LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Shelf ...MS i UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The Lungs BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THEIR HEALING AND DEVELOPMENT BY J. J. FOX, M.D. NEW YORK : C. T. HURLBURT & CO. 1893. k ryz Fy Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1893, By J. J. Fox, M.D., In the office of the librarian of Congress, at Washington. GONTRNT8 Respiratory System : The Nose 9 The Douche in the Treatment of Nasal Catarrh 12 The Mouth 16 The Throat 18 The Epiglottis and Glottis 19 The Larynx 19 The Trachea 21 The Lungs 22 The Pleura 24 The Diaphragm . 25 The Thorax or Chest 25 Vital Force : Reasons Why a Knowledge of It Is Indispensable 27 The Human Organism a Machine 29 Character of Vital Force 31 Brain Vibrations 32 Character of Motive Force as Judged by the Mechanism of the Machine that Generates It 34 The Circulation of Vital Force 35 The Origin of Physical Force 37 Duality of Parts, Functions and Forces 38 What Is Vital Force? 40 Equilibrium of Life Forces 42 Mental Cures 44 Alimentation : Nutrition 48 Indigestion 50 Mastication 51 The Saliva 52 The Stomach.... 53 The Gastric Juice 54 Functions of the Stomach 55 The Physiological Causes of Indigestion, or Dyspepsia... 56 The Circulation of the Digestive Fluids • 63 4 CONTENTS. Alimentation : Assimilation.... 64 Rules for Eating . 66 What You Shouldn't Eat 67 What You May Eat . 72 Diet When a Marked Loss of Weight Has Occurred 73 What You Should Not Drink 75 Milk 76 Circulatory System : The Blood 79 The Heart and General Circulation 79 Circulation of Blood through the Organic Cellular Tis- sue of the Lungs 81 Lung Nutrition 86 How the Cells of the Lungs are Made. 88 Oxygen 91 Nitrogen * 94 Carbonic Acid , 95 Respiration 97 Changes in the Blood during Respiration 98 Changes that Occur to the Air after It Enters the Lungs . 99 Normal and Morbid Conditions: Vital Lung Power 100 Vital Capacity 102 Changes that Occur in the Human Organism from a Loss of Vital Force 104 Tuberculosis 107 Microbes Not the Cause of Pulmonary Phthisis 108 Symptoms of Pulmonary Phthisis 110 Persons Predisposed to Pulmonary Phthisis 112 Natural Methods: Nature 115 The Education of the Involuntary through the Voluntary . 116 The Philosophy of Exercise 118 Breathing in General.. , 121 Chest Expansion , 123 Position for Lung Development 123 The Physiological Effects of Holding the Breath as an Exercise , 124 contents. 6 Natural Methods : Lung Healing 127 Exercises for Lung Healing 131 General Exercises for the Lungs 135 Lung Development 13G Lung Development in Children 138 Those Who Are in Special Need of Lung Development... 139 Exercises for Maximum Lung Development 140 General Remarks : To the Patient 142 Inflammation ... 143 Catching Cold.., 146 How You Catch Cold 150 Your Mind 153 Anger 156 Enjoyments 159 Habits 162 Smoking and Physical Development 163 Attachments 166 The Skin 169 Fever 172 Haemorrhage from the Lungs 174 Sweating in General 175 Constipation 178 Diarrhoea 184 Baths 185 Clothing i 187 Ladies' Clothing 189 Your Bedroom 192 Sleep 195 Reasons Why Patients Should Live an Out-Door Life. ... 200 Physical Exercises 204 Your Physician 206 Drugging 209 Medical Treatment 212 Advantages of a Sanitarium for the Treatment and Cure of Pulmonary Phthisis 214 An Appeal , 216 Prrfagr. Since a cure of any abnormal condition of the lungs — such as pulmonary phthisis — depends as much on the patient carrying out the basic principles of right living as it does on his physician's treatment, it is evident that he should have a correct knowledge of them in all their details. Medical advice is seldom ever observed. In the first place, the fee given the doctor is not adequate to enable him to devote hours to each individual by way of teaching him the many important things necessary for him to know in order to make a cure of his case possible. In the second place, the fault is not wholly with the patient, since the hurried advice given him is usually of the nature of generalities, and not, as is always necessary, markedly specific. For, to tell a patient to drop all his bad habits, and, in every possible manner, live a normal life, and yet permit him to be the judge as to just what is good or bad for him, is of no value whatever. To require him to exercise his lungs, yet not inform him what kind of exercises to take, or how they will aid in healing or developing them, is mere verbiage, and nothing more. To even emphasize the necessity of eating whole- some food, as well as observe all dietary rules as an aid to its proper digestion, is to say nothing, for his idea of what is good food is to eat what he likes best — his rule being to merely gratify his appetite. In fact, all so-called instructions given in a general, off-handed way are sure to bear but negative results. The design of this work is to obviate this as much as possible by making it a handbook wherein can be found PREFACE. 7 such facts and advice as would be given the patient by his physician. And, even though the latter may not agree with the writer concerning some of the theories advanced, still the practical conclusions deducted and the advice given can surely meet with no serious ob- jection, since treatment of any nature must be founded on the basic principles of right living on the part of the patient in order to make it at all effective. The failure to cure more cases of pulmonary phthisis by the profession is, undoubtedly, largely due to the patient's ignorance of just what is required of him to do. Kealizing that a work of this nature for popular reading should be void of technicalities, has led the writer to exclude them as much as possible, as well as to frequently repeat words, sentences, ideas and facts in order to make it easy of comprehension ; in other words, to make it a plain matter-of-fact talk to the patient. And, though the advice given herein is ostensibly directed to the invalid, still, all facts pertaining to the lungs, as well as the basic principles of right living, are just as applicable to the person who desires to retain good health or attain superb physical development. Even the amateur or professional athlete will find it de- cidedly to his advantage to be posted on this subject of the lungs, since no man can excel in any sport only to the degree that he has good wind, and to this are those indebted who do. A person may have muscles of iron, but for wind, endurance and agility he must look to his lungs. Now, while we are opposed to all forms of brutal sport, we are heartily in favor of those that are legiti- mate, since the foundation of good health and mental energy in both man and woman is physical development. 8 PREFACE. A practical application of our lung exercises for a period of years, as we present them, enables us to positively state that they will do all that is claimed for them, for we have never yet met with a person who has strictly ad- hered to them for any length of time but who was cor- respondingly benefited. Neither have we ever known an instance during that time when we thoroughly explained to our patients, or others seeking information on the subject, such questions as the philosophy of exercise, till they were made to com- prehend their full significance, but what they became enthusiasts in favor of lung development. Indeed, the results have always proved so pleasing and surprising in their effects that they generally continue them indefi- nitely. In substance, they are unanimous in declaring that they have made them stronger physically, mentally and morally, and that everything they do they can do much easier and better than ever before. Man is not a mere automaton; for, without his rea- son is made to grasp the fundamental principles in- volved in work of this nature that you give him to do, he will not do it. Realizing, then, that all any intelli- gent person requires is a clear conception of how the facts contained in a treatise of this kind may be utilized in the healing or development of his lungs, we consider a sufficient excuse for having written it. And if, in the future, it will be the means of leading some of those poor afflicted mortals called " consumptives " out of the morass of despair into the light of hope and to the ultimate restoration of their health, we will, indeed, have accomplished our purpose. J. J. FOX, M.D. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. THE NOSE. THE organ that first receives the air on its passage to the lungs, is the nose. In a work of this kind, it is hardly necessary for us to give anything more than a mere outlined description of this organ, or any other to which we may hereafter refer, since to do otherwise would be to simply load down the work and thus confuse rather than aid the reader, unless he be in search of special knowledge concerning them, in which case we would refer him to any of the well-known works of anatomy. The nose is termed the organ of smell, and for our convenience we will divide it into the external nose and the internal or air passages. The upper part or root of the former is connected with the lower part, of the fore- head, while its base has two elliptical openings called orifices. It is to be noted that its upper part is bony in structure and unyielding to touch, while its base or lower portion is not only soft and flexible to pressure, but is especially constructed in that way with cartilage and elastic tissue for the purposes of expansion and contrac- tion, a prime factor always to be found in the general make-up of any organ that takes a prominent part in the act of respiration. The wings or alee nasi of the nose should, when nor- mally developed, extend laterally one on each side, the orifices pointing down and well distended. The internal nose is divided into two pyramidal-shaped compartments called the nostrils. They extend upwards and backwards into the upper part of the throat called the pharynx. These passages are irregular in shape and 10 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. covered over their entire length with mucous membrane. They are also divided in the centre by a partition of a heavy cartilaginous substance called the septum. Though the nose is justly called the organ of smell, that does not imply that it has no other function. On the contrary, its very use as such depends upon proper breathing through it, since all odors are in the air, and in order to reach the olfactory nerve, they must of necessity pass through the nostrils. When these passages are properly developed and otherwise in a normal state of health and vigor, the air not only passes freely in and out in response to every act of respiration, but also with sufficient rapidity and in the required volume. A further highly important function of the nose is the aid it gives in regulating the temperature of the air as inhaled, helping to warm it when cold, and cooling it when hot. For when the cold air strikes the mucous membrane of the nostrils the latter would be at once reduced in temperature, as it imparts its heat to every inhalation of cold air that enters, were it not that the circulation going on in it instantly responds with more warm blood from the system, and in a quant- ity sufficient to replace the amount of heat that had just been given up to the cold air. Thus it is always helping to keep the mucous membrane of the parts in- volved in the process of respiration up to their normal degree of heat, even though the air of the Frigid Zone were inhaled. This accounts for the fact that in cold weather we are apt to have much water and mucus secreted in the nostrils, the cause being the great stimulation given to their mucous membrane by the necessary increased circu- lation of blood in order to maintain its normal temperature. On the other hand, when the air is too hot, instead of passing directly through the nostrils to the lungs, retain- ing its heat, the mucous membrane with which it comes in contact being of a lower temperature and one that corresponds to the general temperature of the whole organism, imparts its coldness to it as it passes through, so that by the time it reaches the lungs, the mucous membrane of the whole respiratory tract aiding THE NOSE. 11 in the matter the temperature of the air will have changed to correspond to the normal temperature of the lungs and whole body. Again, the returning breath from the lungs in health is always of the general temper- ature of the entire system, and so imparts to the mucous membrane of the nostrils fully as much heat or cold as by the preceding inhalation it lost heat or cold, thus aiding materially in establishing in the mucous membrane of the nostrils, and all other parts involved, an equilibrium of temperature that corresponds to the normal temperature of the entire system. Another highly important function of the nose is that of renovating the air as it passes through it. That is, on examination we find that the margin of each nos- tril is guarded by a fine growth of hair which attracts particles of foreign matter to them from the air as it enters. Still again, the general act of breathing through the nostrils should, when they are in a normal state, be almost imperceptible, a slight distention of the wings of the nose alone being noticeable ; otherwise, it should be involuntary and never labored. It is self-evident, then, that all persons breathe with greater or less freedom, according to the condition of their nostrils. If they are in constant use day and night, kept clean, free and healthy, and not malformed, the tendency is for such a person's lungs to attain good development without especial train- ing. When, however, breathing through the nose is made difficult by local causes, the lungs are compelled to labor to maintain their normal expansion, and thus, in a measure, respiration is retarded. Such obstructed breathing, however, will not go on indefinitely, as the lungs sooner or later are sure to reduce their action to just the point that will admit of involuntary breathing, which, of course, could be easily brought about, provided the volume of air inhaled during the act of respiration was correspondingly reduced. Such a shrinkage of the normal volume of the breath means a loss of lung capacity, and eventually pulmonary phthisis. Even when mouth-breathing is resorted to, it generally acts as a bad complication rather than an aid. 12 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. As thus in the nose is often found the real cause of lung troubles, it is obvious that you should never resort to mouth-breathing, but keep your nostrils healthy, well developed and in constant use. In many cases the lat- ter are unnaturally small, their wings presenting a straight-up-and-down appearance, rather than a lateral extension, while, instead of dilating with every breath, they remain almost, if not wholly, stationary, their ori- fices presenting a constricted slit-like appearance. The cause of this is usually congenital or hereditary. Such persons generally become mouth-breathers, and eventually contract lung troubles, especially after they reach the age of maturity, if by that time they have not outgrown it, or otherwise had the defect remedied. Catarrh in all its forms and stages, as well as the com- plications resulting from it, is still another prominent cause of obstructed nasal breathing. It is not only the discharge, as well as various forms of accumulation, like scabs and plugs of mucus, but the thickening of the mu- cous membrane itself, that follows as the disease becomes chronic, which reduces the calibre of the nostrils, and so interferes with normal breathing through them. The various malformations found in its bony structure, are also cause of improper breathing through the nose. In such cases the septum is found flexed to either the one side or the other. Its lateral flexion partially closes up the nostril, and thus interferes with free breathing. Catarrh is usually a complication where there is any form of bony protuberance. It has often been noticed that persons having such obstructions, die of pulmonary phthisis. Still, again, we find growths of various kinds, such as polypus tumors, etc., that obstruct the nostrils. THE DOUCHE IN THE TREATMENT OF NASAL CATAEEH. We would seriously advise all persons suffering from nasal catarrh in any form whatever not to patronize the bona fide or professional quack who makes a specialty DOUCHE IN THE TREATMENT OF NASAL CATARRH. 13 of treating that disease with the douche, spray, etc., since the local use, as employed by them, of powerful astringents and drugs is extremely dangerous — their action suppressing rather than eradicating that disease, driving it to the lungs, where it is sure, sooner or later, to develop again in the form of pulmonary phthisis. Be- sides, you will find, as a general rule, that the above- mentioned persons do not trouble themselves about pos- sibilities concerning the future state of your health. You have the catarrh and wish to have it cured, and, for a cer- tain pecuniary consideration, they agree to do it. They don't concern themselves as to whether your whole family died of pulmonary phthisis or not, or what the probabilities are of its rapid development in your case after the nasal catarrh has been suppressed. And yet the wise physician is bound to take cognizance of your family's entire history, and if he finds, as a result of his examination, that there is even a remote danger of pul- monary disease developing, following a course of local treatment of your catarrh, he will refuse to give it, and advise constitutional treatment instead. And thus he avoids the possibility, as far as lies in his power, of doing anything that will aid the development of that dreaded disease. He is not guided in this matter simply by theory, but by experience which has taught him that often, when treating pulmonary phthisis, simultaneously with a marked change for the better occurring in the lung trouble, a severe nasal catarrh, as well as a sore nose and inflamed throat, set in. And, as such a change is always to be regarded as a favorable sign not to be neu- tralized by local treatment, in like manner when nasal catarrh is present in a person whose family history pre- disposes him to that disease, he is careful to avoid any treatment that will suppress it. If, then, you have " na- sal catarrh," and inherit any weakness of the lungs, and are troubled -with scrofula, eczema of any description, have swelling of the glands in any part of the body, a slight hacking cough, catch cold easily, and have repeated attacks of bronchitis, are pale, thin, flat-chested, round- shouldered, troubled with indigestion and the piles, then 14 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. do not, as you value your life, use the douche for the treatment of this condition. If you are such a person, then, in order to avoid a serious lung disease that is more than likely to follow sooner or later, go to work system- atically and develop your lungs, and you will find as they increase in strength, and the general oxidization of tissue of the system is more thorough, and the absorbing glands, as a consequence, have become greatly strength- ened, that the catarrh will grow less as the mucous mem- brane from the lungs up grows stronger. "We have posi- tively known nasal catarrh being entirely cured by lung development only. This, however, is not your sole re- liance by any means, since this disease, notwithstanding the almost universal assertion that it cannot be cured, can be most effectually eradicated by constitutional treatment alone, which, by the way, does not mean heroic dragging. Even when that treatment and the douche are em- ployed in combination, only too often we find pulmon- ary phthisis following the disappearance of the nasal catarrh. It is not our purpose to go into the question of medical treatment in this work, since experience has taught us that to just the extent that a patient depends on it to relieve him, to just that degree will he leave undone many more essential things. Yet, notwithstand- ing, all such cases should have competent medical treatment, the understanding being that it is to be merely an aid to cure rather than the sole reliance. Still, very many of the worst possible forms of the disease can be cured by constitutional treatment alone, as the following cases will show : Case I. — Mrs. A., domestic; catarrh of years' stand- ing ; her presence could not be tolerated by anybody on account of the foul odor from her breath. Examination revealed the fact that both nostrils were plugged up, badly inflamed, ulcerated, and part of the time discharg- ing a corrosive, watery secretion. In addition, the roof of the mouth was perforated, the opening having the circumference of five-cent piece, and from it constantly oozed a substance similar to that from the nose. Cured by constitutional treatment alone. DOUCHE IN THE TREATMENT OF NASAL CATARRH. 15 Case II. — Child. Father died of pulmonary phthisis ; scrofulous condition ; glands of the neck swollen ; bone of the left leg close to the ankle-joint very much enlarged, and whole part badly inflamed from a slight bruise; stinking catarrh of the nostrils. There was also caries or destruction of the nasal bones so great that it perforated the bridge of the nose on the left side, leaving an open- ing all of a half-inch in diameter. In addition, the in- flammation was so excessive that it completely involved the eyeballs of both eyes, while over both pupils a thick white film had formed. This person had been for months slowly growing worse up to the time she applied for treatment. A good recovery followed constitutional treat- ment inside of six weeks. The healing process caused a decided flattening of the bridge of the nose, leaving un- avoidably a permanent scar over the seat of the perfora- tion, while the eyes have entirely recovered with the exception of a small, white speck over the left pupil, which is, however, slowly but surely disappearing. Other cases could be enumerated, but the above des- perate ones will suffice to show what constitutional treat- ment alone will do for them. The best possible liquid for cleansing out the nostrils is sweet milk. In the stink- ing form of catarrh, the nasal cavities should be flushed- out at least every morning with a pint of it. If done three times a day, all the better. In the ordinary catarrhal condition, if nothing more, at least a few table- spoonsful of milk should be snuffed up from the hollow of the hand every morning. Enough should be taken*till it begins to drop into the throat. Don't blow it out at once, but allow it to remain there as long as possible. As for polypus in the nose, we are opposed to having them torn out, since the injury to the delicate mucous membrane is too great and not necessary, since a little powdered bloodroot, used as a snuff, will cause them to shrivel up and entirely disappear inside of a week or ten days. Concerning malformations and bony protuber- ances, these cases require special advice. Operation for the removal of the latter may often be admissible, more especially where there is danger of pulmonary phthisis. 16 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. It should not be resorted to, however, without the advice of more than one physician. Never permit your nasal cavities to be cauterized. When the calibre of the latter is diminished on account of a thickening of the mucous membrane, forcing large volumes of air through them should be practiced while remedies to bring about absorp- tion can be used to good advantage. Don't experiment with medicine, since there is no such a thing as a specific for that disease. Go then to a good physician and put yourself in his hands for treatment, and at the same time begin a systematic development of your lungs. THE MOUTH. The mouth is at the entrance of the alimentary canal. It is a somewhat oval-shaped cavity used for mastication of food and reception of drink. Its entire surface is cov- ered with mucous membrane. It contains the mouths of the salivary glands, and, when not required for eating, drinking and speaking, should be kept closed. That is, it is not to be used for breathing purposes. It is evident from the foregoing that the mouth, not being designed or adapted to perform the functions of the nose, should by no means be habitually used as a substitute for it. In fact, we should no more try to breathe with our mouth than to eat with our nose. These organs have not only their own anatomical parts differing from each other in their general make-up, but each is especially con- structed so as to carry on its own specific function. In all cases, mouth-breathing is an abnormality, whether simply acquired or unavoidable on account of defects or disease. It not only detracts from a person's appearance, but is a standing menace to his health and, maybe, life itself. As one disease is sure to breed another, so the habit or condition of mouth-breathing is prolific in the propagation of many serious complaints. When we breathe through the mouth the air comes in contact with its entire cavity. It enters in the centre, however, in its largest volume. Here it first comes in contact with the THE MOUTH. 17 tongue, and from there is deflected on to the palate ; thence backwards and downwards on to the walls of the pharynx and into the larynx. This is the reason the tongue gets so dry when we, either awake or asleep, breathe with the mouth open. Now, while the circula- tion in the mucous membrane of the tongue and all parts of the mouth in connection with the exhalation of the residual air in the lungs may be sufficient to maintain something approaching an equilibrium of temperature, and thus protect them, it does not follow that the mouth and its organs, the pharynx, epiglottis and glottis, are likewise protected, for, while the air breathed in this abnormal manner is passing through the mouth, these organs and all their parts are exposed to a temperature but slightly altered from that of the surrounding atmos- phere. As a result of this substitution of the function of one organ for that of another, and one so entirely foreign to the purposes of nature, we find it, as is always the case under such circumstances, making an heroic effort to adapt itself to the changed order of things. In these cases, however, it succeeds in but a degree, for, as a re- sult of mouth-breathing, w T e have an increased circulation in all the mucous membrane of not only the entire cavity, but the throat likewise, much above the normal. In time this not only causes a thickening of the mucous mem- brane, but also a catarrhal condition of all its parts. Usually there are present chronic enlarged tonsils, catarrh of the pharynx and nostrils, as well as an almost constant dribbling of saliva that would, if this condition had not been present, have been utilized for the mastication of food. As accompaniments we usually have present dry, cracked lips, as well as frequent severe attacks of acute tonsillitis and laryngitis. In fact, the mouth thus becomes an open sluice-way for all kinds of foreign matter found floating in the air, such as dirt and microbes, against which the mouth, throat, larynx and lungs are not pro- tected. ^>Even where mouth- and nose-breathing occurs in alternation we have extreme changes; first, the air, by its absorbing power drying up the mucous membrane of 18 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. that organ in all its parts when open ; then, after breath- ing for a time through the nose only, we have an excess- ive flow of saliva, showing a marked weakness in the mouths of the salivary ducts,- until such time as the disease becomes chronic, when we have a constant drib- bling of saliva, even with the mouth open. Mouth- breathers generally have large mouths, made so from a continued relaxation of that whole organ. The hanging of the jaw, and, in time, a partial protusion of the tongue, produces a drawn-down expression of the countenance which is the very reverse of the intellectual. It is, indeed, a deplorable condition, and one that not only exposes the person to frequent attacks of laryngitis, bronchitis and pneumonia, but, eventually, to phthisis itself, if he other- wise escapes being taken off by the above-mentioned dis- eases. THE THROAT. As for the throat, all malformations, diseases and abnormal conditions or uses of either the nostrils or mouth are sure to affect it, as the diseased mucous mem- brane of those organs is but a continuation of that which lines it. This condition superinduces frequent acute at- tacks of inflammation, such as tonsillitis ; while as an accompaniment we are sure to find a chronic catarrh of the throat; for on examination, instead of finding it looking smooth, clear and firm in all its parts, the palate up well in its place, the tonsils normal in size and free of mucus, and the general appearance of the entire throat healthy and vigorous, we are sure to find its walls corrugated in appearance, as well as smeared over with a slimy-looking mucus ; the palate, if not down, looking flabby, and the tonsils chronically enlarged ; the whole organ, in fact, being weak and diseased. In many cases we also find imbedded in its walls little pockets full of a cheesy- looking substance which emits a very strong odor. The catarrh of the throat is apt to cause a feeling of ful- ness, tickling or itching in the Eustachian tubes that lead up to the ears, as well as the hawking and spitting of mucus or continually cleaning the throat. Indeed, it is THE LARYNX. 19 safe to say, as a general rule, that, as the nose and mouth is, so the throat is, the disease of the one leading to a similar affection of the others. THE EPIGLOTTIS AND GLOTTIS. From the root of the tongue extending downward is found the epiglottis. It is formed like an oval-shaped leaf — concave behind, and convex in front. It is likewise covered with a mucous membrane, which is but a mere continuation of that which covers the adjacent parts. Its especial function is to stand guard over the glottis dur- ing the act of deglutition, for when food or liquid is being swallowed it closes down over that part, and thereby excludes any particle from entering. "When, however, a morsel is unavoidably sucked into the air passages, severe coughing and strangling are experienced until it is ejected. Frequently, spasms of the epiglottis occur with such severity as to completely prevent the air from entering the lungs, thereby causing death. (Edema, or dropsy, often attacks this organ with fatal results ; Also when badly inflamed, it gives rise to an almost inces- sant strangling cough until relieved. Immediately beneath the epiglottis we find the glottis, a narrow slit like an entrance, opening into the larynx. It possesses a point of interest to us inasmuch as all the air that enters the lungs has to pass through this opening. It is also covered with a mucous membrane similar to that surrounding it. Breathing causes expansion and con- traction of the glottis in a manner corresponding with the action of the diaphragm and intercostals during the general act of respiration. (Edema or dropsy frequently closes this passage wholly, thereby excluding the air so perfectly from the lungs as to cause death by suffocation. THE LARYNX. We next come to the larynx, the organ of voice placed at the extreme upper part of the trachea, opening up- 20 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. wards into the lower part of the mouth, and downwards into the trachea. It is narrow and tube-like in its struct- ure below, while its upper part is broad. It is composed of cartilages, muscles, glands and mucous membrane, which latter covers its entire cavity. Within this organ are found the vocal cords, four in number — two true, and two false — the latter being situated directly above the former, leaving a little space between them, called a ventricle. The true vocal cords are much stronger than the false, and are alone productive of the human voice. These cords are also covered with a very fine mucous membrane similar to that of the entire structure. Mouth- breathing, as well as catarrhal diseases of the throat and nostrils, is sure to weaken this organ, causing not only a cracked, uncertain voice, but, in time, catarrh, inflam- mation, or laryngitis, croup, hoarseness, and, eventually, ulceration, loss of voice, and even laryngeal consumption. In the matter of singing, a person may have a strong healthy larynx and vocal cords well cultivated and coupled with the natural faculty of song, but, if the lung capacity be small, the voice will lack in volume. The lungs are to the larynx what a bellows is to its nozzle. A singer may reach a high note with a small lung capacity, if the entire respiratory tract is still healthy, provided he or she possesses the faculty of song, and has it well under cultivation. This would not prove, however, that the lungs were strong and well developed, or that the singer could not do far better if they were. Singing strengthens the larynx, and to quite a degree protects it against the diseases that usually attack it. It is also a grand aid in lung development. As it is, we occasionally find even a consumptive in the last stage of the disease with apparently a deep, clear voice, though lacking, of course, in power and volume. This would not prove, however, that his lungs were strong ; neither would it even if he made a supreme effort and struck a high note. It would simply mean that he was enabled to accomplish it on account of the fact that his larynx had not been invaded by the disease ; that his voice was natur- ally strong, and that he possessed the faculty of song, THE TRACHEA. 21 and so had succeeded in his effort with a very small volume of air. Thus, we see that, all things being equal, a well-cultivated larynx and vocal cords do not prove that the lung capacity is well developed, as, in fact, the capacity may be below the normal and the lungs seriously diseased. On the other hand, it is self-evident that no matter how well a person may do with a healthy, well- cultivated larynx, either in singing or speaking with mere ordinary lung development, he could do exceedingly better were they developed to their maximum capacity. Thus, we may safely assert that a full development of the human voice depends entirely on a corresponding increase of lung power and capacity. For advice concerning the various diseases of the larynx, as well as the proper diet, provided singing is chosen as a profession, go to a specialist. THE TEACHEA. The trachea, or air tube, extends downwards from the lower part of the larynx about four-and-a-half inches. It is cartilaginous in structure, and made up of imperfectly formed rings, varying in number, in different indi- viduals, anywhere from sixteen to twenty, and connected at their margins by muscular fibres, as well as elastic material. The diameter of this tube varies from three- fourths of an inch to an inch. It is divided into two bron- chi, one for each lung. The right bronchus is about one inch in length, while the left one is nearly two inches long, though smaller in diameter. The mucous mem- brane lines the entire inside of this tube. There are also found situated, at the back part of the organ, the bron- chial glands in great abundance, with excretory ducts opening on the surface of the mucous membrane, from which flows the secretion that lubricates the whole inside surface of the tube. The special diseases that attack these tubes are as follows : Inflammation in all its stages from an acute to a chronic attack of bronchitis ; asthma, either acute or chronic ; ulceration in any part of them from which one may have slight repeated haemorrhages, 22 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. especially if the ulceration is superficial ; or, if deep, and the larger blood vessels are involved, severe haemorrhages, that frequently end in death. When pneumonia is present, either in the catarrhal or croupous form, the inflammation usually extends from the part of the lung invaded by the disease into these tubes, which latter are also generally involved in a greater or less degree in pulmonary phthisis. THE LUNGS. The lungs are the organs of respiration, two in num- ber, situated right and left in the thorax or chest, and separated from each other in the centre directly under the sternum by the heart and its bloodvessels. They are conical in shape, their apices situated in the extreme upper part of the chest, even higher than the level of the first rib, while the base of each is convex and rests upon the diaphragm. Their two surfaces are smooth, the one in front being convex, the one in the rear more concave. Counting from the first rib downwards to a little below the sixth, we have very nearly thS exact boundaries of the lungs. Each lung is divided into lobes, and each lobe into lobules. The right, being the broader of the two, is also about one inch shorter, owing to the diaphragm rising higher on the right side to accommodate the liver. The right lung has three lobes, while the left, though longer and not so broad, has but two. The weight of both lungs is on an average about forty-two ounces, the right about two ounces the heavier. They are also heavier in the male than in the female. The color of the lungs at birth is a pinkish white. In adult life, however, they assume a dark slate color, and, as the age of the individual increases, their color becomes almost black. In substance, they are light, porous and spongy, crepitating when being handled, owing to the air within the air cells, which causes them to float when placed in water. The lung tissue is also highly elastic, thus enabling it to expand and contract. The ramifications of the bronchial tubes as they paiss through the lungs to the air cells divide and subdivide, THE LUNGS. 23 growing smaller as they proceed, like the branches of a tree after leaving the main trunk, till they terminate in the air cells. These cells vary in diameter from one two- hundredths to one-seventieth of an inch, being larger on the surface of the lungs and smaller in their interior. In structure, the lung is made up of an external or serous coat, and beneath this is another tissue containing a large proportion of elastic fibre, while underneath that we find the ramifications of the pulmonary blood vessels, the lymphatic glands and nerves, all connected together, mak- ing up the body of the lung structure. The air cells are separated from each other by a very thin partition called a "septum." The pulmonary artery carries the venous blood to the lungs. It divides, in the same manner as the bronchial tubes, each branch accompanying a branch of the tube, which terminates in a dense capillary network upon the walls of the air cells. The pulmonary capillaries lie beneath the mucous membrane of the walls of the septa and air cells. The bronchial arteries supply the lung substance with nutrition, and originate from the thoracic aorta. Accompanying the bronchial tubes are the bronchial glands. The nerves that supply the lungs are branches, chiefly, of the sympathetic and pneumogastric. The fol- lowing are the special diseases that attack the lungs : Asthma, a nervous, spasmodic complaint ; emphysema, a rupture of the air cells one into the other ; oedema, or dropsy; capillary bronchitis, or inflammation of the smaller ramifications of the bronchial tubes ; pneumonia, either in the form of a very severe catarrhal inflammation, or in the form characterized by an exudation of a serous or fibrous substance in the part attacked, which is usually but one part or lobe, rarely the whole lung. Following severe inflammation, gangrene, or mortification of the lungs, may occur. Acute miliary tuberculosis, or what is sometimes termed granular phthisis, also attacks the lungs, usually terminating fatally in a few weeks. We have enumerated the above complaints for the reason that true pulmonary phthisis, otherwise known as con- 24 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. sumption, may set in or follow either an acute or chronic attack of most of these diseases, causing, as they do, the loss of vital force that always favors its development. THE PLEUEA. Surrounding the outer structure of the lungs, is a thin, delicate, serous membrane, called the " pleura," which not only covers, and is attached to each lung separately, but also to almost the entire inside walls of the thorax and the upper surface of the diaphragm. The space between the two surfaces of the pleura, as adhering to the lung on the one side, and the thorax and diaphragm on the other, forms a closed sac. Within this pleural sac or cavity we have the two surfaces facing each other, having a smooth, polished appearance, and moistened by a serous fluid for lubricating purposes, which prevents friction, as the lungs within expand and contract during the act of respiration. The disease to which this organ is especially predisposed is the inflammation known as " pleurisy. " The attack usually begins with a chill, followed by fever, and a severe shooting, stabbing pain anywhere in the region of the lungs, but usually in either one of the sides. It is generally severe enough to compel the patient to resort to very superficial abdominal breathing in order to cause as little pain as possible, since deep breathing, coughing, speaking or moving greatly augments it. When the patient has breathed in this quiescent manner for several consecutive days, little thread-like bands of fleshy ma- terial form between the two smooth surfaces of the pleura, and thus practically unite them, making impossi- ble the movements of that particular part of one pleural surface upon the other during the act of respiration. These are called pleuritic adhesions, and, instead of diminishing in number as the years go on, they increase, subjecting the patient to repeated attacks of pleurisy, any one of which may prove fatal, or lead to complica- tions that will. When these adhesions are present, the person otherwise being in good health, they always pre- vent proper lung expansion and contraction, and thus, in THE THORAX OR CHEST. 25 time, by a loss of lung force and capacity, lead to pul- monary phthisis. The formation of these adhesions may be prevented if the patient be otherwise well treated. Even where they already exist, proper lung exercise will not only prevent them from becoming more numerous, but will often, as the lungs approach their maximum de- velopment, cause them to break away. The other dis- eases that frequently attack this organ are as follows : Pneumothorax, or collection of air or gas within the pleural sac ; hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest, a col- lection of watery fluid called serum within the pleural cavity; haemo thorax, a collection of blood within the pleural cavity. These diseases usually follow an acute attack of pleurisy. When any one or all of the above conditions become chronic, they are sure to implicate the lungs, and thus lead to pulmonary phthisis. THE DIAPHRAGM. The diaphragm is a fibrous muscle situated like a wall or partition between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It is attached to the whole internal circumference of the thorax by fleshy fibres. It plays a very important part in the act of respiration. When a forced expiration has occurred, it is found to be on a level in front with the fourth costal cartilage ; from thence downward to the seventh and behind to the eighth ribs. In forced inspir- ation it descends from one to two inches. There could be no breathing without the diaphragm; for, when the phrenic nerve that supplies it is severed, death from suf- focation immediately follows. In all expulsive acts, such as sneezing and coughing, it is called into action. THE THOEAX OR CHEST. The thorax, or chest, as commonly called, is a frame- work consisting of bones and fibrous material in which are located the lungs, heart, its blood vessels and the thoracic 26 EESPIBATORY SYSTEM. duct. It extends from a level just above the first rib to a space just below the sixth, to a point backwards and downwards to the twelfth dorsal vertebra. It is conical in shape, its base resting on the diaphragm. Its bony structure consists of the sternum in front, ribs laterally, and vertebrae behind, while its muscles, that are of more special interest to us, are the internal and external intercostals. They are situated between the ribs, and joined to the upper and lower margins of each pair. These are the muscles which expand and contract during the act of respiration. They are especially enabled to do this work, as they contain elastic, fibrous material. Even the ribs in their sockets are so adjusted to the cartilages of the vertebrae as to enable them to rotate sufficiently to permit respiration to its fullest possible extent. In fact, the whole thorax is so constructed that it responds in perfect unison to all the organs and parts involved in the act of breathing. Externally the thorax is but a reflec- tion of the condition of the lungs within. "When a cavity exists in either one of the lungs, we have a corresponding depression of the thorax over that part. If the latter are lacking in development, we find, from an external view, an imperfectly developed thorax. If the person stoops and the shoulders are drawn forward, it is because the apices of the lung within are depressed and poorly developed, if not weak and diseased. If the distance through the lung from the nipple to the under angle of the scapula or shoulder blade is small, then the lungs are correspondingly lacking in diameter. Also, when the vital capacity is not up to the standard, then the descent of the diaphragm is so limited that the distance from the apex of the lung to its base is shorter than it otherwise would be if properly developed. On the other hand, when the lungs are very powerful, we have a rounding out of the whole chest, the shoulders well back, and its circumference not only large, but its diameter in any and all directions increased. KNOWLEDGE OF VITAL FORCE INDISPENSABLE. 27 VITAL FORCE. REASONS WHY A KNOWLEDGE OF IT IS INDISPENSABLE. From the foregoing chapters the reader is given an outline description of the respiratory organs which is all- sufficient to enable him to obtain an intelligent concep- tion of their form, structure and correct location. There has been pointed out, however, but a few of the many parts of what, as a whole, constitute the human organ- ism, which is in reality nothing more or less than a machine run by an invisible motive power known as u vital force." And, as we shall frequently have occasion to refer to that power as we proceed with the subject matter of our work, we find it necessary to discuss it here in order that its application to any question that shall hereafter be touched upon will be easily and correctly understood. While anatomy in the hands of the medical profession has ever advanced since its infancy as a science, strange as it may seem, it knows even in this enlightened age little concerning the great question of vital force. Physiolo- gists approach the subject, but content themselves with merely designating it to be vital energy, and then draw back as though fearful of starting a ghost if they went a step further. For two very good reasons this is not alto- gether surprising, for at a first glance it v/ould seem as though any discussion of this matter must of necessity lead up to the mere speculative propounding of theories concern- ing the subject of spirit, and thus prove of little practical value. In arriving at any such conclusion, however, they have evidently overlooked the fact that the question of vital energy, like all other manifestations of force in nature, has its physical phase, as well as its remote or unknow- able one. While with the latter in a work of this nature we have little to do, with the former we hold that, if the machinery of the human organism is worthy of our deepest 28 VITAL FORCE. study, that the motive power that operates it is of equal if not of greater importance to us. Indeed, until such time as we have acquired a scientific knowledge of this very subject, physiology will rest on an erroneous basis in many important respects. What scientist should refuse to discuss the question of steam-power for fear that it might lead up in some manner to the diseussion of spirit in matter. Moreover, what would we think of the capa- bility of an engineer who, while well acquainted with the mechanism of his engine, had little or no knowledge of the nature of steam as the motive force that runs it. What valid reason is there, then, for avoiding a dis- cussion of this most important of all physiological ques- tions by our able physiologists ! If the medical profession continue to ignore it, and humanity is left in profound ignorance concerning this whole subject, is it to be wondered at that myriads of hu- man beings go on squandering their vitality up to the very day of their death, even when stricken with pulmonary phthisis, and never realize for a moment what they are doing ? Of what service is the collated facts concerning the construction of the human machine, called " anatomy," to them in their dire extremity ! On the other hand, who will deny that a knowledge of vital force, impressed by the profession on the minds of humanity, would not be of inestimable value to a great many of those unfortu- nate ones? Is it not incumbent on us, then, to teach them such facts concerning this same force that they may be made to understand that it is practically a phys- ical power, not to be wasted without harm to the general organism, and that in no sense is it a reflexed energy from the spirit, to be drawn upon with impunity. Ignorance is forever in conspiracy with death. How can we reasonably expect the world's many millions, who annually die of pulmonary phthisis, to live the ideal life that will enable them to not only conserve their vitality, as well as utilize it in the eradication of their disease, if the profession remain dumb concerning it ! Our purpose, then, is to not only emphasize the fact that we have within our bodies a well-defined physical THE HUMAN OKGANISM A MACHINE. 29 force, but that the human organism, like an electric dynamo, can only generate during a certain specific length of time but a definite amount of that power, and that any and all protracted waste of it, either through the function of any organ or sense, is always at the expense of every other part and organ of the entire body; especially so, as we shall see later on, to those that are weak and diseased. Again, it is not a mere question of waste alone, for that would imply that the system is capable of generating under any circumstances, whether diseased or not, a maximum degree of that force. Un- fortunately, this is not the case, for the body is, when afflicted with such a disease as pulmonary phthisis, like an old worn-out machine or dilapidated steam engine, unable to generate the energy necessary to keep it in a normal state. Thus we have ever before us, when attempting to cure pulmonary phthisis, the problem of how to accomplish our purpose with but a minimum degree of vital power to aid our efforts. THE HUMAN OKGANISM A MACHINE. We have referred to the human organism being, like any other piece of mechanism, a machine with many parts, the whole depending on each part, and each part upon the whole. Thus, on examination, we find it made up of many systems, each intimately associated with and dependent upon the other, yet all distinctly different in structure as well as function. For the foundation, we have a bony framework upon which the whole body is built. Next comes the system of ligaments for holding the bones together, with muscles attached to them for propelling purposes. Organs, each doing their own specific work, like a cog-wheel here, a pulley there, and a shaft somewhere else. Over all we have the integument, or skin, while within upon the inner surfaces of all the organs we have the internal skin, or mucous membrane. Besides, we have distinct systems within the organism, such as the organs of deglutition — mouth, stomach and 30 VITAL FORCE. bowels — forming the digestive system ; heart and blood- vessels, the circulatory system ; nostrils, throat, larynx, bronchial tubes and lungs, the respiratory system ; brain, spinal cord and nerves, the nervous system ; liver, biliary ducts and gall-bladder, the biliary system ; kidneys and bladder, the urinary system ; as well as others in connec- tion with the pancreas and spleen. Many of these could be further subdivided, but it is not necessary for our purpose. Also, in the matter of motive power that con- trols them, we find no part of these systems generate of themselves their own vital force, but that on the contrary they are acted upon by a motive energy that is transmitted directly to them through the nerves, even as electricity is transmitted from a dynamo to its circuit. In exactly the same sense is the organism a machine run by a ner- vous motive force. And, like all other machines, it is just as likely to get out of order, as every motion of its parts entails a loss of material in the way of wear and tear. No machine runs of itself, for, as cog fits into cog, and every cog is part of the gear, and they, as well as the shaft, pulley and belt, are but parts of the machinery that is run by some invisible force apart from the ma- chinery itself, so we find every cell, organ and system of the human body fitting one into the other, and all per- fectly adjusted to work in unison with each other, as is necessary in all machines. And, as a machine is con- structed as a whole, to be operated upon by a power out- side of itself, so we find the human organism made and put together for identically the same purpose. And, as the motive power is transmitted from the source where it is generated to all the machinery, and every molecule of matter of which the entire structure is composed is controlled by it, so we find the whole mechanism of the human organism permeated in every possible direction with millions of wire-like nerves, over which the motive power that operates it is transmitted to every atom of matter in the entire body. We have said that no machine can run of itself, which implies that no single part can. For, if but a single cog be injured, we have at CHARACTER OF VITAL FORCE. 