lactic acid is also sent to the nerves and muscles, causing nervous irritation and neuralgia, rheumatism, &c. No pathological fact is better established at the present day, than that neuralgia, rheumatism and gout, in all of their various forms and phases, are produced by the accumulation of lactic acid in the blood, and that they are the result of imperfect digestion of our food. The formation of large quantities of lactic and other acids in the cavity of the stomach and intestinal canal, causes great irrtiation of the mucous mem- /brane lining the cavity of these organs, which often extends upwards to the cavity of the throat, causing irritable, sore throat, and also to the cavity of the nose, causing irritation, and the secretion of large quantities of mucus and discharges from the nose, &c, called nasal catarrh. This irritation of the mucous membrane is often extended downwards from the throat along the mucous membrane lining the air tube into the lungs, causing burning or smarting sensations, with profuse discharges of mucus or slime, and is known as pulmonary catarrh, or bronchitis. In nearly all cases of fatal chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, rheumatism, scrofula, &c, when the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestinal canal is carefully examined, numerous traces of dis- ease will be discovered. Sometimes it will be congested, red and inflamed, and in many cases of long standing disease, thickened and ulcerated, thus proving conclusively, that fatal complications, or diseases of other organs were originally caused by chronic inflammation, congestion, thickening or ulceration of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal. In many instances the author has observed the mucous membrane de- tached, leaving the inside surface of the stomach and intestinal canal raw and granulated, like the surface of the skin when the cuticle has been removed by the action of a blister. In other cases of chronic diseases of the heart, lungs and kidneys of long standing, after death, when the stomach and intestinal canal were examined, the gastric follicles, which secrete DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. 69 the gastric juice to digest our food, were found contracted, and nearly ob- literated, destroying the powers of digestion. In some instances, the dis- ease had extended downwards through the pyloric valve into the duodenum, or second stomach, causing congestion, thickening, and ulceration of the mucous membrane, with tendency to diarrhoea, &c. The biliary and pan- creatic ducts, which open into this part of the intestinal canal, were often found contracted from thickening of the mucous membrane lining the du- odenum, so that the biliary and pancreatic fluids could not escape from the liver and pancreas into the cavity of the intestinal canal, causing most obstinate constipation, &c. Numerous examples of all these stages of dis- ease of the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestinal canal, may be seen in the author's private cabinet, containing by far the most exten- sive and costly collections of morbid anatomy, to be seen anywhere in this country, including duplicates of all of Thibert's splendid pathological col- lection, contained in his museum in Paris, with many valuable additions. Why Diseases of the Stomach and Liver are Not Cured. From errors of diet and other abuses the mucous membrane lining the stomach and bowels becomes irritated and congested, causing indigestion, &c, for the cure of which a dose of physic is taken, which only increases the irritation, and makes the disease worse. In the meantime the same bad habits of eating and drinking continue, and the mucous membrane becomes red and inflamed, causing flashes of heat, burning sensations, un- usual thirst, bad taste in the mouth, and the tongue is covered with white fur, looking as if the person had been eating boiled milk, for the cure of which more pills are taken. When long continued, this inflammation will result in thickening of the mucous membrane lining the stomach, and con- traction of the gastric follicles, when the gastric juice cannot be secreted, and the bile and pancreatic fluids are not poured out by the liver and pan- creas, causing the bowels to become irregular or constipated, for the cure of which the poor irritated and inflamed stomach is drenched with drastic and irritating purgatives, "mandrake pills" and "anti-bilious physic," which only increase the disease and despair of the invalid. For many generations all diseases of the organs of digestion have been grouped together without much distinction, and called " dyspepsia," because they caused indigestion, or "biliousness," or the liver complaint, because the bowels were constipated, and the skin sallow and rusty, for the cure of which many people have taken mercury or blue pill, mandrake and other physic, which perhaps gave a little temporary relief, but never cured any- body. They have treated the symptoms and not the disease which caused them,. They call the disease " dyspepsia" " liver complaint," "biliousness," "the blues," "nervous debility," &c, which are only symptoms of the dis- 70 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. ease which causes them. They never understood the true nature of the diseases of the digestive organs causing these symptoms, and for that rea- son could not cure thein, since we have no known remedies for unknown diseases. A common symptom of fever is "red cheeks," but no sensible person ever thinks of doctoring red cheeks ! When the fever which causes them is cured, the red cheeks will soon disappear. Pain in the head, dizziness, impaired memory, noises in the head, specks floating before the eyes, bad taste in the mouth, morbid appetite, pain in the shoulders, side, breast, spine, and abdomen, palpitation of the heart, short breath, cold hands and feet, irritable kidneys, torpor of the liver, constipation, rusty skin, sallow com- plexion, neuralgia and rheumatism, are as much symptoms of disease of the organs of digestion and nutrition, as red cheeks are of fever. More than three-fourths of those cases of chronic disease of the organs of digestion, for whom the author has prescribed a successful course of hygiene and medical treatment for the last twenty years, have stated that they had been doctored for "liver complaint," "dyspepsia," "general de- bility," ''nervousness," " spinal disease," "heart complaint," "rheumatism," "neuralgia," &c, and that they had "doctored far and near," had taken all sorts of remedies, and were no better, that they had tried "electricity," "turkish baths," "oxygen gas," &c., without any benefit. That is they had all taken remedies for their symptoms, and not for the disease which caused them. How to Cure Diseases of the Organs of Digestion. The very first thing to be done to cure chronic disease of the organs of digestion and nutrition, is to stop abusing the stomach I A man in perfect health can do a hard day's work without injury, while it would kill a sickly man to work an hour. And yet how few invalids appear to understand, that while a healthy stomach can digest three hearty meals every day, a diseased one cannot digest one meal. Heavy indigestible food is as injurious to an inflamed, ulcerated, or diseased stomach, as hard work is to an invalid. A healthy stomach secretes about twelve pounds of gastric juice every tvrenty-four hours, while a diseased one often secretes only a few ounces, and consequently, its power to digest food is greatly diminished. It re- quires four or five hours for a healthy, vigorous stomach to digest a hearty meal, and during all of this time the stomach is kept hard at work, and in constant motion, continually forcing the food round its cavity, constantly rubbing its inward surfaces against the food contained in its cavity, and submitting it to a kind of churning motion, to dissolve and digest it. When the delicate mucous membrane lining the stomach and intestinal canal is irritated, inflamed or ulcerated, this constant motion and friction irritates still more and more its mucous surface, and increases. the disease! DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. 71 In all cases of disease of the stomach and organs of digestion, it will be necessary to give them as little work to do as possible. For this pur- pose, the treatment should be commenced with very simple and easily digested food. Having experimented largely with many kinds of food, the author is fully convinced that there is no diet that will agree so universally as boiled sweet milk and lime water. Boiled milk will digest when the stomach is so irritable and weak that it cannot digest raw milk, and the addition of a little lime water will prevent fermentation, and the forma- tion of gas and acids. The author has never yet met with a stomach so weak and irritable that milk and lime water would not be digested. It is often necessary to continue this kind of diet for several weeks, with no Qther food, until the stomach acquires sufficient strength to digest it. Boiled rice, sago and tapioca, will digest in about one hour, in a healthy stomach, while it requires about three hours to digest good wheat bread. Continue the milk and lime water, until the stomach can digest it without much inconvenience, then add a little boiled rice, sago or tapioca, and as the stomach becomes stronger, a little boiled fresh white fish, then boiled lamb and mutton, gradually increasing the diet, and carefully observing that it is well digested, without any pain, or feeling of fulness, or other inconvenience. Use no soups of any kind. It requires four hours for 2 healthy stomach to digest beef soup ! It is a very difficult task to adapt the diet to the wants of a diseased stomach, and it requires very nice discrimination, and great experience, founded upon long observation, to do so successfully. Any cheap quack doctor can dose a poor ignorant, superstitious invalid, with mandrake pills and whiskey bitters, until he dies, but it requires a profound physiologist, a good chemist, and a first-rate cook, to know how to prepare food adapted to a diseased stomach. Again, to cure diseases of the organs of digestion, the invalid must stop taking pukes, purges, and harsh, drastic irritating and stimulating re- medies. Many sick people will tell you that they have been ill ten, twenty, thirty, and even forty years, and have taken bushels of mandrake and Indian vegetable pills, bitters, &c, and "the more they take the more they have to take/' and that " they are sick and tired of doctoring," &c. Now, is it not amazing that any human being, endowed with a particle of com- mon sense, will continue such an insane course of treatment for years, and grovi worse all of the time, until death finally puts an end to their torments ? Why, in the name of reason and common sense, do they not stop taking remedies that irritate the diseased mucous membrane lining the digestive canal, and make them grow worse all of the time, until it finally kills them? / 72 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. When the stomach and organs of digestion are worn out, they need rest, and not stimulation. The gastric juice is the only true digestive fluid which can soften and digest our food, and when this fluid is deficient in quantity or quality, neither pills or bitters can take its place. Cathartics increase the irritation of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal, and by virtue of this increased irritation, they act as purgatives. They are only useful when any one has eaten injurious or unwholesome food, which causes great irritation and distress, or to remove poisonous and irri- tating substances from the cavity of the intestinal canal, and should be used with great caution, and only for a very short time. When used habitually by those in perfect health, they will soon create disease of the organs of digestion. Bitters composed of gentian, columbo, quassia, aloes, &c, and steeped in whiskey, have no power to digest our food. When taken be- fore eating they often stimulate the appetite, causing many invalids to eat too much, and then create feverishness and excitement of the circulation and irritation of the mucous membrane, during the process of digestion. Having tested very extensively the value of purgatives for the cure of habitual constipation, and "bitters" for the cure of irritation, inflammation, ulceration and other diseases of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal, for the last twenty-five years, the author has finally come to the con- clusion that they only increase the disease, and consequently do more harm than good. The gastric juice which digests our food, is composed of water, holding in solution pepsin, chlorohydric and lactic acids. It is often called the rennet, and when obtained from the stomach of the calf or pig, is used to coagulate milk, and for the manufacture of cheese, &c. When this fluid has been obtained from the calves' stomach it is found to possess the most wonderful solvent powers. Bread, meat, vegetables and fruit, are quickly dissolved and digested by its action, outside of the body. Now when the human stomach has been abused, and is worn out by long continued use of indigestible and unwholesome food and drink, and has finally become irritated and inflamed, or ulcerated, rest and sufficient time for recovery may often be secured, by the use of small quantities of the most simple, nourishing and easily digested food, and the use of a little pepsin, prepared from the calves' stomach to digest it. It should be of good quality and prepared with great care, and without the use of wine or alcohol It is a curious and instructive fact worthy of the attention of dram drinkers, that alcohol coagulates pepsin, or the active principle of the gastric juice, and renders it comparatively inert. All alcoholic beverages or " whiskey bitters," taken with our food to aid digestion, only increase the disease. All dram drinkers soon become dyspeptics, and finally confirmed invalids. DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. 73 Mixing whiskey with albumen for invalids such as "milk punch," and " egg nog," is simply an absurdity. Whiskey coagulates and hardens the albumen rendering it as tough as leather, and exceeding indigestible. In fact it is only a useless waste of time, and throwing away valuable medicine, to try to cure indigestion in those who use alcoholic beverages. Much of the pepsin in the market is found, upon an examination, to be utterly worthless, from its improper method of preparation. The au- thor has tried numerous samples, and found many of them inert, and for that reason prefers to extract this digestive fluid from the fresh calves' stomach, combining with it a little chlorohydric and lactic acids, for its preservation, and a little quinine and nux vomica to increase its tonic properties, forming a kind of digestion restorative which he has used extensively in his private practice for many years, with great satisfaction. It contains no alcohol or other stimulants, and is free from all purgative or irritating qualities. It is an artificial digestive fluid, as near like that prepared by nature to digest our food as it is possible for the chemist to prepare, and is purely restorative in its action. But it must not be forgotten by invalids that pepsin, or any other rem- edy, no matter however useful it may be in its place, cannot regulate bad habits, or change injurious and unhealthy employments, or reconcile vari- ous wicked and sinful indulgences in eating and drinking, with good health ! The mere use of any remedy, however valuable, will not be sufficient to cure diseases of the digestive organs, or any of their dangerous complica- tions. "Pain and disease are the punishment of sin." "We must cease to wickedly abuse the organs of digestion by violating the natural laws which govern their growth, and maintain their healthy action. No part of the treatment of diseases of the organs of digestion is so important as the diet, and without the most careful attention to this all-important mat- ter there is no possibility of a cure. The diet must be carefully adapted to the wants of each particular case, to insure the most prompt and cer- tain relief. Food which agrees very well with one person will not always agree with another. The stomach is so weak and irritable in some persons, that no kind of food can be digested except with extreme difficulty. In some persons even a few swallows of water will cause pain in the stomach, followed by vomiting. In such cases it is best to commence with very small quantities of milk and lime water — one part lime water and two parts milk. Take from a tea to a tablespoonful once an hour, and continue this low diet for a week or two, or until the stomach becomes stronger. After trying many kinds of food in inflammation and ulceration of the stomach, the author has never been 74 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. able to find any thing which would take the place of good, new, sweet milk, and lime water, in small quantities. When the stomach becomes a little stronger, and the power of digestion improved, then a little oatmeal gruel may be used, or a little sago, tapioca, or farina, using only small quantities at a time. Quite as much depends upon quantify as quality. Most invalids have an idea the more they can eat, the more strength they will have. This a very common and most inju- rious error. It is not the quantity we eat, but that which is digested, which nourishes and strengthens the body. It may seem almost impossible for any one accustomed to fare sumptuously, to eat and drink what the appe- tite craves, that they shall subsist on milk and lime water. Yet the author can assure all such invalids that many persons have done so, and been rewarded with complete restoration to health. Now, it does not fol- low that because an invalid is compelled to live on this low diet for the restoration of health, therefore they will be compelled to live on it all of the rest of their lives. Dietetic Rules. A healthy man may eat almost any kind of food in moderation, but an invalid must live more prudently. Low Diet. Breakfast should consist of fresh boiled milk, with a little lime water if it causes flatulency or a feeling of fulness ; gruel made of oatmeal, toast, unfermented brown bread at least one day old, "hard tack," or pilot bread. The quantity not to exceed one teacupful of fluid, and three or four ounces of solid food. Dinner may consist of chicken broth, with rice, fresh, sweet milk, ar- row root, sago, tapioca, stale wheat bread, or rice pudding without eggs. Quantity not to exceed six ounces in bulk. Supper — oatmeal gruel, arrow root, sago, farina, or stale bread, only. Quantity not exceeding six ounces. It is only in cases of extreme ill- health that it becomes necessary to restrict the diet to this extent. Middle Diet. Breakfast — weak black tea, boiled milk, dry toast made of brown bread, oatmeal or white corn mush, hard tack. Quantity, six ounces in bulk. Dinner — chicken broth, beef tea, boiled fresh white fish, boiled lamb or mutton, potatoes, asparagus, stale wheat bread, maccaroni or rice pudding. Quantity, eight ounces in bulk. Supper — a little oatmeal gruel, or a cup of sago or arrow root. Quan- tity not to exceed six ounces. This course of diet is best adapted to those who have injured them- selves by over eating, or where health has been injured by various excesses. DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. 75 Full Diet. Breakfast — black tea or chocolate, toast, stale bread, and butter, boiled milk, oatmeal or white corn mush, and hard tack. Dinner — boiled lamb, mutton or chicken, mutton-chops, rump steak, roast or boiled beef, bread pudding, boiled rice or hominy, tapioca pud- ding, &c. Supper— hre^d and butter, dry toast, sago, arrowroot, farina, cornstarch or tapioca, and a cup of milk. What to Avoid Eating. Invalids should not eat the following : Cream, Mashed potatoes, Sprats, New bread, Sausages, Eels, Hot rolls, Stuffing of meats, Cheese, Fat bacon, Smoked beef, Pastry, Buns, Salt meat, Salads, Sweet biscuit, Salt fish, Kaw vegetables, Eich soup, Peas and beans, Cucumbers, Beef, Fried fish, Eadishes, Pork, Boiled salmon, Lettuce, Yeal, Mackerel, Nuts, Ham, Catfish, Cocoanuts, Fried potatoes, Fried mush, Fried cakes, Green tea, Coffee, Chocolate. The skin should be sponged all over every morning, with cool or cold salt and water, and after sponging wipe dry, and rub the skin vigorously with a coarse towel or fleshbrush. Then knead the surface of the skin over the abdomen with your hands, thoroughly, for at least ten minutes. If constipated, drink a glass of cold water before shampooing the surface of the abdomen, to stimulate the digestive organs to healthy action. Ex- ercise in the open air half an hour before breakfast. Avoid fatigue or over-excitement soon after eating food. Take plenty of light exercise between meals, in the sunlight and open air, but not just before or imme- diately after eating. Lay aside all books or papers, except for amusement. In conclusion, all invalids should remember that no man can be healthy and happy, until he studies and understands the laws of his own being, and obeys them. However graciously the good Being deals with the hearts of mankind, all observation and experience proves that he never pardons the stomach or the liver. These organs of our bodies must expiate the penalties attached to the disobedience of the laws governing their development and healthy action unvicariously I Medicines and other remedies, may be useful in their proper places, to relieve fits of ache or pain, yet the re-establish- ment and maiutenance of health depend upon different powers and prin- ciples. 76 DISEASES CAUSED BY INDIGESTION. Pain and disease, and premature death are the punishments of sin, and sin consists in the violation of some one or more of the sacred and divine laws, which govern the growth and maintain the healthy action of our phy- sical, mental or moral natures. All pain and disease are assigned by the all wise and good Being for our good. First, by informing us that we have done wrong — that we have wickedly violated a law of our being, and then compelling us to reform or live more prudently, in order that we may be happy. It is as absurd for any human being to violate any of the known laws of health, and then when overtaken with pain and disease, as the proper penalties attached to their violation, to expect to take medicines to reconcile his sinful way of living with happiness in this world, as it would be for him to violate all of the known moral laws of our being, and then take pills and physic to prepare him for the enjoyment of heavenly bliss iu the world to come. The science of human physiology teaches us that pain, disease, suffering and premature death, are the penalties which the Creator has attached to the violation of the laws of health, and that "good health" and long life, are the just and proper reward of obedience of the laws which he has es- tablished to govern the healthy action of our physical, mental and moral natures, which man in his intelligence is capable of appreciating, studying and obeying. Numerous formulae for the treatment of various diseases of the organs of digestion, will be found in the appendix. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 77 LECTURE IX. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. The organs concerned in the circulation of the blood consist of the heart, •which is the great central organ of the circulation, and numerous thick, Fig. 4? The Heart, and Origin of the Principal Blood Vessels. 78 CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. strong, elastic tubes called arteries, which carry the bright red arterial blood out into all parts of the body, to nourish them, and the numerous thin blue veins "which return the old, dark, worn out and impure, venous blood to the heart again, after it has yielded up its nutritive elements to all of the tis- sues of the body, and becomes loaded with various poisonous and impure substances, so that it may receive more nourishment from the food we eat, and then be sent out into the lungs, where it is brought in contact with the air we breathe, and is cleansed and purified, and has "breathed into it the breath of life," and is rendered a living fluid, and is then sent out again into all parts of the body to nourish them. The Heart. The heart is situated behind the breast bone in the cavity of the chest, and between the lungs. It is inclined diagonally across the cavity of the chest, so that its base or upper extremity is directed towards the right shoulder, and its apex or lower extremity toward the left side, (see fig. 19.) The heart is surrounded by a thick, strong membranous sack called the pericardium or heart case, which serves the purpose of attaching the heart to the spine, and retaining it in its proper place in the cavity of the chest. The heart case is also lined with a thin delicate, serous membrane, which secretes a small quantity of a fluid called serum, which lubricates the sur- face of the heart, and prevents it from being chafed and irritated, as it otherwise soon would be from the friction resulting from its constant motion. During the progress of rheumatic fever, sometimes the lining surface of the heart case becomes inflamed, inducing that disease called "pericarditis." When neglected, or improperly treated, this disease may result in the effusion of water into the cavity of the heart case, causing dropsy of the heart case, or hi/drop pericardium. It is the liability of this occurrence which always renders rheumatic fever such a critical and danger- ous disease, being so often followed by or- ganic disease of the heart. The human heart is conical in shape, measuring about six inches in length, and four inches in breadth, and weighs about twelve ounces. It is said to be somewhat larger in the male than in the female, but the female heart is said to make up in superiority of quality all that it lacks in quantity, being so much Pericarditis. The Pericardium is partly removed from the surface of the heart seen covered with lymph. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 79 sweeter in women than in men. The heart is also a double organ, not, I trust, in the poetic sense of a true and false heart, but anatomically it is divided into a right and left side. The right side of the heart contains two cavities, called the right auricle and right ventricle, and is connected with the two principal veins above and below the heart, called the ascend- ing and descending vena cava, and only designed to circulate the dark, impure venous blood. The left side of the heart also contains two cavi- ties, called the left auricle and left ventricle, and is connected with the principal artery called the aorta, and is only concerned in circulating the bright red arterial blood. Fig. 44. Interior of the Heart, containing four Cavities. The right upper cavity of the heart is separated from the right lower cavity by a thin floor or partition, containing a small opening called a valve, which opens and shuts every time the heart beats. From the inner margin of this valve, fine, white, silvery cords are seen attaching themselves to the fleshy columns arising from the interior of the heart. The blue veins arise in minute branches from all parts of the body, and uniting together finally form two principal veins, above and below the heart, called the ascending and descending vena cava, which terminate in the right upper cavity, called the right auricle. 80 Fig. 45. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD If we examine the lower extremities as seen in the accompanying il- lustration, we shall notice upon the toes and feet great numbers of little blue veins, which soon become larger by coales- cing with each other as they ascend the limbs, towards the heart, just as we see many little brooks joining together to form a river. The principal veins of the legs ascend along the inside of the knee joints, and are call- ed the internal saphena veins, which soon enter the cavity of the abdo- men and unite together, forming one large vein in front of the spine, called the ascending vena cava, which soon terminates in the right upper chamber of the heart. (See Fig. 42.) Sometimes the veins of the legs become dilated and enlarged, in conse- quence of standing too much upon the feet, pre- senting an enlarged, tor- tuous or knotty appear- ance beneath the skin, called varicose veins of the The Heart, Arteries, and Veins. le g S ' "^^ ^ W °° d VeS " sels become dilated in this way, the blood does not circulate, but accumulates in the dilated veins, caus- ing the limbs and feet to swell or "stock" so much during the day, while stand- ing, that it is with difficulty the clothing can be removed from the feet at night. When the blood accumulates in the dilated veins in this way, it CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 81 Fig. 46. will often cause severe cramps in the limbs at night, for the cure of which many ignorant and superstitious people are in the habit of fastening flax round the leg below the knee, with the knot on the left side, in the "new of the moon/' All such ligatures will only increase the difficulty by. still further arresting the circulation in the legs. Elastic stockings, composed of silk and soft rubber, worn during the day, are the only palliative of this infirmity. It is often cured, in severe cases, by a surgical operation. When the circulation of the blood becomes slow and imperfect in the legs, on account of enlargement of the veins, the blood vessels sometimes become inflamed and suppurate, forming indolent ulcers, called dead sores, which discharge a thin briny fluid, and will not heal like an ordinary ulcer, be- cause the blood does not circulate, nour- ish and repair the waste and disease of the parts. These indolent ulcers caused by dilated veins may be quite small, or may extend entirely around the limb, and are very annoying and troublesome. It will be useless to try to cure them by the use of ordinary salves and ointments as long as the person afflicted continues to work standing upon the feet. If any one afflicted with indolent ul- cers of the legs lays down, with the feet well raised up, the blood will return towards the heart, and the swelling and redness soon disappear. Wash the ulcers three times a day with a weak solution of carbolic acid and water, and then dress them with the colloid styptic (see appendix), and keep the ulcerated limbs in this position until the ulcers heal. If we examine the fingers and hand we shall discover numerous little blue veins, which run into each other as they ascend the arms towards the heart, and when they reach the neck they unite with the larger blue veins coming down on each side, called the jugular veins, forming a large but short vein, called the descending vena cava, which also terminates in the right upper chamber of the heart. We have thus seen how all the old, worn out, impure venous blood is collected by means of these large veins and their numerous small branches, from all parts of the body, and is poured into the right upper chamber of the heart. The right upper chamber of the heart will contain about two ounces of blood, and when it dilates or enlarges, it exerts a kind of suction influence upon the blood contained in the large veins, drawing it into its Indolent Ulceration. 82 CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. Fig. 47. canity. If by accident a small opening is made into either of the large veins near the heart, when the right auricle dilates its cavity it will be filled with air, and so arrest the circulation of the blood, and prove fatal in a few moments. In all surgical operations near the heart, this accident must be carefully guarded against. As soon as the right upper chamber of the heart is filled with venous blood its thin walls contract, and force the blood down through the tricus- ped valve into the right lower chamber, the walls of which in turn con- tract, causing the blood to flow backward, against the cords of the tricus- pid valve, forcing them together so as to close the opening in the centre of the valve, in the same way that a current of air closes a door or shut- ter. The valve being closed so that the blood cannot escape backwards into the right upper chamber of the heart, it is forced through the semi- lunar valves into the pulmonary artery, and out into the lungs, as seen in Fig. 47. The pulmonary ar- tery, which transmits the dark, impure ven- ous blood from the right lower chamber of the heart out into the lungs, divides in- to a great number of small branches called capillaries, which form a delicate net- work of blood vessels, covering the air cells of the lungs. As soon as the right lower chamber of the heart contracts, and forces the dark, im- pure venous blood out through the pul- monary artery into the little network of capillaries covering the walls of the air cells, then we draw in a full breath of air, and the air we breathe passes down through the windpipe into the little air bags, or cells, into which it terminates, fill- ing their cavities with air, and instantly changing the dark venous blood contained in the little capillaries from the darkest venous hue to the Interior of the Heart and Lungs, exhibiting the Windpipe termi- nating in the Air Ceils, with the dark Pulmonary Artery and the Pulmonary Vein. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 83 brightest scarlet red, cleansing and removing from the venous blood its poisonous carbonic acid, and breathing into it the vital principle called oxygen, which renders it a living fluid, and fits it to nourish and repair the wear and waste of all of the tissues and organs of the body. As soon as the blood has been cleansed and purified in the lungs, it passes over the surface of the air cells through the minute capillaries, and reaches the pulmonary veins, which bring it back, and pour it into the left upper chamber of the heart. The Left Side of the Heart. The left side of the human heart bears a general resemblance to the right side, only it is much thicker and stronger. It is composed of the left auricle or deaf ear, and the left ventricle, which are separated from each other by a thin partition, containing an opening called the mitral valve, from its fancied resemblance to the bishop's mitre. The left lower chamber of the heart gives off the principal artery, which is about one inch in diameter, and is called the aorta, and which soon di- vides and subdivides into great multitudes of branches, which are distri- buted to all parts of the body, (as in fig. 45.) Arterial Circulation. When the left upper chamber of the heart dilates and increases the size of its cavity, it exerts a kind of suction influence upon the blood contained in the pulmonary veins in the lungs, drawing it out of the lungs into its cavity, and as soon as it is filled with bright red, arterial blood, then its walls contract, diminish the size of its cavity, forcing the blood down through the opening called the mitral valve, into the left lower cham- ber, the walls of which are very thick and strong, and immediately con- tract with great power, diminishing the size of its cavity, and causing the current of blood to return towards the left upper chamber, and in doing so, it presses against the sides of the valve, and closes it; and when the blood cannot escape through the closed mitral valve into the left upper chamber of the heart, it is forced out through the mouth of the principal artery called the aorta, and by its numerous branches it is car- ried to all parts of the body, to nourish and preserve them in health. The aorta is about one inch in diameter, and after giving off two small branches called the coronary arteries, to nourish the heart, then forms an arch above the heart, which gives off large branches to the head and arms, and then turns downwards behind the heart, (see fig. 42,) and en- tering the cavity of the abdomen, sends branches to the stomach, liver, kidneys, the large and small intestine, &c, and then divides into two principal branches, which are distributed to the legs. 84 CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. Ca] oified them. illaries of the Web of a Frog' showing the Circulation of hiehb Capillary Blood Vessels. Having divided into a great multitude of small ^ranches, the arteries Fig. 48. finally terminate in minute hair like blood-vessels, called the ca- pillaries, through which the blood circulates into the small veins, and then returns to the heart again. While the blood circulates through the minute capillaries of all of the different tissues and organs of the body, (as seen in fig. 48, showing a part of the web of a frog's foot,) the little blood cells unite with the differ- ent tissues and organs to build them up, and repair their wear and waste, much in the same the Blood through way that bricks and mortar are used in the hands of a skillful mechanic to build or repair a dwelling ! Endo Carditis. The interior surface of the human heart is of a pale pink color, and sometimes becomes inflamed, especially during the progress of rheumatic fever, producing that disease known as endo carditis or inflammation of the interior of the heart. This form of heart disease is accompanied with fever and great excitement of the pulse, with copious de- posits of urate of lime, or red gravel in the urine, &c. Inflammation of the interior of the heart is a very dangerous disease, and when it is neglected or improperly treated may result in the effusion of plastic lymph from the bloGd, forming numerous firm bands inside of the heart, or adhesions attaching the valves to the interior of the heart, so that they cannot open and close when the heart contracts and dilates to circulate the blood. In other cases of endo carditis, when the Fig. 49. Endo Carditis. CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 85 Organic Disease of the Interior of the Heart. Formation of Fibrous Bands attaching the Valve to the inside of the Heart. disease is not promptly arrested by the use of the most prompt, active and ef- ficient treatment, effusions of calcareous or limy matter take place, followed by ossification of the valves of the heart, resulting in incurable organic disease of this important organ. Treatment of Endo Carditis. The best treatment for inflammation of the interior of the heart will be that which is found to be most successful for the cure of rheumatism, namely : careful regulation of the diet, avoid the use of food containing starch or sugar, and all substances capable of forming lactic acid in the blood. Absolute rest and quiet is indispensable. The vio- lent excitement of the heart should be controlled by the use of a few drops of tincture of digitalis, or tincture of aconite, (see formula in appendix.) The accumulation of lactic acid in the blood which is the cause of this disease, may be removed by the use of the various alkalies and their neutral salts, such as the bicarbonate and acetate of potash, &c, (see formula.) Action of the Human Heart. The heart is one of the most interesting organs of the human body. It is frequent- ly spoken of as being the seat of our pas- sions, as well as our moral sentiments. Sometimes it is said to be very bitter, and then again very sweet) sometimes wicked, and then good; sometimes very hard, and then tender A great variety of sensations, feelings, emotions and passions, are said to animate this interesting organ by the older poets and classical mythoiogists, and I am very much disin- clined to dispel any of their poetical or classical illusions, and yet I am required as an anatomist to assert that the human heart is as void of feeling during life, as a stick or a stone. Ossification of the Valves of the Heart from Rheumatism. 86 CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. The cardiac "branches of the pneumogastric nerves have no sensibility whatever. These nerves transmit power from the brain to the muscles of the heart, causing this organ alternately to dilate and contract, forcing the blood out through the red rivers of life, into all parts of the body to nour- ish them. If we cut the heart with a knife, or pierce it with a pin, it will not produce the slightest pain. Anatomists assign to the human brain the manifestation of feeling, and to the human heart the circulation of the blood, and when we come to study it in reference to its true functions, it will lose nothing in interest or importance. The human heart beats about seventy times a minute, four thousand two hundred times an hour, and more than one hundred thousand times every twenty-four hours. Every time the heart beats, two ounces of blood pass through its mysterious and wonderful chambers, one hundred and forty ounces each minute, more than two hogsheads of blood every hour, and more than eight tons of blood every twenty-four hours ! Now if we were to live to attain the age of Thomas Par of England, one hundred and forty-five years old, and we could collect all of the blood which had circulated through our hearts in this long life time, and load it in wagons, each wagon containing two tons, and drawn by four horses, covering three rods ; then the train of horses and wagons which would be required to transport all of the blood which had circulated through the heart, would reach more than three thousand miles ! Yerily, it is true that physiology, as well as astronomy, has its passing wonders. The human heart is estimated to contract with a force equal to about thirteen pounds, and to circulate the blood with such rapidity, that it all runs through the heart as often as once in two minutes, twenty-eight se- conds of time ! How to Stop Bleeding. When we divide the femoral artery above the knee, the human being will bleed to death in about one minute. When we divide the brachial artery above the elbow, in one minute and a half. When the carotid ar- teries in each side of the neck are divided, in half a minute ! No human being is exempt from the ordinary accidents incident to life, and hence the great practical importance of understanding the location of the princi- pal arteries of the body, and how to stop bleeding in case of accident and injury especially in this age of railroads, steamboats, &c, when accidents destructive of life and limb are continually occurring. Our temples and foreheads are supplied with blood by means of two large blood vessels which ascend close in front of our ears (see Fig. 42), called the temporal arteries. When any of the numerous small branches of the CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. 87 temporal arteries on our temples or foreheads are injured by accident, the bleeding can instantly be arrested by gentle pressure upon the principal artery close in front of the ear. Each side of our face, nose, lips, &c, are supplied with blood by means of two principal blood vessels, called the facial arteries, which creep up over the sides of the under jaw, about half-way from the front of the chin to the angle or corner of the jaw, as seen in Fig. 42, and send nn- merous small branches to the sides of the face, lips, nose, &c. When any of these small branches are injured by accident, the hemorrhage or bleed- ing may be arrested immediately, by gentle pressure upon the facial artery where it crosses over the surface of the lower jaw. In severe hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose, raise up the upper lip and place a firm roll of bandage, three inches wide and an inch in diameter, beneath the lip and resting against the surface of the upper jaw and teeth. Our arms are supplied with blood by means of large blood vessels called the brachial or humeral arteries, which at the elbow divide into two principal branches, called the ulna and radial arteries, which form an arch inside the palm of the hand, called the palmar arch, which gives off nu- merous little branches to the sides of the fingers. When we injure by accident any of these numerous arteries of the arm, hand or fingers, the hemorrhage or bleeding may be arrested immediately by gentle pressure upon the principal artery inside the arm, above the elbow. (See Fig. 52.) This is best accomplished , by twisting a Fig. 52. pocket handkerchief, and tieing a hard knot in the middle of it, and applying it around the arm, with the knot on the side next the body, over the artery, A. B. Tie it firmly, and then passing a short stick or pocket knife handle beneath the handkerchief twist it so as to make firm pressure upon the principal artery. The legs are supplied with blood by means of the large blood vessels called the femoral arteries, and which escape from the cavity of the abdomen near the middle of the front part of each leg, and wind around the legs on the inside, as they descend, and are seen Arm or Hand< behind the knee joint, between the hamstring cords, where they divide into two principal branches, called the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, and these in turn subdivide into many branches upon the feet, &c. When any of these numerous branches are divided or injured by acci- dent, we can arrest the hemorrhage, or stop the bleeding immediately, by How to stop Bleeding from the CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD. Fig. 53. stick beneath it, so as to make firm pressure, and the hemorrhage or bleed- ing will cease almost immediately. compressing the principal artery near the point where it escapes from the cavity of the abdomen, in the centre of the front part of the leg, as seen in Fig. 53, A C. At this point, near the body, the principal artery pulsates distinctly, and it may be easily com- pressed by the use of a pocket hand- kerchief or cravat. Twist the cra- vat by holding the opposite corners, and then tie a hard knot in the mid- dle. Tie this firmly around the leg, near the body, with the hard knot in front, near the middle of the limb. Twist the handkerchief with a short How to stop Bleeding from the Leg, Foot, &c. When the bleeding has ceased, wash out the wound carefully with cold water, and if only some of the small branches have been injured they will contract, and their mouths will be filled with little plugs of plastic lymph from the blood, in a few mo- ments, and the bleeding will be arrested permanently. But when the principal arteries are injured it would be unsafe to depend upon such an occurrence, and firm pressure must be continued until the surgeon can be sent for, who will tie the wounded blood vessel with a thread of silk. To allay pain and cause any wound to heal by the first intention, with- out suppuration or the formation of matter, all cuts and wounds should be carefully washed out with a weak solution of carbolic acid, containing one drachm of the acid to one pint of water, and after washing bring the edges of the cut carefully together with a few stitches or strips of adhe- sive plaster, and then apply a little lint saturated with the colloid styptic composed of washed sulphuric ether one ounce, tannin two drachms, col- lodion thirty grains, and cover with a well-adjusted bandage. This dress- ing allays pain and excludes the air, causing any wound to heal rapidly, and without suppuration or the necessity of cleansing and re-dressing. HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. LECTURE X. HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. The position of the body will exert an important influence upon the action of the heart and circulation of the blood. When we lay down to rest our hearts beat slowly. In all fevers and inflammatory diseases, at- tended with an increased activity of the heart and circulation of the blood, rest, in the recumbent position, is of the first importance to rapid recovery. All diseases of an inflammatory character are prolonged, and the danger greatly increased, by maintaining an erect position of the body, more especially while standing and walking about. When we stand up the heart beats much faster than when we lay down. Exercise stimulates the heart to increased activity. Physical, mental and moral employments are nature's own tonics, to in- vigorate and strengthen the organs concerned in the circulation of the blood. Man is, indeed, the creature of action. From the period of his birth until he disappears from the stage of life, the various organs of the body exhibit one continuous round of busy employment, and however unpleas- ant it may be to the idle and indolent, still they must learn that there is no excellence which can be secured — either physical, mental or moral — but by unceasing exertion. Idleness and indolence are, indeed, the greatest physical, mental and moral curses. They are the pale and withering pes- tilence which dry up the fountains of life, and envelope the noblest senti- ments and faculties of man in an impenetrable cloud of darkness and ignorance ! Poets and metaphysicians may talk of genius, and the innate powers of the human mind, but that quality which renders one man more scccessful than another is the genius of industry, which overcomes all obstacles, and accomplishes all results. Says Goethe, the great German poet, "the longer I live, and the more closely I observe mankind, the more clearly I see that what the world calls genius is but another word for indomitable energy and ceaseless activ- ity, and nothing but energy and activity ever yet did transform a two- legged animal into a man I" Trim again the midnight lamp, and by its feeble rays the silent student in his midnight cell mounts up the ladder of fame ! By toil he mounts step by step up the steep and rugged acclivities of the mount of science ! 90 HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. The first physicians by debauch were made ; Excess began, and sloth sustains the trade. By toil our long-lived fathers earned their food : Toil knit their limbs and purified their blood. But we, their sons — a pampered race of men — Have dwindled down to three-score years and ten. Better to hunt in fields for health, unbought, Than fee the Doctor for a nauseous draught. The wise for health on exercise depend ; God never made his works for man to mend. What but the magic and matchless influence of energy and toil has cast the peaceful cot of the husbandman beneath the receding shadows of our Western forests? What but energy, toil and activity, has covered our Western wilds with beautiful towns and cities? What but the same dis- play of indomitable energy and ceaseless activity has covered the bosom of every ocean with the whitening sails of our flourishing commerce? All hail to industry and activity! For my part, I would not lead a life of sickly inanimation and inglorious ease ! I would not sit myself down in an easy chair, and insult the mem- ory of our ancestors, by boasting that I live on the interest money of the hard earnings of a brave old father, and a glorious old mother, who now sleep quietly beneath the green sod of the valley. — Peace to their ashes ! Oh no ! I would not be so indolent and so mean, as to become a mere pensioner upon the honored dead ! I honor the laurels which overshadow the graves of our ancestors, and it is our fathers which I desire to emu- late, when I hope that, beneath the shadows of the evergreens and olives, which I myself, by mine own industry and activity shall have planted and watered, by and by, my ashes, like theirs, shall at last repose in peace ! Influence of our Passions on the Heart. Yery few persons have any adequate idea of the terribly depressing and injurious influence of our passions upon the heart and organs of the circula- tion. I mean anger, revenge, envy, jealousy, ambition, and all of the "base and fell passions" of the human heart. Many of the most cele- brated men that the world has ever known, have fallen victims to the manifestations of their own passions. The late John Hunter, whose name is classical in the annals of English surgery, labored under the influence of an organic disease of the heart, and often observed to his intimate friends, that he knew that his life was in the control of any worthless scamp who might deliberately insult him. And yet, strange to say, that with all of his profound knowledge of his disease and liabilities and the danger of excitement, he soon afterwards allowed himself to be insulted, and flew into a furious passion, and instantly fell dead ! HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. 91 And so of England's greatest orator, the illustrious lord Chatham. Hav- ing delivered a speech in Parliament, he was replied to in no very cour- teous language, when he arose, under a towering passion, to retort, and fell down in a swoon, from which he never recovered ! Sometimes I am asked if I do not think it is dangerous for people who have disease of the heart and lungs to take chloroform ? I answer yes, but not near as dangerous as it is to get very mad ! Before the French Revolution, diseases of the human heart were almost unknown, but the mental perturbation and excitements incident to that period, soon produced so many diseases of this important organ, that Co- visart, physician to Napoleon, collected a sufficient number to write the first important work upon the subject. The hazards of trade, and the anxieties of commerce, when men have heavily laden ships tossed upon the bosom of every ocean, the long nights of sleepless anxiety and doubt, whether vessels deeply laden with the wealth of the Indies, long over due, will ever enter port ; the rivalries of trade, when men are pitted against each other in business ; the bitter envies and jealousies of the professions, the despair and the vexation of poverty, the hatreds of sectarianism ; — these mental perturbations and excitements, being reflected upon the human heart, produce a fearful amount of dis- ease in that organ ! The same is true of ambition ! Many authors, poets and statesmen, have had different views of the origin and influence of this passion. By some it has been deduced from the gods themselves, and it has been re- presented as glowing in the breasts of kings, heroes, statesmen and philos- ophers. But this was not the testimony of one who had tasted all of its sweets, who had climbed all of its giddy heights, and who, alas ! had fa- thomed all of its treacherous depths, for, says he, Cromwell, " I charge thee, fling away ambition ! for by that mad passion the angels from heaven fell !" The hero of Macedon found the reward of his ambition in the G-ranicus, Hannibal in exile, Csesar in the Senate, Sidney upon the scaf- fold, while Sweden's mad monarch touched the goal of his ambition at Pultowa, Woolsey in disgrace, and Napoleon at St. Helena ! Influence or Our Moral Sentiments on the Heart. Having contemplated the disastrous influence of the manifestation of the passions on the heart, let us turn over another leaf in the history of a man's life, and study the beneficial influence of the exercise of the mo- ral sentiments — veneration, love, hope, charity, and the feeling of human brotherhood for all mankind, upon the organs of the circulation. Observe how the exercise of these glorious moral sentiments and feel- ings will stimulate and strengthen the weary heart to action, making it 92 HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. literally "leap with joy," and send the blood with a thrill of rapture out through the red rivers of life, into all parts of the body. Cultivate and exercise all of these feelings and sentiments as a means of attaining health, strength, grace, beauty, and long life ! Yerily, it is true, "that it is more blessed for a man to give than it is for a man to receive," and yet how few understand and practice this doctrine? A few kind words, a few smiles and nods of recognition, and a few warm shakings of the hand, all trifles and cost nothing, and yet they constitute all of the real difference any one can discern between the true lady and the mere woman ; between nature's nobleman and the coarse, rude boor ! On the ear of him who else were lonely ; who feels himself shut out from the world and all of its blandishments and its powers ; wrapped up in his own gloomy thoughts and imaginings, how sweetly will fall the voice of sympathy and consolation ! Is it not strange, since every day's observation proves to us that we are all j ourneying along rapidly together to that far-distant country from whose bourne no traveller ever yet returned, that we must all soon lay down together in the common mother earth, that we are so sparing of that which costs us nothing at all — a few kind words of sympathy, a few smiles and words of encouragement, which might otherwise cheer the weary fellow-traveller along the journey of life. " 'Tis a little thing To give a cup of water ; yet its draught Of cool refreshment, drain' d by fever' d lips, May give a shock of pleasure to the frame More exquisite than when nectarean juice Renews the life of joy in happiest hours. It is a little thing to speak a phrase Of common comfort, which by daily use Has almost lost its sense ; yet on the ear Of him who thought to die unmourn'd, 'twill fall Like choicest music ; fill the glazing eye With gentle tears ; relax the knotted hand To know the bonds of fellowship again ; And shed on the departing soul a sense More precious than the benison of friends About the honor' d death-beds of the rich, To him who else were lonely, that another Of the great family " is near and feels." Influence of Dress on the Heart. The bony frame-work of the chest is exceedingly elastic and compressi- ble. The heart and lungs, as you have seen (Fig. 42), are so arranged as to accurately fill its entire cavity, and if the dress fits closely and com- presses the ribs inwards against the lungs, it will diminish the size of the cavity of the chest, and diminish the action of the heart. HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. 93 If a great number of our fashionable ladies could only look down through the mass of whalebones and buckram forming the waist of a dress made in the latest style, and witness the struggles of the heart to perform its appropriate functions, it would fill them with well-founded alarm. The amount of pain, disease, and human suffering which is produced by this foolish fashion can scarcely be imagined, except by those whose calling renders it necessary for them to be familiar with the causes of disease. The heart dilates every time it beats, and if the ribs and breast- bone are forced inwards against it, the effect must be disastrous to health. How often we may notice its injurious influence upon the brain and or- gans of voluntary motion, in our fashionable churches, where the chests of the fairer portion of humanity are clad, not in steel armor, but in the habiliments and trappings of fashion, often diminishing the vitality and force of the heart's contractions to such a degree as to render it impossi- ble to transmit sufficient blood to the brain to maintain consciousness, when they faint and fall upon the floor. Now, all old ladies instinctively understand what makes young ladies faint in church, far better than any doctor can tell them ; and when such accidents do occur, they seize the young lady under each arm and hurry her out of the meeting house quickly as possible, and at the same time glancing their eyes around slyly to see if any of the young men are trying to peak, and find out what caused the young lady to faint, and the very moment they get behind the door and out of sight, then the way the strings and hooks and eyes have to fly, would astonish the uninitiated ! Those fashionable ladies who dress too tightly may always be recognized in any church, as it renders them so very weak they cannot stand up dur- ing service without fainting, and consequently they are compelled to sit down. Now, is it not monstrous blasphemy, that human beings should go up to the temple of worship of the living Grod, with chests dressed so tight that their eyes stick out like cups and saucers, while they gasp for breath? It is a fact not well understood by the votaries of fashion and folly, that whatever diminishes the powers of the human heart, also diminishes the amount of blood sent to the brain, and that consequently small waists and small brains are intimately associated with each other. Examine, if you will, the long catalogue of female authors, poets and scholars, those who have written works that will forever render their names illustrious — such as Madame De Stael, Miss Cook, Mrs. Hemans, Mrs. Sigourney — proud monuments to the genius, beauty, and good sense of woman. — Examine the busts of these noble women, and you will find nothing of that delicate im- becility and beautiful weakness so characteristic of the daughters of mo- 7 94 HOW TO STRENGTHEN THE HUMAN HEART. dern fashion and folly. They all had large hearts, and great coarse waists to contain them. However lightly, we may think of this subject, we are all deeply inter- ested in the culture and improvement of the condition of woman, for it is woman that must determine the future condition of man ! Color, form, fea- tures, consumption, scrofula, idocy and insanity are all hereditary. They descend from the mother to the offspring; nor human law nor human de- vice can break the entailment! Thank Heaven! man in his selfishness and power cannot degrade woman without degrading himself. " The woman's cause is man's, They rise or sink together, dwarfed or God-like, Bond or free. If she be slight, ill-formed, miserable, How shall men grow ?" The mothers of America must, indeed, determine the sons of America. If the mothers of this country be the mere creatures of sentiment and fashion, mere parlor ornaments or animated waxwork ; mere playthings of society, then their children will be corresponding men ! Do we not read of the greatness of the old Roman state, and of the glories of Sparta, and have we forgotten that the terms Roman and Spartan mothers have been incorporated into every language where the deeds of Greece and Rome are remembered? Shall we ever forget the mothers of the heroes and patriots of the American Revolution? Shades of the immortal Washington and Franklin ! look down upon us from your celestial spheres ; teach us the virtues and the value of true woman ; no mere playthings or parlor orna- ments, but in the glowing language of England's poet — " A woman nobly planned, To warn, to comfort, and command : And yet a being, still and bright, With something in it of an Angel light." DISEASES OF THE HEART. 95 LECTURE XL DISEASES OF THE HEAET. The human heart is liable to a great variety of diseases, some of which are merely functional, and depend upon sympathetic causes, while others are organic, and depend upon change of structure. Inertia of the Heart. ]By far the most common of all diseases of this important organ, is debility or inertia of the heart, causing a small, feeble or irregular pulse, vertigo or dizziness, noises in the head, weak and feeble circulation, coldness of the extremities, &c. The action of the heart depends upon the power derived from the brain, through the agency of the pneumogastric nerves, and consequently, any habit, employment or indulgence, which weakens and debilitates the brain and nervous system, will cause inertia of the heart. It is quite notorious that the habitual use of strong tea and coffee causes nervous debility. In fact, tea, coffee and tobacco, are the greatest known disturbers of the heart, and frequently cause disease of this important organ. Inertia of the heart may also be caused by various excesses, or weakening and enervating habits and indulgences, such as over excite- ment of the mind, over exercise of the body, excessive venery, &c. Cure of Inertia of the Heart. For the cure of this disease, it will be indispensable that the diet, habits and employments, shall be carefully regulated. In the first place, tea, coffee, and tobacco, in all of their various forms, must be totally aban- doned, if the invalid honestly desires to get well j and the diet must be plain, simple, and nutritive, such as boiled rice, sago, tapioca, boiled fish, lamb, mutton, game, baked white potatoes, stale wheat bread, sweet but- ter, &c. Nux vomica, pyrophosphate of iron, and quinine, with the pre- parations of zinc, are the most valuable tonics in the treatment of this disease. (See formula in appendix.) Irritation of the Heart. The human heart often becomes irritated from disease of the neighbor- ing organs, more especially the stomach, and is often a sympathetic affec- tion, causing pain and tenderness through the chest in the region of the heart, with frequent excitement of the pulse, palpitation of the heart, greatly increased by exercise, with shortness of breath, &c. 96 DISEASES OF THE HEART. Treatment. When the disease is caused by reflex nervous irritation, produced by diseases of the stomach and liver or other organs, the disease which causes it must be discovered, and removed by appropriate treatment, and the excitement of the heart controlled by the use of a few drops of tincture of aconite or digitalis, once or twice a day. (See formula in appendix.) Neuralgia of the Heart. The pneumogastric nerves send branches to the lungs, heart, stomach, and other organs situated in the cavity of the chest and abdomen. These nerves frequently become the seat of painful neuralgia, causing great irregularity of the pulse, pain, and great uneasiness through the region of the chest and heart, much increased by exercise, and accompanied with flatulency, acidity of the stomach, &c. Treatment. All of those remedies which are found to be most useful for the cure of general neuralgia, will be found beneficial for the cure of this affection. Plain, simple, and nourishing food, shower baths, friction of the skin over the chest, regular habits, with the internal use of chemi- cal food, or the phosphates of iron and quinine, will be the most successful treatment. Hypertrophy of the Heart. Enlargement of the human heart is often caused by the inordinate ha- bitual use of arterial stimulants, such as beer, wine, ale, whiskey, brandy, &c, or over-excitement of the mind, or over-exercise of the body. The Yiq. 54. heart and arteries are exceedingly elastic, and may be easily distended or dilated by the long-continued abuse of arterial stimu- lants increasing the force and frequency of the pulse, and frequently cause the dilation of the cavities of the heart, and increase of the size of this important organ. Treatment. The most appropriate reme- dies for the cure of hypertropy or enlarge- ment of the heart will be abstinence from the habitual use of alcoholic stimulants, and the use of such remedies as tend to induce muscular contraction of the dilated cavities of the heart, such as the preparations of nux Hypertropy, or Enlargement of the vomica, astringent tonics, &C. (see formula.) Heart, with Increased Thickening of its Walls, &c, diseases of the heart. 97 Fatty Degeneration of the Heart. . Fatty degeneration of the heart usually occurs in fleshy persons of a lymphatic temperament, and is caused by over- Fig. 55. eating carbonaceous or fat-forming food, such as fat meat, butter, oils, sugar, starch, &c, and the free use of beer, wine, and alcoholic stimulants. When the tissues of the heart become degenerated and converted into fat, the contractile power of its muscular walls will be greatly diminished, causing a small, feeble pulse, cold extremities, shortness of breath, fainting sensations, debility, toothed for- ceps, and the eye turned in the opposite direction, when a small opening is made through a fold of the conjunctiva, expos- Operation for straightening a Crooked Eye. j ng the surface Q f the contracted muscle, which is quickly raised up with a blunt pointed silver hook, and cut off with a pair of curved scissors. When this operation is well done, it may be accomplished in one minute, with the loss of only a few drops of blood. After making sure by careful examination that the eye is perfectly straight, then it should be closed, and covered with soft cotton, retaining it in this straight position by careful bandaging, until the wound heals, which will be accomplished in a few days. This treatment by bandaging pre- vents the eye from turning out too far, or protruding forward, which might occur if means were not used to prevent it. The wound also heals far more rapidly if the globe of the eye is kept fixed and motionless. Notwithstanding the simplicity and ease with which this operation may be performed, and its beneficial results, many people assert that "they would not have their eyes straightened merely to improve their appearance, and gratify their vanity, pride, &c." Indeed they rather pride themselves on their refusal to do so as a sort of religious duty. It is evident that such people forget that they are commanded not only to cultivate and improve the mind and soul, but also the body. "Know ye not that this body is the temple of the living soul, and he who defiles this temple, him also will Grod destroy/' and yet it is defiled every day with bad whiskey, and worse to- bacco ! It is true, and yet we regret to say so, that it pays so far as dollars and cents are concerned far better as an investment, to cultivate and improve the body than the mind and moral nature. While the author dwells upon this subject, he is reminded of an amusing incident that occurred to him while lecturing in a town in New England, several years ago. One day a gentleman over seventy years old, called upon him with a very crooked eye to have it straightened, and it being very uncommon for a man of that age, to desire such an operation, the author was not a little curious to ON THE EYE. 213 know what could be his object. Now you know it is said, a man never does anything without he has some motive for doing it. So the author said to him, I can straighten your eye in one moment, sir, but it will make such a remarkable improvement in your appearance, that none of your friends will recognise you, and I shall be compelled to accompany you home and certify to your wife and family that you are the right man, or there will be trouble. u Ah," he replied " I buried my wife about six weeks ago ! " You did ! Well now I know what you are thinking about. Finally the old gentleman told the author as a great secret, that there was a charming widow who owned a big farm that joined on to his, and he had been thinking since his poor wife died, what a fine thing it would be to unite these two big farms togeth- er. Of course the author took pity on the poor fellow, and straightened his crooked eye in a few moments, and then sent down to Christodoro's under the Astor House, in New York, and bought him a nice black cur- ly wig, and when he got him all fixed up, he looked not much over forty, and made such a de- cided impression upon the heart of the widow, that the two farms were united in a short time. It pays well to repair the house we Fig. 126. live in, even in old and in proportion in Improvement resulting from an operation for Straight- ening a Crooked Eye. From photographs in the Au- thor's Cabinet. much more youth. The author has performed this operation for crooked eye, several thou- sand times within the last twenty-five years, with almost invariable success, and without the loss of a single eye. When skillfully performed, there is no surgical operation so invariably successful, or more satisfactory in its results. 214 ON THE EYE. LECTURE XXI. ON THE EYE. The globe of the human eye is composed of three skins or coats, the outside of which is composed of the sclerotica and the cornea, the middle or choroid coat and iris, the internal coat or retina. It also contains three cavities or chambers, the anterior chamber, containing the aqueous fluid, the middle chamber, containing the crystalline lens, and the posterior chamber, containing the vit- reous humor. The posterior portion of the outside coat of the hu- man eye called the sclerotica, is much thicker and strong- er than the other coats, and is united in front with the transparent cornea, much in - the same way that the metal- lic case unites with the trans- parent crystal of a watch, and for this reason the cor- nea is sometimes called the crystal or glass of the eye. To enable us to see dis- tinctly the figures upon the dial, it is necessary that the crystal of the watch should be clear and trans- parent, and so of the cornea in front of the eye. Inflammation of the Cornea. Fig. 128. Very frequently the cornea of the eye becomes inflamed and ulcerated, especially in persons of a weak strumous or scrofu- lous constitution, from neglect or improper treatment of any of the various forms of ophthalmia. This is a very dangerous form of inflammation of the eye, and if the pro- cess of ulceration of the cornea is not skill- fully treated and speedily arrested, it may extend through the inside coat of the cor- Inflammation and Opacity of the Cornea. nea an( j & \\ ow the aqueous humor of the eye to escape, and the iris to prolapse or fall forward against the opening in A Section of the Eye. 1, the Sclerotica or outside coat • 2, the Choroid Coat ; 3. the Retina ; 4, the Lens ; 5, Vitreous Humor; 6, the Cornea; 7, the Iris. ON THE EYE. 215 the cornea, to which it adheres and grows fast, and when the ulcer heals it may have a dense white spot or scar, called opacity of the cornea, seriously impairing or totally destroying sight. Treatment. This disease of the eye requires prompt and skillful treat- ment. The extreme delicacy of the parts involved, will not admit of tampering or delay. When the inflammation, fever and pain are violent, the bowels should be thoroughly opened by some active purgative, and the temples leeched or cupped, followed by the eye bath of warm salt and water. Open the lids so that the bath may cleanse out all accumulations of poisonous mucus beneath them, and then apply a few drops of a solu- tion of atropine, containing two grains to the ounce of water, to the sur- face of the globe of the eye, by means of a camels's-hair brush. If the cornea becomes ulcerated, then the eye should be kept quiet, and be well cleansed with the eye bath of warm salt and water, and a little diluted fresh ointment of the yellow nitrate of mercury, as large as a pin's head, should be placed beneath the lids, and then having closed them, rub gently with the end of the finger, to diffuse or spread the ointment over the surface of the ulcer upon the cornea. Middle Coat op the Eye. The middle coat of the eye is of a dark color, and contains numerous blood-vessels and nerves. The posterior portion of the middle coat of the eye is called the choroid coat, and the anterior portion, which forms a cur- tain or partition, separating the anterior from the middle chamber of the eye, called the iris, which varies in its hues, and so determines the color of the eye. Inflammation of the Iris. The iris, like the other coats of the eye, is liable to become the seat of inflammation, producing a disease of the eye, called iritis. This disease is well represent- ed in fig. 129. In this disease, the iris loses its natural color, the pupil becomes contract- ed and irregular, and loses its mobility. A vascular zone forms around the cornea, and there is great intolerance of light, with neu- ralgic pain over the eyebrow, coming on es- pecially at night. Treatment. The iris being situated be- hind the cornea, no local remedies can be applied directly to the seat of the disease. Cups and leeches should be applied to the temples, as a means of unloading the congest- ed blood-vessels of the eye, and the digest- Fig. 129. Inflammation of the Iris. 216 ON THE EYE. ive canal kept well opened, by the use of saline cathartics every morning, followed by the use of alterative tonics during the day. A few drops of a solution of atropia, two grains to an ounce of water, should be dropped into the eye night and morning, to dilate the pupil, and avoid as far as possible, the danger of closure by the effusion of lymph. The eye should be well covered with compresses wet with cold water, often repeated, and the person kept quiet and at rest. The Pupil of the Eye. The pupil is a small round opening in the centre of the iris, through which the rays of light fall upon the retina, productive of the sense of sight. This little opening in the iris is called the pupil, for the reason, that whenever we look into the eye, we shall see reflected a small image of ourselves, looking like a little boy at school. If any young gentleman will take the pains to look into the eyes of the young lady he thinks the world of, he can easily ascertain how small he looks in her eyes, and it will take all his vanity and conceit out of him in a moment ! Closure of the Pupil. The pupil sometimes becomes closed, in consequence of the effusion of plastic lymph from inflammation of the iris, causing total loss of sight. Treatment. This disease can only be relieved, and sight restored, by an operation for the formation of an artificial pupil. When the cornea is transparent, and the eye is in a healthy condition, a section is made through the cornea, and a piece of the iris is raised up, and cut out with a pair of delicate curved scissors, adapted to this purpose. After the ope- ration, the eye is kept closed, and covered with water dressings for a few days, until the inflammation subsides. The Crystalline Lens. The crystalline lens is situated behind the iris, see fig. 128, and in the middle chamber of the eye. It is round in shape, and convex upon both surfaces, and resembles the lens or glass used by watchmakers and others, to examine minute objects. It is designed to refract the rays of light, and magnify small objects, so that we can see them more distinctly. It is clear and transparent, so as not to obstruct the rays of light. Near-Sight. At birth the lens is always convex causing all persons at that period to be near-sighted, and by use it becomes flatter as we advance in life, causing far-sight in old age. All persons are born near-sighted and can only see objects at a short distance, and if they are prevented from exercising and training their eyes by looking at distant objects, they will remain near- V ON THE EYE. 217 sighted all through life. It is only for this reason that there are so many- more near-sighted women than men, so many more near-sighted persons of both sexes in cities than in the country, where there are greater opportuni- ties for exercising and training the eyes upon distant objects. On the contrary, when the eyes are trained and educated in early life to look at distant objects, the lens by use become flatter, and the sight is im- proved. Sailors and signal officers train their eyes, and cultivate the sense of sight so they can discern objects at a very great distance. Want of early training, looking at distant objects, is the principal reason why there are so many young ladies with short-sight. Treatment. There is no remedy for near-sight but to flatten the lens by use in looking at distant objects. The eyes of all young people who are afflicted with near-sight, should be systematically trained to look at distant objects many times every day without the aid of glasses, to remedy this defect. Grlasses should only be worn temporarily by near-sighted people for a few moments at a time, to examine minute objects. When used contin- uously they will prevent the eyes from gradually improving by use. Far-Sight. As already intimated the lens become flattened by use, causing far-sight, so that many persons are compelled to resort to the use of glasses, to obvi- ate this difficulty. Treatment. The lens being composed of soft and plastic materials, is capable of being moulded by proper manipulations so as to retain its con- vexity, or when by use it has become flattened its convex shape may be restored again. For this purpose there is no better agency than the ends of the fingers. Place the ends of the thumb and two fingers around the globe of the eye, and press them gently against it on each side, the lens being soft and plastic, pressure made in this way upon its exterior edges, will gradually mould and round its shape, and so improve and preserve the sense of sight. This course has been the practice of the author for years, and as he believes with much advantage. The success of many others might be mentioned, showing the practical utility of this course of manage- ment. John Q. Adams informed the author many years ago, that he had derived much advantage from this course of management of his eyes, being able to see perfectly without glasses, up to the time of his death. The well-known success of this distinguished statesman and others, led to the invention of what are called " eye cups/' for the purpose of restoring the eyes of old people who are afflicted with far-sight, but they were found to cause congestion of the eyes, and are unsafe on that account. Cataract. Cataract is also a disease of the crystalline lens. To enable any one to 218 ON THE EYE. see distinctly, the lens must be clear and transparent. In cataract it loses its transparency, and becomes opake, white or amber colored, so that light is no longer transmitted through it to the optic nerve. Sometimes only the delicate skin covering the lens, called the capsule, is affected, when the disease is called capsular cataract. In others, only a small spot upon the surface of the lens becomes opake, when the disease is called stellated cataract. In others, the lens becomes white, opake, and soft, and is termed soft cataract. While in others the lens becomes quite dense, and amber colored, and is then called hard cataract, as often seen in old people. Cataract is produced by a variety of causes. Sometimes it is congenital, the child being born blind. In others, it is caused by an in- jury, and is then called transmatic cataract. While in other instances it may be the result of inflammation, caused by over-use of the eyes, or by debility, resulting from failure of the powers of nutrition as often seen in old age. Treatment. Cataract can only be cured by an operation. In children or young people, when the lens is white and soft, it may be easily broken -p IG 13 q up and removed by solution, or what is sometimes termed the needle op- eration. The pupil being well dilated by a solution of atropia, to open the eye, and bring the opake lens dis- tinctly into view, the globe of the eye is steadied or kept in position by the ends of the fingers of the Bemoval of Cataract by Couching, or Solution operator, and his assistant presses of the Lens - firmly but gently against the sur- face of the lids, while the sharp point of the cataract needle is introduced through the coats of the eye, behind the iris in the posterior chamber. It is then carefully carried forward until its sharp point is brought into view as seen in fig. 130, when it is made to cut the lens into numerous frag- ments, which are then gently pushed a little to one side, when they will soon dissolve, and disappear, when the pupil becomes clear, and sight is restored. In hard cataract this operation is not so successful, being often followed by severe inflammation, and consequently is not so well adapted to restore sight as the operation by extraction, which is done as follows : The person being placed fuily under the influence of ether, the eyelids are retracted, and the globe of the eye is steadied by delicate forceps in the hands of the operator and his assistant, when a cataract knife is made to transfix the cornea in front of the iris, and cut its way out, as seen in fig. 131. A lit- ON THE EYE. :i9 Fig. 131. Section of the Cornea. tic gentle pressure now carefully made upon the outside surface of the lids over the globe of the eye, when the lens is seen to come forward, and is then quickly removed through the opening made in the cornea, as seen in fig. 132. When the lids are at once closed over the wound in the eye, and cov- ered with a soft cotton com- press to keep the globe of the eye fixed or steady while the the wound heals, which requires only a few days. Internal or Neryous Coat of the Eye. The optic nerve pierces through the two out- Fig. 132. side coats of the eye, and then expands itself into a beautiful web that lines the interior of the eye, called the retina, for the reception of im- pressions, which are produced by the rays of light reflected from various external objects, pro- ductive of the sense of sight, see fig. 126. These rays of light which are reflected from va- rious external objects, pass in through the small f round opening in the iris called the pupil, and Removal of the 0pake Lens> and fall upon the retina lining the posterior cavity Restoration of Sight. of the eye, casting their shadows upon it, producing an image, which is quickly transmitted through the optic nerve to the base of the brain, pro- ductive of the sense of sight. These impressions produced upon the retina, are much like those produ- ced by the rays of light reflected from various external objects upon the pol- ished plate, in the photographic apparatus in the process of taking pictures. But the human eye is vastly superior to any picture taking apparatus in- vented by human ingenuity, or by human hands, for when the ingenious artist would take a new picture, he must change his polished plate and re- adjust his apparatus. Not so with the human eyes, with what wonderful facility and amazing rapidity we can take the greatest number of most per- fect and beautiful pictures of all external objects — the green meadows, the meandering streams, the distant mountains, are all quickly photographed by the human eyes, and their most perfect pictures are at once hung around the vast galleries of the human brain, as a means of contributing to our pleasures and enjoyments. Nor are these pictures merely evanescent, or 220 ON THE EYE. like lights and shadows which flit before our eyes to dazzle us with their splendors, and then disappear forever. When these scenes are once im- pressed upon the sensoriuni, there they will remain forever, and from a single negative, the mind can produce millions just like it. By means of these wonderful picture taking organs, our eyes, we can gather vast col- lections of the most perfect and beautiful pictures from the White Mount- ains of New England, to the golden sands of the Pacific Ocean, from the blue hills of Scotland, to the sunny plains of France or Italy, or from the green islands of the Mediterranean, away down to the golden horn at Constantinople. And when all of these exquisitely beautiful pictures are once photographed by means of our eyes, we can hang them around the vast galleries of the brain, and in after years, when perhaps we may be- come blind as Milton in his old age, how we will love to sit at evening hour and call up all of these lovely scenes, as fresh and beautiful as when first taken in our youth. These eye pictures are all exempt from taxation, and free from all levy for debt at the hands of inexorable creditors. They are a part of ourselves, and they will remain with us forever. Diseases of the Interior op the Eyes. Diseases of the retina and interior of the eye are of frequent occur- ence, causing great pain, intolerance of light, and destruction of vision. Until quite recently very little was known of the true nature of these dis- eases. The invention of an instrument called the ophthalmiscope by Prof. Helmholz, has enabled us to look into the interior of the eye, and so Fig. 133. Examining the Interior of the Eye by means of the Ophthalmiscope. utf ertain exactly the nature of any disease that may exist in the retina, the ON THE EYE. 221 crystalline lens, the vitreous humor or the optic nerve, or the choroid coat. &c. The ophthahniscope consists of a concave mirror with a small open- ing in the centre, held before the eye of the examining surgeon, and a magnifying lens, held before the pupil of the person whose eyes it is pro- posed to examine. The pupil of the eye being well dilated by means of a solution of atro- pia, the person whose eyes it is proposed to examine is seated as shown in fig. 133, in front of an argand lamp, and the rays of light which are col- lected by the concave mirror, are reflected through the lens held in the left hand of the examiner, into the interior of the cavity of the eye, illu- minating the whole interior, so that all objects contained in its cavity may be seen as distinctly as if upon its outside surface, enabling us to determine at a single glance whether they are in a healthy or diseased condition* The invention of this invaluable instrument has conferred an inestimable boon upon mankind, and given a great impetus to the cultivation and ex- tension of the science of ophthalmic medicine and surgery, enabling us now to cure many diseases of the interior of the eye, which a short time since were regarded as incurable, and which if neglected are sure to result in total loss of sight. Before the invention of the ophthalmiscope the causes of many dis- eases of the eye were not understood, and all such diseases of the eye were treated with a great variety of remedies, which not only failed to cure the disease, but often done much injury to the constitution, and impaired the general health. Amaurosis. This disease, which has been so pathetically described by the blind poet, Milton, in his old age, was formerly supposed to indicate a disease of the eye, caused by weakness or palsy of the optic nerve, when nothing could be seen to indicate any disease of the eye. Since the invention of the opthalmiscope, the interior of the eye can be carefully examined, the cause of the pain and the gradual loss of vision ascertained, and the proper remedy applied before it is too late to arrest its progress ! Amaurosis may be caused by failure of the powers of digestion and nu- trition, by the excessive use of the eyes, or by the abuse of narcotic stim- ulants, such as tea, coffee, and tobacco. Some of the most intractable cases that have ever come under the author's notice, have been caused by the use of tobacco. Treatment. The treatment of amaurosis, or " nervous blindness," as ifc has sometimes been called, will depend upon its cause. In all cases, abso- lute rest is indispensable. If there is much pain and tenderness of the globe of the eye, a few drops of the aqueous solution of atropia may be dropped into the eye night and morning, while the general health may be. 15 222 ON THE EYE. improved by the judicious use of a course of laxatives and tonics. Saline cathartics, such as the sulphate and citrate of magnesia, may be taken be- fore eating in the morning, and as soon as the pain in the globe of the eye or brow subsides, a good tonic, composed of iron, phosphorus, quinine, and strychnia, may be taken after meals. K. Pyrophosphate of Iron, . . . , ,2 Drachms. Simple Syrup, 1 Pint. Mix, and add Quinine, ... ... 