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THE
WATER-CURE MANUAL:
A POPULAR WORK,
EMBRACING
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARJOUS MODES OF BATHING, THE HYGI-
ENIC AND CURATIVE EFFECTS OF AIR, EXERCISE, CLOTH-
ING, OCCUPATION, DIET, WATER-DRINKING, &C.
TOGETHER WITH
DESCRIPTIONS OF DISEASES,
AND THE HYDROPATHIC MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN. ILLUSTRATED
WITH CASES OF TREATMENT AND CURE. CONTAINING, ALSO, A
FINE ENGRAVING OF PRIESSNITZ.
a eR ee NSS
“He that. judgeth a matter before hearing it, is not wise.”
BY JOEL SHEW, M.D.
NINTH THOUSAND, IMPROVED.
NEW YORK:
FOWLERS AND WELLS, 131 NASSAU STREET.
LONDON: C. DONOVAN, 7 KING WILLIAM STREET.
1849.
fils:
CONTENTS
VINCENT PRIESS
Meaning of the ter
Graefenbere—Acco
effects of Water-
Graetenberg—Exp
ter-Patients—Wha'
and cases of cure iessnitz’s obstacles and fin
berg—Priessnitz’s a ‘Slander refuted. :
pen
Z AND THE WATER-CURE ..
er-cure—Description of Freiwalde
WATER es e es
—Beauty of Water—Effects in Fev. Deliri ualities of Water—Wa-
ter in the Vicinity of Burying-grounds—Large amo Water in Food,
CHAP
THE “DRINKING OF WATER. 2 Ac ee 35-51
The Drinking of Water—Opinions of Hippocrates and Galen—Pliny, Celsus, Hoff
man, and Hufeland—Halm, Zimmerman, and Sir John Floyer—The London
Lancet and Dr. Cheyne—Dr. Franklin a Water-drinker—Does Man naturally
ertion and fatigue—Treatment for injury of this kind—Dr. Currie’s plan—Rules
for Water-drinking—Drinking at Meals—Drs. Wilson and Gully controverted—
Drinking for acidity of the Stomach, Heart-burn, and Thirst, caused by improper
food—Wind on the Stomach—Hickup—Ice and Iced Water for Bleeding from
the Stomach—Ice and Cold Drinks best ia Cholera—Constipation of the Bowels
—Mineral Waters—Headache—The Teeth—Effects of Water on the Skin—In Pal-
pitation of the Heart—Vomiting by Water—Water vomiting in Poisoning, and a
case—How to check Vomiting. v7,
er:
| : CHA PIPER ER "EV -°
THE ENEMA, CLYSTER, INJECTION OR LAVEMENT . 51—55
The Enema valuable in Constipation—The remedy may be used tepid or cold, ae-
cording to the nature of the case—Soothing and beneticial efects of Injectisns—
X
ets
Stig <
"WN sh
C2634
, poem)
See yy
é
CONTENTS.
Good in Dysentery, Cholera-morbus, Cholera Infantum—Explanation of their
effects—Good in Cholics—In Childbirth—Uterine Hemorrhage, Painful Menstru
ation, Inflammation of the Urinary passages, of the Vagina and the Womb—Piles
and Hemorrhoids—Injection of Air into the Bowels.
CHAPTER. VY.
BATHING AND DESCRIPTION OF BATHS ©% . . . 55-78
Water an old Remedy—Abreibung or Rubbing Wet-Sheet—Dr. R. H. Graham con-
troverted—Towel Bath—Sponge Bath—Shower Bath—Often wrongly used—
Should not be taken on the esd Becks 4 in a ness—Obstinacy—General
directions concernil —| urrie’s Practice—Plunge
of Rheumatism—F ighting
Dogs quell y ism—A Baptist clergyman
} ; Disease—Priessnitz’s Plunging
of Douches—Effects of the
ato Bathe—Half Bath—Its
Bath—Sitz or Hip Bath
Bath—Cold Foot Bath—
pita Detekae at Cuan
Douche in diffe rent diseases—Wave Bath—How
h—Its
3) tee
very of the Wet Sheet—
—Its Poultice Effects—Its
eet—Soothing Effects of the
be g after the Wet Sheet—Its use
ar Inflammatory Diseases—Becoming cold in the Wet Sheet—Heat
and Fulness in the —The Wet Sheet in Domestic Practice—Its use at night—
Water absorbed from th Sheet ?- et Compresses, Bandages, Fomenta-
tions, ete.—Cooling Wet | pI —The Warming or Stimulating—The Sooth-
ing—Warm and Hot Fo ot used by Priessnitz—Wet. Girdle—Oil
and India Rubber Cloth Bandages not of goed effect—Water Dressings for Cuts
and Wounds—German Water Dressing—Treatment of Proud Flesh#
CHAPTER VII.