31 once an imperfect working of it. Or, if a wheel becomes loosened, or a belt broken, then that particular part of the machinery that is supplied by the motive power trans- mitted to it stops at once, as the propelling force is cut off. It is precisely the same with the human organism, for when a special part of it is diseased, it will cause an imperfect working of that particular portion. Or, if the nerve over which that power is transmitted is severed, the function of that organ comes to a stop. Now, the nearer we approach the seat or locality where the motive force of the machine is generated, and that part breaks down, we have, as a result, not merely the stopping of one portion, but of many, if not the whole machine. Thus, if the fire goes out in the furnace, and no steam is gener- ated, or the boiler explodes, the whole machinery comes to a complete standstill. So, as we approach the brain, the seat where the motive force of the body is generated, and any severe injury occurs, such as severing the ob- longata, then the whole machinery of the organism comes to a stop, and death occurs. Also, if the food, which is the fuel of the system, is withheld for a definite length of time, the motive force grows weaker and weaker, and at length, the power being no longer generated, the ma- chinery of the body ceases to go, and death from starvation follows. CHAEACTEE OF VITAL FOECE. Having ascertained that there is such a thing as a motive or vital force generated in the brain, we are enabled to learn something of its character by observing how it manifests itself through the different organs of the body. "We find that, as it acts upon the mind, ideas and words follow one after another in a "make and break " order — the word being positive, and the interval between each one negative. So with the lungs, inhaling being a positive act, and exhaling a negative one. In like manner the heart has its positive contractions and negative relaxation which constitute the heart-beat. If the force is rapid, slow, bounding or almost impercept- 32 VITAL FORCE. ible, we have the pulse corresponding to it in every par- ticular, simply obeying its impulse, and thus this invisible force is made manifest to our physical senses. By the action of the diaphragm (stomach), and in fact all the organs of the body, we find it manifested through each of them somewhat differently, and yet all are similar. As is apparent, this force is intermittent in character. A further proof of this is, that if a nerve be injured we have a tingling vibratory feeling along its entire course — not from the point of injury toward the brain, but in the direction of the extremity, showing that the force flows in that direction. BEAIN VTBKATIONS. We have seen that the motive force that operates the system does not pass from the brain to the entire body in one uninterrupted flow, but is intermittent or vibratory in its current. Now, if these vibrations were all of one char- acter, it is evident that, as like produces like, we should have but one kind of cell formation in the whole organism. For it can only be through the instrumentality of this power that a cell can be constructed ; and, since we find a variety of cell formations in the human structure, it follows that there must be an equal variety of different degrees of this power being employed to build them. The vibrations evidently differ in degree and tension, some being quick, others slow ; some coarse, others fine. Tracing the different nerves to the brain, we realize that, as its various parts are utilized for different, distinct pur- poses, one of them must be for the generation of its own particular degree and tension of nerve vibrations which, after being transmitted or attracted to the entire system, are productive of all normal as tvell as abnormal forms of cellular structure found therein. Now, while the brain constitutes the positive pole, and the general system the negative, in the production of vibrations, as we shall see further on, in a like manner a circuit must be estab- lished between an organ of sense and the thing sensitized. BRAIN VIBRATIONS. 33 Thus, when light vibrations, representing, say, one hun- dred for a standard, strike upon the retina, and from there are transmitted to the brain, it at once responds with vibrations which equal that number, and sight is the re- sult. If, however, they are few, on account of the light being dim or the eye diseased, those responding from the brain correspond ; then, it may be next to impossible for the person to see. When an electric light of great brill- iancy or the full glare of the sun strikes upon the retina, the brain at once responds with such a flood of nerve vibrations as would, if long continued, exhaust it, and re- sult either in injuring it, or causing a total loss of sight. When the light vibrations represent one hundred, and those reflexed from the brain only fifty, then sight is impaired, on account of the imperfect transmission of the light vibrations, no more being returned from the brain than were carried there. The same may be said of hearing, the only difference being that the brain, from which the auditory nerve takes its rise, must respond with vibra- tions equal to the vibrations of sound. Even taste and smell may be accounted for in the same way, the thing tasted or smelled, according to its strength or weakness, giving forth its vibrations, the brain at once responding to them in a like degree and number. Indeed, the whole human organism is so beautifully adjusted with regard to its self-preservation that the brain will receive the necessary vibrations from the senses taking cognizance of danger, such as by sight, hearing, smelling and touching, and thus forming a circuit as though the thing seen or heard had come in actual contact. As this applies to the whole economy of the human system, it is obvious that it is likewise applicable to any part of it, such, for instance, as a cell formation. It not only partakes of this power of the entire body to defend itself against disease and microbes, but it is the only one that can be effectually used against them, and a positive restoration of the diseased cell effected. When a person is surrounded by pleasing conditions that are harmonious to him, the brain receives through the senses impressions that cause it to generate vibrations of a like character. 34 VITAL FORCE. If the opposite conditions are present — such as the sight of a thing that is disgusting or sickening, the presence of an objectionable person, exhausting exercise, great anger, constant irritability, or any of the great variety of annoyances that environ some patients — then the brain will simply generate vibrations of a like char- acter, which upon being reflexed upon the body are sure to increase any diseased condition of an unhealthy organ. In like manner, when a person becomes frightened, the brain, as a result, ceases to generate the usual harmonious vibrations but instead an abnormally large number of them, when violent palpitation of the heart occurs, or there may be so few that the heart either seemingly stops beating or actually does ; then, in the one case, we have great paleness of the face, weakness, cold sweat and unconsciousness, or what we term a faint ; or, in the latter, death itself, the brain virtually suspending its vibrations to the heart. The stomach is also affected in the same manner, even producing deathly sickness and vomiting. Thus, when a person is angered, the vibrations gen- erated by the brain are attracted to the liver, causing, as is the case, frequently jaundice. Even when sudden news is communicated to some persons, the brain being startled, vibrations are attracted to the bowels, and diar- rhoea is brought on. CHARACTER OF MOTIVE FORCE AS JUDGED BY THE MECHANISM OF THE MACHINE THAT GENERATES IT. "When we inspect a machine that is used for generating power, such as water, steam or heat, we recognize at once something in its make-up that suggests the character of the force that it develops. Thus, when we see a battery with wires leading from it, the whole outfit suggests the power to be either magnetic or electric. Is it not possible, then, to find in the construction of the human organism which is, as we have already seen, a machine, something suggestive of the true nature of the force that operates it ? Let us see : We find, on examination, that, if the THE CIRCULATION OF VITAL FORCE. 35 nerve that supplies any organ or part of the system be severed, it ceases at once to be supplied with the power necessary to keep it in operation. This proves to us that the motive force is transmitted over that nerve ; and, as we follow it up, we find it terminates in the brain. This, we find, is equally true of all other parts of the system, proving that the whole power of the entire body is generated there also. "We next examine that organ, and find that it is divided into two hemispheres, decidedly suggestive of the negative and positive poles in an elec- tric or magnetic battery. We further ascertain that it is made up of cells similar to a storage battery, and that, even as an electric dynamo transmits electricity over wires to supply its entire circuit, so the brain sends out, to every organic cell in the whole organism, myriads of fine wire-like nerves through which it flashes the motive power that operates them. Moreover, that, as the electric and magnetic batteries have their positive and negative electrodes, so the system has its sensitive and motor nerves which form a circuit exactly as in an electric or a magnetic battery. Now, if we are to judge the nature of the force that operates the human organism by the apparatus that we find within it, we would say at once that the nature of that force must be either magnetic or electric in its character. THE CIRCULATION OF VITAL FOECE. We are well aware that the earth is controlled by cer- tain fixed laws peculiar to it as a planet, while, in subdi- vision, we know its atoms are likewise governed in a similar manner. Now, under all conditions these atomic elements retain their definite characteristics, and are sub- ject to the same laws when they become integral parts of a living organism, as well as when the constituent par- ticles of some inorganic crystal or chemical compound. The mere coming in contact with the life principle in no manner changes the character of material matter, or the laws that govern it. The physical forces within a living body are those which are transmitted to it through the 36 VITAL FOKCE. material elements which constitute its organic structure, such as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, the inorganic elements, and all their compounds as well as sunlight, all of which are being continually supplied to the system. The affinity their atomic elements have for each other is productive of heat and force, and, as they and their compounds emit vibrations peculiar to their polarity under all conditions, it is evident that they throw them off within a living organism, as well as when external to it, and there accumulate in the organic cellular tissues of the whole body, just as electricity does in a storage bat- tery. The manner in which the physical forces unite with the life principle, or ego, is evidently in some such way as the following. The latter, call it by what name you may, is the great positive element, while all the phys- ical forces of the economy are negative ; that is, to that principle. In order, then, for it to be able to manifest itself, it must have the negative or material forces to draw upon. Not that the latter constitute intelligence by any means, yet there could be no expression of it with- out them in the same manner that there could be no reflection in a mirror without there was something to reflect, as well as the mirror itself, both being necessary. Now, by comparison, we find that the circulation of this force corresponds exactly to the circulation of the blood, the arterial being positive, as it passes from the left side of the heart, and, after imparting its positive principle to the tissues of the body, it returns to the right side of the heart and lungs in a negative condition, laden with car- bonic acid. In like manner, the gastric glands in the walls of the stomach charge the fluid that passes through them with this positive principle, after which the latter imparts it to the food, and returns in a negative state to the walls of the stomach. The same with the intestinal and pancreatic juices. It is evident that the secretions of the body receive their positive character from some source, which keeps up a constant supply. An incessant demand also implies an expenditure of power, which, in turn, means a continual generation of it. We THE ORIGIN OF PHYSICAL FORCE. 37 know, moreover, that though the secretions of the body impart their positive principle during their circulation, they practically lose little or nothing in volume, and return to their respective organs to be ^recharged with it. What is true of them, then, must also be true of the source from which they receive their supply. Thus, we find the life principle acts upon the positive poles of the cellular brain matter, and, as it passes to the negative poles, it draws upon the physical forces which have accumulated there. It is then trans- mitted over the nerves to the whole organic structure of the body, drawing upon and expending the latter stored- up forces as it proceeds for operating it in all its in- ternal functions. It next returns in a negative state to the brain, laden with the physical forces that it has taken up from the cellular structure of the whole body, each organ, whether strong or weak, healthy or diseased, con- tributing its share. There it again unites with the life principle, and is recharged with its positive powers. Thus, a circulation of vital force passes from the brain in a positive state to the organism, and from there back to it again in a negative state, and constitutes what we term the circulation of vital force. THE ORIGIN OF PHYSICAL FORCE. As we backward trace the power that turns the spindle, we come to the steam engine, and say it generates it. In like manner, as we trace to its source the power that runs the human organism, we come to the brain, and ascertain for a certainty that it is generated there. But, on pushing our examinations still further, we find that both the engine and the brain are machines, and that in neither case is the power inherently generated in them, but is traced directly to a force that merely manifests through them. Thus, we find that, though steam is the direct motive power that runs the engine, heat as a product of combustion is the force that produces it, while combustion simply means a rapid, energetic affinity of oxygen and carbon for each other — not annihilation of 38 VITAL FORCE. either the one or the other of these two elements, for no such thing can take place in the domain of nature. Com- bustion is but the simple uniting or coalescing of those two elements. In this case we have oxygen positive, and carbon negative ; and, as the product of their affinity, we have heat positive, and carbonic acid negative. It is noticeable in both instances that, in the production of heat in the steam engine and the human economy, that car- bonic acid is repelled or thrown off. Since there can be no coalescing or affinity of elements for each other without their molecules being endowed with polarity, it is evident that, since in the realms of nature there is no such a thing as a creative power, that they likewise in no manner possess it, but are simply utilized for the transmission of a force that is beyond them. Thus, the origin of the power that is productive of physical force, whether it be within the human organ- ism, or without, can be traced back to what might be justly termed the cosmic ether of the universe, all scientists agreeing that such ether does exist. DUALITY OF PAKTS, FUNCTIONS AND FORCES. The human body is made up of a duality of parts. That is, it is practically two organisms merged into one. When apparently only a single one is found, such as the mouth, the medial line in its roof will show that in real- ity it is really made up of two. In other apparent excep- tions the parts were undoubtedly united in the foetus before its full development. A little thought on the part of the reader will enable him to enumerate all the organs of the body in pairs, thus making it unnecessary for us to do so. We might mention, however, that man has likewise two brains — the cerebrum and cerebellum — each divided into two hemispheres, they in turn being made up of white and gray matter, while all the nerves that supply the organs of sense are also in pairs. The body has, moreover, two coverings — the external, or skin, and the internaVor mucous membrane. In the muscles we find the longitudinal and circular, as well as the vol- DUALITY OF PAETS, FUNCTIONS AND FORCES. 39 untary and involuntary. The body is also divided into systems, such as the nervous, circulatory and respiratory, as well as others not necessary to mention ; all made up of organs that have two distinctly separate functions. Thus, the sensory nerves receive sensations, and in return the motor nerves transmit a motive force, while the lungs, two in number, inhale the air, made of two distinct gases — oxygen, which is positive, and nitrogen, negative — with the further double function of oxidizing the blood on the one hand, which is a positive act, and exhaling carbonic acid, which is a negative one, on the other. So we find the heart a double organ in all its parts and functions, having when in action a positive contraction and negative relaxation. It is also supplied with two sets of blood vessels — arteries and veins — while the blood itself, being made up in part of the red and white blood corpuscles, has a double function — of carrying oxygen to the tissues of the body, and bringing back carbonic acid. Also, in the larynx we have the vocal cords, in pairs — one positive, and the other negative ; productive in function of two distinctly separate tones — the high and the low — in all possible variations. And while the whole organism is a compound magnet, in like manner we find every organ is one also, each cell in turn being a magnet having polarity, or the function of attracting and repelling. This power, however, is only possible through the polarity of each atom therein, which enables the cell to attract and repel like atoms. We likewise have the whole body operated by two distinctly separate forces, which unite and form what we term vital force, having the double function of materializing or building up all parts of the organism on the one hand, and vitalizing it on the other. We make special mention of this matter, as it is evident that any such a perfect duplication of bodies, organs, cells, atoms, functions and forces is no accident, but design, indicating polarity, which latter infers that vital force itself must be either magnetic or electric in its nature. 40 VITAL FORCE. WHAT IS VITAL FOKCE? Though there can be no life without heat, it is per se no element of vital force. When a machine is in opera- tion, friction of its various parts generates heat ; yet it is not the heat so generated that is the motive power that runs it. Heat is simply the^ product of combustion, occuring in identically the same manner within the human system as without. The organism receives through the lungs but a definite amount of oxygen at a time, during which period it unites with a corresponding equivalent of carbon, and thus, in health, the normal temperature is constantly maintained. It is not, however, in the true sense of the word, a force that requires being transmitted over nerves. On the contrary, it merely permeates every part of the system, nerves, nerveless parts, secretions and excretions, alike; the body like any other material, radiating it when overheated, and absorbing it when cold. Vital force is, on the contrary, the direct motive power that operates the human organ- ism. It is a combination of two distinct, separate forces, having, when united, the relations of positive and nega- tive to each other — namely, the positive, or life principle force, which we shall show, though relating entirely to intelligence, is per se a power ; hence, a force ; while the negative, or physical one, is made up of an aggregate of all the forces that are peculiar to the atoms of the various materials that enter into the construction of the organism, and which are found in universal nature. And, since no atom, or molecule of matter, cell, or organ, can of itself or themselves express intelligence, for what is often called such, is simply an impulse, motion or force acting through them, it is evident that a positive whole, like an intelligent human being, cannot be made up of an aggregate of negative parts. What is true of matter in its molecular form is also true of the forces that they transmit, which, we know, never deviate from the pathway of polarity and have noth- ing independent in their nature. Not having in any degree WHAT IS VITAL FORCE ? 41 the attributes of an intelligent entity individually, they cannot collectively endow the human organism with intel- lect. Brainless things cannot beget brains. Passionless atoms and laws cannot give birth to passion. Unerring molecules and forces cannot become the parents of whims, moods and erring judgment, such as we see in independ- ent intelligence ; hence, it is a thing distinctly different from material matter and its forces. Moreover, when the life principle has departed from an organism, there has been no annihilation or departure of even one atom of matter or single vibration of the natural forces that control them. There can be no such a thing as a dead molecule or defunct law of nature. For, in a strictly material sense, all that was, is, and always will be, which applies with equal force to intelligence as it does to the individual atom. So, when life departs from an organism, it has taken, in a physical sense, nothing with it, and, yet in- telligence having disappeared, it is minus that positive principle, the highest expression of which is individual intelligence. Dust cannot blow of its own volition. The wind, however, being a force, can blow it ; and, as we rec- ognize the wind to be a thing distinctly different from the dust it blows, so we recognize intelligence, which can be made to guide and dominate the wind, a force as distinctly different from that force as it is from the dust. Thus, we find intelligence to be a power unlike any material force, for it guides, controls and dominates, as the whims and moods of its will dictate. It differs from the physi- cal force, inasmuch as it acts both voluntarily and involun- tarily ; the latter involuntarily only. We call it the M life- principle force," otherwise termed " soul/' or " spirit. ' We use the former term in a relative manner, as we wish to simply point it out as the great positive principle of vital force, the opposite of the physical. The origin of the latter is evident, since all the laws that constitute a part of it are peculiar to material nature. This is the force that is stored up in the cells of the entire organism — air cells of the lungs as well as fibrous cells of the muscle — just as electricity is confined in a storage battery. This 42 VITAL FORCE. accounts for the reason that muscular development brings physical strength, and a lack of it, weakness, which is just as applicable to a lung as to a muscular tissue. And as the force that operates a machine can be misused or wasted on account of the operator's ignorance or maliciousness, he himself being no part of the former or the motive force that operates it, so the physical or negative force may be either wittingly or unwittingly squandered by the positive ego. And as the operator may manipulate his machine in such a manner as to de- stroy its usefulness, so the life principle, through the in- strumentality of the will, may, ignorantly or maliciously, either greatly impair the body's usefulness or actually bring about that change we term " death." EQUILIBRIUM OF LIFE FORCES. A machine cannot be made out of thought. Material matter plus physical force plus intelligence are necessary for its construction. Any two of them are impotent to accomplish the work, while all three, when properly com- bined, have almost boundless capabilities in constructing intricate and wonderful inventions ; hence, the power that can guide and dominate physical forces in the manipula- tion of matter in transforming it into a machine is a force as distinctly necessary as either matter or the physical force. Indeed, while no independent act of intelligence could be executed without the life principle, neither could it give expression to thought, function of organ or act of person only through the media of physical energy. Not that thought and intelligence do not exist beyond the con- fines of material laws, but there can be no expression of either in realms controlled by them only through their instrumentality. That is, the life principle can only manifest itself in the way of intelligence on a material plane, and make itself understood only to the degree that it is enabled to draw upon and utilize physical forces with which to do it. This accounts for the reason that strength of body as well as mind is necessary to do protracted mental labor. It also makes plain the fact that, no EQUILIBRIUM OF LIFE FORCES. 43 matter how fine an intellect a person may have, when very sick, being as a result weak, he can do little or no mental work. Or, if he makes an effort, he becomes exhausted just exactly as a storage battery would be if containing but a little electricity, and all were drawn off. In like manner a person cannot do good mental work while di- gestion is going on. It clearly explains the decline of mentality in old age. The same life principle is present ; but, as the organism generates less and less physical force, there is less and less for it to draw upon ; hence, less abil- ity to express intelligence. When a person has in a marked degree great mentality, accompanied by a good physique, we have what is generally termed a well-bal- anced person. Most of the great personages of the world — we mean mentally great — were people of that build. To be sure, though we have had many brilliant minds who had weak bodies, it is a fact that they could not do protracted mental labor, and that, to just the degree they attempted it, to just that extent were they short-lived; many of them even killing themselves by keeping the organism depleted of its physical force. In many cases we find the life-principle force quite feeble, and the mate- rial forces very strong, and as a result have a weak intel- lect and great bodily strength, the reason being that the former power, being naturally wanting, never exhausts the physical forces of the body. The same with the idiot. Little intelligence is expressed, so, little of the latter forces are used ; hence, as is generally the case, this class of persons have good physical strength. Where there is a weak intellect and a poor body also, it is owing evidently to naturally inherited causes. Either of these forces may be made more powerful by exercise ; hence, if the whole force is given to intellectual development, we have a good intellect and a frail body or vice versa. In all forms of diseased structure there is a lack of equilibrium of these forces, which accounts for all diseases. 44 VITAL FORCE. MENTAL CUBES. A method of cure that teaches facts concerning the mind is of great importance to humanity as an auxiliary aid in overcoming mental and bodily ailments. When, however, it is presented to the world in some " fol-de-rol " supernatural guise, and such terms as faith and science are locked in each other's embrace, and the offspring dubbed " Christian Science," it is no wonder that the world calls it a craze. And, since this question in- fringes upon the subject we have under consideration, and facts are called for concerning it, we propose to give a rational explanation of the modus operandi of just how all mental cures are brought about, and, thus, rid this whole matter of its tangles of fanatical mysticism. This question is not one of faith, but fact. That is, the person's organism, brain, mind, life-principle force, phy- sical force and vital force, are all facts. Further, that it is only through the instrumentality of the latter that a diseased, or partially diseased, organic tissue, can be made whole, is a fact. Indeed, it has never yet been recorded that, even by a supernatural power, that a person was ever given a limb that he had lost, or restored as whole an organ entirely destroyed. In every instance the part was merely diseased, and, so, as soon as an equilibrium of the life forces was re-established, a cure was effected, and nothing more. For there is no such a thing as building a cell out of the stuff that faith is made of, since an analysis of any healed structure would show that it was built out of the organic and inorganic elements identical with those of the whole organ, and that its recon- struction, if any, was brought about entirely through the in- strumentality of the vital force. That an organ or any part of it does not in many cases receive its normal amount of the latter is not to be denied, yet may, through the instrument- ality of the will, be made to receive a still further increase of it, are admitted facts. Also, without the intelligence was of such a grade as to enable it to grasp MENTAL CURES. 45 an idea that would dominate it and serve as the necessary stimulus to the life-principle force, there could be no cure, is still another fact, proof of which is that animals, infants and idiots, or even very stupid persons, are never cured by and through the instrumentality of their own faith. All reported cures show the patient to be a decidedly sensitive person, capable of deep emotion and intensity of feeling. This accounts for their ability to grasp the above-mentioned necessary idea. The will being the guiding power of the mind, it matters not what the idea is called, whether " faith " or " knowledge/' if it only holds it to its purpose. The power of either faith or knowledge is will. Thus, a great faith and a weak will combined are impossibilities, for faith is simply deter- mination personified. So, even a knowledge of what is right, with a will too feeble to carry out its requirements, makes the merit of it of little consequence as a means of cure. If a person had been leading what we call a bad life, and the expenditure of his life forces were through faculties that kept his passions in a flame and his mind engrossed with bitter thoughts of vengeance, animosities and unkindness, and his life given to every form of carousal and dissipation, thereby incurring loss of health and severe sickness, and at last, through the stimulus of faith in a power supreme to heal him, he is led to change the whole course of his life, and is cured, the question is raised, What healed him 1 Has his faith ? By no means. If he had simply changed his way of living, would he not have been cured just the same ? Again, if by knowl- edge of the fact that his mode of life and dissipa- tions were destroying him, and he changed the manner of his living, would the results not have been identical ? We certainly know that a change of life on his part, whether induced by faith or knowledge, would cause the following important changes to take place as regards the expenditure of vital force. When leading a dissipated life, the latter is expended to a great extent in the mere gratification of his desires and passions. And to just the extent that they monopolize it, to that degree the organic 46 VITAL FORCE. cellular tissue of his body is robbed of its just share of it, and as a result it grows negative and in time diseased, his higher faculties in the meantime remaining in a dor- mant state. Now, if from either faith or knowiedge all dissipations were stopped, and, as a result, all squandering of his vi- tality ceased, it would then be conserved for the needs of the system to build up in one direction and heal in an- other. The baser or animal faculties then becoming dormant, and the vital force being attracted to the higher faculties, they become stimulated. As a conse- quence, the brain vibrations are soothing, and so har- mony of mind and body — between the life-principle force and the physical force — prevails, and the system is in the best possible condition to have a cure wrought. Back- sliding is brought about not so much from what is expressly termed " cussedness " as from weakness. The brain being a compound magnet, and each faculty a separate magnet; thus, after the animal faculties have been stimulated for long years by attracting the vital force at the expense of the higher, they become strong and powerful, while the latter, by non-use, become weak ; and every attempt at reformation makes it practically a battle between the big and little magnets of the brain as to which shall, in the greater degree, monopolize the vital powers of the body. Each faculty being made up of an aggregate of cell formations, the vital force, in obedience to the greater attraction, would be inevitably drawn to the most powerful magnetic faculty, and the force would never deviate from its flow in that direction. But here is where the life principle, as a directing power or force personified as the ego, and by the power of its will alone, overcomes the affinity, and switches off the current of physical force from the naturally strong magnetic faculty to the weak one, and holds it there, if sufficiently strong, till such time as the latter by use becomes the stronger, and the lower ones, by non-use, the weaker, at which time it will require no more will power to be good and do good than it formerly did to be bad, on account MENTAL CURES. 47 of its being now the natural state. When changes are identical, the results must, of necessity, be the same. Faith alone, or knowledge alone, or both combined, could work no cure without the necessary change of liv- ing from an abnormal to a normal life, showing the cause to be in the latter, and not in the former. As it is, there is no life that faith alone can make a person live as far as it pertains to his physical health that is superior to the teachings of knowledge, provided the will power in both cases is equally strong, for a person may have great faith in a supreme power, and yet, if ignorant of the laws of health, unintentionally violate them, and thus bring about a diseased condition of the organism, all of which could have been easily avoided by a knowledge of them. If, then, man can only be made to understand the laws that govern the vital force that operates his organism, and be made to fully realize the naked fact that that power per se is as physical in its nature as the component material parts of his body, and not a spiritual one inexhaustible in quantity, and so to be cared for and preserved in just the same degree that the physical organism is guarded against injury, then, in- deed, will the hand of self-destruction that is now unwit- tingly at work in many cases be stayed. 48 ALIMENTATION. ALIMENTATION. NUTKITION. In the preceding chapters we have referred to the human organism as a machine, and, as all machines entail a loss of their parts while being operated by a motive power, so in a similar manner we find this anatomy of ours subject to injury and loss of both organic and inorganic material while being acted upon by the vital motive force, either from the normal wear of the body or from such an addi- tional abnormal condition as disease. We say " normal " when the entire system receives through the functions of nutrition a sufficient amount of the necessary material to keep it built up ; " abnormal," when there is an inabil- ity on the part of the general organism as a whole, or such parts as the lungs, when diseased, to repair all waste caused by the expenditure of the vital force upon it. Such being our purpose, it is obvious that indigestible foods, as well as those that require a long time to digest, all kinds of condiments and artificial drinks, are to be absolutely excluded from the stomach. Moreover, it is out of the question to compromise and mix the proper kinds of nutriment with those above men- tioned, since the latter in their elimination from the system serve to deplete the digestive organs of their power of digestion, and so make it impossible for them to properly digest the former. That, however, is not the only thing required, for just here we find our efforts confronted by a very serious condition — namely, a loss of vital force in those identical organs, as well as in the general system ; and we find ourselves obliged to restrict our selection of food to those kinds that contain not only the nec- essary organic and inorganic elements, but to those that we know can be digested with the least possible expenditure of vital force on the part of the stomach NUTRITION. 49 and small intestines. Finding we have a specific work to accomplish, and the weakest kind of digestive apparatus to prepare the material that we propose to use, it is evi- dent that their vital motive power must be reserved and conserved for that definite purpose, and that only, if we hope to succeed in our work. It should be understood that when an organic disease of the lungs is present we always have a maximum amount of cellular lung structure to build, with but a minimum degree of vital digestive power with which to prepare the needed material ; hence, the necessity of reserving it all for that work. Indeed, the universal rule in mechanics is to construct a thing out of the proper material, and with the least possible expenditure of labor. No mechanic would think for a moment of exhausting his strength while repairing a machine on a material that he knew could in no manner whatever be utilized by him in its construction. Neither would he, if sane, use his tools upon a substance that would injure and make impossible their usefulness in the work he had on hand. Now, this is just as applicable in the repair of the hu- man organism as it is to a machine. The definite work is to build up the system, and repair the parts destroyed, the digestive organs being simply the tools to prepare the material for that purpose ; and to use them on any- thing that cannot be utilized for the work above men- tioned would be to merely weaken, abuse and blunt their usefulness when used for their legitimate purpose. Hence, we hold that, when the repairing of destroyed lung tissue is the object in view, that the lungs are deserving of at least the same consideration as any other machine undergoing repairs. How absurd to hope and pray for the restoration of the lungs to their normal state, and, at the same time, treat the stomach as though it was a hop- per into which could be poured with impunity any and everything for which perverted tastes and desires had a longing ! Could an imbecile do less than attempt to con- struct living tissue out of alcohol, coffee, cod-liver oil, condiments and a great variety of trashy kind of food and artificial decoctions called drinks ? And, yet, instead of 50 ALIMENTATION. reserving the digestive organs for that exclusive use, they are burdened and weakened by being obliged to digest materials they can make no use of for the above-named purpose. Since, then, the repair of the diseased organic lung structure depends to such a great degree on proper digestion, it is obvious that that subject deserves in all its phases our most serious consideration. INDIGESTION. Pulmonary phthisis is, we might truly say, universally accompanied by a very serious and distressing complaint, known as dyspepsia or indigestion, and, notwithstanding untold volumes have been written on that subject, it is undoubtedly to-day by far the most prevalent of all known diseases. When such a trouble affects the stomach, the source to which every atom of the whole physical organism looks for nourishment on which to sub- sist, it is not surprising to find the latter badly disturbed and a progressive loss of weight the result. And, indeed, so intimately associated is this disease with pulmonary phthisis, that we find it out of the question to think for a moment of being able to permanently cure the one without effectually eradicating the other. As it is, the former seldom ever proves fatal till the system has first been greatly reduced, a condition always to be regarded as a very serious matter; while, on the contrary, a marked gain in weight is an unmistakable indication that the lungs are healing, and health is being restored. It is evident, then, that when the loss of weight, caused by indigestion, be added to the great waste occasioned by pulmonary phthisis, that we have, indeed, a complica- tion that claims our most serious attention, as such a double loss is sure to hasten with great rapidity the diseased condition of the lungs. So serious an aspect has this disease as a complication of pulmonary phthisis, that we doubt that a radical cure of the latter was ever accomplished without first removing the former. The causes of this complaint are about as numerous as any and all the abnormal conditions possible to name. MASTICATION. 51 No two persons will have it precisely the same. Dif- ferent abnormal habits lead to different phases of this disease. It is apparent at a glance, then, that, in order to cure pulmonary phthisis, that any degree of indigestion present must be eradicated, and, in order to do that, it requires the person so affected to live an ideal life, not part of the time, but all the time, till his lung trouble has disappeared. But, to thoroughly understand the nature of the radical changes necessary to carry oat in order to make this possible, we should first become acquainted with a few very important facts concerning digestion. MASTICATION. Nature supplies all persons with not only a mouth for the reception of food, but with the necessary set of teeth to enable them to masticate it. And even as such ani- mals as the cow are amply provided with molars, jaws and powerful muscles with which to work them, and thus chew her cud, so, in like manner, is every human being furnished with identically the same mechanism for the proper mastication of his food, a proof that it is as neces- sary in the one case as in the other. And, notwithstanding man was always provided with sufficient strength, when in his normal state, with which to macerate food artifi- cially, and the ability to obtain water with which to mix it, still nature repudiates any and all such abnormal methods, and insists on the food being masticated by the teeth before it is allowed to pass into the stomach. Then, all soft foods, such as rice, oatmeal and boiled potatoes, should be chewed at least thirty times ; while such arti- cles as corn, rye, wheat, or ordinary bread, at least sixty times ; all meats, such as beefsteak, roast beef, lamb and chicken, seventy-five times ; lettuce, apples, and all raw hard fruits, seventy times, and soft ones, like very ripe pears and peaches, forty times. Chew all food that you put into your mouth till it assumes an almost liquid form. Even milk should be drank only in such quantities as a tablespoonful at a time, and after being taken into the mouth should be swashed around in it with a sucking 52 ALIMENTATION. motion for at least twenty times before it is swal- lowed. Then it will not create any disturbance. Ob- serve these rules scrupulously, and, other things being equal, indigestion can be cured. THE SALIVA. While being masticated, the food is thoroughly mixed with a liquid that runs into the mouth from four different sources ; hence, the saliva is a mixture of that number of distinct fluids, each differing from the other in character — namely, the parotid, sublingual, submaxillary glands and the follicles of the mouth — and is, when mixed together, known as the saliva. It has been estimated that about three pounds of it are secreted in twenty-four hours. As to its functions, such a prominent physiologist as Dalton claims that it is purely mechanical, and that its mixture with the food is no part of digestion, but is simply designed to lubricate it, and thus acts as an aid in facilitating its passage to the stomach, by preventing the mucous membrane, which lines the entire passage- way to it, from being irritated by friction. But, while it serves that purpose, it does it no more than any of the digestive fluids, for they, in identically the same manner, serve to protect the mucous membrane of the stomach and bowels from friction, which, by the way, is but a mere incidental function as far as digestion is concerned. The experiment of drawing off the saliva when a horse was eating oats, and finding that it took him a much longer time to masticate them, was one of negative value for, if the gastric juice had been in a like manner drawn off after food had been introduced into the stomach, it would leave the food there in a comparatively dry state also, which would, however, be no proof that that fluid did not have other digestive and lubricating properties. As proof that we are correct in this matter, we do not for one moment suppose that any physiologist would be willing to admit that a proper mastication of food and its mixture with saliva could be dispensed with, and its maceration and through saturation with water serve THE STOMACH. 53 as a perfect normal substitute, since any such an admis- sion would imply that, if one part of the whole natural process of digestion could be substituted for an artificial one, then any or all of the other parts could. If food saturated with saliva is a necessity for good digestion, then the question arises, in just what way? It cannot be for mere lubricating purposes, since water, being always at hand, could be just as effectually used. This is not its solution by any means, for experience teaches us that indigestion is sure to follow, sooner or later, any attempt at the substitution of liquid foods for solids, no matter how nourishing they otherwise may be. The food should be masticated on both sides of the mouth, in order that the salivary glands on each side shall be stimulated and made to flow to their maximum capacity, while if chewed on one side only they will not. There are about three pounds of saliva secreted every twenty-four hours. It has also been ascertained that saliva will convert starch into sugar; so, in all cases where there is severe intestinal indigestion, and a prob- able lack of intestinal juice for the proper digestion of all kinds of starchy food, then a most thorough mastication of starchy foods is all the more necessary. If the mouth was made for the mere reception of food, to be swallowed and not chewed, then teeth, and more especially molars, would be useless. In all cases in animal life among the carnivora molars are wanting, not being a necessity; but being furnished by nature as we find them in the human mouth indicates that they have a definite work to do, that is not to be overlooked if any one would have good diges- tion. Understand, then, that by the proper mastication of food digestion is greatly facilitated, and a normal action of the stomach the result, while if it is merely bolted it leads, as such an act is sure to do, to several other abnormal conditions. THE STOMACH. After the food has been masticated by the act of deglutition (swallowing), it passes down through the 54 ALIMENTATION. passage, or tube (the oesophagus), into the stomach. This important organ is much like a membranous bag, with the oesophagus opening into it from its extreme upper part, while the opening into the small intestines, called the " pylorus," is situated well to its left lower portion. This organ is made up of thin membranous layers, the external one being exceedingly small, emitting a moisture from its surface for lubricating purposes, thus preventing irritation by friction as it moves in contact with the other organs about it. The middle coat consists of muscular fibres, one of which runs lengthwise and the other crosswise, or around the stomach. This enables it to contract and distend according to the contents within it. In like manner the churning, or peristaltic, motion of the stomach is carried on. The third layer lines the inside of the entire organ, and is known as the " gastric mucous membrane. " It is very smooth and soft and of a light pinkish color. When the stomach is contracted, it is found to be in folds or wrinkles. All through the deep substance of this membrane is to be found in great abundance the glands which secrete the gastric juice. From these minute organs arise small tubes which terminate on its free surface, called " gastric follicles." They cover its whole surface with the exception of those portions oc- cupied by the capillary blood vessels and nerve filaments, or papillae. The capacity of the stomach is about three pints. THE GASTEIC JUICE. The gastric juice is a clear, colorless, odorless, acid liquid. After being taken from the stomach, it may be kept for months, if excluded from the air, without be- coming fetid. As may be inferred, it is a most powerful antiseptic, so much so, that it will prevent the putrefac- tion of meat when immersed in it, and sealed up. Lactic acid is evidently the acid peculiar to it, and is found in the quantity of four hundred and seventy-eight parts. There are also about fourteen pounds of gastric juice se- FUNCTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 55 creted in twenty-four hours, and this evidently is not an overestimate. It has been ascertained under abnormal conditions, such as having a fistula in the stomach, that the gastric juice will flow freely for about three hours, while after six hours it had subsided to quite an extent, and ceased to flow after nine to twelve hours. The length of time that it flows, however, depends on the kind of food that is undergoing digestion, and whether it was properly masticated or not. If the latter rule was observed, and the food eaten was some nutritious cereal, one hour may be all that is required, while five hours is necessary to digest roast pork. It has been definitely ascertained that such nitrogenous foods as albumen, fibrin and caseine, are alone acted upon by the gastric juice, while starch and fats are exclusively digested by the intestinal and pancreatic juices. In good health, when the needs of the body are great, the quan- tity of gastric juice is correspondingly large. In severe sickness, though the wants of the system may be just as much, still, as the physical force for attracting new ma- terial to the cellular structure of the entire body is weak, little or no demand is made on the stomach for food, and, as a result, it becomes negative, as does also the gastric juice and its ingredients, and so little or none of it is secreted. Moreover, even in perfect health the gastric juice is not secreted continually, but only during such time as food is in the stomach when an alkali or an alka- line carbonate will neutralize its action. A moderate amount of heat is also necessary for its normal flow, while either a high or a low temperature of that organ will retard its secretion, showing that the drinking of ice water or iced tea, as well as all very cold or hot drinks, is injurious, and should never be indulged in — at least, by the dyspeptic — while food is undergoing digestion. FUNCTIONS OF THE STOMACH. When the whole stomach is in a positive state, then all its functions as well as the gastric juice and its ingredients are in a like condition, and as a result we have normal 56 ALIMENTATION. digestion. Whenever, it is in a negative state, then the latter and its active principles — such as its lactic acid and pepsin — are also in the same condition, and so, no matter what quantity of it or them may be secreted, vital force being lacking in it, the normal digestion of food is an impossibility. The functions of the stomach are to not only receive the food, and retain it while undergoing digestion, but to discharge it by way of the pylorus when that process is finished. Its great function, however, and one of special interest to us, is that following the charging of the gastric glands with vital force ; they in turn, after the food has entered the stomach, charge it through the media of the gastric fluid with the same force. Thus, we see that the former itself is but a vehicle for transferring that power from the glands to the food, and that normal digestion without it could not take place, even though the gastric juice was otherwise normal in quantity and ingredients. That the latter does, when acting on the food, impart its positive principle to it, and, by so doing, becomes negative, and is reabsorbed by the stomach, is an established physiological fact. The intestinal and pancreatic juices are in a like manner charged with vital force, and reabsorbed. As for the general assimilation of food after it has been converted into chyle, there could be none without its atoms were first through the process of digestion charged with vital force. That the latter when so imparted is negative to the attractive power of the whole cellular structure of the body is evident ; otherwise, each indivi- dual cell could have no power to select from the general circulation the ingredients peculiar to it and necessary for its construction. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF INDIGESTION OE DYSPEPSIA. Good digestion calls for the proper mastication of food, for it not only stimulates the secretion of gastric juice with the least labor and expenditure of the vital force of PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF INDIGESTION. 57 the stomach, but it will by the affinity these two juices have for each other cause the food to be more thoroughly saturated, not only by the gastric juice, but to be more efficiently charged with its vital principle. It will then require but the normal number of peristaltic, or churning, motions to digest it; otherwise, it would necessitate many more, and thus, by overwork, deplete the organ of its power, and leave it more and more negative, till finally a severe form of indigestion would be the result. Moreover, bolting the food directly affects the stomach's function of secreting gastric juice in the following way. Suppose it will take one-tenth of the entire vital force generated by the system to operate the stomach for the normal digestion of the food required for its nourish- ment, and one hundred stands for that amount. Now, if we divide that number between the two special functions of the stomach — namely, the secretion of gastric juice and the peristaltic motion of that organ — we have fifty per cent, for each, and, as a consequence/ normal digestion. But suppose the food be bolted, and, as a result, the stomach is obliged to do the work that the teeth failed to do — that is, macerate the food — and can only accomplish it by increasing the number of its peristaltic movements to the extent of one-fourth, then it will require just that degree of increase of vital force to do that work. In this way, it draws on the whole number (one hundred) for not only the normal amount, i. e., fifty per cent., but the addi- tional one-quarter, or twenty-five per cent, more, and we have seventy-five per cent, used for the necessary peri- staltic motion to bring about a proper maceration of the bolted food, thus leaving but twenty-five per cent, for the secretion of gastric juice. Thus, when food is bolted, the usual quantity of two and one-half pounds per day should not be eaten, one and a quarter being all the stomach can digest in a normal way ; otherwise, indiges- tion is likely to result. For, should the above amount be taken, but half of it will be normally digested, while the other half, being in an unmasticated condition and acted upon by the heat of the system, will begin to ferment, and an eructation of gas occur. 