1 Drachm. Strychnia, . . . . .2 Grains. Citric Acid, 2 Drachms. Water, a sufficient quantity to form a solution. Take a teaspoonful of this solution soon after each meal, three times a day, in a wineglassful of water. How to Strengthen Weak Eyes. Our eyes, like all the organs of our senses, are susceptible of wonderful cultivation and improvement ! When we come to study the smallness, the narrowness, and the delicacy of all the organs of our senses, and con- trast them with their matchless powers, we are lost in admiration and as- tonishment ! The delicate filaments of the nerves of the organs of our senses are finer than a spider's thread, and yet they are the avenues of communication between the world which is without us, and the world within us. How these little nerves display themselves over a small space, upon the surface of the tongue, when every flavor, and every savor, which i/eeming nature and art can produce, are capable of contributing to our pleasure and enjoyment. They unfold themselves over a small space in the interior of the nose, when we are enabled to catch the perfumes of every flower, and the odors of every zone. They ramify themselves over a small space in the interior of the ear, when all nature is quickly filled with one unending round of harmony, from the shrill notes of the insect, up to the mellifluous tones of the song bird, or the music of heaven's own cathedral, the thunders, the cataract, and the ocean, become our ■orchestra ! These nervous filaments line a small space in the interior of -our eyes, so small that we can easily cover it over with the ends of our tfingers, when lo ! in an instant, we can contemplate the stars, and the re- motest constellations, that seem to border almost upon the confines of space itself! But again, look around us, and see with what a multiplicity the Creator has filled the universe with the greatest number of beautiful objects, to induce us to exercise these organs of our senses, and so develop and strengthen them, while at the same time we gratify the love of the beauti- ful, and the harmonious, which is in the mind and the hearts of all mankind. ON THE EYE. 223 Look at the many-colored flowers of the green earth, and then at the many-colored stars of the cerulean sky ! Look at the emerald hues of the living foliage of Summer, and then at the gorgeous hues of the dying foliage of Autumn, that season when nature weaves a garment of more than Tyrean splendor, and casts it, like a mantle over the hills and over the valleys ! Look at the symmetry of nature's proportions, whether we view it in the tiny coral insect's sepulchre, or in the honey-bee's comb ; in the basaltic hills which uphold the everlasting mountains, in the rigid shaft of the oak, or the vine which more gracefully festoons it ! Now, surely He who has created all colors, and has combined them in the petals of the flowers, in the plumage of the birds, and in the armature of the insects ! He who has combined the hues of the rose and the lily upon the cheek of youth ! He who has sowed jasper, amethyst, crysolite, emeralds and diamonds, amidst the rocks and caves of the earth ! He who has strewed the bottom of the ocean, with coral and pearls ! Surely He was no contemner of beauty or adornment, but has done all that was within his matchless power, to induce us to exercise, and so strengthen and develop these organs of our senses upon all of these beautiful external objects around us, and while we do so, gratify the love of the beautiful and harmonious, which is in the mind and heart of all mankind ! Odors are the only proper, healthy and natural stimulants which, when applied to the organ of the sense of smell, will cultivate, strengthen and develop this sense, until it attains wonderful acuteness and accuracy. It is related of Farina, that his sense of smell was so well developed, and so wonderfully accurate, that he could instantly detect the slightest adultera- tion of his famous Eau de Cologne ! Various savors and flavors are the only natural stimulants which, when applied to the organs of taste, will cultivate, strengthen and develop the nerves of this sense, as seen in the wonderful accuracy with which the vrine and tea merchants can detect the slighest adulterations and imperfections of wine and tea ! Sound is the only natural stimulus which, when applied to the organs of hearing, will cultivate, strengthen and develop the nerves of this sense, until they attain wonderful perfection, as. seen in many of our most dis- tinguished musicians, who can instantly detect the slightest discord, or want of perfect harmony ! Sunlight is the only proper, healthy natural stimulus of the sense of sight, which, when applied to the optic nerves, will cultivate, strengthen and develop them, until they attain extraordinary perfection, as often seen in the wonderful perfection of the sight of the hunter, and the savage ! Remove all of these natural external stimulants from the organs of our senses, and they will soon wither and perish, as seen in the blind fish found 224 ON THE EYE. in the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky ! All naturalists agree, that the ru- dimentary eyes of the blind fish remain undeveloped for want of sunlight, which is a condition indispensable to the development and the preservation of sight. Remove the light of the sun from our eyes, and we will soon become blind and helpless. Any one can easily verify the truth of this assertion by a simple experiment. Gro into a dark closet on a bright sunny day, and remain in the darkness for an hour, and then come out again into the bright sunlight, and when your eyes are examined, they will look red and congested, and they become irritable and painful when exposed to a bright light, on account of the diseased and irritable condition induced by temporary withdrawal from the sunlight. Many of the unhappy prisoners confined in the dungeons of the Bastile, in Paris, became blind from this cause, while the eyes of others were rendered so tender and irritable, that when released from prison, and they came out into the sunlight, it caused them so much anguish, that some of them begged to be re-conducted to pri- son, as the only means of putting an end to their agony ! Badly lighted rooms are not only injurious to the general health, but often destroy the sense of sight ! Artificial and Reflected Light. It is always very painful and injurious to the eyes, to sit in front of a reflected light, allowing its rays to fall directly upon the face and eyes. Many persons have become blind from this cause. " Snow blindness" may be mentioned as an example of the injurious influence of reflected light. Workmen and students, who "trim the midnight lamp" should sit with their backs to the light, not allowing it to fall upon their eyes, but upon their backs, or work before them. Carefully aviod sitting with the face to the window, while engaged at any employment. Teachers of schools can- not be too careful in the arrangements of the desks for their pupils. Al- ways allow the light to fall upon the work and not upon the eyes, as a most important means of preserving sight. Many cases of impaired vision or total loss of sight, have resulted from want of knowledge and attention to this important condition, for the development and preservation of the eye. ANATOMY OF THE EAR. 225 LECTURE XXII. ANATOMY OF THE EAR. The ear is the most wonderful and interesting of all the organs of our senses. It is divided for convenience of de- Fig. 134. scrip tion into three parts, the external, middle and internal ear. The external ear consists of the auricle, the external auditory canal, and the membrane of the drum ; the middle ear consists of the cavi- ty of the drum, the mastoid cells, and the Eu- stachian tube ; while the internal ear consists of the labyrinth and nerves of hearing. The auricle is situated outside of the head, and is so contrived and arranged upon mechanical principles, as to serve all of the purposes of an ear trumpet in collecting the vibrations of the atmosphere, and directing them into the audi- tory canal. It has often been made useful for other purposes, by the teachers of our schools, it being so convenient to take hold of with the thumb and lingers, when little boys do not behave as well as they should. This method of punishing children is exceedingly reprehensible, and can- not be too severely condemned. The author is well acquainted with three brothers living in the interior of Pennsylvania, who were made totally deaf, by their ignorant and brutal father pulling and boxing their ears as a pun- ishment, when they were small boys. Any teacher who should presume to punish a pupil in this way, should be expelled from any of our public schools without ceremony. Our ears were made to hear with, and not for the reception of punishment, nature seems to have prepared safer and more appropriate parts of the body for the reception of punishment, where pa- rents and teachers who are inclined, can lay on without danger of causing deafness. The external auditory canal is about an inch and a quarter long, and about one quarter of an inch in diameter, and extends from the auri- cle to the membrane of the drum. It is slightly bent or curved down- wards and is lined with a reflection of the skin covering the outside surface of the body, to which it bears a close resemblance. A large number of sebaceous follicles or oil glands are situated beneath the lining surface of the external end of the auditory canal, which seorete a bitter oily fluid The Auricle. 226 ANATOMY OF THE EAR. Anatomy of the Ear, the Auricle, External Auditory Canal, Membrane of the Drum, Cavity of the Drum with the Eusta- chian Tube going to the Throat, the Labyrinth Bones in the Cav- ity of the Drum, Ac. *fr°' 135 - designed to prevent parti- cles of dust from entering: the auditory canal, and filling its cavity. This oily fluid is also intensely bitter, and is secreted and retained near the external orifice of the auditory can- al, for the purpose of pre- venting the incursions of insects and other animals, that sometimes inhabit the wild uncultivated country surrounding the ears. When any of these in- sects or animals would pen- etrate the ear, they at once come in contact with this intensely bitter oil, which proves so offensive, that it causes them at once to turn about, and make off with themselves. Sometimes this oily fluid is not secreted, and the auditory canal becomes dry and scaly, when various insects may penetrate the auditory canal, as far as the membrane of the drum, causing great distress. A small insect popularly called the lc ear wig" is supposed to have especial inclination to penetrate the ears. When any insect or other animal penetrates the ear, it may quickly be destroyed or expelled with perfect safety, in this way ! Fill the ear with some bland, unirritating oil, and it will quickly cover the spirallse or breath- ing organs of the insect, and so suffocate or destroy its life, or at once it will expel it by rendering the auditory canal untenable. Very great injury may be easily done to the membrane of the drum or the auditory canal, by probing the ear with a bodkin or ear-probe, and they should never be used except in the hands of an experienced surgeon. In persons of a scrofulous constitution, the glands of the neck and fol- licles of the auditory canal often become diseased and enlarged, decreasing the size of the external auditory canal, and causing partial deafness. In other instances, the oily fluid is secreted too profusely, and in consequence of the local inflammation and heat of the parts becomes dry and hard, and is then called the cerumen or wax of the ear. It often accumulates in this way, forming large plugs, which close the auditory canal like a cork in a bottle, causing deafness. The accumulation of excessive quantities of oily matter or wax in the ears is always to be regarded not so much as a cause of deafness, but as ANATOMY OP THE EAR. 227 an indication of follicular inflammation, which if neglected or improperly treated may result in the production of deafness. Foreign bodies may sometimes be placed in the auditory canal by child- ren when at play, or they may be introduced by accident, and cause much distress and pain. Treatment. When the auditory canal has become obstructed from the accumulation of ear-wax, or any foreign substances, they should not be disturbed or meddled with by means of a probe or bodkin, as great mis- chief may easily be done to the auditory canal, as well as the membrane of the drum, causing unnecessary pain and suffering. Soften the wax by filling the cavity of the auditory canal with a few drops of glycerin, and con- fine it in the ear by means of a little soft cotton, applied to the external orifice of the canal, and allow it to remain for twenty-four hours. At the end of this period, syringe out the ear carefully with castile soap and warm water. To wash out the auditory canal with a syringe properly, is not so easy a matter as many persons would suppose. In the first place, a good syringe is indispensable. The best are made of hard rubber, and have a short pipe, rendering it impossible for the instrument to penetrate the ear far enough to injure the drum. It will be noticed, by reference to fig. 135, that the auditory canal is not straight, but is curved downwards, and to syringe it out effectively, the canal must be straightened, by pulling the auricle or outside part of the ear, a little upwards and outwards. The pipe of the syringe should now be introduced only a short distance into the auditory canal, along the upper side of the orifice, leaving plenty of room below the pipe for any foreign bodies, or impure accumulation, to escape. When the ear is syringed in this way, peas, beans, glass beads, shot, or accumulations of wax, may be washed out with the greatest facility, when they could not be removed at all by means of a probe or forceps. After cleansing out the auditory canal in this way, if there is only a little irritation of the lining surface of the auditory canal, a few drops of glycerin applied to it is all that will be required ; but if there is much inflammation, it is best to pencil out the lining surface of the canal with a strong solution of nitrate of silver, twenty to thirty grains to the ounce of water, and it is best done in this way : fill the lower end of the auditory canal with a little soft cotton, moistened with oil, to cover and protect the membrane of the drum, wet a camel's-hair brash with the solution of the nitrate of silver, and introduce it into the auditory canal, and carry it down to the pledget of cotton, turn it around once or twice, and remove it. Having cauterized the inflamed lining surface of the auditory canal, then remove the cotton. This treatment may be repeated as often as necessary to effect a cure. In chronic cases, a little diluted ointment of the yellow 228 ANATOMY OF THE EAB. nitrate of mercury, may be applied by means of a camel's-hair brash to the lining surface of the auditory canal, at bedtime, with much advantage. In such cases, a little cotton should be worn in the ear when out of doors, and exposed much to cold damp winds and inclement weather, and it should always be removed when coming into the house. The habit of filling the ears with cotton or black sheep's wool, and wearing it constantly in the house and outside, is very pernicious. It is much like a man wear- ing an overcoat in the house, which greatly increases his liability to take cold, &c. when he goes out. Membrane of the Drum. Fig. 136. Anatomy of the Internal Ear. 1 and 2, Auricle; 3, 4, 5, 6, External Auditory Canal; 9, Membrane of the Drum ; 10, Cayity of the Eustachian Tube ; 11, Cavity of the Drum ; 13, Semi-Circular Canals ; 16, the Cochlea. The membrane of the drum is situated at the lower end of the auditory canal, and covers the cavity of the drum, much in the same way that the sheepskin covers the head of the common drum, or instrument of music. It is composed of two layers, the outside of which is dry like the skin covering the body, of which it is a continuation, while the inside layer of the membrane of the drum is moist, like the mucous membrane lining the nose and throat, of which it is also a continuation. It is nearly round and saucer shaped, being slightly concave upon the outside, and convex upon the inside surface. It is also exceedingly vascular and sensitive, containing numerous blood-vessels and nerves ! Sometimes the membrane of the drum of the ear becomes congested, red and inflamed, or ulcerated, in consequence of exposure to a cold, damp ANATOMY OE THE EAR. 229 atmosphere, draughts, &c, causing intense pain and suffering, when the disease is called " ear-ache," or myringitis. This is one of the most pain- ful of all diseases of the ear, and occurs much more frequently in persons of a scrofulous constitution, than among those in good health. Myrin- gitis, or inflammation of the membrane of the drum, when neglected, or improperly treated, may result in ulceration and perforation of the mem- brane, with discharges from the ear, or it may be followed by thickening of the membrane, and impaired hearing. Treatment. When there is much congestion and inflammation of the membrane of the drum, a few leeches should be applied around the ear, Fig. 137. v mx Examination of the Internal Ear by means of the Speculum and Concave Mirror. and to the external orifice of the auditory canal, followed with a brisk cathartic, and a low diet. The excruciating pain may generally be relieved by the application of a little chloroform on cotton, placed in the mouth of 230 ANATOMY OF THE EAR. the auditory canal, and covered with a tight bandage. When inflamma- tion is followed by suppuration, the discharge should be carefully removed from the cavity of the auditory canal, by means of a syringe and warm soap, or salt and water, followed by the injection of a solution of nitrate of silver, containing twenty grains to an ounce of water. Warm, and inject a syringefull twice a day. In many chronic cases of long standing, dis- charges from the auditory canal may depend upon ulceration of the lining surface of the auditory canal, ulceration of the membrane of the drum, or perforation and ulceration of the cavity of the drum, polypus, &c. In all such cases of long standing, the cavity of the auditory canal, membrane of the drum, &c, should be carefully examined by means of the concave mirror and the ear speculum, as shown in fig. 137, to ascertain the true cause of the disease, and the proper remedy. It would be entirely useless to apply medicated washes to the cavity of the auditory canal, to arrest discharges depending upon the growth of un- healthy granulations, like proud flesh, or the formation of a polypus in the cavity of the canal, these causes can only be removed by surgical operations, followed by the application of caustic, to prevent their return again. With- out the aid of this invaluable instrument, many cases of otorrhoea are treated injudiciously for an indefinite period, and finally discharged as incurable, that might be most readily cured by judicious, scientific treatment. By means of the concave mirror and speculum, the interior c-f the auditory canal and membrane of the drum are perfectly illuminated, enabling us to ascertain the true nature of any disease of the parts, and apply the proper remedy. Inflammation and ulceration are often followed by thickening of the membrane of the drum, and partial deafness. Many old people of a rheum- atic constitution are often subject to catarrhal inflammation of the mem- brane of the drum, which becomes chronic, and is frequently followed by gradual thickening of the membrane of the drum, and impaired hearing. Treatment. Opacity or thickening of the membrane of the drum is very difficult of removal, and requires much skill and time to effect a cure. Much benefit may sometimes be derived from touching the opake portion of the thickened membrane with a solution of carbolic acid or nitrate of silver or iodine, once or twice a week, and the internal use of alterative tonics, such as the syrup of iodide of iron, iodide of potash or Fowler's solution of arsenic. Each application of the nitrate of silver, of iodine, or carbolic acid, causes the dead thickened cuticle to exfoliate or peel off in successive layers, gradually reducing the thickness of the membrane of the drum, and restoring the power of hearing. The introduction of pungent heating or burning substances into the au- ditory canal, filling it with wizzard oil or Harlem oil, or the heart of a ANATOMY OF THE EAR. 231 roasted onion, black sheep's wool, removed from the right hind or the left foreleg, negroes' wool, cut from the head in the "new of the moon" rattle snake's oil, and spider's web ointment, fish worms, grease, &c, cannot be too severely ridiculed, or too strongly condemned. It is indeed wonderful, how many ignorant, credulous and superstitious people will experiment up- on, and tamper with their ears, causing a great amount of suffering by the most outrageous abuse of the organs of hearing, and often rendering them- selves incurably deaf. Drum of the Ear. The drum of the ear is an irregular shaped cavity, lined with a pale, pink colored mucous membrane, which is a continuation of that which lines the Eustachian tubes, throat, stomach and intestinal canal. The cavity of the drum extends itself, upwards and backwards, through numerous small Fig. 138. Middle and Internal Ear. A, External Auditory Canal ; B, Membrane of the Dram ; C, Eusta- chian Tube; D Mastoid Cells ; E, Cavity of the Drum, containing the Bones of the Ear, called the Malleus, with its Head and Long Process" resting against the Membrane. 1, Lonsr Process of the Mal- leus ; 2, its Short Process ; 3, its Maubrium : 4, its Body ; 5, its Head, resting against 6, the Incus ; 7, it3 Short Process ; 8, its Long Process resting on 9, the Os Arbicularis, resting on 12, the Stapes, covering the Foramen ovalis opening into the Labyrinth ; 21, the Foramen Botundum opening into the Cavity of the Cochlea ; 20, the Cochlea ; 30, 34, 35, the Semi-Circular Canals. 232 ANATOMY OF TEE EAR. openings into the mastoid cells, situated in the soft spongy bones of the skull, behind the ears, and are also lined with a continuation of the same mu- cous membrane lining the cavity of the drum. The mastoid cells resemble the empty cells of a piece of honey comb, and serve the purpose of greatly increasing the size of the cavity of the drum, and so improving the powers of hearing. When the cavity of the drum becomes inflamed and ulcera- ted, especially in children of a strumous or scrofulous constitution, the in- flammation and ulceration will often extend itself to the mastoid cells, and be followed by inflammation and swelling behind the ears, with intense pain and great suffering. When neglected or improperly treated, inflammation of the mastoid cells, may be followed by suppuration or the formation of matter, resulting in caries of the bones, and total deafness. Treatment. Apply half a dozen leeches around the ear at once, and administer a brisk cathartic, to reduce the local inflammation. R. Sulphate of Magnesia, 1 Ounce. Tart. Antimony, 1 Grain. Citric Acid, 1 Drachm. Water, 4 Ounces. Mix. Take a tablespoonful every hour. Apply a warm poultice of pulverized slippery elm bark or ground flax- seed, and keep it moist with a teaspoonful of laudanum as often as it be' comes dry and hard, as a means of allaying pain, &c. When suppuration has taken place, the safety of the powers of hearing demand that free inci- sions should be made behind the ears without delay, to allow the accumu- lated matter to escape, and prevent by its retention, caries of the bones, and destruction of the sense of hearing. Fig. 139. The cavity of the drum of the ear con- ^ tains four small bones called the malleus, or hammer, the incus or anvil, the os arbi- ^^> f \ cularis or round bone, and stapes or styrup, ■ flE " resting upon each other as seen in the ac- wHp"^^^ -1 ^ companying illustration. These four bones jflfc being connected together, like the links cs& of a chain, one after the other by means of very delicate ligaments, are made to move upon each other like the bones of our Bones of the Ear. m, head of the fingers, by the action of delicate little mus- Malleus; g, long process; h, the Man- c J e g f Qr t ^ e p Ur p 0S e of tightening Or re- brium ; sc, short process, of the Incus • . u, its long process, resting upon a, the laxing the membrane ot the drum, and so round Bone ; s, the stapes or styrup. adapting it to the comparative intensity of the vibrations of the atmosphere, productive of the greatest variety ANATOMY OF THE EAR. 233 of sounds. The bones of the cavity of the drum also serve the purpose of transmitting the vibrations of the atmosphere, which are first received upon the membrane of the drum, through the cavity of the drum, into the cavity of the labyrinth, containing the nerves of hearing. A very simple experiment will at once demonstrate their great import- ance for this purpose. Let any one place his ear firmly against the end of a long piece of timber, such as the mast of a ship, a hundred feet in length, while a friend gently scratches the other end of it, with his finger nail, and at once you will hear the sound distinctly. Remove your ear from the end of the stick of timber, and stand off one hundred feet, in the opposite di- rection, and your friend might scratch the end of his finger nails all off, and you could not hear anything. Sound travels through a solid body? much more readily than through the medium of the atmospheric air The bones of the ear may be destroyed as they often are in ulceration, with discharges from the ears, caused by measles or scarlet fever, &c, and yet the power of hearing, though much impaired, will not be totally de- stroyed. The cavity of the drum of the ear also opens into the trumpet shap- ed pipe, called the Eustachian tube, which is about an inch in length, and gradually enlarges, until it finally opens into the back part of the nose, as seen in figs. 134 and 59. The membrane of the drum closes the inter- nal extremity of the auditory canal air-tight, so that no air can enter the cavity of the drum, except through the cavity of the Eustachian tube. This tube is designed to enable a part of the air we breathe to enter the cavity of the drum, and to afford an outlet for the removal of mucus and other accumulations from the cavity of the drum and mastoid cells. This tube serves much the same purpose in connection with the sense of hearing, which the round hole does in the wooden side of the common bass drum. It is a well known fact, that sound cannot travel through a vacuum, and if we close the opening in the side of the bass drum, it will impair its uses, and if the Eustachian tube is closed by disease, it will exert a correspond- ing influence upon the power of hearing. If we dive under the water, while bathing, and remain long below its surface, a part of the water will enter the Eustachian tube, through the cavity of the nose, causing a tem- porary obstruction of the Eustachian tube, with noises in the ears and temporary deafness, &c, which may be quickly relieved by removing the water from the cavity of the Eustachian tube, by gently rubbing the side of the head and ears, &c. Inflammation and Ulceration of the Brum of the Ear. In scarlet fever, and other diseases of the mucous membrane lining the the throat, the inflammation often extends along the lining surface through 234 ANATOMY OF THE EAJR. the Eustachian tube, to the cavity of the drum of the ear, causing inflamma- tion of the cavity of the drum of the ear, with pain, noises in the ears, ringing in the head, and partial deafness, &c. When neglected, or improperly treated, it will be followed by the formation of matter in the cavity of the drum, which cannot escape through the small cavity of the Eustachian tube, and so it corrodes the membrane of the drum, until it gives way forming an opening for its escape, and establishing a discharge of thick purulent and offensive matter, from the ear. This disease is known as " otorrhcea." When this discharge is neglected or improperly treated, it will certainly result in the gradual decay, and destruction of the bones of the cavity of the drum, and the total loss of the sense of hearing. It is probable there are more deaf persons in our deaf and dumb asylums from this cause, than from all other causes combined. Treatment. In recent cases, all that will be required is the administra- tion of some good alterative tonic, such as the syrup of the iodide of iron, and cleansing the ear several times a day with weak solution of plienic acid, glycerin, and water. In cases of long standing, when the discharge becomes purulent, and offensive, unhealthy granulations or polypoid tu- mors, may shoot up from the lining surface of the cavity of the drum, requiring removal, and the parts cauterized with phenic acid, or the nitrate of silver, before the discharge can be arrested, and a cure effected. Perforation of the Membrane of the Drum. In many cases of otorrhoea of long standing, there will be found per- forations of the membrane of the drum, which do not heal when the dis- charges are arrested. When these openings through the membrane of the drum are not too large, they may often be made to heal by carefully touch- ing their edges with a fine point of the solid stick of the nitrate of silver. If the openings are very large, they may be closed by means of a little cotton moistened with glycerin, so as very much to improve the power of hearing. The cotton used in this way must be changed as often as once a day, otherwise it will become offensive. After a few trials, any person will soon learn to prepare and adjust the pledget of cotton against the per- foration of the drum, for themselves. Many ignorant persons entertain the vulgar idea, that discharges from the ears should not be arrested, and that " nature should be allowed to take her own course," and that it will finally " cure itself," as we are often told. Such advice often reminds us of an idiot, who, when his own house was on fire, forbid the firemen from throwing water on it, saying, " let it alone, and it will soon stop burning itself, if you will not disturb it !" And so it will, as soon as it has consumed all the combustible materials. And the same is true of the human ear, in this disease, when we let nature ANATOMY OF THE EAR. 235 take her own course, it will get well itself, and stop discharging, as soon as the whole interior of the ear has been consumed by the process of ul- ceration, leaving the unfortunate victim of ignorance and folly incurably deaf. Catarrhal Deafness. In many cases of catarrhal inflammation of the mucous membrane lin- ing the nose and throat, the disease extends through the Eustachian tube to the lining surface of the drum, causing a profuse secretion of mucus into the cavity of the drum, obstructing the Eustachian tube, excluding air from the cavity of the drum, causing noises in the head, ringing in the ears, and a feeling as if the ears were " stopped up," with snapping or crackling noises on blowing the nose, or while swallowing with the mouth shut, and the nose compressed with the thumb and fingers. This noise is produced by the air forced through the Eustachian tube mixing with the mucus, obstructing the cavity of the drum. This form of deafness is always made worse by exposure to heats and colds, damp air, &c. When neglected or improperly treated, it results in gradual thickening of the mucous membrane lining the cavity of the drum, and the membrane lining the Eustachian tube, reducing the size of its cavity, and finally, exclusion of atmospheric air from the cavity of the drum, causing collapse of the membrane of the drum, and total deafness ! It is much to be regretted, that all of these organic changes may take place without any considerable pain, or other warning of the gradual des- truction of the sense of hearing. All the knowledge any one can have of the disastrous consequences of neglecting this disease, is the gradual, and in some instances, almost imperceptible loss of the sense of hearing, with- out suspecting what is taking place, until finally they become totally and incurably deaf, from organic changes which have taken place in the drum of the ear ! 236 CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. LECTUKE XXIII. CUBE OF CATARBHAL DEAFNESS. Treatment. For the permanent cure of catarrhal deafness we must renovate the constitution, and improve the general health. The organs of digestion must be invigorated, and the process of nutrition improved by the use of light, nourishing and wholesome food, and the use of a good tonic and alterative, such as the chlorate, bicarbonate, and iodide of pot- ash, taken in milk before each meal, or some of the preparations of iron and quinine after eating This course of constitutional treatment will dis- solve and remove the mucus from the lining surface of the intestinal canal, and greatly improve the general health. The local inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose and throat, must be removed by the ap- plication of gargles, washes, injections and ointments. As a gargle for the removal of all accumulations of mucus, nothing will be found more useful than a solution of chlorate of potash, or carbolate of soda, when properly applied by means of a suitable syringe, as seen in figure 69. It will be comparatively useless to undertake to apply any wash or gargle to the lin- ing surface of the nose or back part of the throat, by snuffing it up the nose, or taking it into the mouth and then throwing the head back, and attempting to apply it to the back part of the throat. Let any one exper- iment with a glass of water in this way, and he will soon discover that this method of washing out the nose or gargling the throat is very imperfect, and the result must be equally unsatisfactory in the treatment of any dis- ease of these parts. Having removed all of the mucus and other accumulations from the lining surface of the cavity of the nose and throat, the diseased parts may be fumigated with the vapors of iodine, chlorine or phenic acid, by means of a good inhaling bottle, see fig. 72. In many instances, especially cases of long standing, the mucous membrane lining the nose and throat, Eusta- chian tube, and cavity of the drum of the ear, is so congested, inflamed and thickened from long continued disease of the parts, that it is with much difficulty at the commencement of treatment, that gargles and washes can be applied to the inside of the nasal cavities and passages, on account of their greatly reduced size. A few judicious applications will soon reduce the congestion and swelling of the parts and open the passages and cavi- ties, so that this treatment can be more thoroughly applied. Having re- moved the disease from the nose and throat, we can then turn our atten- tion to the cavity of the Eustachian tube and the drum of the ear. CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. 237 Fig. 140. Various methods and ingenious apparatus have been devised for the purpose of opening the Eustachian tube and cleansing out the cavity of the drum of the ear. Nothing can be more simple and effective than the aural atomizer, seen in fig. 140. This simple instrument consists of a hard rubber nose-piece opening in the middle, with a cavity sufficiently large to contain a small piece of sponge, upon which a few drops of ethereal solution of iodine, or any other pre- paration may be dropped, and a bulb containing numerous openings like the mouth of a pepper box, designed to fit into the nostrils on either side of the nose. The hard rub- ber nose piece is connected with an elastic bag, by means of a few in- ches of soft rubber tubing, as seen in fis. 140. When the soft rub- ber bag is grasped firmly in the hand and quickly compressed with sufficient force, the air contained in the elastic bag is forced out through the sponge, containing a few drops of any medicated solu- tion, converting it into a fine spray which escapes through numerous openings seen in the bulb of the nose piece. Make a solution con- taining two grains of iodine and two grains of iodide of potash in one ounce sulphuric ether. Drop ten to twenty drops of this solu- tion in the sponge contained in . . p i i i l i Aural Atomizer. Consisting of a soft rubber bag the cavity of the hard rubber nose and pipe> with a hard rubber chamber containing a piece. Having given the patienjt. Piece of sponge, to receive the medicine to be ap> J.-L.P i x> i'ii • plied to the Cavity of the Eustachian tube, and a mouthful of water, which he is ... . . , J . . ... . .. * .. with a perforated nose piece to fit into the Cavity directed to retain in his mouth un- of the Nose. til he is told to swallow it. You will next introduce the bulb of the nose piece into one side of the nose, while the elastic air bag is held firmly in your right hand, and when all is ready close the other side of the nose by gentle pressure with the thumb and finger, at the same time telling the patient to swallow, while at the same instant you quickly compress the elastic air bag, and so force the medicated spray through the Eustachian tube into the cavity of the drum of the ear. When there is disease in both ears this operation should be repeated on the other side, or through 16 238 CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. the other side of the nose. This operation causes no pain, and after a few trials most persons can perform it upon themselves as often as required. It should be repeated once a day in the evening. The instrument may be Fig. 141. used without any medicine once or twice a day to free the Eustachian tube, and remove accumulations of mucus, &c. It is also of great value in the treatment of catarrhal affections of the drum of the ear, to keep the Eusta- chian tube open and free, to prevent contraction and adhesive inflamma- tion and consequent closure or obliteration of its cavity. In chronic cases of long standing this treatment must often be continued for several months before a cure is finally effected. Formerly catarrhal deafness was regarded as incurable, but since the anatomy of the ear and its diseases have become better understood, and the means of treatment improved, such cases are often restored to perfect hearing. In persons of a scrofulous constitution much benefit may often be deri- ved from the application of vessicating fluid behind the ears, once or twice ja week, followed by the application of mercurial ointment. CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. 239 Fig. 142, The Labyrinth. The cavity of the drum of the ear opens into the cavity of the labyrinth through the open- ing called the foramen ovalis and the foramen rotundum. The labyrinth is divided into the vestibule, through which the nerves of hearing enter its cavity, the semi-circular canals and the cochlea. It contains a peculiar jelly like fluid, called the endolymph, into which the auditory nerves are distributed, as seen in the accompanying il- lustration. It will be noticed that the semicircular canals stand at right angles with each other, like the four points of a com- pass, and are supposed to en- able us to determine the direc- tion of sounds. When the laby- rinthine branches of the auditory nerves become diseased or paralyzed, though we can still hear, we cannot tell the direction of sound. The cochlea is so named, from its fancied resemblance to a conch shell. It is filled with a jelly like fluid, and contains another branch of the au- ditory nerve supposed to be useful to enable us to determine the volume, pitch, tune, and other qualities of sound, &c. When this branch of the auditory nerve becomes diseased or paralyzed, we cannot determine the volume, pitch and other qualities of sound, or keep time with others, while reading, singing, &c. Listen to the music in almost any large church where all the congregation join in the singing, and we shall nearly always discover some who labor under this infirmity, and whose efforts to keep time with the rest are all in vain. The Auditory Nerves. The nerves of hearing come off from the auditory ganglia, at the base of the brain, and passing through the internal auditory canal, enter the labyrinth through the vestibule, when they divide into several branches which enter the cochlea and semicircular canals, as seen in fig. 142. View of the Labyrinth in an inverted position laid open so as to show. the disposition of the Nerves of Hearing. 1, 2, 3, the Cochlea laid open, exhibiting the Lamina Spiralis ; 4, 5, 6, shows the Parietes of the Cochlea, partly cut away, to show the Nerve inside ; 7, 8, the position of the Vestibule ; 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, shows the Semicular Canals, partly cut away, showing the distribution of other branches of the Nerve of Hearing ; 15, sbows the Auditory Nerve dividing into the branch- es, going to the Cochlea, and the Semicircular Canals, Ac. 240 cure op catarrhal deafness. Nervous Deafness. Nervous deafness is sometimes caused by inflammation of the cavity of the labyrinth, or by concussion of the base of the brain, from a blow, or other injury, or from fevers, the abuse of quinine, or the inordinate habitual use of tobacco and other narcotics, &c. Paralysis of the nerves of hearing may also be produced from brain fever, or from "cerebro spinal meningitis," many instances of which occurred in the coal region of Pennsylvania, dur- ing the winter of 1862, and which have all proven incurable. General Remarks. From what has been written it will be observed, that deafness is almost always the result of inflammation, attacking some one of the parts concern- ed in manifesting the sense of hearing. When these parts become dis- eased, they cannot manifest their peculiar functions, and the sense of hear- ing will be impaired just in proportion to their relative importance. The fact that any one discovers himself becoming a little deaf, should at once excite alarm, and indicate the nature of the cause of the difiiculty, and suggest the best means to remove it, before it is too late. All deaf persons when they first discover their infirmity, should care- fully avoid exposing themselves to the injurious influence of sudden changes of temperature, more especially sitting in a draught, or at an open window, or in damp cellars, or badly ventilated rooms, &c. When out in the cold damp air, they should protect their ears with a little clean soft cotton, and always remove it when they enter a warm room. Such persons should bathe the skin over the shoulders, neck and throat systematically, every morning with cool salt and water, wipe dry and rub vigorously, to diminish the tenderness and impressibility of their skins, and their liability to take cold, &c. In all cases of deafness, caused by inflammation of the parts concerned in hearing, it is well known that every cold will always increase the disease, and for this reason, deaf persons must use every means of avoiding colds, &c, or they will gradually grow worse, until they finally become totally deaf. Deafness from Old Age. Many old people who are totally deaf, may be seen on every hand, who from imprudence, caught cold, followed by slight inflammation of the mu- cous membrane lining the nose, throat, drum of the ear, &c, with noises in the head, which they continue to neglect, until finally, after repeated colds, they became more and more deaf, and at last, their hearing was to- tally destroyed. When such cases are carefully examined, it will not be found, as is generally supposed, that their deafness depends upon old age, and its infirmities, but that it is the result of chronic inflammation, which was neglected or improperly treated, and which has resulted in gradual thick- CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. 241 ening of the membrane of the drum, closure of the Eustachian tube, col- lapse of the drum, &c, which at the proper time, might easily have been cured, but which, alas ! has become incurable, on account of the disorganiza- tion of the apparatus concerned in the manifestation of the sense of hearing. The human ear is a delicate organ, and it will not bear neglect, when diseased, any more than it will bear unwise, injudicious treatment, by med- dlesome quacks, who fancy that deafness is deafness, and that deafness is a disease, and consequently, what will cure deafness in one person will cure all cases in all persons. Now, it has been shown by what has been said, that there is no disease called deafness ! There are many diseases of all the different parts of the apparatus concerned in hearing, which will ren- der people deaf, and when these diseased conditions are removed, by judi- cious treatment, hearing will be restored. There are some thirty-two different diseases of the organs concerned in hearing, which will render people deaf. One person may be deaf from inflammation of the auditory canal, another from ulceration of the audit- ory canal, or the formation of a polypus, or from the accumulation of cerumen, or contraction of the canal, from inflammation of the membrane of the drum, ulceration of the membrane, opacity of the membrane, per- foration of the membrane, inflammation of the cavity of the drum, or mastoid cells, ulceration of the cavity of the drum, thickening of its lining surface, accumulation of mucus in the cavity of the drum, ulceration of the mastoid cells, inflammation of the cavity of the Eustachian tube, ob- struction of the cavity of the Eustachian tube, obliteration of the cavity of this tube, inflammation of the nose and throat, enlargement of the ton- sils, diseases of the auditory nerves, &c. Now, all of these various diseases, causing deafness, require different treatment for the restoration of the sense of hearing, and unfortunately, those remedies best adapted to the removal of one cause of deafness will injure another one, and there is no safely in the use of nostrums or cure- alls, but very great danger of doing more harm than good. Far better use no treatment at all, than blindly experiment upon the human ear, when in a diseased condition. The wisest, and only safe course, is to consult some intelligent and competent physician, who has made these diseases, and their treatment, a special study. Cultivation of the Sense of Hearing. The human ear, like all the other organs of the body, is susceptible of wonderful cultivation and improvement. Sound is a powerful stimulant of the auditory ganglia, increasing the flow of blood into the base of the brain, rapidly increasing its size and power. This fact is well understood, and practically applied in the treatment of various nervous diseases, and in the cure of insanity. In congestion and 242 CURS OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. inflammation of the brain, insanity, brain fever, &c, noise and excite- ment is painful and injurious, causing an increased flow of blood into the brain, which is already congested or inflamed, and so increases or per- petuates the disease. Such persons require rest, and freedom from all noise and excitement, in order that the congestion and inflammation of the brain may subside, and recovery take place. It is for this reason, when a person has brain fever, it is customary to cover the pavement with tan- bark, to diminish the noise caused by passing carriages ! When the apparatus concerned in hearing is called into use, while lis- tening to various sounds, more blood flows into it than when at rest, culti- vating and strengthening all of its various parts, and improving the sense of hearing. Itard of Paris and others, have advised those who are par- tially deaf from weakness or imperfect development of the auditory nerves, to cultivate them by listening to various sounds attentively, particularly the sound of the human voice, and as a means of securing perfect attention and the best results, taking notes of what they listen to. A large pro- portion of mankind are incapable of hearing perfectly, simply for want of sufficient cultivation and development of the nerves of hearing. THE MUSIC OF NATURE. How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank ! Here will we sit and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears ; soft stillness and night Become the touches of sweet harmony. Sit, lov'd one ; look how the floor of heaven Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold. There's not the smallest orb, which thou behold'st, But in his motion like an angel sings, Still quiring to the young-eyed cherubim ; Such harmony is in immortal souls ; But, whilst this muddy vesture of decay Doth grossly close it in, we cannot hear it. Many of the most distinguished poets have assigned to music the most extraordinary powers over the mind and hearts of men. Shakespeare rep- resented it as having " power to soften rocks and bend the knotted oak." By its matchless influence, Orpheus with his wonderful lyre, was enabled to charm even Satan himself, so that by its aid he descended into the regions below, and released his beloved Eurydice from her captivity. Dryden in his beautiful poem "the Feast of Alexander," has made mu- sic animate the heart of the warrior, with the greatest variety of sensations and emotions. But recently our whole nation was arroused while listening to the spirit stirring strains of thefifa and drum, and girding on her armor "kept time to the music of the union/' What different thoughts, sensations and emo- CURE OF CATARRHAL DEAFNESS. 243 tions will animate our minds and hearts as we listen to the varied strains of music. What sad and solemn emotions, will pervade our minds and fill our hearts, as we listen to the sad wails of the funeral dirge ; and we bow our heads in sorrow, and our eyes are filled with tears as the bier passes by carrying the loved ones to their last repose. When music peals forth its liveliest notes, with what different thoughts, feelings and emotions it will animate our minds and hearts, in scenes of joy and festivity, and our feet move so merrily in the mazes of the dance. But again, when music once more varies its tones, and we listen to the inspiring strains of the grand old organ as they come swelling up the aisles and arches of the vast cathe- dral, our minds and hearts are filled with admiration and love, and we bow our heads in reverence for the great supreme being who rules the mighty universe. Yerily music hath power to "soften rocks and to bend the knotted oak," and when it is seen to exert such a powerful influence over the thoughts, mind, feelings and emotions of the sternest and rudest of mankind, what must be its influence upon the brain and nerves, the mind and heart of a young and tender child ? I now allude to what must be the disastrous consequences, resulting from the confinement of a young and delicate girl, to the keys of a piano, like a galley slave to the oar, for four or six hours out of every twenty-four. Is it to be wondered at that such girls grow up pale, sickly, nervous, and excitable women, ready to scream in terror at the sight of a mouse, or go into a fit of hysterics, at the sight of a spider, alternately laughing and then crying several times in one minute, according to the ever varying sensations and emotions, which animate their minds and hearts? When their exquisitely impressionable natures are thrilled with music, they are lost in transports of joy and happiness; but alas, as soon as its animating strains have died away, it will be quickly followed by a dreadful reaction; and by a period of gloom, sorrow and wretchedness, which have often led to suicide. Many of our most gifted professional musi- cians have ended their miserable, wretched and unhappy lives in this way. But this is the abuse, and not the legitimate use of music. When this concord of sweet sounds is used legitimately, it is capable of being rendered one of the greatest blessings ot life, and when it is abused, one of the greatest curses. Indeed we are often reminded by the votaries of music, of the story of an epicure, who having tasted honey discovered it was very sweet, and so imprudently concluded that he would not eat anything but honey; and then having dicovered that champagne tasted like nectar, con- cluded he would drink no other fluid; and so in a short time, the epicure died a miserable dyspeptic. Now this world is full of musical dyspeptics, with nerves all unstrung, the creatures of emotion and excitement, subject to periods of terrible melancholy and despair, and finally dying prematurely of debility and exhaustion. 244 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. LECTURE XXIV. THE OBGANS OF LOCOMOTION. When we remove the skin from the hnman body we shall not come at Fig. 143. once in contact with the mus- cles, but with a layer of fat placed beneath the skin and outside of the muscular sys- tem. This layer of fat serves two or three most important purposes during life. In the first place fat is a good non- conductor of heat, and sub- serves all of the purposes of clothing to protect the vital organs in the great cavities of the body, from the injur- rious influences of sudden changes of temperature, &c. Again this layer of adipose or fatty matter dips down between the tendons of the muscles, and oils, and lubri- cates them, so as to diminish friction, and facilitate their action. It also fills up the interstices or grooves, be- tween the muscles, and gives us the plump, round, and smooth surface of the body, Hercules resting upon his club after slaying the . . _ . . . Numidian Lion. so characteristic of the cheek of infancy. As we advance in life this fatty matter is gradually absorbed from between the muscles, allowing the skin to sink down into these grooves, producing those wrinkles so indicative of coming age. Could we discover any method of preventing the gradual absorption of this adipose substance, from between the muscles, then we could preserve the plump, round and smooth appearance of youth, and might successfully, bid defiance to the foot prints of time. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 245 The organs of locomo- tion, consist of about two hundred and eight bones, which form the frame- work of the human body, and about four hundred and seventy muscles. The bones are composed of cartilaginous or gristly matter, to give them elas- ticity, and limy material, or bone earth, to give them firmness and solid- ity. This cartilaginous matter, which enters into the composition of the bones, predominates in in- fancy, rendering the long bones and ribs of an infant almost as elastic and flex- ' ble, as a piece of soft rub- ber; so that we can tie a knot in one of them, with- out breaking it. This wonderful provision of nature, renders it almost impossible to break the bones of an infant, and serves to protect them from injury ; from falls and accidents, which would in- stantly prove fatal to old age ! If the diet of child- ren is deficient in gluten, of which a large propor- tion is contained in un- bolted wheat flour, then the bones become frail and brittle, producing that disease of the bones, called " rickets," depending upon a deficiency of animal matter, or gelatin, in their composition. Such children require a diet composed of milk and wheat bread, for the cure of this disease of the bones. But again, if the diet is deficient in the carbonates and phosphates of lime, then the bones Front View of the Human Skeleton, with faint outlines showing the position of the muscles and skin. 246 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. Fig. 146. will become soft and flexi- ible, and easily bent and deformed, causing "bow- legs," deficient and inferior teeth, inability to stand and walk, &c. Such children require a diet of good, sweet milk, coarse wheat bread, mush, &c, abounding in the carbonate and phosphate of lime, which form the bone earth, or solid materials of the bones, teeth, &c. It is often noticed, that children fed on fine flour bread and cakes, which are deficient in these earthy carbonates and phosphates, have infe- rior teeth, and that they decay early ! The polished extremities of the bones are covered with soft, elastic cartilagi- nous cushions, designed to lessen the effect of shocks and jars upon the delicate brain and nerves, &c. The ends of the bones are unit- ed together at the joints, by means of numerous pearl colored, inelastic bands, call- ed ligaments. The cavities of the joints are lined with a delicate synovial mem- brane, which secretes a fluid called the " joint water" or synoval fluid, which is designed to lubricate the ends of the bones, and prevent friction, irritation, and inflammation, when the joints are called into use, during life. Sometimes the cavities of the joints become inflamed, from strains, or accidental injury; or from rheumatism, or gout, when the synovial membrane pours out large quantities of fluid, causing enlargement and dropsy of the joints, &c. Yv T hen this inflammation of the synovial Back View of the Human Skeleton, with faint Outlines, showing the position of the Muscles and Skin. Fig. 146. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 247 membrane lining the joints is neglected, or improperly treated, it may re- sult in the effusion of plastic lymph, and the formation of hard, strong bands, inside of the joint, with thickening of the capsular ligaments around the joint, causing stiffness, loss of motion, &c. Treatment. To remove inflammation of the cavity of the joints, rest is indispensable. Keep the limb well elevated, and the joint at rest. Cover the inflamed joint with flannel, wet with spirit lotion or alcohol and water, to which may be added a little tincture of stramonium or belladonna, al- cohol, four ounces, water four ounces, and tincture of stramonium, one ounce. Mix. Keep the flannel covering the inflamed joint wet with this lotion, as the best means of ar- resting the pain, and removing the inflammation. "When in- flammation of the joint is the result of gout or rheumatism, then it will be necessary to re- move the acidity of the blood, which is the cause of these dis- eases, by the use of alkalies, combined with colchicum, taken internally. When the joints become stiff from inflamma- tion of the synovial membrane lining the cavity of the joints, or from contraction of the liga- ments around the joints or the muscles and tendons, and there is any motion however slight, the contracted cords may be di- vided, and by proper mechani- cal treatment the motions of the joint may be gradually increas- ed, and the stiffness cured. When there is true bony an- chylosis, and the extremities of the bones have united or grown together within the cavity of the joint, there will be no mo- tion. Thus the limb is nearly straight, in true, bony anchylosis, with no motion, nothing can be done. But if the limb is crooked at, or nearly at, a right angle, and the toes do not touch the ground, so that it can be used to walk on, it can be straight- Mechanical instruments applied for the cure of a Crooked and Stiff Knee joint. The screw behind the Knee bends and straightens it at will. 248 THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. ened by removing a wedge-shaped piece of bone above the knee, and then carefully straightening the leg, and treating it as an ordinary fracture or broken bone, by confining it in splints, and keeping it at rest, until recovery takes place. Sometimes the joints are attacked with strumous or scrofulous inflamma- tion, causing enlargement of the bones of the joint, &c. When such dis- eases are neglected or improperly treated, this inflammation of the ends of the bones, may be followed by ulceration and decay of the bone, with a free discharge of matter from numerous openings in the vicinity of the joint, which gradually waste and wear away the constitution and strength of the patient, until death is caused by exhaustion. Fig. 147. Formerly such limbs were cut off and thrown away, mu- tilating the body for life, or substituting an artificial for a natural limb. Artificial limbs are no doubt better than no limb at all, but al- most any kind of a natural limb that is in a healthy con- ditio^ is infinitely better than an artificial one. Instead of sacrificing such limbs to save the life of the patient, as was formerly done, good surgeons now lay open the joint, and raise up and remove the diseased ends of the bones, as shown in the accompanying illustration, representing a section of the bones of the arm at the shoulder joint. As soon as the diseased ends of the bones have been removed, the cavity is carefully washed out with a weak solution of carbolic acid and water, con- taining one part of acid to one hundred of water, then the soft parts are carefully brought together and confined in their places by adhesive straps, and the wound is covered with lint, saturated in colloid styptic, to exclude the air, and prevent pain and suppuration, or the formation of matter. The healing usually takes place rapidly, the rough cut ends of the bones being rounded off, and the motions of the joint restored. Care should be taken to facilitate the formation of an artificial joint, by moving the limb freely, after the inflammation, following the operation, subsides. In all cases of false anchylosis, when the ends of the bones have not Resection of the Shoulder Joint for the cure of Scrofulous Ulceration of the ends of the Bones, and loss of motion. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 249 united, and when the ligaments around the joint and the tendons of the muscles, are principally involved, and shortened, crooking the limb, and restricting its motions, the stiffness at F IG . 148. the joint may be cured by the subcuta- neous division of the tendons, which are at fault, and the application of Strom- eyr's splint, as seen in the accompanying illustration, representing the mechani- cal treatment of false anchylosis of the elbow joint. By turning the screw in front of the instrument the arm may be bent or flexed, and straightened alter- nately, until all of the stiffness is finally overcome. The Muscles. The muscles are composed of a bun- dle of parallel strips, called muscular fibres, each one of which is not more than the one four-hundredth part of an inch in diameter, and is surrounded with a delicate sheath of cellular membrane. When we place one of these small fibres beneath a powerful microscope, we shall observe, that each fibre is also subdivided into a great multitude of still smaller strips, called muscular fibrtfla, and which are not more than one twenty-three thousandth part of an inch in diameter. The sheaths or coats of these fibres and fibrilla, are all united at the ends of the muscles, forming dense hard cords, called the sinews or tendons, which fasten the ends of the muscles to the bones. Each muscle receives one or more branches of nerves, from the anterior column of the spinal cord, called the "motor tract," endowing them with that peculiar property, called muscular contractibiliti/, enabling US bv a mere ef- Muscles which move the Arm, and the Elbow Joint. When „ „ °. , „. the Eicepa contracts or shortens itself, it bends the Arm at tort 01 the human Will, to the Elbow, and when tho Triceps contracts it extends or call them into action, and straightens it. so guide, regulate and control, all of the different movements of the body during life. The muscles are arranged upon the bones, much in the same way that the ropes are arranged upon the masts, yards and spars of a ship, enabling the sailor, by pulling these ropes, to spread his sails and drive the noble vessel 250 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. through the bosom of the ocean. Fig. 150. Front View of the Muscles of the Face, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Muscles of the Neck, 9 ; Muscles of the Shoulder, 10 ; Muscles of the Chest, 11 ; Side, 12 ; Arm, 14, 15 ; Forearm, 16, 17, 18, 19; Annular Ligament, 20; Muscles of the Hand, 21 ; Muscles of the Abdomen, 22 Muscles of the Thigh, 23, 24, 25 ; Muscles of the Leg 27 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 ; Annular Ligaments, 35 ; Muscles of the Toes, 36. It is by the agency of these numerous bones and muscles, that we are enabled to pro- duce all of the different movements of our bodies. By their agency the far- mer pursues his plough, the mechanic plies his hammer upon the anvil, the statesman wields his pen, and the orator pours forth his thoughts in words of burning elo- quence. They are inti- mately connected with all our pleasures, pastimes, business and pursuits in life, and as such, their study must be invested with peculiar interest and the greatest importance. Muscles of the Chest. The muscles of the chest and abdomen, as seen in the accompany- ing illustration, are ar- ranged in layers, one be- neath the other. These upon the chest are known as the pectoral muscles ; 11, extending from the anterior walls of the chest to the bones of the arm, a little below the shoulder joint, and are designed to draw the shoulders for- ward upon the chest, and are very useful in certain kinds of mechanical labor When these muscles THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 251 are called into use or exercise, while engaged at various kinds of mechanical work, larger quantities of blood is sent to them, improving their nutrition, and rapidly increasing their size and power. When these muscles are exer- cised more than those on the other side of the chest, which draw the shoulders backwards towards the spine, they will become much the largest and strongest, and so draw the shoulders forward permanently ; producing round shoulders and stooping figure, so destructive of grace and beauty of the human form, and so unfavorable to health, strength, and long life ! On the posterior side of the chest we shall discover several beautiful muscles, which extend from the shoulder blades, or scapula, to the spine, called the trapezius, rhomboideus, &c, which are designed to draw the shoulders backwards towards the spine, and elevate the head, &c. These muscles are nature's own shoulder braces, and when well cultivated and developed, they draw our shoulders well back off the chest, elevate the head, and add dignity and beauty to the expression of the human form ! All of the muscles upon the anterior and posterior walls of the chest, may be thoroughly cultivated, and wonderfully developed and strength- ened, by rowing, fencing, dumb-bell, club, and other gymnastic exercises, bestowing upon the human figure all of that matchless grace, and beauty of form and expression, which is seen in the Apollo Belvidere ! The ascending and descending oblique, the straight and transverse mus- cles of the abdomen, are seen to form thick, strong elastic walls, for the protection of the stomach, liver, intestines, &c. These muscles form a thick, strong, elastic belt, designed to hold up und retain the stomach, liver, and intestinal canal, in their proper places. They are nature's own " abdominal supporters," and in their mechanical construction and action, are superior to anything ever yet invented by human ingenuity, and do not cost half as much ! When they are properly exercised, and well developed, they will afford the most efficient support to the organs in the cavity of the abdomen, retaining these organs in their proper places, and preventing them from being prolapsed or forced down out of their proper positions. When they are well developed by proper exercise, they are not only useful for the purpose before mentioned, but they largely contribute to preserve the natural grace, elegance and beauty of the human form. These muscles of the walls of the abdomen, like all of the other muscles of the human body, may be rapidly reduced in size and power by long con- tinued pressure. Indeed it is a general physiological law, that c: j>ressure stimulates the absorbents," and rapidly reduces the size and power of any part of our bodies, submitted to its withering influence. By long contin- ued pressure alone, it is possible to remove the nose from the face, or any limb from the body, without the loss of a single drop of blood. Fasten a string or ligature tight around the limb or finger to-day, and 252 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. Fig. 151. make it a little tighter to-morrow, and gradually and slowly increase the tightness and pressure of the ligature, day by day, and how soon it will form a deep crease, and this will become deeper and deeper, every day, until the limb or the finger will drop off from the body ! When the dress worn by any lady is long waisted, and lined with inelastic materials, filled with whalebones, and hickory wood; and when the under-clothing is fastened around the waist, and its whole weight is allowed to drag the clothing down, until it becomes so tight it can drag down no further; the pressure will soon cause the absorption of the muscles of the abdomen, rapidly de- creasing their size, and power, causing great relaxation, and weakness of these natural supports of the contents of the abdomen, causing prolapsus of the stomach, liver, in- testines, bladder, and uterus, producing the most disastrous results ! as seen in fig. 152, showing great weakness and relaxation of the muscular walls of the abdomen ; caused by a long-waisted dress, and fastening the under-clothing around the waist, and allow- ing it to drag down by its own weight, al- tering the shape of the body; elongating the waist, and displacing the stomach, liver, intestines, bladder, uterus, &c. ; causing pains in the side, constipation, disease of the blad- der, uterus, &c, with a long and frightful catalogue of evils, which no language is ade- quate to describe, and which few invalids can understand ! How absurd and ridicu- Outline of the human form, repre- j^ j t ^ for pergons to dregs themselves in sentmg the Muscles of the Abdomen, < x well developed, retaining the organs this way, and then roll up their eyes, and of the Abdomen, in their proper places. comp i a i n f the side-ache, and such wretch- ed, weary, " dragging down feelings" especially when required to stand and walk during the day ! Many people, who dress in this foolish and absurd fashion, absurdly fancy that their exhaustion, and weary, wretched feelings, are caused by hard work, and " over doing," as they term it, and THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 253 there are plenty of silly doctors who will tell them so, and advise them to wear corsets to cure it ! All such feelings of weakness, and exhaus- Fig. 152. tion, will disappear, as if by the influence of magic, by removing the weight of the clothing from the abdomen, and suspending- ing it upon the shoulders, which were de- signed by nature to carry it. This may be easily done by using an under-vest, like the one shown in fig. 101 ; or by the use of short straps, fastened upon the under-cloth- ing, and wearing a short-waisted dress, with- out whalebones, &c. If the muscles of the abdomen have be- come relaxed, debilitated, soft and pendu- lous, and do not afford the proper support to the organs contained in its cavity, instead of resorting to supporters, and other out- rageous mechanical contrivances, cultivate and strengthen these muscles, which nature has provided for this purpose. This may be successfully accomplished by placing a chair within a few inches of the side of a room, and then kneeling upon the seat of the chair, with the soles of both feet rest- ing flat against the side of the room, and leaning well forward, with the hands resting upon the back of another chair, or the hands of an assistant, for a few moments, three or four times a day* This position of the body, as any one will soon ascertain, who tries it, will call all of the muscles of the walls of the abdomen into vigorous contraction, caus- ing an increased flow of blood into their de- bilitated and shrivelled fibres, which will soon be followed by increased power, and , ,. . . weakened and relaxed, with prolapsus additional grace and beauty of the human of all of the organs in the Carity of form. This simple system of gymnastic the Abdomen, &c. exercise may be followed by vigorous friction, and kneading of the walla of the abdomen with the hands, as by far the most efficient means of re- invigorating the relaxed and debilitated walls of the abdomen, with dis- placement of all the internal organs of the body. 17 Outline of the human form, repre- senting; the Muscles of the Abdomen 254 THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. Muscles op the Spine. The spine is composed of twenty-four bones ? called the spinal verte- brae, with numerous soft elastic cartilaginous cushions placed between them, and all bound toge- ther by numerous pearl colored inelastic bands, called spinal ligaments. There are about twen- ty-eight muscles ar- ranged upon the bones of the spine, called the spinal muscles. Only a few of the superficial spinal muscles are ex- hibited in the accompa- nying illustration. When all of the bones, ligaments and muscles of the spine are well de- veloped, by suitable ex- ercise and training, they will become large, strong graceful and beautiful, forming a spine combi- ning great strength with wonderful flexibility. When we stand square upon both feet, and bend the body well for- ward until we can touch the floor, then bend it to the right, and again to the left, then backwards, then twist it around to the right, and then again to the left, we shall, by virtue of these movements, call all of these muscles of the spine into vigor- ous use, and greatly increase the quantity of blood which circulates into them, rapidly enlarging their size, and greatly increasing their power, and promoting the health, strength, grace and beauty of the human form. Muscles of the Spine, Arms and Legs. THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. 255 To enable us to exercise, develop and strengthen all of the muscles of the spine, the whole weight of our dress must be suspended upon the shoul- ders, and hang loose around the waist, so as not to interfere with the free- est and most perfect action of the muscles of the spine. Many people dress the chest and waist so tight, that it is utterly impossible for them to bend the body forward so they can touch the floor with the ends of their fingers, without danger of rupturing a blood vessel, or producing apoplexy and sudden death. When any amiable and beautiful young lady, who is dressed according to the prevailing fashion, has dropped her pocket-hand- kerchief, it is considered a mark of politeness for a gentleman to stoop and pick it up for her, simply because it is dangerous for any lady to stoop and pick it up for herself. Now, if any gentleman wishes to be extremely rude and impolite to any unfortunate lady, who has accidentally dropped her handkerchief, and allows her to pick it up herself, will she bend her spine while she stoops to do so, ah ! no ! she dare not do that! for she knows the danger of doing so; for when she bends her body ever so little, her eyes stick out like cups and saucers, while she gasps for breath. When compelled to pick up her handkerchief, she never bends her spine and stoops to the work, but she sits down, or rather "squats" to do it, in order to avoid the danger of apoplexy and death. Disease of the Spine. There are several varieties of disease and deformities of the spine, such as spinal neuralgia, spinal rheumatism, caries of the spine, curvature of the spine, &c. Spinal irritation, neuralgia and rheumatism are caused by in- digestion. When the food we eat is not promptly digested and converted into nutriment, to repair the wear and waste of every organ of the body, it will ferment in the cavity of the stomach and intestinal canal, filling the stomach with gas and poisonous acids, which are soon absorbed into the blood, filling it with lactic or lithic acids, which when sent to the brain, nerves and muscles, poison and irritate them, causing them to become ten- der, sore and irritable, producing the diseases called neuralgia and rheum- atism. When lithic acid is accumulated in the blood, it is often sent to the joints, especially those of the feet, causing them to swell and become pain- ful, producing the disease called "gout." Neuralgia, rheumatism and gout are diseases of the blood, produced by fermentation of our food, and its conversion into poisonous acids, as already described. When the spinal cord, or the bones and muscles of the spine become sore, tender and irrita- ble from this cause, and we remain perfectly quiet, we are comparatively free from pain, but when we begin to use these tender, sore and irritable muscles and nerves, the pain is often most exquisite, and the suffering very great. 