FHE COOL .OR COLD: AIR BATH...) .6- <7 ee eee eee
Cold air a powerful application, as was observed by Franklin—The Cold Air Bath
may be used with advantage after Passive Sweating—Cool air a most valuable
agency in Fevers of whatever kind—A striking case tram Dr, Currie—Effects of
Cold Air in a case of Rheumatism—Delirious and insane Pops sometimes go
into Cold Air, and are benefited thereby. i ue
CHAPTER VIII.
THE VAPOR BATH AND SWEATING PROCESS. . ._
Opinions concerning the effects of the Vapor Bath—The Vapor Bath ma may t be vrongely
used, so also the ‘Sweating in Blankets—Thompsonians or Steam-Doctors—’ Too
little regard paid to the skin—-A Case—A singular Prescription—The Wet Sheet a
more convenient application for general use than the Vapor Bath—The Vapor Bath
not necessarily a Sweating Application—Alternations from Warmth te Cold often
useful-——Sweating Process not so much used by Priessnitz as formerly—How
pt
CONTENTS.
~
does Sweating operate /—Sweating in Blankets—'l'epid, Warm, and Hot Applica-
tions of Water—Warm and Tepid Wet-Sheet—Warm Baths often good—Treat-
ment of a severe case of Quinsy by the Vapor Bath—Good effects of Vapor Bath
in a case of severe Cold—Warm Springs of Arkansas—Temperature of Baths—
Cautions in the use of Water. o
Cr bet. ie tet ee
CRITICAL SYMPTOMS AND CRISIS IN WATER-CURE 109-113
Hippocrates observed Critical Symptoms in Disease—What Crisis is—Water often
causes it—Boils as a Crisis—The more freely these discharge the better—Boils
appear after Small-pox treated by Water—Very cold Water not necessary to
bring out Boils—Boils are generally reckoned good—Diarrhea as a crisis—Fever-
ishness and Sweating—Old Drug Symptoms return often in Crisis—Philosophy
of Crisis—Treatment. ee
CHAPTER X. — ?
EXERCISE, AIR, ; aoe LIGHT, AND SLEEP . 113-126
Healthfulness of Exercise—Ill effects of insufficient Exercise at Young Ladies’
Boarding Schools—Exercise one of the most important parts of the Water-cure
—Habits at Graefenberg—Rules of Exercise—Advantages of breathing Pure Air
—Sleeping Apartments in general badly Ventilated—Franklin’s art of procuring
pleasant dreams—Clothing—Too much generally worn—Hats and Ca s—F lannel
—Its Use—Not good next to the Skin—Irregularity in wearing Clothing—Low-
necked dresses not good—Clothing of Infants—Swathing of new-born Infants as
generally practiced, bad—How the practice was commenced—Practice of the
Caribs, 170 years ago—The Araucanian Indians—Bed-Clothing and Sleep—Light
—lll-effects of want of Light in European cities—Fashionable dark Parlors. —
bn ~ ‘ panies A
oo ae
aba.
if
e4 ee: ee
PART II.
| CH AP TE RT.
DESCRIPTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES . . 127-250
Phrenitis, Inflammation of the Brain or Brain Fever—Symptoms—The Disease
varies much in degree—Causes—A dangerous Disease when severe~A case il-
lustrating the Treatment of Brain Fever—Water on the Brain of Children—
Head-ache—Sick Head-ache—Apoplexy—Paralysis or Palsy—Ear-ache—Tooth-
ache, and Preservation of the Teeth—Teething of Children—Stomatitis, or cank-
er of the Mouth—Quinsy, or Inflammation of the Throat—Tonsilitis—Larynyitis
and Croup—Pleurisy—Inflammation of the Lungs—Bronchitis—Asthma—Bleed-
ing from the Lungs—Whooping Cough—Heart Disease—Inflammation of the
Stomach—Spasms of the Stomach—A Case at Sea—Bleeding from the Stomach
—Dyspepsia or Indigestion—A Case—Inflammation of the Liver—Jaundice—
Biliousness—Inflammation of the Bowels—A Remarkable Case—Inflammation
of the Petitoneum—Colic-—Piles—Itching of the Lower Bowel—A severe case of
CONTENTS.