58 ALIMENTATION. There are many forms of physiological indigestion, each being in character diametrically opposite. Take one case where there is little or no gastric juice secreted, the food remaining in the stomach for the greater part of twenty- four hours, only to be vomited just as sweet and unchanged as when eaten. Here we have a condition of that organ so negative for the time being that its functions are mostly if not entirely suspended. Its whole condition being negative, the food simply lay there till a negative contraction took place, which is always in the direction of the oesophagus, and the contents are ejected, the two negatives repelling each other. Again, and which is generally the case, neither the stomach nor its functions are wholly negative, but merely so in a degree. So we usually find that part of the food has been acted upon by the gastric juice, while the other part had not been touched, indicating that an insufficient quantity of the latter, charged with the required vital force, had been secreted. As a result, we find particles of food in the stool, such as curds of milk or other articles of food, either in a wholly or partially undigested ** condition, showing that when the normal or positive peristaltic movements were strong enough to carry off the digested parts they took the undigested portion also, and hence their appearance in the faeces. Still, when we consider digestion as being productive of nourishment only, we can see at once that only that part of the food that is properly digested is to be regarded as nutriment, the rest being a foreign substance which not only proves detrimental to the system, but will cause a decided waste of vital force to dislodge it from the bowels. It is fre- quently found to be the case that a person suffering from indigestion has a great appetite, but little or no power to digest the food he eats. This shows the absurdity of satisfying the appetite, or being guided by it, especially when this disease is present. Eat, then, just what the stomach can digest and the system utilize as nourish- ment for the repair of organic tissue, and no more, for all over and above that amount will prove injurious rather than beneficial. Thus, we find that nature, in this mat- PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF INDIGESTION. 59 ter as well as in all others, deals in exact equivalents. A definite amount of properly masticated food charged with the vital principle of the saliva calls for a certain specific quantity of gastric juice, and, thus, digestion on the part of all the functions of the stomach is normal ; but, when a larger amount is taken than there is gastric juice to digest, a certain part of its chymification will be normal and the other part abnormal. Who has not frequently heard some people remark that they always rise from the table a little hungry ? "We have simply to say that this is a most excellent rule for those patients to follow who have good appetites, but always suffer after satisfying it, as well as for those who have undigested food in their stools. Still another form of dyspepsia, and a very distress- ing one it is, is where the gastric juice has been secreted even in large quantities, but the gastric glands being negative, lack the power to reabsorb it, and so it accumulates in the stomach in large quantities, causing distention, distress and vomiting. Such a state, it will be observed, is just the opposite to that where no gastric juice is secreted. We have been called to a patient whose condition represented this phase of indigestion in its most aggravated form. The history of her case showed that for a dozen years she had been suffering with indigestion. She would frequently have the food she had eaten re- main in her stomach anywhere from five days to a week, only to be finally ejected, without having undergone any digestion whatever. Indeed, we have seen her vomit all of two quarts of an intensely sour, watery fluid, contain- ing canned peaches that she had eaten five days previ- ously, that had not undergone any change in the way of digestion in the slightest degree whatever. In fact, they were not even macerated, but had remained in pieces that could be still sliced with a knife. There was no sign of decomposition, since that was physically impossible con- sidering the amount of gastric juice present. The ex- planation in this case was that, while the latter was secreted even in great abundance on account of the dis- tended and relaxed condition of the walls of the stomach, 60 ALIMENTATION. which always favors its flow, it was decidedly, if not wholly, negative, coming, as it did, from an organ in a very negative state, and so it accumulated there. The stomach being negative, and the gastric juice likewise, we have again the two negative conditions which repel each other, and as a result no reabsorption of the latter. It has been demonstrated upon animals and human beings, by watching the process of digestion, that between its acts the stomach is empty, and that all of its functions are, for the time being, suspended. The stomach as an organ, when in a normal state, is always positive, but not always so in its functions, for they are then positive part of the time, and negative the rest. It is during this period of inaction that vital force accumulates in the gastric glands, while the large amount of watery secretion that constitutes the bulk of the gas- tric juice does not pass through them till active digestion of food has commenced. It is evident from the foregoing that, though lactic acid and pepsin may be secreted in quantities sufficiently large to digest food, that the reason they do not in some forms of dyspepsia is because these elements are themselves negative, being the product of a very negative organ, and so lack the necessary positive principle for normal digestion. This accounts for the failure of pepsin to cure, more especially chronic indi- gestion. "When a person has no appetite, it is then evi- dent that there is not a sufficient amount of vital force stored up in the cellular structure and glands of the stomach to cause a desire for food ; and under no circum- stances whether he be then sick or well should much of it, when in that condition, be taken. On the other hand, when the gastric glands become well charged with this vital positive principle, that organ is ready for work, and makes known its want of food to act upon to the brain, and we then say we have an appetite or are hungry. Understand, then, that digestion merely ex- pends this force that has accumulated in the organic structure of the stomach during rest, which is obviously as much of a necessity as food itself, and more so at times when a person is suffering from dyspepsia. PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSES OF INDIGESTION. 61 There could, in fact, be no digestion without this needed rest in some degree. From these plainly demonstrated physiological facts, therefore, we are bound to draw the conclusion that, in order to cure dyspepsia, long intervals of rest must fol- low impaired digestion. Then to fill one's stomach at eight a. m. with food that requires three or four hours for a healthy stomach to digest, and again at twelve and six p. m., would leave but a very short time for rest be- tween the hours of eight in the morning and nine or ten in the evening, or about just ten hours of rest out of twenty-four ; that is, from ten p. m. to eight a. m. the next day. This is where digestion is practically nor- mal, though we hold that at least twelve hours of rest is needed. But when we come to the dyspeptic, whose organs of digestion are twice or three times weaker than the normal, we find that on an average it takes about twice as long for them to digest food as it does the latter ; hence, should have twice as much rest. For food, then, that would require three or four hours for normal digestion, would need six to eight, followed by twelve to six- teen hours of rest, for twice as much of it would be required. Thus, food eaten at seven a. m. would not be entirely digested till about one p. m. That, followed by a rest of six hours, would mean that no more food should be eaten till seven p. m. No matter what dyspeptics may think as to the necessity of taking food to keep up their strength, it is far more important in these cases to give the stomach its needed physiological rest. Never mind those cravings or feelings, such as weakness or an " all-gone " sensation, as they are usually but symptoms of indigestion rather than an indication that your stomach is craving nourishment. For, after the dyspeptic's stomach has been empty for a short time, it contracts partially, if not wholly, and it should, as we have already seen, remain in that state for hours before any more food is taken. Still, the contraction of its diseased walls causes very distressing symptoms. Patients will then say, " I feel so distressed and have such a bad feeling, I am obliged to eat in order to get relief." Yes, eating will cause 62 ALIMENTATION. dilation of the stomach, but only at the expense of the necessary contraction, for the stomach will never again resume its normal state or functions till it is enabled to not only contract, but remain so for hours at a time. This contraction then should be encouraged and should not be overcome, no matter how you may be distressed by taking food, for the necessary contraction means health, and almost permanent dilation means con- stant indigestion. By physiological rest, we mean an entire cessation of all the functions of the stomach that digest the food for a specific length of time neces- sary to enable it to entirely recuperate from the effects of its labor, as well as remain contracted to its utmost limits. All of this leads us to the conclusion that, when a person is suffering from dyspepsia very badly, that he or she should never eat any more than two meals a day — say, morning and night — while those suffering from an advanced stage of the disease, where the walls of the stomach are relaxed most of the time, and all its secre- tions and functions are evidently in a very negative state, should not eat more than one. Don't say that your desires and appetite are the best guides for you to follow, for, if you have been a sufferer for years, you would have been well ere now if your confidence in them had not been misplaced. There is, undoubtedly, a certain amount of gratification in satisfying a desire for food at certain definite intervals of time, as long years of training have cultivated it. Every such lapsing period brings on its periodical cravings, but this is no proof that your system stands in need of food any more than it would if it had in a like manner a craving for tobacco or liquor. It is a well-established fact in sanitariums that those dyspeptics who eat but two meals a day do better than they who eat three, while those who eat but one do the best. This whole matter is not based simply on theory, for it has been proven, as we have before noted, that a complete rest of the stomach for a specific length of time following the digestion of food is a physiological necessity, while those who have THE CIRCULATION OF THE DIGESTIVE FLUIDS. 63 put the idea in practice have demonstrated its efficacy as a cure for indigestion. Weigh yourself, and, to your surprise, you will find that, when you eat but one meal a day, that you hold your weight fully as well as when you eat three (we refer to the chronic dyspeptic). Mental causes, such as irritability, anger and all forms of excite- ment will react badly upon the stomach, aggravate the indigestion already existing there, and so should be avoided. THE CIRCULATION OF THE DIGESTIVE FLUIDS. If we examine the saliva, gastric, intestinal and pan- creatic glands, we will find, judging from their size, that the amount of fluids secreted by them during normal di- gestion could not possibly have accumulated in them during the period of rest that preceded it. We know that the salivary glands secrete three, the gastric four- teen, and the intestinal and pancreatic juices about one and one-half, or twenty pounds all told in twenty-four hours, of these digestive fluids. As it is physically im- possible for those glands to hold any such quantity, it is evident that that amount must simply pass through them from the general system. Thus, when a man is in full health, it is estimated that he eats on an average about two and one-half pounds of food a day, for which it re- quires twenty pounds of the liquid of the system to sup- ply the digestive glands with the necessary vehicle to carry their positive elements into the digestive organs. And, notwithstanding he drinks during that time three pints of water on an average, it will still require seventeen pounds or pints in addition, charged with the positive elements necessary for the digestion of two and one-half pounds of food. Or, if a person weighs, say, one hun- dred and sixty pounds, and one-quarter of his entire weight, or forty pounds, is inorganic matter, * and the remaining three-quarters, or one hundred and twenty pounds, is water, it will require one-sixth of that whole amount, or twenty pounds daily, to fur- nish the necessary amount of liquid for the normal 64 ALIMENTATION. digestion of two and one-half pounds of food or its equivalent if used over again, how is it that each secretion is distinctly different from the other in its characteristic action upon the food when undergoing digestion ? All analytical examinations show that these fluids are made up of water containing certain organic and inorganic materials not specially peculiar to any one of them, but common to them all, as well as most every part of the entire organism, showing that it was evidently drawn from all parts of it. But, as this liquid passes through different glands, the latter inject and charge it with the substance and force peculiar to each organ that had accumulated there while they were at rest, and which thus serves to give each digestive fluid its own peculiar characteristics. -Thus, after the saliva has saturated the food, it passes into the stomach and intestines ; and, having imparted positive force to the food, it is reabsorbed by the general system, which, in turn, furnishes the salivary glands with saliva. So, we find the gastric juice entering the stomach and imparting its positive principle to the food, and then, after being reabsorbed by it, it is again ready for another round, recharged with its specific properties. In like manner, the intestinal and pancreatic juices, after entering the intestines, impart their positive principle to the food they act upon, and are then reabsorbed by their respective organs, to be recharged by them with their peculiar ingredients. This is what we termed the circu- lation of the digestive fluid. ASSIMILATION. When a solid, such as an inorganic substance, is intro- duced into the stomach, the gastric juice will begin at once to flow, but after a while stop as though the latter had made the discovery that it was not food, and so make no further attempt to digest it. If, however, such an article as meat or fruit be eaten, digestion, if normal, will go 6n without interruption until the food has been entirely digested and discharged from the stomach. Our ASSIMILATION. 65 explanation of the above facts is as follows: The inor- ganic substance at first, by irritation alone, causes a slight flow of gastric juice, but as soon as it and the part of the gastric mucous membrane in contact with it have been sufficiently lubricated its discharge ceases. On the other hand, its continuous action upon the meat is un- doubtedly owing to the fact that the latter is organic, and had not only been saturated with saliva, but had once been imbued by the life principle, which latter, now being absent, makes it negative to the vital force of the gastric juice. And, as one is negative, and the other positive, they have an affinity for each other, and as the necessary circuit of vital force is established the flow of gastric juice is continuous till every particle of the food has been acted upon by it, as well as charged with its positive principle, after which it becomes as positive as the stom- ach itself, and, on the principle that two positives repel, those parts of the food so charged pass into the intes- tines. The necessity of a circulation of vital force being established through the media of the digestive fluids between the latter and the food they act upon is as applicable to intestinal digestion as to that which takes place in the stomach ; and, as no force can be given off by an electric dynamo only through the media of a cir- cuit, in a like manner the whole organic cellular tissue of the body could not transmit a power without a circuit of vital force was similarly established. Thus, as the whole organism looks to the stomach for nutriment, it charges it with the necessary force to impart to the food it receives for its proper attraction; that is, all atoms of food when converted into chyle are perfectly charged by the digestive fluids with a force that makes them nega- tive to the attractive force of the cellular tissue of the whole organism. When the vital force of the body is strong, the atoms are well charged, and, so, easily attracted, and we have as a result good assimilation. If, on the contrary, the entire force is weak, the cellular tissue of the body is in a like condition, or a negative state ; as a result they are constantly repelling rather than attracting 66 ALIMENTATION. material, and consequently the person grows thin, or, as is the case in pulmonary phthisis, wastes away rapidly, and we then have malnutrition. EULES FOR EATING. Be seated when you eat and let your brain as well as your body be in as negative a condition as possible. By do- ing so all the digestive fluids will act more powerfully and digestion be all the better. Don't read while eating, es- pecially that half-dried morning paper, and after getting your finger tips soiled with printer's ink get it on the bread you eat. If you were only aware how powerfully and long a small dose of medicine will act, you would then fully realize how even minute quantities of such poisonous odors continuously inhaled will act to the great detriment of your health when, in this or in a similar man- ner, it is taken into your system. The same may be said of money; if not absolutely poisonous, it is positively filthy after it has been in circulation for a while ; then, always wash your hands before eating, no matter how clean they otherwise may be. Don't eat in a hurry. To take plenty of time over insignificant things, and very little over such an essential matter as eating your food, is anything but a display of wisdom on your part. Bet- ter not eat at all for the time being than to eat in a hurry. An occasional want of it will do you no harm anyway, while eating in a hurry always will. Never eat a meal in ten minutes that should require at least thirty minutes' chewing. A small amount of food properly masticated will do you more good than the most delicious viands bolted in a hurry. Even when traveling, and obliged to get out at a railroad station for dinner or lunch, and you have but a few minutes in which to eat, rather than gulp down a quantity of victuals during that time, when you feel that you must satisfy your hunger, why not take it into the cars with you, and eat it there at your leisure ? Moreover, don't sleep so late every morn- ing that it leaves you no time to properly masticate your WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT EAT. 67 food when you sit down to breakfast. If you think that the last half hour's sleep is of more consequence to you than the observance of that rule, then you never made a greater mistake in your life. Beware ! after indi- gestion has once made your acquaintance, for every half hour's sleep that you have taken in this way, at the ex- pense of a proper chewing of your food, you will event- ually have hours of insomnia. You may be stupid, but nature never is ; and if you find that she has taken your stomach for a bank, and deposits there the spurious coin that you have passed on her for genuine, don't be sur- prised, for, in all your dealings with her, you will most assuredly be paid back in the money of your own issue. If you pass the counterfeit, and look in return for the genuine, you will soon realize that she has her eye on you as a counterfeiter, and, as a consequence, must suffer the penalty of any infringement of her laws. Never eat a hearty dinner when you are heated or very tired. Bet- ter, far, lie down and take a good rest or nap. Don't drink when eating. Did you ever see an animal eat a little, and then drink a little, and so continue to feed I Truly, even fish in the sea know better than that. The dyspeptic must observe these rules, as his hope of cure can only be realized by so doing. And, as for the patient suffering from pulmonary phthisis, he will build his hope of a cure on a foundation as flimsy as a soap bubble, if he does not. WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT EAT. If we were to simply advise you to eat what agreed with you, no doubt you would unwittingly eat a great many things that did not, yet declare that they did, bas- ing your assertion not on a close, discriminating scrutiny so much as on your cultivated appetite for them. Now, if any article of food — no matter how well you may like it, or what epicures or your friends may say re- garding it — causes nausea, vomiting, burning in the stomach, or a distressed, distended feeling, followed or 68 ALIMENTATION. accompanied by eructation, flatulence, headache, sleepi- ness or sleeplessness, diarrhoea or constipation, cough or hiccough, asthma, or any other marked symptom, such as dizziness or palpitation of the heart, then it is not the proper thing for you to eat. On the contrary, if none of these symptoms appear for the space of, at least, two days, then you may safely par- take of it, no matter what it may be, provided it contains the proper nutriment for the body; otherwise, w T e see no earthly reason why you should, for the stomach, you must know, is designed for the reception of nothing else. Any other use of it is abnormal. If any of the above-named symptoms occur, don't, on account of your blind love for the food that caused them, conclude with a solemn shake of the head that your disease was accountable for them, and not your favorite dish. Don't shut your eyes to the real cause, and reason that, because you are fond of it, that it is impossible for it to disturb you. Again, no matter what your previous notions may have been con- cerning them, you should never eat by themselves or mixed with food any such condiments as pepper, mustard, all- spice, cinnamon, peppers, mustard pickles, vinegar, onions, or any of the so-called seasoned foods with the single exception of salt, which is admissible, being a natural constituent of the human organism, or any kind of food flavored with essential or volatile oils. No matter how nice they may smell, taste or look, you should never permit them to enter your stomach. We know — for a simple illustration — that haemorrhage from the lungs followed the eating of mustard in chicken salad, time and again, for years, yet the patient never became cognizant of its true cause till it was pointed out. The harm was not done by simply over-stimulating the circulation, for there was no evidence of its disturbing either pulse or temperature, or even aggravating the cough. The mustard acted rather as an irritant on the nerve papillae of the stomach, which was conveyed to the brain, the latter responding with vibrations of a like char- acter, and the lungs and their diseased cells, being the most negative of any part of the body, received their full WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT EAT. 69 force, and the haemorrhage was the result. Now, as mus- tard acts in this way, all other condiments act in a similar manner, and, though they may not cause a haemorrhage, still they would be the direct cause of abnormal vibra- tions being thrown upon the weak part of the lungs, and so should not be taken into the stomach. Pepper we know to be a stimulant as well as an irritant. Cinnamon is in reality a drug, having properties in a therapeutical sense equal in many ways to ergot, besides being a powerful irritant. Cloves should not even be carried about your person. You are to eat nutritious foods only, and not cater to depraved tastes for any of the above things, since, in no sense of the word, can they be considered nutriment. As for cooked foods, nothing should be eaten containing saleratus or any preparation of soda, cream of tartar, baking powder, alum or ammonia. They are all drugs, and contain no nourishing properties whatever, and so should not be eaten under any circumstances, no matter what great or small chemist may declare to the contrary. For what may be of no special injury to a well person will positively prove detrimental to you, since it not only causes a waste of vitality to eliminate the insoluble salt that is generally formed in the bread as a result of their use, but their peculiar action in causing abnormal vibra- tions to be thrown upon the weak or diseased lung tissue is sufficient reason for you to be on your guard. Above all, don't indulge in that highly lauded onion that some epicures advise everyone to eat. Just remem- ber that when such persons have a cultivated taste for any special article of food, no matter what it may be, whether cheese (in the last stages of consumption), corned beef and cabbage or pickled artichokes, they always recom- mend everybody else to eat it, and imagine that, because it agrees with them, that it must naturally be just the thing for others. No, don't take the advice of an epicure in the matter of diet. Onions contain no special nutriment as a food, while we know for a certainty that their extract is a powerful medicine that is often highly injurious 70 ALIMENTATION. to many patients suffering from indigestion. The reason these ill effects are not more frequently noticed is because they generally occur often as late as three days after they have been eaten, and, so, any bad attack caused by them is then invariably attributed to some other trumped-up cause, the idea being that the onions are infallible, as far as doing harm is concerned. We had a patient who had had chronic vertigo, or dizziness, for the space of twelve years, causing him to fall down several times a week, and, notwithstand- ing he was repeatedly examined before college classes by learned professors, he got little or no help during that period, and yet, after some treatment and the exclusion of onions from his diet, he never fell again to our knowledge, for nine years, and we have had him off and on as a patient ever since for repeated attacks of indigestion, proving conclusively, reasoning from cause to effect, that onions acted injuriously on him. In many other cases we have known them to be harmful to the system. Then, on general principles, especially when indigestion or pulmonary phthisis is present, we most emphatically advise you not to eat onions or anything that contains them. Undoubt- edly, the most prevalent cause of dyspepsia is sugar. This is an " eye-opener" to many persons. " Why," they reply, "sugar is fattening." While this is a fact in some cases, it is equally true that when a person does not put on fat after eating it for the greater part of his life, but remains thin, it acts the very opposite on him. When candy or granulated sugar causes sickness in a child, we gen- erally find the following symptoms present: Vomiting, great thirst, coated tongue, very foul breath, pale face, loss of appetite, and cold sweat on the face, headache, weakness, and an indescribable bad feeling at the pit of the stomach. We have attended a family of four children, every one of whom had the above-named symptoms after freely helping themselves to granulated sugar during their mother's absence. What physician has not had similar experiences in his practice? We have had a patient whose WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT EAT. 71 tongue was one mass of aphthae sores, who had previously eaten no less than a pound of candy a day. This condition, as a result, had lasted for over a year when she applied for treatment. Again, we have attended a prominent minister who informed us that he always has a severe bronchial attack after eating even a half stick of molasses candy. This he had verified time and again for years. We have great suc- cess in treating children for chronic stomach disturbances by prohibiting candy and other sweets for one month. During that time they are usually so well, and the con- trast is so marked between that month and the previous one, that the parents voluntarily continue the prohibition of it indefinitely. Just mark the difference between children whose indulgent parents give them pennies every day, with which they buy candy, and those children too poor to indulge in it but once in a while. Professional singers know by long study of the sub- ject that candy is bad for the larynx, since its action is to stimulate mucus, and cause hawking and clearing of the throat. The fact that it so often causes marked disturb- ances almost at once after eating it shows that its action is abnormal. It will make some folks grow fat, yet ex- cessive adipose is a disease. But, where it fails to do so, it invariably causes indigestion and a loss of weight. Sugar is proscribed in diabetes, a disease which frequently terminates in pulmonary phthisis. Is it not reasonable, then, to say that, if sugar should not be eaten when a person is suffering from the one, that it should be prohibited in the other? Why is it that, when eaten in sufficient quantities, it will affect the appetite, if it is not that it checks the flow of gastric juice, and ma- terially interferes with the churning, or peristaltic move- ment of the stomach I However, there is no nourishment in it, even if it will make some persons fat. We eat it merely because the taste is agreeable. One writer sug- gests that, as those who work in sugar refineries in New Orleans are singularly free from pulmonary phthisis, that the benefit derived must be from inhaling the cane-juice vapor during its refining process. Undoubtedly, it was 72 ALIMENTATION. owing to the fact that those engaged in the work in such a warm climate perspired most of the time, and the refin- ing fumes had nothing to do with it. Every person, on the average, uses about two pounds of sugar a week, or about one hundred pounds a year. Is it surprising, then, that we are a nation of dyspeptics ? To the very vigorous person, then, there may be little or no bad effects, but to the dyspeptics, or those suffering from pulmonary phthisis, its use is highly injurious. But refrain from using any for a month, and see. The following articles of food should not be eaten : Hot biscuit, butter toast, griddle cakes of any kind what- ever, cabbage, corned beef, pork in any fonn, such as ham, pork chops, sausages and pig's feet, herring, sar- dines, mackerel, salt meats, fresh fish, new-made bread, cakes, pastry, confectionery, peas, beans, cheese, new po- tatoes. Don't eat meat that has been warmed over. Puddings, with the general run of sauces, should be avoided. WHAT YOU MAY EAT. To persons having a pulmonary trouble, the question of diet is naturally of paramount interest. There is no general rule that we can lay down that will meet the con- ditions and needs of all such patients. If they are in the incipient, apex or hsemorrhagic stage of pulmonary phthisis, and still retain their weight to a great extent, and have as yet little or no trouble with indigestion, then they may indulge in a very generous diet of such whole- some foods as they know agree with them. They should be very careful, however, as their condition predisposes them to severe attacks of dyspepsia. They may safely eat beef, mutton, fowl of any kind, fresh fish, eggs, vege- tables, fruits, any of the cereals, unleavened bread, gems, crackers, plain pudding made with eggs and milk, and all the milk desired may be drank. In the cooking of their food, no taint of spices, condiments or baking powders should be used with the single exception of salt. DIET WHEN MABKED LOSS OF WEIGHT. 73 This we hold is a very generous bill of fare. Indeed, a breakfast made up of nicely broiled rare, tender beef- steak, salted and buttered to taste, with a well-baked potato, entirely unleavened wheat gems, boiled rice or oatmeal and real cream, and no less than two glasses of milk, is all-sufficient for any person. While, for dinner, soups of any kind, such as beef, mutton or chicken, fol- lowed by fish, either boiled or broiled ; roasts, such as rare beef, mutton, or lamb ; chicken or fowl of any kind, and vegetables ad libitum, with the exception of onions ; plain pudding, such as rice, tapioca, indian meal ; bread and butter, without currants, raisins or spices ; custard ; ripe fruits, and at least two glasses of milk, is variety enough for any person. For supper, cold roast beef, tongue, lamb or mutton, chicken or turkey, soft-boiled eggs — poached, if preferred — unleavened bread, gems, or crackers, or any of the cereals, with all the milk de- sired, will do. Don't eat ices or drink cold drinks while eating. Neither should nuts, raisins olives, lemons nor the pulp of oranges be eaten, as they lack the nutritious qualities necessary, besides being hard to digest. This diet is not starvation by any means, and we see no need of patients eating foods containing deleterious elements. The food should be plain, and rich in eggs and milk only. If any of the above-mentioned ones disagree, then they should not be partaken ; for, should severe indigestion occur, a rapid loss in weight is sure to follow. DIET WHEN A MAKKED LOSS OF WEIGHT HAS OCCUKKED. When, in any stage of pulmonary phthisis, even ap- parently at the very beginning of the attack, there is not only a progressive but a very decided loss of weight on the usual diet, or the one mentioned in the last chapter, and the probabilities are that the loss will continue as well in all instances where there is no appetite, then a radical change is imperative. Don't waste time on tonics. A marked loss of weight is a bad sign, and 74 ALIMENTATION. must be stopped at all hazards ; otherwise, there is no possible hope to build on. Don't stop to get more advice or make further experiments, for nothing will now check the loss but an exclusive milk diet. Milk, and milk only, will do more now as a diet in these cases than any and all other means under the sun to sustain the patient's vital force, as well as prevent any further loss of weight. Don't mix it, but make it entirely of milk. A word concerning milk : Many people seem to imag- ine that there is more nourishment in beefsteak than there is in milk. This is not so, for, in the true sense of the word, it is beef in solution, since it comes from the animal, and therefore contains every organic and inor- ganic element in it, as w 7 ell as otherwise containing all the ingredients necessary for the construction of every and all parts of the entire organism. "We have but to observe the strength and weight it will give to a calf or colt to fully comprehend what it will do as an exclusive diet. And so, when such patients' stomachs become weaker than a baby's, it is evident that they must go back to a baby's food, for their stomachs then absolutely refuse to digest anything else. It is no longer a question with them as to what they shall eat, but rather one of inquiry as to whether there is anything in the way of nourish- ment that they can rely on, let it be what it may, to save their lives. Fortunately for them, milk fills all the requirements as a food that the exigencies of their condi- tion demand. The quantity to be taken should be no less than five quarts daily, or about a pint every two hours. Now, don't say that milk does not agree with you, for if you but know it is not the milk that causes the disturbance so much as it is the promiscuous mixed diet that you have been, we won't say living on, but practically dying on, that has got your stomach in such a condition that, apparently, neither milk nor anything else will agree with it. But when your stomach is no longer afflicted with tea and coffee and the tannin they contain, physic, baking powder, condiments and spices, to your surprise you will find that milk does agree, and that WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DRINK. 75 you are no longer bilious. You will realize, moreover, that the loss in weight has not only been checked, but that you have actually begun to gain. Now, as few per- sons really know how to drink milk, it would be well to here understand a fact concerning its digestion. When food is taken into the stomach the gastric juice does not flow at once in its maximum quantity for perhaps three to five minutes. Bearing that in mind, it would be well to take about two mouthfuls of milk first, and then wait all of five minutes before you drink any more. If you now empty the glass without stopping, the milk on enter- ing the stomach will be converted into a large curd, and have to remain there like any other food until it is digested; but, if the quantity you drink is only equivalent to the amount of gastric juice secreted, the latter attacks it at once and it becomes partially digested before more enters, and thus no curd will form. All of ten minutes should be given to the drinking of a glass of milk. Suck it through a straw and let it mix as thoroughly with the saliva as possible before it is swallowed. The milk should always be pure, sweet and as fresh as possible. WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DEINK. When a person is troubled with pulmonary disease, the stomach should never be required to do any work whatever but that of digesting such kinds of food as are necessary to nourish the body. It is evident then that the drinks containing alcohol, such as whiskies, wines, beers, as well as lemonade, bottle soda and all kinds of root beer, ginger ale, sarsaparilla, and everything and any- thing sold at a soda-water fountain, should not be taken into the stomach. Since none of these drinks are nourish- ing, and require after being drunk a waste of vital force to eliminate them from the system, as well as being otherwise detrimental to a person suffering from indiges- tion, it is evident that the stomach should not be afflicted with their presence. In this matter, as well as in all others, you are to cater to conditions that will save your 76 ALIMENTATION. life, and not to perverted tastes. No matter what your private opinions may be concerning these decoctions as harmless drinks, anything containing ginger, sarsaparilla, wintergreen, sassafras, vanilla, essences, oils, acids, and essential oils of any kind, will positively prove detri- mental to your general condition if taken as a drink. Quench your thirst with either water or milk, and don't have less respect for your stomach than an animal that could not be induced to drink anything quite as artificial as any one of the above-named beverages. MILK. Much has been written about milk as a cause of pulmo- nary phthisis. In order that there can be no misappre- hension concerning this subject, it should be understood, though, that diseased milk does not act directly as a poison, and so cause tuberculosis. To be sure, when it is diseased to such a degree as to contain pus globules, and is otherwise loaded with organic impurities, it would, if then taken into the human system, act as a poison, and give rise to many marked functional disturbances, and yet by no means cause the above-mentioned disease. As an exclu- sive diet of such milk for any length of time is practically impossible, since severe sickness is sure to immediately follow its use, and though the system should be in a con- dition favorable to the development of tuberculosis, if the milk was long continued, being almost at once stopped, on account of the disturbance it would create, that disease would not, as a result, develop from such a limited use of it. The way it acts, however, as an aid in the devel- opment of phthisis, is as an abnormal nutriment and not as a poison. Having once been pervaded by the vital force of an organism that is diseased, it still, though transferred to another living body, retains the negative principle of that force, and so is not the proper kind of nutriment with which to build up healthy lung tissue or any other. For, when material used for that purpose is negative, the tissue so built would partake of the nature MILK. 77 of its atoms, and be also negative or abnormal, and so serve as an objective point for all diseased conditions that afflict the system to center upon. Moreover, such tissue lacking the tone and vigor of health, breaks down much quicker than it otherwise would if built of healthy atoms. Again, a rapid disintegration of the latter would give the absorbing vessels more than they could do, and, as a result, what they fail to carry off would simply remain imbedded in the cellular tissue and form the nucleus of what is termed a " tubercul." When an organism is well fortified with a maximum degree of vital force, as well as otherwise environed by ideal conditions that greatly sustain good health, diseased milk put in drinks may be taken for an indefinite length of time and not cause pulmonary phthisis, its ill effects being repelled. If, however, the system is sapped of its vitality by dissipa- tion, and is made to inhale bad air a good part of the time, diseased milk, as a food, will then act not only promptly, but powerfully, as a direct aid in the develop- ment of that disease. Thus, we see that, even at its worst, it is not to be regarded as the exclusive cause of the devel- opment of that affliction, but rather a very powerful aid. In some cases, it might prove to be the leading one, just as bad air or any other. For when the organism might have otherwise escaped pulmonary phthisis, notwithstanding a loss of vital force in a degree, diseased milk would then be all that was wanting to reduce the system sufficiently to cause its very rapid development. Indeed, the danger is so great to this class of persons, who are very numerous, that, while we are personally in favor of the abolition of capital punishment, we feel like drawing the line between those who kill their fellow-men in a fit of passion and they who often, with premeditated fiendishness, sell the milk of cows that they know are diseased, and thus, for the sake of gain, aid directly in the wholesale destruction of humanity. It is obvious, then, that the milk that does the harm is that from cows that appear to be healthy, yet have tuberculosis. Indeed, its danger lies in the fact that it appears to be rich and pure, and in no manner 78 ALIMENTATION. whatever diseased, as well as getting in its insidious work, by causing little or no functional disturbance of the sys- tem. Never drink the milk, then, of a cow fed on swill, or one that is house-fed in summer, no matter how rich it may otherwise appear to be. "When persons propose to live on an exclusive milk diet, they should go to the coun- try, for milk obtained there is better than can be pro- cured in the city, as even the best of it is harmed by transportation. Besides, there is no certainty of just where it comes from when bought in the city ; while in the country it is an easy matter to not only inspect the cattle, but also their pasture and stables. Adding water to it is a small matter compared to the selling of milk from diseased cows ; and, if there were as much energy displayed in ferreting out diseased cattle as detecting an overplus of water in the milk, it would be far more com- mendable. The mortality from pulmonary phthisis is great in every community, and it should defend itself against any such a possibility as the sale of diseased milk by a rigid inspection of all the cows within its jurisdic- tion by medical experts, and not, as is often the case, by ignorant politicians. The time of year to make a special inspection of them is in the latter part of the winter or in the early spring, after they have been housed for months, as the latter condition is just as favorable for the development of pulmonary phthisis in them as it is in a human being. THE BLOOD. 79 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. THE BLOOD. No matter how much the material for the building-up of the system may be prepared by the organs of diges- tion, it is only through the medium of the blood and its circulation that it is enabled to reach its destination. And, as this whole question enters largely into our gen- eral subject, it becomes absolutely necessary that we should have a correct knowledge concerning it. The blood should never be regarded as a mere red fluid circu- lating through the system, performing in some mysterious manner its physiological labors, but simply a nutritious liquid holding in solution all the ingredients necessary for the repair and construction of every tissue and organ in the body. The blood contains two kinds of corpuscles — the red and white — the former measuring in diameter any- where from one three-thousandths to one four-thousandths of an inch. The quantity of blood found in the human organism has been estimated to be in the ratio of one to eight. Thus, when a person in health weighs one hun- dred and forty-five pounds, the amount of blood in his system is eighteen pounds. On the same basis, if a per- son suffering from organic lung disease were to lose forty pounds of his weight, he would then have left in his organism but twelve and one-half pounds of blood, show- ing a loss of five and one-tenth pounds of the latter. THE HEAET AND GENEEAL CIBCULATION. The heart is a powerful muscle, about the size of a person's fist. It is five inches in length, three and a-half in thickness, and weighs from ten to twelve ounces. 80 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. Its upper and larger part is located exactly in the mid- dle of the chest, between the two lungs, and not away to one side, as many people think. To be exact, the heart ■ occupies the lower two-thirds of the space immediately behind the breast bone or sternum, its base extending from the lower part of the second rib to the fifth rib, while its apex extends as far to the left at a point about two inches below the left nipple. The interior of the heart is divided into four compartments, called " auricles" and " ventricles." These latter being again divided in the centre by a muscular wall called the 4 c septum." Again, each auricle and ventricle are separated by valves that close down over the openings between them, like a trap- door. Then, we have the bicuspid valves between the right auricle and right ventricle, and the mitral valves between the left auricle and left ventricle. There are also the semi-lunar valves, six in number — three that stand guard over the opening or orifice between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, while the other three occupy a like position between the left ventricle and the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body, ex- tending down through the abdomen where it subdivides like the branches of a tree, and constitutes the arterial blood vessels of the abdomen and extremities, while from its arch arises the arteries that supply the upper part of the trunk and lungs, as well as the head and arms. Accompanying each artery is a vein which, though dif- ferent in structure, is practically the artery's counterpart, for it returns the same volume of blood to the heart that the latter carried away. Thus, as the venous blood re- turns from the capillaries and veins, it passes up through the vena cava, or largest vein in the body that corre- sponds to the aorta as an artery — and passes through the right auricle, and thence through the right ventricle and pulmonary artery into the lungs. Here we have the right side of the heart and the pulmonary artery, the venous side, which first receives the entire venous blood of the system. The blood being arterialized, or oxidized, in the lungs, makes its exit from them through the pulmonary veins, which open into the left auricle of the heart, and CIRCULATION OF BLOOD IN LUNG TISSUE. 81 from thence into the left ventricle, and by the aorta and its subdivisions is carried over the entire system. The function of the general circulation is not only to carry nu- triment to the different parts of the body, but oxygen also, as well as to absorb carbonic acid from the tissues and bring it back to the lungs, where it is exhaled. CIRCULATION OF BLOOD THBOUGH THE ORGANIC CELLULAR TISSUE OF THE LUNGS. In the consideration of the question of lung healing and development, all the details of the circulation of blood through the organic structure of the lungs them- selves are of the highest importance. Just here it should be correctly understood that the circulation of blood passing through them to be oxidized does not con- tribute directly, in the slightest degree, to either the circulation or nutrition of the organic structure of those organs themselves, its oxidizing act being as purely functional as the digestion of food is on the part of the stomach, which we know performs its work not for itself alone, but for the entire organism. As it is, the organic cellular tissue of the lungs depends for its supply of blood and nutriment upon the bronchial arteries, which take their rise from the arch of the aorta. Now, these arteries, like all others, are well supplied with elastic tissue, which enables them to expand when the general circulation is strong and full, thereby increasing their calibre and ability to receive a larger quantity of blood, as well as to contract when weak, causing a correspond- ing decrease of volume through them. It is evident, then, that if the general circulation be strong and full, all things being equal, that these arteries will carry to the lung tissue a current of a like nature ; while, on the con- trary, if it be weak and impoverished, it will as a con- sequence likewise lack in power and volume. And, as exercise of any organ increases its local circulation, it is evident that, even when the circulation of the system is 82 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. below the normal, that exercise of the lungs will, by attracting a larger quantity of blood to their organic cellular tissue, so enable them to not only increase the calibre of their blood vessels, but cause the lungs to receive a larger supply of blood and nutriment than they had previously done when not exercised. On the principle, then, that a thing cannot be con- structed out of nothing, it is evident that, when there is a decrease of circulation to the lungs, that they sustain a corresponding loss of nutriment. To illustrate : If the normal circulation in the system represents, say, one hundred, then to keep it up to that standard of health, strength and vigor requires a volume of blood equal to that amount. When, however, it represents in volume but seventy-five, then the logical conclusion is that the amount of nutriment in a volume of blood representing that number is twenty-five per cent, below the normal. Such a general loss of circulation and nutriment would seem to imply that the lungs must of necessity lose in unison with all the other organs of the body, as well as the general system, a twenty-five per cent, loss of weight and shrinkage of their bulk. While this is undoubtedly true in a general sense, as applied to the whole organism, it is not equally true as applied to the organs of the body, more especially those like the heart and the lungs, that cannot in any special degree suspend their functions, but must continue their work as long as life lasts, and are thus being worn out constantly under any and all cir- cumstances. How it occurs that a twenty-five per cent, loss of blood and nourishment, which, of course, means a like loss in bodily weight, as applied to the general organism, does not apply to such organs of the system as the lungs, is of special interest to us. It is evident, then, that when such a very great waste of material occurs to the organism, from any cause what- ever, such as protracted sickness, pulmonary phthisis, starvation or the hibernation of animals, that, while the whole organism loses in weight and bulk in a degree, that the greatest loss is sustained by the adipose, or fat tissue, CIRCULATION OF BLOOD IN LUNG TISSUE. 83 muscular system, and such organs in rotation that are used the least, while others, such as the lungs, that are used the most, are sustained, protected and nourished the best, strange as it may seem. Otherwise, a twenty-five per cent, loss of cellular tissue would mean their utter destruction in a short time, yet we know for a fact that the heart and lungs are the last to give out under such circumstances. For, even when protracted starvation occurs, and no nutriment is taken into the system, the lungs, with but a slight shrinkage in weight and bulk, if any, continue to perform their func- tion just the same ; while, after death from that cause, we find no such a condition present as ulceration, pro- vided they had not been previously diseased, showing that their tissue had not disintegrated, notwithstanding its continued oxidization for so long a period, but had, on the contrary, been rebuilt as fast as it had worn out. It is evident, also, that they were not built out of nothing. From whence, then, comes the nutriment, under such conditions, to rebuild the worn-out lung tissue. In reply to this question there are several things for us to thor- oughly comprehend in order that we may intelligently understand how this matter is accomplished. As a preliminary step in this direction, we call your attention to the circulation of blood from the arch of the aorta via the bronchial arteries, lungs, and back again, which is, no doubt, all of ten times shorter than the cir- culation of blood from the heart to the feet, as well as proportionately shorter than the circulation to other parts of the body. As a result, they receive full ten times as much blood and nourishment as the extremities, as well as tone, vigor and vital force, on account of their increased labors. This could not be otherwise, for, in conformity with the just law of compensation, the greater their labor the more nutriment required. This, however, is by no means a full explanation of the whole matter, as it might be truly added that the lungs, working ten times harder than the feet, wear out ten times quicker, and are, conse- quently, no real gainer in that way, either in tone, vigor 84 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. or vital force, since this great work required a corre- sponding expenditure of them. We also know for a certainty that all the organs of the body are especially adapted by nature for the work they have to do, and the lungs are no exception to the rule. The rapidity of the circulation through this short circuit, as well as the increase of nutriment, vigor and vital force as a result, is a fact. We find, moreover, that when there is a great loss of weight, or wasting of organic tissue of the whole body, resulting from many forms of sickness, pulmonary phthisis, starvation, as well as such a state of health as is found in the organism of the hibernating animal, that there is always going on, as long as life exists, an oxidization of not only the lungs, but the whole structure of the system, which is accomplished, as may be readily understood, through the medium of the general circulation. This results in the various tissues breaking down, and the material so thrown off being absorbed by the lacteals, which, after giving up their oxygen to the carbon, and thus forming carbonic acid to be exhaled by the lungs, is reconverted into nutriment for the upbuilding of organic cellular tissue, and as such is carried up through the thoracic duct and emptied into the left subclavian vein, and from thence by the circulation conveyed all over the entire organism, to be re-utilized for building-up purposes. In this way every part of the organism furnishes its quota of broken-down material, more especially those parts that are used the most. It might be here argued, then, that, if the lungs worked ten times harder than other parts of the body, they, by furnishing ten times the amount of worn-out tissue, would simply in return receive back what they had contributed, and so gain nothing in that direc- tion. This, however, is not a fact, for the very reason that those parts of the organism, as the limbs and mus- cles, that are used the least receive from the brain less and less positive vibrations with which to attract nutri- ment from the blood. Hence, notwithstanding they are continually losing in weight by constant oxidization, they receive less and less brain vibrations with which to CIRCULATION OF BLOOD IN LUNG TISSUE. 