256 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. Treatment. It is very evident that for the cure of "spinal irritation," "spinal neuralgia," "spinal rheumatism," "lumbago," &c, we must remove the cause which produces these diseases, that is, we must arrest the fermen- tation of the food in the intestinal canal, and its conversion into lactic and lithic acids, &c. This can only be accomplished by careful regulation of the diet, avoiding the use of those kinds of food which most readily ferment, such as sugar, starch, and those kinds of food which contain them in large quantities, such as milk, fruit and vegetables, and by the internal and ex- ternal use of alkalies and neutral salts. Bathe or wash the skin once or twice a day with a solution containing one or two drachms of salseratus, in a pint of warm water, with a sponge, and take a small teaspoonfui of Kochelle salts, two or three times a day in water, half an hour before eating. Lateral Curvature of the Spine. Lateral curvature of the spine is a very common deformity among wo- Fig. 154. men, but comparatively rare among men. It is caused by exercising the muscles of one side of the body more than on the other side. Little girls often acquire the habit of standing with nearly all of the weight of the body resting on one foot, and so exercising and developing the muscles more on one side of the body than upon the other, soon producing lateral curvature of the spine, with one shoulder and one hip elevated, and more prominent than upon the other side, destroy- ing the proper balance of the spinal muscles, and the beauty and symmetry of the human form. This deformity of the spine is also often produced by sitting in an improper position while reading or at work, with one arm elevated and resting on the surface of the table, as shown in the accompany- ing illustration. fig. 155. At first the muscles only are involved in this variety of spinal deformity, but after a few years Lateral Curvature of the Spine. ^ e bones become implicated, being altered in shape to accommodate themselves to this new position of the spine. Treatment. Lateral curvature of the spine may be cured by careful attention to physical culture, for the development of the muscles of the back. In the first place the dress must be loose, and the muscles of the back free from pressure or restraint, and then they must be called into ac- tion and thoroughly developed, by careful training. This will be best ac- complished, by training the spinal muscles to carry burdens upon the head. THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. 257 For a little girl ten years old, prepare a bag of sand, or any kind of grain, weigh- ing five pounds. Lay a soft pad upon her head for its protection, and then the bag of sand. When the weather is pleasant, the ex- ercise should be taken in the open air and sunlight, but when it is inclement, on the piazza or in the larg- est room of the house, with the windows raised. Con- tinue this exercise, carrying the weight upon the head for fifteen to twenty min- utes, three times a day, and at the end of each week add eight ounces to the burden, and so gradually increase the weight, until at the end of one year she can carry thirty or forty pounds weight on her head, for twenty minutes with- out fatigue, when all traces of this deformity will have grad- ually disappeared. Few per- sons have any adequate idea, what wonderful cultivation development, and strength, the muscles of the spine are capa- ble of acquiring by appropri- ate training. Many of the black women of the Southern portion of our country, where it is customary for them to carry immense burdens, upon their heads, train and develop the muscles of their spines, un- til they attain wonderful sym- metry, strength and beauty Fig. 155. Improper Position while sitting at a table to Read or Work. Fig. 156. Proper Position while seated at a table to Bead or Work. 258 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. The same result may often be seen among the peasantry of Europe. Not long since, while visiting the interior of Pennsylvania, the author met a German woman^ trudging along the road side, with an immense bur- den upon her head, and being surprised at her unusual manifestation of strength, he inquired how many pounds she could carry on her head, when she quickly replied, "three or four hundred pounds, or a wash-tub-full of water, without spilling a single drop I" Being astounded at her story, and confronted with abundant evidence of its truth, the author still further inquired where she was raised, or what country she came from ? "When the good woman related the simple story of her life. Ah ! sir, a long way off. I came from G-ermany. I was the daughter of poor peasants, and became an orphan when very young, and was compelled by my master to carry bundles of faggots or brush upon my head, to the bakers, in the distant market town, several miles, every day, until I became a woman, and then I came to America." Every day, for years, this simple-hearted pea- sant woman had trudged along the banks of the beautiful Rhine, bearing upon her head the bundle of wood, and while performing this labor, had trained and developed the muscles of her spine, until they had at- tained wonderful strength and beauty. After many years of hard train- ing, she had graduated with high honors, and great distinction, at the most distinguished of all institutions of learning, the College for the Physical Education of "Women, and her physical constitution was fully developed, and prepared to engage in the stirring, active duties of a noble and useful life! She had no fashionable weaknesses. No "over-done" sensations. No pain in her back ; but plenty of health and vigor, with a spine as ele- gant as Juno, and as beautiful as Venus ! Not long since, a pale and sickly student, of the author's acquaintance, a graduate of Yale College, engaged as a teacher in one of the German settlements, in the interior of Pennsylvania, and boarding in a wealthy farmer's family, who had several stout, healthy daughters, accustomed to work out in the open air and sunshine, upon a large farm, fell in love with one of them, and like a sensible man, married her. Returning to his friends, in Connecticut, his mother and sisters pretended to be morti- fied, that their son and brother, so intelligent, highly educated, and refined, had foolishly taken a big, fat, healthy, well-developed Dutch girl for a wife ! and finally, they all upbraided him for doing so, when he defended himself by remarking, " "Well, mother, I will tell you all about how it hap- pened. You know I am poor, and just commencing life, and I observed that when any of my friends married a pale, sickly, delicate and refined American girl, the very first thing they were compelled to do was to hire a big stout Dutch girl to nurse, and wait on them ; and as I could not very well afford to support two, I just concluded I had better marry the Dutch girl, and be done with it t" THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 259 Now, first allow me to intimate to certain foolish mothers, with pale, sickly daughters, of a certain age, that there are a great many more young men, who are rapidly coming to the same conclusion ; and if they do not devote more time to the gymnasium, and pay more attention to physical education and development, there will be many such delicate, pale, and sickly ladies " left over !" Men are beginning to get tired of marrying all cotton and crinoline, and sigh for more muscle. Even the most roman- tic young gentlemen are beginning to understand, that it is just as easy, and far more pleasant, to love a vigorous, well-developed, healthy woman, as it is to nurse an irritable, peevish, and nervous invalid for life ! Many silly people entertain the erroneous idea, that the world sympathises with, and loves invalids, or sickly people ! But this is a great mistake. The world hates invalids, and sick folks ! You may all say this is cruel, bar- barous, and all that, but it is true, and we must look upon the world as it is, and not as we would have it, if we could. When a miserable, wretched invalid calls on her friends, to spend a few hours, and she relates her doleful experiences, how bad she feels : " ah ! how my head does ache, night and day ; and then I have such a poor ap- petite. Nothing tastes good any more. My poor, old liver, is all out of order, and I am so bilious ; my side does ache all the time : and then I have got such a cough, I do think it will be the death of me. And my back is so weak I can't stand," &c. When an invalid calls on any one, and entertains them with such delightful conversation, it will require all the virtues of the saints and Christian martyrs to make any one feel happy, and enjoy their conversation. And when at last they leave your house, as you close the door behind them, you will sigh involuntarily, and exclaim, "what an awful bore, I do declare I thought she never would go !" But again, when one of these jolly, fat, good natured, healthy women, with bright eyes and rosy cheeks, who feels well all over, and whose mind and heart are brimfull of fun and good nature, and who never talks about herself, but who relates an amusing incident, or tells you so many funny stories that set you in a roar of laughter, until your side aches, and you exclaim, "my dear friend, hold on, don't tell me any more of your funny stories, or you will kill me ! ' When she gets up, and tells you she must go, you catch hold of her hand, and strive to detain her until after tea, and ask her to come again. When you close the door, and she has left, you will feel that she is your best friend, the most welcome and entertain- ing of all your guests, and you are always delighted to see her. Ah ! no, it is not necessary for any to make themselves invalids, merely to excite sympathy, or challenge the admiration of the world, for the world does not sympathise with sickly people. So, do not eat pickles, drink vin- egar, or pull the hooks and eyes to make yourself look pale, sickly and delicate, merely to please or excite admiration ! 260 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. LECTURE XXV. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. The bones of the spine are also liable to diseases, causing great de- Fig. 157. formity, especially in children of a strumous, or scrofulous constitution. When in good health and free from struma or scrofula, children of both sexes may run, leap, jump and play at will, and twist and bend their spines at their pleasure, with out any danger of injuring it, but when they are pale, sickly and delicate, or of a sickly and scrofulous constitution, sometimes a slight injury, such as a blow or strain of the back, may produce inflammation of the cartilages between the ends of the vertebras or bones, which enter into the formation of the spine, causing weakness of the spine, much increased by standing and walking. "When this disease is not discovered early, and the proper treatment promptly adopt- ed for relief, it may grow until finally the bones of the spine become inflamed, and then softened, when they give way, allowing the head and shoul- ders to fall forward for want of proper support, and the bent spine forms a prominent lump easily seen by any one, as shown in fig. 157. This var- iety of spinal disease is quite as common among boys as girls. Treatment. For the prevention of caries and deformity of the spine, all children, more especially those of a strumous or scrofulous constitution, should eat plain, simple, but nourishing food, containing a large proportion of bone-forming materials, such as the carbonate and phosphate of lime, contained in milk, coarse wheat bread, oat meal, white corn and wheat mush, with cooked fruit, &c, and their skins should be kept scrupulously clean by bathing once a day in cold or cool salt and water, followed by abund- ance of friction, especially along the spine ; and they should exercise abund- antly in the sunlight and open air, and carefully avoid the stooping posi- tion while sitting and standing, as shown in the following, as well as pre- ceding illustrations, of the proper, as well as the improper position of the body, while sitting at the table reading, writing or engaged at any kind of Caries of the Vertebrse, with Curvature of the Spine. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. Fig. 158. 261 Improper Position. Proper Position. trade or mechanical employ- Fig. 159. ment. Shoulder braces are com- paratively useless in such cases as a means of training and strengthening the bones and muscles of the spine. In all such cases the respon- sibility rests with the parents, to guide and direct their children, and aid them to form correct habits in sitting, standing, walking, &c. At this early period of life, the physical constitution is young tender and plastic, and may be moulded into almost any shape that is graceful and beautiful, or by neglect or mismanagement or ignorance, it may be sadly deformed. When the body becomes old- Improper Position at the Table while Reading. er, larger quantities of limy matter enter into the formation of the bones, and they become more solid and fixed in their position, so that deformities Fig. 160. 262 THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION, rarely occur after a certain age, and for this reason it is also much more difficult to effect cures of those deformities which took place earlier in life. When the cartilages between the ends of the vertebras form- ing the spine become inflamed, unless this disease is prompt- ly cured by rest, and other appropriate treatment, it will result in the extension of the disease to the bones of the spine, followed by softening and ulceration, causing fright- ful deformity, or death. In all such cases, as soon as the disease has been dis- covered, in order to secure perfect rest of the diseased parts of the spine, the child should be placed upon a fold- ed blanket, upon a sacking bottom, in a large well lighted and well ventilated room, rest- ing the diseased bones of the spine, until by the use of the How to Sit at the Table, while Reading or Working. most active and appropriate means the inflammation or ulceration can be arrested. If there is any enlargement of the bones of the spine with deform- ity, great relief will often be obtained, and the cure facilitated, by placing a well adjusted cap upon the child's head, with suitable attachments to the head of the cot bedstead, and gaiters upon the feet, to which weights should be attached and suspended over the foot-board, to make gentle ex- tension and counter extension of the spine, drawing the ulcerated sur- faces of the diseased bones apart, relieving pressure, allaying pain and facilitating the cure. If this treatment is commenced early, and continued for a short time, and suitable attention is given to the diet of the child, with the use of alterative tonics, such as the syrup of iodide of iron, the inflammation and softening of the bones of the spine will gradually dis- appear, and recovery will take place without any deformity, as the author has seen in numerous instances. But when such diseases are neglected, or allowed to take their own course without interference, " until the golden opportunity has been lost," when the disease wears itself out, and the in- flammation or ulceration subsides, the new bony matter which has been THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 263 formed at the seat of the disease, will become firm and solid, fixing the spine firmly and immovably in this deformed position for life. Muscles op the Arms. "When we examine the arms at the shoulders, we discover broad fan-shaped muscles, forming a sort of cap for the shoulder joint, called the deltoid mus- Fig. 161. Muscles of the Arm, Side and Leg. 1, Deltoid Muscles; 2, Pectoral Muscles ; 3, Biceps Flexor; 4, Biceps Extensor of the Arm ; 5, Serratus ; 6, Transverse Muscle of the Abdomen ; 7, Gluteoua Maximus ; 8, Rectus Femoris ; 9, Sartorius ; 10, Biceps Flexor Femoris ; 11, Vastus Interus ; 12, Gastrocnemius ; 13, Heel Cord ; 14, Anterior Tibial Muscles. 264 THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. cles. These muscles are very useful to enable us to raise our arms, and place the backs of our hands against each other, above our heads. When these muscles are well exercised every day, they will soon become large, strong, graceful and beautiful. Many times the sleeves are inserted so low down on the sides of the waist of the dress, that they bind the arms at the shoulders, and render it impossible to raise them up so that the backs of the hands can touch each other; causing weakness of the deltoid muscles, round shoulders, and a nar- row chest; which is so indicative of effeminacy and premature decay, con- sumption, &c. There are also two large muscles distributed along the front and back part of the arms, above the elbow, called the biceps, and triceps flexor and extensor muscles, which are useful to bend and straighten the arm at the elbow joint. When these muscles are thoroughly exercised and cultivated, as often seen in the right arm of the smith, they become large, strong and beautiful. Allow the arms to hang dangling loosely by the side, as often seen in the dancing master, whose chief education resides in his legs instead of his arms, and they will wither and shrivel from disuse. Below the elbow there are numbers of flexor muscles, distributed along the front part of the arm, designed to flex or bend the wrist, hand, thumb, fingers, &c, and along the back part of the arm, a number of extensor muscles, which are designed to extend or straighten the wrist, hand, thumb, fingers, &c. These muscles originate just below the elbow joint, where the arm is large and fleshy, and the sheathes of their fibres and fibrilla unite at their lower extremities, forming long, slender, graceful and beau- tiful tendons, which are inserted into the bones of the hand. When these muscles are thoroughly exercised by opening and shutting our hands, bend- ing and straightening our fingers many times every day, they will become large, strong, graceful and beautiful. Now it is possible for a bashful young gentleman to ascertain "before hand," whether a young lady that he has experienced a tender passion for, will really make him a good " help mate" or not. Many a young man, has found out afterwards, to his sorrow, sometimes. Examine carefully her arms, and if these muscles are large, powerful, graceful and beautiful, ten to one she has already discovered that her hands and arms were made for use, and not to look at, and that she has learned and knows how to use them. But alas ! if her arms are thin, delicate, soft and withered, or undeveloped from want of use, then rest assured that if they do not keep a servant, her u mother does all the work." Better not marry any of her daughters unless a man wishes to let himself out as a nurse for life. When such indolent and ef- feminate daughters assist their mothers to wash dishes, they fasten a rag to the end of a stick and stand off at arm's length, while they mop out the cups and saucers, for fear of soiling their delicate hands and fingers. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 265 While delivering a course of Lectures in one of the interior towns of Pennsylvania, the author was invited to call professionally, on one of these very delicate young ladies, and being detained a little longer than usual, when the young lady entered the drawing room, she apologized for detain- ing him so long, remarking that " she was giving a few directions to her washerwoman." Yery soon her dear good mother entered the room, with a face, the picture of honesty and good sense, beaming with smiles, and rosy with health ; and taking a seat near the author, remarked, as she sat down, she "hoped he would excuse her, as she was engaged doing a little washing that morning !" The reader can easily imagine who the washer- woman was, in that family ! and about how much her daughters would be worth for wives ! Such delicate, feeble creatures should never marry ! They should be kept as a kind of animated waxworks, or as ornaments to adorn the drawing-room ! Muscles of the Leg. When we examine the muscles of the leg, we shall notice three large, coarse, strong muscles of the hip, located in layers, one under the other, and covering the hip joint, called the gluteal muscles. These muscles ex- tend from the bones of the hip to the bones of the leg, below the hip joint. Other large and powerful muscles extend down along in front of the leg to the knee joint, called the rectus femoris, vastus internus and externus, which are useful to straighten the leg at the knee joint; while others extend from the hip down to the back part of the leg, forming the ham-string tendons or cords, which are inserted into the bones below the knee, and are called the biceps, the semi-membranous, semi-tendinous, &c, and which are very useful to bend the leg at the knee joint. When these muscles of the leg are thoroughly exercised, developed and strength- ened, by alternate bending and straightening the legs at the hip and knee- joints, they will become large, powerful, graceful and beautiful, as seen in fig. 143, representing Hercules after slaying the Numidian lion. Below and behind the knee, we observe the gastrocnemius, plantaris, and soleus, uniting together to form the large and powerful tendon, called the heel cord. These muscles are designed to draw the os calcis, or heel bone, upwards, and to bend the ankle joint, so that we can walk on our toes. These muscles form the calf of the legs, and when thoroughly exercised, developed and strengthened, by standing and walking on our toes, a few moments several times a day, they will soon become large, strong, graceful and beautiful, as often seen in the enormous development of the legs of the danseuse and the pedestrian ! These muscles are often injured by wearing high heeled shoes and boots, which prevent their being called into use in bending the foot at the ankle, while walking, and cause their rapid 266 THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. decrease in size and power ! Sometimes these muscles are permanently contracted at birth, drawing the heel inwards and upwards, causing crooked, or club feet, which may be easily cured by a simple surgical operation, fol- lowed by skillful mechanical treatment. Fig. 162. When we examine the anter- ior portion of the leg below the knee, we shall observe several muscles which are distributed downwards to the foot and toes, which are designed to straighten the feet and toes. When these muscles are thoroughly exer- cised, developed and strength- ened, by standing and walking upon our heels, with our toes well drawn upwards towards the knees, for a few minutes several times a day, these mus- cles will soon become large, strong, graceful and beautiful. To enable us to accomplish this desirable object, the heels of our shoes and boots must be large and very short. High-heeled boots and shoes are simply a nuisance, designed to make cripples of all of their numerous victims, by preventing the proper exercise and development of the muscles of the legs and feet. Sometimes the anterior tibial muscles are contracted at birth, drawing the toes upwards, so that the person walks upon the heels. This variety of crooked feet is called calcaneus. When the heel is drawn upwards, and the person walks on the toes, the deformity is called equinus, and when the foot is turned inwards, as seen in fig. 162, it is termed varus. Treatment. Varus is by far the most frequent of all of the varieties of club foot, and valgus is the least frequent. All of these varieties of crook- ed feet, may be cured by mechanical treatment, without resorting to any surgical operation, but the treatment is long and tedious ; more can be ac- complished in one day by surgical treatment, than can be accomplished without it in a month. For the cure of equinus and varus, the heel-cord only requires to be di- vided. For this purpose a fold of the skin is raised up over the cord, and a very narrow delicate knife, not larger than a darning kneedle, is run un- der this fold of skin, then turning its edge downwards, the cord being ren- dered tense by forcible efforts to straighten the foot, by a few careful move- ments ot the knife it is made to divide the contracted tendon, and as soon as it is divided it gives way, allowing the foot to come nearly around straight in a moment. The foot being straighten- ed, must he supported and kept in place, by means of a properly constructed and well adjusted shoe and appa- ratus, such as seen in fig. 164. In infancy, the parts being soft and yielding, a cure may be accomplished in a few days, but in advanced life, when the parts become hard, tough and unyielding, the apparatus and shoe must be worn for a long period. With patience and perseverance, a cure can be effected in any case THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. Fig. 163. 267 Subcutaneous division of the Tendons for the Cure of Crooked Feet. The author has had good success in Fig. 164. several cases over forty years old. This deformity was formerly very common, but becomes more. rare every year, from the number of cases that are con- stantly being cured in all parts of the country. No person need remain lame and deformed in this way. In no department of surgery has there been made greater improvements within a few years, than in the treatment of deformities. By means of the subcu- taneous division of the tendons, and without the loss of more than a few drops of blood, a good surgeon can straighten crooked eyes, crooked neck, crooked fingers, crooked elbows, crooked toes, crooked feet, crooked knees, anything in fact but a crooked tongue or conscience. We turn over that class of deformi- ties for our friends the clergy to operate upon, by other means. Our Feet. Our feet are composed of numerous bones, liga- ments, muscles, blood-vessels, nerves, &c. The bones of our feet are united together in such a way as to form a perfect tripod, with its bearings, corres- ponding with the base of the great and little toes, and the heel, as seen in fig. 165. The weight of the body rests upon an elastic arch, which expands under pressure, greatly extending its length and breadth, and enlarging the size of our feet, while standing and walking. The amount of this ex- 268 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. Fig. 165. Foot, as seen in a child who never wore shoes. Fig. 166. pansion of 'the feet while standing and walking, will correspond with the size and weight of the body. For this reason it is very evident, that we can only ascertain how long and wide the soles of our boots and shoes should be made, by standing on a sheet of white paper, with the whole weight of our bodies resting on one foot, and marking around it with a lead pencil. In this way we can easily get the. exact size of our feet, and ascertain "our number" with- out any mistake or dispute. Every step we take while walking, our feet should expand, when they touch the ground, like the wings of a bird while flying, and if the soles of our boots or shoes, are not long and wide enough, to admit of this expansion, we can never be- come graceful walkers. Many people seem to think, that our hands and feet Bottom of a well formed were not made for wse, but to look at ! We look with amazement and pity at poor, ignorant Chinese women, who bandage and confine their feet, until they produce the most horrible and disgusting deformities, and we are filled with feelings of commisseration, as we witness their painful efforts to stand and walk ! But when we look at many of our fashionable fops and dandies on Chestnut street, with gloves so small, that their hands must be folded up like a fan, to enable them to get them on, and wear them; and boots or shoes, with soles so short and narrow, as to produce the most painful agony, and digusting deformities, as seen in fig. 167, showing the outlines of the foot, with' the toes forced against, and overlapping each other^ by the short and narrow-soled boot, can be seen so distinctly, as to be fully understood even by the dullest capacity. When the toes of our boots and shoes are too short and narrow, and the toes are forced against each other, the pressure will often cause thickening of the scarf skin, or cuticle, and the formation of soft corns and callosities be- tween the toes, causing much pain, lameness, &c. Very frequently, one of the toes will be forced down under the others, as seen in fig. 168, to accommodate them to the short and narrow-toed boot or shoe. When ne- glected or improperly treated, the tendons or cords beneath the deformed toes finally become contracted, increasing the deformity, and rendering it more permanent ! For the cure of this deformity of the toes, it will be necessary first, to prepare a long wide-toed shoe, with a steel sole opening down to the toes, as seen in the shoe of the apparatus, for the cure of Chinese Woman's Foot. drawn from Life. THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 269 Fig. 167. crooked feet, fig. 164. The contracted tendons or cords, beneath the crooked toes, are now carefully divided, sub- cutaneously, as seen in the operation for the cure of crook- ed feet, and the toes are now well separated from each other, by thick layers of wash leather, or buckskin, and encased in wide-toed stockings, and the feet placed care- fully in the open shoes, which have been well opened down to the toes, so that the crooked toes can be covered with an elastic pad, composed of felt or buckskin, and their position easily examined without removing the shoes. The shoes are now laced moderately tight, from the toes upwards, the pressure of the felt or buckskin pads forcing the toes out straight, and keeping them in their proper position, until the deformity is cured. Very frequently the nails of the great toes become rounded by pressure against the sides of the great toe, caused by short, Fig. 168. Fig. 169. narrow-toed boots or shoes, causing the curved edges of the nail to grow down into the flesh, Fig. 170. creating soreness, fol- lowed by inflammation and ulceration, from which granulations, of unhealthy proud flesh, soon sprout out around the nail, causing great pain and distress, with inability to wear a boot or shoe. There are numerous Ingrowing Toe Nail, with Fungus granulations, or proud flash, growing up around it. cures for this painful disease, some of which are practicable and successful^ 18 £70 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. and others not to be relied upon. The best, quickest, and most reliable method is to administer ether or chloroform, and when complete insensi- bility to pain has been secured, divide and remove about one-quarter of the nail, on each side, carrying the incision about one-quarter of an inch above the root of the nail, and then outward on each side, about a quarter of an inch, removing a piece of the skin, including the matrix in which the nail has its origin, an inch and a quarter long, and a quarter of an inch wide. Wash the wound with a weak solution of carbolic acid and water, containing one teaspoonful to a pint of water, and cover with lint wet in the colloid styptic, composed of sulphuric ether one ounce, tannin one drachm, collodion ten grains, and cover with a bandage, and a loose and roomy shoe. The colloid styptic, containing ether, tannin and collodion, forms an im- pervious coating, which excludes the atmospheric air, and prevents pain and suppuration. Wounds and cuts should always be washed with a so- lution of carbolic acid, containing one part to one hundred, or about a tea- spoonful to a pint of water, and then covered with lint wet in this styptic, to prevent pain and suppuration. The author has always used these re- medies in numerous surgical operations, for the last ten years, with great satisfaction. These remedies should always be kept prepared for use in every house, in case of accidental injury of any part of the body. Wounds so dressed will rarely require re-dressing ! pj yji Bunions are also caused by narrow-soled boots and shoes. Some persons are much more liable to bunions than others. A predispo- sition to chronic inflammation and enlarge- ment of the joints, is often caused by rheum- atism and gout, as may often be seen in numerous cases of chronic articular rheuma- tism and gout, followed by chronic enlarge- ment, stiffness and deformity of the joints of A B^n, caused by a Narrow- the fingers, toes, &c. As before mentioned, Soled Shoe. { n another place, rheumatism and gout are dis- eases of the blood. Rheumatism being caused by accumulation of lactic acid, and gout by the accumulation of lithic acid in the blood, produced by imperfect digestion and assimilation of our food ! In persons of a rheumatic or gouty constitution, with a tendency to inflammation, followed by calcareous deposits in the joints, pressure from narrow-soled boots or shoes, will be much more likely to be followed by inflammation and enlarge- ment of the joints, and the production of bunions, than in others, who are not subject to these infirmities. Treatment. To reduce the enlargement, and at the same time remove the pain caused by a bunion, we must remove the cause which produced it. THE ORGANS OP LOCOMOTION. 271 If there is a tendency to rheumatism or gout, it must be removed by appro- priate remedies, as directed in the appendix. To reduce the size of the bunion, and remove the pain, prepare and wear a wide-soled shoe or boot. It is easily understood by any one, at all familiar with the limited power of medicine, that no remedy, however useful in its place, can move a barn or build a house, or widen the soles of our boots. No bunion can be cured until the pressure is first removed by widening the soles of the boots and shoes. As soon as this has been accomplished, the pain and inflammation may be removed by the application of a small belladonna plaster, or by covering it with a circular pad of wash leather, felt or buckskin, with a round hole cut out of the middle of it, to remove the pressure from the surface of the bunion, and which may be filled with the colloid styptic, and covered with a little lint. Corns and callosities are caused by thickening of the cuticle, or scarf skin, in consequence of friction or pressure. They frequently occur in the palm of the hands, or upon the fingers of the mechanic, in consequence of friction, caused by the use of mechanical instruments, while at work. They are also found upon the soles of the feet, and upon the sides of the toes, as well as other parts of the body. When the cuticle or scarf skin, which is insensible, becomes thickened and hard, forming a corn or a callosity, it may be easily cured by removing the cause, and applying any local remedy capable of softening the corn, and causing its exfoliation. As before men- tioned, these excrescences are caused by friction and pressure. The first may be produced by wearing a shoe that is too loose, and the latter by wearing a shoe that is too short, or narrow-soled. A shoe to fit the foot, should be sufiiciently long and wide-soled, not to pinch or press the foot, and admit of its expansion when we stand and walk ; and at the same time, it should fit sufiiciently snug over the instep not to allow the foot to slip up and down at the heel, or to move in the cavity of the boots or shoes while we walk. In a word, there is no particular objection to shoes that fit snugly, or even a little tight, over the instep, if they are sufiiciently long and wide across the soles. The only way to procure such shoes, is to remove the stocking, and stand with the bare foot on a sheet of white paper, with the whole weight of the body resting on one foot, and then measuring around it with a lead pencil, and giving the shoemaker especial directions to make your boots or shoes as ivide inside of the soles, as the measure of your feet, at the same time telling him firmly, that unless he complies with your reasonable request, and makes your boots and shoes according to your directions, you will not take them when they are done; and rest assured, you will soon bring him to terms ! Very few men or women, employ shoe- makers to fit their boots and shoes to their feet, but they employ them to 272 THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. fit their feet to their shoes, and some of them would pare down the feet of their customers to fit their absurdly awkward boots and shoes, as many ig- norant blacksmiths do the feet of the horses they shoe, until they become so lame they cannot walk. How to Cure Corns. Having removed the friction and pressure causing corns, by the sub- stitution of well constructed shoes and boots, the thickened cuticle may be easily removed, by applying equal parts of carbonate of soda and com- mon brown bar soap. Rub these substances together with a spoon handle or knife blade, on the surface of a plate, forming a strong alkaline oint- ment. Spread this on a piece of buckskin or wash leather, and apply it to the surface of the corns, at bedtime, after soaking them for five or ten minutes in hot water, allow it to remain until morning. The alkaline or soap ointment will soften and dissolve dried albuminous substances, as often seen when any one washes clothing in strong soap and water, when very frequently the lye of the strong soap, will eat through the thin albu- minous layer of scarf skin, causing raw sores upon the hand and fingers. When the corn plaster is removed in the morning, the corn to which it has been applied, will be found white and soft, and by scraping a little around its base with your finger nail, it may be easily raised up and turned out, just as you would turn over a buckwheat cake in the frying process. Paint over the tender surface, beneath the corn which you have removed, with the colloid styptic for protection, and it will not require any further atten- tion. In this way with little trouble and no expense, any one can easily cure all of their corns in a short time, and as soon as they have cured them, if they will only put on a pair of short, narrow-soled, high-heeled boots or shoes, they can easily raise another crop in three months' time. The feet and toes are prolific soil, and we can raise at least four crops of corns a year without any difficulty. Many unreasonable people find fault with the skillful corn doctor, who removes their corns, because they return again. Ah! no, corns never return again, but other ones grow from the same, or from other parts of the toes and feet, in the same way that other diseases, when once cured, do not return again, but any one may have fevers, small- pox, &c, several times during their life, and be as often perfectly cured. We cannot say that when a man is cured of dyspepsia, or the liver com- plaint, gout and rheumatism, &c, that he will never suffer with these dis- eases again, or as some people say a stay cured." That will depend alto- gether on circumstances, over which the most intelligent physician has lit- tle or no control. The physician can advise what should be done, to prevent and cure different diseases, but he cannot regulate the moral conduct or the daily habits of mankind. The moral duty of preserving health by THE ORGANS OF LOCOMOTION. 273 living in accordance with the natural laws, which govern the growth and maintain the health of the body, cannot be delegated to the family doctor, nor the responsibility shifted upon the shoulders of the medical profession. This duty, and this responsibility, rests upon each individual. The preser- vation of his own health, and the prolongation of his own life, is placed in his own hands, by the Creator, and he can, as a free agent, do as he pleases with them. Nor can he plead ignorance of the lavjs governing the growth, and maintaining the health of his own organization, in extenuation, anymore, than a drunken man, can plead his besotted and drunken condition, in ex- tenuation for murder. It is the duty of all men to keep sober, and if they will voluntarily get drunk and murder, the crime is in getting drunk. We are all endowed with intellectual faculties, and it is a great moral duty to study and understand our own nature, and the laws which govern the growth of our organization, and maintain its health. And if we will not do so, and consequently, ignorantly violate these laws, then the crime consists in our ignorance of those things, which all mankind ought to know. 274 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. LECTURE XXYI. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. When any organ of the human body is called into use, it will cause larger quantities of blood to flow into it, improving its nutrition, rapdly increas- ing its size and developing its power. The influence of this law of muscular development, may be seen in the effect of muscular exercise upon the heart and organs concerned in the circulation of the blood, while bleed- ing any one from the arm When an opening has been made into the principal vein of the arm, if the blood does not flow out sufficiently fast, it is customary to request the patient, if a lady, and remarkably good-looking, to squeeze your hand as hard as she can ; but if it happens to be only one of these horrid men, then to take hold of the chair post or broom handle, and squeeze it firmly. Now every time the muscles of the hand and arm contract firmly, they will compress the elastic blood-vessels of the arm, and quicken the circulation, and more than double the quantity of the blood, which flows from the opened vein of the arm It will be easily seen from this simple illustration, that if the body remains at rest, the blood circulates slowly through the numerous blood-vessels into all of the different parts of the body, and hence when attacked with fever or diseases of an inflammatory character, the body should be kept still and quiet. The least movement or exercise, coughing, &c, will always increase the danger, in hemorrhages from the lungs and other organs of the body. As before mentioned, there are about two hundred and eight bones, and four hundred and seventy muscles in the body, capable of executing the greatest variety of movements. Now the exercise of one of these numer- ous muscles, will not be sufficient to increase the flow of blood into all of them, increasing their size and power. On the the contrary, the exercise of only one muscle or organ, will divert or draw the blood away from all of the others, and so increase its size, and develop its powers, at the expense of all the rest. We cannot exercise the muscles of the arms, to devel- op and strengthen those of the legs. Nor can we exercise those of the legs, to develop and strengthen those of the arms, any more than we can exercise one faculty of the mind, to develop and strengthen another faculty. Each one of the four hundred and seventy muscles, must be exercised sep- arately, for the purpose of enlarging its size and increasing its power. It was upon this general law of physical culture and development of power, HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 275 that Dr. Ling of Sweden, founded his system of " movement cure'' which has become so celebrated throughout the world. Having thoroughly stud- ied the situation and use of each muscle of the body, he compelled all of his numerous patients, to practise all of those movements, which were neces- sary to exercise every muscle of the body, not only to enlarge the size and increase the strength of every muscle, but to act as a diversion, calling the the blood away from deep seated vital organs, that were congested, irritated, inflamed or diseased, and so relieving and curing them without the use of any medicine whatever. In many chronic diseases of long standing, when cases are properly selected, there can be no doubt but what his system of treatment is best adapted to effect a cure, and it is certain that it has been followed by the most satisfactory results. From what has been said, it will be easily understood that any one par- ticular kind of employment or work, or any one particular kind of exercise, will not be sufficient to exercise all of the four hundred and seventy mus- cles of the body, and consequently, will not develop and strengthen all of the muscles. Hard work, at any employment, will at most, only exer- cise a limited portion of these numerous muscles, and make them large and strong, at the expense of many others, by directing their proper proportion of the blood away from them, allowing them to wither and shrivel, and be- come powerless. Mechanics and working men often become very strong, in those parts of the body which are used in their daily toil, and very weak, and comparatively feeble, in other parts of their bodies. They are very superior in some respects, and quite inferior in others. Their mus- cular system is not well balanced and harmoniously developed, in all its parts. In this respect, they are much like many others who have exer- cised their intellectual faculties, and their moral natures, upon one or two subjects continuously, until they have enlarged and strengthened certain organs of the brain, and certain faculties of the mind, and moral nature, at the expense of all of the other organs and faculties of the mind and moral sentiments, which have become dwarfed and atrophied from disuse. Such persons become one-idea'd men and women; they constantly think upon and talk about one subject, and it gives them the headache to think upon or talk about anything else. To use a modern popular phrase they have a particular hobby " on the brain." They are even very religious on one subject, and unfortunately, that one may not always be the most important; while in other respects, in thought and duty they may be very feeble. In fact the world is full of inharmoniously developed, and imperfectly edu- cated men and women ; well developed and strong intellectually, morally and physically, upon one subject, while they are very weak and feeble upon all others. Prize fighters and the athletse understand and apply this principle in all 276 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. their efforts to train, develop and strengthen all parts of the human body. Their principal efforts are to remove all defects or weak parts of the body, and make them all equally strong, so that there will be no weak or vulne- rable point, that can be successfully assailed by their antagonist in the final encounter. Many of these professional pugilists, have been practical me- chanics, working at different trades, and when not in training to improve and strengthen themselves, have often indulged in various sensual and enervating habits, which have weakened and exhausted their system, until they are what is termed " out of condition" and unfit for any display of strength or courage. Now it will be both interesting and profitable for all debilitated invalids to observe, how they regain the strength which they often lose by the indulgence in irregular habits, of an enervating and exhausting character. As soon as the contest has been agreed upon, and the arrangements made, the training begins. And first, the diet is modi- fied, and adapted to the production of the greatest amount of physical power and endurance. Away goes tobacco, tea, coffee, rum, beer, &c, in all of their various forms, and all sensual indulgences, of every description. All prize fighters train themselves in perfect continence, living upon plain, simple, nourishing food, such as bread, beef, and cold water only. They fully understand that hard work at any kind of trade or mechan- ical employment, will not make a man stronger in all parts of his body, as it does not afford a sufficient variety of movements to exercise, develop and strengthen all the different muscles ! It is for this reason, they resort to a great variety of exercises, best fitted to call into use every muscle of the body : such as exercise and movements with dumb-bells, Indian clubs, sand bags, leaping, walking, jumping, climbing, striking, &c. It is indeed won- derful to see with what rapidity a man in earnest, with his whole mind and heart set upon it, can double and quadruple his ordinary strength or power, in this way ? What an interesting and important lesson is here taught our enervated and sickly young men, seen lounging in the saloons and club-rooms, and upon the corners of our streets, emasculating themselves with the ener- vating fumes of tobacco, and other sensual indulgences, until they become mere shadows of what they might be, if they only had resolution or man- hood enough to arise, and, like Samson, shake off all these enemies of their true manhood ! and, by a well regulated system of physical training, develop all their innate powers of body, mind, and moral natures I Pleasures of Physical Culture. The Creator seems to have wisely implanted in the breasts of all man- kind, the irresistible, instinctive love of motion. This instinct manifests itself in the child, soon after its birth and introduction into the world. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 277 The fond mother often witnesses these feeble movements of her young and tender infant, with the most intense pleasure, and frequently exclaims, see how the little fellow stretches, and grows I" Food, sleep, and motion, how few and simple are the child's wants, at this early and interesting pe- riod of his existence. As he grows stronger and older, then he rolls, tum- bles, and plays upon the floor. By and by, as his limbs become stronger by exercise, he climbs up by the side of the chair, and stands upon his feet, with feelings of doubtful security ! when mother, standing away a few paces, extends both of her hands, and looking at him, as mothers only know how to look, with a face so full of confidence and encouragement, tempts him by saying, " come, now, come !" when away he totters with unsteady steps, to meet the open and extended hands of his mother. What peals of laughter manifest his triumph, in learning how to take his first steps. In vain after this, will his mother say, " now, do be quiet one mo- ment, or you will drive your poor mother crazy !" Down comes the broom, and, with one foot over the handle, away he goes, tearing around the room, " playing horse," until he is tired, and goes to sleep ! The same is true of the little lambs and colts. How they are stirred and animated by the same irresistible instinctive love of motion, which prompts them to run, skip, jump, and play, upon the green hills and meadows. Now, suppose we were to interfere with the fullest manifestation of this instinctive love of motion, and cruelly confine one of these beautiful little colts in the stable, all the time, until he becomes a horse six years old, then we can easily ascertain what will be the effect of this restrained, ar- tificial, and unnatural life upon this noble animal. When exanlined at the end of six years, standing all this time quietly in the stable, he will be found to be ring-boned and spavined in every joint of his body, and to have become totally valueless. And so of many beautiful little girls, whose ignorant and thoughtless mothers confine them in the nursery and the drawing-room, until their constitutions are broken down, and totally ruined for want of sufficient air and motion. The natural exuberance of the feelings of youth, and the overflow of the spirits of infancy, prompts all little boys and girls to run, romp and play, and so exercise the bones, joints, and muscles of the body, to round off, finish and polish the ends of the bones and cavities of the joints, and develop, perfect, and strengthen all of the muscles ; and how unwise and cruel it is, for mothers to strive to check this buoyancy of feeling, and this overflow of the spirits implanted within them by the Creator, for the wisest of purposes. As a general rule, boys are expected to grow strong and vigorous men, and boys are allowed to obey this in- stinctive love of motion. They can run, skip, jump, climb, and play, at almost any and everything — even stand on their heads, if they wish to do 278 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. so. Every little girl in good health, experiences the same longings, the same impatience of restraint, the same instinctive love of motion ; and when they fancy mother is not watching them, quite as closely as usual, they will steal out upon the lawn, or into the garden, without any hat or bonnet, and run, romp, and play, catching the butterflies, and gathering the beautiful flowers, with cheeks red as roses, and eyes sparkling with health and animation. By and by, their foolish mother happens to dis- cover them, when she quickly raps upon the window, and in they creep, silent and crest-fallen, looking as demure and ashamed, as if they had committed some unpardonable sin. When their thoughtless, ignorant mother, exclaims, " why , my daughters, I am astonished at you ; out in the garden without any hats, romping and playing like great coarse tom-boys "Why, you will grow up as big as an elephant, and be as coarse as a horse ! Now, why can't you obey your mother, and stay in the house, and behave like young ladies, sit down on your nice little chairs, have your nice little sewing, and grow up such nice little ladies !" ready to go into a fit at the sight of a mouse, and into hysterics at the sight of a spider ! So that nice little men, with nice little hands, nice little moustaches, and nice little walking sticks, can defend and ported such delicate little creatures from all such horrid monsters and wild b3ast3 as those just described ! Why Exercise is Painful to Invalids. When we neglect to exercise, develop and streagthen our bones and muscles in infancy, it will be irksome and piin r ul for us to use them in after life. The same is true of all intellectual and moral culture, as any one will quickly ascertain, who comneu3es his mental education at the age of twenty, without any mental discipline or previous habits of study. It requires many long and weary months of mental application, and close study, to develop and strengthen the organs of the mind, before it becomes pleasant to think, reason and reflect without pain and fatigue, upon any subject. And so it is with our bones and muscles. When they are not exercised, trained, developed and strengthened in early life, as we grow older it becomes irksome, painful, fatiguing and disagreeable to use our shrivel- led, weak and imperfectly developed bones and muscles. It is for this reason there are so many pale, exhausted, wretched bed* ridden invalids in middle life, who have not had sufficient courage and energy to enable them to make a long determined sytematic effort, to exercise, train and strengthen their weak and feeble bones and muscles , because at first it causes pain, and makes them feel worse for a time to do so. They cannot appreciate the advantage of anything that does not produce immediate beneficial reuslts, and so go to bed and lay there day after day, month after month, and year after year, until death comes to their relief. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 279 We are often compelled to think of these great physiological truths, as we witness the sad failure of many enlightened efforts, made by the most intelligent physicans, to restore unfortunate bed ridden invalids, to active and useful lives. Having wisely insisted, that some unfortunate bed ridden invalid, shall commence a thorough course of systematic physical exercise, and training of the muscular system, for the restoration of health and strength, at last he yields a reluctant assent to his request, and begins with only a very little exercise, and the next day finding his muscles sore and painful, is discouraged, and insists that he is worse, and cannot bear any excerise, &c. When I meet intelligent and skillful physicians, with all of the patience of Job, struggling good naturedly, with some bed ridden in- valid, insisting upon his constant reliance upon the latent, undeveloped resources of his own nature, for the development of strength and power, it reminds me of an incident related to me by one of the earliest emigrants to California. Among those ardent adventurers, was an old friend of mine, who had been a bookkeeper for many years, in a large mercantile establishment on Market Street, seated upon a high stool, with his feet and legs hanging dangling somewhere between heaven and earth, we cannot say precisely where, his employment was not well calculated to develop the muscles, especially those of his lower extremities. In his haste to become wealthy, he could not afford to wait the slow, tedious voyage around the Capes of South America, and so injudicously determined to make the jour- ney across the continent. Having reached the frontier settlements of the West, he purchased for himself the usual outfit, and after he had ridden his miserable old horse a few hundred miles over the plains, the horse gave out and died, leaving his unfortunate master about six hundred miles from ■ any place, with no other means of continuing his journey, but his own withered and feeble legs. The first evening after a hard day's walk, he encamped with his traveling companions upon the borders of a ravine, where he slept but little, being disturbed by the howling of wolves, and still more ferocious savages. When he awoke in the morning, his body and limbs were sore and full of aches and pains, but the recollections of the previous night's entertainment, were a powerful incentive to exertion, so rising early, he toiled on with painful and feeble steps all day long, and at night was so foot-sore, lame and exhausted, that he was glad to throw himself upon the ground for rest and repose, but during the night his slumbers were again disturbed, by prowling wolves, and wild and ferocious savages. Linger but for an hour behind his companions, and he would soon become food for the beasts of the plains. When he awoke the third morning, and tried to turn over and get up, he seemed transfixed to the ground, what aches and pains ran through his exhausted muscles. In vain he sighed and complained, as he thought of his mother's soft feather bed, and declared that if he was 280 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. only at home, he would not get up for a week. Linger but a moment be- hind his companions, and that would be the last of him ! Do or die ! With every bone and muscle of his body exhausted and full of pain, he gathered himself, up and limped on after his companions. Again when the sun declined below the horizen, he sought repose and sleep in the camp, with his friends, but again his slumbers were disturbed by the beasts of the plains, who scented their prey. When he awoke, it was in vain he tried to turn over, for it seemed as though his body was firmly pinned to the earth with aches and pains; the slightest movements of his body or limbs, produced the most intense, racking pain and torture. This indeed was the turning point in the crisis of his fate. Life or death were now trembling in the balance. So with the courage inspired by fear and desperation, he clung to his companions as the only means of safety. From this time for- ward, as he continued his perilous journey, his daily sufferings rapidly de- clined, and by the time he reached the golden sands of California, he could easily walk forty miles a day without fatigue, and come into camp at night, feeling like a spirited race horse "on his last quarter." Bulwer, in one of his interesting stories, tells us that the love of fame and success is immortal ; and that even the most worthless would become renowned, if they could do so by dreaming ! Without any fixed purpose, and with feeble steps, they commence the journey of life. Soon they en- counter little obstacles on every hand. The lion difficulty stands forever in their pathway ; and so trembling with irresolution they fall to the earth, and are speedily swept away into the ocean of eternity, without leaving a ripple upon its surface, no word or sign to mark that they had ever lived. It is only on rare occasions, that we are permitted to see young men and women, rising in the morning of life, rosy with hope, a heart full of cour- age, and a soul animated with that deathless purpose to win laurels from the great future ! No obstacles can daunt them, difficulties stimulate them to increased exertion, nothing can frighten them from that pathway that leads onwards and upwards, into the temple of fame, through whose lofty portals no mortals footsteps ever trod, except through their own energy, toil and exertion. When the author witnesses the unsuccessful efforts of many earnest, skill- ful and intelligent physicians, to restore pale, feeble bed-ridden patients to an active useful life, he cannot help thinking, that if they would only light a match, and set the bed on fire, after a while they would probably turn over, and if the fire kept burning, by and by many of them would " turn out." An iron will, and the display of power and courage, is often required on the part of medical men, in the treatment of bed-ridden invalids. Indeed, most all invalids will invent all sorts of excuses for not carrying HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 281 out any well digested plan of treatment for their recovery, many of them insisting that the best possible treatment makes them feel worse : have more pain, &c. ; that they can't exercise, that they "lose their breath" if they make the least exertion, &c. The author has never yet known a sin- gle instance, when such an invalid ever found his breath while sitting still. The best thing an invalid can do who has lost his breath, is to get up and run after it, or it will get away so far, that he never will catch it again. Others complain of being so weak, with their nerves all unstrung, the best thing they can do is to fly around and string them up again. Our Schools and Colleges. Our whole educational system is defective, and needs reorganization, from the primary school to the college. The great object of all schools and colleges should be the thorough exercise and development of the phys- ical, moral, and intellectual nature of man ! to qualify every human being to engage successfully in some useful avocation or calling, calculated to min- ister to the welfare and happiness of society. Every well organized school or college, should contain all of the means required for the thorough train- ing and development of the physical organization, as well as the moral and mental nature of each pupil, and it should be as disgraceful for any pupil to be deficient in physical culture, as in mental or moral science ! The first ten years of the life of every human being, should be sacredly consecrated to the development of the physical constitution, and the mo- ral nature of every child, and at least one-third part of the time thereaf- ter, especially devoted to education, should be set apart for training and developing the body. Education would then mean something. It would be significant of character, and indicate superior culture in all respects. The world is full of brute force, and of ignorant, unskilled, uneducated laborers, mere living, animal machines. The great want of the age is edu- cation — skill to direct this mechanical force to some useful purpose. No pupil should ever be permitted to graduate at any school or college, who has not trained and developed his three-fold nature — his physical, moral, and mental powers, and learned some useful employment. The world is full of educated fools, graduates of seminaries, colleges, and other insti- tutions of learning, for the education of both sexes, well trained in lite- rature, with feeble, impefectly developed physical organization, who when turned out of college, with the wide world before them, are totally incap- able of earning a comfortable living ! The world demands educated, well trained, and skilled laborers in all of her thousand mines and workshops, and upon her rail-roads, canals, and public works. And this demand is constantly on the increase. There is no danger of a surplus of skilled ed- ucated laborers. The field for such workers, is as wide as the universe, and the demand absolutely illimitable. 282 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. Without education, without physical training, intellectual and moral cul- ture, a man is a mere living human machine, only qualified to do the roughest part of the world's work, and is in constant competition with mechanical inventions, or machinery and brute forces, and is in constant danger of want of employment, for his inferior, ignorant, mechanical labor. • The Utility and Dignity of Labor. " Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work," &c. So then it is no disgrace to work, whether rich or poor, but it is plainly and absolutely wicked, not to work six days out of every seven, at some honorable and useful employment. Now, one of the most unfortunate consequences resulting from the general neglect of physical culture, in most of our schools and colleges, is the disposition manifested, especially among the educated and effeminated classes, to regard manual labor as degrading in its nature, and derogatory in its influences. The time was, when mind, worth, made the man, and the want of it the fellow; but the time now is, when indolence and idleness, make the man, and industry and work, the fellow. In the census of this city, a gentleman, is the only man, among all of our citizens, who has no business or em- ployment, one of our do-nothings. With us the great struggle of life, is for the attainment of wealth, not for its uses, but as a means of enabling us to retire from the active duties of life, to stultify ourselves, to ignore our wants, to lead a life of sickly, in- animate and inglorious ease. The passion for the attainment of wealth is often so great, that men will cheat, lie, steal, or do anything to become sud- denly rich, in order that they may become do-nothings — that is, gentlemen. Now the author finds no fault with wealth, or the legitimate means of its attainment In a country like ours, with so many employments for head, hand and heart, it is almost a crime for a man to be very poor. Indeed, every man should labor for wealth, not to found a family, or purchase an estate, but as an aid to high intellectual, and high moral culture. Great wealth, as an inheritance for posterity, is in many instances, at least of doubtful value, and many times it indeed proves a curse. Who ever heard of an eagle toiling and struggling to fill its nest with flesh, to gorge its young eaglets? Does she not rathe*- teach them by want, to spread their own young and tender wings to the blast, and while soaring away upwards, bathe and strengthen them in the pure, balmy light of the sun. Let us not toil and struggle to acquire great wealth, as a means of inglor- ious ease and oppression; and when wealthy, let us not forget to use our means for the noblest of purposes — the promotion of human happiness, by the improvment of the moral, physical and intellectual condition of all mankind. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 283 LECTURE XXVII. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. "When we study the formation and nature of man, it is everywhere evident, that the great and good Creator, never designed that he should lead a life of idleness and inglorious ease. If he need not work for a maintenance, then he needs exercise for the development and preservation of his own nature, and to acquire the means of charity. All toil which ministers to the welfare and happiness of mankind, is equally ennobling and useful. Indeed, there is nothing in the nature of any kind of useful employment, which can degrade any man or woman. It is rather the spirit which is carried into employment, which elevates or degrades it. There is nothing absolutely disgraceful in being a petty shop-keeper, and in measuring tape, and selling it by the single yard. The only absolute disgrace consists, in having a soul whose range of thought is as short as the stick, and as narrow as the tape. The ploughman who turns over the clod, may be a Cincinnatus or a Washing- ton, or he may be a mere brother to the clods which he overturns. In a world like this, which is so full of incentives to exertion, and of rewards for achievement, a life of idleness is the most disgraceful of disgraces, and the most shameful of shames. An idler is not quite so much a biped, as he is a sort of bivalve, a kind of human oyster, that merely opens and shuts. " Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work." How often this command is broken, by lazy, idle, and indolent people. If you would understand, and fully appreciate the consequences of violating this great natural law, which was doubtless instituted for man's welfare and happiness, then experiment upon your own organization. Fasten your right arm across your chest, so as to render it impossible for you to use it, for a few months, and when at the end of this period, you remove the fastenings, you will be surprised to discover, that its muscles have withered and shrivelled to one half their size, and your arm and hand will have become so weak, that you cannot raise a glass of water to quench your thirst. Many poor, miserable, wretched, sickly people not only " rest the seventh day, which is the Sab- bath," but they rest all of the time, and still foolishly think they serve G-od, and keep His commandments. The disastrous consequences of want of muscular activity, has often been seen in its terrible effects, upon those who have been confined in the prisons of Europe, for political offenses. The illustrious Lafayette, when confined in an Austrian dungeon, came near falling a victim to the exhaustion conse- quent upon such confinement and inactivity. The thousands of miserable 284 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. victims, who issued from the Bastile, after long confinement in its dungeons, with their distorted limbs and deformed bodies, excited a thrill of indig- nation throughout the world. No wonder the heart of the Parisian mob beat with indignation, when they saw what cruelty and oppression had been inflicted upon their brothers, for mere disbelief in the divine right of kings and princes. No wonder they arose in their majesty and power, and hurled with violence, this system of barbarous and inhuman torture to the ground, and erected upon its foundation, the sacred column to glorious liberty, equality, fraternity. Yerily it is true, that those who would live by the sword of tyranny and oppression, shall perish by the sword of truth and justice. How many thousands of men and women, in all parts of our country, linger out a miserable existence of idleness, and helpless imbecil- ity, who might through well regulated physical education, become robust, strong, useful and happy citizens, engaged in some useful employment. Thousands of pale, feeble and emaciated females, scarcely pass the threshhold of their own doors, during the long winter months; and their pale and withered countenances, and lusterless eyes, tell us of the misery and the suffering which they endure. Only the other day, the author was called upon to prescribe for the daughter of one of these mothers, who could not appreciate the virtue and value of any kind of physical education, except taking pills. After advising careful attention to physical education, as a means of restoration, the mother raised her spectacles, and loooking at him with the utmost astonishment, exclaimed, "physical education ! Why, la me ! I am sure it does not do our William any good, for he has lived on nothing on arthj for the last twenty years, but vegetable pills, and he ain't a bit better !" Unfortunately, many more human beings have tried that kind of physical education, with no better success. Giving physic to an invalid, is like turning over a rock for an argument, or using a crowbar to convince a man. Would you think of strengthening and developing the weak mental pow- ers, or moral feelings of your children, by means of pills, powders, pana- ceas, and poorman's plasters ? If there was anything strengthening in these remedies, that is, anything capable of developing and invigorating weak muscles, then instead of sending your son to the college and the Sabbath school, and church, to develop and strengthen his intellectual faculties, and moral feelings, you should send him to the apothecary shop, and have hi3 head shaved, and a strengthening plaster applied, to develop and strengthen his brain. Physical education was held in very high estimation by Greece and Rome, as a means of acquiring great strength and beauty. They erected expensive baths and gymnasia or schools, for physical training, and then dedicated them in solemm service to the gods of strength, wisdom and HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 285 beauty: to Hercules, to Minerva and to Venus; and they were appropri- ated to the free use of both sexes. They established the olympian games, chariot races, and gladiatorial contests, as a means of securing great physi- cal superiority, enabling them in arms, arts and the sciences, to attain uni- versal admiration and envy. The ancient Grecians and Romans desired great physical power, not to combat error with truth, or overcome evil with good, but to conquer the world by brute force ; and when they had attained their ignoble object, they became indolent, and idle, while feasting upon the spoils of victory ; and hence their decline and fall. " Strengthen and fortify your bodies, Not to strike or slay, unless the audible voice of Heaven Call thee to that dire office, but to shed on ears, Abused by falsehood, truths of power, in words immortal ! Not the words which flash from the fierce demagogue's Unthinking rage, to madden for a moment, and expire ; Nor such as the wrapt orator imbues with the warmth Of facile sympathy, and moulds to mirrors, radiant With fair forms, to grace the noble fervor of an hour ; But words which bear the spirit's great deeds, winged For the future, which the dying breath of freedom Shapes as it exhales, and to the most enduring Forms of earth commits, to linger in the craggy shade 'Neath the eagle's home, or in the sea cave, where the tempest sleeps, Till some heroic leader bids them wake, To thrill the world with echoes !" One of the greatest obstacles to thorough, physical education is, that good health is associated with coarseness and vulgarity. Not long since, a very pretty and interesing young lady observed to the author, " why, who would have red cheeks, and look so coarse and countryfied. I" Indeed, most of the young ladies of the present day do not study and practise the means of acquiring good health, but rather the means of acquiring weak- ness, and lady like delicacy ! Many silly young women entertain the ab- surd idea, that extreme pallor, great weakness, and delicacy, is synonymous with refinement and gentility! The very word refinement is supposed to indicate something less gross, less robust, coarse and vulgar, than good health and physical perfection ! Women have discovered that most men prefer them to be weak, and encourage and perpetuate this foolish and false idea, so that they can maintain their great superiority for courage and physical power, and so patronize and protect these feeble, delicate creatures, who are so weak they cannot protect themselves ! Only think of a refined delicate lady being healthy, and strong enough to take care of herself, and not be compelled to have a protector ! Indeed, half a man's patronage and importance would speedily disappear ; and hence, it is so coarse and 19 286 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. vulgar for a woman to know anything, be anything but a parlor ornament, or a piece of ornamented wax work, or the plaything of society ! This is the principal reason, why such a large proportion of fashionably educated women suffer with muscular weakness, spinal complaint, general debility, &c. It has been said, by a recent author, that more than nine- tenths of the women of this country, who have been educated at our fa- shionable boarding schools, suffer with more or less curvature of the spine, as seen in fig. 154 ; a deformity which is almost entirely unknown among boys and young men, who are allowed abundant exercise in the open air. Now, let us ask you, who is responsible for all this educated weakness, debility and deformity ? Who, but those men who flatter, admire, and commend all those foolish ideas, and fashionable follies, which produce such disastrous results ! Rest assured, that all these fashionable weaknesses, and all these diseases, and terrible deformities, are produced by causes that are within the control of human agency, and are left in operation only, in consequence of a want of an educated, intelligent, and influential public opinion, to correct them. If the physical education of women received the same attention bestowed upon the opposite sex, there would be few spinal diseases, and comparatively little muscular debility, and other weak- nesses among them. Woman is not weak by reason of her sex, as a great many uneducated people fancy, but from want of physical training, from custom, fashion, and habit. Among many savage tribes, the female is the stronger of the two sexes. Even in parts of our own country, you may And plenty of robust and vigorous women, stronger than the average of men in other parts of the country. In the interior of Pennsylvania you will find plenty of ath- letic, robust and vigorous women, accustomed to work out in the harvest field, with their big, stout brothers, who would make some of our young knights of the yard-stick, and imperials, fly round like a top in the hands of a school-boy. A few years ago, the author had the pleasure of lecturing at Hollidays- burg, at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, and while there, was invited to an evening party, and while romping with some of the young ladies, he undertook to catch one of them in blind man's buff. It took him a long time to do so, and when he had caught her, it was simply impossible to hold her, she was so strong. Why, the muscles of her arm were as hard as a bar of iron ! The author asked her if she ever felt weak, or nervous, had the hysterics, or got the blues ? and she only laughed at him ! It is only to be hoped, that many of our nice young men, who think that all females are the weaker vessels, may not by accident fall into the hands of some of these mountain girls : if they do, they may as well give up at once, for the author can assure them, there will be no need of any broom-stick -.to make them behave themselves. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 287 But again; the style of dress which has long been worn by many women, is well calculated to restrain all freedom of locomotion, and cause great effeminacy, weakness and debility, on account of the length of the skirts ! The great object of clothing should be, first, to guard against cold; secondly, that it may be put on and removed with the least possible trouble ; thirdly, that it may possess the most graceful form consistent with unrestricted freedom of motion ; and fourthly, that the material be of the best kind to accomplish these conditions, with the greatest facility for cleanliness ! Fcr those who may be born to consume the fruits of other peoples industry and ingenuity, if such there may be, such clothing may be used as will express their helpless dependence and uselessness. The idle and indolent classes, may well enough adopt the long flowing draperies of the Turk, in his harem ; or the morocco pumps, silk stockings and short breeches, of the last century ; and they should be labeled " this side uppermost with care, glass!'' and not to be exposed to winter or rough weather ; or they might wear the long swaddling-clothes common to infants, and be labeled " full grown babies/' indicating that they are to be carried, and are dependent upon nurses and servants ! Were women mer- maids, the long flowing skirts or trains, would be mechanically right; but inasmuch as they have two lower extremities instead of one, they require separate integuments, as much as a glove requires separate fingers, in order to be convenient and useful. But again, the long flowing dress or train, worn by many women at the present day, not only interferes with the proper movements of the trunk, and the extremities of the human body, but it is so horribly filthy and un- healthy. Neatness, purity and sweetness, are a part of the natural characteristics of womanhood, and when we see a lady wearing a long trail- ing dress, raking up the filth and mire of the gutter, we are filled with amazement. Indeed, there is not a beast, or a bird in all creation, that will drag its own tail down in the dirt, as many women will do their dresses. Because a queen or a duchess, on state occasions only, and in the lofty palaces of Europe, must wear trails, shall an American girl make her- self look ridiculous, by wearing them on all occasions, even out in the streets, dragging their long trails through the filthy gutters, sweeping the dirt ? But let any young man walk after one of these creatures, and see what she rakes up as she goes ahead of him, and if that does not make him feel squeamish, he has got a tough stomach, and can stand anything. But again, physical education is not only useful, to develop and strengthen our physical organization, but indirectly, it contributes in no small degree, to cultivate and unfold our mental powers and moral sentiments. Exercise stimulates the heart, arteries and veins, and so quickens the circulation of the blood, not only into the muscles, nourishing and increasing their size 288 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. and power; but also to the brain, developing and increasing its size, and unfolding its wonderful powers. It is thus, that labor or manly exercise, dignifies and improves the nature of man. It promotes the health, strength, grace and beauty of his physical form. It disciplines his passions, refines his taste, exalts his feelings, and contributes to unfold his immortal moral sentiments, and mental faculties. Motion, action, progress, development, these are the words which now fill the blue vault of heaven, with their stir- ring appeals, and make humanity's heart pulsate with a stronger bound* These are the talisman ic words which thrill the world with echoes, and lead on our noble youth to fame and fortune. Who, indeed, but the sons of toil and activity, have made the most splendid discoveries in ancient and modern times ? Who discovered and explained the laws of gravitation ? Who caught the sparkling flame from heaven, and chained it harmless upon the ground ? Who enabled us to speak as with the flaming tongue of lightning, across a continent, and through the ocean ? Energy, motion, activity, life, by their magic and matchless influence, we possess the golden key which unlocks the treasures of all knowledge, fame, power and afflu- ence. Mind is immortal ! Mind is imperial ! It bears no mark of high or low, of rich or poor. It heeds no bound of time, place, rank, or cir- cumstances. It requires but action. It is heaven born, and it aspires to heaven. Weakness does not enfeeble it. Poverty cannot repress it. Difli- culties do but stimulate its vigor. And the poor tallow-chandler's son, that sits up all night, to read a book which an apprentice has loaned him, lest the master's eye should miss it in the morning, shall stand and treat with kings, shall add new provinces to the domain of science, shall bind the lightning with a hempen cord, and bring it harmless to the ground. And on that kite — when* the city upon which it that day loooked down, shall be known only by its ruins — will be read by posterity, as it waves high up in mid air, in blazing colossal letters, the name of Benjamin Franklin. It has often been said of this distinguished American philosopher, that in early life, when a printer in this city, he was not ashamed to wheel his paper along the principal streets on a wheelbarrow. Now let me ask you how many Benjamin Franklins we have among our editorial friends to-day, who would not be ashamed to do likewise ? If they have a load of wood left at their doors, they dare not saw or split it, though dying by inches, for want of physical exercise, for fear of what Mrs. Grundy would say, or their neighbors would think; and yet if they can only get the wood down in the cellar, out of sight, they may saw and split away, as long as they please. Now, is it not one of the most unaccountable of contradictions, that men will look backwards upon examples of industry, activity and frugal- ity, with feelings so different from those with which they contemplate the same virtues when exhibited before their eyes ? Who does not feel ho- HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 289 nored by his relationship to Dr. Franklin, whether as a townsman, a coun- tryman, or even as belonging to the same race ? Who does not feel a sort of personal complacency in that industry and frugality of his youth, which, laid the foundation of so much generosity and kindness in after life? And yet how few there are among us, who would not disparage, nay, ridi- cule and condemn a young man who should follow Franklin's example ! Is not this the strangest of weaknesses, and the most inconsistent of inconsist- encies ? When we take credit to ourselves for commending a virtue, why should we disdain to practise it ? Do you ask me why we have no more old Benjamin Franklins in the present generation of adults? I answer, because we have no more young Benjamin Franklins in the rising genera- tion of youth. None who will feed their bodies upon a roll of bread, in order that they may regale their minds upon sacred and divine philosophy ! Again, it is a natural law, that continuous action without rest, exhausts and destroys the muscles. The injurious consequences of excessive ex- ercise of the muscles, may be seen in many of the avocations and employ- ments of life. If you stand erect for a long time, listening to an eloquent address, the muscles of the spinal column and lower extremities become ex- hausted, painful and weak. If you engage in any mechanical employment requiring you to stoop, or lean forward, continually exercising certain mus- cles of the spine, they will soon become weak and exhausted. Lumbago, and spinal rheumatism, often originate in this way. The blacksmith, who works at a very low anvil, will often complain of spinal weakness ; and so of many other mechanical trades, which require those who work at them to stoop, or lean forward, and for the cure of which they often wear poor man's and porous plasters. Now, if medicines cure diseases, by removing the causes which produce them, then the author would like to know, how many strengthening plasters it will take to raise a low anvil, and cure the blacksmith's lumbago, produced by hard work in a stooping position ? The amount of diseases which is produced by the unequal distribution of labor, can scarcely be appreciated by those whose attention has not been particularly directed to the consideration of the subject. Thousands an- nually die from excessive toil, while myriads languish in inglorious ease, and in helpless imbecility ! But many people will aver that they have not time for relaxation and rest. The Coon sage begins one of his aphorisms with this remarkable expression, "ars longa, vita brevis;" which virtually means, "our labors are many, but our days are few." The aphorism is correct, but the infer- ence drawn from it is often wrong. It is not by dedicating all our hours to labor, that we shall achieve the grandest results, whether intellectual or mechanical — consistent at least, with health. Parsimony is not always economy ; and he who subtracts a certain portion of his time from his 290 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. mental or physical avocations, and dedicates it to simple relaxation in the open air and sunlight, will reach the goal of his ambition sooner, or at least, more safely, than he who considers all time lost, which is not spent in the specific avocation or pursuit in which he is engaged. The author is well aware, that in the present organization of society, thousands, nay, millions are so circumstanced, that their daily wants demand the daily waste of their health and strength. This is particularly the case with females, and it affords an additional reason for our sympathy, and kindness to the more amiable, as well as the more industrious, and oppressed half of the human race. Is it not, indeed, unfortunate, that the toils and the ex- ertions of poor, suffering women are so ill repaid, that they are, in many instances, compelled to sacrifice their health and happiness to secure the means of procuring the merest necessaries of existence, while thousands revel in wealth and affluence ? Franklin long since observed, that if every human being worked four hours a day, at some useful employment, their combined productions would be more than sufficient to procure all of the necessaries of life, in great abundance, and leave sufficient time, for the necessary intellectual and moral culture. But unfortunately, men are utterly selfish and divided, by indi- vidual and separate interests, and are educated to believe that the provi- dence of G-od has designed one-half of the human race, merely for the purpose of eating up the fruits of the industry of the other half; that one class were born to riot in luxury, and thus doom the other half to a life of excessive toil and sorrow. The physical, as well as the mental and moral deterioration, produced by the sufferings and privations of our over-worked manufacturing population, may well excite the commisseration of the statesman and philanthropist. Again, the stimulus of joy, hope and success, sweetens toil and pro- motes success. The exercise of our mental faculties, and moral sentiments, increases the flow of blood to the brain, and develops its wonderful powers ; which in turn, may be expended upon the muscles, calling them into heal- thy action. Its benificent influence, may be witnessed upon almost all of the employments and pursuits of life The love of fame, the hope of suc- cess, as well as the accumulation of wealth and power, stimulates the noblest efforts of the student in his midnight cell, the artist in his studio, the me- chanic in his work shop, the agriculturist upon his farm, the statesman in the senate, and the orator in the forum. Even when we engage in the pursuits of pleasure, its zest is heightened by amusement. The pleasures of the sportsman are determined by his success. If we tempt the finny tribe, along the banks of some neighbor- ing stream, after angling for several hours, if we have no success, the employment becomes painful and irksome; and we begin to think with Dr. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 291 Johnson, -mat we have a worm at one end of the fishing tackle, and a fool tied to the other. But when we draw trout after trout, from the crystal stream, the stimulus of success, precludes thought or feeling of fatigue, from the amusement. When we climb the mountain cliff, in pursuit of the flying deer, or the swift-footed antelope, the amount of fatigue resulting from the excursion, depends very much upon the excitement of success. When we capture no game, we return at night overcome with fatigue and exhaustion, and perhaps disgusted with the sport. But when successful, our hearts beat vigorously, and our steps are light and elastic. Go back to the darkest period of the history of the American revolution, and observe Washington, with the remnant of a scattered army, exhausted and dispirited, hastily retreating across the plains of New Jersey, in the face of a successful and relentless foe, until at length an opportunity was offered to clip their wings at Trenton and Princeton, which at once revived the drooping spirits of this little band of patriots, and nerved their arms with hope and confidence, which enabled them to carry on, to a successful issue, that great and glorious contest for freedom, and the rights of man. All exercise and labor should be combined with rational amusement. Joy, hope, sympathy, exalt the vital powers, and strengthen and invigorate the whole organization of man. Hence it is the duty of teachers, parents, guardians and employers, to provide for the young, rational amusement; in- asmuch as the Creator has rendered its use so necessary for the develop- ment and maintenance of health and happiness. " In whate'er you sweat, Indulge your taste : some love the manly toils, The tennis, some, and some the graceful dance; Others more hardy, range the purple heath Or naked stubble, where from field to field, The sounding covies urge their laboring flights, Eager amid the rising cloud to pour The guns unerring thunder ; and there are Whom still the mead of the green archer charms. He chooses best, whose labor entertains His vacant fancy most ; the toil you hate Fatigues you soon, and scarce improves your limbs." The benefit to be derived from exercise, will be very much increased, if the invalid has in view that which enlists his whole attention, and stimu- lates his feelings. Who has not noticed the different expression which the countenance assumes under the influence of exercise, combined with amusement, from that derived from exercise alone. " Laugh and grow fat/' is an old and a true saying. Be sorrowful, and grow lean and melancholy, is equally true. 292 HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. Look around you and see who it is that is most constantly afflicted with some disease, and who it is that dies earliest. In this beautiful city, there are many young ladies, who are called patterns and examples for others. If they attend school, they are never known to smile or laugh, or if they do, it is by accident, when they blush and look as if they had committed the unpardonable sin. They always wear countenances so demure, and expres- sions so pure and angelic, and they look so ethereal, as to appear scarely fit to inhabit this rude, cold earth; and they often sicken, fade and die j when all of the well meaning old ladies and gentlemen say, they were too good for this world, so they have gone to another and better one. Again, in this city there is many an opposite illustration, where an oppo- site history is recorded. A girl presents herself to your view, whose coun- tenance is the very picture of health and happiness, filled with the exuber- ance of joy and animation, which dance in the sunshine of her expression and sparkle in her eyes — so full of animation and vitality, she can scarcely sit or stand still for one moment — she runs, romps and plays, with her mouth stretched from ear to ear, with bright and rosy laughter. At school she is always known as the greatest rogue, and is constantly whispering, or sticking a pin into some of her companions, or pinning a piece of paper to the teacher's coat-tail. Constantly on the move, she has no time to sit still long enough for pain, disease or death to overtake her. As she advances in life, she still maintains her happy temperament, and becomes the pride and ornament of society, and the idol of the family circle. Cultivate kindly feelings towards all around you. If you employ ser- vants, and would make them useful and happy, be generous and kind to- wards them, for you can well afford to be. Rest assured that a kind word now and then, will not lessen your dignity in the estimation of any but fools, and it will contribute inexpressibly, not only to the promotion of their health, but your own welfare and happiness. The following rules of exercise, will be found useful as a guide for invalids. Students, invalids, and others, should be careful and not exercise the mus- cles, when the brain and nervous system are exhausted from over excite- ment or exercise of the mental faculties, but they should remain quiet, rest and sleep. Carefully abstain from active exercise immediately after eating a hearty meal, as it will divert the blood away from the stomach to the muscles, and suspend the secretion of the gastric juice, and bring on terrible indigestion or dyspepsia. Always exercise early in the morning, when the stomach is empty, and the brain and nerves are full of vital force, or an hour or two after each meal, when the food we have eaten is nearly digested. HOW TO ACQUIRE STRENGTH. 293 Short walks, or a little exercise often repeated, will keep up a more con- tinuous determination of blood to the muscles, and is far more useful than long and tedious exercise, taken once a week, or when it is convenient. Experience proves, that thirty minutes devoted to physical exercise or training, twice a day, in any well regulated gymnasium, will be sufficient to develop the largest amount of physical strength, the muscular system is capable of manifesting. When incapable of voluntary exercise, friction or " passive exercise," should be applied all over the skin, for twenty minutes, twice a day, with the naked hand, or a coarse cloth. When the body or limbs are paralyzed, they should be taken in the hands of a skillful assistant, and be made to imitate all of the various movements they were capable of doing before they became diseased. These movements should be continued twenty minutes, twice a day, and be fol- lowed by abundance of friction, &c. 294 ON THE SKIN. 'f&SM S : ':i' jgm. mm IP ■11 SSr §i ■<■■ m CHAPTER XXYIII. ON THE SKIN. The skin which covers the outside surface of the human body, in many i, resembles the bark of a tree ; being composed of two layers, the YiQ t 172. outside one of which, is called the cuticle or scarf skin, and the inside one the cutis vera, or true skin. The cuticle is easily separated and re- moved from the cutis vera, by the application of a blister, and is found on examination, to be composed of dried albu- minous matter, like a very thin coating of the dried white of an egg. Like the dead outside bark of a tree, the cuti- cle or scarf skin, is de- signed to protect the liv- ing parts beneath. When the cuticle is carefully examined by the microscope, it is found to be composed of multitudes of minute blood-cells, which, when The under surface of the Cuticle or Scarf-Skiu, raised up and removed from the Cutis Vera or True-Skin, exhibiting upon its under surface numerous depressions, corresponding with the Conical Elevations, called the Papillae, seen upon the outside sur- face of the True Skin. Numerous Perspiratory Tubes, are also 6een attached to the under surface of the Cuticle, the long stems of which have been drawn out through the Cutis Vera, or True first deposited Upon its Skin beneath. « i -it fresh under layer, are nearly round cracker-shaped bodies, but which alter in their shape, and be- come very thin, flat, dry scales, upon its outside surface, as seen in the accompanying illustration. The cuticle is composed of dead inorganized animal matter, like the outside bark of a tree, and is continually peeling off, in the form of numerous scales called dandruff or scarf skin, &c. It is much thicker upon the palms of the hands and soles of the feet even at birth, showing that these parts of the body, were designed to come much more ON THE SKIN. 295 frequently in contact with external objects, Fig. 173. than with other portions. It also possesses a wonderful power of adapting itself to all of the changes of circumstances and wants of the body, so as to afford greater or less protection, as may be required. When for a short time, the cuticle is submitted to the influence of friction or strong pressure, it will rapidly \ thicken itself, so as to afford additional pro- No - 1 > a thin BCale of Dandruff _ . „ from the Scalp ; No. 2, a thin layer tection, forming m many instances, as we often of scarf skin from tbe back of the see in the palm of the hand of the mechanic, hand, seen to be composed of thin, ,,.,., -i-i ^ ' i ,x dry flattened Blood-Cells. hard thickened ridges, which serve to protect the nerves and blood-vessels beneath from injury. Change the employ- ment, remove the friction and pressure, and when additional protection is no longer required, then the cuticle will quickly adapt itself to this change of circumstances, and become as thin as a sheet of tissue paper. The same remarkable changes may often be seen upon the toes of our feet, when we adopt the fashionable habit of wearing short stub-toed and narrow-soled boots and shoes. In its efforts to protect our feet from injury, the cuticle, under the influence of friction and pressure, rapidly thickens itself, forming numerous, hard, conical elevations, called corns and cal- losities. These painful excrescences may be easily and permanently cured, by simply removing the causes which produce them. . The color and transparency of the cuticle will always depend upon the number of dark pigmentary granules, formed and deposited in the new and freshly formed cells upon the under surface. If these pigmentary gran- ules are very numerous, the cuticle will be very dark colored, as in the African races. Scald the skin of the darkest negro, remove the cuticle, and the true skin beneath it will be as white as snow. In some persons there is a great deficiency of dark, pigmentary granules, producing that peculiar condition of the skin, noticed in the Albino. In others, this deficiency of coloring matter shows itself only in white spots, affecting the cuticle and hair, called " vililligo." Diseases of the liver often cause constipation, and the retention of dark coloring matter in the blood, and its deposit in the freshly formed cells of the cuticle, causing an icterous, or jaundiced hue of the skin. The ha- bitual use of strong tea and coffee, containing large quantities of dark coloring matter, causes a rapid increase of pigmentary granules in the new cells of the cuticle, rendering the skin of strong tea and coffee drinkers dark, sallow and dingy. Under such circumstances, this increase of dark pigmentary granules will be deposited on the face, along the edges of the hair, causing a dark strip of skin, extending from one ear up along the 296 ON THE SKIN. edges of the hair to the ear over on the opposite side of the face ! In fact, nothing can be more ruinous and destructive to the transparency and beauty of the skin and complexion, than the use of strong tea and coffee, followed by habitual constipation, torpor of the liver, &c. Abstinence from the use of strong tea and coffee, followed by light cathartic medi- cines, taken early in the morning, to stimulate the liver, and regulate the digestive organs, sponging the skin over the liver, with diluted nitro mu- riatic acid, and suitable attention to the laws of health, will soon remove all these dark spots and blemishes from the skin and complexion ! " Chlo- asma/' " moth," and other discolorations of the skin, may depend, like vegetable mould, upon the presence of parasites upon the surface of the skin, and can only be removed by the application of parasiticide washes, such as sulphurous acid, glycerin and water, once or twice a day. An excellent application for this purpose is composed as follows : Glycerin three ounces, sulphurous acid one ounce. Mix, and apply to the dark spots or discolorations twice a day, after washing with castile soap and warm water. The sun exerts a powerful influence over the formation and deposit of pigmentary granules in the cells of the cuticle, more especially in persons of fair complexion, producing numerous dark brown spots, called lentigo, or freckles, which may best be removed by anointing the skin with an ointment prepared as follows : R. Sulpho Carbolate of Zinc 2 parts. Glycerin , , 25 " Eose Water 25 " Spirits 5 " Mix. Anoint the skin twice a day, and allow it to stay on from a half to one hour, and then wash off with cold water. Wear a dark veil when in the sunlight. When the cuticle has been injured or destroyed by scalds, burns, bruises, &c, wash the parts with a weak solution of carbolic acid and water, con- taining a teaspoonful of carbolic acid in a pint of water Cover the parts with lint, or linen cloth, smoothly applied, and well wet in this solution, and keep them covered so as to exclude the atmospheric air. Carbolic acid is an invaluable dressing, for fresh cuts, bruises, scalds and burns, and should always be kept in the house by every family, to be used for this purpose in case of an accident. It is a good local anasthetic, and quickly allays pain. It is also one of the best antiseptics, and prevents putrefaction and suppuration, and the formation of matter, causing cuts or injuries, to heal by the first intention, and without suppurating or forming matter. It also dries up all discharges, and hastens the healing process in all old, ON THE SKIN. 297 Fig. 174. long standing cases of chronic ulceration of the skin, and other parts of the body. The Cutis Vera or True Skin. When the cuticle has been raised up by the action of a blister, and it is turned over, so that we can examine its under surface, it is seen to be gathered into numerous folds or ridges, like a fan, to admit of its extension and contraction, so as to facilitate all of the various movements of the trunk, and extremities of the body, during life. Between each of these white ridges, are seen numerous dark furrows, which correspond with the ridges seen on the outside of the skin, in the palm of the hand, or on the ends of the fingers. When these furrows are examined, they present numerous round openings, showing the position of the mouths of the perspiratory pores, which open along the surface of the ridges upon the outside of the skin. When the cuticle has been removed, by the action of a blister, and the true skin is brought into view beneath, its out- side surface presents numerous little conical elevations, called the papillae of the skin. The cones of these papillae, correspond with and fit into the grooves of the cuticle, as seen upon its under sur- Fig. 175. face. The cutis vera or true skin, is situated beneath the cuticle or scarf skin, and is the seat of some of the most important functions of animal life. It is one of the most highly organized and sensitive, of all of the tissues of the human body, containing a great multitude of blood-vessels and nerves. The blood-vessels of the skin are so exceedingly minute, that we cannot see them with the naked eye alone, and yet when examined with the microscope, they present a wonderful net work, covering every part of the skin, so perfectly, that we cannot pierce it The p a piii» of the Tme with the finest cambric needle, without wounding Skin, seen on the removal of c . , ■. XT . . . , , . _ the Cuticle. The cones of the one or more of them. Now it is estimated, that if Papism into the grooves of We COuld Collect all of these minute blood-vessels the Cuticle, as seen in fig. 174. of the skin, and form them all into one blood-vessel, it would far exceed in size, the principal artery given off by the human heart. In infancy the The under surface of a piece of Cuticle, from the palm of the hand, showing numerous dark grooves or furrows, correspond- ing with the ridges on the out- side of the Cuticle. Numerous round openings, show the posi- tion of the mouths of the Pers- piratory Ducts. 298 ON THE SKIN. blood-vessels of the skin are so numerous and so large, that children have bled to death from so slight a wound of the skin, as a leech's bite. Nerves op the Skin. The nerves of the skin originate in the posterior column of the spinal Fig. 176. cord, and terminate in little loops upon the pa- pillae of the skin. These little nerves are finer than a spider's thread, and yet they are so numer- ous, that we cannot discover any part of the skin which we can penetrate, with the finest cambric needle, without wounding some one or more of Papillse of the skin, in which , -. m, , , , . . . , the nerves of the sense of tact them ; The J are so numerous, that it is estimated and touch terminates. that if they could all be collected together, they would form a mass far exceeding in size and weight the human brain itself. These little sensitive nerves, endow the skin with extraordinary sensibility, productive of the sense of tact and touch. It is for this reason that all injuries of the skin, such as scalds, burns, &c, produce such shocks to the nervous system, followed by alarming prostration and death. It is said by Baron Depuytren, that when one-half of the skin is burned or scalded to a blister, that death will always take place from the shock communicated to the brain and nervous system. Many diseases of the brain and nerves may be treated most successfully by proper applications to the skin. Medicated, warm, cold, and shower- baths, followed by vigorous friction, are among the most powerful means of invigorating and strengthening the brain and nervous system, and will often afford relief where other means have failed. As a means of allaying that feverish excitement and nervous irritability, which is the bane and the misery of countless millions of human beings, the bath has no equal. To remove that peevish irritability and nervousness, so common to infancy, it will be found vastly superior to "G-odfrey's cordial," "paregoric," or " Mrs. Winslow's soothing syrup," or any other sedative ever yet invented by human ingenuity! Plunge the little sufferer into a warm bath, once or twice a day, and it will remove the heat and excitement from the nervous system, almost as quickly as it would remove heat from hot iron. While delivering a series of Lectures at Dayton, Ohio, a few years since, a young blacksmith hap- pened to be present, and hearing my remarks upon the management of children, thought he had caught an idea. So running home, he at once put it into execution. As he entered the house, he heard the baby crying as usual, when he said to his wife, "the doctor says you must plunge him in warm water, and soak it out of him !" So hastily preparing a tub of warm water, they plunged him into it, and, said he, " would you have be* ON THE SKIN. 299 lieved it, lie was so cross and irritable, that he almost ' sizzled ' like a piece of red hot iron I" The bath quickly removed all of the heat and excita- bility from his brain and nervous system, so that he slept soundly all night, a thing he had never done before in all his life ! He was good all the next day, but when the sun declined, he was cross and peevish, when they soaked him over again, with the same happy results. Now, I would say confidentially, to all unfortunate husbands, who have irritable, cross, ner- vous, and unhappy wives at home, " soak them well," at least once a day, if you would secure peace, quiet and happiness in the family. And I would say to all discouraged and unhappy wives, who have accidentally married melancholy, cross, irritable and peevish husbands, you had better not touch them with the broom stick, but give them a thorough " soaking," in warm water, once a day. As a means of discipline, there is nothing like it. The bath should be followed by thorough friction all over the surface of the body, until the skin looks as red as a " boiled lobster !" When you have finished him, he will have become a new man, with a to- tally different disposition, feeling amiable, generous, affectionate. Now is, indeed, the time to ask for a new bonnet, or a new silk dress, — he feels so rich and generous, he cannot refuse ! Very few human beings are so incorrigible and refractory, that they can withstand the influence of the bath. No means of discipline ever yet invented, has been found equal to the shower bath, as used in many of the houses of correction and discipline, in this and all other countries. The shower bath succeeded, when all other means of discipline and punishment had failed ! The Organs of Perspiration. The skin covering the outside surface of the human body, is gathered into numerous folds like a ruffle, to admit of its extension and contraction, and adaptation to all of the changes of position, and movements of the body and limbs during life. Along the surface of these folds, seen upon the surface of the skin covering the palm of the hand and ends of the fingers, we can easily discover a great multitude of minute pores, opening into little spiral pipes or tubes, extend- ing down through the skin about one quarter of an inch in length, and finally terminating in little sacks, called the perspiratory follicles. These little sacks act like minute strainers, straining out or secreting from the blood, a large amount of fluid, called perspiration or sweat, composed of water, holding in solution various worn out and poisonous animal substan- ces, and other impurities. "When we drink a glass of water, the veins and walls of the stomach absorb this fluid as a dry sponge absorbs water, and while it circulates through the system, it dissolves all of the old worn-out 300 ON THE SKIN. Fig. 177. A section of the Skin from the Palm Of the Hand, showing the thin layers of the Cuticle above, with the deposit of dark pigment beneath, and the Cutis Vera below. The Perspira- tory Follicles are seen imbedded in Pat and Cellular Tissues, below the Skin, and sending outwards little Spiral Tubes, about one quarter of an inch long, opening on the surface of the Cuticle. effete and poisonous elements and tissues of the body, like salt dissolved in water, holding them in solution, until washed out through these minute pores of the skin. Though exceedingly minute, these perspiratory follicles are found to ex- ist in great numbers in the human skin. Dr. Wilson after minute and patient investigation, aided by the best magnifying glasses at his command, has been able to count as many as three thousand five hundred of these little follicles in a single square inch of skin, taken from the palm of the hand. Now it is estimated, that on an average the whole human skin will measure about two thousand eight hundred square inches, and according to this estimate, there must be more than seven millions of these little per- spiratory follicles, like so many little drains, in the skin of each human being. Each of these little spiral pipes, which open out through the skin, being about one quarter of an inch long; if they were all united together, they would reach the enormous distance of one hundred and forty-five thousand feet, or more than twenty-eight miles in length. What an enormous system of drainage for the removal of all the poisonous and impure mat- ter from the system ! So extensive is this outlet through the perspiratory follicles of the skin, that it is estimated, that for every seven pounds of food and drink we take into the body through the mouth, five correspond- ing pounds come out through the pores of the skin, or about three pounds for every twenty-fours hours of our lives ! ON THE SKIN. 301 " Through the small perspiratory tubes, that pierce In endless millions the close-woven skin, The baser fluids in a constant stream Escape, and viewless melt into the winds. While this eternal, this most copious waste, Of blood, degenerated into vapid brine, Maintains its wonted measure, all the powers Of health, befriend you, all the wheels of life With ease and pleasure move. But this restrained, Or more or less, so more or less you feel The functions labor. From this fatal source What woes descend, are never to be sung. Indeed, these minute pores of our skins, are the greatest outlet for the removal of all poisonous and effete matter from the system. No wonder then, that checked perspiration, has always been regarded as one of the most prolific causes of acute and chronic disease ; and no wonder that the judicious use of the bath, has always been regarded as one of the most effi- cient and powerful means of preventing and curing them. Sebaceous Follicles oe the Skin. Numerous little sebaceous follicles, shaped like Florence flasks, may be discovered in the skin, especially inside of the joints, and where it over-laps itself. These little follicles secrete an oily p fluid from the blood, and pour it out upon the surface of the skin, for the purpose of diminishing friction, preventing irritation, chafing, &c. They may be found in large numbers upon those parts of the skin covering the most prominent features of the face, as Upon the end of the nose, the forehead. Sebaceous Follicles, or oily Glands of chin, &c, where they secrete and pour out * e Skm ' a large amount of oily fluid, designed to diminish friction, and prevent chapping and chafing of the skin, when exposed to cold, wind, &c. In persons of gross habits, eating large quantities of oily, and other stimu- lating diet, and drinking wine, beer, cider, &c, these follicles take on ex- cessive or diseased action, and pour out excessive quantities of this oily fluid, forming an oily coating like varnish, glazing the surface of the skin, and causing such an annoyance to many persons, especially ladies ! The best remedy for this condition of the skin, is a carefully regulated diet, avoiding the the use of fat meat, butter, oils, gravy, and other rich and stimulating diet, and the use of beer, wine, cider, &c. Eat plain, light, 20 302 ON THE SKIN. nourishing food, and drink milk or water only. Wash the skin daily with pure Castile soap and warm water; wipe dry, and sponge the skin with Cologne water, or bay rum ! Some times the open mouths of these little follicles become filled with fine particles of dust, which float in the atmosphere around us, filling them with little black corks, called " black heads," which arrest the discharge of this oily fluid, causing it to accumulate in these little follicles, which soon enlarge, and become inflamed, producing a little pimple, with a red base, and with a black speck in the centre, like a little cork in a vial. These little pimples upon the face, when very numerous, constitute that very common disease, so annoying to young persons of both sexes, called " acne punctata." When this disease is not speedily arrested, and cured by proper treatment, it will soon assume a chronic form, and the skin will become permanently red and thickened, and covered with scars, especially upon the end and sides of the nose and face, and is then known as u acne rosacea," as often seen upon persons of gross habits of eating, drinking, &c. To remove these pimples, and prevent their further formation, and to remove the redness and thickening of the skin, regulate the diet care- fully, use only light, nourishing, and easily digested food. Avoid the use of salt fish, ham, sausage, salt and smoked meats, old cheese, pastry, fat meats, oil, butter, gravy, &c, and the use of beer, wine, cider, whiskey, &c. Wash the face carefully with Castile soap and warm water, used as warm as it can be borne, when applied to the skin, twice a day ; wipe dry, and then apply a weak solution of sulphurous acid in glycerin, and allow it to remain upon the skin at night. The use of various cosmetics, pow- ders, &c, for the purpose of covering up and concealing such blemishes of the skin, cannot be too severely ridiculed and condemned. No person can fail to be amused when he meets a fair young lady upon the streets, with a complexion as white as chalk, and with eye-brows, looking, as if the last thing she had done before leaving home, was to dip her head in a flour harrel. Now we do protest most emphatically against any such extrava- gance, these hard times ; such expenses for flour , it is more than any poor man ean stand ! Only think of it, the very idea of a bashful young man, with a heart full of poetry and romance, kissing a young lady under such peculiar circumstances, and finding his mouth full of flour, and the young lady's complexion totally ruined ! My, how quickly all the poetry and romance of kissing would vanish with such a terrible reality ! No enamel de Paris can fully equal fine, white Castile soap and pure water, as an im- prover and preserver of the skin and complexion ! Thousands of human beings have totally ruined their complexions, by the injudicious applica- tion of these vile, dirty nostrums and powders to their skins ! on the skin. 303 Cutaneous Absorption. The cutaneous absorbents are exceedingly minute knotted vessels, found in great numbers upon the fascia beneath the skin, and terminating in the lymphatic glands of the axilla, groin, neck, &c. When these minute ves- sels are injected with quicksilver, the whole surface of the fascia or second skin presents a bright shining metallic aspect, displaying a net-work of ab- sorbents beneath the skin, covering the whole muscular system. These little vessels are very active during life, in absorbing whatever may be brought in contact with them. If for instance, we apply a small quantity of tartar emetic, opium, belladonna or aconite, to the skin, cutaneous absorption is often so active, unless great care is used, as to produce alarm- ing poisonous effects upon the brain and nerves. If we remove the cuticle, and apply these poisonous substances directly to the cutaneous absorbents, fatal results will soon take place ; and hence in applying all ointments, composed of these poisonous substances, great care should be observed that the cuticle is not broken beneath the application. It will be easily seen how all medicines designed to act upon the blood, and to improve the constitution and general health, can be most readily introduced through the skin, in the form of ointments, lotions, baths, fumi- gations, &c. In fact this is often the safest, and by far the best method of treating scrofula, and many other constitutional diseases, depending upon the condition of the blood. Mercury, iodine, sulphur, and other very pow- erful and active remedies, may be safely and pleasantly introduced into the system in this way, without disturbing the stomach or impairing digestion, or injuring the constitution of the most delicate child or tender infant, and when the same remedy would not be tolerated by the stomach for a single moment. Having seen how active absorption takes place through the skin, and how all substances, poisonous and otherwise, may be readily introduced into the system through applications to the skin, it will be easily understood how important it is that the skin shall be kept clean, and free from all animal accumulations, and other poisonous and impure substances. In fact, if we do not wash the skin daily, and remove all of these poisonous secretions and animal accumulations, then they will surely be absorbed into the sys- tem, poisoning the blood, enlarging the glands, and poisoning all of the fountains of health. Uses and Abuses of Clothing. Clothing should be worn by human beings as a covering, and also to diminish the injurious influence of sudden changes of temperature, cli- mate, &c. Experience shows, that man can endure with safety, great extremes of heat and cold, if the changes are gradual, and not too violent, 304 ON THE SKIN. " nature abhors all sudden extremes." Indeed, it will always be noticed in the Winter season, after what is called the "cold term." that we have a large increase of death, among old and young people, especially. Now it is the object of clothing to diminish the injurious effects of such violent changes of temperature, as are inseparable from our climate. To secure these results, it is evident our clothing should be a good non-conductor of heat. Experiments demonstrate that woolen is the best non-conductor of heat, and for this reason, woolen garments are the most healthy, then cot- ton, then linen, and last of all silk. It would have been a cruel dispensa- tion of providence, had the Creator rendered silk the most favorable to health, as an article of clothing, in view of its expensiveness, which would place it beyond the reach of the poor and infirm. But again our clothing should be sufficiently open and porous, to allow the free escape of perspiration, and at the same time permit free cutaneous respiration. It is estimated, that a man breathes one-eighth part as much air through his ■skin, as through his lungs, when in perfect health. If you would like to witness this cutaneous respiration in your own persons, take a bath, and while you rest quietly in the water, notice the bubbles of air as they accu- mulate upon the surface of the skin, and finally disengaging themselves rise to the surface of the water. If collected and examined, these air-bub- bles will be found to be carbonic acid gas, the same as that exhaled from the lungs in breathing. Experiments prove, that if we cover the skin of any animal, with an impenetrable coating of varnish, it will soon sicken and die. What an admonition to all consumptives, and persons with weak lungs. Oiled silk, and all rubber clothing, if worn for any length of time, is unfavorable to health, inasmuch as it diminishes cutaneous absorption, and prevents the free escape of perspiration. If worn at all, it should be for a very short period at a time. The amount of clothing we require for perfect health, will depend upon age, temperament, &c. The average temperature of the human body in middle life, is from ninety-six to ninety-eight degrees, and this is termed blood heat, and does not vary, as many people would suppose, in Winter and Summer, and in warm and cold climates. In infancy and in old age, the temperature of the body is several degrees lower than this. Now this most important physiological fact, teaches us, that old people and young children, require more clothing than persons in middle life, who are yet full of vitality, and constitutional vigor. No wonder we notice in our vital statistics, such a great increase in the number of deaths, during the cold season, among children and old people. In one of the late reports of the American Medical Association, it is stated, that at least one-sixth part of all those children in our country, who die under one year old, perish for ON THE SKIN. 305 want of adequate clothing, and yet we presume to send missionaries to for- eign lands, to teach ignorant and benighted heathen how to live. A distin- guished French physician, who died in Paris recently, observed that he had no doubt but that in his own practise, more than twenty thousand lit- tle children had died for want of adequate clothing. Experiment will show, that the human body is warmest near the heart, and coldest near the extremities, and that consequently, we should dress the extremities warmest. Keep the feet and limbs warm, especially in tender in- fancy and feeble old age, if you would enjoy good health, and attain long life. As I dwell upon this most important point, I am painfully reminded that it is not reason or an enlightened conscience, that determines the kind and amount of clothing worn in tender infancy, but rather the dictates of custom and fashion Thoughtless, idle and frivolous mothers, think that even their children must be dressed like themselves — for display — to exhibit those beautiful white arms and snowy bosoms — often in mid-winter, to gratify the mother's vanity, and challenge the admiration of all her fe- male acquaintances and friends. Now, when the cold chilling frosts come, they will not stop to consider the vanity and thoughtless ignorance of the child's mother. The seasons change from heat to cold, and obey the eternal laws of na- ture, and when the frosts come, they will penetrate all exposed and unpro- tected objects. Those bare limbs, and that tender and unprotected bosom, only invite the attack of croup, diphtheria, and other diseases j and pain, suffering, and death, are only some of the awful penalties which nature inflicts upon all those who will violate her laws. Indeed, it is impossible to estimate the amount of misery, wretchedness, and suffering, in infancy and feeble old age, produced by want of sufficient clothing ! How often we shall be painfully reminded of these facts, as we walk the fashionable streets of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, during the cold Winter months. Here you may meet mothers, on every hand, muffled in furs, and warm Winter clothing, holding by the tiny fingers some pale little waif, a mere shadow of what a child ought to be, dressed in the fashionable at- tire of the day ; coming down only to the knees ; short cotton stockings, and paper-soled shoes, with parts of its legs as bare as when born into this world, and all "purple vriih cold!" This is, indeed, our Saint Bartholo- mew, our murder of the innocents ! While we must witness such painful scenes as these every day, during the long, cold Winter, it often seems to me as if the very air was heavy with the swelling sighs, that come up from our numerous church yards, where many a little, tender, innocent child, now sleeps its last sleep, and whose epitaph should be " murdered by its men mother !" 306 ON THE SKIN. Again, our clothing should be frequently washed, and ventilated. Many diseases have their origin in impure under-clothing! Plague, cholera, small pox, and many other pestilent diseases, have their origin in, and are propagated and extended in this way. No wonder that such diseases pre- vail among that class of people who pay little attention to nature's law of cleanliness, in this respect. When we see silks, satins, and broad cloths, of the finest texture and quality, worn as outside garments, it does not always indicate the character of the clothing worn next the skin. No physician can practise his profession very long, without often being painfully re- minded of these facts. Remove the under garments worn next the skin during the day, at night, throw them over the chair, and give them a tho- rough ventilation. Change and cleanse often Indeed, the condition of the under-clothing is often strikingly indicative of the character of the person who wears it. BATHING. 307 LECTURE XXIX. BATHING. "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." We should wash the body all over daily, for the same reason that we should wash our face and hands, for cleanliness, and as a means of promoting health, strength, grace, beauty and long life. Very few persons, unaccustomed to the daily use of the bath, have any adequate idea how much it tends to promote cleanliness of the body, and purity of the mind. " With us the man of no complaint demands The cold ablution, just enough to clear The sluices of the skin — enough to keep The body sacred from indecent soil. Still, to be pure, even did it not conduce As much it does to health, 'twere greatly worth Your daily pains ! 'tis this adorns the rich ; The want of it is poverty's worst woe ; With this external virtue, age maintains A decent grace ; without it youth's charms Are loathsome ! " As a means of removing congestion, equalizing the circulation of the blood, and allaying that irritability of the nervous system, which is the bane and misery of countless millions of the human race, the bath, followed by vigorous friction, has no equal. Many of those who are only accustomed to wash their hands and face every day, will shudder at the very idea of washing the skin all over their body daily. Every one is ready to admit, that washing the face and hands often, refreshes and invigorates the whole system, when exhausted by toil, and yet they do not appear to understand, that when the bath is extended over the whole surface of the body, the refreshing and invigorating influ- ences will be as much greater, as the whole surface of the body is more exten- sive than the face and hands. Indeed, it is impossible to find language adequate, to exaggerate the pleasures and enjoyments of the bath. No stimulus to the brain is so exhilarating, none so delightful, and none so safe, when it is used judiciously. No intelligent person can fail to be amazed, when he observes how few of the people of this country avail themselves of this source of healthful daily pleasure and enjoyment. Indeed it is feared, that many people would not wash their face and hands, if it was not for appearances. If the face and hands were only covered with clothing, and hidden from observation, 398 BATHING. like the rest of the body, it is probable that they would not receive any -more attention. In decent society, dirty faces and hands are scouted, only because they offend the eye. If they were only covered from view, there would be no objection. Not long since, a very beautiful and accomplished young lady in Massa- chusetts, told the author, that she bathed once or twice a day for economy. Being at a loss to understand her, she continued, " 0, yes ! it is a very great saving ! for when I bathe myself every day, it costs nothing for per- fumery ! " The daily use of the bath not only promotes personal cleanliness and re- finement, but it cultivates self respect and dignity, and is so significant and indicative of character. Whenever the author meets ladies powdered and perfumed in the most approved and fashionable style, he often feels very much inclined to suspect them upon the very point, judging from their habits, that they would impress him in the most favorable manner, and he is often reminded of the couplet of rare old Ben Jonson, which is to the point. " Still to be powdered, still perfumed, Lady ! it is to be presumed, Though arts hid causes are not found, Yet all is not sweet, all is not sound. It is probable, that few persons would ever use perfumery, in view of its great expense, if they did not require it. Not long since, while riding on the cars, from New York city to Boston, being seated near a poor blind old lady, from Bridgeport, who was enjoying her first trip upon the cars, and seemed delighted with all of the incidents of the journey until we reached New Haven. At this point a number of elegantly dressed ladies, powdered, and perfurmed with musk to the highest point of toleration, seated themselves near this blind old lady. When she soon began to express her disgust in loud tones by exclaiming : " I can smell a muskrat, I am sure I can ! " Any one can fancy what these perfumed ladies thought of them- selves, at being mistaken for such filthy animals. Often while attending our fashionable churches, since that time, the author can scarcely suppress a smile, as he is forced to imagine, with the poor blind old lady, that he can smell a muskrat. But many people will tremble at the very idea of bathing the skin all over the body, once a day, for fear of taking cold. "Don't believe in it." " Will catch a deadly cold," &c. All such remarks remind me of a young lady, from Portland, who was spending the Summer months with her aunt, living in Bucksport, Maine. Being accustomed to the daily use of the bath while at home, she was in the habit of carrying a bucket of water to her room, for use the next morning. One evening she was noticed by her BATHING. 309 aunt, who anxiously inquired, what on earth are you doing with so much water ? Why ! said her niece, " I bathe myself to be sure every morning." "Bathe yourself! you don't bathe all over do you ? " "Yes I do." " Well you had better be careful or you will certainly kill yourself. Why I have not had any cold water over my vital parts, for more than forty years." And sure enough, there was no doubt of it, for her skin was as yellow as saffron, and about as dry as a dried apple. Invalids, and those unaccustomed to bathe daily, should begin with a wet sponge in a warm room. Stand upon an oil cloth, and hold the wet sponge to the nape of the neck, squeeze the sponge gently, so that only a few drops of water will run down the spine, wipe dry, and rub the back vigorously. The next day you may apply the water a little more freely, and so on ! In this way, the surface of the skin, subject to the use of the bath, may be gradually extended, without any danger of catching cold. It is only violent and sudden changes that are painful and dangerous ! The author remembers once advising a gentleman, living in Philadel- phia, who was subject to frequent attacks of rheumatism, to use the cold sponge, or shower bath daily, followed by vigorous friction of the skin, as a means of permanent relief, when he looked at him, the picture of amaze- ment ! " Ah !" said he, " doctor, take any shape but that. Why, I bathed myself once, about twenty years ago, and I caught such a terrible cold I" " Well," the author replied, " my good friend, I presume you were not accustomed to bathe, were you ?" " No, neither before or since, to my recollection I" The author then told him the reason why he caught cold, was, because " he took off too much at once, and so let the cold air sud- denly down to his skin ; and that all violent changes were painful and dangerous !" The danger of taking cold while bathing, will very much depend upon our manner of bathing. Many persons, while preparing for the bath, are so exceedingly imprudent, commencing in such an indolent way ; divesting themselves of their clothing, one article at a time, and so slowly, you would think they were going to their own execution. And then they stand and shiver in the cold, dreading the fatal plunge into the terrible bath, until they are chilled through and through. Or they crawl up towards the bath tub, at about the same pace one would use, if going to his grandmother's funeral ; and finally, after they have washed themselves so slowly, that they are chilled through, when they come out of the bath, they discover that they have forgotten the towels, and have to hunt for them all over the house, in the cold, and when they at last find the towels, they do not rub hard and briskly, for fear it will rub the skin all off ! Now, it is no wonder that such persons catch cold, while bathing, for they are too lazy to keep from catching it at any time. Bathe as the author directs, and 310 BATHING. he will guarantee that no one will take cold in doing so. Begin with the sponge bath, in a warm room. If an invalid, gradually increase the sur- face of the skin exposed to the influence of the bath ; and rub very briskly afterwards. After a few weeks, resort to the wet towel, followed by tho- rough dry rubbing, and then the plunge bath, &c. If any person begins systematic bathing, and goes on as the author directs, and he catches cold, the author will pay all the expenses, and if he dies, will see that he has as good a funeral as any one, at his expense. If you use a plunge bath, it should be in a warm room, particularly, if you are an invalid, and then you will require at least three large, soft dry towels, to wipe the skin dry, and one good Turkish bath towel, or bath strap, and hair mittens. Now, to render the plunge bath both safe and beneficial, it ought to be done in the most thorough and rapid manner. No time for dreamy meditation, as you stand before the cold plunge bath, but action, vigorous action ! Quickly remove your clothing, and plunge into the water ! Do not remain to soak yourself, like a dried apple, but wash yourself quickly and thoroughly, and as soon as this is completed, bounce out of the bath, and wipe your skin dry immediately, commencing with your face, head, shoulders, &c. Now, seize your coarse Turkish bath towel, or hair mittens, and rub your skin briskly, until it is all aglow with heat, and as red as a " boiled lobster." Put on your clothing, and take a walk, no matter how cold the weather, there is no danger of catching cold. It is in this way, the author has used the bath daily, for many years. Experience has taught him, that it is safe, and the only sure method of avoiding those periodical attacks of colds and influenza, so common to those who do not bathe daily during the Winter season. In a very short time, the bath, when used in this way, becomes one of the greatest luxuries of life ! It is amusing to see how many people begin housekeeping with costly furniture, an elegant piano, and no bath tub ! Now, if you would enjoy one of the most exhilarating pleasures of existence, so promotive of health and moral purity, the first thing, on commencing housekeeping, after you purchase a bread pan, is to get a bath tub. Many of the noblest, bravest, and truest men, whose lives we have any knowledge of, used the bath daily. While at Washington, many years since, the late John Quincy Adams in- formed the author, that he had used the bath daily for more than forty years. Dr. Benjamin Franklin attributed much of his extraordinary health and vigor in old age, to the daily use of the bath, followed by friction of the skin. Moral Influence of the Bath. When we reflect upon the intimate relations between the mind and the body, during life, we can easily understand that it will be impossible to BATHING. 311 exaggerate the moral influence of the bath ! " Know ye not that this body is the temple of the living soul, and he who defiles, this temple of the liv- ing soul, him also will Grod destroy !" Indeed, there is always the most constant relation between purity of the body and purity of the mind. External purity, purity of body, and internal purity, purity of the mind, harmonize and sympathize with each other ! External corruption and im- purity, and internal or moral impurity, harmonize and agree with each other ! Look at the man covered with filth and corruption, reeking with the fumes of whiskey and tobacco, slobbering and spitting on himself, and insulting his own nature and manhood ; and then listen to his profane lan- guage, low jibes, vulgar jokes, and filthy insinuations. " Cleanliness is, in- deed, next to Grodliness \" While recently conversing with a distinguished orthodox clergyman and missionary, in New York, he observed, " Doctor, I will tell you, after nearly forty years experience as to the best means of promoting Christian culture, I have made up my mind that Christianity begins in soap and water \" Count Rumford, in one of his splendid Essays to young men, declares that he had never yet seen a very great criminal who was scrupulously tidy, neat, and cleanly in his person. This is the purest exercise for health, The sweetest refresher from the Summer's heat. Even from the body's purity, the mind Receives a secret sympathetic aid. In all ages of the world, among cultivated nations, the bath has always been held in the highest estimation. In the palmiest days of Greece and Rome, their baths were constructed out of costly marble, and were dedi- cated in solemn service to the gods, to Hercules, Venus, Minerva, and Apollo, and were appropriated to the use of every citizen, as a powerful means of promoting health, strength, grace, beauty and long life ! Diseases op the Skin. The skin is generally regarded by the majority of persons, as that cov- ering which invests the outside surface of the human body, as a means of protecting the vital organs located within. Now this is but a very limited and imperfect view of the extent and uses of the skin, for it is not only thrown around the outside of the human body, for the purposes before mentioned, but it is also reflected inwards through the mouth, so as to form the lining surface of the stomach and intestinal canal, and also through the nose, to form the lining surface of the lungs. The skin or mucous mem- brane, which lines the digestive canal, is estimated to be more than five times as extensive as that which covers the whole body, and the skin or mucous membrane which lines the air-tube, more than forty times as exten- 312 BATHING. sive as that which covers the outside surface of the body. A more perfect knowledge of the extent of the human skin, is very important in a practi- cal point of view. Since it is a well established physiological law, that all organs of the human body of like structure, nature and uses sympathize with each other, in health and disease. Our eyes resemble each other in structure, nature and uses, and how intimately they sympathize with each other in health and disease. If for instance we accidently injure one of our eyes, how quickly, under this general law of sympathy, the inflamma- tion will extend to the other eye, often endangering its destruction. So in regard to the skin covering the surface of the body, and the mucous mem- brane lining the vital organs. If we expose our skins without suitable protection, to the influence of cold, how quickly the chill received by the skin, will under this law of sympathy, be reflected upon the lining surface of the throat, causing croup, quinsey, diphtheria, &c, and upon the lining surface of the nose, lungs, stomach and bowels, causing catarrh, bronchitis, diarrhoea, and other diseases of the mucous membranes. Indeed so power- ful is the influence of this law of sympathy, that Baron Depuytren, the distinguished French surgeon, asserts that death will always follow, when one-half of the skin covering the body has been accidently burned to a blister, with scalding water, causing sympathetic irritation and inflamma- tion of the mucous membrane lining the vital organs. It is doubtless this fact which gives origin to the common remark, after the terrible explosions which sometimes occur upon our lake and river steamers, that persons so injured may recover, if not " scalded internally ." What a long catalogue of diseases of the mucous membranes lining the vital organs of the human body are produced by impressions first received upon the skin ! Catarrh, quinsey, croup, diphtheria, bronchitis, diarrhoea, and many other diseases, have their origin in this way ! Keep the skin clean, and well protected from the injurious influence of sudden changes of temperature, as one of the most important means of preserving health, and prolonging human life ! But again, see how injurious impressions first received upon the mucous membrane lining the stomach and other organs, will under the influence of this law of sympathy, be reflected upon the skin, covering the outside surface of the human body, producing some of the most painful and in- veterate diseases of the skin. If for instance, a mother nurses her infant too frequently, or too freely, or feeds it upon improper food, causing de- rangement of the stomach and organs of digestion, with a furred tongue and foul breath, how often this irritation of the mucous membrane will be reflected upon the child's skin, over the neck and shoulders, causing stroph- ulous or the " red gum," an infantile disease of the skin, with fine, bright red, pimples, and which auickly passes away, by correcting the child's diet! BATHING. 313 Again if little children, are permitted to eat large quantities of sour, unripe, or imperfect fruit, in the Fall or Winter season, often causing irritation and derangement of the organs of digestion, how soon this irritation "will be reflected upon the skin, causing numerous fine, white pimples, about the lips and corners of the mouth, which may extend over various parts of the face in little clusters, known as herpes, cold sores, or a "breaking out," and which eruption, is often incorrectly supposed to depend upon some im- purity of the blood ! If during the Winter season we eat large quantities of hot buck-wheat cakes, fried in good old strong " Ohio lard," causing irrita- tion and inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the digestive canal, how soon this irritation under this law of sympathy, will be reflected upon our skin, causing numerous fine white vesicles, upon our skin, in various parts of the body, especially on the back of the hands, inside of the joints of the body, and between the fingers, known as eczema, and popularly called the "buck- wheat rash" or salt rheum, and erroneously supposed to de- pend upon impurity of the blood. The same is true of many other dis- eases of the skin, which depend entirely upon mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane, produced by the use of irritating and unwholesome food. Indeed, it is not amazing, when we see the quantities of horseradish, mus- tard, pepper-sauce, red pepper, &c, which human beings swallow into their stomachs, that their skins become red, irritable, inflamed, and covered with pimples and sores. The texture color and general appearance of the skin, which covers the human body, is but a reflection of the condition of the mucous membrane, which lines the digestive canal, and is strikingly indica- tive of a person's physiological habits. A thin, transparent, pearly, elastic and beautiful skin, indicates a temperate and abstemious life ; while a face covered with a coarse, thick skin, studded all over with pimples, posies and blossoms, indicates a person of gross habits and unphysiological life, and is suggestive of strong coffee, brandy, old cheese, ham, sausage, mus- tard, &c. From these illustrations it will be easily understood, that it will be useless to try to cure diseases of the skin, without careful regulation of the diet! Many persons, with nO very brilliant imaginations, can fancy what must be the appearance of the mucous membrane lining their stomach and bowels from the condition of their skins. When they look at their own faces, they will no longer wonder that they have painful digestion, acidity of the stomach, heart-burn, flatulency, &c. The Hairs. The skin contains numerous little thimble-shaped depressions, called hair follicles, at the bottom of which may be seen a small nipple-shaped papillae, from which the hairs grow. The hairs are cylindrical shaped, containing a 314 BATHING. cavity at the bulb or root, which fits over the papillae like a thimble over the end of your finger. The skin also contains numerous little sebaceous follicles or oil glands, as seen in fig. 179, some of which open into the hair follicles, and secrete an oily fluid, which is constantly poured out into the hair follicles, and spread over the hairs, to keep them soft and silky, and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. Sometimes these little follicles becomes choked Up or closed, from accumulations of dandruff, scurf, &c, causing this oily Fig. 179. matter to accumulate in the sebaceous fol- licles, which finally become enlarged form- ing a little tumor, called a wen. These little tumors can only be prevented, by washing the scalp frequently with a solu- tion of borax, or soap and water. Wens can only be cured by their removal. Make a small opening through the scalp over the surface of the wen, and the little sac filled with accumulated sebaceous matter will be found laying loose beneath the scalp, and is readily forced out through the opening, by a little gentle pressure. When ne- glected or improperly treated, these little wens may gradually increase in size, until they weigh several ounces. The author has frequently removed from one to twenty from the head of one person. When these little sebaceous follicles or oil glands of the scalp, become torpid and A Hair growing from a Papilla at the inactive, and do not secrete and pour out bottom of a Hair Follicle. ftfe j]y fl u id, to lubricate and soften the hairs, the scalp becomes dry and irritable, and is often covered with dand- ruff or scurf, which if allowed to accumulate, only increases the irritation of the scalp, causing the hairs to become dry and brittle, and finally to sicken and fall out, &c. For the purpose of cleansing an irritable or in- flamed scalp, and opening the sebaceous follicles or oil glands, &c, nothing is equal to fresh albumen. Break one or two fresh eggs into a cup, beat them slightly with a spoon, and use them as you would soap, for the purpose of shampooing the scalp. Apply a little at a time to the scalp, and rub briskly with your hands, until it forms an abundant lather, cleansing the scalp and roots of the hair, opening the mouths of the obstructed oil glands, &c. Then wash off with cold or warm water, and wipe dry. As soon as the scalp has been cleansed and wiped dry, apply a little of the following scalp wash or renovator : aromatic spirits of ammonia, one ounce ; tincture BATHING. 315 of cantharides, one ounce ; glycerin, eight ounces ; water, one pint. Mix. "Wet the scalp and rub well with your hands, or a soft brush. It will be seen that each little papillae is abundantly supplied with blood vessels and nerves, and when the hairs are shed or extracted by violence, as long as the papillae continue in a healthy condition, and receive a proper supply of rich, pure blood, it will very soon reproduce another hair. The hairs being appendages of the skin, resemble it very much in their structure. Like the skin, they consist of an outside cuticular layer, and an inside cortical substance, with a central peth or axis, extending from one extremity of the hair to the other. The outside surface of the hairs is composed of numerous colorless, transparent, flattened cells, arranged very much like the scales of a fish, or over-lapping each other like the shingles or slate upon a roof. The edges of these scale like cells, are seen to pro- ject outwards from the roots of the hairs, which causes them always to move in an outward direction when rubbed between the thumb and fingers. The inward cortical substance of the hairs constitutes their principal part, and is also the portion upon which the color depends. It is composed of numerous flexible fibres, which often become split up like a broom at the ends, when the hairs become dry, and are exposed to the influence of fric- tion. For this reason it is necessary to frequently clip the ends of the hairs, to preserve their health and promote their growth. Growth and Decay of the Hair. All animals shed their feathers and hair when "moulting" and for this reason, the plumage of birds, and the fur and hair of all animals, are inferior at certain seasons of the year. Birds and animals shed their plumage and hairs much more frequently when in an unhealthy or diseased condition. In fact, the appearance of the plumage of birds, and the hair of animals, indicate very perfectly the state of their health, or their constitutional con- dition. It will always be noticed how the hairs die, and fall out of the hair follicles after any illness, which impairs the constitution. Yery much may be ascertained by a careful examination of a curl of hair, from the scalp of an invalid, as to the state of the constitution, and general health. Premature decay, and loss of the hairs, and change of color, may de- pend upon loss of vitality, or impoverishment of the blood, caused either by sickness or by dissipation. All enervating or irregular habits, or exhaust- ing constitutional diseases, which impoverish the blood, and impair the general health, will cause the hairs to bleach or turn grey, and fall out prematurely. When the hairs of animals, and the plumage of birds die, and fall out of the follicles during the moulting season, new ones will soon be re- produced by the papillae, as long as they remain in a healthy condition, and sufficient pure, rich blood is sent to them, to develop the hairs. Perma- 316 BATHING. nent baldness depends upon complete atrophy of the papillse, or impover- ishment of the blood. When the papillae wither, and shrivel, and finally disappear, the hairs cannot be reproduced ; or when the blood becomes thin and poor, and no longer contains an abundance of those elements ne- cessary for the growth and formation of the hair, they cannot be repro- duced until the blood is renewed and restored to a healthy condition. It is well known that there is no disease so destructive to the growth and beauty of the human hair, as constitutional syphilis ! Again, premature decay, and loss of the hairs, as well as change of color, may depend upon certain local causes, such as favus, ptyriasis, or dandruff, &c. When these diseases of the scalp are improperly treated or neglected, they will soon cause the loss of the hair, &c. For the permanent cure of these inveterate diseases of the scalp, it should be washed night and morning with Castile soap and warm water, and a little of the following lotion should be well rubbed into it : glycerin three ounces, sulphurous acid one ounce. Want of personal cleanliness, and thorough ventilation of the scalp, is a frequent cause of the premature decay and loss of the hairs. To pro- mote a vigorous growth, and to preserve the hairs, wash the scalp tho- roughly with soap and warm water, at least once a week ; wipe dry, and if the hairs are harsh, dry and brittle, apply a few drops of pure inodor- ous glycerin, and rub it well into the scalp and roots of the hairs, with your hands, or a soft brush. This will remove dandruff, and other im- purities, keep the scalp clean, and the hair moist, soft, and silky. Again, the scalp is often injured, and the hairs become diseased, die, and fall out, from the accumulation of moisture, and want of sufficient ventilation. The fashionable stove-pipe hat, worn by many people at the present day, being composed of impervious materials, prevents the escape of perspiration, and causes the scalp to become moist and hot, when the hairs sicken, die, and fall out, all over the top of the head, leaving only a little strip of hair around the base of the scalp, below the hat. If many gentlemen could only draw this fashionable " sweat-box" down on their heads an inch lower, it would take every hair out of their scalp as clean as the palm of your hand. It has often been noticed, that savages, who wear no covering upon their heads, never lose their hair, nor does it turn prematurely grey ! And again, where we find one woman wearing a light open hat or bonnet behind or on top of her head, who is bald, we shall find at least one thousand men, who wear the present fashionable stove-pipe, or steam-box, steaming or scalding the hair all off their heads ! Soft, porous felt hats, or hats with large openings, or a ventilator in the crown, and worn only for short pe- riods at a time, are most favorable for the growth and preservation of the hair. BATHING. 317 Carefully avoid the use of all hair colorings, or dyes, made out of sul- phur, sugar of lead, and nitrate of silver, and other poisonous chemicals, which are notoriously capable of being absorbed into the blood, poisoning the brain, and nervous system, causing headaches, palsy and death. Hair oils, and dressings made out of old rancid butter, and other animal and vegetable oils, and filthy mixtures, composed of fetid grease and gum tra- gacanth, and leaded with perfumery, should be avoided, as not only offens- ive, but exceedingly injurious to the scalp, and very destructive to the hair. When the hairs are dry and brittle, a few drops of glycerin will moisten the hair, and render it soft and silky, and at the same time it is cleanly, being readily soluble in water, and washed off the scalp, hair, or clothing, with water alone. As a dressing for the hair, it is incomparably superior to anything ever used for that purpose. Diseases of the Scalp in Infancy. For the removal of hardened incrustations on the scalp, in infancy, poul- tices made of potatoe starch or arrow root, are far preferable to those made of bread, or linseed meal or slippery elm bark. When soap is too irritating, use oatmeal gruel in place of soap, to wash and cleanse the scalp. As soon as the scalp has been well cleansed, then apply a little diluted citrine ointment. Citrine ointment, one drachm ; fresh lard, one ounce ) or sulphurous acid, one ounce; glycerin, three ounces, then attend to the diet. Select the kind of food that appears to agree the best. Boiled milk and good stale wheat bread, will usually agree the best. Small doses of rhubarb and magnesia will often complete the cure. Rhubarb ten grains, magnesia fif- teen grains. Mix and divide into four powders. Give one, night and morning. When there is much inflammation of the scalp, apply a weak solution of Goulard's extract, two or three times a day, and when the in- flammation subsides, apply the solution of sulphurous acid and glycerin as before mentioned. Ringworm of the scalp is best treated, by the local application of aromatic vinegar, or application of lunar caustic. In some forms of eczema, and more especially of impetigo, all ointments and greasy applications are not only useless but injurious. In all such cases, the cure must depend on cleanliness and internal remedies. Dandruff or Scurf of the Head. This disease of the scalp often attacks the heads of adults, and is very annoying, and may be often cured by sulphur water, prepared as follows : put one ounce of flowers of sulphur in a quart of water, shake this up well several times for twenty-four hours, pour off the clear liquid, and wet the scalp with it every morning. 21 318 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. LECTUKE XXX. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Cutaneous eruptions rank among the opprobia of medical science, and are designated by a modern author as "obstinate" intractable, and often in- curable ! Inexperienced practitioners frequently excuse their inability to remove these maladies, by explaining to their patients, that the skin forms a kind of safety-valve, when attacked by disease, and is an outlet through which various morbid matters escape in the form of an eruption. It is argued that the internal and more vital organs of the body are thus saved from diseased action by its transferrence to the skin. The sufferer is then dismissed with the recommendation to endure a lesser evil, rather than incur the risk of a greater. All such reasoning can soon be shown to be as fallacious as it is comfortless, for happily new means of cure have been discovered which render most of these complaints as amenable to treatment as any other diseases to which our bodies are liable. Until the close of the last century, there was no classified arrangement of skin diseases, and it is only within the last quarter of a century, that a remedy long previously known in the treatment of other diseases, but the medical action of which was undetermined, was discovered to be a specific in many disease of the skin, previously considered incurable. All diseases of the skin are divided into the following orders, or families, from their fancied resemblance to each other. Order 1, Papuloe or pimples, 2, Squamte or scales, 3, Exanthemata or Rashes, 4, Bullae or blisters, 5, Pustule or postules, 6, Vesiculse or vesicles, 7, Tuberculse or tubercles, ■8, Macules or spots. Papules or Pimples. This family of cutaneous affections includes all of these diseases of the .skin characterized by the eruption of great multitudes of little pimples, containing no fluid of any kind, and which soon terminate in a dry scurf. Under this head may be enumerated, strophulus, lichen and prurigo. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 319 Strophulus is an infantile disease of Yiq. 180. the skin, commonly called "red gum" because the pimples are of a bright red color. When this disease is properly- treated, the eruption soon passes away. This disease is caused by fermentation of the food in the stomach, and the in- testinal canal, and the formation of an acid, which is the product of this fer- mentation, and is absorbed into the blood, poisoning and vitiating this im- portant fluid. Under such circumstan- ces, the secretions are all loaded with acids, the clothing emits a sour odor, and the skin is covered with an acid perspiration, causing great irritation, inflammation, itching, &c. Lichen. When the same disease affects strophulus or Red Gum. the adult, it is called lichen, of which there are three varieties, lichen sim- plex, commonly called "prickly heat," which is very common in tropical cli- mates, and during the warm season of the year. This disease varies much in degree. In some cases it is very slight and easily cured, while in other cases, when it has been neglected or improperly treated, it becomes very stubborn and difficult of cure. From constant scratching the skin becomes torn, and bleeds, causing the disease to be easily mistaken for the common itch. Lichen urticatus. This variety of lichen differs from the other forms of this disease of the skin, in the formation of little wheels or circles around the pimples, looking much like a "bee sting," and it is commonly called the "nettle rash." It is caused from errors of diet, and sudden changes of temperature. Lichen agrius. This is an inflamed and aggravated form of lichen, and is frequently mistaken for eczema and psoriasis. It occurs most frequently on the hands of those who handle irritating powders, and for this reason it has often been called "bakers' itch," or "grocers' itch," from the fact that bakers and grocers are very liable to this form of disease of the skin. Treatment. The diet must be well regulated for the cure of this dis- ease of the skin. Avoid the use of those kinds of food containing much starch or sugar, or which will easily ferment, such as raw milk, fruits, veg- etables, fresh cakes or breads, tea, coffee, &c. Eat cooked or boiled milk, stale bread, and butter, with oatmeal or white corn mush, rice, sago, tapioca, 320 DISEASES OP THE SKIN. farina, and soup made of barley and a piece of lamb, mutton or chicken, well cooked. Take a teaspoonful of Rochelle salts every morning in a Fig. 181. glass of water. Wash the skin night and morning in a weak alkaline bath, containing one pound of carbonate of soda, to thir- ty gallons of water for a full bath, or for a sponge bath, a teaspoonful of sal- eratus to a quart of warm water. Weak alkaline baths will be found supe- rior to all other remedies, to arrest the intolerable itching, which accompa- nies this family of dis- Lichen Simplex. eases f t h e s k m# Prurigo. The name of this disease is derived from the Latin, to itch, on account of its ceaseless irritation. It is often called " the old man's itch." or "prurigo senilis." In this disease of the skin, the rash or pim- ples are small, and very light colored, or about the same color of the skin, from which they are only slightly elevated. In consequence of the scratch- ing resorted to by the sufferer, the appearance of this disease is so changed, that it can scarcely be distinguished from common itch. Treatment. This disease is very obstinate, and terribly annoying to many old people. It is caused by errors of diet, and depends upon acidity of the blood, caused by fermentation of the food. Alkaline baths, and a well regulated diet, with suitable changes of air, and the occasional use of saline cathartics, will cure many cases, which for years, have tormented their unfortunate victims, until life has become a burden. Squama, or Scales. This family of cutaneous diseases is attended with the formation of flakes of dead cuticle, or scarf skin, varying in thickness from a very thin scale, like dandruff, to thick, dense, opake crusts. There are four prin- cipal varieties of this order of diseases of the skin, called lepra, psoriasis, pityriasis, and ichthyosis. Lepra. This is one of the squamae, or scaly diseases of the skin,, some- times called American leprosy, from its general resemblance to this terri- ble disease, as it manifests itself in its severer forms, in tropical climateB, and in oriental countries. It appears on the surface of the skin in patches DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 321 as large as a dinner plate, often covering different parts of the body, and throwing off daily immense flakes of scales. When this disease is left to itself, it will often last for years, and even a life time, and steadily grow worse all the time. It is a most obstinate disease, and difficult to get rid of, under ordinary treatment, but it will gra- P^ ig 2< dually yield to a judicious course of treat- ment, perseveringly and strictly carried out. This disease often commences with small white spots, about the size of a dime, cov- ered with small, dry, shining scales, on a slightly red base. This disease will never disappear, except by medical treatment j and unless the disease be promptly attended to, it may require several years to cure thi3 eruption in its advanced stages. Psoriasis is a disease of the skin, similar to lepra, except that the surface of the skin becomes cracked, frequently forming long deep fissures, followed by inflammation, and an exudation of gummy matter. The pa- tient is distressed by perpetual burning, smarting and itching, followed by broken rest, suspension of the functions of the skin, and exhaustion, which des- troys the health, and even life. A few years ago, this disease was consid- ered incurable ; but by well regulated diet, and skillful treatment, it is now found to slowly yield, and finally get well. Treatment. For the cure of lepra and psoriasis, it will be necessary to carefully regulate the diet. It is well known, that there is a most intimate sympathy between the delicate mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal, and the skin covering the body. Heavy, irritating, and indigestible food, such as salt meat, fish, pastry, raw fruit, and uncooked vegetables, old cheese, sweet meats, fried meat, or cakes, with strong coffee, tea, beer, whiskey, &c, will irritate the mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal, and by sympathy this irritation is quickly transferred to the skin, causing great irritation, redness and excitement of the skin ; increasing and per- petuating these diseases ! It will be indispensable to a cure of these dis- eases of the skin, that the diet shall be well regulated and always consist of light and easily digested food, such as boiled milk and farinaceous food, boiled rice, barley, oatmeal and white corn-mush or hominy, well cooked; stale bread, and very few cooked vegetables or fruits, with very little boiled meat, or light broth, or soups ! The best local applications will be Lepra, or American Leprosy. 