85 attract their share back again out of the general circula- tion, after it has been reconverted into material fit for reconstructing cellular tissue, and so it remains there for the internal organs to utilize, which they do, the vibra- tions furnished them being much stronger by virtue of their involuntary action Causing a concentration of vital force on them. This is especially applicable to the heart and lungs, for though their cellular tissues are oxidized like all others, and a waste of their organic elements takes place, still they not only receive it back again, but also, in addition, a large portion furnished by the various parts of the entire organism as well. That such is indeed true, we have but to refer to the condition of the bear as a living example, whose body is, as he enters his den to hibernate for the winter, loaded with adipose tissue and burdened with albumen and in- organic salts, only to come forth in the spring lank and lean in muscle and limb, yet with his every organ not only not diseased or the worse for wear, but with their every function in a perfectly normal state. Thus, we establish the all-important fact, and place it on a sound physiolog- ical basis, that when a person is suffering from any dis- eased condition of the body that causes a great loss of both weight and bulk, such as takes place in pulmonary phthisis, that a quiescent state of the muscular system is a necessity for the cure of that disease. And as the lungs thus feed on the material furnished by other parts of the system, in like manner they also monopolize all the vital force or brain vibrations that would be otherwise used as the motive power for those parts, provided they are not used. This applies to the brain and the functions of any and all organs, as well as the muscular system. These conclusions might lead some to favor starvation as a remedy for pulmonary phthisis, arguing that the nutriment so furnished by the lacteals was peculiarly adapted for that purpose by virtue of its once having been a part of the cellular structure of some part of the body, and even point to the fact that such organs as the stomach and bowels have practically sus- pended their functions for weeks and even months, and 86 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. yet had made a complete recovery, having during that time existed chiefly on such nutriment as was furnished by the lacteals. They might even add that the lacteals would have far less work to do, and so the vital force utilized by them in other parts of the body, having been entirely suspended, would be concentrated upon those in the lungs, and so enable them to do their work all the more effectually in the absorption of tubercle masses located there. We have no experience in the matter of attempting to cure phthisis by starvation. We are satisfied, however, that in this disease, as in all others, we should individualize ; and, if we find our patients have a good appetite, or even a fair one, that we should utilize it as an aid to their re- covery by feeding them well with good, nourishing food ; while if others have the worst possible kind of indiges- tion, and suffer after taking the lightest kind of nourish- ment, and thus have the stomach serve as a means by which vital force is continually wasted, to the great detriment of the lungs, that, perhaps, semi-starvation might serve a good purpose, at least for a time. These cases, when advanced, are always desperate ; and, as be- tween starvation and taking drugs, we would prefer the former. LUNG NUTBITION. We find, as we proceed with our subject, that an ac- quaintance with the manner in which the lungs are built up and worn out is of the utmost importance, in order that the reader may more correctly understand the sig- nificance of lung healing and lung development in all its essentials. As it is, we find the human organism made up of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon, and such organic compounds as sugar, fat and albuminous sub- stances, which evaporate when entire incineration or complete decomposition of the body takes place, and the inorganic elements, or salts, which remain, and constitute the ingredients of the ashes thus left. The organic part of the system is sugar and fat, and consists of carbon, LUNG NUTRITION 87 hydrogen and nitrogen, while the albuminous material consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur and phosphorus. The inorganic salts are as follows : Sodium sulphate, calcium sulphate, potassium sulphate, sodium phosphate, calcium phosphate, potassium phos- phate, magnesium phosphate, ferric phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, silica, calcium floride. The system receives oxygen from the air, oxygen and hydrogen from water, the organic and inorganic elements, or basic material for the cellular structure of the entire organism, from the food we eat and the liquids we drink Three-fourths of the human system is made up of water alone, or hydrogen and oxygen, when combined in the proportions of one to two (HO 2 ); The remaining fourth consists of the inorganic elements that are utilized in the organic structure of the lungs, as well as the other parts, and thereby serve as the bricks, mortar and timber of the whole system. In all forms of nourishing foods, such as the cereals, meat, milk and vegetables, we find the above- mentioned organic and inorganic elements present in such quantities as to be all-sufficient for the needs of any healthy living body. After food containing these ele- ments has been thoroughly masticated, and thus suffi- ciently mixed with saliva, it passes into the stomach, where all but its starchy and fat portions are acted upon by the gastric juice in from one to five hours, or even longer, according to the nature of the food undergoing digestion. It next passes through the pylorus into the small intes- tines, and is there brought in contact with the pancreatic and intestinal juices. There, in the form of a thin liquid or emulsion containing the above-mentioned organic and inorganic elements, it is absorbed by a system of little vessels called " villi," which, like the many minute roots of a plant, extend from the mucous surface of the intes- tine into the liquid. After its passage through these little vessels it enters directly into the venous circulation. Part of it, on the other hand, such as the fat, is taken up by the lacteals, and, after its final passage through the thoracic duct, is emptied into the left subclavian vein at a point just under the collar bone, and almost in front of 88 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. the sternum. It is then passed through the lungs, and, by the arterial circulation, carried all over the system, where it is utilized to supply its entire wants. If, follow- ing digestion, we examine the blood, we will find in it the identical organic and inorganic elements that we have previously mentioned as being contained in the above- enumerated articles of food, v Again, by going further, we ascertain, as a result of our analysis, that the different tissues of the body, including the lungs, are made up of those identical elements, they being attracted to them directly from the circulation. By absorption is meant the passage of these elements in a liquid or semi-liquid state through the different membranes that intervene between the circulation containing them and the tissues that util- ize them. This process is called, when passing in, " en- dosmosis; " when passing out, "exosmosis." HOW THE CELLS OF THE LUNGS AEE MADE. Pathologists tell us that a portion of the blood liquid of the general circulation transudes continually into the surrounding tissue, and, in that way, germs arise from which the cells of the lungs, or any other organ or tissue, are formed. The use of the word " transudes " in this manner is meaningless, since it simply implies that the material in the circulation, destined for cell building, eventually reaches its destination, no other explanation being offered as to just how the work is done. To say that the blood liquid transudes through a membrane is to affirm that it is forced through by a high pressure of the circulation, and not drawn in by some attractive power within the cell itself. Yet, the transuding of blood liquid in this or any other manner does not explain how the general circulation, containing as it does, in a pro- miscuous mixture, all the organic and inorganic elements necessary for the cell formation of the lungs, differing, as it does, so very materially from the cell formation of the bones, could transude or force through any particu- lar membrane, the exact elements, as well as in the required proportions, needed for a definite cell structure. HOW LUNG CELLS ARE MADE. 89 Neither does ifc make plain how the membrane utilized for transuding purposes could of itself accomplish this work. Because a membrane, when separated from the living organism, will, by the simple process of endosmosis, permit the mixture of two different salts, held in separate solutions, by each interchanging with the other, merely proves that it, on general principles, is well adapted for that kind of work, but in no way explains how this same membrane, when in a living body, will refuse all but a minute amount of certain cell material, yet readily transfer to a cell structure undergoing construction, even in large quantities, those elements that are abso- lutely necessary for its special wants. How two such different cell formations as those of the lungs and bones can arise from the same source may be easily explained, however, as follows: It is evident that the brain alone not only generates the nerve force or motive power that controls the different organs of the body, but likewise its whole cellular formation. It must be here then, and not in the transudation of blood liquid by endosmosis, that we must look for the cause and origin of the varied kinds of cell architecture. Just how each one is built up, not only of the special material for its construction, but in the definite proportions necessary, out of the general circulation, con- taining as it does, material for all kind of cell building, mixed -promiscuously together, can be readily under- stood. It is hardly necessary to say that all varieties of cell formation, like all kinds of crystallization, are carried on by some distinct, specific, natural law. Seeing, then, that the brain draws upon the whole system for power that it utilizes in the generation of vibrations which are transmitted over the nerves of the body, even as a magnetic battery transmits a current over its wire, as well as having the same peculiar intermittent flow, it is evi- dent that these vibrations are either magnetic or elec- trical in character. The system is then practically a battery made up of cell formations, each a battery, itself having its negative and positive pole, and all united, when health is present, in one grand harmonious whole. 90 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. Now, when material is needed for cellular structure, the magnetic power of the cell is increased by the brain re- sponding to its wants with an increased flow of vibrations, The cell then acts upon the membrane that intervenes between it and the circulation, and attracts from and through it (endosmosis) the elements necessary both as to quantity and kind. Yet, again, each molecule of mat- ter held in solution by the circulation is endowed with a negative and positive polarity of its own, w r hich throws out vibrations distinctly peculiar to itself. Thus, for instance, when such a compound as calcium phosphate is needed in a cell, its want is transmitted to the brain, which in return transmits vibrations of such a character as to correspond to those thrown out by that salt, and in this manner it is attracted by endosmosis through the membrane into the cell formation. When a material, however, enters into the construc- tion of a cellular tissue in but a slight degree, then it will be found that the special power to attract such an element is weak. After passing through the membrane, the atom, in obedience to attraction, is carried directly to the cell undergoing construction. There it takes up its definite, fixed position by the cell vibrations acting upon its polar- ity, and the atom is rotated into position — its positive pole corresponding to the positive pole of the cell and its vi- brations, its negative pole in the same manner — and it thus becomes for the time being an integral part of the cell structure. In this manner the building-up process goes on till the cell is complete. In cases of starvation, the cells of the whole body are making, through the sympa- thetic system, demands on the stomach for the elements necessary for their upbuilding ; hence, a great appetite. When a person reaches his maximum weight, then the demands of cell growth are limited to the wearing-out process, which occurs in the following way : The moment an atom takes up its place as an integral part of a cell, it is immediately acted upon by the oxygen in the circulation. Thus it becomes oxidized very rapidly, following plenty of exercise, and slowly, if little be taken. As the atom becomes thus oxidized, it loses its positive characteristics, OXYGEN. 91 and slowly turns on its axis until the two positives and the two negatives of the atom and cell antagonize, then it is repelled. When thus discharged, it is evident that it does not make its exit the way it entered, but rather through the membrane intervening between it and the lacteals, when by the mere functions of those vessels it is absorbed, and, after giving up its oxygen to the carbon to form carbonic acid, it is once more in a condition to be used over again for all cell-constructing purposes, after which it again enters the circulation, while the parts unfit to be again utilized are eliminated by such organs as the liver, in the form of bile ; the kidneys as phos- phates and urates ; the skin and bowels by perspiratory excretions, defecations, etc. OXYGEN. Since oxygen is the great positive element of the air we breathe, and thus enters largely into the subject of our investigations, it is obvious that we should have as comprehensive a knowledge of it as possible. The term " oxygen " signifies acid-former, on the supposition that it was the active agent in all acids, a claim that we now know to be erroneous. Like the air itself, it is a color- less, odorless and tasteless gas, having a weight of one- tenth of the atmosphere. It is very widely diffused throughout nature, not only constituting one-fifth of the air, but one-half of all bodies of water, like the seas and oceans, a like amount of all solids, such as the rocks that make up the crust of the earth, the soil beneath our feet, as well as all animal and vegetable bodies with which we come in contact. On account of the intensity of its chemical affinity, it unites readily with all other elements, with the single exception of fluorine. Thus, all forms of fire, heat or combustion in any form in the air, whether slow or rapid, are but the result of its action upon some such element as carbon. As proof of this, we have but to burn any material in free oxygen, when we find the intensity of its 92 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. combustion correspondingly increased, while, on the con- trary, if we immerse it in pure nitrogen, it instantly ceases. So destructive, in fact, is the flame of pure oxy- gen that it will burn even iron wire or filings as readily as a light fibrous material is ordinarily consumed in the air. Oxygen is frequently spoken of as the most important of all the elements. While it certainly is, as a study, the most active, hence, most interesting of them all; yet, even from a chemical standpoint, it is hardly correct to call it such, since all parts of a whole are of equal consequence, while, from a physiological point of view, it is evidently of no more importance than any of the other elements utilized by nature in the economy of organic structure. Oxygen not only supports all forms of combustion, but also every form of life. In fact, with- out it there could be no such thing as organic existence ; still, the same could be as justly said of any one of the elements that constitute the ingredients of all tissue structure. Also the activity of animal life, both physical and mental, depends on the proportion of oxygen that is absorbed by the system. When cold and sluggish, like worms, starfish and reptiles, they need but little. On the other hand, where there is present a high degree of physical development, then a corresponding amount of it is necessary. This is particularly noticeable in various kinds of land quadrupeds and birds, where great speed and endurance are shown. The same is equally true of man; for, where is found great physical development, strength and activity, we find it always accompanied with superb lung capacity for absorbing oxygen. Even where there is great mental power, all things being equal, the person who absorbs the greatest quantity of oxygen will do the most work. There may be writers and others who do the very best brain work, and yet have weak lungs, and as a result absorb but a medium amount of it. Still, on inquiry, it will be found that they do but little work at a time, thus showing a lack of mental endurance. As we have already seen, oxygen attacks all elements OXYGEN. 93 except fluorine, and oxidizes them just as readily within the body as without. Still, when an organism is con- trolled by the element of life itself, and the amount of oxygen inhaled is in just such proportions as contained in the air, the oxidization of organic tissue occurs in just the proportion to nature's ability to rebuild it. In fact, if there were no oxidization of tissue, in just this exact degree there would be no life. "When the amount, how- ever, of oxygen absorbed is in excess, and so out of pro- portion with the ability of the system to repair the de- struction that follows, and is continued for a period sufficiently long, death is the inevitable consequence. Acting upon all elements, it is apparent that oxygen makes no distinction between a living and a dead body, but attacks each with the same never-ceasing persistency. So, when life is extinct in an organism, the oxidization of the dead tissue goes on the same, but is then called decomposition. It thus, by its energetic powers of disin- tegration, resolves the body into its original state of gases and inorganic elements. Artificial, and even natural, means, at times, may exclude the air from a decaying mass, and thus retard its oxidization, but, generally speaking, oxygen, like space itself, is ever present in the vicinity of all decomposing material, and there acts as nature's great scavenger and renovator. When we say oxygen supports life, it should be understood we mean only in such exact proportions as we find it in the atmosphere. For, when otherwise taken into the system for a sufficient length of time, death is the result, thus proving that, while it supports life when breathed in such proportions as found in the air, it is destructive to it when substituted in a free state. It also acts upon, and, therefore, neutralizes all foul odors arising from unclean and diseased living organisms, as well as the putrid exhalations from dead vegetable and animal matter; also such acid fumes as are given off from chemical combustion. Nothing, in fact, is too in- significant or gigantic to claim its attention, whether it be the perfume of the rose, the flitting will o' the wisp, or a mighty volcano in action. Even contagious and infec. 94: CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. tious germs, when brought in contact with a sufficient volume of air, are destroyed by being oxidized. NITKOGEN. Since nitrogen constitutes four parts of the air that we inhale during the act of respiration, it is self-evident that a knowledge of it is indispensable. This element is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas, not quite as heavy as air. It is found widely distributed in nature, making in volume four-fifths of our entire atmosphere, being also a component part of nearly all animal and vegetable or- ganisms, as well as of many of the products resulting from their decomposition. "When compared with its op- posite, oxygen, it appears inert, still its function during the act of respiration makes it as indispensable as oxygen itself; hence, its equal. As it is, neither oxygen nor nitrogen is the air any more than oxygen and hydrogen is water. United in their natural proportions of one of the former to four of latter, they constitute the air that supports all forms of animal life. Separately, they are simply gases, the former actually destroying life, as we have already seen, when breathed in a free state, while the latter fails to sustain it. Even any artificial mixture of these gases, say, in the proportion of one to five, would, in a like manner, be productive of disease and death, if substituted for the air. In fact, in all things pertaining to the economy of the human system, nature always deals in exact pro- portions, and in no manner will permit the substitution of one element for another or one equivalent for another, such as the separate inhalation of oxygen or nitrogen, in a pure state for the air we breathe. For example, if a person were to breathe by itself and in a free state the amount of oxygen and hydrogen that would, when chemically united, make a cup of water, their absorption by the lungs in the state of gases, even though in the same definite proportions, would not take the place as a substitute for that necessary quantity of water to the system. The simple fact is, then, that the CARBONIC ACID. 95 organism needs neither oxygen nor nitrogen for breathing purposes, but simply air. It is even to be seriously doubted whether any mechanical mixture of these two elements by man, even in their exact proportions, could take the place for an indefinite period of the life- sustaining and health-restoring atmosphere that comes to us from the hand of nature. Nitrogen, furthermore, is the vehicle or medium that makes it possible for oxygen to enter the lungs in the exact quantity neces- sary for the system. Its volume being four times greater than oxygen, it ]31ays even a more prominent part in lung expansion, than that element itself. Thus its very negative state prevents it from acting harshly on the delicate lung tissue as it otherwise would were it endowed with the same char- acteristics. It also dilutes it, and the latter so prevents it from destroying not only the respiratory organs themselves, but the entire system. Nitrogen is not considered a poison, since animals made to breathe it in a free state, are not supposed to die from its toxic effects, but rather from a want of oxygen. This element, then, is by no means a nonentity, as is sometimes inferred, but rather one of the highest importance, performing the functions of its office with the same nicety and precision as oxygen itself or any of its co- equals. CARBONIC ACID. As one of the most prominent functions of the lungs is to exhale carbonic acid, we find it, as thus connected with our general subject, a matter worthy of our most serious consideration. Carbonic acid is a compound of carbon and oxygen in the proportions of one of the former to two of the latter (CO 2 ). Furthermore, it is a transparent, colorless gas, having a somewhat acid taste and odor. Like ashes, it is incombustible, being itself the product of the perfect combustion of carbon. It is estimated to be one and fifty-three one-hundredths heavier than air, and can, like a liquid, be easily poured out 96 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. of one vessel into another. It is, likewise, very soluble in water or liquids containing it, for which reason water standing over night, in either a closed sleeping apartment or a sick room, is unfit for drinking purposes, without the air has, as a matter of precaution, been excluded from it. It exists very abundantly in nature, more espe- cially in the earth and carbonates, such as chalk, marble and limestone. It is also in the atmosphere in a free state, as well as in all animal and vegetable organisms. It may be readily made, even in vast quantities, by sim- ply burning fuel containing carbon in the open air. Furthermore, it is very easily evolved from such a carbon- ate as limestone, either by means of great heat, or by permitting strong acids to act upon it. This gas, moreover, is formed wherever fermentation takes place, either in bread, beer or wine. It is likewise formed within the bodies of all living organisms, and by the blood carried from the tissues to the lungs and there exhaled. We find it always present in natural waters as well as a product of the decay and putrefaction of all animal and vegetable bodies. Carbonic acid often accumulates over marshy grounds, in sewers and cellars, to such an extent as to be dangerous to the life of the individual who comes in contact with it. It is, however, at the bottom of old wells, mining shafts, beer vats, manholes and jungles, where there is no ventilation, that it collects in such quantities as to cause death to the person who breathes it. Thus, the miner, in order to test its presence or absence, lowers a lighted candle into the mine. If it reaches its destina- tion and goes out, then he knows for a certainty that it is positively present in such quantities as to make it hazardous for him to go down. Should it remain lighted, however, he is then certain that there is at least an absence of carbonic acid in its purity, as well as the presence of oxygen in quantities sufficient to support life. When the former is inhaled in a free state, it may destroy life in either of two ways — that is, by spasm of the glottis, or by filling up the lungs like a RESPIRATION. 97 thin liquid, and so cause death by suffocation, on account of the mere mechanical exclusion of the air. When diluted with ten times its quantity of the latter and breathed sufficiently long, it acts like a narcotic poison, gradually producing insensibility, and at last death. Even when oxygen is present only in quantity enough to enable a candle to remain lighted, its effect on the human system resembles that produced by opium poisoning, causing at first a very tranquil feeling, followed by heaviness, sleep, stupor, coma and death. KESPIRATION. We next come to the question of respiration, and find that in the human organism we have two kinds of blood in circulation ; namely, the red, or arterial, and the dark, or venous. It is while circulating through the capillaries, or hair-like blood vessels, that the blood loses its distinct- ive red color, and becomes blue or dark. In this condi- tion, however, it becomes so burdened with impurities that it is unfit for further use unless renovated. This is accomplished by returning it through the veins to the heart, and then through the pulmonary artery to the lungs, where, in the walls of the air cells, it is brought in contact with the air we breathe, and is there reconverted into arterial blood. The process by which the venous blood is thus changed into arterial is termed " respira- tion." Now, while on the one hand it has given up its impurities, it should be borne in mind that the air within the air cells receives them, and afterwards becoming so thoroughly inflated that they cannot receive any more ; hence, the necessity of its removal, which is accomplished by the movements of respiration known as " inspiration " and " expiration." The former is brought about in the following manner: The contents of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, as we have already seen, are separated by the diaphragm. This partition is arched so that, when its central fibres contract, it is drawn down. As a result, it 98 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. pushes the abdominal organs, such as the liver and stomach, before it from beneath, while the lungs follow after from above. With its descent, the intercostal muscles expand -in such a manner as to permit the whole bony structure of the chest to do like- wise. This double action on their part increases the space occupied by the lungs before the act began. As a result, the air rushes in and inflates them. The filling of the lungs thus is called "inspiration." After the latter have been so inflated, the diaphragm and intercos- tals relax, and a part of the air and its impurities within them are expelled. This is called the " movement of expi- ration." It is a passive act ; that is, there is no active contraction of the diaphragm or intercostals following their expansion. It is brought about in the following way : The abdominal organs, having been pushed down and outwards by the distended diaphragm, simply by their own weight fall back into their former position, carrying the relaxed diaphragm before them. In like manner, the entire walls of the thorax that had been dis- tended by the action of the intercostals resume their former position as these muscles contract. Also, as we have already seen, the pulmonary tissue — which, of course, includes every individual air cell within both lungs — being supplied with an abundance of yellow elastic fibre, simp]y contracts after the force of expansion ceases. CHANGES IN THE BLOOD DUKING EESPI- EATION. After the blood comes in contact with the air we breathe, it loses its dark hue, and becomes distinctly red, an explanation of which is that it receives oxygen from the air cells while circulating through the capillary blood vessels that line their walls, and in return gives up to them its carbonic acid. How this exchange of gases takes place is evidently on the principle that the blood is charged by the vital force with a power that enables it to attract oxygen from the air cells on the one hand, and repel CHANGES TO AIR AFTER ENTERING LUNGS. 99 nitrogen on the other, while they, in a like manner, at- tract carbonic acid, only to repel it after it mixes with the residual nitrogen. We thus have a constant circuit of gases established similar to the circulation of the blood itself, or a stream of oxygen flowing into the blood con- tinuously, with an opposite flow of carbonic acid on its way out. From childhood up to puberty the quantity of the latter exhaled increases constantly with age, a boy of eight exhaling five hundred and sixty-four cubic inches per hour ; one of fifteen years, nine hundred and eighty- one ; while a man of twenty-five or thirty exhales on an average thirteen hundred and ninety-eight cubic inches per hour. From that period to the age of forty-five it remains stationary, when it diminishes slightly up to the age of sixty. In females, as in males, the increase of carbonic acid emitted is continuous up to the time the menses appear, when it remains stationary till menstrua- tion ceases ; then it again increases, only to decrease as the female advances towards old age. In both male and female, during all periods of life, its exhalation is always greater when the muscular system is well developed, and the general organism strong and healthy. It has also been found that a greater amount of carbonic acid is ex- haled during the digestion of food than when fasting. Much more when awake than asleep ; greater in a state of activity than of rest, and less when fatigued, and in all conditions that interfere with perfect health. This acid is, moreover, given off by the urine and skin. CHANGES THAT OCCUR TO THE AIR AFTER IT ENTERS THE LUNGS. The air we breathe is, as we have already seen, com- posed of oxygen and nitrogen in the proportion of one of the former to four of the latter. After passing into the air cells, and there coming in contact with the blood through the thin wall partition of each individual cell, we find it has lost, when exhaled, about six per cent, of its oxygen, and gained in carbonic acid, watery 100 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. vapor, animal matter and heat. It has been found that the watery vapor so thrown off in twenty-four hours is equivalent to one and a sixth of a pound, while the quantity of oxygen absorbed by the blood through the lungs is estimated to be seventeen and a half cubic feet. Yet, the latter when taken into the system is not entirely exhaled again in the form of carbonic acid, for it has been demonstrated that the amount absorbed by the body in excess of that given off varies in different animals. In the herbivora, for instance, the difference is about ten per cent., while in the carnivora it is from twenty to twenty-five per cent., and, in some cases, even higher. For, when dogs were fed entirely on animal food, it was found that they absorbed about twenty-five per cent, of the oxygen inhaled, while only about eight per cent, when fed on starchy food. When the proportion of the former has been reduced one-half in the air we breathe, it fails to sustain animal life. On the other hand, when there is present twenty per cent, of carbonic acid, it will destroy it. NORMAL and MORBID CONDITIONS. VITAL LUNG POWER Besides vital capacity, the lungs have what may justly be termed " vital power " or " lung strength," a very impor- tant item in the matter of lung healing and lung develop- ment. It is to the lungs what strength is to the muscle ; and as muscular power can only be attained through the increase and development of its cellular tissue, thereby enabling the muscle as a whole to attract more vibra- tions from the brain, so the lungs, in like manner, may by exercise be made to strengthen their cellular structure, and so attract an increase of vibrations from the brain as development goes on. To illustrate : Take two persons of the same age, height and weight, each with a measure- ment of the biceps exactly alike, and yet one will hold a given weight out at arm's length one-third longer than VITAL LUNG POWER. 101 the other ; proving, he is the stronger man of the two. In a similar manner, two such individuals may each inspire two hundred and thirty cubic inches of air with one breath, yet one can hold it but a minute, while the other will retain his a minute and a half. In this case it is apparent that the vital power or lung strength of the one is a third stronger than the other. This power of the lungs we call " vital lung power," in contradistinction to that of vital capacity. Yet again, on trial, two per- sons will develop this difference — one will show that he has the greater vital capacity, while the other will have the greater vital force. The latter also, like the former, will differ with age, weight, height and muscular devel- opment, while in a diseased or weakened condition of the lungs it is at a low ebb, even when vital capacity is fair. For in all cases where we found the latter fairly well developed, and a severe lung trouble present, the former was always very weak. When required to inhale a deep breath, and hold it, and see how many steps they can take at their ordinary gait, from fifteen to twenty-five is generally the best they can do, and even then it makes them feel decidedly faint and dizzy; while a person with fairly strong lungs can easily take from forty to fifty at the first trial, and one with well-developed respiratory organs can go as high as one hundred and thirty-five, or even more, in exceptional cases. In all incipient lung complaints, as well as lung diseases, we find the loss of vital lung force more marked than vital capacity. This power is not, as some might think, located or developed in the epiglottis, as repre- sented by holding the breath, since that organ could only partake of the general strength of the respiratory system. All things being equal, the person having the greatest vital capacity ought to have the greatest vital force. In a case of incipient phthisis, with the vital force still fair, it will always be found that microbes are not present in the sputa. When this power falls below a certain point, they then make their appearance which may be explained in some such way as this. All forms of animal life are endowed with voluntary and 102 NOBMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. involuntary combativeness, and it is especially peculiar to man. In a fierce struggle for life all that makes up the individual becomes enlisted in the fight. Thus, we find ever on the alert every sense he possesses, as well as faculty with which he is endowed, while each limb and muscle of the whole organism puts forth its best endeavor in the struggle for self-preservation. What, then, is peculiar to the whole is in a like degree inherent in a part, such as a cell in the lungs. When vermin annoy a person, he puts forth his strength and destroys them ; so, when microbes invade a cell structure, it exerts its power, if it possesses a sufficient degree, and annihi- lates them. If too weak to do this, they live and propa- gate their species, and thus multiply; but it will be found that such is never the case when vital force is well developed. To a lack of it is due their appearance in the sputa. VITAL CAPACITY. By "vital capacity" is meant a measurement of the num- ber of cubic inches of air contained within the lungs when distended by an inhaled breath to their utmost capacity. This measurement, we find, varies according to sex, age, height and weight, so that what would be normal in one person would be abnormal in another. The male, for instance, exceeds that of the female by thirty-eight cubic inches ; that is, by a correct compari- son. In the matter of height there are about eight cubic inches in vital capacity for every additional inch between the height of five and six feet. Concerning weight, it is said that capacity is diminished in the proportion of about one inch for every additional pound in excess of what should be normal. This may be occasioned by age rather than weight, inasmuch as an increase of the latter usually accompanies the period that intervenes between thirty and sixty, during which time the capacity diminishes nearly one and a-half inches for every year. Also, when the lungs are diseased, there is always a loss of capacity in direct proportion to the extent of the lesion. vital capacity. Table 103 SHOWING VITAL CAPACITY OF MALES AND FEMALES AT DIFFERENT HEIGHTS. FEET. IN. MALE. OU. IN. FEMALE. CU. IN. FEET. IN. MALE. CU. IN. FEMALE. CU. IN. 4 7 126 88 5 4 198 160 4 8 134 96 5 5 206 168 4 9 142 104 5 6 214 176 4 10 150 112 5 7 222 184 4 11 158 120 5 8 230 192 5 166 128 5 9 238 200 5 1 174 136 5 10 246 208 5 2 182 144 5 11 254 216 5 3 190 152 6 264 224 Of twelve phthisical patients examined, those who had lost over three-tenths of their vital capacity only three lived longer than four months, as shown by the following table : LOST LOST PATIENT. Vit. Cap. SURVIVED. PATIENT. Yit. Cap. SURVIVED. No. 1 4.10 12 days No. 7 4.10 4mos. 2 5.10 8mos. 8 3.10 8 " 3 4.10 2 " 9 3.10 4 " 4 2.10 6 " 10 3.10 3 »• 5 4.10 2 " 11 3.10 2 " 6 6.10 2 " 12 3.10 3 " We have two measurements — one giving the natural or involuntary breath, and the other the voluntary or maximum breath. The average amount of air taken into 104 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. the lungs is estimated to be about twenty cubic inches * or at the rate of eighteen respirations, three hundred and sixty cubic inches per minute, or five hundred and eighteen thousand four hundred for twenty-four hours. Add to this the increased respiration caused by every addi- tional muscular exertion,, and the entire quantity that we breathe cannot be far from six hundred thousand cubic inches, or three hundred and fifty cubic feet, during that time. The maximum breath in some individuals may amount to over three hundred cubic inches. CHANGES THAT OCCUE IN THE HUMAN OEGANISM FEOM A LOSS OP VITAL FOECE. The following are a few of the changes that take place in the human organism when a person has lost in a marked degree his or her vital energy, which means a lack of the motive force that operates the whole system. When the power that runs an engine grows weak, the machinery goes slow. In like manner, when the body does not generate a sufficient degree of vital force, the person who has incurred the loss becomes feeble, and locomotion is difficult. There is this difference, however, between a machine and the human system : the latter in every part — organ and cell—is a magnet, and attracts from the brain its share of vibrations. When in a negative or diseased state, however, it fails in a measure, and so, at first, a want of vital force is more noticeable, locally than constitutionally. Thus, the lungs, for instance following a loss of the latter, do not work up to their full capacity, because they lack the cellular motive power necessary to enable them to do so. Thus we have a decrease of vital capacity, for any loss whatever of the former always is equivalent to a loss of the latter. But, as one ab- normal condition is sure to beget another, we find that a loss of vital capacity means a reduction of the space within the lungs to oxidize blood for the entire or- ganism. This is a necessity, since, if its volume were to always remain at its maximum quantity, while the loss of CHANGES THAT OCCUR FROM LOSS OF VITAL FORCE. 105 capacity for oxidizing it was very much reduced, in a short time the entire circulation would become laden with carbonic acid to such an extent as to cause death. To avert such a catastrophe, we find that nature has so nicely adjusted this matter that, following a loss of vital force and capacity, we always find a corresponding- decrease in the volume of blood in the whole organism. Even in the last stages of pulmonary phthisis, when the lungs have lost a large percentage of their vital force and cell tissue they are still enabled to oxidize the small quantity of blood remaining in the general circulation. For, notwithstanding a shrinkage of lung capacity, we find patients with pulmonary diseases growing paler rather than dark, as they otherwise would if the blood current did not diminish in quantity to correspond to the above loss. Moreover, a decrease of circulation of the whole system means a loss to the organic tissue of the entire body of a definite percentage of both the organic and inorganic elements necessary for its construction, since a reduced circulation cannot carry the same amount of nutriment that a normal one could. A muscle needs, say, one- hundred per cent, of organic and inorganic elements to keep it built up to its maximum development, but when we find the circulation has but a carrying capacity of seventy per cent., and thus falls nearly one-third short of the normal standard, a loss of that amount to the muscular system is inevitable. But a loss to the general system of thirty per cent, of its blood means just that definite thirty per cent, of a loss to the organic cellular tissue of the lungs themselves, without all ex- penditure of vital force through such avenues as the muscular system and the brain be entirely stopped or greatly curtailed ; otherwise, they cannot receive within that percentage of the nutriment necessary to keep them built up to their normal standard of health and strength. The want of power, capacity and nutriment applies as well to the lacteals as the air cells. Thus, a thirty per cent, loss of power to them would mean that that amount of oxidized tissue would remain imbedded in the cellular structure, instead of being ab- 106 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. sorbed, and so constitute the mass known as the " tubercle. " To be sure, a loss of oxidizing function on the part of the lungs would imply slow and retarded oxidization of their tissue ; still, in time, it would be oxidized, and then much faster than the weakened lacteals could remove it. Again, we have seen that, after the food has been converted into nutriment, and finds its way into circulation, that it re- quires vital force on the part of all cellular tissue to attract it from the blood. Now, while a sufficient amount of it may be present in the circulation, the nega- tive or diseased cells lack the power to attract and utilize it for cell-building purposes ; hence, it passes on to sup- ply other parts of the body, or remains there, loading the blood with nutriment. And, if the circulation contains all the nourishment that it can possibly carry, it is evident that, at least until such time as it had been utilized, there would be no demand on the stomach for more. Thus, a protracted loss of vital force on the part of the lungs would eventually react upon the stomach, and the vital power that had periodically been supplied to that organ to digest food would no longer be needed, only in a minor degree ; and so it would become negative or weak, following which, the gastric juice itself would par- take of the same negative condition, resulting in a loss of appetite, indigestion, vomiting when coughing. Flatulence and diarrhoea are also likely to follow as each organ be- comes affected. Little nutriment supplied to the general organism means less nourishment to the nervous system, as well as to all other parts ; thereby causing the patient to become irritable, nervous, melancholy and restless. Night sweats occur, caused by the negative condition of the perspiratory glands, which become relaxed. Fever continues because of the constant oxidization of tissue, which is not eliminated after it has been oxidized, as well as on account of the antagonizing polarity of the mole- cular elements that make up the cellular tissue. Pro- gressive decrease of weight follows more from a loss of the watery constituents of the system than from that of organic and inorganic elements. This shrinkage con- tinues till the cellular structure of the body generates TUBERCULOSIS. 107 little or no physical forces for the life principle to draw upon ; and, as a result, intelligence at length fails to ex- press itself through the organism, and death takes place. TUBEKCULOSIS. Tubercles we find in most any part of the human body, such as its different organs, but principally in the lungs. They are to be regarded as a manifestation of the disease known as " phthisis," rather than its primary cause, which is always antedated by a loss of vital power and capacity, which must of necessity be considered as its most remote cause. "We never find a conglomerate mass of broken-down tissue at the beginning of a disease, hence, the mere existence of such imbedded in the lung tissue is to be simply regarded as a consequence of some previously existing abnormal state or condition of the system that permitted its formation. The tubercle may, in appearance, be either grayish, light red, dark red, brownish, or very nearly colorless. Its size varies anywhere from that of a millet-seed to a pea or a wal- nut. Ihey are found singly, in groups or aggregate masses scattered anywhere throughout the organic tissue of the lung ; though, generally speaking, they first make their appearance in the apex or upper portion. It is evi- dent, moreover, that their starting point began with the normal worn-out cellular lung tissue that had not been properly eliminated by the lacteals or lymphatics, on ac- count of their loss of vital force, and so remained imbed- ded in its structure in masses, at first too small to be detected by the best scientific skill, or to cause a marked morbid disturbance to either the organ itself or the sys- tem, and there by the same process, continue to increase in bulk. They do not always run a destructive course, but may dry up, or, by absorption, become obliterated or isolated from the rest of the lung tissue by being shut up or inclosed in a fibrous tendonous sac or pustule, and there gradually converted into a cheesy mass. Or, they change into pus, and, after forming an abscess, break and empty their contents into the bronchial tubes, and be 108 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. coughed up. Frequently, and it occurs more often than we are aware, after the former has been discharged, the walls of the cavity come together and heal up, leaving no other vestige of the disease save a cicatrix, which becomes as marked on the external surface of the lungs them- selves as a scar on any part of the body, resulting from a knife wound. We have counted on the lungs of a per- son who died in a poor-house from phthisis no less than twelve such scars, showing that nature had made heroic efforts to cure this fearful disease, and had par- tially succeeded under the most adverse circumstances. "When the tuberculous mass becomes somewhat liquefied, then it is termed "phthisis." Tubercles are rarely found in the new-born child up to the fourth month of life ; while at the time of puberty, and more especially be- tween the ages of twenty and thirty-five tuberculosis of the lungs occurs the most frequently. MIGEOBES NOT THE CAUSE OF PULMONAK2 PHTHISIS. In a work of this kind space will not permit us to go into a long discussion of this question in all its details. Suffice it to say that microbes are not the cause of pul- monary phthisis, but simply a product of that disease. In a few words we shall show that, without a previously existing loss of vital power, causing an abnormal condi- tion of the system, it would be physically impossible for them to find a lodgment in the human body. We, un- doubtedly, daily inhale an incalculable number of them ; but, where the health of the system is in any degree per- fect, they are the most harmless things imaginable. When we stop and consider the extreme impotency of microbes, compared with the strength of a normal organism, it will be at once apparent that the human system, when in a vigorous condition, is amply endowed with the necessary power to protect itself against them. If, for instance, the lungs are in a perfect state of health, and a person so fortified inhales a limitless number of microbes, how can they possibly enter the walls of its cells? Compare the MICROBES NOT THE CAUSE OF PULMONARY PHTHISIS. 109 strength of a microbe to a natural breath, and the latter is a thousand cyclones to the former, making it impossi- ble for them to take up a permanent abode in the lungs. Even when they reach the air cells, the constant inhala- tion and exhalation would incessantly drive them hither and thither with what would be, to them, the fury of a hundred whirlwinds. Again, the very secretion on the mucous membrane of the former would be nothing less than a flood, compared to their size ; and, as it is con- stantly swashed around in every possible direction by tissue, contraction and dilation, the impossibility of their gaining a foothold therein is apparent. Thus we see that a normal degree of vital force and health of an air cell makes it adamant itself against the invasion of microbes. When the cells are diseased, then the conditions are entirely changed, for as they become slowly closed up by the ac- cumulation of mucus or pus, and the last inhalation that enters carries in a few microbes, then, being no longer dislodged by the breath or disturbed by the mucous se- cretion or the contraction and dilation of the tissue, they find themselves environed by conditions that will enable them to thrive and propagate their species. But you ask, " What about the specific microbe found with each dis- tinct disease ? " This is owing, undoubtedly, to the fact that there is no form of life, from the very lowest to the highest, but what requires c\ certain definite state to enable it to exist. Thus, the environments favorable for the propagation of one kind of them would be detrimental to all others, and they would, as a result, die. As for the microbes passing into the circulation, and in that way reaching the organic, cellular tissue of the lungs, and there penetrat- ing it, we find that also impossible when the lung struc- ture is in a normal state. Here we might pertinently inquire how they could, when the cellular tissue of the whole body was in a state of perfect health, select that of the lungs in preference to any other for their attack. Are we to endow them with the power of selection? Suppose they reach the capillary blood vessels of the lung tissue, how could they possibly stop there when the 110 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. circulation even in those minute tubes would be nothing more or less than the torrent of a Niagara compared to them; hence, their inability to make a landing -within the walls of any healthy tissue of the entire body when once within its rapids. When disease is present, however, it could be quite easily effected, and the conditions being good all they would have to do would be to multiply and replenish. Thus, it is evident that a real diseased state of the lung tissue must pre-exist before microbes can propagate their species, and that abnormal state is simply pulmonary phthisis in its early stages, and the presence of even a specific microbe in the sputa nothing more than the product of a condition favorable for its produc- tion, and as incidental to the disease as a globule of pus. SYMPTOMS OF PULMONAEY PHTHISIS. We *f requently meet with persons who are predisposed to pulmonary phthisis with not only clubbed finger nails, but a tendency for a festering soreness to occur around them as well as the toe nails. We do not refer to the simple run-around which almost any person may have for a few days, and then disappear, but a chronic condi- tion that often exists for months, if not for years. In all such cases we have found the patient to be a member of a family predisposed to pulmonary phthisis. Any local treatment given with a view to suppress such a condition is highly reprehensible, as it is sure to throw it upon the lungs, and cause that disease to develop there inside of the next two or three years. Other physical signs found are a flat chest, round shoulders, and, generally speaking, a poorly developed organism. When a severe attack of bronchitis, pleurisy or pneumonia is followed by pul- monary phthisis, it may seem for a while to be but a chronic continuation of the former complaint, and not the latter ; but, as it progresses, we find symptoms of the last-named disease developing. Usually, this trouble comes on slowly, seemingly out of a fair degree of health. The first indication is a slight, hacking cough, which may continue for years, and during that time be hardly SYMPTOMS OF PULMONAKY PHTHISIS. Ill noticeable. And, now, notwithstanding the person may have a fail* appetite, sleep well, and otherwise appear to enjoy a usual degree of health, still in time the face loses its plumpness and seems to lengthen out. In this stage we find the muscles of the body losing their tone and vigor, and beginning- to grow flabby, soft and weak. Patients can now hold their breath but a few moments at a time, and even then it makes them dizzy and faint. It is impossible for them to take fifty steps while so retain- ning it at their usual gait of walking. Generally speaking, twenty or twenty-five are the very best they can do, while many cannot do as well as that. Examination now reveals the fact that their breathing is superficial and lacking in volume, showing not only a decrease of lung force, but a marked loss of vital capacity. They fatigue very easily from any unusual exercise, and complain much of being weary and tired. At first the cough is dry, but later on a sputa makes its appearance, being either a clear, transparent mucus, or grayish, yellow, brown, dark, stringy, any form of which may be streaked with blood. Now — gradually, in most cases, though suddenly in others — the patient enters into the second or apex stage. It may come on at first, much like a bad cold or an attack of bronchitis. The cough and expectoration increase and grow worse towards night, or through the night and in the morning, with an interval of rest in the middle of the day. At first the cheeks are simply flushed, but usually in the afternoon or towards evening fever sets in, though it may occur at any time during the twenty-four hours, the temperature running often as high as one hundred and four. If the pleura is implicated in the de- structive or inflammatory process, there are severe pains, worse from coughing, deep breathing or bodily move- ment. A progressive loss of weight is now noticed, often accompanied by severe indigestion, constipation, diar- rhoea, or both in alternation ; gagging or vomiting when coughing, breathing labored, voice weak and uncertain or may be entirely suppressed, especially if the larynx has become involved in the destructive process. The hemorrhagic stage may also set in at any time. To be 112 NOKMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. sure, it may set in apparently at the very onset of the attack ; but, generally speaking, it is an indication of a more advanced stage, since it shows that the exist- ing lesion is eating deeper into the cellular tissue. Mucus, pus, blood, tubercles and microbes are now- found in the sputa; increased temperature, running anywhere from one hundred to one hundred and four ; severe night sweats, marked emaciation, panting breath, painful cough and great prostration. In females, who have reached the age of puberty, the menses grow month after month more and more scanty, till they finally cease altogether. Great nervousness and marked irritability often accompanies this disease in any or all its stages. This class of patients never cease to hope, and frequently declare that they know their complaint is anything but consumption. As they enter upon the last stage, all the above symptoms become more and more intensified, and, as the end is approaching, the feet begin to swell, and the vital force has reached such a low ebb that they are unable to longer sit up. Distressed breathing occurs, with marked wheezing, rattling of mucus, with little or no ability to expectorate ; and soon, following a rattling in the throat, the scene closes in death. PERSONS PREDISPOSED TO PULMONARY PHTHISIS. We have at least three classes of individuals who are predisposed to pulmonary phthisis : Fiest. — Those who have been endowed by nature with not only a most perfect physique, but a wonderful consti- tution. These persons become addicted to all kinds of excesses. They are temperate in nothing. They cultivate such habits as imbibing all kinds of intoxicating liquors, an excessive use of tobacco, drinking strong coffee with every meal, as well as partaking of all kinds of condi- ments and highly-seasoned foods. They keep late hours, seldom sleep enough, and frequent bar-rooms, pool-rooms, concert-halls, theatres and ball-rooms, and thus spend PERSONS PREDISPOSED TO PULMONARY PHTHISIS. 