322 DISEASES OP THE SKIN. the warm steam or vapor bath, or hot baths, to remove the dry, dead scales of thickened cuticle, followed by the applications of brown ointment, com- posed of oil of cade, glycerin, and starch; or the sulphurous acid and gly- cerin lotion, well rubbed into the diseased spots twice a day. In the local treatment of this obstinate disease, much of the success will depend upon repeating the local applications sufficiently often to prevent any accumula- tion of scales upon the eruptive surfaces. The only internal remedy of any considerable value, is found to be small doses of the arsenate of pot- ash, in some vegetable infusion, taken for several months. Pityriasis is a scaly eruption, which at/tacks the scalp, in circular shaped patches, throwing off layers of thin white scales, which are quickly repro- duced. This disease is called dandruff. The scales formed by this disease never form crusts or fissures in the scalp, attended with excoriations &c. As this disease is mentioned incidently in another place, and its proper treatment pointed out, it will not be necessary to dwell longer upon it here. Exanthemata, or Rashes. This family of cutaneous diseases includes all red patches of various shapes, the intervening skin being of a natural hue, and the disease termina- ting in exfoliation of the scarf skin. To this order belong erythema, erysip- elas, and roseola or rose rash. Erythema, or redness of the skin, covering only certain parts of the body, occurs most frequently upon the face, neck, arm or breast, especially in feeble constitutions, and in weakly and delicate females; it is generally an accompaniment of some severe disturbance of the general health, but is not contagious. Treatment. The treatment of erythema will "depend upon its cause. When the stomach and bowels are filled with offensive, sour, acrid or bitter secretions, they should receive attention. Small and repeated doses of rhu- barb and magnesia, or Rochelle salts, or the citrate of magnesia, will be the most useful. Apply finely powdered starch, or lime water and sweet oil in equal parts, to allay the burning and itching sensations which accompany this disease. Erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire, as it is sometimes called, usually com- mences upon the face, with redness and soreness of the skin, which grad- ually spreads so as to involve the face and neck, scalp, &c. This disease is usually attended with considerable swelling and increased heat. It may be only superficial, or it may involve the subcutaneous cellular tissue, especially when situated on the limbs, &c. When the scalp becomes involved in this disease, the inflammation may extend to the brain, bringing on coma and death. The principal source of danger in erysipelas, is the suppression of the functions of the skin, and exhaustion. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 323 Treatment. The treatment of erysipelas should commence with small doses of some saline cathartic, such as Rochelle salts, or the citrate of mag- nesia. In cases where there is much general debility, this should be followed by muriated tincture of iron and quinine. The best local applications are lead water, or cold cream ointment, &c. Roseola, or rose rash. This disease of the skin is usually manifested by dark or light rose colored patches of an irregular shape, on various parts of the body, with little or no fever. It usually lasts but a few days, and terminates in exfoliation of the cuticle, in the form of dry scurf. This disease is so light, as to require little or no treatment, for its cure. The eruption is not very irritating, and requires no local application whatever. A small dose of Rochelle salts or citrate of magnesia at the commencement of this disease, is all that is required, by way of treatment, to hasten the cure. Bullae, or Blisters. This family of cutaneous diseases, are attended with the eruption of blis- ters, or bladders, varying in size from a split pea, to the size of a walnut, filled with a transparent fluid, which soon burst, forming ulcers or hard scabs. There are two principal varieties of this disease of the skin, called pirn- pliigus and rupia. Pimphigus. In this disease of the skin the bullae, or blisters are round, and from half an inch to two or three inches in diameter, and maybe dis- tributed over all parts of the body. As soon as the blisters mature they burst open, and discharge their contents, followed by the formation of thin brown scabs. Ulceration frequently occurs in this disease, but it is not very deep, ex- cept when the constitution is much im- paired or broken down. Treatment. The treatment of pim- phigus consists in the use of mild saline cathartics, followed by mineral tonics. Take a teaspoonful of Rochelle salts every morning in half a glass of water, before eating, and a teaspoonful of the following mixture as a tonic : muriated tincture of iron, one ounce; chlorate of potash, four drachms; diluted muriatic u acid, two drachms; quinine, one drachm; simple syrup, four ounces ; warm water, twelve ounces, three times a day in water. Fig. 183. Rupia. 324 diseases op the skin. Rupia. Rupia is generally regarded as only a modification, or variety, of pimphi- gus. The bullae, or blisters are smaller, followed by thicker conical scabs of a dark copper color, with the formation of ulcers beneath them, which often require several weeks to heal, after the scabs are removed. This dis- ease of the skin, is almost always of a syphilitic origin. Treatment. This disease requires a tonic and alterative treatment, con- sisting of quinine, iron, iodide of potash, and a light, simple, easily diges- ted and nourishing diet. Pustule, or Pustules. This family of cutaneous diseases consist of elevations of the skin, con- taining matter, and having an inflamed base. It includes four varieties, impetigo, porrigo, ecthyma and scabies. Impetigo consists of small pus- tules running into each other and producing scabs. This disease of the skin, often attacks the face, and renders the unfortunate sufferer hideous in his appearance. The scabs which form, are of a dirty straw color, resem- bling the stained or soiled bark of a tree. Many cases of impetigo, or "crusted tetter," as this disease is sometimes called, are exceedingly obsti- nate, and if not treated by those who understand its nature and proper remedies, will often last for many years. Treatment. When there is much inflammation, wash the parts carefully with warm oatmeal gruel, in place of soap and water, and poultice with potatoe starch or arrow root, then apply ointment of oxide of zinc, or sulphurous acid and glycerin. If there is much irritation and fever, use light saline cathartics, taken in the morning, with a light nourishing diet, and altera- tive tonics, such as Fowler's solution of arsenic, one ounce; quinine, one drachm; citric acid, one drachm; Water, one pint. Mix, and take a tea- spoonful after each meal. Favus, Porrigo, or Scald Head. This disease of the skin often resembles impetigo, but is very contagious, and will often run through a whole school in a short time. Sometimes it appears as a scabby eruption on the scalp, and sometimes as a circular patch, causing baldness. The crusts or scabs are yellow, and present a honey comb like appearance. In the variety which causes baldness, no eruption takes place. The disease first shows itself by one or two patches on the scalp, which demand immediate attention. " Ringworm" and " scald head" are names by which this disease is often, known. This disease is caused by a parasite called achorion schonkinii. Treatment. Our attention must first be directed to the removal of the crusts, which contain great multitudes of the parasites, concerned in the production of the disease. Cut the hair short and poultice with potatoe DISEASES OP THE SKIN. 325 starch or arrow root, then wash with an alkaline wash, containing one drachm of saleratus or carbonate of potash, to a pint of water. Continue this treatment until the crusts are softened and removed, then apply sul- phurous acid, one ounce ; glycerin, three ounces ; after washing with pot- ash and water, three times a day. In chronic cases, apply tar ointment, and cover with an oilskin cap. Scabies, or Itch. This disease is characterized by the formation of a number of small red elevations, or pustules, with white tops, between the fingers, on the back Fig. 184. of the hand, on the arms, legs and abdomen, and occasionally on the scalp. When these little pustules are carefully examined, beneath the white cap or top, we shall discover the acarus scabiei, or itch bug, as seen in the accompanying illustra- tion, representing the male, slightly smaller than the female. Treatment. Wash the skin tho- roughly with soap and warm water, then rub strong sulphur ointment well into the parts affected. Sul- phur kills the animalcule causing the disease, when the eruption soon disappears. There are other para- citicides, which answer equally well to cure this disease, such as carbolic acid, soap, sulphurous acid, and glycerin, kerosene oil, &c. It is best to repeat either of these applications three or four times to ensure a cure. When the eruption does not get well after the destruction of the " itch animal- cule/' then apply the oil of cade and glycerin ointment, and treat the dis- ease as simple lichen. Vesicul.e, or Vesicles. This family of cutaneous diseases, are all characterized by the eruption of small elevations from the skin, like a pimple, filled with clear transpa- rent, or colorless fluid terminating in the formation of a scurf, or a lami- nated scab. This order of diseases of the skin includes herpes, or " shin- gles/' eczema, or < : moist tetter;" varicella, or " chicken pox ;" and mili- aria, a disease which often occurs during fever. The vesicles in miliaria are about the size of millet seeds, and sometimes appear like drops of sweat upon the surface of the skin. This eruption is symptomatic, and requires no special treatment ; and the same may be said of chicken pox. The Acarus Scabiei, or Itch Bug. 326 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Herpes, or Shingles. This disease of the skin is characterized by the eruption of numerous small vesicles, collected in clusters, resting on an inflamed base, and contain- FlG lg5 ing a thin, transparent fluid- It runs through its various stages, and terminates in from one to three weeks, in the formation of thin scabs. There are several varieties of this disease, two of which are shown in the accompanying illustration, called herpes zos- ter, which is seen extending halfway around the waist from the shoulder downwards ; and herpes circinnatus, which ap- pears as a ring on the face, neck, and shoulder. Herpes labialis surrounds the mouth. Herpes prseputialis, and her- pes iris, appear on the prae- puce hands, fingers, &c. Her- pes zoster is commonly called shingles; and herpes circin- natus is often mistaken for ring worm. Herpes iris may be confounded with " bakers' itch," and cer- tain forms of eczema, or psoriasis on the hands. This disease is caused by contact with irritating substances, by violent exercise, febrile or catarrhal attacks, too stimulating diet, &c. Treatment. This disease of the skin is generally, especially at first, ac- companied with febrile excitement, requiring the use of cooling remedies, such as the saline cathartics, Rochelle salts, cream of tartar, or citrate of magnesia, with a light diet ! Alkaline baths or washes will be found of great value, to allay irritation and stop the intolerable itching and burning sensation. The bath may be followed by the application of the oint- ment of oxide of zinc, &c. When this disease is of long standing, and has become chronic, then the treatment must be modified. As there is no febrile action, cathartics will no longer be required. The most valuable remedy for this stage *of herpes, will be arsenic or some one of its many preparations. Begin with three drops of Fowler's solution, and gradually increase the dose up to ten for Herpes, or Shingles. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 327 Fig. 186. an adult, if required. "When there is great debility, with a strumous or scrofulous taint, syrup of iodide of iron will often be required to complete the cure. Eczema, or Moist Tetter. There are several varieties of this form of cutaneous disease, such as eczema simplex, eczema rubrum, and eczema infan- tile, or milk crust, &c. In the simple form of this disease there is little inflammation. The vesi- cles are of smaller size than those seen in herpes, and they are generally more crowded together. It may manifest itself in almost every variety and form, from a small crack or fis- sure, or a spot of the size of a split pea, which only sheds a slight scurf, up to patches as large as a din- ner plate. This disease is not contagious, but it is very irritating, partic- ularly so when the surface affected is extensive, and the disease is very ac- tive, discharging large quantities of semi-transparent fluid, which excori- ates the surrounding skin, and finally dries into laminated scabs, which vary in color, from a silvery white to a greenish yellow, and when tinged with blood, to a reddish brown. This form of skin disease is not only the most frequent of all forms, but it effects every age and constitution. It may also attack any part of the external surface of the body, and even strike inwards, seriously deranging the functions of life, and sometimes causing death. Eczema of the hands, arms and lower extremities, is frequently mistaken for itch, and the differ- ance is so slight that only experienced practitioners can distinguish be- tween the two diseases. Eczema, is one of the most curable of all diseases when treated early, but when neglected or improperly treated, it becomes very stubborn and difficult to cure. In its advanced stages, and in inexperienced hands, it may last for years without being cured ! Treatment. The treatment for the cure of eczema, is very much like that required for the cure of herpes. When there is much inflammation and fever, small doses of saline cathartics will be useful. In infancy, when Eczema, or Moist Tetter on the Pace. 328 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. the disease attacks the scalp and face, and is called milk crust, small doses of calcined magnesia should be given. Cleanliness is of the utmost im- portance. Weak alkaline washes followed by potato starch or arrow-root poultices, frequently renewed, are useful. When soap or alkalies appear to irritate, use wheat, bran or oatmeal gruel in place of them. Long stand- ing or chronic cases, when the fever and local irritation have subsided, must be treated differently. Small doses of Fowler's solution, not more than one drop for an infant, and from three to five for an adult, will be the proper quantity taken twice a day after eating, in a little water. Re- move the crusts and cleanse the ulcerated surface, with a weak solution of carbolic acid, one part to a hundred of water, or a teaspoonful to a pint of water, used three times a day, and dress with an ointment of oil of cade and glycerine. TUBERCUL^E. OR TUBERCLE. This family of cutaneous diseases, are characterized by the formation of small, hard, circumscribed and superficial, partially suppurating tumors, upon the surface of the skin. There are several varieties of this order of diseases of the skin, such as acne, sycosis, lupus, phyma, &c. Acne. There are three principal varieties of acne. Acne simplex, acne pustu- losa, and acne rosacea. In this disease there is inflammation of the skin, around the sebaceous follicles, causing a retention of their secretion, which becomes acrid, poisonous and irritating to the surrounding tissues ! Small black points usually mark the situation of the mouths of the obstructed follicles, called " black heads" causing so much annoyance to many young people. This disease of the skin, is far more common among women, than men. In its milder forms, it often attacks young people of both sexes, causing great disfigurement of face, and much annoyance. When this disease is neglected, or improperly treated, it causes much redness and thickening of the skin, greatly disfiguring the nose and sides of the face, and is then called acne rosacea. This disease of the skin, usually attacks high livers. At first the pimples are small, hard and red. As these pim- ples mature they become larger, and when they finally burst they discharge a little briny matter, leaving a small scab. The rose redness of the skin, around these pimples or patches of them, has given origin to the name of this variety of acne. Sometimes this disease is hereditary, and it is always very difficult of cure. But if treated skillfully and perseveringly, it will gradually yield, and in time, recovery will take place. Treatment. Acne is usually caused by errors of diet and sedentary habits, &c. For the cure of this unsightly disease, it is indispensable that DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 329 Fig the diet should be well regulated. Carefully avoid the use of all kinds of gross, indigestible, and unwholesome food, such as smok- ed or salt meats, fish, pastry, fried food, of every description, raw fruit, vegetables, cheese, sweet meats, pickles, and confectionery, also beer, wine, whiskey, tea and coffee. In a word, any thing which irritates or stimulates the mucous membrane lining the sto- mach and the intestinal canal. Carefully attend to the state of the bowels, and the action of the skin. In persons of a full, ple- thoric habit, saline cathartics, taken every morning, will be Very useful, Such as Citrate of Acne Punctata, commonly called « Black Heads." magnesia, cream of tartar, or Rochelle salts. All of the saline and snl- Fig. 188. phurous mineral waters are highly recommended, for the cure of this obstinate disease. Wash the eruption twice a day with the best Castile soap and hot water, using it as warm as it can be borne, then wipe dry, and apply a little sulphurous acid and glycerin, or diluted citrine ointment, twice a day. In very bad cases, where the pustules are very hard and unsightly, acid nitrate of mercury will some- times be found very useful. Iodide of sulphur ointment will occasionally be found su- perior to all other applications, especially in certain constitu- tions, where there is a scrofu- lous taint ! When the COnsti- Acne Eosacea > affecting the Nose, and side of the Face, &c. This hideous disease is suggestive of ham, sausage, tution IS exhausted, and brok- old cheese, beer, wine, whiskey and tobacco. 330 DISEASES OP THE SKIN. en down, from various excesses, a course of tonic and restorative remedies is necessary to complete the cure. Lupus. There are two varieties of this disease of the skin, called lupus exedens and lupus non-exedens. Lupus non-exedens consists in the formation of small, soft, slow growing tubercles upon the skin of the cheek, eyelid, side of the nose or temple, which gradually increase in size, and finally form a scab, and when this is removed, another one soon forms again. It finally forms an ulcer beneath the scab, and they both spread and extend themselves, indefinitely, in every direction, and leave behind them a white seam or scar, that serves as a track to mark their progress. Irritation while washing or shaving, pricking or peeling off the scab, will make the tubercle very painful, and cause its more rapid extension. This disease may last for years, causing little or no trouble or inconvenience, but when rubbed, chafed or irritated, may spread and enlarge very rapidly. Lupus exedens, or devorans, sometimes called " noli me tangere," (touch me not) a kind of rodent ulcer, is much more destructive. In this form of lupus, not only the skin and subcutaneous tissues, but the muscles, bones, and other parts become involved, destroying the eyelids, nose lips, tongue, and other parts of the body. The tubercles become of a dusky red, and are elevated and round, pouring out an ichorous discharge which is poison- ous, excoriating and offensive. Fig. 189. The progress of this disease is generally quite slow, and causes much less pain than would generally be supposed, from the appearance of the disease, and this is probably the reas- on why it is generally neglected or improperly treated, in its earlier stages, when a cure would be compar- atively easy. Scrofula, syphilis, and other constitutional diseases, predis- pose to this disease. The chimney sweeps of London; chewers and smokers of tobacco, are also far more liable to its manifestation. The ac- cumulation of impure, irritating and poisonous substances upon the skin, also predispose to this disease. It is sometimes called "smoker's can- oancer on the lower Lip. cer/' « chimney sweep's cancer," from DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 331 the fact that it so often occurs among this class of people. It is an obsti- nate affection and very difficult to cure. Its close alliance to cancer, has induced many of the latest authorities to call it a cancroid affection. Treatment. This disease usually occurs in feeble or broken down con- stitutions, and requires a course of alterative and restorative medication, such as the use of a good, light and nourishing diet, and the use of Fow- ler's solution, in doses of from three to five drops. Iron, quinine, &c. Saline and alkaline baths are of great value. The local disease is best treated by the application of caustic, followed by carbolic acid washes. Touch the tubercles with nitric acid, or chlorate of zinc, to destroy them, and to prevent their reproduction, wash the ulcerated surface three times a day with a solution of carbolic acid, containing one or two drachms to a pint of water. Wet some lint in this wash, and lay it over the ulcerated surface. When the eyelid, lip, or a part of the nose has been destroyed by this disease, an operation often becomes necessary to restore them to their natural condition and expression. Fig. 190. Fig. 191. A piece of Skin, of the proper shape, raised up from the Forehead, to form a New Nose. A piece of Skin raised tip from the Fore- head, turned around and fitted so as to form a New Nose. When the skin of the forehead or cheek are in a sound and healthy con- dition, a suitable shaped piece may be carefully raised up at one end, and twisted around and fitted into the proper position, and fastened to the sound healthy skin, by silver threads, as seen in the accompanying illustrations. Adhesive inflammation soon takes place, and the piece of skin, and subcu- taneous tissues, removed from the forehead, become attached in a few days, so that the dressings may be removed. In other cases, when the skin of the forehead and face have been in- volved in the original disease, and are scarred and contracted, the material to form a new nose, must be sought for in other portions of the body, and no part can be found more convenient for this purpose, than a part of the arm or hand. 332 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Making a new Nose from a piece of Skin, raised up from the Shoulder. A small piece of the skin is care- fully marked out of the right size and shape, and then one end of it is carefully dissected and raised up, and then fitted to the base of the nose, and fastened with very deli- cate silver pins, as seen in the ac- companying illustration. As soon as this piece of skin has attached itself to the base of the nose, then the other end of it is separated from the arm and made to form the tip of the nose. Many of the most terrible cases of deformity, caused by lupus and other ulcerative dis- eases, have been cured in this way. Warts, boils, carbuncles and styes, are other tubercular affections of the skin, with which every one is more or less familiar. Warts are tubercular growths, covered with hard- ened and thickened skin. They are best cured by the local application of caustic of potash. When, as sometimes happens, they are spread over Fig. 193. different parts of the body, consti- tutional treatment is necessary for their removal. Hordeolum or sty, is a small tu- bercular tumor on the margin of the eyelid, in which matter is finally collected. This disease is really an inflammation of one of the glands of the eyelid, followed by suppura- tion, and is an indication of a dis- ordered state of the blood, and usu- ally occurs in weakened or scrofu- lous constitutions. It is best treated by the internal use of the syrup of iodide of iron, and an application of diluted citrine ointment. Carbuncle. Carbuncle, after the Core has come out. rj^ jg a tubercular disease, Well known to attack those people whose vital energy has been weakened by long DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 333 continued depressing causes. Carbuncle is a tubercular inflammation of the skin, more extensive than a boil, with much more pain and constitu- tional disturbance, and may even threaten life. Treatment. As soon as the character of the disease has been fully made out. Cover the surface of the diseased skin, with the strongest caustic solution of carbolic acid. This at once destroys the diseased tissues, and changes the character of the disease. This caustic application should be followed by poultices of linseed meal, or ground slippery elm bark, and as soon as the slough has been loosened or removed, wash the ulcer with a solu- tion of carbolic acid, containing one or two teaspoonsful of Calverts' solution, to a pint of water, three times a day. A course of tonic and restorative medicine is usually required to complete the cure. Sycosis or Barbers' Itch. Sycosis is an eruption of inflamed tubercles, occurring on the beardless portion of the face, and on the scalp, usually clustering together in patches. Sycosis of the chin, may attack either the upper or under lip, as well as Fig. 194. Sycosis Mentagra or Barbers' Itch. the chin itself. In this disease a thick matter is secreted, and cakes among the hairs, matting them together. The itching is often great, and shaving becomes impossible. When examined by the microscope, this disease is found to depend upon the presence of a parasite called the " trichophyton mentogrophytes" and is highly contagious. It is often communicated by uncleanly barbers while shaving. This disease may often be confounded with impetigo, ecthyma and acne. 334 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Treatment. Sycosis is a difficult disease to cure, especially when long neglected or improperly treated. Keep the beard or hair trimmed very short to prevent the accumulation of crusts of hardened matter, and to facilitate the application of proper remedies. Sponge the skin twice a day with a strong alkaline solution to remove the hardened crusts, and then wash with carbolic acid lotion, and apply sulphurous acid and glycerin, contain- ing one part of the acid to three of glycerin. In old chronic cases of long standing, when there is induration and thickening of the skin, take three to five drops of Fowler's solution, and apply ointment of the nitrate of mercury. Maculae, or Marks. This family of cutaneous diseases, are attended by permanent discolor- ation of the skin, often with a change of texture, and includes ephelis, or freckles, chloasma, "moth" or "liver spots," naevus or "mother's mark," &c. Ephelis, lentigo or freckles, are diseases of the skin, attended with a yel- lowish brown discolorations, which are only important as regards the ap- pearance of those who are subject to their manifestations. For the removal of freckles, or the yellowish brown spots called chloasma, use the following preparation. Sulpho carbolate of zinc, 2 parts. Glycerin, 25 " Eose Water, 25 " Spirits, 5 " Mix and dissolve. Fig. 195. "^ e freckled skin is to be anointed with this twice a day, and allowed to stay on from half an hour to an hour, then wash off with cold water. In »»**&# ^v ^\ the sunlight a dark veil should illf/i /•***&** \\W\\ ^ be worn wild #. . ML illM ^^^ ^^^ wliPIr Vitiligo, or VeAl Skin, 4c^ It This disease is characterized "' i A I I #.%<& ,/ bv an unnatural whiteness from ' WSr ^#% / a deficiency of coloring matter. ' When the disease extends all over the skin it is called albin- ^^ J^&S I ismus. This disease not only manifests itself in the human species, but among the lower vitiligo, or Veal skin, animals. We sometimes see DISEASES OF THE SKIN. OOD whole families of them among all of the races of mankind and the lower animals. The head, face, chest, back and thighs, are most frequently the seat of this disease. When it attacks the scalp, the hairs turn white in spots, and often fall out, causing partial or complete alopecia or baldness I Treatment. We must first devote our attention to the improvement of all of the powers of nutrition, by the use of suitable food, air, exercise, sunlight, bathing, &c, with the use of suitable tonic and restorative remedies, such as the phosphates of iron, lime, potash and soda. Astringent and stimulating baths of tannin or tannic acid and creasote, are found to be the most useful for the cure of this disease. When the spots are small and limited in number, turpentine ointment should be well rubbed into them twice a day, after the use of an alkaline bath. Poison Vine Eruption. There are several plants capable of causing a vesicular eruption, when they are brought in contact with the surface of the skin. The common poison vine or rhus toxicodendron, a species of swamp sumach, is capable of causing an eruption of considerable severity. Treatment. The burning heat, inflammation and itching, which accom- pany this disease, may be allayed by the application of lead water around the open vesicles. A tea, or the fluid extract of snake root," serpentaria," is said to kill the poison at once, and to be superior to all other remedies. Chilblains. The hands, fingers, toes, feet, nose and ears, are often injured by ex- posure to extreme cold, causing congelation, which may be followed by erythematous inflammation. Treatment. When any part of the body has been bitten by the frost, it should be rubbed with snow, and gradually warmed, and when the circulation has been restored, cover it well with a coating of dry starch, to exclude the air. Burns. As shown in another place, the skin is very highly organized, contain- ing numerous blood vessels and nerves, and its functions are of great im- portance to the continuation of animal life. When one-half of the skin covering the body is burned to a blister, so as to interrupt these functions, death will always follow. The terrible shock to the nervous system, com- municated through impressions received by the numerous nerves of the skin, causes collapse, when the pulse becomes feeble, and the body cold, with intense thirst, insensibility, prostration and death. Treatment. Stimulants must be administered at once, to prevent col- lapse. Brandy, whiskey, opium will be found the most useful. Wash the 336 DISEASES OE THE SKIN. Fig. 196. burned or scalded surface clean with warm water, using it as warm as it @an be borne, then cover the surface of the burn with equal parts of lime water and sweet oil, on cotton, and cover all with oiled silk, to exclude the air. Bums and scalds are often followed by contraction, creat- ing terrible deformities, as seen in the accompanying illustra- tion. When the skin is once destroyed it never is reprodu- ced again, but in place of the skin, there is created a cicatrix or scar. As the parts heal, the scar gradually contracts, and forms hard inelastic bands or belts, which at first are of a bright rose color, but gradually fade until in color they nearly resemble the hues of the sur- rounding healthy skin. When these burns or scalds occur near the eye, or mouth, or inside the flexions of the joints, the lids are of- ten drawn down, or everted, bringing into view the fiery red inner surface of the lid, and exposing the eyeball to constant irritation from cold, dust, &c. Or the mouth may be drawn to one side, or the lower j aw drawn down , bring- ing into view the open cavity of the mouth, with its con- tents, the tongue, teeth, &c, allowing the saliva constant- ly to escape from its cavity. When the burns are situated inside of the hand and joints of the limbs, the cicatrix con- tracts and closes the hand or bends the limb, and destroys its usefulness, &c. Treatment. The application of various oils and lubricating substances, Deformity from a Burn. Fig. 197. Division of the Contracted Skin, caused by a Burn. DISEASES THE 337 for we purpose of relaxing these hard inelastic welts or bands, will prove entirely use- less. When the burn occurs in infancy, the natural growth of the body causes a gradual increase in the amount of the deformity or contraction. There is no remedy which will suffice, but a surgical operation. The cicatrix and the subcutaneous cellular tis- sue must be divided entirely through, to relieve the con- traction, as seen in fig. 197. If the wound was now dressed, and allowed to heal, without further treatment, the cicatrix would contract still more, and only increase the deformity. To avoid this result, a piece of sound skin must be transplanted to fill the open space creat- ed by the division of .the cicatrix. In this instance, the sound skin, uninjured by the burn, and not in- volved in the contraction, is found upon the shoulder, so the incision is carried outwards, and a piece of skin, sufficiently large, is raised up from the shoul- der, like a flap, leaving the end nearest the chasm to be filled, still attached, and it is turned around and fitted to its new situation, and carefully fastened in its place, by a number of small silver pins, as shown in the Completion of the Operation of transplanting a piece of Skin, from the Shoulder to the Neck. Fig. 199. Hare Lip, before an operation. From the Author's Cabinet 338 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. preceding illustration. The parts are now washed with a weak solution of carbolic acid in water, and then covered with cotton wet in the solution, and kept at rest, until union has taken place, which usually requires but a few days. Deformities of the Mouth. The lips, mouth and cheeks may be deformed from extensive sloughing, caused by salivation, or the abuse of mercury, or from cancerous ulceration, and from congenital deficiency of the parts at birth. In severe cases of sali- vation, it is not uncommon for the whole cheek to slough, creating a large opening, exposing the cavity of the mouth, with its contents, the tongue, teeth, &c. Such deformities can often be cured by transplanting a piece of healthy skin from the neighboring parts, to supply the deficiency, and causing it to attach itself, and grow in its new location. In hare lip, as seen in fig. 199, all that is required is to pare off a thin layer of skin, and sub- Fig. 200. cutaneous connective tis- sue, on each side of the cleft, commencing at the nose, and leaving the lower end attached to the edges of the lip on each side. The lips are now loosened from their attachments to the jaws on each side, so that they will slide across the chasm, and meet each oth- er. To unite the parts per- fectly, and leave no notch, the upper ends of the thin slices from each side of cleft are now turned down, so they rest upon the low- er lip, bringing their raw edges opposite each other. Three or four silver pins are now passed through the lip on each side, and Hare Lip, after an operation. From the Author's Cabinet. the edges are brought to- gether by a well waxed thread of silk, applied around each pin, and over the lip, in the form of the figure 8. When well executed, there will be no notch left in the lip, and only a careful examination will discover any trace of deformity. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 339 Rules of Diet for the Cure of Diseases of the Shin, directed by the Author in his private Practice. Breakfast. Stale wheat bread, with boiled milk, oatmeal or white corn mush ; or stale wheat bread and butter. Dinner. Plain boiled fresh lamb, mutton or chicken, barley broth, boiled rice, sago, tapioca or farina pudding, cooked without eggs or butter, boiled or roasted white potatoes, and no other vegetables or fruit. Supper. Boiled milk and water, oatmeal gruel, with stale wheat bread and butter. Drinks. Barley water, toast and water, thin gruel, or soda water without syrups. N. B. — Especially to be avoided. Salt or smoked meats, fish, oysters, soups, sweets, acids, fruits, sweatmeats, pastry and raw vegetables. Change the clothing night and morning, and remove flannel from next the skin, when it irritates. Bathe the skin daily, using oatmeal gruel, made thick, or bran or flaxseed meal, in place of soap, when it irritates the skin. May use egg and warm water in place of soap, to shampoo and cleanse the scalp. Baths. The following Baths are used by the Author for the Chore of Diseases of the Shin. Acid Bath. Nitric acid, one ounce ; hydrochloric acid, three ounces ; hot water, fifteen gallons. Mix iD a wooden bath tub. Remain in the bath ten to twenty minutes. Useful for torpid and inactive liver. Alkaline Bath. Carbonate of soda, one pound; hot water, thirty gallons. Remain in it ten to twenty minutes. Useful in gouty and rheumatic affections, with the lactic and lithic acid diathesis. Creasote. Creasote, two drachms; glycerin, two ounces; hot water, thirty gallons. Remain in ten to twenty minutes. Very useful in many skin diseases, such as eczema, prurigo, lepra and cutaneous irritation. Sulphur Bath. Sulphuret of potash, four ounces; hot water, thirty gallons. Stay in it ten to twenty minutes. Very useful in itch and many forms of eczema. 340 diseases of the skin. Salt Water Sponge Bath.' Salt, four ounces; warm water, four gallons. Sponge the skin freely for five minutes. Useful in general debility, and in chronic rheumatism. Mustard Foot Bath. Mustard, two ounces ; warm water, four gallons. Place the feet in this from ten to twenty minutes. Useful to prevent and cure chilblains, and as a revulsion, to remove congestion of the vital organs. Sea Water Bath. Salt, two pounds; sulphate of magnesia, three ounces; iodide of potash, two drachms; liquor of the chloride of lime, one-half ounce; warm water, thirty gallons. Useful in debility, chronic rheumatism, dyspepsia, neural- gia, &c. Iodine Bath. Iodine, one drachm; iodide of potash, four drachms; liquor potassse, two ounces; warm water, thirty gallons. Useful in scrofula, chronic rheuma- tism, scurvy, syphilis, and other diseases of the skin. Borax Bath. Borax, four ounces; glycerin, three ounces; warm water, thirty gallons. Useful in dry scaly eruptions. Gelatin Bath. Gelatin, or glue, one pound. Dissolve in a little boiling water, and add water, twenty gallons. Useful in eczema, and irritable diseases of the skin. Warm Bath. A warm bath at a temperature of ninty-five degrees will prove a cooling agent to the body of a fever patient, at a temperature of one hundred or one hundred and five, and in all diseases of the body attended with increased heat and febrile excitement, ought never to be neglected, as a most import- ant part of the preliminary treatment. The immersion should continue from fifteen minutes to an hour, or longer. Its sedative effects render it exceedingly valuable when the nervous system is irritable. In cases of insomnency, or in delirium tremens, with fever, congestion of the brain, &c, cold water should be poured over the head while in the hot bath. Keep up the temperature of the bath, by constant addition of warm water. Twenty or thirty buckets of cold water may be slowly poured over the head, while in the hot bath. This treatment rarely fails to produce sound sleep. Wet Sheet Packing. The body is closely enveloped in a sheet, which has been dipped in cold DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 341 or tepid water, and well rung out, and then wrapped in a blanket, and cov- ered with three other blankets. Remain in this pack from thirty to sixty- minutes, lying on the side, or in a semi-recumbent position, the duration being timed according to the sedative effect produced. The sweating is not generally excessive, but the urine is slightly increased, more especially when the wet sheet is continued for hours. At the conclusion, wash the skin in cold water as a tonic. The cold, wet compress consists of a piece of flannel or calico, dipped in cold water and rung out, and applied over the seat of pain, over this a piece of waterproof cloth is usually worn. Mercurial Yapor Bath. A very convenient apparatus may be extemporized for this purpose. Take a common oyster chafing dish, consisting of a spirit lamp, a tin frame work, and a tin plate, resting upon it over the lamp. Fill the tin plate half full of boiling water. Put ten or fifteen grains of calomel in a saucer, and place this in the tin plate containing the hot water. Light the lamp and place it on the floor, under a common cane bottomed chair, upon which the patients sits. He is then enveloped, chair and all, in one or more thick woolen blankets, and remains well covered for twenty minutes, when the water and mercury will be found to have disappeared. About five min- utes afterwards he may put on his shirt, and go to bed. It is better not to use a towel, as it will wipe off the calomel deposited on the skin. Use- ful for the cure of rupia, &c. Turkish Bath. This form of bathing is a most admirable remedy for certain diseases of the skin, also for gout, rheumatism, &c. It is useful for the removal of local congestion, cleansing the pores, and in promoting a healthy action of the skin, and mucous membrane, in eliminating poisonous matters from the blood, and in imparting a sense of elasticity to the system. It is injurious, when there is any obstruction to the circulation, or when the heart and arteries are affected with fatty degeneration, or when there are indications of disease of the nervous centres, or where there is a tendency to vertigo or fainting, in advanced life. Women who are pregnant, or menstruating, ought not to use it. 342 THE URINARY ORGANS. LECTURE XXXI. THE URINARY ORGANS. The organs of urination, consist of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and ure- thra. The kidneys are situated high up in the posterior and upper part of the cavity of the abdomen, and are partly concealed by the stomach and liver, Fig. 201, Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder; 1 Kidneys ; 2 Renal Capsules ; 3 the Ureters ; 4 Bladder ; 5 the Rectum or Lower Bowel ; 6 Renal Arteries , 7 the Aorta ; 8 Bifurcation of the Aorta ; 9 Illiac Arteries situated in front of them. When the liver, stomach and other organs in the cavity of the abdomen are removed, as seen in the accompanying illus- tration, the kidneys are brought distinctly into view, No. 1, surmounted by 2, the renal capsules. The left kidney is seen situated a little higher up than the right one. The kidneys are bean shaped, and a little more con- vex upon the anterior than upon the posterior surface. The upper end is also somewhat thicker and rounder than the lower end. There is a deep notch seen on the inside border of the kidney, called the hilus, where the THE URINARY ORGANS. 343 Fig. 202. arteries are seen to enter, and also, where the veins come out of the kidneys. The kidneys are of a dark red color, and are about four inches long, two inches wide, and one inch thick, and weigh from four to six ounces, in the adult. They are usually embedded in a mass of fat, and enveloped with a dense fibrous capsule, which enters the hilus, and invests the blood ves- sels and excretory ducts. When the kidneys are divided through the middle, they are seen to be composed of an ex- ternal layer, called the cortical substance, and an internal layer called the medullary substance. The external cortical substance is about one- sixth of an inch in thickness, and is of a dark red color. It is composed of granulated cells, malpighian bodies, and tubuli uriniferi. The inside medullary substance is composed of pale red cones, or bundles of urinary tubes, which are seen to originate in the cortical substance, and terminate in the apices of these cones in the cavity of the kidneys. Each cone is found to contain over one thousand urinary tubuli, and . Section of a Kidney. 1, Re- as there are fifteen cones in each kidney, there nai Capsules; 2, Cortical Portion; are more than thirty thousand of these little til- 3, Medullary Substance , 4, Conea ..... ... . .. 5, Cavity of the Kidney; 6, Pelvis buh in both kidneys, which are continually re- of the Kidney ; 7, The Ureter, moving the urine from the blood. The Ureters. The ureters are long trumpet shaped tubes, about eighteen inches long, and of the size of a pipe stem, with their largest ends originating in the cavity of the kidneys, and their smallest ends terminating in the bladder. They do not pass down through the cavity of the abdomen, but behind the lining of the abdominal cavity, which serves to protect and support them. In certain diseases of the urinary passages the ureters become enormously distended with urine, causing great pain through the loins and through the cavity of the abdomen. The Bladder. The bladder is a muscular bag. lined with mucous membrane, and when distended, will contain about one quart or more of fluid. It is situated in the cavity of the pelvis, as seen in fig. 201, in front of the rectum, and behind the pubis in the male, and in the female, it is situated behind the pubis, and in front of the vagina and womb. When it is subjected to too great a degree of distension, its muscular walls may become paralyzed, and lose their power of contraction to expel the urine. All power or control over the action of the bladder is lost, allowing the urine to dribble away slowly, causing great annoyance and inconvenience. 344 THE URINARY ORGANS. The Urethra. The urethra is about eight inches in length, and is divided into three parts, called the prostatic, membranous, and spongy portions of the urethra. The prostatic portion of the urethra is about an inch and a quarter long, and is the widest part of this canal. The membranous portion is about an inch in length, and extends from the prostate gland to the bulb of the urethra, and is frequently the seat of stricture, causing obstruction of the urinary passage. The spongy portion of the urethra is much the longest, being about six inches in length, and about one-quarter of an inch in diameter. The mucous membrane lining this portion of the urethra, is exceedingly delicate, and contains the open orifices of numerous mucous follicles and glands, which pour out mucus to lubricate the lining surface of the ure- thra, and to prevent it from becoming irritated and inflamed from the passage of urine over its surface many times a day. Sometimes the open mouths of these follicles become relaxed, and enlarged, so as to arrest the passage of the catheter along the lining surface of the urethra into the bladder. Prostate Gland. The prostate gland is about the size and shape of a common Spanish chestnut, and surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra, and rests upon Fig. 203. The Rectum, Bladder, Prostate Gland, Ac. 1, Symphasis Pubis ; 2, Bladder ; 4, Ureter ; 6, Seminal Duct; 6, Seminal Vesicle ; 7, Section of the Prostate Gland, with part of it aboye the Urethra : Rectum. 8, Neck of the Bladder ; 9, Urethra ; 13, Rectum ; 20, External Opening of the THE URINARY ORGANS. 345 Fig. 204. the anterior surface of the rectum. It is divided into three lobes, two lateral and one middle lobe. When this gland is in a healthy condition, the middle lobe is quite small, and is situated behind the internal orifice of the urethra. In old men it frequently becomes much enlarged, and partially closes the urethra, and interferes with urination. The prostate gland is perforated by the seminal ducts, which open into the membranous portion of the urethra. It secretes a milky fluid, having an acid reaction, which lubricates the mucous membrane lining this part of the urethral canal. Seminal Vesicles. The seminal vesicles are lobulated membranous sacks, situated behind the bladder, and between that organ and the rectum. They are composed of single convo- luted tubes, sending off irregu- lar shaped branches, in different directions, as seen in fig. 204. The tube of the seminal vesicles is about the size of a goose quill, and when carefully dissected is found to measure from four to six inches in length. One end of this tube terminates in a blunt or blind extremity, while the other end terminates in the ejac- ulatory duct. Each one of the ejaculatory ducts is about one- quarter of an inch in length, commencing at the base of the prostate gland, and terminating View of the Posterior Surface of the Bladder. 1, a in the Urethra. The Seminal Seminal Vesicle; 2, the same unravelled; 3, Vas-De- vesicles are designed for the re- J?™ 85 4 ' ^ ret ? rs ; 5 ; ^^ ?«*»; ^ Estate ° _ m bland, partly divided, exhibiting the course of the Ceptionof the Seminal fluid form- Ejaculatory Ducts; 7, Termination of the Bladder in ed by the testis. When the the Urethra ' semen is examined by the microscope, it is found to be composed of a milky fluid, containing numerous round granules, or cells, of evolution, and a species of spermatozoa, or minute animal cells, containing cell germs for the reproduction and the continuation of the human species. The Urine. The urine, which is secreted by the kidneys, is a yellowish brown fluid, with a specific gravity of 1.025. When it is first discharged, it is always 346 THE URINARY ORGANS. acid, but soon becomes alkaline, in consequence of fermentation, and tbe decomposition of the urea which it contains, forming carbonate of ammo- nia, which is easily detected by the sense of smell, when the specimen ex- amined is a few hours old. The amount of urine secreted by the kidneys in twenty-four hours, will depend upon the amount of fluids taken into the stomach, and the amount of perspiration. When in good health the average amount is about thirty- five ounces. In animals who live upon herbs and grass it is always turbid and alkaline, and in man acid and clear. The urine is composed of water holding in solution a variety of solid substances, which have been almost completely oxidized, such as urea and uric acid, which are chiefly derived from the nitrogenized food we eat, and an extractive composed of carbonaceous materials, and mineral substances, such as potash and soda, &c, in the same form they were taken into the system, as common table salt. The sulphates and phosphates contained in the urine, are derived from the nervous and muscular tissues, as may be shown, from the fact easily observed, that increased action of the muscu- lar and nervous system is always followed by an increase of the sulphates and phosphates in the urine. Analysis of Healthy Urine. Water, 933.00 Urea, 30.10 Uric acid, .... .... 1.00 Mucus and epithelium, . . . 32 Extractive and lactates, 17.14 Sulphate of potash, .... ... 3.71 Sulphate of soda, .3.16 Phosphate of soda, . 2.94 Bi phosphate of ammonia, 1.65 Phosphate of lime and magnesia, . ... 1.00 Chloride of sodium 4.45 Chloride of ammonia, 1.50 Silicia, 03 1000.00 Water nine hundred and thirty- three parts, solids sixty-seven parts. All of these solid substances, except the extractive, have previously ex- isted in the blood in a state of solution, and are easily separated from it by a process of infiltration, similar to that manifested by the perspiratory gland? of the skin. In fact the functions of the skin and kidneys are nearly identi- cal, and we can readily detect in perspiration or sweat, all of the same sub- stances, which enter into the composition of the urine, such as urea, the chlorides, phosphates, sulphates, &c. The malpighian tufts in their struct- ure formation and functions, very closely resemble the perspiratory glands THE URINARY ORGANS. 347 of the skin. The extractive of the urine is of a carbonaceous ox fatty nature, and is secreted by the secreting cells of the lining surface of the urinary tubules, much in the same way that the sebaceous follicles of the skin, secrete the sebaceous or oily fluid, poured out upon the surface of the body. It is a well known physiological law, that all organs of the human body of like structure, nature and uses, sympathise with each other in health and disease. Checked perspiration will always increase the func- tions of the kidneys, and deficient urination will increase perspiration. Exposure of the skin to colds, which check perspiration, are among the most frequent causes of irritation and disease of the kidneys and urinary passages. The kidneys, like the skin, are continually at work separating the urine from the blood, and are never at rest from the period of birth until death takes place, and if the functions of the skin and kidneys are inter- rupted or suppressed, urea and extractive will accumulate in the system, poisoning the blood, producing great debility, soon followed by coma, or stupor and death, unless these suppressed excretions are re-established. The renal arteries or blood-vessels of the kidneys, as seen in fig. 201, are extremly large for the size of the organs to which they are distributed, and carry into the kidneys a large amount of impure blood, loaded with urea, and other poisonous substances, and when it reaches the exterior or cortical substance of these organs, the malpighian tufts and urinary tu- bules separate from it water, urea, various salts and extractive, which is washed down through these minute tubules into the cavities of the kidneys, and then through the ureters into the bladder, where it is retained until its presence creates the desire to discharge it. When the urine is in a normal and healthy condition, its presence in the bladder causes comparatively little irritation, pain and desire to void it, but when it becomes laden with poisonous, acrid, substances, the irritation of the neck of the bladder caused by its presence, will be greatly increased, producing much distress and a much more frequent desire to void it. It will be seen that the kidneys remove on an average, about thirty-five ounces of urine from the blood every twenty-four hours, and that they are among the most important of all of the outlets of the human body, for the removal of the old worn out, poisonous and effete substances from the system. The wonderful rapidity with which the kidneys act for the removal of various substances from the blood, may be seen by experiment. When a dose of iodide of potash in solution is taken into the stomach, its presence can be discovered, by suitable tests, in the urine, in ten minutes, afterwards. Not only salts, but various organic substances are removed from the blood, with equal facility, by the action of these wonderful organs, as may be 348 THE URINARY ORGANS. seen when we eat asparagus, garlic, onions, &c, their presence in the urine may be soon detected by their peculiarly disagreeable odor. From the analysis of the urine by Berzelius already given, it will be seen that urea is the most important of all of the solid constituents of the urine, and it was long supposed that it was chiefly derived from the disin- tegration of the muscular system, and it was supposed that the amount of it found in the urine, would always indicate the rapidity of the decay and dis- integration of the muscular system from physical exertion, but experiments have shown this conclusion to be an error. Carefully conducted analysis shows that the amount of urea contained in the urine is greatly increased during the day time, and diminished during the night, showing the influ- ence of food upon the condition of the urine. As soon as our food has been eaten, the process of removing the excess immediately begins, and is carried on to conclusion. Over eating will always greatly increase the quantity of urea in the urine. The kidneys are important outlets for the removal of useless substances from the system, increasing the amount of urea contained in the urine voided during the day, while the urine discharged during the night or early in the morning, contains a larger proportion of the chlorides and various salts, from the food digested the day before. How to Examine the Urine. In examining the urine for the purpose of detecting any increase or de- crease of its normal elements, it will be necessary to ascertain its color and quantity. As before remarked, the urine should be of a pale yellow color, and the average amount voided should be about thirty-five ounces every twenty-four hours. The next thing to be determined, is its specific grav- ity, which may be easily done by means of a little instrument, called a urinometer. The ordinary specific gravity of healthy urine is from 1.020 to 1.030. When tested, and the specific gravity is found to be above 1.040, we may suspect the presence of sugar, though this cannot be determined with certainty, without further examination, since the presence of excess- ive quantities of urea may produce a similar result. When the specific gravity is below 1.020, we may suspect the presence of albumen. Having determined the specific gravity of the urine, we shall next ascertain its re- action, or whether it is acid or alkaline. For this purpose, the specimen examined should always be fresh. When first voided, the urine, when in a normal or healthy condition, is always acid, and soon afterwards com- mences to ferment and decompose, forming ammonia, and then becomes alkaline. Its condition when first discharged, may be easily determined by using a little red and blue litmus paper. Drop a few small pieces of this into the cup containing the urine, and if they become red the urine is acid, and if they turn Hue the urine is alkaline. THE URINARY ORGANS. 349 The presence of mucus in the urine causes it to ferment much more rapidly, and when on examination of a specimen of fresh urine, it has a putrid ammoniacal odor, it always indicates that there is inflammation of some part of the urinary passages, followed by the secretion of mucus which promotes such a rapid decomposition of the urine, that it begins in ilie bladder. This condition of the urine is very common among old peo- ple, and it shows the great importance of carefully voiding the urine at frequent intervals, to prevent this fermentation and decomposition in the bladder, as far as possible. When the urine ferments and decomposes in the bladder, it becomes intensely irritating, often causing inflammation of the neck of the bladder, with much pain and distress. Red G-ravel. Healthy urine should contain about thirty parts of urea in one thousand. When it is present in this pro- -p IG 2 05 per proportion, the urine remains at the specific gravity of 1.030, or below it ; and when it exists in the urine above this quantity, the specific gravity of "the urine rises, and when we add a few drops of nitric acid, it will soon form crystals of nitrate of urea. When there is an excess of uric acid in the urine, it is generally high colored when it is first void- ed. After a short time, a brick dust colored sediment is deposited Upon the bottom of the vessel, uric Acid Crystals, seen in the Urine, in Acute Caused by the decomposition of Rheumatism, with red or brick-dust colored Sedi- ,, , ,, „ ,. „ ,, men ts, or " Red Gravel," &c. Highly Magnified. the urea, and the formation of the salts of urea, such as urate of ammonia, or urate of soda, with other color- ing matter. The brick dust colored crystals of uric acid, may be easily obtained for examination, by adding half an ounce of muriatic acid to a pint of urine, and allowing the mixture to stand until these crystals form upon the bottom of the vessel. Treatment. For the cure of red gravel, regulate the diet. Carefully avoid the use of food containing starch, sugar and acids. Eat meat, bread and butter, principally. Avoid vegetables, fruit, and sweets of all kinds, and take bi carbonate of potash one ounce, mint water one pint. Dose, a tablespoonful three or four times a day in a glass of water. White Gravel. Sometimes the phosphates are present in such excess in the urine, as to 23 350 THE URINARY ORGANS. form a copious white deposit upon the bottom of the vessel, when the urine stands in it overnight. This white deposit of the phosphates may be distinguished from the red deposit of the urates by warming it, when the urates will soon redissolve, while the phosphates will remain undissolved. The phosphates may also be distinguished from the urates by the addition of a few drops of nitric acid, when the phosphates will be immediately dis- solved, while the uric acid deposit remains untouched by the weak solution Fig. 206. Granules and Crystals of the Phosphate of Lime, &c, seen in " White Gravel." Highly Magnified. of nitric acid. These deposits occur most fre- quently after over exercise of the intellectual faculties and moral feelings, and indicate rapid disin- tegration of the brain and ner- vous tissue. Treatment. For the cure of " white gravel," or phosphatic de- posits in the urine, rest, and free- dom from cares and anxieties is indispensable. The diet should also be well regulated, and consist of food abounding in phosphates, such as coarse wheat bread, fresh egg s, milk, fresh white fish, &c. and the use of phosphoric and nitromuriatic acids internally. Take from tfhree to five drops of diluted nitro muriatic acid, in a wineglassful of •sweetened water after each meal, three times a day. Bathe the skin with ■g x to s © a S o o xi a p p s. © o O ,p P PR o o p -a CD to 3 © £ rP -a P 1-1 J o 3 a p & _£> to 'to ©~ p 1 i © 2 « a © rP a S Eg to X no CD "d ;3 .2 "C a 3 p o © CO jo p © O © M EH ,-T >o s O 00 i o o to xj p •a O Cm ft p © ■*" o £ ft Erf *e« a, © ft ft DO P H of XI rs i X '% o S o -d © t> p .o "3 t> 3 I pr © x * £ of _P © • •> c c* £ p £ c Q 1 CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. 379 In the preceding illustration, it is seen just half the size of life, and it will be noticed that it is much smaller than it is generally thought to be, by those who do not study and understand something of their own nature. In fact, the womb is so small, and weighs so little, that when it is removed from the body, it can easily be suspended by a single hair. Causes of Prolapsus. It has been shown that the womb, at puberty, weighs only eight or ten drachms, and in women who have borne several children, only two ounces and a half, and that it can be suspended upon a single hair. It is very evident then, that if the womb is so small an organ, or weighs so little, that it will not "fall down," out of its position, by its own weight, as has so long been supposed, by ignorant, credulous, and superstitious persons, particularly since we have seen how perfectly it is supported and held # up in its place by numerous strong bands or ligaments, as seen in fig. 223. The causes of prolapsus or displacement of the womb, may be divided into those which predispose, or render persons more liable to be afflicted with this disease, and those which excite, or directly produce it. Among the most prominent predisposing causes, we may mention weakness and relaxation of the vaginal canal, and the broad and round ligaments, which support and keep the womb in its place. The smallest end, or neck of the womb comes down into the vaginal canal, much in the same way a cork comes down into the mouth and neck of a bottle see fig. 225. If we could dilate the cavity of the mouth and neck of a bot- tle sufficiently, then of course the cork would fall down through the mouth and neck into the cavity of the bottle below. Fig. 225 exhibits a section of the cavity of the pelvis and abdomen, of a well formed woman, contain- ing all of the organs of the pelvis and abdomen, in their proper places. Besides the round and broad ligaments, the womb is also supported by the vaginal canal, much in the same way that the mouth and neck of a bottle support the cork, which closes it. When the round and broad liga- ments, and the vaginal canal become weakened and relaxed, any woman is predisposed, or rendered far more liable to suffer with prolapsus, or dis- placement of the womb. All women with pale skin, cold extremities, and soft flabby, relaxed and feeble muscles, are strongly predisposed to this disease. Still it is possible for all such women, by great care and prudence, to avoid its production all through life. It will be seen by reference to fig. 225, that the organs of digestion situated in the cavity of the abdomen, rest upon and are in part supported by the bladder and womb, which form a sort of elastic floor be- neath them. Now it will be easily understood that if the stomach, liver 380 CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. Fig. 225. A Section of the Cavity of the Abdomen and Pelvis of a well formed Woman, exhibiting all of the Organs in their proper places. 1, a Section of the Rectum, or Lower Bowel ; 2, a Section of the Womb ; 3, a Section of the Bladder ; 4, a Section of the Vagina. and intestinal canal are forced downwards against the bladder and womb, situated beneatli them, by any misapplication of the dress, more especially in that class of comparatively weak and feeble women who are unable to endure it, then the weight and pressure of the intestinal canal from above, will force the womb out of its place. When the vaginal canal is much weakened and relaxed, as it often is, in many women who have borne numerous children, very rapidly, then it will force the womb directly downwards, pro- ducing what is called procidentia. The extent of this displacement will depend upon the degree of relaxation of the ligaments of the womb and vaginal canal, and the amount of weight and pressure upon the womb. Sometimes the womb is only slightly displaced, falling only a short distance down into the relaxed vaginal canal,with its mouth and neck resting against the lower bowel, or rectum. In other instances it falls down through the vaginal canal, and often appears externally. When the womb is only mod- erately displaced, with its mouth and neck pressing against the rectum and lower portion of the spine, the pressure and friction of the mouth and neck of this delicate and sensitive organ will soon cause irritation of the mouth and neck of the womb, followed by neuralgic pains through the lower portion of the spine, hips CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. and pelvis, with discharges of mu- Fig. 226 - cus, &c. Symptoms of procidentia. When the womb falls down into the vagi- nal canal, it will cause & pulling or dragging down sensation inside of the hips, which is much increased on standing and walking. These disagreeable feelings are produced by the tension of the round and broad ligaments attached to each side of the womb. The extent of these disagreeable sensations, will be in proportion to the extent of the prolapsus. When the womb is only slightly displaced, there will be but little tension, or pulling down upon these ligaments, but in bad cases, when the womb falls entirely down through the vaginal canal, the pain and bearing down sensations are so urgent as to compel many women, who suffer with this disease, to lay down to remove the weight and pressure of the digestive organs from the bladder and womb. Many women having discovered that the recumbent position affords them al- most entire relief, from their most painful and disagreeable feelings, frequently resort to the lounge for relief, and finally become " bed rid- den" as they find it the only com- fortable position. Treatment of procidentia. For the cure of this variety of prolap- sus, we must first remove all weight and pressure caused by the organs of digestion upon the upper extrem- ities of the womb and bladder. Sec- ond, we must contract and strengthen the relaxed and weakened ligaments der; ^ a Section of the Vagina. 25 381 Procidentia, A Section of the Abdomen and Pelvis of a Woman, showing the Bowels, Womb and Bladder displaced. 1, a Section of the Rectum ; 2, a Section of the Womb ; 3, a Section of the Blad- 382 CONSTITUTION OP WOMAN. of the womb and the vagina. It is totally useless to undertake to cure this disease, without removing the causes which produce it. There is no com- promise between health and fashion ! Any earnest and honest woman, who really wants to get well ; one who has suffered long enough, and is heartily sick of fashionable quackery, and who is prepared to obey the laws of health, as revealed to her in the study of her own nature, will have but little difficulty in curing herself, if she will only go to work in the right way. In the first place, she must shorten the waist of her dress, so that the belt which fastens the skirt to the waist of all her dresses, shall be ap- plied around her body, not more than three inches below her breasts. In the second place, she must make for herself an undervest, made full, and cut low in the neck, and buttoning up in front like a vest, as worn by men, (see fig. 101,) with a number of pearl buttons fastened to the binding for the attachment of the skirts. The binding of each skirt must have cor- responding button-holes to fit. When the dress is adjusted to the female form in this way, all the weight of the underclothing will be removed from the liver, stomach, and the intestinal canal, and suspended upon the shoul- ders, which were designed by the Creator for that purpose. When the clothing is applied in this way, it may be worn perfectly loose, so that there is the utmost freedom of the movement of the trunk and extremities of the body ; and it is not only loose and perfectly easy when first put on, but it remains loose all day, and does not drag down by its own weight, so that long before night the binding of the skirts becomes as tight as the strings of a harp ! When we remonstrate with women who wear long-waisted dresses, and fasten their skirts around their waists, and allow them to drag down the liver, stomach, and bowels, against the womb, with their whole weight, and producing displacement of the womb, dragging down sensa- tions, sideache, backache, &c, we are often told that they " never dress tightly," &c. Now this may all be perfectly true, that the clothing, when first applied was loose, but when it is pinned on, or fastened around the waist with tape strings, it will not stay loose, it will soon drag down, and become tight as its own weight can make it, causing constipation, dyspepsia, flatulency, nervous debility, prolapsus, congestion, inflammation, ulceration of the womb, &c. If we tie a thread moderately tight around one of our fingers, it will arrest the return of the blood to the heart, and the finger will soon swell, and become congested, and then inflamed ; and so of the womb, when the dress fits only moderately tight around the waist, com- pressing the great blood-vessels in the cavity of the abdomen, which are ex- ceedingly elastic, and so prevent the return of the blood from the womb, causing uterine congestion, and its terrible consequences. In fact, there is no language that is adequate to describe the amount of wretchedness, and misery produced among women from this cause. CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. 383 As soon as the dress has been properly adjusted, and all weight and pressure has been removed from the womb, it may easily be raised up to its proper place, and the relaxed and weakened ligaments, and vagina, may be contracted and strengthened by suitable treatment. To induce mus- cular contractilty, no remedies have yet been found superior to preparations of iron-alum, and nux vomica. When prolapsus or displacement of the womb is associated with indi- gestion, the diet should be properly regulated, and some good astringent tonic, such as the following administered : ammonio-ferric alum, one ounce, simple syrup one pint. Mix, and add quinine one drachm, strychnine three grains, citric acid a sufficient quantity to make a perfect solution. Take a teaspoonful three times a day. To raise the prolapsed womb, and contract the relaxed p IGk 227. and weakened broad and round ligaments, and vaginal canal, a good vaginal syringe is indispensable. The old fashioned instruments made of glass or lead, or the more recent inventions, with small lead pipes, that work with an elastic bulb, like a force pump, the valves of which are continually getting out of order, are utterly useless, so far as the successful treatment of this disease may be concerned. They do not retain the washes which are used long enough for them to do much good. The vaginal syringe used by the author is seen in fig. 227. It is made of hard rubber, which is not injured or corroded by nitrate of silver, like lead, &c. Nor is it easily broken, like glass. It is provided with a shield, which serves to retain the astringent and other washes vaginal Syringe, with used, in contact with the relaxed and weakened walls a Shield to retain ail of the vagina, to contract and strengthen them, and to ^Sn"n°the%5 effect a permanent cure. Yarious astringent washes na, sufficiently long to may be used for this purpose, such as common green tea, three times a day. It is well known, that when drank as a beverage, it will induce most obstinate constipation, and when injected as a wash, it will cause contraction of the relaxed and weakened walls of the vagina. Oak bark tea is also useful for the same purpose. Tannin, alum, sugar of lead water, &c, are also useful. In ordinary cases with moderate prolap- sus, one drachm of tannin, alum, or sugar of lead, may be dissolved in a teacupful of warm water, to which is added a teaspoonful of laudanum, and a syringeful injected into the vagina, while the person is laying down with the hips well elevated, and the injection retained from ten to twenty minutes, by the shield of the syringe. It is always best to remain in this position for half an hour after using an astringent injection, to aferd 384 CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. sufficient time for the parts to contract, especially when used in the morning. In bad cases of procidentia, when the womb is completely prolapsed, and it protrudes from the body, more powerful astringents will be re- quired, such as the per salts of iron, &c. From one to two drachms of Mounsell's solution of per sulpate of iron in one pint of water, with a tea- spoonful of laudanum, answers an admirable purpose. A syringeful of this solution should be injected while in the recumbent position, with the hips well elevated, the syringe being used as a womb elevator t to raise the womb up to its proper place, by pushing gently against it with the smooth blunt end of this instrument for this purpose. Retain this powerful astrin- gent wash ten to twenty minutes with the shield of the syringe, and after its removal remain in the recumbent position for an hour, to afford time for the relaxed and weakened ligaments and walls of the vaginal canal to con- tract, so that they will retain these organs in their proper places. The author totally condemns the use of all sorts of instruments called pes- saries and supporters, as nothing but unmitigated nuisances, which only serve to prevent those who suffer with this disease from using the proper means of getting well. In his opinion the whole theory upon which they are constructed, as well as their practical application, is at war with reason, com- mon sense, and sound hygiene. In the first place, all remedies designed to cure any disease, should remove the causes producing it, or it will not stay cured, since it is evident that the same causes will produce the same effects all through the whole course of life. It has been shown, that prolapsus, or displacement of the womb, is produced by bad physiological habits, at war with health, causing great relaxation of the ligaments of the womb, and the walls of the vagina. To cure this disease, these causes must be removed, as already pointed out. All mechanical appliances placed inside the cavity of the vagina, will prevent its contraction, and in that respect are a nuisance. They also act as foreign bodies often causing irritation^ inflammation and ulceration. The author has repeatedly removed patent stem pessaries and other ap- pliances worn in the vagina, for various periods, with the most abundant evidence of the truth of what he now asserts. But above all he objects to their use inasmuch as they serve to impose upon the physiological ignor- ance, credulity and superstition of those who are most interested in this miatter, and so prevent them from studying and understanding their own organization, and its wants. Wearing long-waisted dresses, with skirts fastened around the waist, weighing several pounds, constantly dragging down the liver, stomach and intestinal canal against the womb and bladder, until they give way and are displaced, then trying to prop them up by the introduction of such absurd and ridiculous contrivances, as modern pes- CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. 385 saries, does not harmonize with the doctrines of modern physiology, or the laws of correct hygiene. No pessarie has ever yet been invented, which is capable of raising up and sustaining the organs of digestion in their proper places, especially when they are crowded down by a long-waisted dress, quilted full of whale bones, to keep it in place, and make it more effectively do its ruinous work. When the under-clothing is fas- Fig. 228. tened around the waist at A, A, as seen in the accompanying illus- tration, it will soon drag down by its own weight to A, B, when it becomes so tight, that it can drag down no further, and is here vir- tually suspended upon the womb and bladder, causing the most an- noying pains and dragging down sensations and feelings in the side, and through the lower part of the abdomen, hips, &c, which are greatly increased on standing and walking about. Again, pessaries cannot contract the relaxed and weakened liga- ments of the womb. It is said by their advocates, that they rest these ligaments, and allow them to COn- tract themselves, but absolute rest does not strengthen any organ of the body. Action alternate with rest, will soon invigorate all parts of the system. Fold the strongest man's arm over his breast, and fas- ten it in this position for a few months, and allow it to rest all of the time, and it will become so weak from disuse as to become powerless. And so of the ligaments of the womb, they must be exercised in order to strengthen them. But again, pessaries do not contract the weakened and relaxed va- ginal canal, but their presence in its cavity will act as a foreign body, and so prevent its contraction. Bougies, catheters, probangs, &c v are often used to dilate the urethra, the oesophagus, womb, vagina, &c. When a pessarie is introduced into the cavity of the weakened and relaxed vagina, to raise up and support the displaced womb, it can only be retained in its place by still further distending the relaxed walls of the vagina. In fact Section of the Abdomen and Pelvis, with all of the Internal Organs in their right places. A, A, shows where the Skirts are first applied in the morn- ing ; A, B, their position at night, crowding down U the Womb, and B, the Bladder. 386 CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. when any one has worn a pessarie for a short time, it will so dilate the already enlarged cavity of the vaginal canal, as to create the necessity of exchanging it for a still larger one, in order to retain it in its proper place. Fig. 229. Thus it will be seen, that all such mechanical contrivances do not cure prolapsus, but that they absolutely pre- vent any one from getting well, and for this reason, should be condemned by every woman as nuisances! For more than ten years past, the author has cast them aside, as not only worthless for the purpose of curing prolapsus, but as absolutely preventing recovery by the use of other and more appropriate means of cure, founded upon a more correct knowledge of the causes of this disease, and its proper treatment ! ANTEVERSION OF THE WOMB. In many instances, more especially among young women, when the vaginal canal is not relaxed, and its cavity dis- tended by giving birth to numerous children, or by weakening and exhaust- ing discharges from the vaginal canal, leucorrhoea, &c, the womb instead of descending into or through the vagina, may be turned over in front against the bladder, producing anteverston, as seen in the accompanying illustration. When the womb is displaced in this way, the symptoms, or disagreeable sensations which it will produce, are totally differ- ent from those caused by procidentia, as detailed in another place. In conse- quence of the pressure of the womb against the bladder in front of this or- gan, it is greatly reduced in size, and its neck is often prolapsed, forming a soft elastic tumor in the mouth of the and Pelvis, exhibiting 1, a Section of the Bectum; 2, the Womb turned over against vagina, that may often be mistaken for 3, and forcing it down into the the womb) or f or a polypus, Or Other Anteversion. A Section of the Abdomen the Bladder Vagina, CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. 387 tumors, resting in the vaginal canal. The bladder being much reduced in size, can retain only a small quantity of urine at a time, creating a de- sire to frequently urinate, with constant uneasy feelings, or bearing down sensations in the lower portion of the abdomen, and through the region of the bladder. These feelings will be greatly increased by lifting, stand- ing, and walking about, &c. Anteversion is by far the most frequent of all forms of displacement of the womb. When any woman stands erect, and the organs of the pelvis are all in their proper places, the womb is in- clined a little forward against the bladder, and any force acting upon it from above, will be more likely to turn it still further forward against the bladder, than in any other direction. Treatment of anteversion of the womb. This form of displacement is always produced by pressure from above, acting upon the womb beneath, and forcing it over in front, against the bladder. Now it is very evident that it will be utterly impossible for any pessarie, or other instrument in- troduced into the vagina, to raise the womb up off the bladder, and retain it in its proper position. This can only be accomplished, by first remov- ing all pressure from above, by shortening the waist of the dress, so that the belt does not come down more than three inches below the breasts, re- moving all whalebone, abandoning the corset, and adjusting the skirts to a well fitting undervest. When all weight and pressure from above, have been removed from the womb, as directed, then the weakened and relaxed ligaments of this organ, may be induced to contract, by the judicious use of cold hip baths and astringent injections, friction over the lower portion of the abdomen, inside of the hips, with a coarse towel, night and morn- ing, in a reclining position, and the use of astringent tonics internally, such as iron, quinine, nux vomica, &c. RETROVESION OP THE WOMB. When great pressure and weight are applied to the fundus of the womb from above, it will sometimes turn over backwards against the rectum, or lower bowel, instead of forwards against the bladder, producing what is called retroversion of the womb, as seen in the following illustration. When the womb turns over backwards in this way, it will cause another train of symptoms, or disagreeable sensations totally different from those already described, as peculiar to other forms of displacement. In conse- quence of the weight and pressure of the womb against the rectum, it causes a bearing down sensation, as if there was something in the bowels which must be discharged, to afford relief. This bearing down feeling with a desire to have a movement of the bowels, is often accompanied with heat, and slight burning sensations through the lower portions of the ab- domen and hips, caused by irritation of the womb, vagina and rectum. Fia. 230. 388 CONSTITUTION OP WOMAN. Retroversion is by far the most uncom- mon of all the varieties of displacement of the womb, and it can only be pro- duced by the wicked and reckless abuse of the female organization, by the mis- application of dress. A very large amount of force must be applied from above to the fundus of the womb, to produce ante version, or retroversion. These diseases are not produced, as many ignorant persons unhappily sup- pose, by "lifting" some trifling object, " carrying a bucket of water," or walk- ing " up stairs" as the author has often been assured by its unhappy victims, but by causes already fully explained, and thoroughly illustrated, so that the most incredulous can fully understand them, and know what they must do to prevent, and cure these diseases ! Treatment of retroversion of the womb. For the cure of retroversion of the womb, it will be necessary to remove the causes which produced it. The author has no sympathy with that class of medical charlatans, who either do not understand the nature and causes of these displacements of the womb, or who are too timid and time serving to point them out clearly, so that they can be clearly understood by the numerous victims of these diseases, who are com- pelled to suffer, often ignorantly, the con- consequences of their own indiscretion. The first thing to be accomplished in Reversion, a Section of the Abdomen the treatment of all of these diseases, and Pelvis, exhibiting 1, the Rectum ; 2, the jg to totally revolutionize the fashion- Womb, turned over back against the Rec- . . _ 1 -i i • i turn; 3, the Bladder; 4, Vagina. able habits of dress, and having read- justed the clothing upon sound hygienic and physiological principles, then various local means may be resorted to for the purpose of raising up the womb to its proper position in the cavity of the pelvis, such as cold hip baths, astringent injections, and friction of CONSTITUTION OF WOMAN. 389 the abdomen while in the recumbent position, with the hips well elevated, and with the face downwards,. This position is often indispensable to re- lease the fundus of the womb from beneath the promontory of the sacrum, or lower portion of the spine, which projects so far forward into the cavity of the pelvis, as to often interfere with the return of the womb to its pro • per position. These organs are also subject to other displacements, such as prolapsus of the vagina, prolapsus of the bladder, prolapsus of the rectum, inver- sion of the womb, flexion of the womb, obliquity of the womb, &c, pro- duced by similar causes to those already detailed in their proper places. It is sad to think, what a miserable wreck, the fairest and most beautiful organization, of woman, may be made, by the wicked disobedience of the laws of health, strength, grace, beauty and long life. 390 DISEASES OF WOMEN. LECTUKE XXXIY. DISEASES OF WOMEN. Vaginal Canal. The vaginal canal and cavity of the womb, are lined with a delicate, pale pink colored mucous membrane, like that which lines the nose, throat, lungs and intestinal canal. The mucous membrane lining all of these in- ternal organs, contains numerous minute thimble shaped follicles, which secrete a thin white starchy fluid, called mucus, for the purpose of lubri- cating its internal surface, and preventing irritation and inflammation. The mucous membranes lining the internal organs of the body, are far more extensive, than they are generally thought to be, by those who do not study and understand the mysteries of their own organization. The mucous membrane lining the intestinal canal is estimated to be more than seven times as extensive, and the mucous membrane lining the air-tube and lungs, is more than forty times as extensive as the skin which covers the outside surface of the body. Now all of these delicate sensitive mucous membranes lining the nose, throat, intestinal canal, air-tube, lungs, bladder, urinary passages, vagina, womb, &c, sympathise very intimately with each other, in health and disease. When the mucous membrane lining one of these organs of the body, becomes irritated, inflamed, or ulcerated, the disease is very apt to extend itself, by sympathy, to other organs of the body, until all of the mucous membranes become involved in the disease. For instance, when the mucous membrane lining the stomach and intes- tinal canal becomes irritated, inflamed, or diseased, causing indigestion, or dyspepsia, and it is neglected, or improperly treated, it is apt to extend itself by sympathy to the lining surface of the nose and throat, causing catarrh, or rhinorrhoea, with a profuse discharge of white, green, or yellow matter. It may also extend itself by sympathy to the mucous membrane lining the larynx, wind pipe, or bronchial tubes, causing irritation, or in- flammation, hoarseness and cough, with a profuse discharge of white, yel- low, or greenish matter, when the disease is called bronchitis, or bronchor- rhcea. It may also extend itself to the bladder and urinary passages, caus- ing irritation, or inflammation, followed by discharges of white, starchy matter, mixed with the urine, when the disease is called cystorrhoea. It may also extend itself to the lining surface of the vaginal canal and womb, causing a profuse discharge of white, yellow, or greenish matter, called leucorrhoea, or "fluor albus," &c. When these discharges from an irritated, or inflamed mucous membrane DISEASES OP WOMEN. 391 are carefully examined by the chemists, they are all found to be identical, and to contain a large proportion of albumen, one of the most important nutritive elements of the blood. "When these catarrhal discharges from any of the mucous membranes lining the nose, throat, stomach, intestinal canal, lungs, bladder, vagina, or womb, are very profuse, and exist for any great length of time, they will drain a large amount of albumen from the blood, and cause great debility and weakness of all of the organs of the body. The skin becomes cold, clammy, and pale, the extremities cold, the blood thin and impoverished, the pulse feeble, with shortness of breath, palpitation of the heart, nervous debility, hysteria, spinal neuralgia, &c. Leucorrhcea. This is by far the most common of all diseases among women, and is of- ten called " female weakness" from the fact that it causes so much weak- ness and exhaustion among women. In fact there are few women between the ages of fifteen and forty-five, who do not suffer, more or less, with this exhausting disease. It drains the albumen from the blood, causing prema- ture decay, and old age. There are more women in this country, with pale, sallow skins, and cold extremities, with care-worn and exhausted expres- sions ; more who look old long before their time, from this terrible drain- age, than all other causes combined. Under the blighting and withering influence of this exhausting discharge, the countenance loses its animated expression, and the face soon becomes as pale, blank and expressionless, as the cold and silent marble. No disease is more fatal to female health, strength, grace, beauty and long life. Causes of Leucorrhcea. The predisposing cause of this disease has already been mentioned in what has been said in reference to diseases of all the mucous membranes. It is almost always associated with irritation or inflammation of the mu- cous membrane lining the intestinal canal, or catarrhal dyspepsia. It is always increased or made worse, by exposure to heats and colds, over ex- ercise while standing, walking, &c. The clothing worn by most women in this country is utterly inadequate to protect the body from the injurious influences of cold, and this is no doubt one of the principal reasons why so many women suffer with this exhaust- ing disease. It is often said by strong, healthy men, that women are the " weaker vessels," and that they cannot endure what men can, &c. Such talk is the merest nonsense. Women are far stronger than most men, and can and do endure twice as much ! Just look at the men who talk about the delicacy and feebleness of women ! Most of them wear four times as much clothing — thick warm under-garments, thick stout boots, fur hats or caps, pilot cloth over-coats, &c, in the Winter time. Weigh the clothing 392 DISEASES OF WOMEN. worn by the two sexes in Winter, and you will no longer be surprised that such a large proportion of women suffer with catarrhal diseases. Suppose you dress one of these stronger vessels, one of these healthy, robust, and vigorous men, in the same way that pale and delicate women dress them- selves in mid Winter, and see what will become of him. Let him put on thin cotton under-clothing, and thin cotton stockings, and thin cotton or woolen pants, and a thin shawl over his shoulders, with thin paper-soled slippers, or cloth gaiters, on his feet, and a little bit of a straw hat on the back of his head, and then turn him out in the cold ! Why, even the boys in the streets would run after such a man, and call him crazy ! No man could or would live through a single Winter, dressed in this way. When women persist in trying to do so, is it any wonder that they suffer with colds and catarrhs, that cause so much weakness and exhaustion, and so much premature decay and old age ! Cure of Leucorrhcea. For the cure of this weakening and exhausting disease, we must first attend to the skin and extremities of the body. It will be useless to attempt to permanently cure this complaint without protecting the skin and extremities with thick warm clothing. The moment the skin or ex- tremities become chilled, the leucorrhoeal discharge will be increased ; and even if once the disease was cured, it would soon return again ! As al- ready explained, there is an intimate sympathy between the mucous mem- brane lining the vagina and womb, and the lining surface of the digestive canal. For this reason, to cure leucorrhoea the diet should be light and nutritious, and the organs of digestion strengthened and invigorated, by the use of some good astringent tonic, such as iron-alum, or muriated tincture of iron, with quinine and nux vomica. Cold salt hip baths should be taken night and morning, remaining in the bath at first only a minute or two, and gradually increasing the time to ten or fifteen minutes. As- tringent washes should be injected into the cavity of the vagina, when the discharges are profuse, such as tannin, alum, sugar of lead, borax, &c. One or two drachms of either of these astringents may be dissolved in a cup of warm water, and a syringeful injected three times a day, with a good vaginal syringe, having a shield attached to it, that will retain it for five or ten minutes, or until the astringent wash has time enough to act upon the diseased mucous membrane lining the vaginal canal, and covering the mouth and neck of the womb, to arrest the profuse white discharges, &c. Most syringes sold in the drug stores are utterly useless for this pur- pose. Without a shield, they allow the wash to escape while using it, so that it is wasted, without doing any good. There is no economy in trying to cure this most annoying and injurious disease, with a poor syringe, par- DISEASES OP WOMEN. 393 ticularly when a good one costs no more than a poor one. A proper instru- ment for this purpose will he found on another page, see fig. 218. In some instances, and more particularly in long-standing cases, the inflammation and disease has extended from the lining surface of the vagina through the mouth of the womb into the cavity of the womb, producing what is called intra uterine leucorrhoea, with yellow or greenish discharges, of an offensive odor, and often mixed with streaks of blood, &c. Such cases are far more difficult of cure, and frequently require the cavity of the womb to be cleansed out with weak solutions of carbolic acid, containing a drachm of the acid to a pint of soft warm water. Ulceration of the Neck of the Womb. The neck of the womb comes down into the upper end of the vaginal canal very much like the lower end of a cork comes down into a bottle, and is covered with the same delicate, pale pink colored mucous membrane which lines the vagina, and is very liable to become inflamed and ulcerated, more especially when the constitution has become feeble, and the health is broken down. When any woman takes cold and has a slight attack of catarrhal fever, she will often notice upon the mucous membrane covering the lips ; or gums small white blisters, filled with a white matter, or viscid fluid, which soon break and discharge, forming a small ulcerated cavity lined with greyish matter, and is often exceedingly sore and painful. These little ulcers upon the gums and lips are often called " cold sores," and when properly treat- ed soon heal and disappear. Ulcerations upon the neck of the womb often commence much in the same way. When a woman takes cold the mucous membrane covering the neck of the womb becomes red and inflamed, causing flashes of heat, and burning sensations, &c. When this disease is neglected, or improperly treated, small white blisters, or vesicles, appear upon the mucous membrane covering the neck of the womb, which soon break and discharge, forming a minute ulcer, not larger than a millet-seed, filled with greyish matter, which is often quite sore and painful. When prop- erly treated, with suitable applications, these minute ulcers soon heal and disappear, but when neglected, or improperly treated, they gradually enlarge until they may involve the whole surface of the neck of the womb, when it becomes a mass of ulceration, continually discharging thick yellow, or greenish matter, which often becomes exceedingly offensive, and poisonous, to every thing that it comes in contact with. Cure of Ulceration of the Neck of the Womb. Ulceration of the neck of the womb may be successfully treated and speedily cured, by any woman of ordinary intelligence, when properly in- structed. In the first place, perfect cleanliness is indispensable to promote 394 DISEASES OF WOMEN.' a healthy action in all ulcerations upon any part of the body. Ulcers upon any part of the system, when neglected, soon become foul and unhealthy, and gradually enlarge instead of healing. Yarious cleansing washes may be used, not less than three times a day, for the purpose of cleansing and healing ulcerations upon the neck of the womb. Borax and glycerin, alum, carbolate of soda, sulphate of zinc and nitrate of silver, are among the best remedies for this purpose. The strength of these various remedies must depend upon circumstances. When a caustic effect is desired, nitrate of silver may be applied in solid substance, or a solution containing one drachm to an ounce of water. Astringent solutions of carbolic acid, or creasote may be used for the same purpose. As a wash to stimulate old foul and indolent ulcers upon the neck of the womb, and to induce healthy granu- lation, nothing is superior to carbolic acid and glycerin, in water, of the following strength, carbolic acid one drachm ; glycerin four ounces ; water twelve ounces. Mix; inject a syringeful three times a day, with a good vaginal syringe, having a shield to retain the wash in the vagina, in contact with the ulcerations, from five to ten minutes. In many cases borax an- swers an admirable purpose. It should be prepared as follows : borax two drachms; glycerin four ounces; water twelve ounces. Inject a syringeful three times a day, and retain it ten minutes. If there is much pain or backache, add thirty drops of laudanum to each syringeful of the wash before injecting it. With a good syringe, any lady of ordinary intelligence is capable of making all necessary applications to the neck and mouth of the womb herself. The author is well aware that this statement will not please a large class of physicians, who make the treatment of these diseases a specialty. Women have been long taught, that they must submit to medical examinations, frequently repeated, and must have some physician apply caustic to the ulcers on the mouth of the womb, or they u must die" &c. Now the author has had much experience in the treatment of this class of difficulties, and fearlessly asserts that there is no real necessity for anything of the kind. When women prefer to have caustic applied per- sonally by any intelligent physician, they can do so with success, and when they prefer to apply the same remedies themselves, they can do so equally as well, and with even greater success, as the author has verified in thous- ands of cases. To enable any woman to make these applications, all that is required is a good syringe, such as may be seen figured in another place. To ensure perfect cleanliness, and cause the ulcers to heal with the utmost rapidity, these washes should be applied frequently — as often as three times a day, in many instances. Carelessness and neglect may do well enough in regard to other matters, but it will not do in the treatment of ulceration of the neck of the womb. When the constitution is exhausted, and the general health is much im- DISEASES OF WOMEN. 395 paired, it will be often found necessary to build up the system, by the use of some good tonic, to induce these ulcerations to heal rapidly. For this purpose the following tonic may be taken: pyrophosphate of iron two drachms; citric acid two drachms; quinine one drachm; strychnia three grains. Mix and pulverize, then add one pint of simple syrup, shake up and take a teaspoonful after meals, three times a day, in a wineglassful of water. Diseases of the Cavity of the "Womb. The opening into the cavity of the womb is about the size of a common clay pipe stem, and is called the os uteri, or mouth of the womb. This opening is perfectly round in women who have borne no children, and af- terwards becomes elliptical, in those who have become mothers of numerous offspring. When it is examined, it communicates the same sensation to the end of the finger, that is produced upon it when it is firmly pressed against the end of the nose ! The cavity of the womb is triangular shaped, and is lined with the same pale, pink colored mucous membrane which lines the vaginal canal. The mucous membrane lining the womb is subject to the same diseases which affect the mucous membrane lining the vaginal canal. Inflamma- tion, affecting the vagina, is often extended upwards through the mouth of the womb, and attacks the lining surface of this organ, causing pain in the lower portion of the spine, with chills, burning sensations, flashes of heat, &c. When this disease is neglected or improperly treated, it may result in ulceration of the cavity of the womb, followed by copious discharges of offensive matter, which poisons and excoriates all of the parts with which it may be brought in contact. Treatment. When the lining surface of the womb becomes inflamed, and ulcerated, it requires the most thorough and careful treatment for its restoration to health. In the first place, the constitution should be strengthened and invigorated by the use of suitable astringent tonics, such as the iron-alum, quinine, and nux vomica. The skin should be well pro- tected, and the extremities kept warm, by good thick, warm clothing, worn loosely about the waist. The bowels should be kept well opened, by the use of cooling laxative enemata. The inflamed, or ulcerated cavity of the womb should be carefully cleansed out, by the use of washes, composed of chlorate of potash one drachm, carbolic acid one drachm, and water one pint. A little of this wash should be injected into the cavity of the womb, by means of a suitable syringe, once a day, see fig. 218. Warm hip baths, composed of salt water, should be taken at bed-time, and this treatment should be continued until a perfect cure has been effected. Intra-Uterine Tumors. When the lining surface of the womb becomes inflamed or ulcerated, 396 DISEASES OP WOMEN. and the disease is neglected or improperly treated, it may be followed by pj Gt 231 * ne formation of fibrous or pol- ypoid tumors, attached to the lining surface of the womb, as seen in the accompanying illus- tration. These tumors gradually increase in size, causing the womb and abdomen to enlarge, and pre- sent many of the usual evidences of pregnancy. In some instances these tumors are finally expelled from the cavity of the womb, by the contraction of its muscular fibres, into the cavity of the va- gina, where they may remain for years, still attached to the cavity of the womb, by means of long pedicles or cords, through which they receive a supply of blood, and still continue to grow. Treatment of intra-uterine tu- mors. Such tumors, contained in the cavity of the womb, may of- ten be destroyed, or their growth arrested, by the injection of so- lutions of iodine and iodide of potash, into the cavity of the womb : iodide of potash two grains, iodine two grains, spirits of wine one ounce. A teaspoon- ful of this fluid may be added to an ounce of warm water, and a syringeful injected into the cavity of the womb, once or twice a week. When these tumors present themselves at the mouth of the womb, and can be seen, they should be ligated with a silver wire, and destroyed, or they may be removed by the ecrazeur. These ope- rations may be performed with comparatively little danger, and are usually followed by the happiest results, when skillfully executed. Fibrous Tumor in the Cavity of the Womb. 1, the Rectum ; 2, Cavity of the Womb ; 3, Cavity of the Bladder; 4, Cavity of the Vagina; 5, Fibrous Tumor attached to the inside of the Womb. diseases oe women. Ovarian Tumors. 397 The ovaries, which are situated on each side of the womb, see fig. 223, often become enlarged, inflamed and ulcerated, from sympathetic irritation, caused by disease of the neck and Fio. 232. cavity of the womb, more espe- cially in women of a strumous or scrofulous constitution. When either, or both of the ovaries be- come inflamed, the disease is called ovaritis. This disease will cause pain. tenderness and soreness in- side of the edges of the hip bones, in the region of the ovaries, much increased on standing and walk- ing. When the ovaries become enlarged, they may often be de- tected, by careful examination, while laying down and inclining a little to one side, by firm pres- sure of the hand along the region occupied by these organs. At first the ovary may be only very slightly enlarged, soft and tender, but when neglected or improperly treated, it is found gradually to increase in size, and becomes hard and shaped like a pear, beneath the ends of the as if it was unattached to the in- side of the body. It may be detected sometimes much more distinctly than at other times. Colds, standing and walking, al- ways appear to increase its size and tenderness. These tumors are sometimes firm and solid, but more frequently they are encysted, or divided into numerous cells, or separate cysts, like a piece of rolling fingers A Section of the Cavity of the Abdomen and Pelvis, exhibiting a large Monilecular Tumor 5, attached to the "Womb 2 ; the Bladder 3, much reduced in size from the pressure of the Tumor against it. honey comb, and filled with a thin brownish colored fluid, about the consistence of thin honey, as seen in the accompanying illustration. 26 These 398 DISEASES OF WOMEN. tumors of the ovaries are not cancerous or malignant in their character, and are only injurious to health, and destructive to life in consequence of their great size and weight, interfering with the functions of the organs of the cavity of the abdomen, chest and pelvis. These tumors sometimes at- tain enormous size. The author removed one from a lady in Albany Co., N. Y., weighing a little over ninety-six pounds. They will often weigh from twenty to forty pounds. As already stated, these tumors nearly always ori- ginate in some disease of the neck or cavity of the womb. For many years past, while delivering popular lectures in all of the chief cities and towns of this country, the author has examined several hundred cases, and has instituted a series of careful inquiries as to the origin of this, and other diseases, and when the question has been asked, " were you in good health, and free from any uterine disease and disturbance, when you first noticed this tumor ?" And the answer has been "no," "I was subject to pain low down across my spine and hips, with leucorrhceal discharges." Few women have any adequate idea of the great risks they run for want of sufficient, warm and proper clothing upon the body and extremities, or of the danger of neglecting to attend to the slightest evidence of disease and disturbance of the uterine system. All of these diseases at first, are very simple in their character, and are very easily cured, but when they are neglected, often become complicated with other diseases, or become chronic and dangerous, and difficult of relief. Treatment. It is only at the commencement of this disease that there is any hope of removing ovarian tumors by medical treatment. When the ovar- ies become irritable, congested or inflamed, with soreness and tenderness on pressure in the region of these organs, the diet should be light, digesti- ble and nutritous, and the bowels should be kept freely open, by the use of saline cathartics, such as Rochelle salts, or the citrate of magnesia, taken early in the morning, followed by some good alterative tonic, such as the syrup of iodide of iron, after eating, three times a day. When inflamma- tion of the ovaries is associated with inflammation of the neck or cavity of the womb, it must be removed by the use of remedies which have been mentioned in another place. It is well known that there is the most inti- mate sympathy between the womb and all its appendages, and the mam- mary glands and other organs of the body. When the womb becomes in- flamed, and its functions are interrupted, the breasts often become irritable and tender, and small hard scrofulous tumors are formed in them, more es- pecially in women of a strumous, or scrofulous constitution, and which only can be removed by removing the disease of the womb which indirectly pro- duced them. The same is true of inflammation of the ovaries. Use a warm salt hip bath night and morning, and while in the warm salt bath, inject some of it freely, with a good vaginal syringe. Rub a little tincture DISEASES OF WOMEN. 399 of belladonna into the skin over the inflamed ovaries night and morning. When there is any leuchorrhoeal discharges from the vagina, use an injec- tion composed of borax one drachm; fluid extract of belladonna one drachm ; iodide of potash thirty grains; warm water one pint. Mix. Inject one syringeful three times a day, and retain it for ten minutes with the shield of the syringe. This treatment should be continued until fully restored. As a means of reducing glandular enlargements, the author knows of no application superior to the extract of belladonna. It may be applied to the skin over the enlarged ovaries in the form of tincture, extract or plas- ter. The latter is much the neatest and most cleanly. It should be care- fully spread on linen cloth, and worn constantly over the enlarged ovary, while using the internal, or constitutional treatment mentioned in another place. When either of the ovaries become enormously enlarged, or when there is dropsy of either of the Fallopian tubes, or an encysted tumor which can- not be arrested in its growth, or reduced in size by appropriate treatment, and more especially, when the general health appears to suffer, or is impair- ed by its presence, it then becomes necessary to decide as to the propriety of its removal by a surgical operation. This operation looks far more for- midable than it really is. It is neither a dangerous or difficult operation to open the cavity of the abdomen, and remove an enlarged ovary or an encysted tumor. The great danger is in the suppurative inflammation and fever, which often follow the operation. This danger is not greater than that which follows the performance of any of the great surgical operations, such as amputation of the thigh, &c. When skillfully performed upon well selected cases, a large majority will recover. There are many other organic diseases of the womb and its appendages, for a. description of which there is not space in a work like this, which is not designed to give a minute description of all of the diseases peculiar to women. Only the more common and most important diseases can be men- tioned. At another time and in a smaller work, devoted exclusively to the subject, the author hopes to do fuller justice to the subject. His private pathological cabinet contains over five hundred French models and speci- mens, especially designed to illustrate the diseases of women, and is far superior to anything of the kind in this country, and is open to the exami- nation of women, who wish to understand more about their own physical organization. 400 FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE WOMB. LECTURE XXXY. FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE WOMB. The womb is one of the most wonderful and interesting of all the organs of the human body, and is concerned in the manifestation of some of the most important functions of animal life. Fig. 233. A Section of the Womb and its appendages. 1, the Vaginal Canal divided through the middle ; 2, the Womb, divided through the middle ; 3, one of the Ovaries, and 4, one of the Fallopian Tubes, with its fimbriated extremities ; 5, one of the Fallopian Tubes, and 6, one of the Ovaries, divided through the middle, exhibiting the Ova passing down through the Fallopian Tubes into the Womb, and through the Womb out into the Vagina. When the womb is examined at birth, and in old age, it is found to be not larger than a common thimble, and the ovaries, which are attached to each side of it, are scarcely discernible. At the age of puberty the womb seems to take on new action, and rapidly increases in size, and when men- struation first manifests itself, it weighs ten or eleven ounces. On each side of the womb we shall discover two oval shaped bodies, called the ovaries, which are attached to the womb by means of small round cords, called the ovarian ligaments. These cords are sometimes divided, and the ovaries are removed from the inferior animals, rendering them sterile, or barren. Above the ovaries, on each side, we shall observe two trumpet shaped pipes, called the Fallopian tubes, with their fimbriated, or finger like extremities, resting upon the ovaries beneath them. functions and diseases of the womb. 401 Puberty. When the young female arrives at the average age of fifteen, in our country and climate, the blood-vessels of the ovaries seem to take an in- creased action, carrying into the ovaries an increased supply of blood, caus- ing them to rapidly increase in size, and form numerous ova, or eggs. When the ovaries are examined carefully, they are seen to contain great multitudes of little round white vesicles, or membranous sacs, about as large as millet seeds. When carefully opened, each little sac is found to contain a minute ovum, or egg, perfectly resembling all parts of the egg of a bird in miniature, only it wants the delicate calcarious film called the shell. As soon as one of these ova, or eggs, has been fully developed, it becomes so large that the little ova sac, or vesicle containing it hursts open, sponta- neously, to allow the human ovum to escape, much in the same way that the chestnut burs burst open in Autumn, and allow the nuts to fall upon the ground. When these little ova sacs burst open, it is followed by consider- able congestion and excitement of the parts, and the escape of a consid- erable quantity of blood from the ruptured ova sac, down through the Fallopian tubes into the cavity of the womb, where it is mixed with mucus and other secretions, and is then discharged from the body, forming what is called the menstrual flow, or periodical discharge. This discharge con- tinues for three or four days, or until the egg finally escapes from the rup- tured ova sac, and it heals and closes its bleeding cavity, forming a little white scar, called a corpus lutei. When first discovered, these little white bodies in the ovaries were supposed to indicate the number of conceptions which had taken place, but now they are regarded as simply white scars, or marks indicating the number of ova which have formed and escaped from the ovaries. As soon as the period of menstruation has ceased, the ova or eggs begin to pass down through the Fallopian tubes into the cavity of the womb. The period of time required for the passage of the ova down through the Follopian tubes and womb, into the vagina, varies from ten to fourteen days. Irregular Menstruation. The manifestation of the functions of menstruation in the human fe- male, is simply an indication that she has arrived at the period of matur- ity, and that the ova have been formed for the continuation of the human species. The time when this period arrives varies in different countries and climates, and it also depends upon temperament, occupation and em- ployment. In tropical countries and warm climates, the female often ma- tures at seven, and in northern countries and cold climates, not before 402 FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE WOMB. seventeen" or eighteen. Females of a sanguine temperament mature earlier than those who are lymphatic ; those who read novels, and " go into so- ciety," earlier than those who are not allowed such privileges ! As a gen- eral rule, women who mature early decay early. Menstruation is a kind of vital thermometer or indicator, of the constitutional condition of wo- man. When in perfect health, and not pregnant, she should menstruate as often as once in twenty-eight days, with the regularity of a clock ! But when the constitution becomes impaired, and the blood making powers are feeble, or the system has been drained and exhausted by disease, or con- finement at unhealthy employments, and the blood becomes thin and im- poverished, and does not form the ova, and when they do not grow, and, by their increased size, burst open the little ova sacs which contain them, menstruation becomes irregular, or ceases. Suppressed Menstruation. "When the female ceases to menstruate, after this function has been es- tablished, between the ages of fifteen and forty-five, the disease is called suppressed menstruation, which may be caused by pregnancy, or by im- poverishment of the blood, produced by various diseases, or unhealthy em- ployments. When the female does not begin to menstruate at the average age of fifteen in our climate, or when having menstruated for a longer or shorter period, she becomes irregular, or ceases to menstruate, and is not pregnant, the irregularity or suppression is to be regarded as the evidence of failing health, and to need attention. Cessation of menstruation is often the forerunner of consumption, or premature decay Treatment. In this disease, our whole attention should be directed to the improvement of the blood making powers, and the restoration of the powers of nutrition. This is to be accomplished first, by improving the power to digest good nourishing food. Tonic remedies will be useless, as long as the tongue is covered with a coating of brown or yellow fur, and the mouth tastes bad, and the breath is offensive, indicating an irritable stomach, and a torpid liver. Commence the treatment by the use of a few pills, as fol- lows : compound extract of colocynth ten grains, blue mass ten grains, pulverized ipecac two grains. Mix, and divide into five pills, take two of them every other evening at bed time, followed by a draught of the citrate of magnesia, early next morning, and continued until the tongue becomes clean. Then use the following tonic : pyrophosphate of iron four drachms, quinine one drachm, citric acid two drachms, strychnia three grains. Mix, and powder, then add simple syrup one pint. Take a teaspoonful after eating, in a little water. Eat light, nourishing, and wholesome food. Avoid sedentary and inactive habits and employments. Exercise daily in the open air and sunlight ! FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE WOMB. 403 DlSMENORRHCEA. Dismenorrhcea, or painful menstruation, may be produced by different causes. Sometimes it may depend upon inflammation or ulceration of the cavity of the womb, causing pain in the manifestation of its functions, and again it may depend upon contraction of the cavity of the mouth and neck of the womb. When painful menstruation depends upon disease of the cavity of the womb, the pain will usually last all through the period of menstruation, and is followed with pain and weakness of the lower portion of the spine, or spinal neuralgia and general debility. While in other in- stances the general health is good, and the lower portion of the spine is free from irritation, and the cavity of the womb is free from disease, and the pain is very severe only at the commencement of menstruation, and lasts for a few hours only, or until the cavity of the neck and mouth of the womb have been dilated sufficiently to allow the menstrual flow to es- cape. When painful menstruation depends upon contraction of the mouth and neck of the womb, the menstrual fluid accumulates in the cavity of this organ, and not being able to escape through its contracted orifice, causes irritation, by its presence in the uterine cavity, followed by pain and uter- ine contraction, for its expulsion. At first the menstrual fluid which is discharged through the contracted neck and mouth of the womb, is thin and briny, but when the neck and mouth of the womb become sufficiently dilated, the discharge becomes thick, dark and tarry, and shreds and pieces of membrane are thrown off by the lining suface of the womb. Treatment. The treatment for the cure of dismenorrhcea must depend upon the cause which produced it. When caused by uterine irritation or inflammation, warm salt hip baths should be used night and morning, and while in the bath inject some of the warm salt water freely, with a good vaginal syringe, apply a belladonna plaster to the lower part of the spine, and take the following: muriate of ammonia one ounce, muriated tincture of iron one ounce, simple syrup one pint. Mix, shake up, and take a tea- spoonful after meals in a little water, three times a day. Continue this treatment in the intervals, between the menstrual periods, and when the premonitory pains and other symptoms indicate that menstruation is about to come on, then take one of the following pills, three times a day : solid extract of hyosciamus twenty grains, gum camphor twenty grains, Dover's powder twenty grains. Mix, divide into sixty pills. Continue these pills until the pain disappears. When painful menstruation depends upon contraction of the mouth of the womb, it can only be permanently cured by the forcible dilation of its contracted orifice. This can best be accomplished, by the careful in- troduction of sponge tents, prepared for that purpose, and for sale at most 404 FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OP THE WOMB. of the stores of surgical instrument makers. It is best to commence this treatment soon after the cessation of the menstrual period, while the mouth of the womb is still soft and partially dilated. Having introduced the fore- finger into the vaginal canal, and discovered the contracted orifice, or open- ing into the mouth of the womb, press the end of the finger firmly against it, and while doing so, slide the sponge tent along the surface of the finger which serves as a guide, until it is made to enter the mouth of the womb, when it is pressed firmly into it, and allowed to remain from four to six hours Being composed of dried and compressed sponge, it will soon absorb moisture from the secretions of the parts, and begin to swell, and as it does so, gradually dilate the cavity of the neck and mouth of the womb to any size required. These tents should be introduced as often as every other day, until the desired result has been attained. Menorrhagia, or Profuse Menstruation. The true menstrual discharge only occurs once in about twenty-eight days, and previous to the escape of the ovum. But hemorrhages may take place from the nose, throat, lungs, bowels, bladder and womb at almost any time, when caused by disease of these organs. Congestion of the brain is often followed by hemorrhages of the nose. Congestion of the lungs is also fol- lowed by hemorrhages from the lungs, and congestion of the womb will often be followed by dangerous hemorrhages from that organ. Uterine hemorrhages may also be produced by fibrous, or polypoid tumors, which must be removed to obtain permanent relief. Treatment of uterine hemorrhages. For the cure of uterine hemor- rhages, the dress must be worn loosely around the waist, and the skirts must be suspended upon the shoulders, by means of short straps, or a well adjusted under- vest. Remain quiet in the recumbent position, and take some good astringent tonic internally, such as the iron-alum, or aromatic sulphuric acid, as follows : aromatic sulphuric acid one ounce, compound tincture of cinchona five ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day in a wineglassful of water. Cleanse out the mouth after using this remedy, to prevent its injuring the teeth! When uterine hemorrhages are very profuse, and threaten the immediate destruction of life, a small sponge should be wet in vinegar and water, and then carefully introduced into the vaginal canal. Or, in case of emergency, when a sponge is not attainable, a soft linen pocket handkerchief or napkin, may be quickly folded, and then wet in vinegar and water, and placed in the cavity of the vagina, where it serves as a tampon or plug, and so arrests the hemorrhage. A tampon or plug should be allowed to remain for a day or two, and then softened with warm water, and carefully removed. When hemorrhages of the womb resist ordinary treatment, the mouth and cavity of the womb FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OF THE WOMB. 405 should always be examined, to ascertain if the disease does not depend upon the presence of a polypus or other tumor, in the cavity of the vagina, or the mouth of the womb, which should be removed by means detailed in another place. Cessation of Menstruation. As already mentioned in another place, menstruation usually commences at the average age of fifteen in this country or climate, and continues on to the average age of forty-five, when it begins to decline, and becomes irregular, being interrupted for a month or two, and then returning for a time, and finally disappearing permanently. During this period in the life of woman, all of the ova have ripened or matured, and been cast off by the ovaries, and have escaped from the womb. The womb has now fully attained the object of its creation, and at once begins to decrease in size, and in old age it is no larger than that of an infant. At this critical age, many diseases peculiar to women cure themselves spontaneously. When the womb becomes atrophied from old age, it is no longer prolapsed, as it often is at an earlier period of her existence. This period of the life of woman is often called critical, because old liabilities and diseases disappear, and new ones appear ! Previous to the age of forty-five, her system has been drained by the loss of from four to six ounces of menstrual fluid every twenty-eight days, which has served to reduce the force of her cir- culation, and impair her strength. At this critical period, this great drain- age ceases, and from this time forward all of her blood is retained in her system, and rapidly increases in quantity and improves in quality ! In consequence of the improvement in quality and increase in the quan- tity of the blood, there is a tendency to increase in flesh at this period, if the woman is in good health. The waist enlarges, despite the vigorous use of the corset, and the weight of the body rapidly increases. The dangers of this critical period depend upon the rapid increase and accumulation of blood, and should be averted by great care in regard to the diet, and other habits of life. The diet should be light, simple, and easily digested, consisting of cooked fruit, and vegetables, with bread, and meat once a day. Carefully avoid all stimulants, and highly seasoned food, wines, beer, coffee, tobacco, &c. As a means of preventing and relieving dangerous engorgements of the liver, lungs, heart and brain, and the ten- dency to congestion of the lungs and brain, causing fits, convulsions, apo- plexy, palsy, and death, keep the bowels freely open, at this critical period of life, by the use of cooked fruits, coarse wheat bread, &c. When this does not fully answer the purpose, prepared figs may often be used with advantage, a little while after each meal. Dry one pound of figs on a plate in the oven, remove the dust, and put them in a bowl. Steep one ounce of fresh senna leaves in half a pint of boiling water, in a covered 406 FUNCTIONS AND DISEASES OP THE WOMB. vessel, for half an hour. Strain and pour this senna tea over the dry figs in the bowl. Cover and set them away for use. Eat one or two of these prepared figs early in the morning, and before each meal, as an admirable laxative. Figs soaked in strong senna tea, in this way, may afterwards be re-dried, and laid away for further use, and will keep for any length of time that may be required. It will also be very desirable at this critical period of life, and more es- pecially for plethoric persons of a full habit, to avoid all excitement of the passions and feelings. Fits, convulsions, apoplexy, palsy, &c, at this period of life may be induced by strong mental excitement. Many women have often seen persons suffer in this way, without understanding or ap- preciating the cause of their wretchedness. It is well known and gene- rally admitted, that not all women are married to angels ! Sometimes the husband of a woman, at this critical period of life, and in bad health, may say something to her, which is very annoying : perhaps insinuate that she is a little indolent, or " not as sick as she might be," " could do all the work if she had a mind to," &c, and the wife imprudently retorts, when, according to the old story, one word brings on another, followed by great excitement, ending in a fit or convulsion ! The neighbors and friends are now summoned, and hasten to the relief of their friend, one holds the vin- egar cruet to her nose, another rubs her hand, another her foot, until she recovers, when they all hasten home, feeling conscious that they have done a good deed, but they never stop to inquire what caused their friend to have a fit. A great many women have been murdered by inches in this way, with- out the busy world ever dreaming of it, much less taking cognizance of the fact. Men who know little of the constitution, nature and wants of women at this critical period of her life, sometimes forget to sympathise with their wives in all their trials, troubles and difficulties. The wife, un- happy, takes this cold neglect, and unkind treatment to heart, becomes wretched, weary, and sick of life. Her friends and neighbours call upon her often, but she never imparts to any of them the secret of her sorrow, and they often say, "what a beautiful woman!" "How resigned!" "I never heard her complain all through her illness !" By and by she dies, and when she is gone, even her husband is forced to realize, when alas it is too late, that he has lost a beautiful wife ! At no period during the life of any woman, is sympathy and kindness, and forbearance so essential, as it is at this turning point in the period of a woman's existence. If she passes happily through this " crisis of her life" unscathed by disease, she may then look forward with confidence to a happy old age, freed from many of the liabilities and diseases incident to her earlier life. ORIGIN OF LIFE. 407 LECTURE XXXVI. Fig. 234. ORIGIN OF LIFE. Everything that lives, the most simple, as well as the most complex in its structure and organization, begins its existence in a minute atom of granular matter, called a cell germ. These little germs are so exceedingly minute, that it is estimated that more than 600,000,000 of them may be contained in a single drop of water. Many of the lowest forms of animals and plants re- main in this simple germinal condition through the whole period of their existence, as will be seen in the twilight monad, and other animals of the same class. This little animal is so wonderfully minute that it can only be seen and examined, by means of magnifying glasses of great power. Being so simple in its structure a drop of Water con- and organization, it is generally regarded by naturalists tamm s Monads, higb- as marking the dawn or beginning of animal life. As we ascend the scale of animal and vegetable life, it will be seen, that each one of these little germs is endowed with power to absorb nutriment from the surrounding elements, and gradually form for itself a thin skin, en- closing the original cell germ in its cavity, and constitu- ting a perfect cell, which is a type of all plants and animals. Each perfect living animal or vegetable cell, consists of unoriginal cell germ (1), a cell mem- brane (2), enclosing a cavity (3), filled with viscid granular fluid. All animals and plants, from the simple mo- nad to the human species, is composed of living animal or vegetable cells. Those composed of a single cell like the volvox, are called una cell- ular, or one celled, while others, including the human species, being composed of great mul- titudes of cells, are called multi cellular, as seen in all of the more perfect orders of plants, animals, and in man ! As soon as these minute animals and plants have become perfectly de- The Volvox. 408 ORIGIN OF LIFE. New Cells forming in the cavities of the old ones. Fig. 237. veloped, and have obtained the full object of their exis- tence, the minute granules floating in the viscid fluid, fill- ing their cavities, unite, forming new cell germs, and from their surfaces delicate films are soon raised up, like little blisters, and gradually extend themselves until they form membranous sacs, surrounding the germs, and forming new cells within the cavities of the old ones. These new cells formed within the cavities of the old ones, continue to absorb nutriment, and feed upon the fluid contents of the old ones, growing, and gradually increasing in size, until they become so large that they burst open the cavity of the old cell, and escaping, at once begin an independent existence. Other animal and vegetable cells multiply themselves by the formation of partitions across their cavities, and divide themselves through the mid- dle, while others form buds upon their outside surface, which gradually increase in size until they separate themselves into new cells, or remaining together, by rapid increase in numbers, they extend themselves in every direction, as may be seen in the growth of the conferva, the yeast plant, and other animal and vegetable parasites. Ftg. 238. Fig. 239. Conferva. Yeast Plant. It will be seen that each living animal and vegetable cell, constitutes within itself a perfect animal or plant, and is capable of maintaining a dis- tinct and separate existence. It can absorb and digest nutriment, and by de- positing it upon its interior surface it grows, increases in size, alters its shape, changes its appearance, reproduces itself and dies, after exercising all of the functions common to animal and vegetable life. All parts of the bodies of these lower animals and plants being compo- sed of cells, are capable of exercising the functions of reproduction. Each, ORIGIN OF LIFE. 409 cell entering into their composition, is capable of reproducing itself. When animals and plants become more perfectly organized and complicated in their structure, only certain parts of their bodies are capable of forming repro- ductive cell germs, and exercising the functions of reproduction. These organs on account of their uses are called the organs of reproduction. The male organs of reproduction are so called, because they form the male cell germs, and the female organs of reproduction are so named because they form the female cell germs. In some of the lower animals and plants the male and female organs of reproduction are united in the same animal or plant, constituting what is called animal or vegetable hermaphrodites. In nearly all of the more perfect plants and animals, the male and female or- gans of reproduction are found in different animals., called male and female. In the frog, fish and other cold-blooded animals, the female organ of repro- duction is called the roe. "When carefully examined, this organ is found to be composed of great multitudes of minute ova, or eggs, enclosed in soft and delicate membranous bags, called ova sacs When carefully examined with a magnifying glass each little ovum, or egg, is found to be composed of a thin delicate skin upon the inside, enclosing a layer of white albumi- nous substance, and a vitellus, or yolk, upon the surface of which is seen an opake spot enclosing a minute female cell germ, as seen in the accompa- nying illustration, representing the eggs of a frog, highly -p IG 240 magnified. The eggs of the frog and fish contained in the roe gradually increase in size, until they finally burst open the thin and delicate sacs which contain them, and are then discharged from the female organs of reproduction. When the little bags,, or sacs con- taining these minute eggs, burst open to allow the eggs to escape, the ruptured sacs bleed, or discharge a thin fluid, which varies in color as it escapes from the fe- male organ. In some animals it is white, in others opake, in others green, yellowish or red, as seen in the higher animals, and in the human species. This fluid is called the menstrual discharge, and its appearance announces the rupture of the ova sacs, and precedes the escape of the ovum, or egg ! As soon as the eggs of the frog or the fish are perfectly developed, and are about to burst open the little ova sacs which contain them, these ani- mals, guided by the instinct of nature, select such situations as are the most favorable for incubation or hatching, and cast them off upon the bottom of the river, lake, or sea. When examined, these eggs of the frog and fish are found to resemble those of the bird, being composed of a thin, white, albu- minous layer, enclosing a round body, called the vitellus, or yolk, upon tho 410 ORIGIN OF LIFE. surface of which may he seen a small opake spot, containing the female cell germ. When discovered, the male casts upon the eggs of the ifemale the semen, or male principle, containing the male cell germs, which unite with those of the female, producing an embryo, or rudiment of a new ani- mal. This embryonic cell germ is soon developed into a perfect cell, which soon forms a number of new ones within its cavity, (see fig. 237,) and these again form others with great rapidity. These little cells are soon united together, forming all of the tissues and organs of the new animal. The eggs of the frog, fish, and other cold blooded animals, being impregnated, require but little heal to carry on the process of incubation, and no care or supervision on the part of male or female. Being deposited upon the sand or gravel at the bottom of the river, lake or ocean, by the female, and impregnated by the male, they are soon abandoned to the pro- tection of the elements. The period of incubation varies. In some of the lower animals it is accomplished in a few hours, in others days and weeks are required. The ova of fish are usually hatched in from seventy to one hundred and twenty days. The powers of reproduction manifested by many of the infusoria, or lowest form of animal and vegetable life, is in- deed marvellous, enabling them to people the ocean, the air, and the wild woods with countless millions of plants and animals, in almost endless variety. The roe of a single herring is said to contain more than five millions, the shad more than seven millions, and the cod fish more than nine millions of perfect ova. The function of reproduction is manifested with extraordinary facility and rapidity among the lower plants and ani- mals. As a general rule, the lower the plant or animal in the scale of vegetable or animal life, the greater the facility and rapidity of the exercise of the functions of reproduction ! The simple monad multiplies his species with wonderful rapidity, while the human species can manifest the same functions only to a limited extent, and at considerable intervals ! In birds, the female organ of reproduction is located within the cavity of the abdomen, and is called the ovary, or egg producer. It is found to be composed of a number of ova sacs, or little bags, containing the ova or eggs, in the process of formation, (as seen in fig. 241) representing the reproductive organs of the common domestic fowl. At first the eggs are quite small, but they rapidly increase in size until they burst open the thin bags or ova sacs which contain them, and enter the ova duct or tube, and are soon cast off from the organs of reproduction. When the ova sac bursts open, to allow the egg of the bird to escape, it discharges a thin viscid fluid, which soon escapes through the ova duct, and is cast off. This discharge precedes the escape of the ovum or egg. When the egg of the bird first enters the ova duct, it consists of a vitellus ORIGIN OF LIFE. Fig. 241. 411 Ovary of tho Hen, or yolk, with, a white opake spot en its suriace, containing the female cell germ. During its passage through the middle third of the ova duct, there is superadded to it a layer of white albuminous matter, and finally, in the lower third of the ova duct, or limy film, called the shell. These sub- stances are secreted from the lining surface of the ova duct. The egg of the bird can only be impregnated after it has burst the ova sac. from which it escapes, and while passing through the upper third of the ova duct, or before the white albuminous layer and the shell have enclosed the yolk, preventing a union between the male and female cell germs. The power 412 ORIGIN OF LIFE. to produce eggs is independent, and peculiar to the female organ alone, and has no dependence or relation to the male. But unless the eggs so formed by the female organs are impregnated by the union of the male and female cell germs at the proper time, the eggs of the female are in- capable of undergoing the process of incubation or hatching. As soon as the egg of the bird has been impregnated, the male and female cell germs form an embryonic cell, or rudiment of a new animal. The embryo soon increases in size, being supplied with nourishment from the contents of the egg, (as seen in fig. 241,) until it becomes so large that it bursts open the shell, and escapes. It usually requires a period of from nineteen to twenty-three days to complete the process of incubation in the eggs of the common domestic fowl ! All that is required to carry on this process to a successful conclusion after the exercise of the function of impregnation, or the union of the male and female cell germs, is the presence of atmo- spheric air, and a temperature equal to from seventy-one to seventy-three degrees of heat I This may be supplied by the usual heat of the female, or by artificial means, as seen in the operation of an eccolobian, or an ap- paratus for hatching eggs by artificial heat ! Origin of Vegetable Life. All of the various forms of vegetable life also originate in a simple cell germ. As already seen in the conferva and yeast plant, (figs. 238 and 239,) each simple cell entering into the formation of these vegetable parasites is capable of reproducing many others, with great rapidity, and so multiplying and extending themselves in every direction. But in the more highly organi- zed and perfect plants and vegetables, as in the higher orders of animals, only certain parts of their bodies are capable of producing reproductive cell germs. These parts of the plant or vegetable are called its organs of re- production. In many vegetables these organs are closely united together, as seen in the common morning glory, or convolvulus, while in others they are found upon the same plant, but at a distance from each other, as seen in common indian corn ; and in others, such as the hop, strawberry &c, they are found in different plants, as seen in all of the highest forms of ani- mals. The male organs of plants are called the stamen, and the female organ the germarium or vegetable womb. In the common yellow lily, or the " morning glory," as seen in the accompanying illustration, the stamens are surmounted with anthers which produce a yellow fructifying dust called the pollen. When carefully examined the pollen is found to be composed of great multitudes of male cell germs ! At the foot of the blossoms may be seen the womb of the plant, or the germarium, containing numerous seed germs enclosed in rudimentary seeds. A trumpet shaped tube called ORIGIN OF LIFE. 413 the style, or pistil extends upwards from Fig. 241. the cavity of the germarium. As soon as this plant has become fully and perfectly developed, the male organs, or stamens cast off from their anthers the yellow dust call- ed the pollen, which falls into the open ex- tremity of the pistil, and its minute cell germs pass down through its cavity into the womb of the plant, and entering, the rudimentary seeds come in contact with the female cell germs, with which they unite, forming an embryo, or rudimentary plant. As soon as an embryo has been formed, the seed is said to be impregnated, and rendered susceptible of germination. If the pistil is removed from the flower be/ore impregnation takes place, each seed will wither and decay or be " blasted." As soon as impregnation has been completed, all of the nutritive juices of the plant, will be concentrated upon the germarium for the formation of a highly nutritious substance, called the flower of the seed, required for the nourishment of the young and tender embryo during the earliest stages of germination, when the seed is planted in the earth. As soon as impreg- nation has been completed, the plant begins to wither and decay, it has completed the last act in the simple drama of its existence, and yields up all of its nourishing juices for the continuation of its species, and its leaves begin to turn yellow, its petals wither and decay, and it exhausts itself and yields up its existence for the continuation of its species. The same is true of many of the infusoria, and lower forms of animal life. As seen in the volvox, when new cells form within the body of the old ones, the old ones burst open and die, (see fig. 237.) In fact, there is no function man- ifested by animals or plants so weakening and exhausting, as that of pro- creation. Had not the all-wise Creator endowed all of the lower animals with the strongest instinctive love of offspring, their species would so-en eease to exist ! The Organs of Reproduction in the Morn- ing Glory. 27 414 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. LECTURE XXXVII. ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. The human species, like all of the lower animals, begins its existence in a simple cell germ. The human female organs of generation, are situated within the cavity of the pelvis, (see fig. 223,) and are attached to the womb on each side. These organs are almond shaped, and about the size of the end of the thumb, and are called the ovaries. At birth they are quite small, and exist only in a rudimentary condition. "When the human female arrives at the ago of puberty, they enlarge, and begin to form the human ova, or eggs, as seen in fig. 233. The ov:t, or eggs of the human female gradually increase in size, until they finally hurst open the little bags, or ova sacs which contain them. Yv'hcn these little sacs are ruptured by the growth of the ovum, there is usually considerable hemorrhage, or bleeding from the ruptured sac, which escapes down through the Fallopian tube into the cavity of the womb, and is there mixed with mucus and other secretions, forming what is called the mensirualj or monthly flow. This varies in amount, extent and time, in different women. In some the discharge is very slight, while in others it Teaches three or four ounces. In some the discharge lasts three or four days, while in others it lasts but one or two. This function is not confined to ■the human species, but is common to all of the vertebrated animals. It usually commences in this country at the average age of fifteen, and lasts ;until the age of forty-five. When menstruation manifests itself, it always indicates that an ovum, or an egg has formed, and has burst open the ova sac, causing excitement and congestion of the ovaries, with slight hemorrhage or loss of blood. This discharge precedes the escape of the ovum. As soon as the ovum escapes from the cavity of the ova sac, which contains it, the sac contracts and heals, and menstruation ceases. When this contracted ova sac heals, it forms a white scar called a corpus luteum. The human egg is about the size of a millet seed, and when examined carefully by a mag- nifying glass, it is found to resemble the egg of a bird, only it is much smaller, and wants the Fig. 242. Human Ovum, magnified 85 diam- eters, a Vitelline membrane. 6 Vit- *llus. c Germ Cell, d Cell Germ. ORIGIN OP HUMAN LIFE. 415 Fig. 243. BbpiI 9b3 Human Ovum, ruptured by pressure showing the Viteilus partially expeHed, the Cell Germs at a, and the smooth fracture of the Vitelline mem- brane. Fro. 244. calcareous film called the shell, as seen in fig, 242, highly magnified. It is surrounded with a thin and delicate skin, and contains a white layer of albuminous matter, called the " zona pellucida" enclosing a viteilus, or yolk, composed of granular matter, and containing the human female cell germ. When ruptured, as seen in the accom- panying illustration, and the contents are dis- charged, the female reproductive cell germ may be seen escaping, surrounded by the granular sub- stance of the viteilus, or yolk. The female re- productive cell germ is exceedingly minute, being so small that it is estimated that many millions of them might be contained in a single drop < f water. The male seminal principle is formed by the testes, or male organs of reproduction. These organs are situated in the cavity of the scrotum. They are composed of great multi- tudes of blood-vessels, nerves and convoluted tubes, called seminal ducts, as seen in the accompanying illustration. At birth these organs are quite small, existing only in a rudimentary condition. At the age of puberty they rapidly increase in size, and take a new action. They re- ceive large quantities of blood, being among the most vascular of all of the organs of the body. Out of the larg^ supply of blood which they receive, they secrete the seminal fluid. "When this fluid is first se- creted, by the testes, it contains nu- merous minute round cells, called cells of evolution. When examined, these little cells are found to contain a number of male cell germs in the process of formation. When first formed in the testes the semen con- tains no male cell germs, and is in- capable of impregnating the ovum • Vertical Section of the Testes. 1, Vas deferens. 2, Spermatic Artery. 3, Vas Aberrans. 4, Body of Epididymis. 5, Globus Minor. 6, Kete Testis. 7, Mediastinum. 8, Vasa Recta. 10, Tunica Vagi- nalis. 13. Tunica Albuginea. 9, Its Septa. 11, Vasa Efferentia. 12, Globus Major. 14, 14, etc, LobuIL. 416 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE but while it is passing through the long convoluted tubes, or seminal ducts, they are formed by the cells of evolution. The seminal principle is only perfectly elaborated, or fully formed after it reaches the seminal vesicles, beneath the bladder, as seen in tig. 204. The seminal ducts originate in ' the anterior portion of the testes, and unite together near the posterior part of these organs, forming what is called the epididymis. These ducts when carefully dissected, unfolded and measured, are found to reach the enor- mous length of from six to seven hundred feet. While the semen is slowly passing along through this long spiral tube it is fully elaborated, and ren- dered capable of impregnating the ovum of the human female. When the Fig 245 semen is removed from the seminal vesicles, be- neath the human bladder, and examined, it is found to contain multitudes of peculiar shaped bodies, seen in the accompanying illustration, called male cell germs. They consist of a body having a long vibrating filament attached to it, which is in con- stant motion during life. When first discovered, they were thought to be minute animals endowed with a distinct existence, and called spermatozoa! Male Cell Gorms found in the They are now known to be only living animal cell germs, having a peculiar formation for an import- ant purpose. When examined in fresh specimens, their caudal extremi- ties, or vibrating filaments, are in constant motion, causing them to move continually though the fluid contents of the semen. Impregnation. The human ovum is formed as often as once in about twenty-eight days, while that of the bird is formed as often as once in twenty-four hours. In certain seasons or conditions of health they are formed more frequently than at other times, and these seasons are called the seasons of reproduction. The ovum cannot be impregnated before it is formed, nor after it has es- caped from the organs of reproduction. As soon as the human ovum has by its enlargement ruptured the ova sac, and while it is in the act of pas- sing down through the Fallopian tube into the womb, or passing through that organ, it may be impregnated. This period varies in different women. The escape of the ovum through the organs of reproduction is usually pre- ceded by the menstrual discharge, though not always. It is true that men- struation never takes place without the formation and escape of an ovum, but it cannot be said with equal truth that an egg has not formed and will not be cast off because there has been no menstruation preceding it. As before mentioned, the amount of menstrual discharge depends upon cir- ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 417 eumstances. During the period of nursing or when in delicate healthy the menstrual discharge is often so slight as not to attract attention ■ and it is not uncommon for females to become pregnant while nursing, before the re-establishment of menstruation. It is doubtless true that impregnation usually takes place soon after menstruation, especially in women who are in good health, and who menstruate with regularity. Being pregnant, it is usual for a woman to estimate the time of her confinement, to take place in nine months from the time of her conception. In doing so, she com- mences to count the time two weeks after she ceased to menstruate for the last time. If it is a first conception confinement will take place a few days sooner than if she has borne several children. The escape of the periodical, or menstrual discharge, in delicate women is the cause of considerable debility. It is an exhausting waste or drain- age from the system, rendering it necessary for many delicate women to remain quiet, and in retirement for a few days while she is unwell, or has her monthly illness. After menstruation, according to the Jewish law, jive days are to be devoted to purification, and during this period it is unlawful to procreate. At the end of five days reaction will have taken place, the usual illness, or debility will have disappeared, and that period which is called the period heat in the lower animals appears. It is well known that all domestic animals can only conceive during this particular season ! The male seminal principle being deposited within the vagina of the female, see fig. 233, the cell germs by virtue of their long vibrating fila- ments move upwards along the moist surface of the mucous membrane, cov- ered with mucus, entering the open mouth of the womb, and ascending through its cavity, they finally pene- trate the Fallopian tubes, and if they do not encounter an ovum they soon perish, and impregnation does not take place ; but if they do encounter an egg in its passage down through the Fallo- pian tubes, then they unite with its cell germ, forming an embryonic cell, or rudiment of a new human being, partaking of the nature of the male andthe femahproducingr these germs. As soon as the egg of the female has been impregnated, after the ova Fig. 246. Impregnated Egg entering the Womb, and encountering the Decidua, forming for iteelf a nest 418 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. sac has been raptured, while resting upon the ovary, or in the act of pas- sing down through the Fallopian tubes into the womb, the cavity of this organ is fitted and prepared for its reception. The lining surface of the womb secretes an organizable fluid, which is soon formed into a thick, strong membrane or skin, called the decidua, and when the impregnated egg comes down through the Fallopian tube into the womb, it encounters this membrane, (as seen in fig. 246.) Pressing against this membrane, the egg soon forms an indentation or nest, and is retained in the cavity of the womb until gestation has been completed. In the virgin female, the human egg, when it comes into the womb, en- counters no obstacle to its free passage through the womb. It is only after impregnation takes place, while the egg is in the Fallopian tube, that the decidua, or false membrane is formed to prevent its escape. Sterility, or Barrenness. Sterility may be produced by a variety of causes, some of which depend upon the male, and some upon the female. The cause of sterility in many instances, may be easily understood, while in others it is more obscure. When the female does not menstruate, it is evident that the ova are not formed, and hence conception does not take place. In other instances, the ovum or egg forms with regularity once in twenty-eight days, and its es- cape is preceded by painful and difficult menstruation, caused by stricture of the cavity of the neck of the womb. When the cavity of the neck of the womb becomes obstructed or contracted, the menstrual discharge es- capes with extreme difficulty, causing intense pain. This constriction also prevents the male cell germs from penetrating the cavity of the womb, and uniting with those of the female, and effecting impregnation. In other instances, sterility depends upon disease of the mucous membrane lining the cavity of the neck of the womb, causing the secretion of sour, acrid mucus, (intra uterine leucorrhoea,) which destroys the vitality of the male cell germs. These little germs are so exceedingly delicate, that they are very easily destroyed by cold or acid fluids, as shown by experiment. A few drops of vinegar and water, or cold water, causes their vibrating fila- ments to cease their motions almost instantly. Again, sterility may depend upon the male, and be caused by imperfectly elaborated semen. When examined, the semen is found to be dead, con- taining no male cell germs, and hence, incapable of fertilizing the ovum of the female. Imperfection of the semen in the male is often caused by sexual excesses, especially in early life, and by other indiscretions and dis- eases. It is also often caused by premature old age, and impotency. But by far the most common cause of sterility is temperamental incompatibility. When persons of the same temperament marry, they are generally sterile ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 419 or barren. Such tmions infringe upon the natural organic law ; and to prevent injury and deterioration of the human species, the Creator im- poses the condition of sterility. It often happens, that when either of the parties die, or when divorce takes place, and new and appropriate mar- riages are contracted, one or both proved capable of exercising the func- tions of procreation. Many historical in- stances might be mentioned to show the operation of this organic law of reproduc- tion. Among others the marriage of Napoleon and Josephine. Cure of Sterility. When caused by temperamental incom- patibility, there is no cure but divorce. But when induced by stricture or contrac- tion of the cavity of the neck of the womb, it may be dilated, and the cause removed, by proper surgical treatment. When caused by disease of the cavity of the neck of the womb, and the secretion of an acid mucus discharge, this disease may be removed by the use of alkaline injections once or twice a day, and astringent tonic remedies taken internally. A large proportion of the causes of sterility are capable of being removed, when treated appropriately, and in accor- dance with the latest investigations and dis- coveries upon this subject. Development of the Human Embryo. As soon as the human egg has been impregnated, the yolk, or vitellus, divides itself through the middle into two (a), and these in turn soon divide into four (5) and the four into eight, and so on in geom- etrical ratio, until the whole egg is formed into a great multitude of living animal cells (d), much in the same way when an artizan would construct a temple, he first goes to the crude clay, and first constructs great multitudes of bricks, and then having Division of the Yolk into Ceils, prepared his foundations he places one brick upon another and builds them 420 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. up layer by layer until he finishes his grand and imposing temple. And so of the great Muster Mechanic, who rules over all things, having by the institution of His wonderful laws of animal organization and reproduction, divided the yolk of the human ovum into a great multitude of cells, they are made to arrange themselves by the side of each other, and unite, form- ing a sort of mosaic, or tesselated membrane. At the end of seven or eight days there appears upon the surface of this membrane, a dense white cloud called the germinal spot, which marks the commencement of the organi- zation of the human being. At the end of twelve days a groove may be Fig. T43. seen extending across this spot, in which may be seen the rudiment of the brain and spinal c ;rd, which are the first organs of the body to be formed out of the substance of the egg. At first the rudiment of the human body is flat like a leaf, but soon after the rudimentary brain and spinal cord have been formed, and the organs of nutrition commence to be devel- oped, it begins to curl up its edges, and soon becomes round, forming three cavities, one for the brain, another for the heart and lungs, and another for the organs of nutrition. At the end of fifteen days the embryo looks like a common grub or worm, having only a head and body, but soon after small wart like excrescences indicate the commencement of the formation of the arms, then the lower end bifurcates like the tail of a fish into two parts, Fig. 249. which gradually extending themselves form the lower extremities, as seen in the accompanying illustration, representing the appearance of the human embryo at fifteen days after conception. The covering of the egg is opened so as to bring the foetus , or rudimentary human being into view. The foetus grows and gradually in- creases in size at this early and interesting per- iod of its life, not by food supplied by its mother, for it is not yet attached to the inside Egg 15 days after Impregnation. # J . Foetes about the size of a kernel of of the womb, but like the young bird during wheat - the process of incubation, or hatching, it sub- sists from and is developed out of the substance of the egg. At a later per- iod as will be seen, blood vessels are sent out from from the funis, or navel of the child, and it is attached to the inside of the womb, and draws a large supply of blood directly from the mother. But this connection is not completed until the beginning of the fourth month after conception. The Human Egg 12 days after Impregnation. Formation of the Germinal Spot and Groove for the development of the Spinal Cord. ORIGIN OP HUMAN LIFE. 421 The Oram and contents at the end of three weeks. The growth and gradual improvement of the foetus is well illustrated in the accompanying illustration, exhibiting j^ £50. the human ovum and its contents at the end of three weeks, twenty-one days. At this early period it is impossible to distinguish it from the foetus of many of the lower animals, or to determine to what species it really belongs. Carpenter and other late authorities assure us, that the brain and ner- vous system of the human species at first resembles that of the lowest forms of ani- mal life, consisting of a single ganglia, and a thread like appendage located in a groove upon the surface of the germinal spot. The number of ganglia and nerves are soon in- creased, and become more complicated as the foetus improves in development, and resembles that of the larva, or maggot, then the insect, and finally passes through all of the various grad- ations and stages of development, until it surpasses that of the highest orders of animals, and when fully formed, excelling them all in magnitude and perfection, becomes the brain of a human being. At the end of six weeks, or forty-two days, the arms become elongated until they extend to the hands, and the legs below the knee, but there are no hands or feet yet to be seen. The vitellus, or food bag, is large and prominent, as will be noticed in the accompanying illustration, representing the human ovum and its contents, about the size of life at the end of six weeks. When the human foetus reaches the age of two months, or sixty days, the arms, hands and fingers, and the legs, feet and toes have been formed, the head and face have enlarged and im- proved so that the human feat- ures may be seen and distinctly recognized, and the sex determi- The 0vum and ^^^ at «»e end of six weeks, ned. The vitellus, or food bag, is also seen firmly attached to the funis, or navel, through which the foetus obtains its nourishment. This impor- Fig. 251. Foetus at Two Months. 422 ORIGIN OP HUMAN LIFE. tant appendage gradually de- creases in size as its contents are required and consumed for the development of the child. It was long the opinion of phy- siologists, that inasmuch as the supply of nutriment contained in the vitellus was very limited, that the fcetus must absorb nu- triment during the earlier period of its existence, from the fluid contained in the amnion , or bag of water surrounding it, but chemical analysis shows that this ■ fluid contains little or no materials capable of supplying nourishment for the growth of the foetus, and it is now known, that its principal supply of food must be derived from the contents of the vitellus. The vitellus gradually decreases in size as the nourishment contained in it is consumed for the development of the foetus, when it withers and disap- pears. In the mean time, a new supply of nourishment is secured by the gradual formation of the placental cord, composed of blood vessels con- nected with the principal blood vessels and heart of the foetus, extending through the navel until they reach the inside of the womb, when they spread out like the roots of a tree, or vine, forming the placenta, or after birth. In fig. 253 the ovum and its contents are represented of the size of life at the end of three months. The ovum is now composed of three skins, or coats, the outside ones covered with numerous villosities, are opened and turned aside, exhibiting the internal membrane like a vial, or bag, called the amnion. This bag is filled with a fluid called the liquor amni, or waters in which the fcetus floats, so that it does not touch the inside of the womb. In this way it is most perfectly protected from the injurious effects of blows, shocks and jars, which might otherwise be communicated to it, causing most serious deformites, or perhaps its entire destruction. Some physiologists are of the opinion that when the liquor amni is defi- cient in quantity, and the delicate and impressible foetus is not protected from the injurious effects of concussions, resulting from blows, or other accidental injury, crooked feet, fissure of the lip, palate, and other deform- ities are produced Nutrition of the Fcetus. As already shown, the fcetus, or young child, is nourished during the ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. Fig. 253. 