113 most of their lives in inhaling air unfit to breathe. Often they gamble all night, and attend exciting races by day, as well as otherwise living a fast life. Few escape venereal diseases, and in their treatment, instead of hav- ing them properly cured, they are suppressed. Again, we find them either taking little or no exercise, or going to extremes of violent training in the way of either box- ing, running, rowing or severe gymnastic exertions, fol- lowed after the contest by indolence and protracted sprees. They live, in fact, the most abnormal kind of a life, and it is not to be wondered at that they at length break down. They run the race that kills, and as they become a wreck in some way contract what at first appears to be but a bad cold, or such an inflammatory dis- ease as bronchitis or pleurisy, following which pulmonary phthisis sets in, runs a quick course, and — dying, as they so often do, in the hands of charity — the end of the story is told in the morgue. Second. — The second class are those who do not dis- sipate in any way whatever, and yet, either through ig- norance or imprudence, have contracted catarrhal diseases of the nostrils, throat, larynx or bronchial tubes. These diseases may be of years' standing, and thus, little by little, the lung power as well as the vital capacity is reduced, or they may continue till finally, following a cold, bron- chitis, pleurisy or pneumonia sets in, from which attack they never make a good recovery, and thus pulmonary phthisis is superinduced. Again, members of this class are often employed for years in dingy offices where the air is impure, while their occupations call for constant stooping. Besides, they take little or no out-door exercise, and, as for exercising the lungs, many of them could almost truthfully say they never heard of such a thing. We very seldom find these folks fleshy ; on the contrary, they are usually thin, pale, lank and nervous as well as very sensitive to all sudden changes in the weather, have poor appetites, and only too often are in ill health. "With them pulmonary phthisis may be hereditary on neither side of the house, and yet — though they do, as is often the case, spring from long- 114 NORMAL AND MORBID CONDITIONS. lived families — they contract that disease, and eventually succumb to it. Third. — This is the class who are hereditarily disposed to pulmonary phthisis. They inherit not only the inher- ent weakness of constitution, but the characteristics of mind peculiar to their parents. In fact, it is mostly in the latter wherein lie, in a great degree, the predis- posing causes of pulmonary phthisis. A weak constitu- tion, with a strong mind to defend it, will, as we some- times see, enable a person whose relatives have had it on both sides, to live to a good old age, and not contract it ; but where, notwithstanding the one seems to be ener- getic and bright, the other is weak, and the person im- pulsive, the frail body has a poor defender, and is sure, sooner or later, to fall a victim to pulmonary phthisis. Generally speaking, there is probably no class of individ- uals in this world who are more careless about their health, or indifferent to the ordinary rules to be observed in order to preserve it, than these delicate mortals. Endowed with a fine temperament, they are unusually sensitive, mentally as well as physically. They generally have bright mental capabilities, which do not, by any means, imply good judgment or wisdom. They are quick — do first, and think afterwards. This leads them to do all sorts of imprudent things, such as going out in the height of winter without a wrap on, and, maybe, with slippers only on their feet. They have no respect for a draught, except that they know it will help them to cool off rapidly when overheated. Standing in the open doorway, gossiping with some long-winded female caller, on the many foolish shortcomings of their neighbors, is not an infrequent pastime. "We also find them frequently going to balls and parties, and not only exhausting their vital- ity by dancing all night, but, after each dance, exposing themselves to a cold draught while perspiring ; and often, the more delicate the female is, the more indifferent is she to the probability of contracting a bad cold. They seem far more sensitive to social criticism regarding their appearance than they do to climatic conditions that en- viron their lives ; hence, they dress as though they were NATURE. 115 endowed with an iron constitution. And now, if they are not wrapped up extremely warm, and driven home quickly in a closed carriage, the probabilities are they will be down inside of a few days with a severe cold. One such night may be sufficient; if not, the time will surely come when they will contract their last cold. Then, again, how often they are to be found standing on the corner of the street waiting for the early morning car; and often the car and the beginning of pulmonary phthisis come together. It required but a night of vital exhaus- tion, with their underclothing damp with perspiration, feet clothed in thin stockings and covered with light shoes, and the entire system in an extremely negative state to give their hereditary enemy another victim. NATURAL METHODS. NATUBE. Many people have an ignorant conception of what is meant by nature when a cure is proposed by natural methods. They jump at the conclusion that it means to do nothing, let the disease have full sway, and live or die as the case may be. This is far from the truth. What we mean by it is to resort to natural means instead of artificial ones to overcome disease. In your case ascertain what the laws of nature are that have a bearing on it, and, instead of hanging your hope on some experimental decoction of drugs, determine to utilize its great powers and forces in your own defense. Know- ing, for instance, that constant use develops the faculties of the mind as well as the muscles of the physical organism, you realize that exercise of the lungs must be resorted to to make them powerful. You know that exercise calls for more blood to the part, or parts, used, and that it likewise contains nourishment for the whole organism. Hence, as you wish to nourish your lungs, and thereby build them up, you realize that noth- ing in this eternal universe but exercise can accomplish 116 NATURAL METHODS. the desired result. You know, also, that through it only can a part be given strength and power; and, hence, in order to have strong lungs, you must exercise them. You comprehend that you are not experimenting, but rather, in fact, arousing to activity and waking up the gigantic powers that lie dormant in your organism, and that, by will effort, you are subjugating them to your service. No ! never think, when we refer to nature, we mean to do nothing ; for, on the contrary, the more you know of her, and the more you utilize her forces, the more work it requires of you. The real " do nothings " are those who sit and mope and swig drugs at certain intervals, whose judgment is governed by whims, and whose hope is of the sky-rocket order — always bright until it goes out forever. Nature is your mother ; obey her voice, sit at her feet, and learn wisdom. There is balm in Gilead in her injunction. Listen and be wise. Go as she points the way. Turn not from her to the hope of windy theories that have lured so many of the world's billions till the wreck of death came. THE EDUCATION OF THE INVOLUNTAKY THKOUGH THE VOLUNTAEY. Education practically means exercise or voluntary effort by which we are enabled to reach the involuntary. There can, indeed, be no great degree of perfection till effort ceases and the voluntary gives place to the involun- tary. Thus, if we would be intelligent, we must use our intellect so that the senses can be educated by work to such an extent as to enable us to see, hear, taste and touch with such a degree of nicety and precision as to make any one of these acts, to all intents and purposes, involuntary. It is apparent, then, that the strength and power attained by the involuntary is really but a product of the voluntary. In the blind we see the sense of touch, for instance, cultivated to a marvelous degree of perfec- tion, while, in the study of music, those who are highly educated in it are able to detect a false note or discord THE EDUCATION OF VOLUNTARY THROUGH INVOLUNTARY. 117 among ten thousand harmonies — an attainment only reached by long, laborious voluntary effort. Even taste by use may be educated to such a degree of nicety as to enable persons to detect readily between such different commodities as teas, liquors., wines, etc., for the mere exercise of which they receive very high salaries. As for sight, its power can be increased in a number of ways, notably to make it possible for a person to fire a single bullet from a rifle and hit a nickel flipped from the thumb into the air — a feat requiring, however, years of voluntary practice. The same is equally true of any of the faculties, for, if we would develop any one of them like the memory, it must be exercised indefinitely till we find we can memorize with less and less effort, it becom- ing, at length, almost infinite in its powers to grasp and retain the details of an intricate subject, apparently with- out effort. Even manners may be highly cultivated by constant use, till what at first, would appear to be formal and unnatural will in time become graceful, involun- tary gentility. A person can also educate his moral faculties in the same way. Let him, even though it requires a decided effort for him, to do right and so continue, and in time he will find the effort has departed and it has become as it were a second nature to him. On the other hand, he can just as successfully develop low tastes and traits of character by allowing himself to in- dulge in dissipations, till, at length, he will find his inclinations involuntarily directed in that way. So, in the simple matter of standing erect, if a person is at first obliged to actually hold himself in the proper position and persists in it, in time he will really have grown into it, and be enabled to stand upright without the least effort. This not only applies to the whole body, but to any part of it, such as an organ or its function. We realize fully how effectually any weak muscle of the system can be developed by exercise, and great strength thus attained. It is evident, then, inasmuch as the lungs are a part of the system — cellular in structure, like a muscle built up in the same manner by nutriment from the circulation, and in a like way subject to the com- 118 NATURAL METHODS. mand of the will — that they, too, can by proper exercise be developed to their maximum capacity, and thus be made to supply the whole system at all times, whether awake or asleep, with all the oxygen necessary for its most perfect state of health, and accomplish it even more perfectly in an involuntary manner than what, at first, could only be partially acquired by voluntary effort. That the involuntary can be educated through the volun- tary is too obvious for comment, and we only refer to it in this way as it emphasizes the necessity of exercise in lung healing and lung development. The will is the starting point, exercise it, and it will be found that even that can be made stronger and stronger by use. Cul- tivate tenacity of purpose, and coimt not on good inten- tions, but let work and work only be the true expression of your force of character. If you have a will of power and endurance, it is the struggle of a long race that makes it show forth conspicuously. Don't be spasmodic in this matter, for to just the degree that you are will it be the measure of your disappointment. THE PHILOSOPHY OF EXERCISE. If you were to call on your physician for advice con- cerning the development of your muscular system, and he were to reply to your inquiries that he would give you a hypodermic injection of a lymph that would accom- plish that desired result, and that all exercise was super- fluous, you would at once not only doubt his judgment, but consider him, if not an actual lunatic, at least bor- dering on insanity. You would say, " I am no physician, but I know that it requires exercise to develop any muscle of the human organism. " On the contrary, should he not have said in answer to your queries that as all things in nature are in a state of activity from the smallest atom of material matter upon this earth up to the most gigantic planet that rolls across the heavens, from the lowest form of vegetable or animal life up to that of the will, mind and physique of man, that you must likewise, if you would develop your muscular sys- THE PHILOSOPHY OF EXERCISE. 119 teni, conform to that great and universal law, and resort to exercise to accomplish your purpose. Attune your endeavors by exercise and work to this all-pervading law of motion that holds its sway not only over the countless myriads of planets that constitute the Milky Way, but the innumerable billions of atoms that make up the organic elements of your muscular sys- tem, and you will indeed be successful, since there can be no growth, either mentally or physically, outside of the realms of exercise. Motion is the great law of our being ; without it we would have no senses, faculties or even life itself. Mental excellence requires that your faculties be exercised. So, in like manner, there is no other power in this universe that can give you a superbly developed muscular system. But persist in it, and you will grow in strength, power, and eventually a perfect physical manhood will be the sum total. But be a lag- gard — ride when you should walk, sit when you should stand, sleep when you should be awake ; in fact, be lazy and languid, and show it in your step and speech, as well as in your whole being — and your muscular system will never develop. Be the hero of your own egotistical dreams rather than a man of deeds, and you may rest assured that, as long as life lasts, your muscular system will remain soft and flabby, and you will never be, physi- cally speaking, a well-developed man, according to the high designs of nature. Exercise and use make perfect. Now, all this is just as applicable to the development of the lungs as it is to that of the muscular system. As those muscles have lost not only their vital force, other- wise called " strength," but their capacity to hold that power in the way of a shrinkage of their cellular struct- ure, so likewise have your lungs lost not only their vital capacity to breathe the requisite amount of air nec- essary for the normal health of your whole organism, but they have lost through shrinkage of their cellular structure their storage capacity for vital force. Even suppose drugs or an injection of lymph were to kill microbes present in the diseased lungs, how could they ever restore the cellular structure of the lungs to a 120 NATURAL METHODS. capacity that would enable them to absorb the requisite amount of oxygen to supply the entire wants of your sys- tem? Suppose there was a loss of two-tenths of vital capacity, how could any possible destruction of the mi- crobes restore it? Even though the lesions were to heal up — a thing utterly impossible under the circumstances — how could that break up the pleuritic adhesions, develop the intercostal muscles or diaphragm, especially when we know that the healing up of a lesion, even in the lungs, causes a contraction, and not an expansion, of the tissue involved ? Would not such a result diminish rather than increase the vital capacity of the lungs ? "What other way is there out of this labyrinth of troubles but exercise of the tissue of the lungs, as it is healing ? And since the act of respiration involves the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, how could the injection of lymph, use of a drug or healing up of a lesion possibly develop them, when not properly exercised, any more than any other part of the general muscular system ? As for the cellu- lar tissue of the lungs themselves, we have seen that it is made up of cells just as is the muscular system, and that they contain yellow elastic tissue made for the express purpose of expansion and contraction. Why, then, is exer- cise necessary for the development of the cellular tissue of the biceps, and lymph for the cellular tissue of the lungs ? The function of memcry and that of the lungs are both under control of the will — why not exercise the one as well as the other ? Just as well think of educating the artistic faculty for painting by taking drugs as to try to develop those organs by their action. As it is, the great harm is not done by them alone, but in the dependency placed upon them. Certain kinds of medication are a necessity as one of the many auxiliary aids, but only as such, and never to be taken as the sole reliance. All other things being equal, lung exercise for a loss of lung power and capacity becomes a funda- mental necessity for pulmonary troubles. Exercise of them means use of the entire thorax and diaphragm, the whole cellular tissue of the lungs and pleura, every in- dividual air cell, blood vessel and nerve that it supplies, BREATHING IN GENERAL. 121 as well as all the lacteals within them. By doing so, we find as the muscular system strengthens by exercise, so will the vital lung force and capacity of the lungs grow stronger and greater as a result. There is this difference, however: loss of vital force antedates loss of vital ca- pacity, but a gain of vital capacity must always precede a permanent gain of vital force. , It may be said that it requires vital force to bring about a gain of vital capac- ity, which is true ; yet the vital force used for the de- velopment of vital capacity is directed to the lungs from the general system by the will power, and not till there is a permanent gain of vital capacity will there be a per- manent gain of vital force in the lungs themselves. BREATHING IN GENERAL. Life is so dependent on the air we breathe that, if it be suspended for even a few minutes, death invariably follows. Eighteen breaths per minute are the number generally considered normal, or twenty-three thousand and forty inhalations in twenty-four hours. This we hold to be too frequent, as ten times per minute are sufficient, since practice and lung development will enable most any person to inhale not more than that number. Breathing is subject to great variations. In all inflam- matory diseases that cause a marked increase in the tem- perature of the body, and a consequent rapid circulation of blood, we find a corresponding increase in its fre- quency. Thus, in pneumonia, it always is panting in character, reaching in frequency as high as eighty times per minute. In all diseases of the respiratory organs we have an increase in the number of respirations per minute, though usually accompanied by a loss in volume. On the other hand, in all cases of suspended animation, from whatever cause, such as drowning, catalepsy, com- pression, shock, coma and fainting attacks, we have not only a decrease in their frequency, but such a decided loss in volume as to make it almost imperceptible. It, moreover, varies greatly in accordance with the degree of physical exercise taken, always increasing in 122 NATURAL METHODS. frequency and volume as the former becomes more vio- lent. Also, when sleep follows great fatigue, respira- tion is not only more frequent for a time, but there is likewise an increase in the volume of each breath. This is particularly noticeable in healthy tired persons who snore when asleep. When a person's general health is below the standard, the breath, whether quick or slow, lacks in volume. The more rarefied the air, the more frequently we breathe. We inspire with every breath about twenty cubic inches of air; multiply this by the number of respirations per minute, and the increase occasioned by exercise, and it will be found that we inhale not far from six hundred thousand cubic inches of air in twenty-four hours, or about three hundred and fifty cubic feet. The respiratory movements are mostly involuntary — that is, while we can control our breathing in a measure, both as to rapidity and volume, we cannot wholly suppress it. In fact, the nearest that we approach it is when holding our breath — and then only in excep- tional cases for about the space of three minutes — at the utmost limit. Usually, from twenty-five to thirty seconds is the best that can be done, though, as we shall see further on, that persistent exercise will enable a person to retain it even as long as three minutes at a time. While the natural breath is involuntary, when we desire to take a full or maximum one it must be partially voluntary ; and since that is not only necessary when we wish to measure our maximum lung capacity, but also in many of our lung exercises for lung healing and lung develop- ment, we designate them to be the natural, or involuntary breath, and the maximum, or voluntary one. When our respirations are but ten per minute, as we advocate, then we inhale all of fifty cubic inches of air with every breath, and, making the usual allowance for increased breathing from exercise during the day, about eight hundred thousand cubic inches of air, or all of two hundred thousand above the amount when eighteen breaths were taken instead of ten. An increase in this way for but one month would mean to the system a gain of no less than six million cubic inches — a splendid result. CHEST EXPANSION POSITION FOR LUNG DEVELOPMENT. 123 CHEST EXPANSION. Concerning the chest we have two positions — the normal and the abnormal, or the voluntary and the in- voluntary. The normal one when it is distended to its fullest extent in such a manner as to permit a full and free maximum expansion of the thorax. Abnormal when the shoulders are drawn forward till they crowd the upper part of each lung, thereby preventing an unre- stricted use of them. By throwing the chest out, and holding it there voluntarily, involuntary breathing goes on just the same as before, only the volume of each breath is not only greater but far more easily inhaled. This adds very materially to both lung healing and lung de- velopment, since any increase in involuntary breathing in this manner means an increase of thousands upon thou- sands of cubic inches of air a day. So, aside from the general appearance, the erect position with chest well expanded is a great and positive necessity both for lung healing and lung development. POSITION FOR LUNG DEVELOPMENT. When a person has some experience in the matter of selecting a horse with a view to making a purchase, he usually looks for one that stands plumb, though frequently at the very time of his close inspection he may not be standing so himself. If he finds one that suits him in that respect, even though a mouth-breather himself, he next examines his nostrils, and if they are large and well developed, chest broad and full, other things being equal, he takes him. Now, this matter of standing erect applies to man as well as to animals. When a horse puts his feet too far under him or too far out, he is gen- erally designated a " plug." So, when a person stands out of line, he assumes the "plug" position, which is not only ungainly in appearance, but every organ in his body — lungs included — is out of plumb, a condition always fa- vorable to disease. And the difference between a "plug " and a good horse is no greater than that between a 124 NATUEAL METHODS. sound man and one who stands out of plumb, for it shows that he is not perfect. In all forms of animal life — whether fish, bird, or land quadruped — they are, when not injured or diseased, graceful in every movement. The same is equally true of man ; so, when we see a person standing out of plumb, we know for a certainty that he lacks full vigor. He may by no means in every instance be sickly, yet he does not possess the maximum degree of bodily health and strength that he otherwise would if he stood erect, and the carriage of his body was graceful. Then hold your head up in such a manner that you will feel a slight backward pressure at the angles of the jaws, especially if you have hitherto stooped or car- ried it too far forward. Next throw the chest out by voluntary effort, if need be, and hold it there with a rim ; never mind the shoulders, they will go back into their right position. But don't fall into the error of sticking the abdomen out, and imagine that you are standing properly. This, we might justly term, " amusing n position causes too great a curve in the spinal column, and, while badly out of plumb, may also prove to be very harmful to, the whole body. Stand with your heels almost touch- ing and the toes turning out from each other about seven inches. The lips and end of the toes should be in line with each other. You are never standing light when the weight of the body is thrown on the heels. It should be more upon the ball of the foot, so that when you take a step forward the weight of the whole organism follows after with ease and grace. THE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HOLDING THE BREATH AS AN EXERCISE. The effects of holding the breath in exercising the lungs is a very interesting study, as well as a most potent remedy, in lung healing and lung develop- ment. It may be argued that, when a maximum breath is inhaled and retained as long as possible, it can never be heated to a greater degree than the general heat of the whole system, and so nothing could be gained by HOLDING THE BREATH AS AN EXERCISE. 125 way of expansion in that manner, since, like the normal breath, it is heated to correspond to the residual air in the lungs, which is always of the same temperature as the entire organism. Still, the normal breathing of eighteen cubic inches per breath is, as an exercise, not to be compared to the maximum breath, even in diseased lungs of one hundred and eighty cubic inches, or one to ten, on an average. The former is heated when taken into the lungs, so is the latter ; yet it requires ten times as much caloric of the body to heat the latter as it did of the former, giving it, as a consequence, ten times the expansive power of the former, not only in volume, but in heat, after it has been retained. It therefore has, as far as the latter can effect it, ten times the penetrating power into clogged- up air cells, as well as expansive capacity, when it reaches them. It does not act upon any special part of the lung, but, like hydraulic pressure, finds each individual cell, and distends it in every possible direction. Another very important action of the inhaled maximum breath, when retained, is that it greatly facilitates the passage of oxygen through the walls of the air cells into the circu- lation, as well as greatly aiding the exit of the carbonic acid from the blood into the lungs. The so-called invol- untary circulation of gases is thus made much easier, not only at the time the exercise is taken, but afterwards, when ordinary respiration is going on. Again, though holding the breath for the time being may retard the carbonic acid from escaping from the blood into the lungs, when it is finally exhaled, its gathered volume in the circulation enables it to make its exit in large quantities, thus aiding the development of an easy exchange of these gases on the theory that the passage ways are enlarged or dilated. The inhaled and retained breath also acts very beneficially in the following manner : As the circulation in the blood vessels is slightly retarded, the latter become distended, and so mate- rially increase their capacity to receive and carry a larger volume of blood from the general circulation. It is, indeed, a fact that this exercise will cause a uniform 126 NATURAL METHODS. increase in calibre of every blood vessel in the whole lung structure, and, if practiced long enough, they will become permanently enlarged, and, as a result, their increased capacity for receiving blood enables the tissue they supply to receive a much larger quantity, a point always to be gained in the cure of pulmonary phthisis. Yet, again, as high tide carries off driftwood and garb- age, so, when we thus flood the lung tissue with blood by retaining the breath, it likewise carries off the effete matter that has a tendency to accumulate and retard the capil- lary circulation in the walls of the air cells. Even where a lesion is already existing, or a tuberculous mass has formed the flooding of adjacent healthy lung tissue, in this manner will help to not only carry off matter that may come from it, but will aid in keeping those parts in a healthy condition, and so enable them eventually, by the renewed strength and vigor it gives to the lacteals, to absorb the mass itself and heal up the ulceration. That this can be accomplished is a fact, as the following illus- tration proves : When a person is suffering from a felon on his finger, if he takes a piece of string and winds it tightly and carefully around the adjoining healthy tissue about twenty-five times, and allows it to remain there for the space of a minute, he will find that this procedure retards the capillary circulation, while the deeper or arterial current will still continue, until all the minute vessels implicated in the diseased parts become greatly engorged with blood, causing high tide in them. If the string is next unwound, and the accumulated blood be allowed to run off, and the process is repeated for the space of thirty minutes, the pain will not only stop, but the inflammation subside, and all indications of any further accumulation of pus cease, thus showing that, by flooding the part with blood, effete matter can be carried off/ and health restored to the diseased tissue. Thus, when healing is required in all inflammations, whether acute or chronic, a flux of blood to the parts is indispensible. Also, in all indolent forms of disease, like tuberculosis, since the tissues involved lack the necessary volume of it. Indeed, in pulmonary phthisis, we never find the inflam- X.UNG nEALING. 127 matory process as severe as in pneumonia and other kindred diseases that are curable. There is a greater quantity of blood present in those complaints, and, as a result, the chances of recovery are correspondingly better. The necessity of a greater supply of blood through the diseased lungs is apparent, otherwise the disease can never be eradicated ; and holding the breath as an exercise will aid materially in concentrating it there. LUNG HEALING. While your lungs are diseased we advise you to live an out-door life, and not indulge in bodily exercise. By so doing, you will be in the light, sunshine and pure air a greater part of the time. By not exerting your ex- tremities, you will cause an entire relaxation of the mus- cular system, and thus enable the most of your vital force to be used to heal and strengthen your lungs. This force is, as we have before pointed out, like any other motive power — such as steam or electricity — and so, if used to any great degree in one direction, cannot at the same time be utilized in another. Thus, if the greater amount of this power is expended for locomotion, then the organs of the body, and especially the diseased lungs, are easily depleted, and the patient becomes exhausted. Practical experience proves this to be a fact. In most cases that we have seen, where a phthisical patient was taken sud- denly and alarmingly ill, the immediate cause of attack was invariably produced by a long, tiresome ride or some fatiguing exercise. This leads us to insist that all bodily and mental activity of any description but what we rec- ommend in the way of lung exercise shall be discon- tinued ; at least, while the lungs are badly diseased. Even if your physician advises you to take plenty of out-door exercise, you should not do it, for he is mistaken in the matter. " That old stereotyped advice is simply an heir- loom handed down to the profession, and so is still given to patients without thought in the matter. If your doctor were to make a special study of this subject, he 128 NATURAL METHODS. would soon see his error, and promptly admit it. Indeed, most of them do not mean what they say when they advise their patients to take plenty of out-door exercise. They generally mean that they shall simply live in the open air as much as possible, and exercise in a moderate way. Patients, however, generally take such advice in the most literal manner imaginable, and so when they are told to take plenty of outdoor exercise they do it, and only too often with fatal results. Indeed, it is the worst possible advice that could be given to them, and we sincerely hope that in the near future it will be entirely discontinued. On the other hand, however, lung exercise is absolutely necessary. Our aim is to make the greater part of the organism negative, and the lungs positive. This will en- able us to reverse the condition when by great bodily exercise the general organism is positive, and the lungs negative. Make the latter strong, and they will not only repel all abnormal vibrations thrown upon them by the brain as part of the general system, but it will give more vital force to their organic cellular tissue to attract nutriment from the circulation, which diseased lungs always fail to do in a measure sufficient to replace the loss of organic material required for their recon- struction. When a person is physically weak, his step is tottering, so with the lungs when they are diseased, the breath is feeble, quick and superficial. This is occa- sioned, not only by the lungs alone, but by the diaphragm and the whole thorax, which partake of the weakness of the entire body. All these parts must then be strengthened, in order to give the breath the volume required in health. Concerning the slight attention that is given, we might say almost universally, to lung exer- cise, the thought comes to us forcibly. Is this not the rea- son that so little has been accomplished by the profession in the cure of pulmonary phthisis ! How frequently we meet patients who, when in the incipient stage of this disease, work hard for ten hours during the day, and then take their entire earnings for that time, and give it to a doctor, who will simply examine their lungs and pre- scribe some one of the " old chestnut " remedies, such as LUNG HEALING 129 cod-liver oil, that have been taken by millions of phthisi- cal patients before them, and yet, undoubtedly, never cured a single case of that disease, and not even mention the words "lung exercise," while it does not occur to the patient that such a thing was at all necessary. Occa- sionally we meet with those who now and then exercise their lungs by taking a few deep breaths off and on for a day or two, and not resort to it again for perhaps a month. They are well aware that no faculty of the brain or muscle of the body can be developed without incessant endeavor, and yet never think of applying the same prin- ciple to their lungs even when very weak or diseased. In the matter, then, of lung healing, the exercises that are given in the following chapter must be taken every day without a single omission, if need be, from one end of the year to the other. Even if the patient is in a condi- tion that would warrant his remaining in bed, they should be continued just the same, for most of them can be taken there as well as elsewhere. Anything in the way of spasmodic attempts is too contemptible to be regarded as serious work. Do not say either that you have tried them occasionally, and then express disappointment be- cause great good has not come at once from your in- different efforts. Just here we want to emphasize the earnestness of our convictions, and say that, if all persons who are hereditarily predisposed to pulmonary phthisis as well as those in its incipient stage live a normal life and take our lung exercises, it will be about abso- lutely impossible for the first to contract that dis- ease, as well as enable the others to ward it off. For lung healing, they should be much more gentle than for lung development. To be sure, even in the former, there will be a marked degree of lung expan- sion, but it would not be wise to indulge diseased lungs in the severe exercises we give under the heading of lung development. You should understand that your lungs are not a football that you can blow up to their maximum capacity off-handed. The mere inflating of them in their present condition will not suffice in the way of exer- cise. They are, as you should know, really incased in a 130 NATURAL METHODS. structure of bone and muscle, and, though it can be greatly increased in size, it will never do so with- out a decided effort is made in that direction. Now, this structure known as the " thorax " must be made to expand to its utmost limits when lung healing is desired. The diaphragm, being a muscle, must also be developed to the extent of its capacity, since normal involuntary breathing depends on a good development of that organ. As for the organic cellular structure of the lungs, it must be exercised in order that it receive the necessary increased circulation of blood and nutriment. And, as cell after cell is added to it, vital force and capacity will correspondingly increase. The lacteals must likewise be strengthened in order that a normal degree of absorption of such effete matter (as the tuberculous mass) can readily take place. This is work laid out for you to do, and it is by no means as hard to accomplish as it may seem, if you only have an inflexible will to hold you to it. Exercise really means cell building. Your purpose is then, to add a few million of them to the organic tissue of your lung structure. Of course, you must content yourself with adding a few at a time. And by taking our advice you may know for a certainty that you are doing so. We have pointed out to you that, by a continuous relaxed condi- tion of the muscular system and brain, that they become more and more negative, while such organs as the lungs become, when exercised, more and more positive. This enables them to repel all positive abnormal vibrations reflexed upon them by the brain. When not thrown upon the lung, the general system receives them, either in one direction or the other. As a result, if boils, or any kind of skin disease whatever make their appearance, they are to be regarded as a good omen, and under no circumstances are to be suppressed by external treat- ment. Even if swelling of the glands occurs on any part of the body, or rheumatism, neuralgia, shifting pains, and, in fact, quite a variety of functional disturbances set in, you are to welcome them as a good rather than a bad sign, showing, as they do, that the lungs are becom- ing more positive, and the general organism more nega- EXERCISES FOR LUNG HEALING. 131 tive. All breathing exercises act upon the lungs, yet some are more marked in one direction than another. Now, while taking the following ones keep the mus- cular system in as relaxed a state as possible, either by sitting or lying down. If any of them make you dizzy, cause stitching pains or cough during the act, do not let it worry you, since it merely reaches the seat of the troub]e, and will do no possible harm. Should any seem to be a little severe on you at first, then, for the time being, take those that are more agreeable, and go back to the others later on. EXEKCISES FOE LUNG HEALING. How to Increase the Vital Force of the Diaphragm. Since there could be no breathing without the dia- phragm, it is evident that, if its action is weak, the breath will lack in power and volume. When such a condition is present, and we wish to overcome it, there is only one way to accomplish our purpose, and that is by exercise. Being a muscle, we know for a fact that it can be made strong by use. And, as development of this muscle will increase the volume of the involuntary breath, we can readily see that, in the matter of lung healing and lung development, it is a matter of the high- est importance. Exercise I. Distend abdomen to its fullest extent. This de- presses the diaphragm. Hold it down as long as possible by taking almost imperceptible breaths. Beat abdo- men gently while distended with palm of hand. Exercise II. Work abdomen up and down, simulating the churn- ing movement by distending and contracting to utmost limit. 132 NATURAL METHODS. Exercise III. Contract abdomen. This will hold the diaphragm up. While there take almost imperceptible breaths. Exercise IV. If little action of the diaphragm is perceptible when breathing, lay the hands over the stomach and press in as the diaphragm rises ; then let it come down suddenly. Exercise V. To Aid Expansion of Thorax. Stand erect, elbows akimbo ; raise shoulders as high as possible, and hold them there. Contract abdo- men, and then bend forward, back; also sideways, right to left, and left to right. Kepeat rapidly. Exercise VI. Distend abdomen to its fullest extent. Extend hands as far above the head as possible. In this posi- tion, holding abdomen still distended, bend forward and back ; also, from side to side. Exercise VII. For Lateral Expansion of Thorax. Take maximum breath and retain it ; then contract abdomen, and, while holding one hand as far above the head as possible, reach down as far as possible with the other. Now, lower the upraised hand, and ' raise the lowered one. Alternate rapidly. Exercise VIII. Sit astride a chair with back facing you. Grasp its sides, and, as you draw yourself towards it with the EXERCISES FOR LUNG HEALING. 133 strength of your arms, take a deep breath and extend the chest outwards and upwards to its fullest extent. Repeat as though you were rowing. Exercise IX. Take maximum breath and distend abdomen to its fullest extent. Extend hands above head, and stretch in all directions, the same as when just aroused from sleep. Exercise X. For Apex of Lungs. Strike right closed fist over left shoulder as far as you can reach. As you bring it back, strike elbow as far backwards as possible. Same with left closed fist over right shoulder. Repeat rapidly. Exercise XI. Take maximum breath, contract abdomen. Strike right closed fist over left shoulder, and at the same time strike left closed fist as far behind your back as possible. Reverse left closed fist over right shoulder, and right closed fist behind. Repeat rapidly. Exercise XII. Take maximum breath and hold it. Contract abdo- men. Raise shoulders as high as possible ; then, as you suddenly let your breath go, drop your shoulders as far down as possible. Exercise XIII. Interlock fingers of both hands, and lay them with the palms down over the stomach ; the arms drawn in till they hug the sides tightly, so as to not only prevent the 134 NATURAL METHODS. descent of the diaphragm, but the expansion of the front part of the thorax. Now take a deep breath and hold it. Exercise XIV. Take maximum breath, contract abdomen, strike both closed fists as far above your head as you can reach ; then bring them down suddenly till your fists are on a level with your shoulders. Exercise XV. Lie flat on your back, contract abdomen, and take maximum breath. Exercise XVI. Lie flat on your back, contract abdomen to fullest extent, take maximum breath, hold it for a few moments, then let it go suddenly. Exercise XVII. To Force Breath into Either Lung as Desired. If left lung, place right foot on an elevation at least three feet high ; then lean heavily on the right knee as elevated, winding right arm around it. This position will prevent expansion of right lung, and, as you take a maximum breath and hold it, it will force the greater part of the air into left lung. For right lung reverse position. Exercise XVIII. Lie on well side and take maximum breath for a 5ew minutes at a time. Repeat at intervals during the day. This exercise forces air into diseased or weakened lung. GENERAL EXERCISES FOR THE LUNGS. 135 Exercise XIX. To Give Vital Force to the Lungs. As you exhale your breath to the utmost limits, bow low, then suddenly assume erect position. This will cause the air to rush into the lungs suddenly, and help to develop their resisting power. Kepeat slowly or rap- idly, as condition will permit. Exercise XX. Place the right hand on the right side of the ribs, left hand on the left side of ribs. Now, as you inhale maximum breath, press in steadily with both hands, as though trying to prevent the thorax from expanding. Exercise XXI. Take a maximum breath, and, as you inhale, beat both of your sides with your arms, like a bird beating its sides with its wings. Also strike the thorax all over with the flat of the hand or shut fist as far as you can reach in all directions. GENERAL EXERCISES FOR THE LUNGS. Exercise XXII. Breathe slowly — not more than ten times per minute — leaving a slight interval of rest between each of them. This can easily be accomplished by taking an ordinary breath, and holding it, not with any effort, but as though it were a natural period of rest between each breath. By doing so, you will find that the next one you take will be perceptibly deeper and greater in volume, notwith- standing it is involuntary. Don't make hard work of it. Rather let it be as natural as possible. Breathing in this manner should be practiced almost continually until you find you can accomplish it without effort. 136 NATURAL METHODS. Exercise XXHI. Begin before you get up in the morning, and take ten maximum breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly. Re- peat every hour during the day. Exercise XXIV. Inhale breath to its maximum capacity, shut mouth tight, hold nose with thumb and finger. Now try to exhale. Be seated when taking this exercise, as it may make you dizzy. Don't mind it if it does. This is a splendid exercise for the apex of the lungs, the bronchial tubes, larynx and nostrils. Exercise XXV. Exhale breath to maximum degree, contract abdo- men, mouth close, hold nostrils tightly shut with thumb and finger. Now force diaphragm down, as if taking a deep breath, to its utmost limit. The object of this exercise is to cause contraction of the healthy tissue all around the diseased portion. Thus, as the contraction takes place in all directions, it draws on the diseased parts, and opens clogged-up cells into which air enters. As the diaphragm descends, it causes a suction-like action upon those cells, and draws the air out, thus facilitating the expulsion of mucus and pus, prevents cough, and aids expectoration. Even if it makes you cough, it is all right, for it shows that the exercise goes to the right spot. LUNG DEVELOPMENT. Realizing the long train of ills and the sad ending that is sure to follow the loss of vital force and capacity, you, if wise in your own defense, should desire to avoid such a terrible experience. If you are young and keenly comprehend all this, you must see the positive necessity of lung development. If so, you have it in your power LUNG DEVELOPMENT. 137 to improve them to any extent or degree up to the point of maximum development itself. By so doing, it will make it practically impossible for you to contract pul- monary phthisis, whether it be hereditary or not. It will, moreover, strengthen your respiratory organs, minimizing the liability of contracting laryngitis, bronchitis, pneu- monia, pleurisy, as well as catching the general run of colds that weak-lunged people seemingly take without any provocation whatever. And even when you do, if these organs are strong and vigorous, the reaction will be all the more prompt, and the attack thrown off with ease. It will, also, help you in many other ways, for your voice will not only be stronger, but your carriage will be more erect ; you will be more graceful, self-pos- sessed, better looking in all respects, develop into man- hood or womanhood, stronger physically and mentally, and, no matter what your work may be, you will always do it better and with less fatigue. If you know for a certainty, and you should if you have made the proper inquiries concerning the subject, that there is pulmonary phthisis in your family, either on one side or the other, then, as sure as fate, you will have to meet it sooner or later. Now, however, while still young, a maximum de- velopment of the lungs will enable you to banish all dread of that disease from your mind; besides, who needs it more than you? If you mature with well- developed lungs, they will prove of more real value to you throughout the remainder of your life, if you lead a natural one, than a large bank account. This is a for- tune that you now have within your reach — yours for the mere taking. You should continue your lung exercises at intervals every day, until you reach the age of thirty- five. Even, if you are already anywhere between that and forty, and no lung disease exists, lung development will come promptly by proper training, though a little slower than it otherwise would if you were ten or fifteen years younger. Yet, at this age, the very finest degree of development can be obtained, provided you persevere in the exercises. It is possible to thus recover your youth and vigor to a surprising degree, and not yet too late to 138 NATURAL METHODS. remedy many physical defects, such as improper breath- ing, awkward carriage of the body, stooping, round shoulders, not standing erect, as well as " toeing in." If you are feeble physically in any manner whatever, then lung development will aid you to overcome it as no other one thing can. If your age is between forty and sixty, it is still possible for you, especially if you have hitherto had good health and vigor, to not only fully regain all you have lost, but to retain manhood or womanhood in the best possible condition. After passing that age, you stand more specially in need of it, if for no other rea- son than to enable you to hold your own, and thus prevent both a loss of vital force and capacity, since it is at that period in life that a marked loss of both is notice- able. Hence, in all cases where a progressive loss of weight occurs, and wrinkles multiply rapidly, you should take warning and stay, by lung exercises, as well you can, in a marked degree, the ravages of the hand of time. In fact, there is no period in a person's life when proper breathing and lung power will not prove of importance in the way of not only prolonging one's days, but in aiding and maintaining the general health in many important respects. LUNG DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN. Children of phthisical parents of all others stand in special need of lung development. It is a sad thing for them to be born into this world predisposed to that ter- rible disease. Indeed, the prospect for them is appal- ling, unless they are defended from it by the superior wisdom of their parents. This is the latter' s plain duty, and to shirk it would be little less than criminal. They have a great responsibility in these cases, and instead of merely hoping for the best they should take it for granted that their offspring in all probability will de- velop it later on if not prevented. In fact, in many instances where the parents seem to escape its ravages, their children are often all the more predisposed to it. They should take them in hand then, and not only bring THOSE WHO ARE IN SPECIAL NEED OF LUNG DEVELOPMENT. 