423 Foetus at the end of three months, enclosed in the Amnion or Caul. first four months by the viteEus, or food bag, seen in fig. 252. At the end of the third month blood vessels may be seen extending from the funis, or navel, along the alantois, like a vine upon a trellis. These vessels soon reach the inside of the womb, and having united with it absorb blood from the mother. These blood vessels form the cord, and their expansion and attachment to the inside of the womb is called the placenta, or " after birth/' They are appendages of the child, and act like the roots of a vine or tree, enabling the child to absorb nourishment from the blood of its mother. As soon as this connection between the mother and her child has been fully established, quickening takes place, and the motions of the child may be discerned by the mother. At first its sources of nourishment are very precarious and limited, being supplied by the contents of the little sac called the vitellus. As soon as it begins to receive its mother's blood it sources of nourishment being greatly improved, it grows with much greater 424 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. Fig. 254. rapidity, doubling its size and weight every thirty days until fully developed at the end of nine months. The human ovum, or egg being impregnated by the male principle is vit- alized. The male and fe- male cell germs uniting form at once an embryo, or living rudimentary hu- man being. To destroy the life of this living em- bryo, is as much murder as it is to destroy the life of a human being at any time afterwards. From the moment the egg is impregnated it becomes vitalized! The author dwells with much empha- sis upon this part of the subject, as there are so many loose and immoral ideas prevailing among, even intelligent people, Carity of the Womb nearly filled with the Ovum ; h, the upon it and because many Vitellus ; g, Formation of the Cord and the Placenta. ,, r • may sin through ignor- ance. Foeticide, or murder of the foetus, is one of the most common crimes of the day, because many mistaken ideas prevail as to the nature of this crime! Many well educated people, in all other respects, insist upon it, that it is no crime to destroy the ovum and its contents previous to the end of three months, or before a connection has been formed be- tween the mother and her child, and quickening takes place, followed by motion, because, as they say, " it is not living yet," &c. The human be- ing begins its existence the very moment that conception takes place, and no system of reason, morals or religion, can fail to pronounce the act re- sulting in its destruction, as anything but murder, and this particular form of murder is called foeticide, or murder of the foetus. No fashionable convenience, no fear of exposure, no position of society, can justify the crime of murder! ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 425 The Laws of Hereditary Descent It is an old and well established maxim, " like will produce its own like," or, " like parents, like children." If both the male and female are blacks, the children will always be black. If the mother be a Negro, and the father a white man, the child will be mulatto. If the mother be an In- dian woman, and the father a white man, the child will be a half breed. There is no exception to this law. Color, form, feature, shape, &c, are al- ways inherited from the parents. The same is true of all the more common diseases, more especially diseases of the blood. Scrofula, consumption, can- cer, syphilis, &c, " are visited upon the children down even to the third and fourth generation," nor human law, nor human device can break the en- tailment These facts are so notorious from common observation, as not to require the author to dwell long upon this branch of the subject. Not only all of these various diseases of the body, but corresponding diseases of the mind and moral nature are inherited by the children from their parents. Insanity is a mental condition, caused by disease of the brain, and this condition is often inherited. This fact is so well known, and its importance so well understood, that when any human being be- comes insane previous to marriage, it is considered a fatal bar or ob- jection to matrimony. Hopeless insanity is also just ground of divorce in any of our courts ! A very large proportion of the insane of to-day, have also had insane relatives before them. But again, idiocy is a moral condition, and depends upon disease of the brain, and it is also hereditary. It is believed, that there is not a single instance on record where idiotic parents have begotten intelligent offspring. In numerous instances of births occurring in the charitable establishments of Europe, where idiotic per- sons of both sexes were formerly associated together, all of the children were idiotic, as mentioned by Friedland, Tissault, Combe, and other writers. All the qualities of the body, mind, and moral nature, are transmitted by parents to their progeny. In many instances, whole families are destroyed by pulmonary consumption, wickedly transmitted by ignorant or selfish parents, by unwise or injudicious marriages. The same is true of syphilis, and other loathsome diseases. It is well known, that this terrible disease prevails to an alarming extent in all of our chief cities and towns, and that thousands of young men become its victims early in life, and after- wards marry and transmit its contaminating virus to their innocent and unfortunate posterity. Hereditary syphilis has become one of the most common diseases of the present day. Its effects may be seen on every hand, in its various modified forms. Many inveterate chronic diseases of the skin, enlargement of the glands, ulcerations of the bones, neuralgia, rheumatism, pale, white waxy lemon colored, or rusty skins, and cadave- 426 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. rous expressions, so indicative of premature decay and death, are caused by the constitutional effects of this terrible scourge. In fact, this disease, and its consequences, have become one of the greatest curses of our modern civilization ! When a young man, in fashionable life, has recklessly and wickedly violated all the laws of chastity, and contaminated his system and vitiated his blood by this terrible disease, proposes to marry some gentleman's chaste and beautiful daughter, how rarely the young lady or her parents, especially if the gentleman be wealthy, ever stop to inquire about the young man's antecedents, his previous course of life, and habits. Indeed, very few really understand the nature of this disease, and the fact, that when it once becomes constitutional, it is never entirely eradicated from the system ! It may be cured for a time, but it will not stay cured. It will constantly return in some one of its various forms, until it destroys its numerous victims. Rupia, an inveterate disease of the skin, and de- pending upon syphilitic contamination of the blood, disfigures the faces of thousands of the inhabitants of our chief cities and towns. Look at the unhappy inmates of our large charitable establishments, spending the evening of their days in the alms-house, broken down with syphilis, rheum- atism, or other diseases and infirmities, induced by early indiscretions, or sinful and wicked violation of the laws of chastity ! "When this disease once fastens upon the youthful constitution, there is no remedy to cure it, but sackcloth, ashes and death ! I know people talk of cures, and yet every day's observation, at the fashionable hour, on the sunny side of any of our principal thoroughfares, will show scores of its victims, some of them im- poverished and helpless, but others rolling in wealth, whose final reckoning has not come, but who cannot escape without expiating the penalty of their wicked violation of the laws governing the healthy action of the organs of reproduction. That this disease cannot be cured permanently, cannot be eradicated from the system, is abundantly proven from the appearance of its victims, seen by those who, from professional education and train- ing, know what are the causes of their diseases and infirmities. Wise, intelligent and humane parents, carefully inquire into and scrutinize the character and antecedents of fashionable young men, and assure themselves that there is no disease or taint that should forbid marriage with their daughters, before they give their consent. If many of our thoughtless, giddy, novel reading young ladies, would study more of their own nature, and less of useless literature, more of their relations to posterity than fashion, and exercise thought, reason and judgment in their marriage re- lations, there would be fewer unhappy families, and far less misery and Buffering in the world ! The physical, mental, and moral qualities of the parents at the time of ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 427 impregnation, are stamped upon the constitution of their offspring, and not what they were ten years before, or may become ten years afterwards. Not what they were ten years before they had debauched themselves, or what they may become ten years after by reformation and change of habits. A man may marry in the morning of life, while in perfect health, with an active well trained mind, and strong moral feelings, a woman every way his own equal in her physical, mental and moral condition, and their first child may he perfection ! But by accident or sinful indiscretions, the hus- band contracts syphilitic, or other disease that contaminates his blood. In this condition a second child is born, with all of the marks of inherited dis- ease. The husband now consults some intelligent or skillful physician, who prescribes a proper course of treatment, and his system is renovated, and at least partially restored to health, when a third child is born, not equal to the first, but superior to the second one ! "When large families of children of the same parents are examined, what a difference in form, features, physical, mental and moral condition will be observed. In many instances, if the proper inquires could be made, and the exact physical, mental and moral condition of the parents at the time when they were pro- created could be ascertained, the causes of all these differences could be easily determined. Intemperance Hereditary. The conditions of the body, mind and moral natures temporarily induced by intemperance, are inherited by posterity. Numerous facts have been collected to prove the truth of this assertion, And first the tempo rain/ phy- sical condition of the parents at the time of impregnation, will be stamped upon their offspring. About thirty-two years ago the Legistature of Mass- achusetts, one of the foremost states in this Union, in efforts to improve the physical, mental and moral condition of mankind, authorized Dr. S. Gr. How, of South Boston, well known throughout the world for his connec- tion with the education of the deaf and blind, to visit all of the towns in the State, and examine the condition of all the idiots he could dis- cover, and report to the Legislature at its next session the causes and cure of idiocy. In his exhaustive and admirable report, he asserts that he ex- amined the condition of over fourteen hundred idiots, and when the history of their parents could be ascertained, discovered the remarkable fact, that eleven-twelfths of them had parents not addicted to moderate drinking, but who were grossly intemperate, and that their miserable idiotic children had the peculiar reeling or staggering walk, and the motions of a man grossly intoxicated ! Within the last twenty-eight years while lecturing in many parts of the United States, the author has become personally acquainted with more than two hundred instances of idiocy traceable to intemperance 428 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. on the part of one or both parents. In Dayton, Ohio, many years ago he became acquainted with a family of seven children all idiotic from the same cause. " Like will produce its own like." What right under this law has any parent to expect that when he blunts his reason and drowns his senses in the circean cup, he can bequeath anything better than his own condition to his offspring ? The act of procreation is one that involves an awful responsibility. The future welfare and happiness of the child depends upon the condition of the parents at the time they exercise this function. Good or bad health, temperate or intemperate, virtuous or vicious, moral and religious, or immoral and irreligious, all these conditions are inherited by posterity. How few young men or women about to form partnerships for life, stop to inquire of an enlightened mind or a cultivated conscience, whether their companions possess all of these noble physical, mental and moral qualities which they would desire to see manifested by their children ? In fact there is less exercise of reason, religion or common sense in the choice of husbands and wives, than in almost any other act of life ! Toung ladies read novels, then sigh and declare, that " love goes when it is sent ! " and that " matches are made in heaven," &c. Now the truth is most matches are made anywhere but in heaven ! They are not even made in accordance with reason or common sense. What indeed are the great leading ques- tions, which the young man or woman of to-day ask, when selecting part- ners for life ? Is it whether they have sound healthy well developed bodies ! good strong common sense, with high moral culture ? No in- deed ! The leading question will be, how much money has his or her papa got ! Not long since, while riding from Portland to Boston, in company with a friend, he met a lady with whom he was well acquainted, when he inquiringly remarked, why I hear that you are marriedl Yes indeed, says the lady! Pray tell who you married. Well says she I married $40,000, and Jo — what is his name? I forget! Do you ask why the children of some of our great men have not been great like their fathers, then it is replied, that when great men distinguished for the attainment of the high- est and the noblest qualities of body and mind, have married great fools, for fashionable or pecuniary considerations, their children have been fools like their mothers ; but when great and good men marry corresponding women, their children will inherit the best qualities of body and mind! Many instances could be mentioned to prove the truth of this assertion, and its great practical importance. John Adams married a woman of strong common sense, and of more than ordinary culture in her day, and she be- came the mother of John Quincy Adams. This gentleman also married a superior woman, and she became the mother of Charles Francis Adams, ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 429 who intermarried a superior woman, and she became the mother of John Quincy Adams, Jr. ! Here we see all of the noble, moral, physical and mental traits of this distinguished family, handed down through four gen- erations unimpaired to the latest posterity ! Did not the author remem- ber the maxim, tree d lightly upon the ashes of the dead, he could tell the reader how some of our most illustrious public men have stooped to marry for fashionable or pecuniary considerations, women of inferior physical, mental and moral qualities, and who have alas ! only become parents of de- generate sons, who have lived only that they might cast disgrace and reproach upon the name and fame of their fathers. If the laws of hereditary descent were better studied and understood by all men and women, what additional incentives they would afford to the cultivation of virtue and repression of vice. If these laws were studied and understood, they would teach the victims of a foolish fashionable and vicious life, that by the violation of these natural organic laws of their own physical organization, they would bring pain, disease and premature death upon themselves as & just punishment, and also bequeath to their own inno- cent children, disease and infirmities to curse and embitter their existence. When such false ancl foolish parents are dead and buried, their miserable and unhappy children, tortured with pain and disease bequeathed to them, remembering the authors of all their woes, will shriek out a fearful curse upon their memory. Shall it be said that the human female has be- come so absorbed in fashionable follies, so recusant to maternal duties, so degenerate, that she has less feeling for her progeny than the inferior animals ! Approach the nest of the eagle, or the den of the lioness, for the destruction of their young ones, and see how quickly they will come forth to do battle, and die in defense of their progeny ! But again, the qualities of the fe- males of all animals are transmitted in larger proportion than males. All of the best authorities, who have experimented for the improvement of the lower animals, assure us that about two-thirds of the good or bad qualities of the common progeny are derived from the female, and only one-third from the male ! The same rule will usually be found to prevail in the human species. It will sometimes be noticed that when a well de- veloped man marries some pale little delicate woman, a piece of animated wax work, a sort of wax doll, or parlor ornament, all of their children, .in- heriting two-thirds of their mental, moral and physical constitution from their mother, will be inferior. Again, when a broad-chested well devel- oped woman marries a pale, sickly and delicate man, nearly all of their children will be superior. It is woman far more than man that determines the condition of a common posterity, and with the possession of this power over the future welfare and happiness of mankind, comes increased respan- 28 430 ORIGIN Or HUMAN LIFE. nihility I The mother is far more responsible for the physical health, the mental and moral qualities of her children than their father. For this reason she should be treated with the utmost tenderness, and the highest consideration. Every effort should be made for the thorough physical, mental and moral training of woman, in order that she may be prepared to exercise her legitimate influence in forming and moulding the character of a common posterity ! What incentives to the cultivation of her physical, mental and moral powers ! How certain the reward ! If she studies her own organization, and obeys the laws of her own being, she will surely be rewarded in this world with health, strength, and long life, and enduring bliss in the world to come ! And when at last she is buried beneath the green sod of the valley, her grateful posterity will rise up in judgment upon her memory, and as they recount her virtues, her true and noble life, and remember how much of the health and happiness which they enjoy was inherited from their mother, they will plant roses over her grave, and water them with tears of grateful recollection ; and when, perchance, they visit her tomb in pious veneration, her spirit, in the language of the poet Campbell, will return, and sing the melancholy requiem : And say, when summoned from the world and thee, I lay my head beneath the willow tree, Wilt thou, sweet mourner, at my stone appear, And soothe my parting spirit, lingering near ; Breathe a fond sigh to winds that murmur low, And think on all my love, and all my woe ? Again, it has long been observed that judicious crossing will improve the breed of all domestic animals. Many illustrations might be mentioned to prove the truth of this law of reproduction. Common observation shows, that the same law holds true in regard to the human species. When persons of the same temperament marry, they are almost always childless. The children of such unwise and unnatural marriages would inherit all the qualities of both parents, and, consequently, great inferiority. It is forbidden for first cousins to marry, because, being blood relatives, they are usually of the same temperament, and if they have children, they are generally inferior. When any one of a pure nervous, bilious, lymphatic, or sanguine temperament, marries for a husband or wife, a lady one-half their own temperament, their children will be few, and so weak and feeble, that they will nearly all die in infancy ! It is only when op- posite temperaments marry each other, and there is a wise and most ju- dicious crossing, that they are blest with a great number of beautiful children, with the finest organizations, and the best constitutions. The ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. 431 children of such parents, being robust and vigorous, are much more likely to live, and grow up to manhood and womanhood, and attain the highest distinction and greatest renown in after life. The importance of observing this natural law of healthy reproduction, may be seen in the condition of the inhabitants of the different nations in Europe and our own country. The people of the North of Ireland, in physical stamina, and also in their intellectual and moral condition, being the descendants of Scotch and Irish parents, are vastly superior to those people living in the South of Ireland. The people in the North of England superior to the South ; of Normandy, in France, superior to those of the South of France; of North- ern Italy as compared with the South of Italy. On the borders of different countries, when the people of different nations intermarry, their progeny exhibit great and striking superiority. The same condition of things prevails to a large extent upon the shores of the Hudson river, in our own country. Here we see, that when the thin, spare, nervous New En g- lander has married the broad-chested, thick-set, phlegmatic Dutch woman, his children exhibit a remarkable and striking superiority ! Management of Pregnancy. The human female having conceived, every effort should be made to promote her welfare, and that of her progeny. Having shown that the physical, mental and moral condition of the mother impresses itself upon the tender and plastic nature of her unborn child, she should scrupulously comply with all those conditions upon which good health depends. And first, she should carefully regulate her diet. Plain and nutritious food should be supplied, consisting of good stale wheat or corn bread, well baked, with rice, sago, farina, or tapioca, fruit, and vegetables well cooked. Meat should be used once a day, for most persons, or in place of it, milk, fish and eggs. These kinds of food should be eaten moderately, and as often as hunger manifests itself. Avoid the use of tea and coffee, keep the bowels freely open or regular, by the use of coarse bread or mush, cooked fruit, and gentle exercise in the open air. A glass of water, with a teaspoonful of common table salt, taken early in the morning, followed by gentle exercise, is a suitable laxative for most pregnant women who may require its use. A large portion of her time should be spent in the sun- light, and pure open air. The mental faculties and moral feelings should be daily exercised, in order that the best physical, mental and moral qual- ities may be impressed upon the unborn .offspring. Much may also be accomplished by diet and other hygienic habits, to diminish the pains and danger of child-birth. We are told by many of the best authorities upon the subject, that any considerable amount of pain 432 ORIGIN OF HUMAN LIFE. and suffering at child-birth is unnatural, and therefore unnecessary ; and common observation, upon those women who live in a state of nature, proves this assertion to be true. It has often been noticed, that Indian women suffer little or nothing in child-birth. They give birth to their children in a few moments, and generally when all alone, and then arise at once, wash themselves and children in cold water, dress, and then im- mediately commence their usual avocations, as if nothing had taken place. The same observation has often been made in regard to the peasantry in various countries. It is quite certain, that the more simple and natural the human female lives during the period of her gestation, the less pain and danger in her confinement, and the shorter time she will be confined to her apartments. The course pursued by most women in fashionable or highly civilized life, is well calculated to increase the dangers and pains of this period; the confined and sedentary habits, the use of gross, stimu- lating diet, the use of strong tea and coffee, the constipated habit, the general neglect of the daily use of the bath, to diminish nervous irritabil- ity, &c, is all well calculated to increase the burdens, pains, and exhaus- tion of child-bearing women. Many of these evils can be removed, or at least greatly palliated, by careful attention to all the rules of diet and hy- giene. Nothing can be more injurious than allowing t-he bowels at this time to become constipated. Tea and coffee often cause constipation. They also greatly increase nervous irritability, and increase the tenderness and impressibility to pain and suffering at child-birth. Bathe night and morning in tepid or cool water, to harden and toughen the system, and to diminish nervousness and impressibility to pain. Keep out of doors in the sunlight and open air, as a means of strengthening the system, and preparing it for the pains and perils of child-birth ! As the period of confinement approaches, the diet should largely con> sist of loosening or laxative food, such as cooked fruit and vegetables, that the system may be relaxed, and child-birth made easy. ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 433 LECTURE XXXVIII ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. Having described the structure, nature and uses of the organs concerned in the formation of the urine and the seminal fluid, it now remains for us to consider some of the abuses of the organs of reproduction, resulting from want of sufficient information in regard to their true nature, and powerful influence upon animal life, as well as the physical, mental and moral nature of mankind. As already described, see fig. 244. The Sem- inal fluid is formed in the testes, and being collected by numerous spiral, or convoluted tubes, called the seminal ducts, it is transmitted to the sacs Fig. 255. beneath the bladder called the seminal vesicles, or bladders. At first the seminal fluid is im- perfectly elaborated, consisting principally of a watery fluid, but during its passage through the long seminal ducts it gradually becomes more highly organized, and when it finally reaches the seminal vesicles is seen to con- tain great numbers of little bod- ies, called spermatozoa, or repro- ductive cell germs. When the semen first reaches the seminal vesicles it contains but few cell germs. At the end of forty- eight hours their numbers have greatly increased. These little germs are constantly forming out of the fluid of the semen, by the cells of evolution, and when not used for the purposes of procreation soon die and dis- appear, their places being soon supplied by new ones constantly forming out of the organizable materials contained in the fluid of the semen. The seminal fluid is one of the most elaborate and highly organizable fluids of the human body. It is composed of water hoMing in solution a large pro- View of the Posterior surface of the Bladder. 1 A Seminal Vesicle ; 2, the same unravelled ; 3, Vas-Dof- erens ; 4, Ureters ; 5, Ejaculatory Ducts ; 6, Prostate Gland, partly divided, exhibiting the course of the Ejaculatory Ducts ; 7, Termination of the Bladder in the Urethra. 434 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. portion of albumen, phosphorus and other important organizable substan- ces, and contains great multitudes of living germs, each one of which is capable of being formed into a perfect living human being. These little germs are so minute that they cannot be seen without the aid of a power- ful microscope, and it is estimated that millions of them may be contained in a single drop of water, see fig. 245. When we contemplate the fact that all mankind, the most powerful, as well as the most humble and insig- nificant, the mighty Caesars, and the illustrious Washington, as well as the most lowly and humble individual have all had one common origin, and that a mere atom or speck of granular matter, so minute that it cannot be seen without a glass of great power, it is calculated to fill the human mind with amazement and admiration of the wisdom and power of the Creator ! Frequent exercise of the reproductive functions, or sexual excesses, are unfavorable to procreation. Considerable time is required for perfect elab- oration of the seminal fluid. Sexual excesses prevent conception, and are a prominent cause of sterility. It is a well known fact that men and wo- men abandoned to sinful excesses rarely become parents. It is evident that if the exercise of the functions of procreation be the reproduction of the species, then the frequent exercise of this function defeats that object! According to the experiments and observations of Parise, Friedland, Tis- sault, and other distinguished physiologists, the seminal fluid is the most vital of all of the fluids of the body. In the language of a late eminent authority "it is the only immortal physical principal in man, the only substance in the human constitution which has been able to perpetuate the human species from the time of Adam to the present day!" This fluid in the lower animals is so highly elaborated, so intensely vitalizing in its influence, that according to Spallinzani, when one drop of the semen of a fish is dilated in a pint of water and poured upon the ova, or spawn, it will impregnate them. According to the experiments of Parise and others, the loss of semen is equal in its debilitating and exhausting effects to the loss of forty times as much blood. Now, it is estimated, that the seminal vesicles beneath the urinary bladder, when filled, will hold about one drachm at a time. It follows as a consequence, that when these sem- inal vesicles are emptied, during the sexual act, that the debilitating effect is equal to the loss of forty drachms, or five ounces of blood. That sexual excesses are among the most debilitating and ruinous of all bad habits, is well established from common observation. And yet how few persons ap- pear to appreciate and understand the ruinous consequences of such indul- gences, especially early in life, when such knowledge would be the most useful. All that takes place during the exercise of the procreative functions, is ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 435 the expulsion of the seminal fluid, previously formed and accumulated in the seminal vesicles. When these organs have been examined in crimi- nals soon after death by execution upon the gallows, the seminal vesicles have always been found full of seminal fluid. In fact, it is very evident, from the slightest thought and consideration, that this fluid could not be formed and transmitted through long pipes or tubes reaching six or seven hundred feet in length, into the seminal vesicles and then expelled, during the short period of time required for the exercise of those functions. In certain domestic and other animals, the seminal vesicles are absent, and during the sexual act the seminal fluid is formed as it is required, and, consequently, a much longer period of time is required for its consumma- tion. In certain animals, a period of several hours is required for this purpose. In continent animals, when this vital fluid is not required for the procreation of the species, and it is not wasted, it is reabsorbed into the system, and its vitalizing influences are expending in cultivating, im- proving, and strengthening every organ of the body. The absorbents are minute vessels seen in all parts of the body. They are especially nume- rous upon the seminal vesicles, and about the base of the urinary bladder, and organs in the cavity of the pelvis. These vessels are capable of ab- sorbing whatever may be brought in contact with them, and pouring it into the blood. They absorb the nourishment from our food contained in the cavity of the stomach and the intestinal canal, they also absorb poison- ous substances from the skin, as often seen in vaccination, or when medical substances are applied to its surface, in the form of ointments, liniments, and plasters, to allay pain. In syphilitic diseases, the virus is absorbed from the surface of the sexual organs, and poured into the blood, and soon sent to all parts of the body, carrying disease and death. Many other il- lustrations might be mentioned, to show the great activity of these little vessels. In all chaste and continent animals, these little vessels absorb the semen not required for use to perpetuate the species, and pour it into the blood, and it is then soon sent to all parts of the body. The powerful influence of this vital seminal fluid, in modifying the growth and health of all parts of the body, may be seen in its effects, first upon the lower animals, and then upon the human species. It is well known, that when all intelligent stock breeders wish to raise the largest and most perfect domestic animals, they are all bred in perfect continence. The heifer is not allowed to procreate until of full age. The bull is care- fully fed. and guarded until he is full grown, and perfectly developed. As soon as these animals, by great care and skillful treatment, have attained full age and perfection, then they are allowed to exercise the functions only to a limited extent. It is often said by breeders of the most perfect 436 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. domestic animals, that if the heifer is allowed to conceive at a young and tender age she will stop growing, and never be so large, and so of the brill. It is a curious and instructive fact, that all of the most celebrated and val- uable breeds of domestic animals have been carefully bred, and reared in perfect continence, until they were of full age and perfection, before they have been allowed to procreate ; and when any departure from this rule is practised, the breed begins to decline ! Dr. Johnson long ago observed, that the exercise of the functions of reproduction was debilitating and exhaustive in its effects upon the physical constitution, and he has re- marked, that for every year the human female marries and becomes a mother under the age of twenty, it will shorten her life at least two years. Again it has been often noticed by various writers, that the progeny of young imperfectly developed, and feeble animals were always inferior, and the same law rules in regard to the human species. History affords us numerous examples. Newton, Napoleon, Washingtion, Franklin, Jack- son, and many of the most distinguished and illustrious benefactors of the human race, have been younger sons of large families, born after their Fig. 256. The Cock. ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 437 fathers and mothers had attained full age and physical perfection ! But again, the influence of this vital seminal fluid upon the domestic animals and man, may be seen in the blighting and withering effects of castration. When the testes are removed from any of the lower animals, the loss of the seminal organs and want of semen, will exert a modifying influence over the growth and powers of every organ of the body, the truth of this as- sertion may be easily verified by experiments upon the young cock. The influence of the seminal fluid upon the bones, muscles, plumage, comb, and spurs of the cock, is well shown in the foregoing illustration, copied from nature. The bones of the cock are large and strong, with numerous well developed surfaces for the attachment of large and power- ful muscles. The muscles are large, dense and strong, and the legs are armed with long sharp spurs, as a means of defense or attack. The head is ornamented with a large, prominent, and beautiful red comb, and the larynx, or organ of the voice, is well developed, enabling him to produce the peculiar noise called crowing ! When bred in continence, and all the seminal fluid is retained and absorbed, this animal is the personification of courage and endurance ! When at an early period, the same animal is castrated, and the seminal organs are destroyed or removed, and no seminal fluid is formed to exert its powerful influence in moulding and perfecting Fig. 257. The Capon, 438 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. every organ of the body, the result is most striking, as may be seen in the examination of the capon, as compared with the cock. The bones of the capon are long, slim, and delicate, the muscles soft, weak, and flabby ; the plumage thin and inferior, while the spurs exist only in a ru- dimentary form, or they are entirely wanting ; the comb is deficient, or entirely wanting upon the head, and the organ of the voice is only par- tially developed, and the capon cannot crow like the cock. It is thus seen, at a single glance, that when the seminal organs are destroyed or removed, and the seminal fluid is not formed, it will modify and change the whole structure and formation of the animal, rendering the bones and muscles weak and inferior, and suspending or interrupting the growth of other im- portant organs of the body. It also demoralizes or destroys the courage, which is such a peculiarly distinguishing trait of this animal. The same wonderful changes and modifications of the growth and for- mation of all other domestic animals, may be effected by removing or de- stroying the seminal organs at an early period ! When the male lamb is bred in perfect continence, and all of the semi- nal fluid is retained and expended in the development of the various or- gans of his body, he grows large, strong and powerful, and is called a ram. Fig. 258. The Earn. The ram is distinguished for large strong bones and muscles, a broad deep chest, and very large and prominent horns, as seen in the above illus- ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 439 tration, copied from nature. The ram is distinguished for strength and courage when compared with the wether. Fig. 259. The Wether. "When the male lamb is castrated, and the seminal organs are removed or destroyed at an early period, before the male principal or the seminal fluid has been formed to round off, and seal and stamp every organ of his body with nature's own signet of perfection, he grows up what is called a wether. His bones are comparatively long, slim and delicate, his muscles smaller and lighter colored, soft and feeble, and the horns are small or entirely wanting, and he is timid and feeble ! No difference can be more marked or distinct between the sexes than those between the ram and wether. In fact the removal of these genital organs at an early age completely unsexes the animal, and changes his whole nature and appearance, as seen in the above illustration, copied from nature, representing the wether. Nothing can be more striking than the difference exhibited by these two animals, and yet it all depends upon the influence of the seminal fluid in the one, and its absence in the other. The amount of wool produced by the wether is fully one-third less than the quantity produced by the ram ! Again, when we examine and compare the bull and the ox with each other, the influence of the seminal fluid in modifying the growth, and in changing the whole character and disposition of animals, will be still more striking. When the male calf is carefully bred and raised in perfect continence, not being allowed to exercise the procreative functions, and all of the semen being retained, to strengthen, develop and perfect all of the organs of his 440 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. body until lie is of full age and perfection, he will grow up a large, pow- erful and beautiful animal, as may be seen in the following illustration, photographed and copied from nature. Fig. 260. The bones of the bull are large and strong, with numerous rough uneven surfaces for the attachment of large and powerful muscles. The chest is broad and deep, and lungs large and strong, the head is broad and the eyes are full, the horns thick, sharp and strong, the larynx, or organ of the voice, is large and powerful, and the voice is loud, strong and superior to the voice of the ox. The bull bellows, but the ox The Bull. cannot, his vocal organs being impaired by castration! When the male calf is castrated at an early period, or before the semi- nal fluid has been formed and exerted its peculiar perfecting influence over the growth and condition of all of the different parts and organs of the animal, the bones become long, slim and delicate, the muscles lighter col- ored, soft, feeble and flabby, and the chest narrow and thin, the lungs feeble and delicate, the neck thin, the horns long, slim and feeble, the eyes hollow and sunken, the la^nx small and the voice inferior, as seen in the following illustration, photographed and copied from nature. What a striking contrast is exhibited by the lean, thin and cowardly ox as compared with the bull. What an overwhelming manifestation of the powerful influence of the seminal fluid when retained to strengthen and develop the bones, muscles, chest, lungs, neck, head, horns. The bull is the personification of courage and power, while the miserable ox is so feeble and timid as often to be frightened at his own shadow. The sexual law of development may often be witnessed in the human species. When the seminal organs are removed or destroyed at an early period, before the seminal fluid has been formed and retained to manifest its peculiar ennobling influence upon all of the different organs of the human body, to strengthen, develop and perfect them ! ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE OBGANS. Fio- 261. 441 The Ox. In certain countries, and for surgical reasons, human beings are some- times castrated. When the seminal organs are removed early in life, and before the seminal fluid has been formed, to develop and perfect all the organs of the body, the consequences may be seen in the physical, mental and moral condition of the eunuch I The bones are small and de- licate, fragile and brittle; the muscles pale, soft and feeble; the chest is thin, narrow, and delicate ; the organ of the voice is imperfectly formed, and the voice a fine tenor or delicate treble ; and the heard is wanting. The size of the body, the strength and power of the muscular organs, the depth and breadth of the chest, the size of the lungs and vital organs, the capacity of the larynx, tone of the voice, the presence of the beard, all depend upon the influence of the seminal principle. Before the age of puberty, the larynx or organ of the voice, is small, and imperfectly de- veloped, the beard is wanting, and the voice is thin and feeble. But at the age of puberty, as soon as the seminal fluid has been formed, and be- gins to exert its perfecting influences, the larynx enlarges, the beard appears, and the voice changes, and becomes a strong tenor, or a deep bass. In old age, when the seminal organs become feeble, and the semen is no longer secreted by the testes, the voice becomes feeble and broken. Nothing can be better established, than that the tone and quality of the voice depend upon the condition of the seminal organs, as may be proved by a great variety of facts and illustrations. How few people, suffering with chronic 442 ABUSES OP THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. disease of the vocal organs, and partial or total loss of voice, have any idea that sexual excesses have any possible influence in producing or per- petuating their disease ! Again, the quality and quantity of the beard depend upon the condition of the seminal organs, and the influence of the seminal fluid in modifying its growth ! Baron Larrey, in his admirable Memoirs on Military Surgery, mentions several French soldiers who were wounded in battle, having their seminal organs mutilated and destroyed, or removed, and says that their beard came out, and their voices changed, and became broken and senile, or like the voice of an old man ! How few young men, when they survey with mortification their imperials, and vain efforts to establish a respectable beard, have any idea that their failure to do so has any relation to the condition of the seminal organs, or the in- fluence of want of seminal fluid in developing and perfecting the beard ! A heavy imperial, and a large and flowing beard, are evidences of vigor- ous seminal organs, and of the presence of an abundance of vitalizing seminal fluid in the system. No lotion to stimulate the growth of the beard, will ever equal that of a chaste and continent life ! How few young men appear to understand and appreciate the truth of this maxim. But again, the health and strength of the human being will largely de- pend upon the condition of the seminal organs, and the influence of the seminal fluid upon the bones and muscles. The athletse, gladiators, prize fighters, &c, are about the only class of men who have long understood and fully appreciated this fact. When out of condition, and not training for a prize fight, not caring particularly about their physical condition, many of this class of men may be found indulging in every species of vice, which undermines the strength, and destroys the physical constitution ! But when an engagement has once been formed, and the money put up, then there is no more debauchery and sensualism ; no more indulgence in seminal losses, or other debilitating habits. They commence at once to train themselves in perfect continence ! The rules of all professional trainers admit of no seminal losses. If it was once known by the frater- nity at any time, that either of the principals to the prize fight had in- dulged in sexual losses, all of the betting would go against him ! There would be no confidence in his courage, strength or endurance ! We read in the scriptures that Samson was the strongest of men ! but we are told that on a certain occasion he lost his strength, and the story is both chaste and instructive. We are told that Samson, in the vigor of his perfect manhood, and rejoicing in great physical power, went in into his Delilah, and that she cut off his hair, and that when he came out, his strength was gone ! Now this chaste and beautiful story can only be fully explained and understood by the aid of the science of sexual physiology ! ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 443 Fools, unlearned, or ignorant people may ridicule, or even cavil at the story. Others may fancy that the strength of Samson did literally reside in his hair, and yet the intelligent physiologist will tell you there is no strength in the hairs, and that they have no possible connection with the brain or muscles. Neither blood vessels or nerves have ever been traced into them. They grow from the papillae at the bottom of the hair follicles of the skin, (see tig. 179.) It is simply absurd to suppose that Samson's strength resided literally in his hair ! There is a far better explanation of the story, which the sad experience of many a modern Samson can give ; for, alas ! there are many Delilahs of the present day, and many young Samsons who have lost their strength ! There is one consolation which many sensualists may derive from the conclusion of this instructive story, and it is this, when Samson staid away from his Delilah long enough for his hair to grow out again, his strength returned. Cultivate and prac- tise a chaste and continent life, and abstain from wicked, unchaste, and sensual indulgences, and strength will soon return again ! How few persons, when they marry in the morning of their lives, and the vigor of their manhood, have any adequate idea of the ruinous and debilitating effects 'of sexual excesses ! Even moral and intelligent men have no idea that there is any natural law or restraint against sexual in- dulgences ! In the opinion of most people, marriage sanctions all indul- gence, and breaks down all restraints. Most men have no idea that there is any natural law of restraint, and the consequences, as we shall soon see, are most disastrous. Instinct teaches all the lower animals to abstain from the manifestation of the reproductive act, except at certain seasons, which last but a short time, as is well known. Except at this particular season, there is no exercise of their reproductive functions, and no waste of the seminal fluid ! Instead of animal instinct to guide his conduct, and secure his safety and happiness, man has been endowed with the noble gift of reason, and the moral sentiments, and unless these are well educated and developed, and called into exercise for the government of his conduct, in many of his habits, he will be worse than the brute creation. The lower animals never indulge in the manifestatton of the reproductive functions, except for the purpose of the procreation of the species ! The exercise of this function is so weakening and debilitating in its effects, so exhaust- ing in its consequences, that if the Creator had not implanted within them the irresistible love of offspring, and the most ardent desire to reproduce their kind, at certain periods, they doubtless would never exercise these functions, and the various species of the lower animals would soon cease to exist ! Shall it be said that the human being, endowed with reason and moral sentiments, is less reasonable in his sexual relations and habits than the brute creation ? 444 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. From what lias already been said in another place, the human female can conceive only at a certain period, or season, and if the object of the exer- cise of the sexual functions is the procreation of noble and intelligent off- spring, to multiply and continue the species, then it is lawful to exercise this function at the period when conception is possible, and not at other times ! It has been shown at another place, that the frequent exercise of this function is unfavorable to conception. I know the absurd doctrine has been advocated in some quarters, that the health of the individual de- manded the constant and frequent exercise of these functions. Such foolish ideas have only to be examined in the light of science and true philosophy to show their absurdity. Indeed they are only advocated as a weak and impotent excuse for the practice of sensualism, or sexual excesses. No animal requires the exercise of the sexual functions as a means of promo- ting or preserving health. On the contrary, all analogy, observation and reason prove that the highest perfection, and the most perfect development, are attained by the practice of continence ! Marriage has for itself a higher, a nobler and a more holy object than that of the mere procreation of the species, the mental, moral and spiritual association of the sexes exerts the most refining and elevating influences upon each other, as seen in cultivated and refined society. When con- tinuously separated from each other, the effect of this want of associa- tion is well marked in the inferior physical, mental and moral condition of both the male and female, "It is not good for man or woman to be alone." Nothing can be more ennobling and beautiful than the lives of married people who thoroughly know themselves, and understand their whole nature, and intelligently and understandingly exercise all of their proper functions, faculties and powers ! But marriage as an excuse, or as a palliation for the practice of unrestrained sensualism, is the perversion of this sacred and divine institution to an ignoble and unworthy purpose ! The exercise of the procreative functions should never be indulged except for the deliberate purpose of conception, and the continuation of the species. I know this is reasoning against passion and prejudice, that it is arguing against the desires and passions of nearly all mankind, it will not be heeded, or the advice followed. No one can be more fully aware of all this than the author, and yet he feels that that is not his fault or his business, he is fully determined to do his duty to mankind. He has examined this sub- ject carefully and deliberately for many years, and listened to all of the arguments which can be presented on both sides of the question, and he is fully determined that he will not pander to sensualists, or palliate, or excuse sexual excesses, either in married or in single life ! The time has come to speak out the whole truth, upon this most important subject. The only ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 445 anxiety which the author has, is to be able to present the truth in chaste and appropriate language, whether it pleases the votaries of sensualism or not! Few persons not connected with the medical profession, or having large opportunities for close observation, have any just idea how much misery there is in domestic life, which is the result either directly or indirectly of sexual excesses. It is certain, that the largest proportion of this misery and wretchedness is the result of physiological ignorance. Previous to marriage all good, chaste, moral and religious people respect the laws of chastity and continence, and yet their health does not suffer or deteriorate. But after marriage, many suppose there has been granted a license for in- dulgence without limit, that there is no natural Jaw governing the devel- opment and maintaining the health of the reproductive organs; no law of restraint but the law of capacity, no restraint but that of blind passion ! Surely this condition of things is a great misfortune, and the consequences most disastrous ! As already shown, the loss of the seminal fluid is equal in its weakening and debilitating effects to the loss of forty times as much blood. Here we have an explanation of the secret causes of much of the weakness and debil- ity which occurs in domestic life. The debilitating effects, resulting from profuse seminal losses, first show themselves upon the blood, which becomes thin and poor, causing alarming palpitation of the heart, coldness of the skin and extremities, pale, white, sallow complexion, and dull heavy eyes, with downcast expression and disinclination to look at the person addressing them, inability to fix the eyes upon any object long at a time, great weak- ness and prostration of the brain and nervous system. The brain receives about one-sixth part of the whole amount of blood in the body, and when the blood becomes thin and impoverished, from seminal losses, the brain and nerves are among the first organs injured by sexual excesses, causing nervous debility, neuralgia, pain and weakness in the back and across the loins, wandering aches and pains in different parts of the body, dyspepsia, general debility and exhaustion, followed by premature old age and impo- tency. The marked effect of seminal losses and sexual excesses are well illustrated in the following portrait of a distinguished sensualist, now living in a private asylum, utterly broken down and imbecile. Nothing can be meaner and more despicable than the face of an old worn out and broken down libertine and sensualist. Look at his countenance written all over with indelible lines that reveal his character and former pursuits in life. How nature brands his face with the stigma of opprobrium. How she gradually disfigures his countenance, as if intent upon destroying all traces of her own image, so that she might by and by rise up in judgment and swear she 29 446 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. Fig. 262. never had made him ! How she loosens all of his joints, and sends tremors along his limbs and bends his body forward as if to bring him down npon all fours, or to degrade him to the low crawling reptile ; how she sends pim- ples and blotches up- on his face, pours rheum into his eyes, and sends foul spirits to inhabit his breath, and shreaks as with a many tongued trumpet from every pore of his body, be- hold a beast. Now let us turn over an opposite leaf in the history of a man's life, and contemplate an opposite extreme. Here we may behold a patriarch whose age of three score years and ten seems hardly to have impaired the stock of his vigor, his firm step, and his elastic limbs, and his undimmed senses, are so many certificates of good conduct, or rather they are orders and titles of nobility with which nature honors him for his obedience to her laws. All of the organs of his body will reach the end of their existence together. Calmly and as a candle burns down in its socket so will he make his exit. " Like an old clock worn out by eating time, The wheels of weary life at last stand still." The reader is now asked to look at the portrait of a chaste and continent man, the portrait of a man universally regarded as the greatest intellect that the world has ever produced, the portrait of Sir Isaac Newton, copied from his great work, his immortal Principia. We are told by Dr. Brown, his family physician, that in his last illness, and when on his bed of death, Newton declared that he had never lost a single drop of his sem- inal fluid in all of his life. A pure chaste and continent man. What an ^example for the young men of our day ! The Sensualist. ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE OBGANS. 447 Now let the young man in the vigor of his health, and in the pride of Fig. 263. his manhood look upon this picture and then upon that of the sen- sualist, and then make up his mind after the manner of which he desires his own face shall be configured ! Not only "the heart of a man, but the con- duct and the habits of a man changeth his countenance for good or evil." Every thought every feeling or emo- tion, and every passion leaves it impression upon the human face, and if those thoughts, feelings, emotions and passions are repeated sufficiently often, they will mould the human face to produce a corresponding expression. Any one acquainted with the world and human beings under different circum- stances, and conditions of life, will from appearance be able at once to de- termine much of character, position and habits. It is impossible to deny that the face of the courtezan, and its peculiar expression, betrays her awful calling at a single glance. Now this is not only true of the miserable and wretched woman, but it is also true of a man under the same circumstances! No one endowed with reason and common sense can say that such a life pro- motes health or happiness. Indeed it is well known that the average length of life of the public courtezan is less than seven years. The same course of life is even more exhausting and destructive to the vitality of the male than the female, and is certain to be followed by premature exhaustion, decay, old age and death ! Dr. Carpenter in his great work on Compara- tive Anatomy and Physiology, asserts that the lower the animal in the scale of animal life, the greater the reproductive power, and that the exer- cise of the reproductive power is in an inverse ratio to the ability to exer- cise the reasoning faculties and the moral sentiments. It is a well known fact that many of the most learned and distinguished authors, scholars and Sir Isaac Newton. 448 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. poets of ancient and modern times, have manifested but the feeblest power of reproduction, and left but few descendants to inherit their name and fame. Newton, Napoleon, Davy, Washington, Samuel Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Jackson, have left no descendants ! A careful examination into the private lives of many of our most distinguished modern literary men and women will sustain the truth of the assertion of Dr. Carpenter, and others. It is believed that this fact will account for the dissatisfaction, domestic strife and divorces that has frequently occurred between literary men and women when either one of the parties was not engaged in the same scientific or literary pursuits. For a man or woman engaged in the pursuits of science or literature to marry those not engaged in the same occupation is at least imprudent. The unfavorable influence of sexual excesses upon the physical powers and the exercise of the mental faculties and moral sentiments, was fully understood by the fathers of the Christian church. Priests were forbidden to marry, and waste their energies in sexual indulgences. The church was to be their mistress, and upon the church all of their energies and powers were to be expended. It was and is the doctrine of the Catholic Church, that a priest without the cares of a family, and without the exhausting and enervating exercise of the functions of procreation, could accomplish more for the good of the church, and to advance the interests of religion, than he could do if he was to marry ; and if we are to trust the teachings of science and common observation, this conclusion is inevitable. The author is aware that the enemies of celibacy in the priesthood assert that priests are unchaste, &c. Doubtless there are bad men in all callings. Even some of the angels in heaven sinned and fell, and all mortals may do the same thing ; but to say that all of the priesthood are sensualists, is as ab- surd as it is untrue ! Again, sensualism, or sexual excesses, not only weaken the body, in- ducing premature decay, exhaustion and death, but it also exerts a corres- ponding influence upon the mental faculties and moral sentiments. Our charitable establishments contain numerous victims of softening of the brain, epilepsy, or falling fits, palsy, and imbecility, brought on by the ex- cessive exercise of the sexual passions ! It is often said that such diseases are brought on by over work or over excitement or employment of the mind. Now over work of the passions is far more injurious and destruc- tive in its effects upon the brain and nervous system, than over work or excitement of the mind, or overwork of the bones and muscles. There are a great many hard working people in this world, who have spent all their energies, and earned a great deal of money, but they have not invested their hard earnings in state stocks and government bonds, ABUSES OP THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 449 nut in live stock ! Many poor men and women have labored hard, and exhausted all their energies and powers, not to obey all the injunctions of the scriptures, but to obey one, namely, to multiply and replenish the earth ! Sexual excesses; or sensualism, demoralizes the moral sentiments. Only chaste and continent men and women truly and ardently love each other, The truth of this assertion may be verified by a great number and variety of illustrations. Familiarity begets disgust, and often aversion ! Alas, how few appear to understand and appreciate this fact. Previous to mar- riage, if the woman understands herself, and knows that perfect chastity is the true secret of her wonderful influence over the mind and heart of her lover, and scornfully repels all approaches to familiarity, her queenly power and influence are triumphant, and cannot be broken ! But if she does not fully understand herself, or comprehend that chastity alone is the true secret of her wonderful influence, and imprudently permits any advances or familiarity, the magic spell is broken, the silken threads of love decay, and loose their hold, and her power has departed for ever ! The same is true of domestic life. Familiarity breeds contempt! The diamond is held in the highest estimation because it is uncommon or rare ! Make it as common as the glass pebble, and it would be as value- less ! We always seek for those articles of virtue which are rare and un- common, and we always pay the highest price for the rarest specimens of art and beauty ! And so it is with mankind in all that relates to the sex- ual nature ! Excess breeds contempt, often followed by aversion, and alas ! too frequently by disgust, and wandering from home ! How few comprehend and understand the sexual relation, and the true secret of that matchless power which the sexes are capable of exercising over each other. Sexual excess is the grave of domestic bliss I More quarrels and domestic strife, more separations and divorces, have been caused by sexual excesses, and the aversion and contempt arising therefrom, than from all other causes united together ! Not long since, while lecturing upon this and kindred subjects in another part of our country, a distinguished lady, well known in the literary circles of our country, observed to the Author, that when she had finished her education, and graduated at a fashionable board- ing school, for the education of women, that she supposed she knew about as much as most women, upon this subject, and that was very little. That she soon married a clergyman, and that as she had been taught to "be subject unto her husband in all things," she tried to do her duty ! Un- fortunately for herself, her husband was as ignorant of the physiological laws governing the healthy action of the sexual organs as herself, and the consequences were, that being governed in their conduct by blind animal 450 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. passion alone, and not by reason and the moral sentiments, they committed great excesses, followed by the usual results, " we grew irritable, nervous and cross to each other, and became wretched and unhappy. Had the dyspepsia, followed by nervous debility, neuralgia, and exhaustion!" "Fi- nally," says she, " a book written by a well known Grerman author, on Chastity, by accident fell into my hands. This book proved our salvation. It described to me all of the causes of my irritability, nervousness, ex- haustion and wretchedness ! I called my husband to my side, and read to him paragraph after paragraph, and it seemed to him a new revelation! He candidly acknowledged that it explained satisfactorily the causes of our misery ; and we then and there resolved to live a different life, and it has been followed by the happiest results, all of our disease and distress soon disappeared !" No matter how good their intentions may be, no man or woman can be moral or religious upon subjects which they do not under- stand ! By proper physiological education, we must bring all that relates to the duty of governing our appetites, passions and propensities, within the dominion of conscience ! Marriage is an institution designed to bring the sexes into proper relations with each other, for mutual improvement of their physical, mental, and moral natures, and for the procreation of offspring. When the sexual functions are moderately exercised at certain seasons, there will be the greatest number of conceptions, and the greatest number of superior chil- dren born. As already intimated, sexual excess defeats procreation, and brings nothing but debility, premature decay and exhaustion. Procreation is always attended with considerable debility, but the amount of perma- nent exhaustion will depend upon circumstances within the control of human agency. Nursing is a great drainage, and this fact is so well understood, that probably not a queen or a princess in Europe nurses her own child. Be- fore the late war at the South, the children of most of the wealthy planters' wives were nursed by colored women. If the male and female are in good physical health, the moderate exercise of the functions of procreation will not prove a serious injury, but otherwise it will. Formerly it was thought thatmarriage and procreation would prove beneficial and arrest the progress of disease, but modern observation and statistics prove the absurdity of this conclusion. In consumption, scrofula and debility, the disease is not only inherited by the child from the parents, but the disease in the parents is also hurried along more rapidly to its fatal termination ! The Author is frequently asked this question, " Doctor, dont you think that if my daughter should marry and become a mother, her health would improve?" Now it is true that the health of some invalids improves after marriage, ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 451 and the exercise of the functions of maternity, but this is the exception, and not the rule. In a large majority of instances, it is the reverse, and the health rapidly declines ! If we consult the Mosaic law for a guide or rule in regard to this matter, we shall be told at menstruation, and for five days after, the woman is un- clean, and that it is unlawful. Five days are consecrated to purification, from that time forward for two weeks, conception may take place, and the legitimate exercise of these functions is lawful. At the close of this period and during gestation, or pregnancy, it is not lawful according to the doc- trine of modern physiologists, if the object be not the gratification of ani- mal passion, but the intelligent, premeditated procreation of healthy and superior offspring. It would appear from recent investigations, that children begotten within the first seven days after menstruation, are usually females, and those during the second week after, are usually males. This rule also proves true in regard to the domestic animals. If conception takes place at the commencement of the period of heat the progeny will be a female, and if it takes place towards the close of this period it will be a male. Experiments with domestic fowls go far to show that the sex can be deter- mined before the birth, and that the sexes can be procreated at will, not only among the domestic animals, but also in the human being ! If the female is bred to the male when the hen first comes from the nest, the chick will be a female, and if impregnation takes place several hours after it will be a male ! Why the progeny will be a female if the newly formed ovum is impregnated when it first escapes from the ova sac, and a male if impregnated while passing down through the ova duct to be cast from the organs of reproduction, has not yet been determined. Observation only has enabled physiologists to determine this fact, and as it so constantly and almost invaribly occurs it must depend upon the operation of some mysterious and undiscovered natural law. Onanism. We come now to the consideration of a subject of great delicacy, which the author would like to pass over in silence, but which he feels that it would be unwise, as well as unjust and cruel to the rising generation to neglect, he alludes to secret or private vice ! Few persons have had so ex- tensive a field for observation in regard to this giant evil, which more than any other vice threatens the demoralization and ruin of the youth of our country. While engaged as public Lecturer and teacher of Anatomy and Physiology, during the past twenty-eight years, in most of the prominent seminaries, colleges and other institutions of learning, he has had unusual opportunities of observing the secret workings of this vice, in gradually 452 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. undermining the health, and in weakening the mental faculties and low- ering the tone of the moral sentiments of the very flower of the youth of our country. His large observation and extensive experience in the treat- ment of the diseases and infirmities produced by its practice, forces him to the inevitable conclusion, that it is the most common ox prevalent of all of the vices to which mankind are addicted. Its practice is confined to no age, sex or condition, but is far more common among the children of wealthy and distinguished parents than the poor and humble, for reasons which will be easily appreciated and understood. As a rule the children of poor peo- ple are fed upon plain and wholesome food, and they are compelled to rise early and engage in active employment, while those of the wealthy and distinguished classes as a rule are fed upon highly stimulating food, and are allowed to rise late. Again, young people of a nervous temperament, and of the finest and most sensitive organizations, the most talented and prom- ising youth of our land, far more frequently become the victims of this debasing passion, than those of inferior organizations, bilious and lymphatic temperaments. Origin of this Yice. This vice invaribly originates in want of sufficient information or phy- siological ignorance. While conversing with its numerous victims from one extremity of this country to the other, the author has been induced to inquire into the private history of some of its most prominent victims, and has often been told that their parents were intelligent, respectable and wealthy people, that they had tried to do their best to give them a good education, and to bring them up respectably, that they had been well in- structed upon all subjects, but the nature of their sexual organizations, its uses and abuses, &c, and that when they grew up to manhood they felt the instincts and passions of a man, without any knowledge or reason to guide them in their conduct. Said the son of a prominent clergyman, "■ Doctor, I learned to my sorrow and confusion that ignorance does not pre- vent any one from feeling!" A man may be as ignorant as any new-born child, of the origin and nature of his sexual passions, and still that will not prevent him from experiencing their manifestation within himself, when he arrives at the age of puberty, or manhood. With few exceptions, when thoroughly enlightened and informed as to the true nature and uses of the sexual organization, and the consequences of this abuse, they have at once arrested their footsteps and shrunk back with horror at the contemplation of their own ruin ! No vice among young men is so easily corrected, by the diffusion of correct information, as that now under consideration. General Prevalence of Solitary Yice. This abuse of the organs of reproduction prevails to an alarming extent ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 453 in our colleges, seminaries and other institutions of learning. Indeed these institutions are the very hot-beds of this evil, and its general prevalence cannot be arrested, except by careful and thorough instruction on the part of parents, guardians and teachers. Such instruction and education is of vital importance, and all parents, guardians and teachers who do not do their duty and thoroughly enlighten all of those young persons under their charge, as to the nature of their sexual system, and the vital impor- tance of a chaste and pure life, are recreant to their duty, and responsible for the continuation of this vice. Knowledge is to the young person in this respect what the compass is in the hands of the mariner, enabling him to guide the noble ship through the tempestuous ocean into any port he pleases on the opposite side of the globe. So knowledge of the nature and uses of the organs of reproduction, as well as the meaning of the sexual passions, and the danger of their unrestrained exercise, enables the young man to guide his way with safety through the treacherous paths of life, and finally to attain honor, distinction and renown among men ! Could the natural guardians of youth only look into many of our insane asylums, almshouses and states prisons, and inquire of the numerous victims what was the secret cause of their ruin, they would surely be alarmed at the awful responsibility that rests upon them, and firmly resolve to do their duty faithfully to the young and rising generation. Not long since while delivering a series of lectures at Auburn, N. Y. the author was informed that a large proportion of those prisoners in the insane ward were made insane from secret vice or sexual abuse. Effects of this Vice upon Health. Sexual abuse is the source of great debility and exhaustion. It soon impoverishes the blood, by draining out of it many of its most vital con- stituents, causing it to become thin and poor. This condition of the blood produces violent palpitation of the heart, a rusty, lemon, waxy or dingy skin, the face is covered with blotches and pimples, (as seen in figs. 187 and 188.) When the blood becomes thin and vitiated, from loss of its most important and vital elements, it does not nourish the brain and nerves, causing great nervous debility, and alarming prostration, with cold, clammy skin, covered with cold perspiration, coldness of the extremities, chilly feelings, &c. When long continued, this terrible drainage soon affects the mind. Memory at first becomes impaired, followed by difficulty of concentrating the mind upon any one subject, will be experienced. Timidity or bashfulness, loss of animal courage, inability to look any one in the face, while conversing, despondent and gloomy feelings, often end- ing in suicide, insanity or imbecility. While lecturing at Albany, N. Y., 454 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. a few years ago, the Author knew not less than five persons, graduates of Union College, reduced so low intellectually, that they could not engage in any kind of business. Not long since, while lecturing at Worcester, Mass. he became acquainted with a gentleman who was a classmate of Charles Sumner, the distinguished senator from that state, who was reduced so low intellectually, from the practice of secret vice, that he could not cast up a sum in common addition. Secret vice is one of the most common causes of epilepsy, or falling fits, softening of the brain, insanity, and mental and moral imbecility. It destroys that lofty courage, and noble bearing, which distinguish the great and the good from the mean and the cowardly ! It robs the human being of his manhood ! and renders him selfish, mean, de- graded and contemptible in his whole physical appearance, as well as in his mental manifestations, and his moral conduct ! The Scriptures tell us that Onan, in consequence of his self abuse, was cursed by the Creator! And so will be all those unfortunate young men who follow his ignoble ex- ample ! Spermatorrhea. When the habit of secret vice is acquired and practiced in early life, it often causes irritation, congestion, and inflammation of the lining surface of the urethra, which frequently extends to the seminal vesicles, beneath the bladder, often involving the prostate gland and all of the neighboring parts, in the disease. Excessive use is an abuse of any organ. When the eyes are used excessively, or abused, they often become irritable, con- gested, red and inflamed, causing a free discharge of white gummy matter, called mucus. And so when the sexual organs are abused, the delicate mucous membrane lining the urethra, or water passage, becomes weak, ir- ritable, congested or inflamed, causing the secretion of thin, white glairy fluid from its lining surface. When this discharge takes place in the hu- man female from the lining surface of the vagina, it is called leucorrhoea 7 and when in either sex it comes from the lining surface of the bladder, it is called cystorrhoea, and when it comes from the lining surface of the urethra, it is called urethrorrhcea ! When the prostate gland surrounding the neck becomes involved, it secretes copious quantities of a thin, white viscid fluid, known as the prostatic fluid. When the several ducts and vesicles beneath the urinary bladder become involved in the disease, there is a feel- ing of weight and uneasiness, pain and weakness in the back, across the hips, and through the loins, bearing down sensations, and restlessness dur- ing the night, lascivious dreams, accompanied with involuntary discharges of semen, or what is called spermatorrhoea. This involuntary loss is pro- duced by irritation, congestion, or inflammation of the lining surface of the urethra, seminal ducts, prostate gland, and seminal vesicles. As before ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 455 mentioned, this disease is usually caused by secret vice. It is also some- times produced by gonorrhoea, terminating in gleet. It may also be pro- duced by certain conditions of the urine, caused by indigestion. When the food is imperfectly digested, and it sours and ferments in the stomach and bowels, forming large quantities of gas and acid, this acid is absorbed, poisoning the blood. This poisonous acid blood is finally sent to the kidneys, and, its acid, being removed by the action of these organs, is sent down through the ureters into the bladder, (see fig. 201.) Its presence in the bladder irritates the lining surface of that organ, causing congestion, and if neglected or improperly treated, it may be followed by inflammation, involving the prostate gland, which surrounds the neck of the bladder, &c. When this poisonous, acrid and irritating urine flows out along the delicate lining surface of the urethra, it will often cause smarting burning sensations, producing irritation, congestion and inflamma- tion, which may be extended out along the seminal ducts to the seminal vesicles, causing dreams, nightly emissions, &c. Spermatorrhoea is not always produced by self abuse, though this is by far its most common cause. It may be often produced by gleet, following gonorrhoea, and still more frequently, by what is now called catarrhal dyspepsia, accompanied with acid fermentation of the food, &c. Whatever may be the cause of this most distressing disease, it is always increased and made worse, by exposure to heats and colds, standing on the feet, walking, &c. When neglected or improperly treated, spermatorrhoea is often followed by impotency, or the partial or total loss of the reproductive power. This constant drainage or waste of the seminal fluid, weakens the organs con- cerned in its production, the nervous energies are gradually undermined and exhausted, premature decay and old age manifest themselves, and the reproductive functions are much impaired, and finally destroyed ! How many young men waste, with a prodigal hand, the hard earnings of their fond and devoted parents, in the vain pursuits of pleasure, and long before old age should come, die bankrupt; while others, more wise, prudently use the wealth they have inherited, and by their own energies add still more to their stores, as a provision for old age, and as an inheritance for their posterity. And so it is with the organs of reproduction : by the pro- digal exercise of their functions, they soon expend all their energies, and soon endure the punishment and mortification of finding themselves worn out, and prematurely impotent ! In vain they will now regret their early indiscretion, and the premature loss of that power which should have continued until the close of their existence. Many young men will laugh with scorn at the counsel and advice of wisdom, and listen only to the admonitions of passion and folly in the morning of their life, when full 456 ABUSES OP THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. of youthful health and vigor, and in the evening of their life mourn and regret their early indiscretions ! Cure of Spermatorrhea. For the cure of this disease it will be necessary, first, to stop abusing the organs of reproduction. It is evident no permanent cure can be ac- complished until the causes which produced the disease are removed. Avoid reading unchaste literature, novels, love stories, &c, which only stimulate the passions and increase the excitement of the organs of repro- duction. Read scientific or historical works, travels, biographies, &c, which appeal to the nobler intellectual faculties and moral sentiments! Carefully regulate the diet, avoid more especially the use of those kinds of food which contain much sugar or starch, and which readily ferment, producing gas or wind in the stomach, firming large quantities of acids in the intestinal canal, which in turn are absorbed into the blood, loading the urine with uric, oxalic, or phosphoric acids, or the urates, oxalates, or phosphates of lime, and causing great irritation of the lining surface of the bladder and urinary passages, greatly increasing and perpetuating the disease. Nothing interferes so much with the cure of irritation, conges- tion or inflammation of the prostate gland, or lining surface of the urethra, as this poisonous acrid state of the urine. This condition of the urine cannot be removed by the mere use of medicine alone, as long as the causes which produce it are allowed to remain in operation. These causes are indigestion and the fermentation of the food. Sugar and starch are the principal sources of fermentation. Avoid then the use of beer and wine and other fermented liquors. When taken into the stomach such fluids always increase the irritation of the urinary passages far more than dis- tilled spirits, such as gin, whiskey, &c. Pure water, or black tea, are the safest and best fluids to drink when there is any irritation of the bladder or the lining surface of the urethra. Fruit and vegetables ferment and decay rapidly, and for this reason should be abandoned, or at least eaten sparingly. When eaten, such food will always increase flatulency and the acidity of the urine, and so extend and perpetuate the disease. Milk fer- ments and turns sour very quickly, and is unfit food for those suffering with disease of the urinary organs. Wheat bread containing comparatively little starch is the best. It should always be well baked, or thoroughly toasted. Thorough cooking converts a part of the starch contained in bread into dextrin, and greatly diminishes its fermentability, and renders it far more digestible and nutritious. Grood coarse wheat bread, well baked, with fresh eggs, fresh lamb, mutton, chicken or beef, stewed or boiled, and cooked soft and tender, with a little butter, are the safest and the best diet. Bread and meat are the most nutritious of all kinds of food. It is true they do ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 457 not afford much variety, but they afford the most abundant nutrition, and aid materially in the cure of this disease. When the urine is high colored, and deposits copious red, white or yellow sediments, or when there is a jelly like substance found upon the bottom of the vessel containing it, called mucus, then the character of the urine should be changed, and the irritation of the urinary passages allayed by the use of some of the alka- lies or neutral salts, such as the bi carbonate of potash, or the acetate of potash, combined by copavia and extract of hyosciamus, taken three or four times a day until the urine becomes clear and free from sediments or deposits of any kind. Irritation, congestion and inflammation of the lining surface of the urethra will always be increased by exposure to sudden changes of heat or cold. It is an old maxim, that when we " take a cold it will always go to the weakest part, if it is a sore toe or a sore nose." This old saying is especially true as regards diseases of the mucous membranes lining the different organs of the body. The skin should be well protected with warm flannels, and the feet with woolen stockings and thick shoes, espe- cially during the cold winter season. When the system has become debil- itated and exhausted by seminal losses, then good nutritive tonics will be very beneficial, when taken just before or after each meal. Muriate of ammonia and chlorate of potash are thought to exercise a healing and beneficial influence in all diseases of the mucous membranes lining the different organs of the body, and are found to be especially useful in irri- tation, congestion and inflammation of the lining surface of the bladder, and urinary passages. Either of these salts may be combined with chloride of iron, and used with great advantage, when continued for a period of several weeks or months. But no tonic course of treatment will do much good until the acidity of the urine has been been removed, and ferment- ation of the food has been arrested by careful regulation of the diet, and the use of alkalies or neutral salts. Local Treatment. The most successful local treatment will be a hip bath of cold water, night and morning, and the use of astringent injections. A hip bath tub, composed of zinc or tin, of sufficient size to sit down in, should be prepared for this purpose. Begin with the use of the bath for two or three minutes at first, and gradually increase the period of time to fifteen or twenty minutes, at night and in the morning. On coming out of the bath, wipe dry, and use moderate friction, or rubbing with a coarse towel. Much of the local irritation of the bladder and urethra, together with the wandering aches and pains through the loins, back, and genitals, which are so annoying to many persons, may be removed by the judicious and 458 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. persevering use of the hip bath, twice a day, and careful attention to the laws of hygiene ! But by far the most effective part of the treatment consists of the use of injections applied directly to the seat of the disease! When the lining surface of the vagina, or neck of the womb becomes ir- ritated, congested or inflamed, no intelligent physician at the present day thinks of curing them without applying washes directly to the seat of the disease, either by the use of the speculum in the hands of the surgeon, or by means of the vaginal syringe, seen in fig. 227. By means of the vagi- nal syringe and the injection of soothing tonic and astringent washes into the vagina, and the use of astringent, alterative and tonic medicines inter- nally, the most inveterate and long standing cases of Icucorrhcea may be cured in the female, and the same is true of the male, when afflicted with irritation, congestion or inflammation of the urethra, especially when aided by the judicious use of hygienic and tonic remedies. Injections should be used at bedtime, and after emptying the bladder, so that the injection may be retained a short time within the urethra before it is discharged. Quite a number of preparations may be used for this purpose, alum, chlorate of potash, borax, sulphate of copper, sulphate of zinc, tannin, glycerin, &c, may all of them be used under different con- ditions and circumstances. Much will depend upon the duration of the disease, the state of the urethra, whether the discharges depend upon irri- tation, congestion or inflammation ! If the parts are much inflamed and tender, chlorate of potash forms the best solution. If there is congestion with spasmodic stricture, &c, then alum or tannin will answer a better pur- pose, and when there is inflammation, nitrate of silver, or the sulphate of zinc is the best. The strength of these solutions must also depend upon the condition of the urethra, and the effects produced. They should be applied not oftener than onco in one or two weeks. At first, the irritation of the urethra will seem to be increased, rather than diminished, but this is only temporary, and lasts but for a short time. It may be allayed, if necessary, by the free use of demulcent drinks, such as flaxseed, or slip- pery elm bark tea, or barley water. To apply these washes properly, a suitable syringe will be required ; the one used by the Author is represented, much reduced in size, at fig. 218. Having prepared the injection for use, a small quantity of it is drawn up into the syringe, (a teaspoonful is sufficient, and quite as much as the ure- thra will contain.) Now oil the long pipe of the instrument, to facilitate its introduction, and then gently pass it down the cavity of the urethra as far as it will go, or nearly the whole length of the pipe, with the inside of the curve next the body; hold it steady, and force down the piston, and inject the contents of the syringe upon that part of the lining surface ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 459 of the urethra which is the seat of disease. If there is much irritation, the introduction of the pipe of the syringe will cause considerable smart- ing or burning pain, but this will rapidly disappear under treatment. As the irritation, congestion, aud inflammation of the urethra subsides, there will soon be no disagreeable feelings attending the introduction of the instrument, or the application of the wash. This treatment may be con- tinued until the mucous membrane becomes hard and tough, and loses all of its morbid irritability, and all traces of the disease have disappeared ! In this way the Author has cured hundreds and thousands of cases of ir- ritable urethra and spermatorrhoea, in many parts of the country, within the past thirty years! and he feels certain, that when honestly, judiciously, and perseveringly carried out, it will rarely, if ever, fail of effecting a cure ! He has dwelt at length, and with much emphasis, on this branch of the subject, for the reason that most of our cities and large country towns, are full of pestilent quacks, who know little or nothing of the true nature of this disease, and the appropriate and proper treatment, and who try to make up for deficiency of knowledge by specious pretension ; and having first frightened their credulous victims with false statements as to the na- ture and consequences of their disease, rob them of their money, and ruin their health ! The general plan pursued by these medical harpies, is first to assure their victims that insanity, idiocy, and death, will soon occur, unless speedily relieved, and when they have succeeded in exciting their terrors to the verge of frenzy and despair, they are ready to take advan- tage of their fears, offering to guarantee a sure and speedy cure for a large sum of money in advance ! Such a system of medical quackery and knavery is no better than highway robbery ! Under the specious garb and title of physician, they first alarm, and then rob and ruin their nume- rous victims ! There are several establishments in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati, called "Anatomical Museums," that are managed by alien Jews, with the chief object of defrauding and ruining the ignorant and unsuspecting of their money and health ! So many of their unfortunate victims have called the attention of the Author to their system of fraud and deception, that he feels compelled to warn young men to beware of them. Impotency. All of the organs of the body become gradually weaker and more feeble as old age advances. The stomach and organs of digestion and nutrition become weak and feeble, and are no longer able to digest food, 460 ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. and convert it into "blood, and this fluid becomes thin and impoverished, for want of a sufficient supply of nutriment. The skin becomes pale and transparent, the action of the heart is weak and feeble, the pulse small and irregular, with coldness of the hands and feet. The brain soon be- comes exhausted, for want of a sufficient supply of rich, pure blood, the nerves become weak, and finally, all of the functions of the body are man- ifested with difficulty. The functions of reproduction are among the first to be impaired by weakness of the organs of nutrition. Indigestion and imperfect nutrition may be caused by the use of unwholesome or indiges- tible food or drink, as shown in another part of this work. It may also be caused by the excessive use of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, or whiskey, and more especially, by the inordinate use of tobacco. No ha- bit more certainly causes premature decay, and loss of the sexual functions, than the excessive use of tobacco ! The Author could present a great number and variety of cases to illustrate and prove the truth of this as- sertion. Premature decay and loss of sexual power is also often produced by sexual excesses, more especially when indulged in early life ! As before mentioned, these excesses cause irritability of the urethra and prostate gland, the secretion and discharge of a white starchy fluid, weakness of the back, loins, &c, and if not cured results in impotency. Leucorrhosa on the part of the female, is frequently followed by similar results. Cure of Impotency. When the seminal organs have become exhausted, and there is partial or total impotence, with great debility, occurring prematurely, or early in life, this disease may generally be cured by appropriate hygiene, and med- ical remedies ! These consist of the use of plain, simple, easily digested, and nourishing food, the use of the hip bath night and morning, and a well regulated course of tonic remedies, such as the preparation of phos- phorus, quinine, iron, nux vomica, &c. These remedies must be varied, according to circumstances, such as the duration and the extent of the disease, the age of the person, &c. In some cases, one of these tonics will afford relief, when others fail. These remedies should be used in small doses, and for a considerable period of time, in order to exert their bene- ficial influence. Of course, it will be useless to trifle with tonic remedies, without first correcting the injurious habits or excesses which produced the disease. When impotency occurs from natural causes, or is the result of natural decay and old age, it will be useless to attempt a cure by the use of medical remedies. ABUSES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 461 NOTE. It has been the aim of the Author to describe the structure, nature and uses of all of the most important organs of the human body in plain and intelligible language, which all can easily understand, and also to explain and illustrate the best method of cultivating, strengthening and preserving their health. He has also explained the causes of many of the most com- mon diseases of the principal organs of the body, how to prevent, as well as cure them. Much more might often have been written did the limited space of a work of this kind permit. It will be understood that the Author has not exhausted the resources of hygiene or medicine in his advice, or the remedies which he has directed for the use of invalids, but he feels confident that what he has advised will often be found both useful and beneficial. When further information upon any subject relating to the best means of acquiring and preserving health is desired, a letter addressed to the author, giving a full and careful statement of the case, will receive prompt attention, and an early reply. All letters upon such subjects should con- tain the name, residence, town, county and state carefully written, with a postage stamp, enclosed for return postage, and be addressed to Dr. C. W. G-leason, No. 1007 Arch Street, Philadelphia. 30 462 DIET FOR INVALIDS. DIET FOR INVALIDS. In all acute, inflammatory and febrile diseases, the diet must be carefully regulated. In some instances, entire abstinence for one or two days may be required, especially at the commencement of fevers, accompanied with much derangement of the organs of digestion ; under such circumstances, the thirst may be assuaged by the use of whey, or water slightly acidulated with currant jelly, or raspberry vinegar, or apple water, or a light infusion of carscarilla, slightly acidulated with a small quantity of muriatic acid. Bread Tea. Toast a slice of good, light, well baked, stale wheat bread thoroughly. Put it in a pint bowl, and cover it with boiling water. Let it stand for an hour. Cool it with ice, and use when required. Oatmeal Gruel. Sprinkle a tablespoonful of good sweet oatmeal in a pint of boiling water, while stirring it briskly. Cook half an hour, and let it stand an hour and settle. Pour off the thin upper portion, and use as required. Barley Water. Soak a tablespoonful of pearl barley in a pint of cold water an hour; pour off the water, and put it in a pint of boiling water. Cook half an hour, and use when required. Rice Water. Soak a tablespoonful of clean rice in a cup of water an hour, then pour off, and boil in a pint of water half an hour. Use as required. All of these fluids should be kept well covered in a cool place, and pre- pared fresh as often as once in twenty-four hours. Demulcent Drinks. Put a pinch of isinglass, or a spoonful of flaxseed, or quinceseed, or slippery elm bark in a pint of warm water, allow it to stand thirty minutes, then pour off, and use as required. Useful in colds, catarrhs, diseases of the throat, air passages, stomach, kidneys, &c. Wine Whey. Boil half a point of sweet new milk, and add one or two wineglasses of sherry wine, strain through a sieve. Useful in great debility, after the inflammatory action has subsided. diet for invalids. 463 Beef Tea. Cut up one pound of the best lean beef, very fine, and put it in half a pint of cold water, in a bowl, stir it frequently, and allow it to stand and soak four hours. Do not boil it, but allow it to simmer for two hours in- a cohered sauce pan. Strain through a sieve, and use it as required in great debility, after the subsidence of acute disease. Milk and Lime Water. Boil two cupsful of sweet milk, and add one cupful of lime water. Use as required in many diseases accompanied with acidity and flatulency, with irritability of the stomach, &c. Barley Broth. Take half a chicken, or a small piece of lamb or mutton, remove the skin and fat, crack the bones, and cut the meat fine, put this in a pint of cool water. Do not boil, but simmer for an hour, then add two tablespoons- ful of pearl barley. Cook an hour, pour off, and use the thin part as re- quired. 464 FORMULAE. PORIULH. The following are a few of the most useful remedies used by many of the most distinguished modern authors and physicians, for the treatment of diseases of the organs of digestion, the heart, lungs, brain, nerves, liver, skin, kidneys, bladder, eye, ear, nose, throat, diseases of women, &c. These remedies, as well as many others prepared only by the author, and used in his extensive practice for the last twenty years, are designed prin- cipally for the treatment of chronic diseases. They will be prepared to order from carefully selected drugs, of known purity and reliability, and carefully packed, with circulars containing full directions for use, with rules and regulations of diet, exercise, bathing, clothing, &c, and sent to all parts of the country by express, marked C. 0. D. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS OF DIGESTION. Diseases of the Mouth. R. Borax, one drachm ; Honey, one drachm ; Myrrh, two drachms ; Water, eight ounces. Mix. Use as a mouth wash. Sore Throat. R. Chlorate of Potash, two drachms ; Warm Water, one pint ; Spirit of Chloro- form, twenty drops. Mix. Draw up through the nose, and bring it down out of the mouth. Diphtheria. R. Muriated Tincture of Iron, one ounce ; Chlorate of Potash, four drachms ; Syrup of Orange, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful every two or three hours, for a child over two or three years old. Indigestion. R. Bi Carbonate of Soda, one ounce ; Carbonate of Ammonia, two drachms ; Mint Water, one pint. Mix. Take a tablespoonful three times a day. In Flatulency, Acidity, Heartburn, &c. R. Sulphate of Quinia, one drachm ; Strychnia, three grains ; Citric Acid, two drachms. Mix and pulverize, and add Water, one pint. Take a teaspoon- ful after eating. Constipation. R. Compound Rhubarb Pill, two drachms ; Extract of Hyosciamus, one drachm ; Extract of Nux Vomica, twenty grains. Mix. Divide into sixty pills. Take one at night, and in the morning if required. FORMULA. 465 DlARRHCEA AND DYSENTERY. B. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid, Compound Spirits of Lavender, and Tincture of Opium, of each one ounce. Mix. Take a teaspoonful in a wineglassful of water, after each stool, three or four times a day. Cholera. B. Chloroform, Laudanum, Spirits of Camphor, and Aromatic Spirits of Ammo- nia, of each, three drachms ; Creasote, six drops ; Oil of Cinnamon, twenty drops ; Alcohol, four drachms. Mix. Take ten to thirty drops, in water. Chronic Inflammation of the Liver. B. Compound Extract of Colocynth, and Blue Pill, of each, twenty grains; Pulv. Ipecac, two grains. Mix. Divide into ten pills. Take two every other night, followed by a dessertspoonful of Bochelle Salts next morning. DISEASES OF THE HEART. B. Bromide of Potash, four drachms ; Tincture of Digitalis, two drachms ; Comp. Tincture of Cinchona, four ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three or four times a day in water. In Nervous Palpitation of the Heart. B. Tincture of Aconite, one drachm. Take one drop, three times a day. In Enlargement of the Heart. B. Pulv. Digitalis, ten grains ; Quinine, ten grains ; Extract of Belladonna, two grains. Mix. Divide into forty pills. Take one three times a day. In Dilation of the Heart, with Irregular and Feeble Pulse. Also, apply a Bella- donna Plaster over the Heart. DISEASES OF THE ORQANS OF RESPIRATION. Catarrh. R. Tincture of Opium, one ounce ; Tincture of Benzoine, one ounoe ; Diluted Al- cohol, six ounces. Mix. Fill an inhaling bottle half full, and inhale three times a day, through the Nose . B. Citrine Ointment, one drachm ; Extract of Belladonna, ten grains, Lard, one ounce. Mix. Apply a little to the inside of the Nose, on a camel's hair brush, at bedtime. B. Iodine, six grains ; Iodide of Potash, ten grains ; Water, one pint. Mix. Inject a syringeful up into the Nose, behind the Palate. Laryngitis. B. Muriate of Ammonia, one ounce ; Water, one pint ; Spirit of Chloroform, two drachms. Mix, Put a tablespoonful in an inhaling bottle, fill half full of warm water. Inhale ten minutes. In Inflammation of the Larynx. B. Tincture of Iodine, twenty drops ; Spirit of Chloroform, ten drops ; Warm Water, three ounces. Mix. Inhale. In Inflammation of the Larynx, with Loss of the Voice. 4:66 FORMULAE. R. Ointment of Red Iodide of Mercury, one ounce. Apply a little to the skin over the Larynx, at bedtime. In Chronic Inflammation of the Larynx, with Loss of Voice. Asthma. R. Tincture of Lobelia, one ounce ; Tincture of Belladonna, one ounce ; Tincture of Tolu, one ounce ; Chloroform, one drachm ; Diluted Alcohol, four ounces Mix. Fill an inhaling bottle half full, and inhale. R. Extract of Cannabis Indicse, ten grains. ; Oxide of Zinc, twenty-five grains ; Quinine, ten grains. Mix. Divide into twenty pills. Take one two or three times a day. Acute Bronchitis. R. Salt, one teaspoonful ; Tincture of Opium, thirty drops ; Warm Water, two ounces. Mix. Inhale ten minutes, at the commencement of an attack. R. Syrup of Tolu, two ounces ; Tincture of Lobelia, one ounce ; Elixir Paregoric, one ounce. Mix. Shake up and take a teaspoonful every three hours. R. Sulphate of Quinine, twenty grains ; Sulphate of Zinc, sixty grains ; Aromatic Sulphuric Acid, four drachms ; Syrup of Tolu, four ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three or four times a day, to diminish excessive expectoration • and night sweats. Chronic Bronchitis. R. Spirits of Turpentine, three ounces ; Acetic Acid, one drachm ; Oil of Lemons, one drachm ; Olive Oil, three ounces. Mix. Shake up, and rub it well into the skin over the Chest and Throat, night and morning. R. Muriate of Ammonia, one ounce ; Chlorate of Potash, two drachms ; Syrup of Wild Cherry, one pint. Mix. Take a dessertspoonful three or four times a day R. Iodine, twenty grains ; Chloroform, one ounce ; Tincture of Tolu, one ounce ; Alcohol, six ounces. Mix. Fill an inhaling bottle half full, inhale the vapor five or ten minutes, three times a day. R. Fluid Carbolic Acid, five to ten drops ; Warm Water, three ounces. Mix. Inhale three or four times a day, when the expectoration is offensive. R. Fluid Carbolic Acid, one drachm ; Tincture of Conium, two ounces ; Tinct- ure of Tolu, one ounce ; Diluted Alcohol, five ounces. Mix. Fill the inhaling bottle half full of warm water, and add a tablespoonful. Inhale several times a day. Consumption. R. Iodine, thirty grains ; Calomel, eight grains ; Alcohol, one drachm ; Simple Cerate, one ounce. Mix. Rub it over the affected Lung until it causes an eruption. R, Oxide of Zinc, one drachm; Extract of Conium, thirty grains. Mix. Divide into thirty pills. Take one three times a day, to arrest profuse Night Sweats, Chronic Diarrhoea, &c. FORMULA. 467 K. Syrup of Lacto-phospha.te of Lime, eight ounces. Take a teaspoonful three times a day. R. Muriated Tincture of iron, one ounce ; Quinine, sixty grains ; Syrup of Orange, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day. DISEASES OF THE BRAIN AND NERYES. Insomnia, or Sleeplessness. R. Bromide of Potash, one ounce ; Extract of Hops, two drachms ; "Water, eight ounces. Mix. Take a tablespoonful half an hour before eating the last meal, and at bedtime. Headache. R. Oxide of Zinc, one drachm ; Confection of Roses, q. s. Mix, and divide into twenty pills. Take one three times a day, after eating. R. Quinine, one drachm ; Citric Acid, one drachm ; Water, one pint. Mix. Then add Fowler's Solution, one ounce. Take a teaspoonful after eating, three times a day. R. Comp'd Tincture of Cinchona, five ounces; Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, three ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day, after eating, in water. In Headache, with Flatulency. R. Tincture of Nux Vomica, one ounce. Take five drops in water after each meal. In Headache, with Flatulency. Delirium Tremens. R. Oxide of Zinc, thirty grains; Confection of Roses, q. s. Mix. Divide into ten pills. Take one three times a day. R. Tincture of Digitalis, two ounces. Take thirty drops in a wineglassful of water. Repeat this dose, if not relieved at the end of four hours. Epilepsy. R. Iodide of Potash, two drachms ; Bromide of Potash, two drachms ; Bromide of Ammonia, one drachm ; Bi Carbonate of Potash, two drachms ; Water, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful before each meal, and two tablespoons' ful at bedtime, in water. Chorea. R. Sulphate of Quinia, one drachm ; and Citric Acid, one drachm ; Water, one pint. Mix. Add Fowler's Solution, one ounce. Take one or two tea- spoonsful after each meal, in water. R. Fluid Extract of Cimicifuga, one ounce. Take twenty drops three times a day, in a little water. Neuralgia. R. Extract of Belladonna, ten grains ; Camphor, two drachms ; Extract of Acon- ite, ten grains ; Sulphate of Morphine, two grains ; Arsenious Acid ; one grain ; Sulphate of Quinine, thirty grains. Mix. Divide into forty pills. Take one three times a day. 468 FORMULAE. R. Sulphate of Atropia, thirty grains ; Sulphate of Morphia, one drachm ; Acon- ite, six grains ; Diluted Sulphuric Acid, twenty drops ; Alcohol, two ounces; Olive Oil, one pint. Mix. Shake up, and apply to the skin over the seat of pain. Sciatica. R. Oil of Turpentine, one ounce ; Honey, eight ounces. Mix. Shake up > and take a tablespoonful night and morning. R. Belladonna Plaster. Apply to the skin over the seat of pain. In Sciatica and Neuralgia. R. Extract of Hyosciamus, forty grains ; Oxide of Zinc, forty grains. Divide into forty pills. Take one morning and evening, and increase to twenty or thirty of them daily. In Facial Neuralgia. DISEASES OF THE BLOOD. Rheumatism. R. Bi Carbonate of Potash, twelve drachms ; Iodide of Potash, four drachms ; "Water, two pints. Mix. Take a tablespoonful three or four times a day in water. R. Fowler's Solution, one ounce ; Iodide of Potash, one ounce ; Simple Syrup, one Pint. Mix, and dissolve. Take a teaspoon ml three times a day. In Articular Rheumatism of the small Joints. GrOUT. R. Bi Carb. of Potash, one ounce ; Wine of Colchicum, three ounces ; Sulphate of Morphine, ten grains ; Water, one pint. Mix. Shake up, and take one or two teaspoonsful three or four times a day. Chills and Fever. R. Comp'd Tincture of Cinchona, eight ounces ; Quinine, thirty grains ; Aro- matic Sulphuric Acid, one ounce. Mix. Take a teaspoonful in water, before each meal, three times a day. Anemia R. Muriatic Acid, one to two ounces ; Warm Water, thirty gallons. Mix in a wooden tub, and remain in it ten to twenty minutes. R. Phosphate of Iron, four drachms , Quinine, thirty grains ; Citric Acid, one drachm ; Syrup of Orange, eight ounces ; Wine, eight ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day. R. Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one ounce ; Quinine, thirty grains ; Syrup of Orange, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day in water. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. Erythema. R. Lead Water, Glycerin, of each one drachm ; Simple Cerate, one ounce. Mix. Apply night and morning. FORMULA. 469 Chilblains. E. Oil of Turpentine, Tincture of Belladonna, Soap Liniment, of each one ounce. Mix. Apply. Urticaria, or Nettle Rash. E. Liquor of Arsenate of Potash, three drachms ; Liquor of Potash, four drachms ; Tincture of Cardamon, five ounces. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day in water. E. Warm Bath. Use for ten to twenty minutes, will afford almost instant relie£ Lichen, or Prickly Heat. E. Arsenate of Soda, one grain ; Water eight ounces. Take a teaspoonful once or twice a day, and use an alkaline bath. Prurigo. E. Arsenate of Iron, three grains ; Extract of Lupuline, one drachm ; Powder of Althese, thirty grains ; Orange Water, q. s. Mix.. Divide into sixty pills. Take one or two daily. E. Pyroligneous Oil of Juniper, Alcohol, of each, one ounce ; Water, six ounces. Mix. Apply to allay itching, &c E. Hyposulphate of Soda, two drachms ; Glycerin, two ounces ; Water, six ounces. Mix. Useful in Pruritus of the. Vagina. Eczema, or Moist Tetter. E. Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one ounce ; Liquor of Arsenate of Potash, one drachm ; Corrosive Sublimate, three grains. Mix. Take twenty drops in a wineglassful of sweetened water E. Carbonate of Potash, one drachm ; Water, one pint. Mix. Wash the parts with this, and keep them constantly wet with this lotion, until the inflam- mation subsides. E. Oil of Cade, one drachm ; Glycerin, one ounce ; Starch, two drachms. Mix. Cook to the consistence of an ointment. Apply twice a day. Herpes, or Ringworm. E. Carbolic Acid, two drachms ; Glycerin, one ounce ; Rose Water, eight ounces. Mix. Apply to " Ringworm." DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. DlABETIS. E. Opium, ten grains. Divide into ten pills. Take one at night. E. Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one ounce ; Strychnia, three grains ; Simple Syrup, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful in a wineglassful of water. 470 FORMULA. Eright's Disease. R, Tincture of Chloride of Iron, one ounce ; Acetic Acid, one drachm. Mix and add, Liquor of Acetate of Ammonia, ten ounces ; Syrup of Orange, six ounces. Take a teaspoonful three times a day, in water. GrRAVEL. E. Fluid Extract of Hydrangea, eight ounces. Take a teaspoonful in water, three times a day. Dropsy. E. Powdered Squills, twenty grains ; Powdered Digitalis, ten grains ; Blue Pill, forty grains. Mix. Divide into twenty pills. Take one pill two or three times a day, E. Acetate of Potash, twenty grains ; Spirits of Nitric Ether, thirty drops ; De- coction of Juniper Berries, two ounces. Mix. To be given with each dose of the above pills. E. Blue Ointment, Belladonna Ointment, of each one ounce. Mix. Apply over the Abdomen. This is very successful in Dropsy depending on Cirrhosis of the Liver. DISEASES OF THE EYE. Catarrhal Ophthalmia. E. Alum, five grains ; water, one ounce. Mix. After bathing the eyes with a teaspoonful of fine salt in a teacupful of tepid water, for ten minutes, three times a day, open the lids, and pour in a few drops of this lotion. In sim- ple Conjunctivitis. E. Alum, three grains ; Sulphate of Zinc, one grain ; Water, one ounce. Mix. Use as a lotion when the disease becomes chronic, and is of long standing. In Chronic Conjunctivitis. H. Fresh Ointment of Nitrate of Mercury, one drachm ; Benzoated Lard, four drachms. Mix. Anoint the edges of the lids at night, after using the lotion. In Chronic Inflammation. M. Powdered Opium, two grains ; Corrosive Sublimate, one-eighth grain ; Water, one ounce. Mix. Cleanse the eyes often with the alum wash, then open and drop a few drops into the eyes. In Purulent Ophthalmia of Infants. Do this every hour, and keep the eyes clean by the use of a syringe to remove the matter beneath the lids. Iritis. E. Atropia Sulphatis, three grains ; Water, one ounce. Mix. Drop a few drops of this into the eye every hour, until the pupil is dilated, and then three times a day. In all cases of deep seated Inflammation of the Iris, with great pain, &c. FORMULAS. 471 DISEASES OF THE EAR. Otitis Externa. E. Nitrate of Silver, five grains ; Water, one ounce. Mix. Apply with a cam- el's hair brush to the inside of the Auditory Canal. E. Carbolic Acid, ten drops ; Glycerin, two ounces. Mix. Cleanse out the Ear with warm soap and water, two or three times a day, and then wipe dry, and drop a few drops into the Ears. In Otorrhcea, with offensive discharges. E. Ointment of Eed Iodide of Mercury, one ounce. Apply a little behind the Ears, once or twice a week. In old long standing cases of Otorrhcea. E. Chloroform, four drachms ; Laudanum, four drachms. Mix. Wet some cot- ton, and apply around the Ear, and cover with a bandage. In Otalgia, or Earache. DISEASES OF WOMEN. Suppression. E. Apiol, two drachms. Divide into thirty pills. Take one three or four times a day. Uterine Hemorrhage. E. Ammonio Ferric Alum, one ounce ; Syrup of Cinnamon, one pint. Mix. Take from a tea to a tablespoonfal three times a day in water. E. Alum, two drachms ; Water, one pint. Mix. Use as an injection with a good vaginal syringe with a shield, three times a day, and retain it ten minutes. Painful Menstruation. E. Camphor, one hundred and fifty grains ; Extract of Belladonna, thirty grains : Quinine, thirty grains. Mix. Divide into eighty pills. Take one every four hours until relieved. E. Salt, one tablespoonful ; Warm Water, one pint. Mix. Inject a syringeful every hour, and retain it for five minutes with the shield of the syringe. E. Belladonna Plaster. Apply to the lower part of the spine, between the hips. Uterine Catarrh. E. Fluid Extract of Ergot two drachms: S^rup of Orange, one pint. Mix. Take from a tea to a tablespoonful three times a day. E. Iron Alum, one ounce ; Syrup of Cinnamon, one pint. Mix. Take from a tea to a tablespoonful three times a day. B. Persulphate of Iron, one drachm ; Warm Water, one pint ; Tinct. of Opium, two drachms. Mix. Inject a syringeful three times a day, and retain it ten minutes. ^72 formulae. Ulceration op the Mouth and Neck op the Womb. B. Carbolic Acid, two drachms ; Borax, one drachm ; Water, one pint. Mix. Inject a syringeful, with a good vaginal syringe, with a shield, and retain it ten minutes, three times a day. In old chronic cases of long standing, apply one part of Carbolic Acid, and two parts of Glycerin, on a little cotton through a Speculum, and remove it next day. Ovarian Neuralgia. E. Muriate of Ammonia, four drachms ; Tincture of Aconite, four drachms ; Syrup of Orange, one pint. Mix. Take a teaspoonful three times a day in water. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. Thrush. B. Borax, one drachm ; Glycerin, one ounce. Apply with a camel's hair brush four or five times a day. Sore Mouth. E. Chlorate of Potash, one drachm ; Honey, four drachms ; Water, two ounces. Mix. Apply some of this wash several times a day. Ulcerated Sore Mouth or Throat. B. Sulphate of Copper, two drachms ; Powdered Peruvian Bark, foul drachms ; Water, four ounces. Apply twice a day carefully Croup. E. Turpeth Mineral, three to five grains. Taken immediately at the commence- ment of the attack. If it does not vomit in fifteen minutes, give a second dose. Infantile Dtarrhcea. E. Tincture of Opium, twelve drops ; Chalk Mixture, two ounces. Mix. Shake up and take a teaspoonful every two hours. Incontinence of Urine. B, Chloral Hydrate, two drachms; Syrup of Tolu, two ounces; Watea*, two ounce3. Mix. Take a tabiespoonful at bed time. APPENDIX ANTIDOTES FOR POISONS, ETC. Opium. When an over-dose of Opium, or any other narcotic poison, has been taken or given by mistake, if the person can swallow, give an emetic ; a table-spoonful of Mustard, half a tea-spoonful of powdered Ipecacuanha, or twenty grains of Sul- phate of Zinc, mixed or dissolved in a large cupful of warm water. Repeat the dose in half an hour, if it does not produce free vomiting. As soon as vomiting has been insured, then give twenty drops of Tincture of Belladonna every hour, as the best antidote for Opium poisoning. Strong coffee has been recommended as an old remedy. If able, keep the person walking about ; dash cold water over the surface and use friction. In cases of poisoning from Belladonna or from Stramonium (Jamestown Weed), after an emetic, Opium is the proper antidote. Arsenic. Hydrated Peroxide of Iron, made by mixing Tincture of Chloride of Iron and Aqua Ammonia, is the proper remedy. Give the deposit formed by mixing these two remedies promptly and freely. For poisoning from the use of Tartar Emetic, use an infusion of Oak Bark or Tannin ; Sugar of Lead, use Sulphate of Magnesia ; Sulphate of Iron, " Green Vitriol," Sulphate of Zinc, " White Vitriol," use Carbonate of Soda ; Nitrate of Silver, use common salt ; Iodine, use starch ; Corrosive Sublimate, white of eggs. Acid Poisons. Sulphuric, Muriatic, and Nitric Acids may be best neutralized by the free use of Carbonate of Soda or Potash, and Oxalic Acid by the free use of lime-water. Alkaline Poisons. Caustic Potash or Soda, strong Solution of Ammonia, Lime, and Alkaline Earths. When poisoned by any of these Alkaline substances use lemon juice or strong vinegar. Any oil will also unite with them, forming soap, and act as an antidote. All antidotes, to prove effectual, must be used promptly and freely. Delay will not only be dangerous, but often fatal. Snake Bites. When bitten by any venomous animal or insect, suck the parts quickly with the mouth; then wash thoroughly with hot water. Cauterize or burn the wound with Caustic of Potash, or wash with Aqua Ammonia. When poisonous effects manifest themselves, use whiskey very freely, more especially when bitten by venomous snakes ; intoxication not being produced on account of the counter- acting effects of the animal poison. Poison Vine. Poison vine, poison ivy, a species of swamp sumach, etc., will, by contact in some persons, cause inflammation and a severe vesicular eruption, especially 473 474 APPENDIX. upon the hands and face, and sometimes upon the lower limbs, genitals, etc., which is promptly relieved and speedily cured by washing with a strong tea or the fluid Extract of Serpentaria. Bite of Mad Dog. When bitten by a mad dog, or one even suspected of madness, since it is well established that the bite of an enraged dog will cause Hydrophobia, apply a ligature round the limb above the wound to arrest the circulation, and then freely excise the bite, cutting away all and even a little more than the injured parts. When this cannot be done, burn freely with Lunar Caustic. This treatment should not be neglected, even if several days have elapsed since the reception of the injury. To quiet the spasm, after the disease has been fully developed, Chloroform is the best remedy. Apparent Death. When animation, breathing, and the usual evidences of life have been sus- pended by drowning, lightning, sun-stroke, and other accidental injuries, place the person upon his back, and to excite artificial respiration extend the arms fully backward and outward ; then place a firm roll of clothing across the middle of the spine, beneath the spinal ends of the short ribs, to throw their anterior ends forward. The tongue being held forward by an assistant, the operator, facing the patient, kneels astride his abdomen, and places both hands so that the balls of the thumbs rest upon the anterior margin of the false ribs, the four fingers falling naturally into the four corresponding intercostal spaces on each side. The elbows of the operator being then planted against his sides, he has but to throw himself forward, using his knees as a pivot, and the entire weight of his trunk is brought to bear upon the patient's false ribs. If, at the same time, the fingers of the operator grasp and squeeze the false ribs toward each other, these combined actions crowd the false ribs upward and inward, producing the greatest possible motion of the diaphragm and displacement of the contents of the pul- monary air-cells. The operator then suddenly lets go, and returns to the erect position on his knees, when both the inrush of air and the natural elasticity of the ribs at this part cause instant return to their normal position. This, re- peated with proper rhythm and frequency, constitutes the entire process. As soon as breathing and other indications of life manifest themselves, with ability to swallow, give stimulants, such as Carbonate of Ammonia or whiskey and water. Worms. There are some thirty different varieties of worms which inhabit different parts of the body of man, among which tape worm is perhaps the most important. Tape Worm. The only direct proof of the existence of tape worm in the intestinal canal is the discovery of fragments of it in the stool ; all other symptoms are fallacious. It is a common impression that it is never destroyed until the head comes away, and that if the head comes away all other parts of the body will disappear. This is not exactly true ; more than one may exist in the same person. Treatment — Various remedies have been proposed: eating pumpkin seeds on an empty stomach is often effective, and so of the extract of male fern; but the author has APPENDIX. 475 most always succeeded when all other remedies have failed, by the use of oil of turpentine in half ounce and ounce doses, combined with an equal quantity of Gum Arabic emulsion and simple syrup. This will generally purge sufficient to expel the worm. Bound Worms. These are the most common of all worms in the alimentary canal, and chiefly inhabit the cavity of the small intestine, but may get into the stomach and some- times be vomited up. It is from five to fifteen inches in length, light brown color, and tapering at both ends. Considerable numbers may exist in the intestinal canal. The only absolute proof of their existence is their expulsion in vomiting, or by the evacuation. Signs of stomach and intestinal irritation usually attend their presence. Indigestion, fits, convulsions, may often be produced by their presence. When their presence is strongly suspected, an infusion of Senna and Spigelia, half an ounce of each to a pint of water, is the best remedy. Of this an adult may take a wine-glassful before breakfast. For a child, give half a grain of Santonine twice a day. Seat Worms. These worms are about one twelfth of an inch long, and are found in the rectum, generally of children, and sometimes in adults in considerable numbers. They cause much itching and other nervous irritation. Treatment — Nothing is equal to suppositories made of Santonine, three grains each, with cacao butter, one of which should be introduced into the rectum at bedtime. Vertigo Often indicates disease of the brain or some disturbance of the cerebral circu- lation, and is often an important symptom. In persons who are fleshy and of full habit, whose heads are hot, and whose arteries pulsate with undue force, saline purgatives and a spare diet, blisters behind the ears, etc., will be useful ; while in others who are debilitated a contrary course must be pursued, such as nourishing diet, and good tonics, such as the preparation of Iron and Quinine. Fainting. When fainting occurs and the blood stops circulating, the symptoms are always alarming, and the condition dangerous. Always place the person quickly in the reclining position, loosing the clothing especially round the chest, and give stimulants and anti-spasmodics, such as the following : Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, Hoffman's Anodyne, of each one ounce. Dose — A tea-spoonful in a wine-glassful of water. Keep the recumbent position until fully recovered. Children's Fits. Spasms, fits and convulsions may often be caused in infancy by teething, the use of indigestible food, worms, colds, etc. Warm baths, friction of the skin, followed by stimulants and anti-spasmodics, will be the most effective remedies. Give ten or fifteen drops of Camphorated Elixir of Opium. When unwholesome food has been eaten, it should be removed by a dose of Castor Oil. Apoplexy. There are two principal varieties of apoplexy, one of which is caused by congestion of the brain, and the other by rupture of the bloodvessels of the 476 APPENDIX. brain. This grave disease is usually preceded by flushed face, heat of head, throbbing arteries in the neck, constipation, languor, dulness, vertigo, head- ache, etc. The attack is marked by sudden stupor, red, turgid face and snoring respiration. In the hemorrhagic variety, caused by the rupture of a bloodvessel of the brain, the attack is sudden — literally, a " stroke." Apoplexy is often followed by paralysis. Treatment — The younger the persons attacked, the greater will be the probability of recovery. Great delicacy and judgment will be required in treating this disease. "When the person is fleshy and of full habit, with a full, strong pulse, bleeding is useful. Raise the head and apply cooling applications. Apply Mustard Plasters to the legs, back, and abdomen, and use laxative injections of soap and warm water into the rectum, followed after the attack by saline pur- gatives, such as Epsom Salts, Cream of Tartar and Jalap, etc. Cholera Infantum. This disease is commonly known as " summer complaint," and is very destruc- tive .to young children in large cities. Its most prominent symptoms are diar- rhoea, vomiting, rejection of food, languor and debility. At first, the head is hot and the abdomen tender and swollen, but, as the disease advances, there is coldness and great emaciation. Treatment — At the commencement of the attack give small doses of Murcury with Chalk, followed by Spiced Syrup of Ehubarb, as a corrective. A Spiced Poultice should be applied over the abdomen, and kept wet with brandy as long as vomiting continues. The food should be lime-water and milk, arrow-root, farina, chicken-broth, beef-tea, etc. After the first stage has passed, the principal difficulty will be to check the diarrhoea and overcome the rejection of food. For this purpose astringents may now be used, such as Black- berry-root, Geranium, etc., and in serious cases, small doses of Elixir Paregoric, or injections of Starch, containing two or three drops of Laudanum. Cholera Morbus. This disease is attended with nausea and vomiting of greenish or yellowish fluids, with all food and drink, and is usually, but not always, attended with pain in the stomach and bowels, diarrhoea with yellowish stools, coldness of the skin and extremities, etc. If neglected or improperly treated, the disease becomes aggravated, followed by severe cramps in the limbs, watery stools, prostration, cold- ness, collapse and death. Treatment — Place a large Mustard Plaster over the abdomen and give the following : Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, one drachm ; Magnesia, one drachm ; Peppermint Water, four ounces ; mix, shake up, and take a tea-spoonful every twenty minutes. If there is much purging, add half an ounce of Paregoric to this mixture. When there is extreme prostration and danger of collapse, use brandy internally, and give an injection of Starch contain- ing forty to sixty drops of Laudanum. Cramp Colic. This disease resembles Cholera Morbus in some respects, only there is no purg- ing and vomiting. It is attended with severe spasmodic pains in the stomach and abdomen, with flatulency, and is usually caused by the use of indigestible food. Treatment — Apply a Mustard or Spiced Plaster over the abdomen, and give the following internally : Chloroform, Laudanum, Tincture of Capsicum and Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, of each half an ounce ; mix. Dose — a tea-spoonfuL APPENDIX. 477 Cholera. This disease is usually preceded by premonitory diarrhoea, lasting from one to several days. The diarrhoea is at first painless, but soon increases in frequency and copiousness, and vomiting commences. The discharges are colorless and resemble " rice-water" and are discharged with much spasmodic force ; the skin soon becomes cold, and great debility comes on with severe cramps in all the limbs. If not checked or relieved, the stage of collapse comes on, with intense thirst, difficult breathing, loss of voice, suppression of urine, blue, shrunken skin, ending in death. Treatment — The author has the utmost confidence in the treat- ment by anti-spasmodics and mild stimulants in small doses, as follows : Chloro- form, Tincture of Opium, Spirits of Camphor, Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, of each a drachm and a half; Creosote, three drops ; Oil of Cinnamon, eight drops ; Brandy, two drachms ; mix. Dissolve a tea-spoonful of this in a wine-glassful of ice-water, and give of that two tea-spoonfuls every five minutes, followed by a small piece of ice. Barley water or rice-water may be used for drink, and a table- spoonful of brandy every hour. Friction of the limbs with Tincture of Ked Pepper, with Mustard Plasters to the stomach, will be useful. Colds. When exposed to the influence of damp air, sudden changes of temperature, etc., the skin becomes chilled, and the blood is driven from the outside surface to the deeper-seated organs of the body, causing congestion of the mucous membranes lining the air tube and digestive canal, followed by chills, suppressed perspiration, aches and pains in the bones and back, with slight fever, the disease is termed a common cold. Treatment — This disease is best treated by a warm bath at bed- time and ten grains of Dover's Powder, with a free use of warm drinks. Remain in bed until fully recovered. Coughs. When neglected or improperly treated, a common cold may terminate in inflammation of the throat and air tube, followed by hoarseness, cough, etc. Treatment — Dress warm, avoid exposure to heats and colds, and take the follow- ing : Syrup of Tolu, two ounces ; Tincture of Lobelia, one ounce ; Elixir Pare- goric, one ounce ; mix and take a tea-spoonful three or four times a day. Pleurisy. When, after a chill, severe pain in the side, with short, rapid breathing, cough, and fever set in, a person is said to suffer with pleurisy. The pain usually centres below the breasts, on either or both sides, and is often intense, and is much increased by coughing, long breathing, pressure, as by lying on the dis- eased side. Treatment — In young and vigorous persons, bleeding will be useful the first, second, or third day after the commencement of the attack, followed by a free purge with Jalap and Cream of Tartar. This may be followed by small doses of Tartar Emetic, one-eighth of a grain to one-half a grain of Opium, every two or three hours. As soon as the fever and heat of the skin has abated, apply a large blister to the seat of the disease. Measles. Measles commence with all of the ordinary indications of a slight cold, such as running at the nose, red, watery eyes, and a cough. About the fourth day 31 478 APPENDIX. after the commencement of the attack, the rash begins on the face and extends over the body and limbs. By the seventh day, the rash begins to fade and the fever declines. Treatment — Begin with a dose of Citrate of Magnesia to open the bowels, and follow with Syrup of Ipecacuanha. For a drink, use flaxseed and lemonade. If there is much cough, use Syrup of Squills. Mumps. In this disease the parotid gland swells, becomes hot and painful, causing in~ convenience in swallowing. There is not much fever, but a general feeling of restlessness. The attack lasts about one week, and one or both glands may be affected, and the disease is contagious. Treatment — Take warm bath and go to bed, and cover up warm, to avoid taking cold and the danger of metastasis to other organs ; take a mild laxative, such as Citrate of Magnesia, and apply a poultice of flaxseed meal. The inflamed gland may also be bathed night and morning with volatile liniment. Small-Pox. This disease is usually ushered in by languor, headache, vomiting, pain in back, followed by fever. On the third day, small red pimples begin to show themselves on the face, then on the neck and arms, body and lower limbs ; these pimples grow larger, and become vesicles filled with fluid ; then pustules filled with yellow matter, perfecting themselves by the ninth day, when they flatten and form scabs. By the fourteenth day these scabs begin to fall. The severity of the disease depends on the amount of the eruption. Treatment — Give a cool- ing laxative, such as Citrate of Magnesia, to allay the fever, followed by cooling drinks, such as the neutral mixture, weak lemonade, etc. This disease is self- limited and cannot be " cut short." As the disease advances the tendency to exhaustion becomes prominent ; support the strength by the use of milk, mutton- broth, beef-tea, etc. Wine, whey, brandy, and milk is often required during the second and third weeks ; and, in malignant cases, during the first week, with one or two grains of Quinine every three or four hours. Fevers. In all cases of fever, of every variety or form, attended with increased heat of the skin and accelerated pulse, pain in the head, backache, chilly sensations, etc., take a warm bath and then go to bed, as the best means of lowering the temperature of the body, equalizing the circulation, and diminishing the febrile excitement. Eest in the recumbent position quickly diminishes the action of the heart and rapidly diminishes fever ; and it is impossible to over-estimate the importance of going to bed at once, in the very commencement of all fevers. To cleanse and empty the stomach and intestinal canal, take a little Citrate of Magnesia or a dose of Rochelle Salts ; eat oatmeal gruel and remain quiet in bed. With this simple treatment at the very commencement, most colds and fevers would be " cut short " or broken up in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours ; but when neglected or improperly treated, eating unwholesome food, sitting up or walking about, the disease finally fastens upon important organs, and is often greatly prolonged and life endangered. appendix. 479 Bilious Fever. This disease commences with headache, nausea and a furred tongue, followed by a chill lasting half an hour ; soon the skin becomes hot, dry and harsh ; the pulse rises to 110 or 115 in a minute ; face- flushed, throbbing headache, violent pains in the back, sickness at the stomach, nausea, and vomiting bilious matter, bowels costive, and, when moved, stools bilious, great thirst, hurried respiration, etc. Treatment — Always commence the treatment of this disease with a dose of Citrate of Magnesia sufficient to freely open and cleanse the stomach and bowels. If there is much nausea and distress at the stomach, give ten or fifteen drops of Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia in a little water. As soon as the pulse and heat of the skin have subsided, begin with small and repeated doses of Sulphate of Quinine, one or two grains every two hours. After two or three days, diminish the quantity of Quinine to six grains a day, in doses of three grains, morning and night. In cases of sallowness of the skin, with slow recovery and bad digestion, administer small doses of Blue Pill at bedtime, with a saline aperient in the morning, to stimulate the liver and cleanse the stomach and bowels. Intermittent Fever. Ague, Chills and Fever. There are several varieties of this fever ; sometimes the chill occurs every day, sometimes only every other day, and then again only on the first and fourth day, etc. The time between the chills and fever is called the intermission. The " cold stage " lasts from ten minutes to three hours, and begins with languor, yawn- ing, etc. Soon a sensation of chilliness comes on, which increases, with chattering of the teeth, rigors, or tremulous movements; the lips and finger-ends become blue, etc. The sense of coldness does not prove the body is cold, as the ther- mometer shows it to be even hotter than is natural. Hot stage: gradually warmth begins to return and the shivering ceases, followed by flushes of heat with violent headache, and an accelerated pulse, with furred tongue, vomiting, bowels constipated, skin dry, urine scanty and high colored. This stage mostly lasts from an hour to sixteen or eighteen hours. Treatment — Cinchona and its preparations is the only remedy for the cure of this disease, and it may be taken with safety in all stages, except during the height of the fever. Quinine in one grain doses, given every hour, is much more successful than when given in larger doses at longer intervals. Give, the first day, fifteen grains ; the second day, ten grains ; the third day, nine grains ; gradually diminishing the quantity until six grains a day are reached ; continue this dose for a week, when a greater tendency for a return will exist. On the sixth day, take ten grains. After this time, if no chill has returned, the patient is well, and the remedy may be dis- continued. In many cases the disease becomes chronic, with a constant tendency to relapse. In such cases, when the skin is pale and sallow, a tonic course of treatment is required. Sulphate of Quinine, one scruple ; Valleix's Mass, one drachm ; mix and divide into twenty pills. Take one three or four times a day. Scarlet Fever. There are several varieties of this fever, such as simple scarlet fever, anginose, and malignant. This disease manifests itself in about five days after exposure to its cause, accompanied by languor, headache, pain in the back and limbs. These 480 APPENDIX. premonitory symptoms are soon followed by fever and sore throat. On the second day, there is usually an eruption on the face and neck, and in ten or twelve hours it will cover the whole body. This eruption is of a scarlet color, and the tongue has a strawberry-like appearance, from the projection of enlarged red papillae through white fur. The throat becomes very red and swollen, fever very high, with a rapid pulse, great thirst, with tendency to delirium, and, in bad cases, stupor. Mild cases are better by the sixth day, and in bad cases by the ninth day ; malignant cases may be fatal in one or two days. Treatment — Very mild cases will require little treatment, except to open the bowels with a saline cathartic, such as Citrate of Magnesia. Drink freely of cold water, and if the throat is inflamed, swallow small pieces of ice often. When the throat is sore and inflamed, touch the parts with a camel's-hair brush, in a strong solution of Nitrate of Silver, thirty grains to an ounce ; or when there is much ulceration and bad breath, equal parts of Honey and Muriatic Acid ; wash the skin with cool or tepid water. Diet should consist of milk, chicken-broth, mutton or beef-tea. In many cases, where there is much debility, give Quinine early, or the following: Quinine, one drachm ; Nitric Acid, two drachms ; water, two ounces ; mix. Take ten drops for an adult, and three to five for a child. Cuts and Bruises, etc. In all cases of accidental cuts, bruises and lacerating wounds, when the skin and flesh is cut or torn, bring the parts that are separated firmly together after washing with cold water, and confine them together with strips of adhesive plaster placed across the wound. Cover this with lint wet with Colloid Styptic, made with Sulphuric Ether, one ounce ; Tannin, two drachms ; Collodion, thirty grains, and cover with a bandage outside. The styptic forms an impenetrable coating over the cut or injury, allays pain, and promotes the rapid union and healing of the parts. Boils. Boils are best treated by touching them early with a strong solution of Carbolic Acid, Calvert's Solution. When applied to their most prominent point with a camel's-hair brush, it will nearly always change their character and arrest their further development, and cause them to gradually dry up and disappear without causing further pain or suffering. Chafing of the Skin. When the skin becomes chafed and inflamed from friction or other causes, wash clean and apply the following : Tannin, two drachms ; Glycerine, one ounce ; mix, and apply with a camel's-hair brush once or twice a day. Inflamed and Sore Breasts. When the breasts become hard, inflamed, swollen and tender to the touch, they should, at the very commencement of the inflammation, be covered with Bella- donna Plaster. These plasters should be prepared with a small opening in the centre for the protrusion of the nipple, and may be worn as long as required. When applied early, a plaster of Belladonna is almost a specific for inflammation of the breast, and will nearly always prevent a gathering and the formation of an abscess, etc. They should always be applied when there is any caking, hardness, or soreness and pain while drying up the milk, etc. INDEX Absorption, lacteal, 30. cutaneous, 303. Abducentes, the, 174. Abuses and uses of clothing, 303. of the reproductive organs, 433. Action of the human heart, 85. Acne, 328. Acid bath, 339. poisons, antidotes for, 473. Acute bronchitis, 466. Ague and fever, 468. Air-tube, the, 142. cells, the, 145. impure, 163. Alkalies, 54. Alkaline bath, 339. poisons, 473. Albumen, 351. Amaurosis, 221. Amount of clothing we require, 304. Anatomy of the salivary glands, 10. teeth, 14. brain, 16S. ear, 225. womb, 378. Animal food, 47. how it should be cooked, 47. Anaemia, 468, 98. Anteversion of the womb, 386. Antidotes for poisons, 473. opium, 473. arsenic, 473. acid poisons, 473. alkaline poisons, 473. snake bites, 473. poison vines, 473. bite of mad dog, 474. Apoplexy, 475. Apparent death, 474. Arteries, heart, and veins, 80. Arterial circulation, 83. Artificial waist, 132. and reflected light, 224. Arms, muscles of the, 263. Arsenic poison, antidote for, 473. Asthma, 146, 466. Auditory canal of the ear, 227. nerves, 239. Awfully squeezed, 133. Bathing, 307. Bath, moral influence of, 310. Baths for cure of diseases of the skin, 339. acid, 339. alkaline, 339. creosote, 339. Baths, sulphur, 339. salt water sponge, 340. mustard foot, 340. sea water, 340. iodine, 340. borax, 340. gelatin, 340. warm, 340. wet sheet, packing, 340. mercurial vapor, 341. Turkish, 341. Barbers' itch or Sycosis, 333. Bakers' itch, 319. Barrenness or sterility, 418, 419. Barley water, 462. broth, 463. Beauty of the human form, 159. Benefit of work, 290. Beef-tea, 463. Bitters, 72. Bilious fever, 479. Bloodvessels of the stomach, 23. capillary, 84. Blood, circulation of, 77. composition of, 97. impurity of, 99. how to purify, 100. diseases of, 468. Blisters, 323. Bladder, 343. inflammation of, 363. Bleeding, how to stop, 86. Bowels, constipation of, 36. Boils, 4S0. Borax bath, 340. Bread, how to make, 43. tea, 462. Brain, 166. weight of, 167. anatomy of, 168. composition of, 170. amount of phosphorus contained,170„ food of, 171. nutrition of, 172. nerves of, 173. how to strengthen, 185. diseases of, 195. diseases of nerves of, 467. Breakfast, 339. Breasts, inflamed and sore, 480. Bronchitis, 466, 143. Bright' s disease, 356, 470. Broth, barley, 463. Bruises and cuts, 480. Bunions, 270. Burns, 335. 481 482 INDEX. Causes of the decay of the teeth, 15. of piles, 35. of nervous irritability, 177. of prolapsus, 377. of leucorrhcea, 391. Capillary bloodvessels, 84. Carditis endo, 84, 85. Catarrh, 465, 113. nasal, 119. causes of, 121. cure of, 122. pulmonary, 143. uterine, 471. Catarrhal deafness, 235, 236. ophthalmia, 470. Cavities in the lungs, 150. Cataract, 217. Cancer, smokers', 330. of the kidneys, 360. Carbuncle, 332. Canal, vaginal, 391. Cavity of the womb, diseases of, 395. Carbonic acid gas, respiration of, 164. Cerebellum, the, 170. Cessation of menstruation, 405. Children, over-feeding, 42. diseases of, 472. fits, 475. Chafing of skin, 480. Chest, muscles of, 250. Chilblains, 469, 335. Chronic Bright's disease, 356. inflammation of liver, 465. bronchitis, 466. Cholera, 465, 477. infantum, 476. morbus, 476. Chorea, 467. Chills and fever, 468. Circulation of the blood, 77. arterial, 83. Closure of the pupil, 216. Clothing, uses and abuses of, 303. amount we require, 304. Coffee and tea, 12. Constipation of the bowels, 464, 36. cure of, 37. Composition of the blood, 97. Coughing, how to stop, 144. Coughs, 477. Colds, 477. Consumption, pulmonary, 466, 147. and scrofula, causes of, 148. cure of, 150. Composition of the brain, 170 Conjunctivitis or red eye, 207. Cornea, inflammation of the, 214. Congestion of the membrane of the drum, 229. Corns, 269. how to cure, 272. Colleges, our, and schools, 281. Congestion of the kidneys, 355. Congestive stricture, 372. Constitution of women, 374. Costiveness, 36. Colic, cramp, 476. Croup, 472, 139. Crooked eyes, 211. Crystalline lens, the, 216. Crooked feet, 266. Creasote bath, 339. Cramp colic, 476. Cultivation of the voice, 137. of the sense of hearing, 241. Curvature, lateral, of the, 256. Cutis vera, the, or true skin, 297. Cutaneous absorption, 303. Cuts and bruises, 480. Dandruff or scurf in the head, 317. Deglutition, physiology of, 18. Deafness, catarrhal, 235. nervous, 240. from old age, 240. general remarks, 240. Deformity of the spine, 260. Deformities of the mouth, 338. Development of the human embryo, 419. Descent, laws of hereditary, 425. Demulcent drinks, 462. Delirium tremens, 467. Death, apparent, 474. Digestion, physiology of, 27. how to acquire good, 39. diseases of the organs of, 59. Digest, time required to, 51. Digestibility of different kinds of food, 43. Digestive organs, how to cure diseases of, 70. Diseases of the lacteal glands, 31. of the organs of digestion, 59. of the liver, 64. caused by indigestion, 66. of stomach and" liver, why not cured, 69. of organs of digestion, how to cure, 70. of the heart, 465, 95. of the blood, 468, 102. of the nose and throat, 113. of the larynx, 139. of the brain and nerves, 467, 195. of the interior of the eyes, 220. of the spine, 255. of the skin, 468, 311. of the scalp in infancy, 317. of the skin, diet for cure of, 339. of the skin, baths for cure of, 339. of the urinary organs, 469, 355. of the kidneys, tubercular, 359. of the prostate gland, 364. of women, 471, 390-405. of the mouth, 464. of the organs of respiration, 465. of the eye, 470. of the ear, 471. of children, 472. Diet, low, 74. middle, 74. full, 75. of children, 181. for cure of diseases of skin, 339. for invalids, 462. INDEX. 483 Dietetic rules, 74. Diphtheria, 464, 140. Dignity and utility of labor, 282. Dinner, 339. Diabetic urine, 359. Discoloration of the skin, 296. Diabetes, 469, 363. Dismenorrhoea or painful menstruation, 403. Diarrhoea and dysentery, 465. infantile, 472. Dog, antidote for bite of mad, 474. Dress, influence of on the heart, 92. influence of on the lungs, 158. woman's, 287. Drinks, 339. demulcent, 462. Drinking at meal time, 11. Dropsy, 470. Drowning, apparent death from, 474. Drum of the ear, 231. membrane of the, 228. congestion of membrane of, 229. thickening of membrane of, 230. inflammation of cavity of, 232. ulceration of cavity of, 233. perforation of membrane of, 234. Duodenum, the, 25. Dysentery and diarrhoea, 465. Ear, anatomy of, 225. obstruction of the auditory canal, 227. membrane of the drum, 228. congestion of membrane of the drum, 229. thickening of membrane of the drum, 230. drum of, 231. inflammation of the cavity of the drum, 232. ulceration of the cavity of the drum, 233. perforation of the membrane of the drum, 234. catarrhal deafness, 235. the labyrinth, 237. auditory nerves, 239. nervous deafness, 240. deafness from old age, 240. cultivation of the sense of hearing, 241. diseases of the, 471. Eating, what to avoid, 75. Eczema or moist tetter, 327, 469. Education and employment, 191. Employment and education, 191. Embryo, development of human, 419. Endo carditis, 84, 85. Entropion or wild hairs, 206. Encysted kidney, 358. Enlargement of the prostate gland, 365. Epiglottis, the, 18. Epilepsy, 467. Erythema or redness of skin, 322, 468. Erysipelas, 322. Eruption, poison vine, 335. External piles, 35. Exercise is painful to invalids, why, 278. when to, 292. Exanthemata or rashes, 322. Eye, on the, 203. motor nerves of the, 174. diseases of the, 470. lachrymal glands, 203. tarsal ophthalmia, 205. entropion or wild hairs, 206. conjunctivitis or red eye, 207. granular eyelids, 208. pterygium, 210. muscles of the, 210. crooked eyes, 211. inflammation of the cornea, 214. middle coat of the, 215. inflammation of the iris, 215. pupil of the, 216. closure of the pupil, 216. crystalline lens, 216. near sight, 216. far sight, 217. cataract, 217. internal or nervous coat of the, 219. diseases of the interior of the, 220. amaurosis, 221. how to strengthen weak, 222. artificial and reflected light, 224. Eyelids, granular, 20S. Falling of the womb, 378-389. Fainting, 475. Far sight, 217. Fatty degeneration of the heart, 97. Favus or scalded head, 324. Feet, our, 267. crooked, 266. corns, 268. bunions, 270. Fevers, 478. bilious, 479. intermittent, 479. scarlet, 479. chills and, 468. Female pelvis, 375. Fits, children's, 475. Fistula lachrymals, 204. Food, animal, 47. animal, how to cook, 47. digestibility of different kinds, 43. time required to digest, 51. easy of digestion, 52. moderately digestible, 52. hard to digest, 52. Follicles, gastric, 22. Form, beauty of the human, 159. Formation of tubercles on the lungs, 149. Foetus, nutrition of, 422. Foeticide, 424. Full diet, 75. Functions and diseases of the womb, 400* Gastric juice, secretion of, 24. follicles, 22. General remarks on deafness, 240.. 484 INDEX. Gelatin bath, 340. Gland, the prostate, 344. Glands, lachrymal, 203. the lacteal, 31. diseases of the lacteal, 31. Gout, 468. Gravel, 360, 470. red, 349. white, 349. Growth and decay of the hair, 315. Granular eyelids, 208. Gruel, oatmeal, 462. Gullet, the, or oesophagus, 18. Hair, the, 313. growth and decay of the, 315. Heart, the, 78. palpitation of the, 465. enlargement of the, 465. interior of the, 79. dilation of the, 465. arteries and veins of, 80. left side of the, 83. action of the human, 85. how to strengthen the human, 89. influence of our passions on the, 91. influence of our moral sentiments on the, 91. influence of dress on the, 92. diseases of the, 465, 95. inertia of the, 95. irritation of the, 95. neuralgia of the, 96. hypertrophy of the, 96. fatty degeneration of the, 97. Hearing, cultivation of the sense of, 241. Headache, 467. Head, dandruff or scurf in the, 317. Herpes or shingles, 326. or ring-worm, 469. Hereditary descent, laws of, 425. intemperance, 427. Hemorrhage, uterine, 471. How to eat, 11. to preserve our teeth, 16. to acquire a healthy stomach, 39. to stop bleeding, 86. to purify the blood, 100. to prevent scrofula, 107. to stop coughing, 144. to strengthen weak lungs, 152. to strengthen the brain and nerves, 185. to strengthen weak eyes, 222. to acquire strength, 274. Human embryo, development of, 419. life, origin of, 414. form, beauty of, 159. Hygiene of the salivary glands, 11. Hypertrophy of the heart, 96. Hypoglossal nerves, the, 175. Impregnation, 416. Impotency, 459. Impure air, 163. Impurity of the blood, 99. Inflammation of the stomach. 60. Inflammation of the cornea, 214. of the iris, 214. of the cavity of drum of the ear, 232. and ulceration of the drum of the ear, 233. of the cavity of the joints, 247. of the bladder, 363. of the urethra, 366. chronic, of the liver, 465. Influence of our passions on the heart, 90. of our moral sentiments on the heart, 91. of dress on the heart, 92. of dress on the lungs, 158. Inflamed and sore breasts, 480. Infantile diarrhoea, 472. Indigestion, diseases caused by, 66. Inertia of the heart, 95. Ingrowing toe-nails, 269. Incontinence of urine, 472, 364. Indigestion, 464. Intestine, the large, 33. Introductory, 1. Internal piles, 34. Interior of the heart, 79. Internal or nervous coat of the eye, 219. Interior of the eye, diseases of, 220. Invalids, why exercise is painful to, 278. Intra-uterine tumors, 395. Intemperance, hereditary, 427. Insomnia or sleeplessness, 467. Intermittent fever, 479. Iodine bath, 340. Irritation of the heart, 95. Irritability, nervous, causes of, 177. Iritis, 470. Irregular menstruation, 401. Iris, inflammation of, 214. Itch, old man's, 320. bakers', 319. barbers', 333. or scabies, 325. Joints, inflammation of the c&Yitj of, 247. Keeping in shape, 133. Kidneys, congestion of, 355. uraemia, 355. nephritis, 356. Bright's disease of the, 356, 470. Chronic Bright's disease of the, 356. encysted, 358. tubercular disease of the, 359. cancer of the, 360. ' gravel in the, 360. Lacteal absorption, 30. glands, disease of the, 31. Large intestine, the, 33. Lacing, tight, 130. Larynx, disease of, 139. Lachrymal glands, 203. Labyrinth of the ear, 239. Lateral curvature of the spine, 256. Labor, the utility and dignity of, 282. Laws of hereditary descent, 425. Laryngitis, 465. INDEX. 485 Left side of the heart, 83. Legs, muscles of, 265. Lepra, 320. Leucorrhoea, causes and cure of, 391, 392. Liver, the, 26. and stomach, 20. diseases of, why not cured, 69. diseases and treatment for, 64. chronic inflammation of, 465. Light, artificial and reflected, 224. Lichen simplex, or prickly heat, 469, 319. urticatus or nettle rash, 319. agrius, or bakers' itch, 319. Life, origin of, 407. vegetable, origin of, 412. human, origin of, 414. Lime and milk water, 463. Lightning, apparent death from, 474. Low diet, 74. Longevity; 154. Locomotion, organs of, 244. Lungs, formation of tubercles in the, 149. cavities in the, 150. how to strengthen the, 152. influence of dress on the, 158. Lupus or smokers' cancer, 330. Marks or maculae, 334. Matter or pus in urine, 353. Male pelvis, 376. Management of pregnancy, 431. Mad clog bite, antidote for, 474. Membrane of the drum, 228. of the drum, congestion of, 229. of the drum, thickening of, 230. perforation of, 234. Mercurial vapor bath, 341. Measles, 477. Menstruation, painful, 471. Menorrhagia or profuse menstruation, 404. Menstruation, irregular, 401. suppressed, 402. painful, 403. profuse, 404. cessation of, 405. Middle diet, 74. coat of the eye, 215. Milk and lime-water, 463. Moral sentiments, influence on heart, 91. influence of the bath, 310. Motor nerves of the eye, 174. Moist tetter or eczema, 469, 327. Mouth, diseases of, 464. deformities of, 338. sore, 472. ulcerated, 472. Mumps, 478. Murder of the fcetus or foeticide, 424. Mustard foot-bath, 340. Muscles, the, 249. of the eye, 210. of the chest, 250. of the spine, 254. of the arms, 263. of the leg, 265. Nasal catarrh, symptoms of, 119. Natural waist, 132. Nerves, and bloodvessels of the stomach, 23. of the sense of smell, 115. and the brain, 166. of the brain, 173. the optic, 173. motor of the eye, 174. the trifacial, 174. the glossopharyngeal, 174. the pneumogastric, 174. the spinal accessory, 175. the hypoglossal, 175. and brain, and how to strengthen, 185. and brain, diseases of, 467, 195. auditory, 239. of the skin, 298. Nervous irritability, causes of, 177. or internal coat of the eye, 219. deafness, 240. Near sight, 216. Neuralgia, 467. of the heart, 96. ovarian, 472. Nettle rash, 469, 319. Nephritis, 356. Nose and throat diseases, 113. Nutrition, 29. of the brain, 172. of foetus, 422. Oatmeal gruel, 462. Obstruction of the auditory canal, 227. CEsophagus or gullet, 18. Old man's itch, 320. Onanism, 451. origin of, 452. general prevalence of, 452. effects of on the health, 452. Optic nerves, the, 173. Opium poison, antidote for, 473. Organs of digestion, 10. diseases of, 59. Organs of respiration, 128. of respiration, diseases of, 465. of locomotion, 244. of perspiration, 299. the urinary, 342. of reproduction, uses, 433. Organic stricture, 372. Origin of Onanism, 452. of life, 407. of vegetable life, 412. of human life, 414. Otitis externa, 471. Our schools and colleges, 281. Over-eating, 40. Over-feeding young children, 42. Ovarian tumors, 397. neuralgia, 472. Oxalate of lime, 350. Patheticus, the, 174. Pancreas, the, 27. Passions, influence of our on the heart, 'JO. 486 INDEX. Papulae or pimples, 318. Painful menstruation, 403, 471. Palpitation of the heart, 4G5. Perforation of the membrane of the drum, 234. Pei-spi ration, the organs of, 299. Pelvis, female, 375. male, 376. Piles, 34. internal, 34. external, 35. causes and cure of, 35. Pimples or papulco, 318. of the skin, 302. Pimphigus, 323. Pityriasis, 322. Phosphorus, amount in the brain, 170. Physiology of respiration, 145. of digestion, 27. of deglutition, 18. Physical culture, pleasures of, 276. Pleurisy, 477. Pleasures of physical culture, 276. Pneumogastric nerves, the, 174. Poisons, antidotes for, 473. vine, antidotes for, 335, 473. Porrigo or scalded head, 324. Pop the question, when to, 188. Portio dura, the, 174. mollis, the, 174. Prickly heat, 319, 469. Prostate gland, the, 344. disease of, 364. enlargement of, 365. Prolapsus, causes of, 379. Prurigo or old man's itch, 469, 320. Procidentia, 381. Pregnancy, management of, 431. Profuse menstruation, 404. Psoriasis, 321. Pterygium, 210. Pupil of the eye, 216. closure of, 216. Puberty, 401. Pulmonary catarrh, 143. consumption, 147. Pus or matter in the urine, 353. Pustulse or pustules, 324. Rash, nettle, 469, 319. rose or roseata, 323. Rashes or exanthemata, 322. Respiration, the organs of, 128. physiology of, 145. of carbonic acid gas, 165. diseases of the organs of, 465. Red eye, 207. Red gum, 319. Red gravel, 349. Reflected and artificial light, 224. Remarks on deafness, 240. Redness of skin or erythema, 322. Retention of urine, 363. Retroversion of the womb, 387. Reproductive organs, abuses of, 433. Rheumatism, 468. Rice-water, 462. Ringworm, 469. Rose rash, 323. Round worms, 475. Rupia, 324. Salt-rheum, 313. Salt water sponge bath, 340. Scarlet fever, 479. Sciatica, 468. Scabies or itch, 325. Scald head or favus, 324. Scales or squamse, 320. Scrofula, 102. how to prevent, 107. cure of, 110-112. and consumption, causes of, 148. Schools and colleges, our, 281. Scalp, diseases of, in infancy, 317. Scurf or dandruff in the head, 317. Secretion of gastric juice, 24. Sense of hearing, cultivation of, 241. Sea-water sponge bath, 340. Seminal vesicles, the, 345, 369. Sexual excesses, 434. Seat worms, 475. Shingles or herpes, 326. Sight, near, 216. far, 217. Skin, on the, 294. discolorations of, 296. true, or cutis vera, 297. nerves of the, 298. Sebaceous follicles of the, 301. pimples on the, 302, 318. cutaneous absorption, 303. diseases of the, 311, 468. salt rheum, 313. strophulus or red gum, 319. prickly heat, 319. nettle rash, 319. bakers' itch, 319. prurigo, 320. scales or squamse, 320. lepra, 320. psoriasis, 321. dandruff, 322. rashes, 322. erysipelas, 322. redness of the, 322. rose rash, 323. blisters, 323. pimphigus, 323. rupia, 324. pustules, 324. ringworm, 324. itch, 325. vesicles, 325. herpes or shingle, 326. moist tetter, 327. tubercles, 328. acne, 328. lupus or smokers' cancer, 330. warts, 332. boils, 332. sty, 332. carbuncle, 332. barbers' itch, 333. INDEX. 487 Skin, marks on, 334. veal, 334. poison vine eruption, 473, 335. chilblains, 335. burns and scalds, 335. deformities of the mouth, 338. diet for cure of diseases of, 339. baths for cure of diseases of, 339. chafing of, 480. Sleeplessness or insomnia, 4G7. Smell, nerves of the sense, 11.3. Smokers' cancer or lupus, 330. Smallpox, 478. Snake bite, antidote for, 473. Sore throat, 464. Sore mouth, 472. and inflamed breasts, 480. Solitary vice, origin of, general preva- lence of, effects of on health, 452. Spinal accessory nerves, the, 175. Spine, muscles of the, 254. diseases of the, 255. lateral curvature of the, 256. deformity of the, 260. enlargement of the bones of the, 262. Spermatorrhoea, 454, 456. Stomach, the, and liver, 20. nerves and bloodvessels of, 23. healthy, how to acquire, 39. inflammation of the, 60. ulceration of the, 63. diseases of, why not cured, 69. Strength, how to acquire, 274. Strophulus or red gum, 319. St. Anthonv's fire or erysipelas, 322. Sty, 332. Stricture of urethra, 371. congestive, 372. organic, 372. Sterility or barrenness, 418, 419. Sunstroke, apparent death from, 474. Supper, 339. Sulphur bath, 339. Suppressed menstruation, 402, 471. Symptoms of nasal catarrh, 119. or barbers' itch, 333. Tarsal ophthalmia, treatment of, 205. Tape worms, 474. Tea and coffee, 12. Teeth, the, 14. how to preserve, 16. Tea, bread, 462. beef, 463. Tetter, moist, or eczema, 469. Throat, the, 18. and nose, disease of, 113. (larynx) disease and treatment of, 139. Thickening of membrane of the drum, 230. Throat, sore, 464. Thrush, 472. Time required to digest various kinds of food, 51. Tight lacing, 129. Tongue, the, 17. Tobacco, use of, 195. Toe-nails, ingrowing, 260, 269. Tremens, delirium, 467. Trifacial nerves, the, 174. Tubercles, what are, 147. formation of in the lungs, 149. Tubercle, 328. Tubercular disease of the kidneys, 359. Tumors, intra-uterine, 395. ovarian, 397. Turkish bath, 341. Ulceration of the stomach, 63. of the larynx, 141. and inflammation of drum of ear, 233. of neck of the womb, 393. of mouth of the womb, 472. Ulcerated sore mouth and throat, 472. Urethra, the, 344. inflammation of, 368. weakness of, 369. stricture of, 371. Urticaria or nettle rash, 469. Urinary organs, the, 342. diseases of, 355, 469. uraemia, 355. congestion of the kidneys, 355. nephritis, 356. Bright's disease, 356. Chronic Bright's disease, 356. encysted kidneys, 358. tubercular diseases of the kidney,359. cancer of the kidney, 360. gravel, 360. diabetes, 363. inflammation of the bladder, 363. retention of urine, 363. incontinence of urine, 364. * disease of the prostate gland, 364. enlargement of the prostate gland, 365. inflammation of the urethra, 368. weakness of the urethra, 369. seminal vesicles, 369. stricture of the urethra, 371. congestive stricture, 372. organic stricture, 372. Urine, the, 345. analysis of healthy, 346. how to examine, the, 348. diabetic, 353. pus or matter in, 353. albumen in, 351. oxalate of lime. 350. white gravel in, 349. red gravel in, 349. retention of, 363. incontinence of, 364, 472. Ureters, the, 343. Uses of the saliva, 11. Use of tobacco, 195. Uses and abuses of clothing, 303. Uterine hemorrhage, 471. catarrh, 471. Utility and dignity of labor, 282. Vaginal canal, 390. A $o /f03%3 488 INDEX. Veal skin or vitiligo, 334. Vegetable life, origin of, 412. Veins, heart and arteries, 80. Ventilation, 161. Vertigo, 475. Vesiculse or vesicles, 325. Vesicles or vesiculse, 325. Vesicles, the seminal, 345. seminal, 369. Vitiligo or veal skin, 334. Voice, cultivation of the, 137. Waist, an infant's, 131. natural and artificial, 132. Warts, 332. Warm bath, 340. Water, barley, 462. rice, 462. milk and lime, 463. Weak lungs, how to strengthen, 152. Weakness of the urethra, 369. Weight of the brain, 167. Wet sheet packing, 340. What to avoid eating, 75. What are tubercles, 147. White gravel, 349. When to pop the question, 188. Why exercise is painful to invalids, 278. Whiskey for invalids an absurdity, 73. Why woman is weak, 286. When to exercise, 292. Whey, wine, 462. 47 (L/^r s 7 S ^ Windpipe, the, 135. . r A ~, Wild hairs or entropion, 206. I- C T &~ Wine and whey, 462. Women more nervous than men, 165. diseases of, 390, 471. Woman, why she is weak, 286. constitution of, 374. Woman's dress, 287. Womb, anatomy of, 378. falling of, 378-389. causes of prolapsus, 379. procidentia, 380. anteversion of the, 386. retroversion of the, 387. ulceration of the neck of, 393. diseases of the cavity of, 395. functions and diseases of the, 400. puberty, 401. irregular menstruation, 401. suppressed menstruation, 402. dismenorrhoea or painful menstrua- tion, 403. menorrhagia or profuse menstrua- tion, 404. cessation of menstruation, 405. ulceration of the mouth and neck of the, 472. Work, benefit of, 290. Worms, 474. tape, 474. round, 475. seat, 475. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 022 190 101