139 them up to lead a normal life in every respect, but insist on their taking lung exercises daily — every morning and evening — for at least ten minutes at a time. They should never select an occupation or business for them that is sedentary. Their calling should keep them out-doors most of the time. Above all, until they reach the age of at least twenty-five, lung and physical development should always have the preference over mental cul- ture, which can follow later on. If the children are thin and predisposed to catching cold, lung development is all the more imperative. Better sacrifice time and money than your offspring's lives later on. Be assured that an out-door life, lung exercise, good habits will enable them to reach a good old age and never contract pulmonary phthisis, even when otherwise hereditarily predisposed to it. Act in this matter, parents. See to it that you protect your children, not only against the minor dangers of life, but against this terrible scourge that already throws its darkened shadow across the path- way of their lives. Arouse yourselves before sorrow afflicts your soul, and regrets shall take up an abiding place in your mind as long as memory can recall the past. THOSE WHO ARE IN SPECIAL NEED OF LUNG DEVELOPMENT. Besides children who are predisposed to lung troubles, all of our youths and misses just entering the age of puberty, especially if they are pale and thin, also all young people who have not matured, and who are obliged to lead a sedentary life, these lung exercises will in a great measure offset its bad effects. This is espe- cially true where the occupation is severe upon the lungs by obliging them to stoop a great deal. All persons troubled with asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, throat troubles and catarrh of the nostrils, as well as those who find themselves predisposed to catching cold and have it settle on their lungs, for such a condition shows the latter to be in a negative state, a weakness of this char- 140 NATURAL METHODS. acter should require prompt and constant consideration, since sooner or later serious lung complications are quite likely to follow. In all cases where there is any physical deformity of the thorax, such as being flat-chested, round-shouldered, or otherwise lacking in normal lung capacity, indeed, in all chronic diseases where the gen- eral health is poor, lung development will prove to be a most potent aid to recovery. EXEECISES FOR MAXIMUM LUNG DEVELOPMENT. The following exercises should be taken in addition to those given for lung healing, being practically adapted for those who have weak and poorly developed lungs rather than diseased ones. Exercise I. Take maximum breath and hold it. Assume pugilistic attitude and strike out from the shoulder, first with one closed fist, and then the other, as rapidly as possible. Count the number of times you can strike out while thus retaining your breath. Exercise II. Take maximum breath and hold it. Count the num- ber of steps you can take at your usual gait of walking with that one breath. This is a splendid exercise to take when walking to and from your place of business or the depot. At first you may not be able to count more than thirty or forty, but as your lungs develop you will ultimately be enabled to take anywhere from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, though it may require some months' practice to enable you to do so. The person who cannot take fifty steps with one breath is in danger of pulmonary phthisis setting in, and so stands in special need of lung development. EXEKCISES FOR MAXIMUM LUNG DEVELOPMENT. 141 EXERCISE HI. Take maximum breath, and see how many yards or steps you can run while still holding it. This is a very severe exercise, but good for the development of the wind. Exercise IV. Be seated, and take maximum breath, and see by tim- ing yourself how long you can hold it. At first you may be able to retain it only thirty or forty seconds, but as you gain in lung power you will be enabled to hold it all of three minutes. This is a good exercise for developing the vital force of the lungs. Exercise V. Lay your hands flat on the sides of the thorax, and, having exhaled your breath, take a slow, deep inhalation, and, as you feel your lungs inflate, press in with both hands until, notwithstanding the pressure, the lungs have been fully inflated. This exercise is designed to develop the resisting power of the whole thorax as well as the diaphragm and lungs. Exercise VI. Take maximum breath, and, while holding it, drop to a crouching position. Eepeat rapidly and count. This is one of the very best of exercises for lung expansion. It should be taken just before retiring for the night and after getting up in the morning, always having the win- dows wide open when it is taken. Exercise VII. Eepeat the above exercise, and in addition, as you rise spring from the floor, repeat and count. 142 GENERAL REMARKS. Are you a member of a family that is predisposed to phthisis ? If so, how many of the symptoms already enumerated, such as a dry, hacking cough, protracted hoarseness, night sweats now and then, and a gradual loss of weight, have you ! Don't cheat yourself with the thought that your trouble is simply a bad cold, or one of the many variations of malaria, for you are evidently either in the first stages of phthisis, or bordering on it. Better know the truth now, and so begin the fight for your life, than to beguile yourself that you are not in danger, only to be awakened to a true sense of your condition when it is too late. Even when you are not hereditarily predisposed to it, and yet have pronounced symptoms of this dreaded disease, arouse yourself to the necessity of knowing the truth, and make no delay. For while you think that time is merely money, it may be life or death. As regards your cough, if it is slight, dry and hacking, it is a worse sign than if it were a hard one. Try your strength, lung power and capacity. In every- thing, such as loss of weight, that pertains to phthisis, do not always give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Don't coddle the notion when you find you are not really sick by concluding that you are simply a "little off," though otherwise a well person. Nor wait till you be- come an emaciated skeleton, about to depart this life, be- fore you are brought to a realizing sense of your condi- tion. In other words, don't ride Hope as though it were "a nag blind of one eye, and can't see out of the other." Go to your physician. Not, however, at his dinner horn-, on a Sunday or national holiday, for even a doctor is not a machine to be wound up at all hours for a fee. See him during his office hours. Tell him your family history as far as it relates to phthisis, cancer, eczema, scrofulous or any other diseases. Then give all your symptoms in detail, and ask for a thorough examination. Tell him what you want more especially is his plain diagnosis of your case as well as all possibilities and probabilities concerning it. Tapping your chest in an INFLAMMATION. 143 off-handed way, looking at your tongue, and telling you to " take this " — a prescription — should not satisfy you if you are in downright earnest about your health, for no medical man, no matter what his reputation may be, can do you justice in that way. Indeed, it would be well for you to get the opinion of no less than two or three physicians. Don't make a special point either of think- ing that the one who makes the lightest of your fears is the best one. Tell them all, moreover, that what you most desire is information and advice, not drugs, as you are not feasting on the hope that the treatment that has failed to cure the millions who die of phthisis every year may possibly save you. Get their advice concern- ing a change of climate if they inform you that your lungs are in a state to justify it. In many cases the change is not absolutely necessary; in others it is. While a change is a great aid, it is not to be absolutely depended upon ; otherwise a failure to cure is inevitable. Patients go to extremes — either sit at home and do nothing but try the efficacy of drugs to cure them, or, when they make a change of climate, drop all kinds of treatment. If you can, be off at once, but don't go to Florida, Minnesota or Southern California. New Mexico or Southwestern Texas, after a long study of climates, offers the best conditions. INFLAMMATION. Since inflammation of a chronic nature is a complica- tion of pulmonary phthisis, it would be well to under- stand how it is developed and the relation it sustains to the circulation of the blood. Much theorizing has been done concerning the cause of that condition. So far, all that has been ascertained regarding it are its manifesta- tions or results ; not its cause. One thing is certain, and that is that in no manner whatever is it brought about by the circulation of the blood, as many suppose. Bear- ing in mind that it is the function of the blood to cir- culate through all the blood vessels of the organism, healthy and unhealthy alike, then you can readily see 144 GENERAL REMARKS. that it is in no manner accountable for a part that is inflamed, any more than it is for one that is not. As it is, the same blood circulating through an inflamed tissue will, in a few moments later, be found passing through one not inflamed, showing conclusively that, if it were the cause of congestion in one part, it would also in a like manner affect others. We often meet people whose faces seem to be bursting with blood, and yet this con- dition never causes that complaint. Also, when a person holds his breath for quite a while, the face will become intensely red, and eyes bulge, on account of the increased circulation there. Still, a flux of blood brought to any tissue in such an artificial way will never, of itself, produce inflammation. Even when it already exists, an increase of the circulation to that part, caused by any artificial means, such as exercise, will not of itself aggravate it. To be sure, when a person's hand is inflamed, and is allowed to hang, the blood will distend the blood vessels of the inflamed portion, causing pain, throbbing, swelling and an increased temperature of the tissue involved. Even then it is not the flux of blood to the part that aggravates the inflammation, but the increased distention of the blood vessels which press upon the nerves that supply them. Our explanation of that phenomenon is as follows. There is a want of equilibrium between the forces that control the structure. The vibra- tions which are thrown off by the molecules of matter of which the tissue is made up, when acting in unison, not only receive, but transmit, the positive vibrations from the brain, and the part is then in what we call a normal state. When the organism, however, receives some ab- normal influence, it transmits it to the brain, which immediately responds with positive vibrations of a like nature. These are then thrown upon the body, and are received by its most negative part. The tension of these vibrations, however, is so much greater than the normal number that some of the molecules which constitute its structure rotate upon their axes. As a result, the posi- tive poles of the molecules receive the positive brain vibrations, causing the two positives to repel, or, in INFLAMMATION. 145 other words, the flow of the brain vibrations meets with a resisting force, the same as electricity does when it comes in contact with the carbon filament in an incan- descent lamp, causing not only light, but heat. In like manner the carbon molecules, in this state, resist the flow of the brain vibrations, and heat or inflammation is the result. That the blood per se is not the cause of inflam- mation, and that it is caused in the above-mentioned way, is susceptible of proof, for, if the hand, when inflamed, be held above the head, thus facilitating the flow of blood from it, and the inflamed part is subjected to pressure, or such irritation as friction, or a blow, it will, in a like manner, be increased, showing conclusively that it is not the blood that is its direct cause. In fact, a part or organ is never in any danger while the blood circulates freely through it. It is only when the condition of the organ or the part involved is such that it will not per- mit the blood to flow freely through its blood vessels that danger from inflammation really occurs. Indeed, when a part is badly inflamed, the carbon in its tissues becomes rapidly oxidized ; hence, rapidity of circulation is necessary to cany off its product. Thus, the more indolent a tissue or organ becomes through disease the more it requires an increase in the blood current that supplies it. Its very condition is an evidence of an insuf- ficiency of the latter, and a normal state can only be brought about by increasing it. This is particularly true in lung diseases, as no such a thing as healing an ulceration or absorbing a tuberculous mass can take place without first increasing the circula- tion of the involved tissue. Applying all this to the dis- eased lungs, we see that in order to heal them, even when other means are employed to bring about the desired result, that an increase in their circulation is also necessary. Thus, if the increase can be kept up to the normal stand- ard for a sufficient length of time, all parts or organs involved will begin to resume their normal standard of health. Bear this in mind — there can be no lung heal- ing without an increased circulation to the lung tissue. We make particular mention of this matter because 146 GENERAL REMARKS. many people, and not a few doctors, jump at the conclu- sion that an increased flow of blood to the lungs by any means would be sure to aggravate the inflammation existing there around the base of each infiltrated tuber- culous mass. We have known a very highly educated physician refuse to exercise his lungs for that very reason. He argued that if his foot were inflamed we would not advise him to use it till the latter had entirely subsided. We asked him how he was going to apply that principle to his lungs, seeing their action was involuntary, and their function could not be suspended in the same manner as he could that of his foot. His erro- neous conception of the whole matter was that exercise would increase the circulation already existing in his lungs, and so failed to grasp the fact that it per se could never cause inflammation. He died of pul- monary phthisis a few weeks later. A patient, who had pleurisy with great effusion, was ordered to take maximum breaths, with a view to break up adhesions existing there, as well as to prevent new ones from form- ing. He faithfully carried out the instructions, and suc- ceeded in preventing the formation of any more, and even in breaking up those that already existed. When he took an inspiration, the lung would rise out of the water, and splash back into it again, following the expir- ation. One day, after taking a deep breath, he sneezed, and the adhesions broke suddenly away, after which the whole trouble disappeared. In this case the inhalations aided the patient all through the attack, and never for a moment aggravated the inflammatory condition already existing there. At first it would increase the pain, but he saw the necessity of getting the lung to move by the inflamed spot, and so, manfully kept to his work. CATCHING COLD. There is probably no class of persons who take so many precautions to avoid catching cold as patients suffering from pulmonary phthisis, once it has fairly set in. They seem to think that the original cause of their CATCHING COLD. 147 complaint was from contracting a severe cold ; yet, there is nothing further from the truth than any such a con- clusion. It never seems to occur to them that the bad habits, dissipations and other abnormal ways of living in the past had anything to do with it, and so they make the grievous mistake of attributing the whole trouble to to such an attack and not to a loss of vital force, which is the correct cause. Now, it is safe to affirm that a cold of itself, severe or otherwise, never yet caused a person to contract pulmonary phthisis. "When this disease seems to suddenly develop after contracting that complaint, it can, in every case, be traced directly to a previous loss of vital force that had reduced the patient's system in such a manner that all that was required to cause it to develop in all its severity was some slight exposure. The same attack, if no loss of vital force had previously occurred, would have been thrown off easily or the system might have successfully resisted it altogether. Being wrong in their conclusions as to the real cause, they are doubly so in their methods of trying to avert another one, in order that the existing disease should not be aggravated. They are not aware that some patients have phthisis and die with it without ever having any symptoms of a cold. Being exceedingly careful, they also shut themselves in close, warm rooms, as well as spending a good part of their time dodging draughts and inhaling their own vile exhalations. Having a wrong conception of the cause of their trouble, they adopt a method of living that makes a cure of it ab- solutely impossible, since an indoor life is the most favorable for its progressive development, and so, as if conniving at their own destruction, they live the very life that makes hope of recovery impossible, and all to prevent themselves from catching cold. The trouble is they have contracted pulmonary phthisis, which, in order to make a cure possible, requires an abundance of fresh air, and so, in order to avoid the latter, they unwittingly do everything in their power to aid the further development of the real trouble. If they had less fear of catching cold and a greater dread of not 148 GENERAL REMAKES. having the necessary amount of fresh air to breathe, we would hear of more of these cases being healed. As it is, there is much said about phthisical patients catch- ing cold that is pure humbug. For what at times ap- pears to indicate that a cold was taken is generally a disturbance that is intimately associated with the prog- ress of the lung trouble, and in no manner whatever a fresh cold. Let the patient be properly clothed, partake of a milk diet, exercise his lungs, and he will soon find that he can live an out-door lif e both day and night, espe- cially in a mild climate, as well as a person in the most robust health, and show good rather that ill effects from it. Indeed, this very class of patients, when living in that way, are not by any means predisposed to catching cold. They can even sleep in a draught, when subsisting on the above mentioned diet, that would make strong persons shudder for their lives, and yet not show the slightest signs of having contracted a cold. In fact, if there is anything that is markedly noticeable in these cases, it is that an out-door life cures them most effectually of their predisposition to take cold, while an in-door one aggravates it. If properly clothed, why should a person catch cold out of doors any more than in ? In both cases the air comes in contact with the person's face only. They can easily bear zero weather in the daytime, then, why not in the night ? The conditions of the air during the whole twenty-four hours is the same, with the possible exception that that of the night may con- tain little more humidity, and yet in that condition, it enters every sleeping room that is properly ventilated. But, even then, the humidity of the night air out of doors is never as great as that of a closed sleeping room, on account of the humid exhalations from the lungs and body of the person sleeping there, while in every other respect it is far purer. All talk about the night air being bad is antiquated fudge. To be sure, the human system is in a more negative condition in the night, and is thus more sensitive to changes in the weather, but it is likewise more susceptible to the ill effects of bad air, as it rapidly depletes the vital force of the system that is required to CATCHING COLD. 149 eliminate it. Moreover, living in-doors, with a view to taking good care of one's self, is the old method that has failed in billions of cases to cure this disease, while the practical results achieved in the forests of Germany, in Southwestern Texas, in the bush, as well as in many sanitariums in the North, prove conclusively that an out- door life, as an auxiliary aid in the cure of pulmonary phthisis, is the correct one. Practical results show that patients, when first beginning to sleep out at night, will seem to get a catarrhal cold, maybe, in the head, throat and bronchial tubes, yet often, as a result, the dry, hack- ing cough is relieved. Even when the latter appears to be stronger, that is to be always regarded as a good omen rather than a bad one, for a weak lung coughs weak, and a strong one coughs strong. It is time this class of patients were taught these fundamental principles, that their minds may be relieved of all worry over the possibility of catching cold. Suppose they do — since it is no part of the disease, better by far, catch an occasional cold out of doors than to inhale concentrated filth and poison most of the time in-doors. Colds will be seldom contracted, anyhow, by this class of patients, all things in the way of auxiliary treatment being correct. Take any number of patients who sleep in the open air, and an equal number who sleep in doors, and those who sleep in close apartments will have a dozen colds to one among those who sleep out. We have seen a practical demonstra- tion of this question sufficient to do away with all doubt in the matter. Here we have the proofs then, that if this class of patients wish to avoid catching cold, they must live an out-door life. Pulmonary phthisis, in a vast majority of cases, means death by the poisoned inhalations from the patient's lungs and body, and there is no possible way to avoid it without sleeping where there is sufficient air to effectually disinfect every breath they exhale. In the case where the patient shudders at the idea of catching cold, and yet unwittingly breathes death with every breath, ignorance is surely not bliss. 150 GENERAL REMAKES. HOW YOU CATCH COLD. As there is much ignorance displayed concerning just how a person catches cold, it is indispensable that you should thoroughly understand just how it is really con- tracted. The commonly accepted idea is that it is occasioned by the surface of the body being chilled, which is true as far as it goes. But the mistake is made in supposing that the part that is especially affected is the blood in the capillary. Let us examine the theory carefully: The sudden contraction of those minute vessels when chilled causes a reduction of the amount of blood that passes through them. It is not, however, entirely suspended, but simply reduced to just the quantity that their organic structure can heat, for the part, though slightly lowered in temperature, is still not devoid of heat by any means. If we follow the blood that passes through those small tubes, we find even that if it were chilled, it must be very slightly, as its circulation is exceedingly rapid, and passes at once into the warm venous circulation, which imparts its heat to it; and as between the small part chilled and the large quantity at a normal degree of heat, an equilibrium of temperature would be almost instantly established between them. Then, after entering the venous circulation, it would pass up through the vena cava and the right side of the heart to the lungs, where it would be oxidized, and instead of returning to the same spot where it was chilled, pass on to almost any part of the body. How it could thus impart its bad effects after the chill had been overcome and diffused throughout the whole organism, and cause any particular part or organ to take on a severe inflammation, is beyond our power to conceive. Even the chilling of the inorganic cellular structure of the capillaries themselves fails to ex- plain it, since it in no manner points out how they could transmit to most any other part of the organic system the chill they received, and not be affected themselves, since it does not cause a local inflammation of the portion first chilled. How is it, moreover, that one person will catch what we term " a cold/' and come down with rheu- HOW YOU CATCH COLD. 151 matism, while another contracting it in exactly the same manner will have pneumonia, bronchitis, quinsy, or a severe coryza ? We also know for a certainty that it matters not what particular part of the surface of the body may be exposed and chilled, since it may in differ- ent persons result in any number of distinct diseases. Thus, we see that a chilled condition of the capillary cir- culation or its blood vessels in no manner accounts for the phenomenon of how we catch cold. In giving a description of the skin, you will readily see later on that we emphasize the fact that the sensitive nerve papillae occupy the most prominent position in the true skin or derma, of the entire surface of the body, and that when anything comes in contact with them, whether a blow or a draught of air, they are the first to be affected by it. This is apparent, for, before the blood vessels themselves could contract, the chilled air would have to act upon the sensitive papillae; other- wise, in a normal condition, no contraction could pos- sibly take place. Their prominence, as well as the only parts present that are endowed with power to take cog- nizance of either a blow or draught of air, and correctly transmit its nature to the brain, shows that they are on guard for that purpose. It is here, then, where we find a true solution to just how a person contracts a cold — the circulation having nothing to do with it in any sense whatever. When any part of the surface of the body is unduly exposed to a low temperature, the sensitive nerves receive a shock, which, being carried to the brain, causes it to respond with vibrations of a like character, which are evidently abnormal, and they are thrown upon the organism. Now, as we have before pointed out, when each and every organ is in its normal state, it is in a positive condition — that is, it possesses vital force suf- ficient to make it so ; while, when an organ or any part of the system is diseased, it is in a negative state. When the brain responds to the shock caused by the chill, its positive vibrations are thrown upon the entire organ- ism, yet every healthy organ in the body by virtue of its positive state repels it on the well-known principle that 152 GENERAL REMARKS. two positives repel, and so the healthy organs are not af- fected. But as a j)ositive and negative attract each other, and a circuit is established, the weak or diseased lung, or part at all predisposed to any disease, is attacked, and the bad effects of catching cold are sure to find that spot, no matter where it may be located. It proves the old saying to be a fact that a cold always finds the weak place. It makes clear why it is that, no matter what particular part of the body first receives the chill, it will not cause the organs directly beneath or adjacent to it to be af- fected, but always that part in the most negative state. It accounts for the reason that, if a person be predisposed to bronchitis, pleurisy, laryngitis or pulmonary phthisis through a lack of vital force in the tissue affected, that the cold contracted through the feet will, instead of settling in them, affect any one of the above-mentioned organs, and do it just as effectually as though taken in through the integument that covers them. It explains, moreover, that a cold taken through the surface of the chest in a person predisposed to rheumatism will cause the hands and feet to become swollen with that disease. It makes plain how it is, when a person is especially predis- posed to a complaint, that a cold will bring it on, or aggra- vate it if already existing — no matter what it may be, or where it is located. It shows how a person with strong lungs may be chilled on the thorax, yet not have its ill effects pass directly through its integument, muscles, bones and pleura to the lungs. Thus, you are enabled to see at a glance that the chilling of the capil- lary circulation or the nerve papillae of the skin will not transmit its effect directly to the organ that it covers, provided it is in a positive or healthy state. This is sufficient to help you to clearly understand not only how colds are contracted, but enable you to dress intelligently, by which we mean to cover one part of the body just as warm as the other, and avoid the erroneous and foolish method of bundling up the thorax with too much clothing, and neglecting to sufficiently protect the extremities. In connection with this subject you should understand YOUR MIND. 153 that dressing in this manner is detrimental to the lungs rather than a protection, since as heat is positive, and cold negative, so with one part too cold and the other too hot it would have a tendency to form a circuit to establish an equilibrium, and thus transmit the cold directly to those organs if kept warmer than any other portion. Catching cold in any part of the respiratory system shows that it is already negative, as compared with other organs, and should be strengthened forthwith. Eepeated attacks leave them in a weaker and weaker state, and all the more ready to succumb to another attack when the con- dition that caused it occurs. "When, moreover, any part of the body is kept warmer than another, it is the cause of a marked waste of vital force, since the great sympa- thetic system uses up the vital force in its endeavors to maintain an equilibrium of temperature between the different parts of the organism; hence, uniformity of clothing of the body is a necessity in pulmonary phthisis. YOUE MIND. There are a few important facts to continually keep in view regarding your mentality as well as the intimate relations your mind sustains to not only your body in general, but to your weak and diseased lungs in particu- lar. You now fully realize that you are nervous — not necessarily hysterical, but that you are merely abnor- mally sensitive to all the conditions that environ your life — so much so that you now find a little excitement makes you tremble, faint, sick to your stomach, as well as causing palpitations of the heart, loss of appetite, insomnia and a decided aggravation of your cough. You say that formerly this was not the case, as you could then throw off as an insignificant matter scarcely worthy of thought what proves now to be a serious affliction. The bustle and hurry of the street are sufficient to weary you and make you long to escape from them. Business and professional duties burden you seemingly past endur- ance, while domestic cares, trouble and strife make existence almost unbearable. A harsh w T ord stabs you 154 GENERAL REMARKS. like a knife, while the ordinary annoyances of life are sufficient to keep you almost constantly in an irritable state of mind. Now, the cause of all this is on account of a loss of vital force, which was the resisting power when you were in good health. If you were positive enough, you would easily repel all positive conditions, but being negative you attract them, and as a result suffer the con- sequences. To illustrate: Simply consider your eyes to be a camera that is continually taking snap shots at all sights that are about you, your brain being the nega- tive, and your general organism the positive, and you can readily comprehend how the former, through the medium of its vibrations, throws upon your weak or diseased lungs, as part of the organs of the body, a perfect reflec- tion of all the conditions of life that surround you. If they are inharmonious, irritating and harsh, they will be reflected upon them, and, on account of their negative condition, be unable to repel them. On the other hand, if they be pleasing to the senses, and otherwise normal, you will feel soothed, quieted and stronger, cough less and sleep better. From the foregoing it is evident that a normal state of the mind is indispensable in order to effect a cure of your lungs, for, though all things else were present and this wanting, their restora- tion would be impossible. As a guide, then, to aid you to successfully accomplish that desired result, you are to strictly observe the following rules: Stop all mental labor of every possible description, whether study or literary. Neither should you pore over medical books till you scare yourself with the belief that you have all the diseases that flesh is heir to. There is an old saying that, when a doctor treats himself, he has a fool for a patient. Such being the case, just imagine what kind of a person you must necessarily be when trying to ac- curately diagnose your complaint and heal yourself. Throw away all such books, for, after reading any one of them through, you will hardly be able to decide whether you have a tapeworm or are a walking dime museum of pathological curiosities. Don't imagine be- cause you are not promptly cured that your disease is YOUR MIND. 155 a very complicated one. This is not so, for, on the contrary, there is, perhaps, no complaint that a physician is called upon to examine that is so easy to diagnose correctly and off-handed as pulmonary phthisis. Then, don't add study, bother and worry to your burden, for your load is heavy enough. And, as far as religious matters are concerned, remember you are not to attend protracted meetings, such as exciting revivals, or listen to preaching that will harrow you up. Neither should you occupy you time in reading emotional novels and weeping over those many narrow escapes as "the villain still pursued her." You are to be philosophical and not sentimental. In a word, the emotions are not to be excited under any circumstances. Don't make the mis- take of supposing that, in order to keep your brain in a quiescent state, it should be fed on " blood and thunder." Moreover, all business cares and professional duties must cease by severing your connection with them. Politics are to be completely tabooed. If you have any domestic troubles with your " better-half," make up. Let your kiss then be an offering of sweet peace and affection. As for yourself, be superior to your troubles, and rise above them. Don't be an instrument always giving forth dole- ful notes of woe. Don't be a cloud in the household or an eclipse on the face of your " better-half." Show ap- preciation for all the little acts of kindness that are done for you. Forget not that for a bright smile there should be, at least, a sweet recompense. Look on the sunny side of life. The idea, then, is to keep your mind in as peaceful and quiet a state as possible, in order that your lungs, as part of the general organism, may become all the stronger. It is often the case that, when we find the mental capacity of a person in a low or negative state, we find the body in a correspondingly superior condition as far as health and strength are concerned. It does not follow by any means that all persons with a superb physique have a low order of intellect any more than it does that one with a frail, impoverished frame or body must of necessity have a very brilliant mind. It simply amounts to this. All things being equal, if 156 GENERAL REMARKS. the brain uses up the vitality of the body, the lungs, as a part of that organism, must suffer as a conse- quence of not having a sufficient amount of motive force to run them up to their normal standard. It requires a certain definite degree of that power to regulate the circulation of the lungs as well as to carry on the work of endosmosis and exosmosis, cell building, and the required amount for absorption of broken-down material by the lacteals. The necessity of not wasting it then, as well as centering it on the lungs, is very plain. When, lung healing is required, and not mental culture; the energy should not be used in the latter direction. As one cannot have his money and spend it, neither can your diseased lungs monopolize the vital force of your organ- ism if mental effort is continually squandering it. Hence, the rule for you to observe is — keep your mind in as negative a condition as possible. ANGER. In the preceding chapter we have pointed out, in a general way, the necessity of not permitting a waste of vital force through your mentality. Though the question of anger or passion is a part of the same subject, we have purposely reserved it as one of sufficient conse- quence to be discussed by itself in order that we might be enabled to more especially emphasize the importance of never permitting indulgence in it. Can you consider any man who habitually allows himself to be thrown into a passion an individual of brains or ability ? In fact, does not every such exhibition of it betray decided men- tal weakness ! Not but that such a person may be a scholar, capable of doing great mental work, as well as quite profound and brilliant, and yet, in the matter of self-restraint, be as weak as a baby crying for milk. As far as that part of his mentality known as his will is concerned, it shows it is still in the same condition as that of an unbroken colt who has the upper hand of its owner. To be a man, then, in the true sense of the word, is to be master of one's self. But you say I am cer- ANGER. 157 tainly justified in resenting abuse or injury, as well as defending my life at any cost. While that is all true, still few mortals are called upon to defend their lives, while almost every one finds himself obliged to curb his anger and passion almost every day of his life. Because you have been wronged, it is no reason that you should, for the time being, abandon your manhood and retaliate by emulating the mad wild antics of an en- raged animal. "When a person insults or abuses a sick man, he is no gentleman, and so is unworthy of notice. If he is an honorable man, and has made a grievous mis- take, just quietly point it out to him, and he will apolo- gize and otherwise make amends. You see, then, that in either case you would not be justified in flying into a rage. Now, we speak of this matter from a purely physical standpoint, though we might justly add that what is morally right must, of necessity, be physically right, while that winch is physically right must be morally so. Then, as a patient with a weak or diseased lung, why should you at any time enter into any serious con- tention with any one when anger or passion will do you far more harm physically than any invective of yours can possibly affect him if he be perfectly well ? Even if you go into court and win your case, and he is fined and otherwise punished, still the excitement will do you more injury than it will him. Don't you see, then, that in turning your back on him you may be defending your own life? Thus, it should be plain to you, when you know that the brain is the great organ that generates the nerve vibrations that constitute the real motive power for the organs of the body, that nothing should be allowed to interfere with their normal production. As like begets like, harmony of mind is sure to produce a quiet, soothing feeling, not only to the weak or diseased lungs, but to the whole system as well ; while, if it gen- erates abnormal, discordant vibrations, it is sure to have a correspondingly bad effect upon the lungs. Then don't allow yourself to get irritated, peevish, snappish, or betray emotion of any angry nature. Don't enter into a heated discussion on any religious, political, national or 158 GENERAL REMARKS. personal topic. In fact, the more feeling and interest you have in any question the more you should avoid dis- cussing it, especially with one who antagonizes you Moreover, never allow your mind to dwell on old grudges or animosities. Remember that, while your brain is charged with feelings of this nature, it will rankle and prevent it from generating harmonious vibrations, which are absolutely essential to effect a cure of your lungs. If your mind was embittered when you contracted your disease, then it will be necessary, in order to make a radical change in the generation of the brain's vibra- tions, to divest it of all such thoughts as those of revenge or ill will. Resolve rather to be charitable — even to the uncharitable. Speak a good word, if possible, for every one, and cultivate a kindly feeling for all with whom you come in contact. Don't swear, no matter what your religious belief may be, or whether you have any or not. It is not only vulgar, but it is generally anger empha- sized. When persons apparently in perfect health die — and they often do — from the ill effects of a fit of passion, it is not the mere thought or act that kills, but the perfect cyclone of vibrations discharged from the brain upon some weak part of the organism. No anger and no display of passion, and as a result you will be surprised at the feeling of peace, quiet and comfort that will come to you. Then you will realize in its fullest sense that virtue is indeed its own reward. To make a cure of your case possible will thus depend in a great measure whether you succeed in keeping your mind in a quiescent state. It is much easier to do than you imagine, if you only try. ENJOYMENTS. "Why," you exclaim, "your method of cure takes away all of one's pleasures, and leaves life made up of one dreary round of a monotonous existence. As well be dead as live a life that is robbed of all its joys. Please don't consider me an automaton without feeling, likes or dislikes, or love for good things." Unfortunately, we can now regard you in no other light than that of a ENJOYMENTS. 159 patient, and, as such, surely not a pleasure seeker. Sup- pose you were in a hospital for the treatment of some curable disease, such as rheumatism, would you think for a moment of looking for a good time there ! By no means. Why should you, then, when suffering from a pulmonary disease, insist, because you are not in such a place, that pleasure should be yours? Suppose we should say, " Oh, after all, the life for you to lead is to be faithful in the observance of the many little things that we have pointed out to you as an aid to your recov- ery, while the big ones you may overlook," what would you say ! Why, simply that, if good could accrue to you from the observance of the former, great good would surely result from a strict observance of the latter. And, since you are after all the benefit possible, you would not only observe the one, but also the other. But sup- pose, in the ecstacy of the thought of indulging your desires ad libitum, you would really not think at all, but exclaim, " Why, if I can have all of those things, I am satisfied; the rest are of no account, anyway. Your advice just suits me, for of all things they make up the sum total of my joys." Thus, you would prove that the many little things desired of you to scrupulously observe can be easily done, while to ask you to unceremoniously strangle a cultivated habit of long standing that is mak- ing a terrible drain on your vital force is to require a sacrifice that would make life unbearable. But the ques- tion is, What are you living for, anyway ? Is it to simply satisfy those abnormal desires and habits'? Such, indeed, would seem to be the case when you declare that life without them is a blank. If that is all that you wish to live for, what matters it whether you live or not ! As it is, what are any of them, at most, but a fleeting pleas- ure — no sooner here than gone? And, if you indulge them, do you know for a certainty how much of the miseries that afflict you for twenty-four hours after wards are due to their momentary enjoyment ! No, you don't ; and you cannot say to just what extent your nervousness, loss of sleep, night sweats, cough, and in fact the general run of your symptoms, in a marked degree are not caused 160 GENERAL REMARKS. by them. If so, liow are you going to find out without stopping them, and thus ascertain for a certainty whether it is so or not ! Do you really wish to know 1 Then do as we advise you. Don't try it for a day or a week, and then relapse into your old style of living. As for your desires in the way of abnormal indulgences, they are not to be considered in this matter, for you are not to com- promise with them in any degree whatever. Normal health calls for a normal life, and if you mean to have the one, you must adhere to the other. Suppose you indulge your unnatural habits and appetites — what are they as a pleasure, compared with the disease that affects you con- tinually, not to speak of that feeling of uncertainty that is ever present ? And what are they, one and all, even as enjoyments, compared with knowing for a certainty that a dozen and one leaks of vital force have been most effectually stopped. Indeed, is it not a supreme satisfaction to know positively that, whereas formerly you were quickly traveling over the same old beaten road where the world's billions before you have trod when afflicted with your disease, that you are now being guided into paths more promising of health, strength and a long life than you could possibly have hoped for leading the old life? Indeed, is it not a great joy to realize that you have shaken off every habit and desire that have hitherto, like so many heavy weights, handicapped you in your struggle for life, and that the grim enemy that overshadowed you, and pointed with bony finger to the inevitable near future, has, at last, turned his back upon you, and is slowly, but surely, receding from your sight ? What is the pleasure of the coffee cup, the liquor flask, the pipe, or any of the unnatural desires of one's nature, to the knowledge that that terrible cough is less frequent, that the night sweat has ceased, that the blessing of sleep has come, that a good appetite and digestion are at last yours — nature's dividend declared to you as one of her stockholders? But, even aside from these real and lasting joys, built out of the material of self-denial, you have many other pleas- ures to help while away the time till health is restored. ENJOYMENTS. 161 Do you love music? Then revel in it to the bent of your pleasure, if it be within your reach. If you play, then do so ; only don't make hard work or a study of it. If you can't play, then get some one who can, if possible. Don't let it keep you in-doors too much, however, and never where there is a crowd. Sing if you can ; and, if you can't, at least try. It is one of the best of exercises, and may safely be indulged in as often as you please, provided you merely do it for pleasure, and not make really labor of it. Take all of the various parlor games outdoors, weather permitting, and enjoy yourself in that way as much as possible. Try your hand at chess, checkers, backgammon, dominoes and cards. Never play exciting games, and excuse yourself the moment anger or dispute occurs. Never play for a stake. Read your morning papers out-doors after they have been thor- oughly dried. Don't interest yourself in thrilling de- scriptions of murder, lynching, or appalling catastrophes of any nature. Confine your reading to political items, and if your favorite son " gets left," don't feel that the county is lost, as no doubt at the next election he will turn up as fat as ever, and your native land where he left it at the time of his defeat. Peruse the general run of news, such as the small gossip, the funny man's puns and jokes, as well as all kinds of humorous works. On all occasions be jovial and good-natured. Better ven- ture on a bon mot, though you may make a miserable failure of it, than to succeed in the character of melan- choly owl. Have always on hand one of those light, reclining, folding chairs, to be used in your room and out of doors when the weather is suitable. In fact, be lazy and as comfortable as possible. When you play croquet, take a chair with you, and sit down between the innings. As a long ride often proves to be dangerous for a person in your condition, don't take it, no matter how enticing the invitation may be. Never ride behind a fast horse, or drive over a rough road. Horseback, never. Nor attempt lawn tennis or baseball. No nine- pins, or sit on a cold stone, or on the bank of a stream of water. Don't sit on the doorstep after sundown. Make 162 GENERAL REMARKS. the most of everything that, as pleasure, will keep you out of doors much of the time. Don't despise even five cents' worth of hand-organ grinding. It will not harm you, and may jostle the monotony just a trifle. This advice is not mere verbiage. To the consumptive, if he but knew it, every hint above given is the result of years of observation $ and, if they are disregarded, it will be at his peril. HABITS. Frequently we meet patients who indulge in habits that, if not the only cause of their lung trouble, contribute materially to it, and which, when continued indefinitely, prevent a cure from ever being accomplished. Just like so many faucets leaking, one here and another there throughout the rooms of a house, causing, when long continued, a decided loss of water and a large increase in the tax rate for the year, so we find bad habits, when constantly indulged in, causing a decided waste of vital force. Generally, we find it going on in several directions at the expense of the system, and, especially, of any weak or diseased organs, like the lungs. If, then, you are serious in your determination to do everything in your power to re- gain your health, you must begin by dropping all your evil ways, and stop, once for all, any possibility of waste of vital force in every possible direction. Do you drinkintox- icating liquor ? If so, stop it as a clock stops — never to go again. Don't compromise the matter, and try to wean yourself a little at a time, or take some doctor's advice who is given to the habit himself, and " take a little for the stomach's sake." Alcohol is a paralyzer in its physi- ological effects on the human organism, and not only causes a loss of vital force by over-stimulation, but it will require a further waste to eradicate its effects from your system. Moreover, it will interfere with the normal vibrations generated by your brain for the use of both your body and lungs, since, under its influence they must necessarily be abnormal. Don't fall into the error of SMOKING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. 163 supposing that it contains nourishment for the system, for it is far more lacking in any such principle than the ordinary water you drink, which generally has more or less of the inorganic elements in it that can be used for the structure of the organic cellular tissue. Likewise, beer should be tabooed, as its active principle is alcohol. More- over, there is little or no nourishment in it, while fre- quently it contains such drugs as aloes and strychnine or nux vomica, that is sure to react badly on your weak and diseased lungs. If you chew or smoke tobacco the following should be of interest to you : SMOKING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. From the records of the senior class of Yale College during the past eight years, the non-smokers have proved to have decidedly gained over the smokers in height, weight and lung capacity. All candidates for the crews and other athletic sports were non-smokers. The non- smokers were twenty per cent, taller than the smokers, twenty- five per cent, heavier, and had sixty-two per cent, more lung capacity. In the graduating class of Amherst College of the present year, those not using tobacco have in weight gained twenty-four per cent, over those using tobacco ; in height, thirty-seven per cent/, in chest girth, forty- two per cent., while they have a greater average lung capacity by 8.36 cubic inches (Medical News). The desire for tobacco is simply an unnatural craving for that baneful poison, nicotine. It cannot be taken into the human system without causing a great loss of vital force in its elimination, as well as proving detri- mental in a number of ways. Never forget that, when prize fighters and athletes are in training, that the rule in these days is to use neither alcohol or tobacco, since he who does, all other things being equal, is sure to lose the fight or contest. If, then, it is known as a positively demonstrated fact, in no manner tainted with sentiment, that their use is det- 164 GENERAL REMARKS. rimental, even to such men almost in the pink of physi- cal perfection, you may rest assured that a person in your condition is sure to pay a terrible penalty if you continue the use of either. Your mind will be troubled for a while after you first give them up and, no doubt the thought of them may haunt you for a time, but eventually you will throw off their shackles, and stand forth a free man ; and, as sure as virtue is its own reward, will a corresponding gain in health be your sure compensation. We have known a minister to pledge a number of his parishioners — young and old — to stop the use of tobacco, and at the end of three months even old men between the ages of seventy and eighty reported a gain in weight anywhere from fif- teen to twenty pounds, while all had made marked gains in every respect regarding the state of their general health and mentality. An increase in weight is what you are after, and you are now surely pointed to the way by which you can help to gain it. Then be in your purpose as firm as the everlasting hills, and stop the use of all stimulants. There is still another habit that is beyond question a baneful one, and that is to sit for hours daily reading freshly-printed newspapers, magazines and books. You first take up the morning paper, and, notwithstanding its smell is almost unbearable, hold it within a few inches of your nose, and breathe for hours at a time the odor of printer's ink that comes from it. The attitude of holding it aids effectively in preventing the pure air from enter- ing your nostrils until it has first come in contact with the paper. Then, when that is laid aside, you pick up several weeklies, and, perhaps, a comic one, followed, as is often the case, with the latest novel, and read that for the rest of the day. If you think you are breathing fresh air in this way you are badly mistaken. Who does not love his morning paper? In fact, what is life in these times without it % It is, indeed, an indispensable educa- tor. It travels for us on the wings of lightning, and brings us in contact with the teeming, busy millions of a mighty world. The press to-day is breaking more SMOKING AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. 165 shackles, and freeing the mind of error, more than any other factor on this mundane sphere. Its mission is one of the greatest, and, yet, when it comes new from the press laden with the smell of moisture and ink, it is not wholesome or safe for a person having pulmonary troubles to read until thoroughly dry. By breathing fresh printer's ink from the surface of a paper or maga- zine, you bring the printing establishment right under your nose for hours at a time. Now, while one's daily paper is indispensable, you can readily avoid coming in contact with it while wet, either by getting some well person to read it for you, or by hanging it up — not in your room, but in some other part of the house, or out of doors, if the weather will permit — until it becomes per- fectly dry. Better read it after it has been printed at least twenty-four hours. Pure air you must breathe all the time. Never cover anything, such as milk or medi- cine, with a newspaper, or use it as a substitute for toilet paper. Be very particular about this. Neither should you ever eat cooked food that has been wrapped up in a printed paper. You say you like to play a good game of poker. But you never should, for all such games that are in the least exciting are bad for you, even though you are the coolest person alive. You must not allow a leak of vital force in this direction. Besides, men will smoke when they play, it being a necessary accessory to keep them cool and, even though you don't smoke yourself, you will be obliged to breathe for hours at a time a most terribly polluted atmosphere. Then, get out, if you are in ; and when you are out, stay there. Never, for pastime or otherwise, permit yourself to indulge in the artistic occupation of mixing oil paints and painting for hours at a time. You will be apt to get into a crooked position, as well as to stay in-doors when you would otherwise be out. And, as for the habit of giving a whole day once a week to writing long letters, we advise you to do nothing of the kind. Pure air and an erect posture are of more importance to you than all your correspondence. Besides, you must not give one day in the week to any such work. You must 166 GENERAL REMARKS. not turn on the faucet and let vital force run to waste in any such a manner, not even for the sake of " Auld Lang Syne " once in six months. If you have a number of letters to answer, then write one every morning, and make it short and to the point. Cut off all correspond- ence but that which you cannot consistently avoid. Pay all your bills promptly when due, and it will save you many annoyances and keep your mind relieved of all thought of such obligations. Always keep by your bedside a thick pair of long-legged stockings and pair of felt shoes (not slippers — don't own a pair, and then you won't be tempted to put them on), to be used when you get up in the night, for under no circumstances should you put your bare feet on the cold floor of your room. Be very particular where you expectorate, whether out of doors or in. Never run for any purpose whatever, not even to catch the train. Don't sit in the smoker when you get there. Take a seat near the centre of the car and sit away from the window. If others about you have windows open, then change your seat, if possible, even if you have to stand, for you must not expose yourself to draughts. If you are addicted to the habit of walk- ing, eating and speaking quickly, then drill yourself to go slow. Force yourself to be methodical. Remember that life is made up of an aggregate of small things, and you must be mindful of them all. Thus, you are to make a special hobby of preventing any loss of vital force. Hoard it even as a miser saves his pennies, and in time you will have a good bank account to draw on, may be, when you stand badly in need of it. ATTACHMENTS. If you are still a single person, and have been told by competent authority that your lungs are diseased, no matter what you may think or hope to the contraiy, and contemplate matrimony, don't do it. It is not necessary for you to break your engagement. For peace of mind, which is essential in your condition, we would advise ATTACHMENTS. 167 you not to do so. Simply have the matter indefinitely postponed ; otherwise, you will make a fatal mistake if you consummate it. The honeymoon would then surely prove to be but a sweet prelude to a dirge. Talk it over, and, if your chosen one be worthy of your love, he or she will acquiesce at once in the reasonable request of having the marriage put off during the time you may be seeking to regain your health. Here, indeed, would come the real test of love, for no true man or woman would insist that your plighted word be fulfilled, knowing for a cer- tainty that your life would pay the penalty, by robbing you of all hope of recovery. Rather should either one, if actuated by the highest motives and a tender solici- tude, be anxious to avoid any possible chance that might lead to such a sorrow r ful ending. Don't be sentimental about it, either, and say, " Oh, we had better get mar- ried, anyway ; you need some one now to take care of you more than ever." Who can nurse like love; put honey in words and sunshine in smiles like love? Unwittingly a lover's selfishness often leads him on in this way. Hope with him is but a beam in wisdom's eye, and he sees in the future naught but the aurora borealis of delights. Thus, love paints in rainbow tints, and revels in the realms of enchanting probabilities. It is not fancy, however, but stern facts, that make up the history of every fleeting moment. They tell the story of joys and sorrows, aches and pain. Love hypnotized by hope paints with dainty touch the rose of health upon the sick one's cheek ; fact presents it to the world's gaze in the hue and pallor of impending dissolution. Lovers don't urge each other on in this manner in a cold-blooded, premeditated way ; they simply let hope lead them by the nose, and they go a rather welcome captive. 'Tis easy to hope, but it is facts alone that play upon the heart strings of humanity, and the music they give forth it too often the discordant notes of woe, sorrow and pain. Thus, the idea of being the sick one's nurse is beautiful as a sentiment, yet, nevertheless, a will-o'-the- wisp that leads into the morass of despair. Then, to be plain, and it is necessary in a matter as grave as this, it 168 GENERAL REMARKS. should be borne in mind that in pulmonary phthisis the passions should never be aroused in any degree what- ever, as they cause to this class of patients a terrible drain of vital force, all of which is now more than ever needed as a reserve power with which to combat that disease. Besides, it is extremely easy to excite the sexual desires in a person suffering from that dreaded trouble. True love on the part of the well one should not think for a moment of placing the sick one in a posi- tion to jeopardize his or her chances of recovery. Then, leave sentiment out of the question, and remain single while your health is poor. Even if you are not engaged, but find yourself becoming attached to a person of the opposite sex, then break it off, even if you find it neces- sary to change your boarding place or go away from home. If you do, don't write after you go. Make the possible impossible, and do so before your affections are involved, for through them a great waste of vital force may occur. It frequently follows that unrequited love causes a loss of appetite, sleep, weight and peace of mind to such a degree as to eventually terminate in pulmonary phthisis. Thus, you, of all persons, should run no risk, no matter how strong you may think you are in this re- spect. No matter what the strength of a bear may be, there is always a trap just a little stronger. Besides, you are quite likely, if young, to meet some heartless one, who will accept the homage of your soul, and then, with an utter disregard for your feelings, throw it away. Even then, you alone will be to blame, for you were well aware that you had nothing better to offer than a life already heavily mortgaged with a very serious complaint, and so one would be unwise to accept you, anyway. Better look at these facts in their true light. Then, don't trifle with your peace of mind. If already free, then remain so until such time as you have made a com- plete recovery of your health. Companionship with the opposite sex has its many advantages, but, in your case, it should never pass beyond that boundary. Much more could be said on this subject, but, as applied to you, we hardly consider it necessary, since we regard you simply THE SKIN. 169 as a patient seeking to recover your health, and not one who is spending his or her time in love-making. THE SKIN. It is most essential for you to thoroughly understand the skin, its functions and the intimate relation it sustains to the internal skin, or mucous membrane, that lines the internal surface of all the passageways and organs of the entire body, and more especially the organs of the respiratory system, such as the nostrils, pharynx, larynx, bronchial tubes in all their ramifications till they terminate in the air cell itself. The skin is composed of two parts, the epidermis or cuticle, being the outer one. It is constructed of epithelial cells, which lie one upon the other in successive layers, which become more and more flattened as they approach the surface, where they are eventually worn off either by use or friction, the next layer taking their place on the surface. This process goes on indefinitely as long as life lasts. Its function is to serve as an external coat or protection to the derma, or true skin, as well as to regulate the evaporation of watery vapor that is, in a state of health, being con- tinually eliminated from the entire surface of the body. Immediately beneath this is found the derma, or true skin ; and it is to be especially noted that the nerve fila- ments known as the " sensitive papillae " are situated so prominently on its surface as to make it absolutely im- possible to reach its deeper parts without touching them. In this position, they are the first to come in con- tact with everything that can in any possible manner prove injurious to the organism. Thus, like millions of sentinels, they stand guard on the outer walls of the whole organism, giving warning signals to the nerve cen- tres and brain of all things with which they come in contact, as well as their nature, such as a blow, draught of air — either hot or cold, whether dry or wet. Also, when a person is suffering from severe cold, aching takes place, and finally, when the part becomes frozen, the con- dition is made known by numbness of the part. Thus, we 170 GENERAL REMARKS. have what is termed the " sense of touch " in the skin, and in these little sensitive papilla it is located. Just beneath them are found the sweat and sebaceous glands and the hair follicles. The derma is made up of fibrous areolar tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves, and, as a whole, is decidedly elastic, which function serves to protect it from injury. The hair follicle is a little sac that contains the root of the hair. The sebaceous glands are found in the greatest number on the hairy parts of the body ; and, though their ducts sometimes make their exit on the free surface of the skin, they generally open into the hair follicles, and there discharge their fatty -like substance. The sweat glands are those little organs found in great abundance over almost every part of the surface of the body, and through which the perspiration and gaseous materials are thrown off. In round numbers, they have been computed to be about two millions three hundred thousand, or five hundred to the square inch. They are about one four-hundredth of an inch in diameter, and represent an evaporating sur- face of about eight square inches. And, like so many minute tubes or sewerage pipes, they penetrate nearly the entire depth of the skin — straight at first, then in a coil. All things being equal, we find the latter is uni- formly of one thickness over the whole body. Continual use of any one part, however, such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, causes it to thicken. From the foregoing it is evident that the skin should be kept scrupulously clean, in order to keep the mouths of the perspiratory glands free from debris, and in a condition to do their work without any great ex- penditure of vital force. When any part of it is rubbed, we notice it soon becomes much redder, thus caus- ing by friction a stimulation of the capillary circulation in that particular portion. Rubbing, however, not only affects these little blood vessels, but also all the per- spiratory and sebaceous glands as well, since the increased circulation to their surrounding tissue enables them to secure more nourishment. Hence, as they become stronger, their vital force is greatly increased. THE SKIN. 171 The good results that occur from observing that rule are especially noticeable in the horse when kept clean. Then he is full of life and vigor — eyes bright, appetite enormous, digestion good, wind superb, and in spirit as playful as a kitten. On the other hand, if he is neglected, his coat becomes shabby, no matter how well he may be fed, his eyes become dull, appetite fitful, step heavy, wind poor, and, generally speaking, he soon ceases to be fine in appearance, and is known, in the parlance of the turf, as a "plug." To just the degree, then, that you keep the skin of your body clean will you aid its capillary circulation, the drainage of the perspiratory and sebace- ous glands, as well as the discharge of carbonic acid. It will also strengthen the whole integument, especially if friction is well applied to it, and make you far less liable to catch cold, for cold, of any nature whatever, is taken through its surface. It will also greatly facilitate the action of the internal skin or mucous membrane, since help to the one is sure to aid the other. Is it not evi- dent, then, that, if the secretions from the skin are in their discharge greatly aided by such means, that the vital force that would otherwise be used to accomplish the work would be saved, thus giving the person a feeling of sprightliness, health and strength % Then, keep the surface of the body scrupulously clean, and don't forget, as you go over every square inch of it, that you have there all of five hundred of those little perspiratory glands to keep in good order. See to the hairy parts, they always require the most attention. Immediately after rising in the morning take your flesh brush — one without a handle is best for every part of the body but the back, and you can, if you prefer, have one for that with a long handle — and go carefully over its whole surface, giving at least one-quarter of an hour to the work. If, at any time, you notice an eruption on any part of it, especially after taking medicine, never dare, under any circumstances, no matter who may advise it, put an external application on it, with a view to its cure, for, instead, it will simply cause its suppres- sion, and bad effects will result later on. Don't matter 172 GENERAL REMARKS. how it looks. Better have it on your skin than in your lungs. FEVER In order for you to ascertain for a certainty whether you have fever or not, you should have a thermome- ter; one sufficient for your purpose will cost about $1.50. Then, when you feel flushed, weak, nervous and restless — day or night — take your temperature. Carefully place its bulb well back in the mouth, as far under the tongue as possible. Don't bite on it. Hold it rather with your lips, and let it remain there for the space of three minutes. The normal temperature is 98^°, and anything higher than that indicates fever. After using, wash it clean in cold water ; be careful how you handle it, for it is very easily broken. If you find that you have fever, go to bed, and stay there until it has entirely disappeared. When present, there is under all circumstances a great loss of vital force going on, and during which time the recumbent position is the only proper one. The observance of this rule is of the utmost importance. No matter how you may otherwise feel, there should be no waste of vitality allowed by taking any physical exercise when you have it. Kest is just as necessary in your case as in any other form of fever. Bodily movement is dangerous in two ways : First, in having a tendency to aggravate the fever, by causing a greater oxidization of cellular tissue, as well as increasing the loss of vital force, and on account of these two facts any organic disease accompanied by it is likely to prove fatal. In all such severe forms as typhoid and yellow fever the recumbent position is absolutely neces- sary for a cure; otherwise, they would prove as fatal as pulmonary phthisis. Indeed, in the general run of all chronic diseases, even for the old varicose ulcerations of the feet and legs, the possibility of a cure is in propor- tion to the amount of absolute rest that the person takes. This accounts for the reason that the bedridden patient lasts so many years, and goes through during FEVER. 173 that time, in the way of suffering, as is often remarked, what would have killed a strong man. This is one of the reasons why pulmonary phthisis, diabetes, and many cases of Bright's disease of the kidneys, when those patients are allowed to roam at large, as they usually are, and take any amount of physical exercise, causing a consequent great loss of vital force, have so far proved to be practically incurable. In typhoid fever, there is a lesion or ulceration in the bowels ; in pulmo- nary phthisis, a condition analogous to it is present in the form of a lesion and tubercles. If the recumbent position is good and necessary in the one case, why not in the other, especially when fever is present in both, as well as the organic diseased condition being in a manner similar, at least as far as a disintegration of cellular tissue is concerned ! Don't be afraid of losing your strength, for any such a loss will be confined to your muscular system, and not to the internal organs. Indeed, even if you do grow a little weak, and you find yourself a trifle shaky in the legs, it matters not, since your heart's action and your respiratory organs are cor- respondingly stronger ; or, in other words, the loss sus- tained by your legs will be a gain to your lungs. Don't worry, then, and think that you ought to be up and about in order to save your strength, for, as applied to your internal organs, any great use of the muscular system, is not necessary; and with your present knowledge of what vital force is, and its application to the general organims, you may complacently dismiss all such fears from the mind. If most people were only as fearful that their lungs would grow weak for want of exercise as they are that they might lose their muscular strength if they didn't use their limbs, we would hear very much less of pulmonary phthisis. What precious legs some people have, and such insignificant lungs ; and, when they come to regard exercise for the latter just as necessary as it is for their general muscular system, we will have gained what we contend for in this little work. 174 GENERAL REMARKS. RaSMOKKHAGE FEOM THE LUNGS. If you have had blood-spitting, or haemorrhage, from the lungs, don't be afraid that the exercises for lung heal- ing will aggravate it or bring it on, as they are designed to cause a greater flow of the circulation in the lung tissue. We have never met with a case where it was superinduced by them — even when taking such a power- ful exercise as holding the breath. And yet it may be argued, on theoretical grounds, that such is likely to be the case. In answer we have but to say that all that is required of you, when taking those that we recommend, is not to over do them. While they are necessary in your case, as well as in all others, and should be followed up with all the pertinacity of an unyielding will, still it may be well for you, if disposed to blood-spitting, not to hold your breath, when taking the exercises, until you know for a certainty that your lungs have healed up and are quite strong. Following a haemorrhage at any time, suspend all of them till it has entirely ceased; for, though plenty of air has a tendency to help form a clot, still they might displace it. Begin again, however, with deep breathing only, and gradually resume all of the others as you find your lungs growing strong. Now, don't, if blood spitting occurs at any time after taking the exercises, attribute the attack to them, but just bear in mind that it is the diseased and weakened condi- tion of your lungs that is the only cause. Indeed, no matter what you may think to the contrary, by taking them frequently you will be far less liable to haemorrhage than you would without them. Don't attempt any of those given for lung development, as they are too powerful and not necessary. We know of physicians, who, when failing to cure their patients, always look around for some excuse — on the principle that their treat- ment is inf allible, and that the reason of their non-success lies in something the patient has done, and not on ac- count of a lack of skill on their part. We are well aware that they would not hesitate to say, if haemorrhage occurred following our exercises, that they were the SWEATING IN GENERAL. 175 cause of it. By no means do we insinuate that doctors, as a rule, would do so, for we know they would not; for any one, whose advice is worth following in matters as grave as this, would say that haemorrhage from the lungs may set in at any time when once a person is predisposed to it, and even more likely to occur when no exercises are taken than it is to follow those we recom- mend. Take no advice that savors of antiquated notions concerning pulmonary phthisis for they have never been of any service in the way of a cure. Old methods have failed to eradicate this disease; and they will not heal you now, as you will find to your chagrin and dismay later on if you depend on them. SWEATING IN GENERAL. If you dress as we have advised, and, as a result, you find yourself perspiring, do not conclude that sweating is of itself weakening, and so hasten to throw off part of your clothing, for such conclusions are wrong. When it takes place during a severe sickness, it is not the continued perspiration, even if it is protracted, that causes weakness, but rather the disease of which the former is but a prominent symptom. So, when chill, fever and sweat occur, the latter condition is simply an expres- sion, so to speak, of that complaint, and not the disease itself. In all cases of fever, no matter how high it may run, and perspiration is present, it helps to lower the temperature ; still, if it did not set in, or was suppressed, in any way it would most assuredly go higher. We have noticed in the marasmus of infants that, when ever it appeared, the little patients always made a prompt and surprisingly quick recover} 7 , where they had otherwise been in the lowest possible condition. Where sweating is general, no less than two million three hun- dred thousand sweat glands are involved in the process of throwing out that secretion, often laden with effete matter of such a character as to give off a foul odor. So, we can readily understand the possibility of nature's re- 176 GENERAL REMARKS. sorting to this method to relieve such internal organs as the kidneys and mucous membrane of the lungs. Indeed, when it comes on in all kinds of fever and severe diseases, it is generally regarded as a favorable symptom rather than otherwise, even though it should continue uninterruptedly for weeks at a time, which fre- quently occurs without ill effects, notwithstanding the patient's otherwise low condition. And, as is often the case, such patients not only hold their own, but actually gain in strength and appetite. In hot climates either a well person or an invalid may sweat most of the time, and yet not grow weaker as a result. On the contrary, if one has just made a change of climate on account of his health, he will, notwithstanding he perspires more than at home, be benefited rather than harmed. So, when a patient is suffering from pulmonary phthisis, he finds himself generally relieved when able to live out of doors and perspire a great deal; while, in the winter, when in a good part of his time, and perspiration only occurs in the form of a night sweat, then he grows rapidly worse. All things considered, you should not re- gard the latter as detrimental, since it may, on the contrary, be utilized to great advantage when properly regulated. We know that when a person having any form of pulmonary disease awakes in the night, and finds he had a severe sweat, he jumps at the conclusion that it is the cause of his f eeling so weak. In this he is wrong, for it is his disease, considered as a whole, that accounts for it, and not the sweat. The excessive weakness is owing to the great loss of vital force expended in the operation of no less than two million three hundred thousand perspira- tory glands that throw off the sweat, since even that process requires power to operate it. Now, the question natur- ally arises, since perspiring is a natural sequence to fever, and phthisical patients generally have more or less of it — if the night sweat is not induced by nature, not only to reduce the latter, but to relieve the system of such im- purities as the lungs, kidneys and mucous membrane of the internal organs are unable to throw off on account of a loss of vital force in those organs — since it is evident SWEATING IN GENERAL. 177 that they must be disposed of, and they being unable to do it, why not resort to the artificial process of put- ting on sufficient clothing to keep a general perspiration going on all the time, instead of having a severe sweat every night followed through the day by the opposite or positive condition of having all the perspiratory glands of the whole surface of the body contracted ? For any aid given to them in their work is to save just so much vital force. Clothed, then, in such a manner will turn winter into summer, or a cold climate into a warm one. It will make the patient want to remain out of doors as much as possible even in severe weather, since he will feel more comfortable there ; otherwise, he will be sure to stay in*. Dressing properly will also prevent him from catching- cold, as well as from being made the victim of every little change in the weather. It will also enable most sensitive people to take a bath without ill effects. We know a physician who, when young, contracted pulmon- ary phthisis, if the diagnosis of quite a number of his brother physicians was correct. As a result they de- clared that he was doomed. By way of experiment, he then put on no less than three flannel suits one upon the other, and by these measures kept up a continuous gentle perspiration for months without any feeling of weakness occurring from it. In this way he eventually cured himself. One heavy suit was worn every night with his night clothes, and removed in the morning. Cold baths and moderate exercise sufficient to stimulate the perspiration were also prescribed. Very warm shoes were worn in the house as well as out-doors, and special stress laid upon the advisability of making the feet sweat as much as possible. Thus, you see the neces- sity of never suppressing foot sweat by using any appli- cation externally for that purpose. Li taking your cold baths be guided by what has been said on that matter in another chapter. If you wear sufficient clothing after it, there is no doubt but what you can take even a cold one, unless your reaction is very poor. 178 GENERAL REMARKS. CONSTIPATION. It is no proof that you are constipated because your bowels do not move regularly, since that condition can only occur when you have eaten a normal amount of food without a corresponding natural movement. If, how- ever, you eat no more food in a week than you otherwise would in a day, and have, as a result, only one good action during that time, then you are not constipated by any means. As a matter of cause and effect, how could you be? Moreover, if you are living on liquid foods, which contain from eighty to ninety per cent, of water, most of which is eliminated by the kidneys, skin and lungs, how could you reasonably expect to have your bowels move as frequently as when you subsist on food containing three to four times that quantity of material ? Tou certainly can't take out of a jug what you don't put in; neither can you have a natural movement of the bowels without you eat a sufficient amount of food to bring it about. Yet, we frequently meet with people and even physicians, who seem to think that they must have an action every day, whether they eats or not. This is so manifestly nonsensical as to seem to call for no serious discussion whatever, and yet, as patients suf- fering from pulmonary troubles frequently make the fatal mistake of taking purgatives, we feel constrained to point out a few facts concerning this whole question. It may be asserted that, no matter how little food has been partaken, since a corresponding amount of faeces is lodged in the colon or lower bowel, it should, after a reasonable length of time, say — twenty-four hours — be removed ere it can do any mischief. But why should it, seeing the quantity is too small to stimulate the necessary peristaltic action for its discharge? To assert that it should, even if such an artificial means as the use of a cathartic had to be resorted to, would be to infer that, notwithstanding nature's skilled use of the atom in the construction of the human organism, she had made no provision for the proper removal of small quantities of faeces in the colon, and so the wisdom of theory must CONSTIPATION. 179 come to the rescue with a cyclone purgative, and expel it, and not trust to her in a matter of such gigantic im- portance. Indeed, it has been in this particular region that professional egotism has long been paying homage to ignorance, while nature, with a lofty air of disdain, has been relegated to the kindergarten of the nursery until such time as she becomes learned in the windy theories of man, and acts accordingly. Understand, before you go any further, just how an action of the bowels is brought about: When a sufficient amount of faeces has accumulated in the colon, causing its full normal distention, its presence is thus make known to the brain, which immediately responds with the neces- sary force of vibration to bring about the required movement, and it is discharged. When, however, the amount is small, and the distention is either none at all or very slight, then little or no peristaltic motion takes place, and the contents remain. Suppose it does, what then ? Stoppage or blood poisoning is the medi- aeval echo. The former, you should know, is a mechanical trouble called " intussusception," or one part of the bowel doubled on itself, and fitting into the other like a plug. You can see then that, when the bowel is packed, it would really be physically impossible for the above con- dition to occur, since the mass lodged there would keep it distended, and thus prevent that disturbance from taking place. Thus, obstinate constipation should most effectually quiet your fears on that point, rather than stimulate them. As for poisoning the system, that also is practically impossible, since, without the air could get at the stool, we don't see how it could decompose. Indeed, the so-called wind in the bowels is a gas pure and simple, and will burn as readily as coal gas when set on fire. Again, since the digestive fluids are decidedly antiseptic, and the food had been well saturated with them, it is evident that the contents of the colon still re- tains a sufficient amount of it to keep them from decom- posing for an indefinite period. We have previously pointed out that the stomach and small intestines are or- gans for the digestion of food, and, as such, they are in 180 GENERAL REMARKS. no manner whatever to be considered as a sewerage uti- lized by the system for carrying off its refuse matter ; and, while it may be good practice in some cases to flush them with water, they should never be subjected to the action of any kind of physic. The colon, or lower bowel, on the other hand, is particularly adapted for the recep- tion of the stool, which is just as natural, neat and sweet in its place when that organ is in a state of health as the gastric juice is in the stomach, the saliva in the mouth, or the wax in the ear. In a normal state of health it may never need cleaning out. In all chronic diseases, however, such as pulmonary phthisis, it is an organ that requires special and diligent attention. But how do you propose to cleanse it ? Suppose you wished to wash out a vessel, would you think for a moment of attempting to do it with physic ? Would it be wisdom on your part to bathe the surface of your body with the latter for the purpose of refreshing it ? If not then an improvement upon the use of water for the external skin, why should it be used as a substitute on the internal skin or mucous membrane ? You have an idea that, after taking physic, it "runs amuck" through the stomach, small intestines and colon, penetrating, percolating through, and dissolving the contents of those organs, scouring as with a scrubbing brush, effacing and rinsing as it goes, till finally, having liquefied the whole contents — stool, dirt and accumulated bile and filth — the bowels are discharged, leaving them clean and sweet. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. By the way, when you take a dry cathartic pill, where does the excessive amount of liquid come from that accompanies the discharge? Just here let us ascertain definitely how it works in order to bring about the desired renovation. After taken, it acts primarily upon the nerve filaments that supply the stomach and bowels. Being abnormal, the ac- tion of its atoms, in the form of vibrations, is transmitted to the brain, which at once responds with vibrations of a like character, causing the secretory glands of the bow- els to discharge an unnatural quantity of watery secre- tion, which lubricates and liquefies their contents, as well CONSTIPATION. 181 as stimulating a great increase of peristaltic movement, and thus the contents are voided. We have said that the action of physic is abnormal, and I doubt that its most enthusiastic devotee or admirer would for a moment say it had a natural action. But how are we to cure one abnormal condition by causing another? Knowing that like begets like, could that be possible ? There is still another important fact not to be lost sight of in this matter ; that is, that the character of the discharge is almost, if not wholly, owing to the kind of physic taken and never to the state of the system. Thus, ipecacuanha, when a sufficient quantity is used, will cause a grass-green discharge; rhubarb a deep yellow evacuation ; while aloes, podophyllin and calomel — the quack favorite compound — will cause a dark, muddy and bilious-looking diarrhoea, the appearance of which generally convinces the patient that he has been most effectually cleaned out. Seeing with him is believing, and evidence of sight worth more than the logic of reason. Now, without there is a discharge of liquid from the system into the colon, there could be no movement. The former, then, is the prime factor, for, as it accumu- lates there, it causes a distention of the intestines, thus bringing about the necessary peristaltic motion. If a liquid like water is required to move the bowels, why, then, resort to physic, when identically the same purpose can be even more effectually accomplished by its use as an enema? "When constipation is incidental to some disturbance of the digestive organs, it may right itself in a few days without any interference ; if chronic, minute doses of the appropriate remedy will very often bring prompt and permanent relief. Those who have never had any experience or success in the treatment of this trouble with medicine in that form are not qualified to either affirm or deny its efficacy, and modesty should, at least, lead them to say so. Flushing the colon in either of the above conditions may suffice quite as well. When, however, the system is afflicted with some such organic disease as pulmonary phthisis, then cleansing it out is 182 GENERAL REMARKS. in many cases an absolute necessity — yet as a mere minor aid in its general treatment — though it is not at all required if the action of the bowels be normal. Who has not heard people say that they have taken physic at regular intervals for years with no apparent harm. This may be true in a measure, but invariably we find this very class of persons delicate and with what was evidently an otherwise rugged condition often seriously undermined, and they may continue it, as long as no organic disease of any part of the body is present, with- out anything more than the above-mentioned effects oc- curring. But when the latter condition does come, then the diseased organs, being the most negative, receive the full force of the constitutional action of the physic in the form of abnormal vibration stimulated by its action and the destructive process is thus always hastened rather than retarded. The harm is usually unwittingly done, for the person who depended on it where there was no severe disease present is the very one to repeatedly resort to it when such an organic complaint as pulmonary phthisis supervenes. And thus, with them, its use is equivalent to a slow but sure method of committing suicide. Don't, then, let the mediaeval " bugaboo " or the quacks " jacks-in-the-box " of such grim possibilities as stoppage and blood poisoning, etc., frighten you into becoming a customer for that death-dealing nostrum — physic. Water is nature's universal solvent and remedy for all renovating purposes, and you have but to resort to its proper use to successfully accomplish, by an enema of it, the removal of all deleterious elements from the colon that may possibly lodge there, and not otherwise be discharged by the usual movement of the bowels. There is probably no time during a person's life when the colon is free of faeces, more especially when in a per- fect state of health, and yet it occasions no harm. On the contrary, disease is more likely to come from keeping the bowels empty, for since in health their distention is a necessity that can only take place by a normal amount of the stool collecting there. The colon, to be sure, may CONSTIPATION. 183 be greatly relaxed, and its contents discharged by the action of purgatives ; still, this abnormal relaxation fol- lowed by an unnatural contraction is the most prevalent of all causes of constipation. If you have a constant dis- tressing urging and pressure that not only causes piles, headache, backache, loss of appetite, all of which is un- doubtedly owing to a sympathetic disturbance caused by impaction of the lower bowel, then use as a prompt relief, and the least harmful of any that you can resort to, an enema of warm water. Always keep on hand a two-quart fountain syringe, and fill it, when needed, with warm water — never hot — but of such a temperature as will per- mit you to hold your hand in it for any length of time. Hang it about four feet above your head, and take it either while lying on your left side or sitting — the latter is generally the most convenient position. Oil the nozzle well, and pass it into the anus gently, never forcibly. If it does not flow readily, turn it around, draw it part way out, then insert it again. Hold the enema, if possible, a few minutes. Don't mind a little griping ; it will cease as soon as it causes the necessary movement, which is usually prompt and effective. While we consider this the best possible method to relieve the bowels, we do not ad- vise you to resort to its use daily. Eather take such other measures as will aid in bringing about a natural move- ment. When you use the flesh-brush, for instance, over the bowels, pass it from right to left, describing a circle, and you will then conform to the correct position of the colon, and so stimulate its peristaltic movement. You can also knead the entire abdomen gently, as well as slap its whole surface briskly with the palm of the hand. An excellent practice is to work the anus up and down volun- tarily. Try it before you get up every morning for about ten minutes, even though the action is deferred for some hours. There is a saying amongst the sporting frater- nity that the man who takes physic when training is sure to lose the contest. You, while fighting for your life, should bear that adage in mind, and under no circum- stances whatever resort to its use. The harm it does is not the merely expelling the stool in a hurry, but by 184 GENERAL REMARKS. causing an excessive loss of vitality ; first, in eradicating the drug from the system ; secondly, from causing an ex- cessive loss of secretion, which can only be replaced at the expense of the whole organism. The waste of vital force that occurs then is accountable for the weak feeling that follows any artificial movement of the bowels. If, after all has been said on the question, you still continue to take physic, and find yourself gradually approaching the Unknown Shore, don't, as the truth in all its signif- icance flashes across your mind, blame Heaven, or call yourself the victim of some unmerciful fate that rules your destiny without a conscience ; for, as is generally the case, man unconsciously works out his own fate in days either short or long. Sad and untimely, indeed, it often is when ignorance, egotism, prejudice and a weak will stand like so many grim spectres at the helm of his being, ever steering for the shoals and breakers in sight. Sublime, however, when wisdom, tutored by knowledge and a will of adamantine character, grasps the helm with no uncertain hand, and pilots him safely into the harbor of long life. You are your own pilot ; take heed, then, of the warning lights along the shore that flash their gleams the stronger where danger threatens the most. DIAKEHOEA. If diarrhoea sets in at any time, don't try to check it by the free use of drugs, for any ordinary attack of that complaint will not do your system as much harm, or its ill effects be as long lasting, as the positive injury that will result from them. Then, as you value every chance that is yours of ultimate recovery, don't destroy even one of them by taking into your system, for the purpose of controling the above-mentioned trouble, any such drug as opium, cholera mixtures, camphor, astringents, ginger, paregoric, laudanum, chalk mixtures, or any of the hundred-and-one things that will be recommended to you. We are aware that this condition should be relieved in the shortest possible space of time, like any other inci- dental disturbance, but we are emphatically opposed to BATHS. 185 drugging, on account of the fact that in pulmonary phthisis, seemingly above all other diseases, it does more harm to the system than any incidental attack of diarrhoea possibly could do, by way of lessening very materially the patient's chances of recovery. Moreover, if once relieved by any such means, it only teaches the patient to have recourse to it again and again, until serious injury is thus done to the system. Now, generally, such attacks are simple, lasting, at most, but two or three days, and require, in the way of relief, perfect quiet and exclusive diet of scalded milk. If it should become quite protracted — as it sometimes will, though rarely when the milk diet is persisted in — the proper thing to do is to call in your physician, and, if he is given to understand that you have regulated your habits, and are in all ways living a perfectly natural life, with a view to bringing about a cure of your lung disease, he will employ no palliative means, but simply prescribe for you minute doses of the indicated remedy ; and thus, while giving you prompt relief, as far as the mere looseness is con- cerned, do nothing in the way of drugging that will react upon your lungs in a harmful manner. In the last stages of pulmonary phthisis, patients are frequently troubled with a very severe diarrhoea, which may call for palliative treatment ; that is understood. BATHS. Regarding the question of bathing, we would warn you to faithfully adhere to the following rules con- cerning it. If you are full-blooded, have a good reac- tion and come out of your bath in a glow, and feel strong and well after it, then you may safely continue them. To get its best possible effects, you should first go carefully over the entire surface of your body with a flesh brush, and rub it till you look as red as a boiled lobster, and then take it at least cool, never hot. If all of your symptons are aggravated, however, and indications of a fresh cold appear, then you should suspend it alto- gether, and rely on the flesh brush and a simple sponge 18G GENERAL REMARKS. bath, followed by rubbing your body over with alcohol and water, half and half. In your condition it would never do for you to attempt the Turkish, Kussian, elec- tric, magnetic or even sulphur baths. In the summer, when the weather is extremely warm, if your reaction is prompt, you may safely venture to take sea baths, though never when tired, exhausted or debilitated by pulmonary phthisis. When you go into the surf with company, no matter whether ladies or gentlemen, don't for a moment suppose that etiquette obliges you to re- main in as long as they do. This is a matter concerning your health and not good breeding. We have frequently seen full-blooded persons remain in the water for an hour at a time, and yet come out looking as red as magenta, while five minutes is often all that more deli- cate persons can stand. Be guided rather by the effect it has upon you. On going into the water, at first you get chilled ; this is followed by a reaction, and you feel a warm glow pervade your whole system. Now, you may safely remain in till you feel this warmth receding, then come out at once. Never wait till you are chilled the second time ; if you do, it will surely prove harm- ful rather than beneficial. A mere, quick dip will be best at first, and a continuation of it depends on the benefit you receive. If you feel not only tired, but weak and much depressed, and rally slowly from its effects, and have to resort to stimulants to overcome weakness, then don't repeat it. In fact, if you are ill from any cause, tiy the effects of a sponge bath of sea water every day for a week before you venture in. Or, better still, put on a bathing suit and walk up and down the beach. For this purpose have your clothing suffi- ciently thin in texture to admit the cool sea breezes to come in contact with every part of your body. Go barefooted, if the beach is smooth enough. If you have been spitting blood, or have a bad cough, then don't try the surf, but depend entirely on a flesh brush and the sponge bath. Don't for a moment sit in the damp sand while watching the bathers. CLOTHING. 187 CLOTHING. Most patients who have either weak or diseased lungs seem to think that the proper way for them to dress is to wear a great abundance of clothing on the thorax, and, by doing so, thus reduce to a minimum any possibility of catching cold on their lungs, or in any manner whatever aggravating the diseased condition already existing there. As a result, we frequently meet them bundled up in the following manner : One thick, heavy, woolen undershirt — a double-breasted white one — chest protector — newspaper over this — as well as the usual vest, coat, and when out of doors an overcoat, w T hile the lower extremities are simply protected by an ordinary pair of drawers and pants, and likely as not a thin pair of stockings and shoes. In this rig they fancy they are properly dressed, even for a bliz- zard, and yet, when we recall all the facts connected with the question of just how we catch cold, the absurdity of a person clothing his body in any such a manner will be ludicrously apparent. One great objection to wrap- ping the thorax up in this manner is that it restricts its normal action by seriously interfering with proper lung breathing and expansion, besides weighing down the shoulders with too much of a load. You are to dress, then, if you properly understand the full significance of the matter, so as to protect the whole surface of the body in a uniform manner, giving no preference to any one part more than another, the clothing on the chest to be uniformly as warm as that on other parts of the body, but no more so. It should be made of light, warm material, and sufficiently loose to permit a full and free action of the thorax when the lungs are exercised to their maximum capacity. Begin- ning with the head, better wear your hair a little long rather than have it too short, as it is nature's best pro- tection for that part of the anatomy. Never have it cut close ; and under no circumstances should you wet it, as that is one of the most prevalent causes of catching cold. If partially bald, always carry in your pocket a silk cap, and put it on when you have occasion to take your hat 188 GENEEAL REMAKES. off. This is admissible in any company and at any time and place. Keep your neck cool, and never wrap it up with anything. In winter a turned-down collar is the best. As for your thorax, don't put plasters on any part of it, since each and every one of them covers and thus prevents the normal action of no less than one hun- dred thousand perspiratory glands, and so the good it might do in one way is offset by the harm it is sure to do in the other. They also weaken the integument, or skin, and thus make its nerve papillae too negative. For under-clothing, first put on warm shirt and drawers, and over them a full suit of perforated buckskin underwear. This suit is indispensable to the person having weak or diseased lungs, especially in the winter, or when the weather is damp and changeable. Always get the suit at least one or two sizes larger than for which your meas- urement calls. For outer garments avoid shoddy goods ; they are not warm, and yet very heavy. All clothing that covers your body should be made of light, warm material, loose enough to permit egress and ingress of air to the skin. Wear also two pairs of stockings — one of balbriggan and the other of wool. They should be changed every day, especially if you are troubled with cold, damp, clammy, sweating feet, that make you feel that the stockings are sticking to them. Thick-soled shoes should be worn. Keep two pairs on hand, and change them every day. By so doing they will always be perfectly dry, and so prove a decided com- fort. When you have occasion to go oub in cold, wet weather, put on dry warm shoes. Don't dress when you do go merely for appearances. In all cases where the apex of the lungs is diseased, the suspenders should be laid aside, even if you have to resort to the undignified method of actually hitching up your pants. By doing so, you will not only relieve the shoulders, but free the thorax of weight, as well as per- mit a full opportunity for involuntary lung expansion. Don't, however, wear a tight belt around your waist. No matter what may have otherwise been said on this ques- tion, abdominal breathing is the correct one, as the whole ladies' clothing. 189 power and expansion of the lungs are brougnt into play ; and so, under no circumstances, should you resort to any method of holding up your pants that will prevent it to its fullest extent. The position of the diaphragm and its downward movement shows this to be true from an anatomical standpoint. Moreover, as a matter of fact, all animals breathe in that way, and the larger their lungs the more so. Even when tubercles first appear, they are invariably in the apex of either one of the lungs, or those parts that are exercised the least, while their base that is exercised the most, and where the expansion is the greatest, is usually the part that is invaded last, if at all. In fact, patients frequently die of pulmonary phthisis without the base of their lungs being at all in- volved in the disease. We have spoken of how you should dress when living in a cold climate, or a very changeable one. If you should make a change of cli- mate, dress there warm enough to enable you to live an out-door life, and not be at all affected by any possible change in the weather that may occur. LADIES' CLOTHING. It is not our purpose to go into a homily on the fol- lies of fashion. Your lungs are weak and diseased ; your life may be in jeopardy ; your hope, prayer and desire are that you regain your health. Such being the case, we are bound to recognize your disease, and not your per- sonal taste or desires, in the matter of dress, any more than in that of diet and habits. The most that is required of you is to adjust your garments to your form in such a manner as to make thoracic and abdominal breathing free from all possible restrictions. All your clothing should be made of the best — light, warm, closely-woven — material. This is imper- ative, for both a loss of vital capacity and vital force calls for exercise, and exercise in any way burdened is farcical in the extreme. Wear the union undergarments or com- bination suits, one of balbriggan, another of flannel and 190 GENERAL REMARKS. over that a full suit of perforated buckskin underwear. Thus clothed, you can live the necessary outdoor life in almost any kind of weather. Discard the corset, and substitute in its place the Bates' Health Waist. As Dr. A. B. Stockham, author of " Tokology," says, this waist is really a thing of beauty ; is equable in warmth, supports the skirts, offers no restriction to circulation, digestion or re- spiration, and supports the bosom better than any corset. The fault with so many of the other so-called health waists is that they are practically half corsets, being made with either bones, steels or cords, and thus do not give the desired freedom of the one above mentioned. Don't dress to particularly display the contour of your form. The day is happily past when the wasp-like waist is considered beautiful, if it ever were. Cer- tainly it is the product of female fancy rather than of male admiration, for it is to be seriously doubted whether men of taste ever regarded it an acquisition to a lady's beauty. It is too artificial, and is suggestive of frailty, weakness, disease and doctor's bills, while a woman naturally developed generally has health, sprightliness, bright eyes, red lips and cheeks, vivacity of manner and good nature. No great work of art was ever yet given to the world that immortalized the human form but that w r as made to strictly conform to the rest of the body in size, the small waist and broad shoulders being always regarded as a deformity. In seeking to regain your health, then, all idea. of trying to restrict the size of the former should be abandoned, and a full, free and natural development of the whole thorax and abdomen be encour- aged. Those diseases peculiar to women are often inten- sified by their method of dressing, causing headache, backache, bearing down, nervousness, constipation, as well as other disturbances of a great variety, always causing a great loss of vital force, and everything is to be done to stop waste in this direction, as well as in all others. There should be no padding whatever to repre- sent the bust, or any thing worn for that purpose. If you are flat-chested, any such packing only intensifies it and prevents development. Hold your chest out by voluntary ladies' clothing. 191 effort, and keep it there, and in time you will find it growing more and more full. To develop the bust, we would advise much manipulation and repeated applications of sweet oil. It should be applied at least every night. Never wet your hair when combing it. Use the hair brush vigorously, and you can keep it not only glossy, but clean. You are to consider favorable conditions for the lungs, and not for any display of your form. Wear al] garments loose then, and don't put a tight-fitting dress over the proper kind of undergarments. In these days a lady must be indeed hard to please, if among the very many — even elegant— dresses that are made loose-fitting, such as morning gowns, wrappers and tea gowns, she can find nothing that becomes her. In fact, all of them, when trimmed with taste and selected in color to harmonize with her figure, style, height and complexion, are very pretty. The ladies always look charming in them, and they are suitable for any occasion that requires their presence — whether the dining room, parlor or out of doors. Never wear your dress low- necked, not even for one evening. There can be no event that calls for you to celebrate at the risk of your health, happiness and, maybe, life. As for your feet, they should be protected with a heavy-soled pair of shoes. Keep two pairs on hand, and alternate them every other day, if you would always keep them warm and dry. Have them al- ways large enough to admit free capillary circulation. If the weather be wet or cold, then put on rubbers or over- shoes. Don't look at your feet and think they are im- mense. Anyway, even big-looking feet, bright eyes and the flush of health upon your face make a far more ele- gant combination than small feet, dull eyes and a color- less, haggard countenance. As for just how the former may look to others, you are not to think of that, for any one who is impudent enough to consider them, and judge you from such a low standpoint, is not worthy of a thought on your part. As a patient, you are to dress for health, and nothing else. In hot weather the perforated buckskin suit is not necessary. The heavy underwear 192 GENERAL REMARKS. may then be exchanged for lighter. Be ever on the alert, and meet all sudden changes with suitable clothing. Good judgment in all these matters is necessary. YOUK BEDBOOM. Your sleeping room should be a large, well-ventilated apartment, having a southern or southwestern exposure, in a house situated well back from the street, so as to prevent much dust from entering it. Don't sleep in one of those dark rooms into which the sunshine never enters. Indeed, such death traps in tenement houses should be strictly prohibited by law. They are undoubtedly the cause of a thousand times more sick- ness than any and all of those contagious diseases which occasionally are brought to our shores from foreign lands. To ward off the latter dire possibilities, our laws are rigidly enforced and money lavishly expended, but against this gigantic evil that is nestling among us in a million and one places nothing is done. The poor die — the landlord waxes rich. In hospitals it has long been noticed, and many times verified, that, in those wards situated on the side of the buildings that permitted the least sunshine to enter, the death rate was always notice- ably the largest. So marked was this, indeed, that all of them in these days are planned and built in such a manner as to enable the sunshine to enter every ward for at least a part of the day. It has further been ascer- tained by repeated experiments that if rabbits are kept in a dark room they die inside of six weeks with pulmo- nary phthisis. A great abundance of sunshine, as well as fresh air, is indispensable for your sleeping room. To make the ventilation perfect there should be a small flue about three inches in diameter running from the floor downwards into the chimney, since carbonic acid not only sinks like a liquid to the floor, but will also run off like water, provided an exit for it be thus properly con- structed. Even the fireplace fails to accomplish this desired result without there is quite a strong draught, which is not always present. Leaving the door open YOUR BEDROOM. 193 sufficiently will enable it to pass readily into the hall and down the stairs, or a hole about four inches in diameter, cut through the lowest part of the door, will answer very nicely in conjunction with the flue leading into the chim- ney, as all that is needed is a slight draught in that direction to keep the apartment entirely free of it. To also provide for an exit of all animal matter and moisture that is thrown off by your lungs and the surface of your body, the transom over your door should be wide open, and your window let down all the way from the top. In order, moreover, that the purity of the air of your room may not be contaminated, either day or night, you must avoid having in it any odorous sub- stances that will impregnate its atmosphere. Some people think that, because their room is furnished nicely, and everything about them is pleasant to the sight, that its air must also be pure. This is far from being the case. We have been in the room of a physi- cian who made a specialty of throat disease, when every breath inhaled was like drinking the fumes of concen- trated pestilence, so horribly vile was it, and yet to the eye all things were pleasing. It is not an infrequent thing to go into a patient's sleeping room, and, after a little investigation, find that the air thought to be pure was simply a decoction of carbonic acid, animal matter and moisture exhaled by the lungs and pores of the skin, camphor from trunks and closet, sachet powder from every article of clothing in the bureau, emanations from a bouquet of flowers in the last stages of decay, perhaps the cork out of the ammonia bottle, gas jet leaking, perfumery ad libitum^ over everything, as well as a foul smell from a little bunch of rags, into which the per- son had been expectorating. Pure air ! Why, it would take more than all out-doors to ventilate such a place. Turn the head of your bed to the north. Don't place it over in one corner, if you can avoid it, nor stand it in such a position as to cause any draught that may occur to strike you while sleeping. Have a double bedstead if possible. Never sleep on a feather bed. A cotton or hair mattress is the best. See to it that the spring is a 194 GENERAL REMARKS. good one, for you should never overlook anything that will facilitate rest and sleep. When you get up in the morning, turn down your bedclothes, and let them hang over the foot board ; then open all the windows of your room, in order that it may have a good airing while you are down at breakfast. Put about a half bushel of charcoal in a box under the bedstead. It will help to keep the air free of carbonic acid and other bad odors that may at times accumulate when you are not on your guard. Don't allow the stand by the side of your bed to be heaped up with freshly printed papers, maga- zines, pamphlets and other periodicals, or even have them in your room, and then you will not be troubled with the odor that comes from them, no matter how slight it may be. Make your room just as cosy, homelike, comfort- able and pleasant as possible. It is not necessary that the floor should be covered with woolen carpet ; on the contrary, straw matting is the cleaner and healthier, as it does not absorb odors, hold dust and retain them, as carpets do. Tou may have by your bedside a small woolen rug to stand on while dressing in the morning. It should be thoroughly shaken out and aired at least twice a week. A nice, comfortable cane-seated rocker should be in the room. Have hanging on the walls a few pleasant pictures, but nothing to suggest to the sight and mind death and sorrow, such as the Crucifixion. No matter what your religious belief may be, you are not expected to do it any more than you would to look for them in a hospital ; for, in many respects, your room is your hospital, espe- cially while you are a patient. Keep it then always looking neat and orderly, if you wish to have it inviting and homelike ; for, if untidy, it will have a depressing influence on you, and make you feel that you would like to get away from it. Place your flesh brush on the table by your bedside, so as to be seen when you awake in the morning. If you do, you will use it ; otherwise, if you have to search for it, you will fall into the error of only using it occasionally. The same with your washstand. Keep all the articles upon it neat, and your tooth-brush SLEEP. 195 always in sight. Never disinfect your room with car- bonic acid. If you have occasion to use a disinfect- ant, let it be one of the chlorides. They are excellent to spray the room with when the air seems oppressive or heavy. Take off all the clothing that you have worn during the day, and, if still perspiring, rub yourself dry with a turkish towel, and put on your night suit. Don't sit in your room while it is being swept and dusted, as the dust will surely aggravate your cough. SLEEP. There is no time during the twenty-four hours when the brain is generating normal vibrations for the whole system to such an extent as when a patient is having his or her natural sleep. Thus wisely spoke the poet when he said, " Sleep is nature's great restorer." Then, as the noise, bustle and excitement of the day ceases to act upon the sensitive brain, its vibrations, under the hypnotic influence of a recumbent position, quiet and the darkness of night, lose their positive character, and become more and more negative, till finally the person sinks into the rest and sweet repose of sleep. Then, as sights go out, and the ear catches no echo of a din, memory puts on her nightcap of forgetfulness, and the whole being of man, lulled by the touch of night, nods a parting farewell to the passing day, and, lo ! cares, pains, aches and heart miseries go to sleep. To you, then, who are engaged in the struggle of fighting for your health, and whose sensitive organism suffers from the turmoils of the day, retire early and sleep late. Sleep through the day, if it does not materially affect your rest at night, for every nod hath its healing balm, and take it when it comes. If you have been in the habit of sitting up late nights, reading exciting stories or any other kind of literature for that matter, stop it forth- with. And, as for the pernicious habit of lying down and reading, either day or night, that never should be indulged in, as the increased circulation of blood to the 196 GENERAL REMARKS. brain, as a result, is sure sooner or later to not only bring on insomnia, but other nervous diseases as well. Never sleep in a lighted room, since the combustion not only reduces the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe, but it generates a large volume of carbonic acid, which, added to that which you exhale from your lungs, is a quantity sufficient to render the air of your room unfit to breathe. Don't compromise the matter either by putting the lamp in the hallway or turning it part way down. Light, you should understand, is the positive state ; dark- ness, the negative. Sleep then in the dark ; it is the con- dition most favorable for slumber. Even when troubled with insomnia, never resort to anodynes and narcotics — such as opium, morphine, chloral, or any of the bro- mides — as rest induced by them is simply a species of stupor of an abnormal type, and in no manner whatever typical of natural sleep. "Understand, moreover, that their action will reduce your vital force with far greater rapidity than would otherwise take place without them, as it becomes used up in eliminating them from your system, as well as reducing the brain's vibrations. Besides, sleeplessness always results as a secondary action of any such drug that you may use to force it. The harm done by lying awake all night, or for several suc- cessive ones is never equal to the injury done by any of those poisons. The causes of sleeplessness are about as numerous as bad habits, any of which may be productive of insomnia. Nervousness, superinduced by tea, coffee and stimu- lants as direct causes, is met with very frequently. Still again, and perhaps the most prevalent of all causes, is that of keeping the mind in an excitable state most of the time through the day. This can readily be remedied by studiously and faithfully observing the rules laid down for you to follow in the chapter on anger. If your diges- tion is at fault, and your rest at night is badly disturbed, observe the advice given you in the chapter on diet, and you will no doubt get relief . A close, warm room may also make it about impossible for you to sleep well. If so, ventilate it thoroughly, and don't forget to SLEEP. 197 leave the window open sufficiently to insure a good supply of cool, fresh air till morning. Don't worry about that antiquated bugbear, night air, as all air at that time is night air. Better breathe an atmosphere — even though it be damp — than to inhale your own breath over again. The first, though not as healthful as a good dry atmosphere, is yet far better, cleaner and healthier for you to breathe than to inhale over and over again, which you certainly do if you sleep in a close room, that vile decoction of carbonic acid, animal matter and moisture that you are continually giving off from your lungs in your apartments during the night, and which, as a matter of fact, practically grows filthy as the morning approaches. Fretting about home and its many responsi- bilities is accountable for many a long, sleepless night. To the friends of any sick person who is away from it seeking for health, and may be fighting for life itself, we would suggest that you strictly avoid filling your let- ters with complaints, business affairs, and news of such character as to make the invalid heartsore, homesick and sleepless. Rather let them be full of good cheer, love and hope. A letter from home is, indeed, a sweet morsel to the wanderer after health and strength. Fill it then with fun, honey, sunshine and kisses. You ask what is the best position to sleep in ? We unhesitatingly reply on the side of the abdomen. This we hold is in accordance with nature ; for, as far as man's physical organism is concerned, he is an animal, and per- haps with but few exceptions, such as the *s ampire hang- ing from its roost by its feet and wings, most animals sleep in that position. As it is, they never rest on their backs. Neither do we ever hear of a person having the nightmare when sleeping in the abdominal side position. There is a most excellent reason for this, and that is when persons sleep in that position they breathe slower, longer and deeper than they do when resting on the back. To be sure, we understand the necessity of chang- ing one's position, but then the variation of going from one abdominal side to the other, or from one side to the other, is all-sufficient; while sleeping on the back, es- 198 GENERAL REMARKS. pecially for people with weak or diseased lungs, should never be resorted to only when there is some such dis- ease present as pleurisy, that makes resting in that posi- tion the least painful ; hence, a necessity for the time being. A disease of any of the organs of the thorax that requires sleeping in that position only emphasizes the fact that breathing, when resting in that way, is quicker, shorter and more superficial, and, as a result, less expan- sive. On the side, then, is the correct position for mouth-breathers to sleep in ; for, if they but simply bring the chin forward slightly on the chest, the mouth closes easily, the position helping to keep it so, while, on the contrary, sleeping on the back makes it very easy for the chin to drop down, and thus greatly facilitates mouth- breathing. Concerning the weak or diseased lung, it should never be compressed by the weight of the body by sleeping on it for hours at a time. If the trouble is located in any portion of the left lung, then rest or sleep as much as possible on the right abdominal side. If it is the right lung, then change your position. If pain, coughing or distress is the result, then lie on either side, with the knees flexed on the abdomen. Even sleeping flat on the abdomen is far better than on the back. Don't be afraid in reversing position that the mucus or discharge from the diseased lung will drop into the other one and inoculate the trouble there. That is not the way your disease spreads. When any sputa is discharged into the bronchial tubes you will cough and expectorate it. The position that will greatly aid drainage from the affected lung should always be taken, as it will greatly facilitate absorption as well as the healing process. In conclusion, we wish to point out the dangers of allowing any one to sleep with you, for in many such cases we find that the magnetic state of the two organ- isms may be so perfectly adjusted to each other that the more positive or healthy person absorbs vital force from the more negative or sick one, and thus keeps it so con- tinually depleted of it that it makes a cure impossible, no matter what may otherwise be done for his benefit. Then SLEEP. 199 sleep alone, and take no such risk. Indeed, it has fre- quently been observed that when a person suffering from pulmonary phthisis slept alone that he or she so far re- gained health and strength as to warrant the hope that the disease had been entirely eradicated, only to find them rapidly failing again when they had a bed fellow. Now, don't say " fudge," for it is just possible that volumes might be written on just what you don't know about many such matters as these. We are fully aware that it will be cheaper for a married couple to engage one room, especially when away from home, than two. Still your feelings, and even your pocketbook, are not to be considered in any way possible when such a mo- mentous question as that of life itself is at stake. Neither should you permit another person, child or baby to occupy a bed in the same room with you, for, aside from the probability of your being harmed by them, you should consider their health by remembering that pulmonary phthisis is an infectious disease, espec- ially to those who are predisposed to it, and that they who sleep in the same room with you run a great risk of contracting it. Though marked symptoms of its de- velopment may not occur for a space of two or three years, yet it frequently manifests itself after such expos- ure in about a year. What physician has not noticed, time and again, that when one member of a family died of pulmonary phthisis that another followed the next year, and, even, in some cases another and another for several consecutive years. Be this as it may, you are not to lose sight of the never-to-be-forgotten fact that you are to breathe pure air all the time, night as well as day. And that, when two or more persons occupy the same sleeping room, that since they exhale in aggregate on an average fifteen hundred cubic inches of carbonic acid from their lungs every hour, or fifteen thousand during ten hours of the night, as well as to pollute the air with twice the quantity of moisture and animal matter that one person would, that the possibility of having pure air to breathe during that time would be reduced to a min- imum. Even when the door is left open between your 200 GENEEAL REMARKS. room and that occupied by others, especially children, you should see to it that the ventilation in both is complete EEASONS WHY PATIENTS SHOULD LIVE AN OUT-DOOK LIFE. If you darken a room and allow a streak of sunshine to enter, you will see at once floating through it an innu- merable number of particles of matter of a conglomerate nature. Stamp your foot upon the carpet, and a still greater cloud of them will arise. The sun's rays aid you to see them in that particular place, but they are just as numerous in all other parts of the place as there, though not seen. Shake but an article of clothing, make but the slightest movement, and it will be all-sufficient to greatly increase them. Air laden in this manner with floating matter is the kind that folks usually breathe in-doors. But, if such is the case in a well-kept apartment, what about the condition of the atmosphere inhaled by indus- trial toilers in a thousand and one occupations, who work in-doors ten hours a day, and whose calling requires the unremitting manipulation and rough handling of a great variety of materials that are continually undergoing rapid disintegration? What untold billions of such atoms must be present, and inhaled by them ! Statistics inform us that this is the class from which a vast majority of consumptives come, while those who live an out-door life are almost proof against phthisis. As the air both in-doors and without is identically the same, with the possible exception that that within con- tains infinitely more of the above-mentioned atoms and odors, the question naturally arises as to just what degree they are accountable for the great prevalence of consumption among that class of people. Unnatural methods of living are common to all humanity, so we cannot look to them especially as the cause of the great difference. As it is, we have only spoken of those particles plainly visible, but what the unseen ones number, mathematics WHY PATIENTS SHOULD LIVE AN OUT-DOOR LIFE. 201 only knows. But if we estimate those that are only seen when floating in the sunshine to be fifty to the square inch, and that every such inch in an ordinary room in- doors contains, at least, that many, and then multiply it first by twenty, next by eighteen, and the result by the number of minutes there are in twenty-four hours, and we would find that the average person who lived in-doors breathes-in no less than five hundred ten thousand and four hundred such specks during the above-mentioned period. And, notwithstanding one of the functions of the nostrils is to cleanse the air as it passes through them, a weakened or diseased state of the lungs reacts upon them, and impairs their power to do that work ; hence, in those cases, such floating atoms pass into the other re- spiratory organs, while, in the case of mouth-breathers, we might truthfully assert that most of them go directly into the lungs. Once there, it is evident that all of it that adheres to the mucous surface of any part, oris im- bedded in the diseased cellular structure, must be elimi- nated ; that is, either expectorated or absorbed. We know, however, that the lacteals are not endowed with either the power or function to absorb extraneous matter, and so it remains there till, by its irritating action, it stimu- lates mucus, and it is then expectorated by coughing. This explains why dust will make a person cough. But, even then, the latter cannot be ejected from the lungs without an expenditure of vital force, which accounts for the reason why a person with an organic affection of the lungs feels so exhausted after a severe coughing spell. Another fact of the greatest importance is that res- piration is much easier in the open air than in the house. When a person makes a great muscular exertion, he soon finds himself exhausted, the simple reason being that the effort causes an expenditure of vital force. If the same thing were done in an atmosphere containing but half the requisite amount of oxygen, he would be exhausted just twice as quick on account of the lungs having to labor twice as hard, the general stored-up vital power being used up twice as quick. 202 GENERAL REMARKS. Now, breathing though an involuntary act can only be accomplished through the instrumentality of vital force. The lungs labor for a definite purpose ; namely, to obtain pure air containing oxygen to the extent of one-fifth of its volume. If it contains dust, microbes, humidity, animal mat- ter, odors and gases, and the lungs inhale it in that con- dition, they do not succeed in getting what they want, and so have to labor all the harder for it. And, since every extra effort so made draws upon the vitality of the organism, it is evident that continuous breathing under such great disadvantages is sure to cause a waste of it, and leaves the lungs weaker, especially if an or- ganic disease be present. When a person faints or grows rapidly weak from any cause whatever, windows are thrown open in order that he may breathe easier — which he does ; that is, he obtains the same amount of air with less effort. In a like manner this is in every respect appli- cable to all persons having weak or diseased lungs. In all those cases we find the respiration increased ; that is, there being both a loss of power and capacity, the latter involuntarily have to labor all the harder to supply the organism with the amount of oxygen that it requires, thus causing a continual drain upon the vital force of the system. Knowing, then, that an in-door life makes breathing more labored, and entails the above loss, and that living in the open air makes it not only much easier, but prevents that waste from occurring, it is evident that that is the life to lead for those having weak or affected lungs. Suppose a person with a diseased lung breathes twenty-five times a minute, or thirty-six thousand times in twenty-four hours, or one million and eighty thousand times in a month, and by living in the open air a trifle of vital force is saved with each breath, then it is evident that a million of such trifles saved during that period would be sufficient to leave his lungs much stronger than they otherwise would be had he continued to live in-doors during that time. An out-door life, then, is the one necessary for such a WHY PATIENTS SHOULD LIVE AN OUT-DOOR LIFE. 203 person to live, and any cure proposed for pulmonary phthisis, no matter how scientific or otherwise reasonable it may be, that does not include this as one of its basic principles, will prove fallacious. To be sure, there are many things to consider about sleeping in the open air. Where the climate is very damp, and the land marshy and malarious, we would not advise it, not altogether on account of the risk run, for even then it is never as great as that of sleeping in a close room, but for the very reason that it is not at all necessary, since either a high, dry spot can be chosen just as well, or a condition almost equivalent to it, such as a large, dry, sunshiny room in the upper part of the house, with the windows either taken out or wide open. Indeed, notwithstanding the humidity and malarious state of its air, it would be perfectly feasible on most any part of Long Island for at least eight months in the year. An apartment for sleeping out of doors should be well roofed in, leaving an open space between it and the highest part of the wall, while the latter should be made of latticework on the outside, and cloth on the inside. Lay a good floor, with a space between it and the ground for perfect ventilation, for dampness, mildew or decayed vegetation should not be permitted under it. In this kind of a sleeping apartment, the benefits derived will be equal to that of sleeping in the open air. It will perfectly seclude the patient from draughts and insure a great plenty of pure air. Since the latter is a necessity in the cure of pulmonary phthisis, and nothing can be substituted in its place, then the out-door life is imperative. To be sure, in winter, a large ventilated room, with windows wide open, will suffice quite as well, provided the patient is otherwise properly clothed. Concerning the risk of sleeping in the open air, we have but to refer you to the experience of the Archdeacon Kirby, who, when taking long journeys of eight hundred miles over land on snowshoes in the middle of winter, slept in the snow every night while making the trip. He would simply get into a bag like-gown, made of skins, and, after scooping out a hole in the snow, get into it, 204 GENERAL REMARKS. leaving an open space through which he could obtain pure air, and there he would peacefully rest ensconced for the night, and wake up bright, vigorous and without the slightest indications of a cold in the morning. Not- withstanding Indians and Esquimaux live an out-door life, a great many of them are reported to die of con- sumption. Whether this be true or not, we can't say. "We know that the former are often starved to death or the next thing to it, and so through a loss of vitality in this way may contract that disease. As for the latter, while they live in the open air by day, we know that they shut themselves up in their ice huts in the night, and there, through its long hours, breathe the vilest kind of air ; and, if any of them escape dying with phthisis, they must, indeed, be tough, and such results should teach the weak-lunged person that living in the open air by day, and close room by night, will never do for him or the consumptive. Again, since science has demonstrated that the animal- culee found in stagnant water are instantly killed by the direct rays of the sun, we hold that, as between the air enclosed within the walls of a house and that laden with sun rays, that the latter is the one to breathe. Indeed, since all kinds of germ life require to be protected from the sun's rays in order to exist, it is evident that direct sunshine is death to microbes. Many forms of such life will thrive on the under side of a leaf, its shadow being sufficient to protect them. This is proof that the half- darkened rooms of a house are a very favorable place for the propagation of microbes even in the air, and that, in order to escape inhaling them, the patient must live in the open air and sunshine. PHYSICAL EXERCISES. While one's lungs are diseased he is a very sick pa- tient, and requiring him to take physical exercise is about as absurd as it would be to direct a person to take it having typhoid fever. After the lungs, however, have healed, and the person has regained his weight and PHYSICAL EXEKCISES. 205 strength, he should begin a gentle course of physical culture. Now, the few following hints will be of great service to him by way of making his endeavors a success, if he but bears them in mind. The correct principle to follow in the matter of physical training is to first develop the wind by lung exercises only. To be sure, they will cause a marked development of the thorax, but never sufficient to make it muscle-bound, a thing always to be avoided when beginning to train. Hav- ing developed the wind sufficiently, all training should be from the feet up. This is in accordance with the laws of nature. The tree, without it was well rooted in the earth, would be top-heavy. So, a man should have strong feet and legs under him. This is his foundation, and on it he should build — from below upwards. Developing from above downwards is too much like building in the air. This is the trouble with many athletes. They begin their training by first developing the muscles of their arms and thorax, and as a result rarely have superb wind ; while their legs, being but a secondary consideration, are never as highly developed as the upper part of their body. Now, since a structure can never be stronger than its foundation, so an athlete can never be stronger in his body or arms than he is in his legs. Neither can there be perfect development of the physical system without good wind for a basis. Once that is built up, suppleness and agility are easily acquired, but never when it is lacking. Begin, then, with the feet, and strengthen the whole muscular system from below upwards — calves, thighs, back, abdomen, neck, and, lastly, arms and thorax. All exercises of the latter materially aid the development of the wind, the advantage being, then, to develop it by leaving the muscles of the thorax as supple as possible till the lungs have reached their maximum expansion. For persons who have recovered from severe lung disease, physical exercise should at first be gentle, but made effective by method. Anything like severe training should be avoided, since they always have the effect on them that it does on persons who have over- trained, and as a result, in the parlance of the sporting 206 GENERAL KEMARKS. fraternity, go stale. As for the exercises to take, a work devoted exclusively to that matter is necessary. They should, however, be natural and devoid of all machinery, clubs or heavy dumb-bells. Don't try to be an athlete under any circumstances. TOUE PHYSICIAN. A very serious question now confronts you, and that is to what extent you are to rely on your physician for a cure. Let us see, then, just what he can really do for you. He can give his diagnosis and prognosis of your case ; point out defects in your physical organism, such as a bony protrusion closing up your nostrils, and thus interfering with proper breathing and consequent loss of vital power and vital capacity; the ill consequences of stooping habitually and not standing erect ; the necessity of inhaling pure air all the time; lung exercises that will be beneficial ; prescribe medicine, and give you ad- vice in a general way, concerning a change of climate, proper diet and clothing. What more can he do ? Is it not obvious, then, that no matter what his ability may be that his field is very limited, and that he is no more to be regarded as your sole reliance than your architect would be for the building of your house. Don't think that, because he may possibly be eminent in his profes- sion, that all you have to do is to faithfully take the medicine he prescribes, yet otherwise live not only an abnormal existence as far as the laws of nature are con- cerned, but pretty much the same old life that aided so materially in bringing on your disease. If you do, you will surely be aroused, sooner or later, to the horror of your situation, and realize, in its full significance, that your doctor's reputation was evidently not made in cur- ing phthisis. Who is to blame ? Is his failure to cure you due to his poor treatment, or to your stupid, careless indifference? Don't flatter yourself that you are a far more intelligent patient than he is a skilled physician. Even if you have tried to the best of your ability to do right in all things, it is no proof that you have ; yet, he YOUR PHYSICIAN. 207 could not be held responsible for it. Give an account of yourself while under his treatment. Did you live out- doors most of the time by day, and have your room per- fectly ventilated at night? If you did not, and could not, who is to blame ? Because the weather was a little damp or cold, did you make your room almost air-tight ? Were you not more fearful of catching cold than you were of breathing impure air ? How about being- one of many that gathered evening after evening in a close sitting-room or parlor where the air was not only overheated, but positively unfit for you to inhale. If so, who is responsible for ill consequences ! Did you abide faithfully by the diet he had ordered, avoiding, on all occasions, tea, coffee and highly-spiced food, as well as those infernal condiments, such as mustard, and so forth ? Did you not cater to your old tastes for such things as you liked, rather than make the few little sacrifices that he required of you ? How about those long walks and rides that fatigued you so ? Did you wind up your busi- ness affairs, as he ordered you, or did you keep them going, and, as a consequence, fuss and fret most of the time about them ! Did you succeed in controlling your temper, or, on the contrary, didn't you give way to it on all occasions, and so keep yourself in a highly excitable mental state most of the time? If so, don't blame your doctor ; for, if he were omnipotent, he could not heal you while in that state of mind. Did you comply faithfully with his directions concerning all these things neces- sary to effect a cure in your case ? Did you start the day frequently with having something to do, or somewhere to go, that required, according to your matured thought on the matter, as an essential preliminary, a good cup of cof- fee — weak, of course — followed by a mild cigar, and later on a feeble cocktail, with very little water in it ? You have a great capacity for taking medicine ; how about your ability for acting the part of a wise, thought- ful, discreet patient with depth enough to comprehend the necessity of co-operating with your doctor in his en- deavor to cure you? Don't fume and blame him then ; for, if you are not cured, it will be largely, if not entirely, 208 GENERAL REMARKS. your own fault, as far as that is possible. Or, if a female patient, you not only live indoors most of the time, but how about enjoying your fancies and whims that cause you in many little details to act diametrically op- posite to your physician's explicit directions ? Did you not follow them enthusiastically for a day, then resume the nature of your former do-nothing life, but take your medicine and exist in a way that most effectually elimi- nated everything required of you that possessed in any degree what you are pleased to term "fuss and bother V The plain fact of the matter is you go to your phy- sician to be drugged, and you know it, and so does he, and he forthwith accommodates you. Tou gulp it down w r ith avidity, having the air of a person indulging the blissful fancy that it contains an element that makes en- tirely unnecessary all effort by you; even consider it in the light of a possible tubercular eradicatcr, or the Great Magic Microbe Slayer of the age. It does not oc- cur to you that the logic of the situation is that, if his advice is all fuss and bother, that his prescription cannot possibly be a decoction of concentrated wisdom. If your mind is weak and vacillating, it cannot by any means change it, or act as a substitute for a grand persistency of purpose that counts nothing a sacrifice that is for your welfare, and so rides over all opposition as the emer- gencies of your case demand. He is w r ell aware, and you should know, that medicine or advice can by no means take the place of pure air at all times, plenty of sunshine and sleep, proper nourishment, peace of mind free from all domestic and business troubles, change of climate, the right kind of clothing, lung power and capacity, as well as the wisdom and knowledge that would enable you to take advantage of all things that might in many ways be utilized to your advantage. To be sure, you can go to him occasionally, but bear in mind he cannot be always with you exercising his knowledge, wisdom and judgment in your defense. He cannot eat, sleep, think, act and breathe for you. He can simply be the finger on the guidepost pointing the way you must travel alone. If you depend on him to work miracles on you at so DRUGGING. 209 much per office call, you will find yourself in a short time not only a sadder and wiser but a much sicker person. Bear in mind rather that, if you, and your ancestors be- fore you, transgressed the laws of nature, ignorantly or otherwise, that you must go humbly and submit to her terms as the price of your recovery. Don't imagine that you can ignore her, and substitute any physician's finite knowledge for her inexorable demands. You will find that drugging is not the road to health and happiness, as the millions who have tried in the past would testify had they a voice in the matter. If dissipations, follies and ignorance have successfully plied their insidious arts in the destruction of your health, 'tis not in the potency of medicine to, "hocus-pocus-like," restore you again. Turn to nature and be healed. Your physician is only to be considered when he wisely interprets her teaching for your good. DBUGGING. There is a class of doctors who will drug you if you give them an opportunity, on the plea that you come to them for that purpose, and so it would never do to dis- appoint you. They will do it even when well aware that for thousands of years millions of medical men have tried untold billions of remedies and compounds, and yet have never made a bona fide cure of pulmonary phthisis. They will not do it maliciously, but simply mistake their calling, and say it is professional to prescribe something. They are a class to whom it never seems that their drugs may possibly do great harm to you. They seem to think that because it is given to relieve or aid that any possi- bility of its helping to kill you is out of the question, and yet it is not. Happily, however, in these days, physicians almost universally inform their patients that medicine is only to be regarded as an incidental aid in the cure of phthisis, and never to be entirely relied on. As for heroic drugging, we wish to say that we have never yet met a patient suffering from that disease who had been so treated but what, instead of being helped, had been not 210 GENERAL REMARKS. only seriously harmed, and actually hurried into the grave by it, no matter who the physician was. Then don't burden your already weak organism with shot-gun prescriptions, as each and every one of them is but a blind, harmful experiment, based on a hope to cure, more flighty and erratic, if judged from a serious standpoint, than the aimless wanderings of an insane mind. But, if drugging by the professional is baneful, what is it when you voluntarily make your system a sewerage for such vile nostrums as are usually compounded by illiterate quacks. Then don't, in a moment of weakness and desperation, succumb to the blandishments of their flowery advertisements of sure and magic cures of all pulmonary diseases, and say : " "Well, it only costs a dol- lar a bottle ; I'll try one ; it can't kill me." If you were as sure it would not harm you as you were that it wouldn't kill you, it would be the least matter. As it is, then, if you avoid them, you run no risk of getting your whole system disturbed by them. Furthermore, don't, for a moment, allow yourself to be hoodwinked by those wily philanthropists who have in their possession a prescrip- tion for the cure of consumption that was given them by some dead missionary from some far-off region of the earth, and who, accordingly, advertise, if you communi- cate with them and enclose a two-cent stamp, they will mail you the receipt, in reply, free of cost. Do so, and you will, when you receive it, find en- closed a statement to the effect that while you may, after much annoyance and expense, be able to get the remedy, they can save you all such trouble by sending it directly to you, as the demands made on them for the medicine oblige them to keep it on hand, and if you wish to buy a half dozen bottles at cost they will accom- modate you on the receipt of a five-dollar bill, or a postal order for that amount. If you but stop and consider for a moment, you will readily see that, if the prescription was one of value, it would be easy for the medical pro- fession to obtain it in a like manner and use it univer- sally as a cure for that disease. Then don't permit yourself to be drugged in this DRUGGING. 211 way by becoming the victim of a patent-medicine ven- der. Now, regarding cod-liver oil, and its varied pre- pared emulsions : understand, once for all, that it and all pure fats of any description contain no nutriment or tissue-making properties whatever, but are simply made of hydrogen and carbon, and are known, chemically- speaking, as " hydro-carbonates." To be sure, they will, if properly assimilated, feed the organism with fat, and, in a degree, aid the heating process of the body ; otherwise, they are worthless. It will do no harm for you to take pure cod-liver oil, or any other fat for that matter, pro- vided it agrees with you, and in no manner whatever in- terferes with your appetite for nourishing food. If it does, then stop it at once, as it is indispensable that your stomach should not be disturbed. Don't take any of its emulsions, and you will thus avoid the possibility of taking the other ingredients with which they are compounded, as you will do better with- out them. Never take cod-liver oil, then, with the under- standing that it is a medicine to be taken at all hazards, no matter how it may disturb you. The next thing for you to consider is just how you are to know when a medicine that you are taking agrees with you or not. If you find it disturbs your appetite ; causes headache or roaring in the ear ; nausea, vomiting or loathing of food, sleepiness or great sleeplessness, nervousness, constipa- tion or diarrhoea ; excessive flow of saliva, perspiration ; or, in fact, interferes whatever with the otherwise normal state of any organ or its proper function, then stop it, as the healthy natural action of your system is more essen- tial to a cure of your lung trouble than all such medicines in existence. Don't continue it either for a few days, thinking and hoping that your stomach will get used to it, and that you will then surely begin to feel the good effects of it, for you will be sadly and wofully disap- pointed as well as injured. Even when a remedy is acting well, it should not be taken continually, but at longer and longer intervals, even resting for days between each dose. As for the character of medicine, you should never resort to anodynes, except when in extreme pain, 212 GENERAL REMARKS. and then only by a physician's advice. On the same general principles, opium, in any and all of its forms — such as paregoric and laudanum, dover powders and cough mixtures that may contain it — should be avoided. Don't experiment with yourself either or allow any one else to, or take the million and one specifics that kind and sympathetic friends and neighbors will recom- mend to you, even if they obtain them for you at their own expense, not one of which can possibly cure you. Beware of all kinds of tonics, as they, at best, can only stimulate your system for a few days at most only to leave it later on broken down and worn out. And, as you value your life or have a hope for the future, don't take those cough mixtures that will simply stop the cough for the time being and by no means remove the disease that causes it. These medicines act by simply reducing the power of the cellular tissue involved to attract vibrations from the brain. But every time any pain or disturbance is thus palliated, the part is left in a more negative or weakened condition, making a rapid destruction of the diseased tissue inevitable. MEDICAL TBEATMENT. We have purposely refrained from going into the question of medical treatment for any and all of the diseases mentioned in this work for two very good rea- sons, one of which is that this book is not designed for physicians, but for their patients, and we have no desire to interfere in any manner whatever between them. The other is that we have learned from experience that they, as a class, are not only prone to experimenting on them- selves with different kinds of medicine, but to depend- ing on them also, and thus leaving undone many such important things as lung exercise. We wish to say to the patient that it is all-sufficient for you to faithfully carry into effect the advice given you in this work, and leave the question of medicine exclusively to your physician. Understand, more, that no matter what his MEDICAL TREATMENT. 213 treatment may be, or how skilled he is in its application, it can only prove successful so far as it is founded on the basic principles of a normal life on your part. Your physician will do his best ; but, if you do nothing, or wittingly, or even unwittingly, do your worst, then no matter what the treatment may be, it will avail nothing. We have repeatedly advised you against the fatal mistake of permitting yourself to be drugged, and so we here find it incumbent on us to warn you against going to the other extreme, and taking no medicine whatever, or sub- stituting, as many do, a change of climate for everything, medicine included. The change above referred to is often a necessity, and one without which all other means might fail, more especially in advanced cases ; but it should simply be regarded as a means to an end, and not the only thing to be done on for a cure. A change of climate alone is not to be depended upon to heal these cases, as many a poor soul has realized. A complete circuit of conditions is necessary, and none of them should be omitted nor one be expected to take the place of all the others. The basic principles of right living are pure air, an outdoor life in the sun as far as the patient's condition will permit, as well as a change of climate, when necessary, and lungs exercise. The latter must, under all circumstances, be included, since by them can the lungs be made positive enough to repel all abnormal positive vibrations. Kemedies that also control vomiting after it has con- tinued off and on for a year — almost with the first dose — stop pain, relieve the cough, night sweats, diarrhoea and haemorrhage, and frequently act so powerfully in cases where the lung capacity is still fair as to virtually eradi- cate the whole disease, are not to be cast aside when you make a change of climate. Drugging is one thing, but the giving of minute doses of the specific remedy is quite another. A little of the latter is all that is required, even in the treatment of pulmonary phthisis, and a large quantity of the wrong medicine, or any number of them when compounded, even though they one and all have cyclinic powers, can never take the place of a little of the 214 GENERAL REMARKS. right remedy any more than a good deal of foolishness can take the place of a little common sense. And yet many patients seem to think that, because the dose is large, it must necessarily be the right thing. It is almost universally admitted among physicians in these days that there is not even a remote possibility of a drug being discovered that will ever cure pulmonary phthisis, and that heroic dosing is harmful rather than in any degree beneficial. And, notwithstanding we know there are remedies, when given in minute doses, that will often eradicate all predisposition to a development of that disease, and though we have repeatedly seen every vestige of the complaint disappear under their action, even in the apex and hemorrhagic stages when complicated with a cavity, still, when there is marked loss of lung power as well as capacity, it is not in any kind of medicine, big doses or little ones, to alone bring about a cure, and so, in no case, either in the incipient or advanced stages of this complaint, should we be justified in de- pending entirely on it. Hence, while the small dose is never to be disregarded as a very efficient aid, it is not for a moment to be considered in any other light than such. The design and limits of this work will not permit us to fully enter upon our general course of treatment for the eradication of that disease, and so we are obliged to defer even touching upon that subject. ADVANTAGES OF A SANITAKIUM FOR THE TREATMENT AND CURE OF PULMONARY PHTHISIS. Hospitals are filled with patients having curable dis- eases. Many of them are acute functional disturbances, such as rheumatism, ulceration of the stomach, surgical and lying-in cases. There is a concurrence of opinion among all schools of medicine that almost all diseases are more successfully treated when the patient is governed and controlled by the rules of an institution. But if curable cases which are insignificant compared with pul- SANITARIUM FOR TREATMENT OF PULMONARY PHTHISIS. 215 monary phthisis require the restraining influence of a hospital to obtain the best possible results, surely the phthisical patient is all the more in need of like sur- roundings and restraints in order to make a cure possible. We rarely meet with consumptive patients either in public or private institutions. The fact is they are not wanted, the excuse being that incurable cases are not admitted. Thus, these poor afllicted invalids, with sick bodies and minds, are left to judge and act for them- selves, and so we find them generally drifting from doc- tor to doctor, place to place, and may be clime to clime, as well as otherwise living the life that makes a cure of their case impossible. If there is any class of patients in this world who require constant surveillance and a powerful will to con- trol them, it is this very one. Having an ulcerated as well as other diseased condition of the lungs, they require far more attention than a person having ulceration of the stomach. "Then," you ask, "why put the latter in a hos- pital, and refuse an entrance to the former V It is not that the medical profession are insensible to their condition and suffering, for they are not. For they of all classes of men upon the earth — let them be of whatever school they may — they are doing a noble work; and, doing the best they can, they may well challenge angels to do better. The reason of their non-admittance is that they feel helpless in the presence of this disease, and so have to refuse to burden our institutions with those they cannot heal at the expense of those they can. Still we know — and we wish to have it understood that we do not use that word as synonymous with belief, for we speak not only as a physician, but as a patient who has recovered from an organic affection of the lungs, or pulmonary phthisis in almost the second stage — that a large number of these cases can positively be cured when properly managed and skillfully treated, even in a surprisingly short time, all things being considered. The require- ments are for such patients to be placed either in a public or private institution, where they are free from the world's many annoyances ; where the proper diet can be 216 GENERAL REMAKES. prescribed for each individual case ; physical exhaustion prevented ; squandering of vital force stopped ; the re- cumbent position insisted upon when fever is present ; the skin kept in a state of cleanliness ; proper clothing of the body ; exercise of the lungs at certain definite inter- vals; the colon kept in a perfect hygienic condition; medical treatment given for all functional disturbances ; an out-door life and plenty of sunshine. We know from personal experience that these pa- tients, when affected, are listless, and averse to effort in the way of lung exercise, and, when feeling better, going to the other extreme, and exhaust themselves. They are not easily controlled in private practice, but, when the inmates of an institution, they can be made to meet the requirement of its every rule. AN APPEAL. At the present time, in almost all civilized countries of the world, there are formed societies for the preven- tion of cruelty to animals and children, as well as for other benevolent purposes, all of which are very well in their way. But, when we compare the number of cruel- ties practiced upon animals and children with the world's millions who are annually dying of pulmonary phthisis, it would appear as though the latter were of the fright- ful proportions of a thousand epidemics of the ordinary kind that sweep across a nation, and the former a mere overworked sentiment. Don't understand from this that we are not in favor of these societies ; for we are. But they should not claim philanthropic attention to the exclusion of those just as worthy and helpless, as well as a thousand times as numerous. To be sure, there are a few homes for consumptives, where none are cured, and all die — not an enviable repu- tation to those to whom life is still dear. Then there is left the poor-farm — the pauper's refuge. But pride pleads for the grave rather than dishonor. And so thou- sands refuse to go into them, and shut themselves up in close, unventilated rooms, where they unwittingly outrage AN APPEAL. 217 every law of health, and otherwise make impossible any hope of cure, while they eke out the remainder of their days. Hidden from the world's gaze, it has scarce an idea of their existence, and where is there even an obscure hamlet in the world that has not its quota of these suffering mortals ? Talk about the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man — are they not worthy even of the sympathy given animals? Are idiots and insane of more consequence than they? Then, why should not every State in the Union have its sanitarium for these afflicted ones, situated even in another State, where they could live practically an out-door life in the sunshine most of the year around ? And, as far as phil- anthropic bequests are concerned, why should academies and colleges that are often self-supporting and generally patronized by the wealthy receive most of them, and nothing done for this class so worthy of all help and sym- pathy? And why should not the various religious denominations make an effort to save such of their mem- bers as may be stricken with this disease by starting self-supporting institutions into which they could enter in honorable standing at a very reasonable rate per week? Let us not turn away the poor, either; for, " being of God, inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto Me." If we are to " praise God, from whom all blessings flow," it seems that we should divide some of them with those who need them as much as they do. While of those whole-souled philanthropists let me inquire if you know on God's green earth any class of people more worthy of your charity than this same class. Which would be the more pleasing to you — to help cram a student's head with Latin and Greek, or stop suffering and save lif e ? This is work for angels to do ; and we are satisfied that institu- tions could be started — an entrance to which might be brought within the means of almost any poor mortal — where scientific efforts could be made to cure, and not merely palliate, their sufferings.