Piles, Constipation, Neuralgia, etc.—Diarrhea—Dysentery—A Case—Cholera—
Bible Christians—The “Grahamites’—Worms in the Bowels—Inflammation of
the Kidneys—Diabetes, or Chamber-pot Dropsy—Gravel—Stone in the Bladder—
Difficulty of voiding Urine—Bleeding from the Kidneys and Bladder—Venereal
and other Private diseases—Fevers—Typhus Fever—Remittent and Intermittent
Fevers—Yellow Fever—Ague and Fever—Cases—Small Pox—Cases—Chicken
Pox—Scarlet Fever—Measles—Scalds and Burns—Cases—Erysipelas—Cases—
Gout and Rheumatism—Cases Hydrophobia—Convulsions—Dropsy— W hitlow
—Lock-Jaw—Corns—Frost Bite—Crushings and Bruises—Inverted Toe-nail—
Weak and Inflamed Eyes—Bleeding from the Nose—Painful Menstruation—
Suppressed Menstruation—Colds—Habitual Coldness of the Feet—Scrofula, or
King’s Evil—Cancer—Consumption—Cases—Miscellaneous Cases—Pregnancy
and Childbirth—A very Remarkable Case. ipa
_..dOeAeP TER It. :
DIET AT GRAEFENBERG AND REMARKS ON FOOD. 201-266
Priessnitz’s Diet too much spoken against—It may be improved in some respects—
Butter used in moderation among the Germans—Simplicity of the morning and
evening meal at Graefenberg—Dinners—Innutritious Matter in Food necessary
to Health—Physiologival Principles explained—F acts in-[llustration—Interesting
experiments at the Albany Orphan Asylum.
eee CHAPTER III.
HISTORY OF THE DISCOVERIES OF PRIESSNITZ . 266-277
Accidental Cures—Case of U. J. Colvin, Esq.—The Umschlag, or Wet Bandage—
Lein-tuch or Wet Sheet—Douche—Sweating Process—Half Bath—Abreibung,
or Rubbing Wet-Sheet—Opposition of the Medical Faculty to Priessnitz.
.. QCHAPTERAIV. Oia
EFFECTS OF WATER IN INTOXICATION oe ts a eet
A Curious and Remarkable Case—Do Boils often occur in the Water-Treatment?
—Drs. Wilson and Gully controverted—Bathing should be practiced during the
Menstrual Period.
PREFACE.
SomEeTHING upwards of four years ago, it became the
privilege of the author to commence, ina small way, the
introduction of the new system of water in the city of New
York. A little upwards of three years since, he prepared
a work entitled “ Hydropathy, or the Water-Cure,’’ and
soon after a cheaper one, designed for more general circu-
lation, “‘ The Hand-Book of Hydropathy.”? These works
have had considerable circulation, and the editions are now
nearly exhausted. It is under these circumstances, that
the present volume has been prepared.
Considering the time the author has practised the new
mode, he has had a very considerable share of experience
therein. This work, as will be seen, is mainly an original
one, and contains the results of his own observations and
experiments. An apology, however, is due, for the manner
in which it is written. The author’s duties have been so
very numerous and arduous, it has been impossible for him
to give that care and-attention to style and method of ar-
rangement desirable. Partly during the storms and calms
at sea, partly during a short stay at Grafenberg, and
vi PREFACE.
partly while in attendance upon the sick, but more dur-
ing hours that should have been devoted to sleep, this
little volume has been prepared. For inaccuracies in
style, then, the friends of the system will excuse the
author, he cannot otherwise than believe. But for the
principles of practice herein contained, he will be con-
sidered strictly responsible.
The water treatment, so called, practised to a greater
or less extent in all ages and periods of time, but owing
its origin as a distinct and permanent system to VINCENT
PriessnimZz, is the greatest discovery, the greatest improve-
ment, which ever yet came to man. In connexion with
the many other valuable works that have been written
on the subject, may this aid in the promulgation of the
great principles of the cause.
THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
CHAPTER I.
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ, GRAFENBERG, AND THE WATER-CURE.*
“ Discover what will destroy life, and you area great man,—what will
prolong it, and you are an impostor. Discover some invention in ma-
chinery that will make the rich more rich, and the poor more poor, and
they will build you a statue! Discover some mystery in art that will
equalize disparities, and they will pull down their houses to ea you.”
ULWER.
Frrewatpav is a small German town of three thou-
sand inhabitants, situated in a somewhat narrow valley,
extending between two portions of the mountains named
Sudates, of Austrian Silesia, Germany. Persons who
have read of this place as being a “dirty little town,”
will be agreeably disappointed in visiting it, provided
they have within them the spirit of candor, by which to
judge of men and things. The brisk streams of exceed-
ingly pure, limpid water that pass through Friewaldau, run
swiftly, and large water-wheels, like those of a steamboat,
* The best term, perhaps, for the treatment by water, is the plain
English one, Water-Cure. Somewhere, it has taken the name of Ay-
dropathy. This has been a source of sneering on the part of objectors
to the treatment, inasmuch as the term signifies water-disease, instead
of water-cure. The Germans call it wassercur (wasserkoor.) Hydrothe-
rapeutics, which means, healing with water, has been used by some, So,
also, the word Hydriatics.
1*
10 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
are erected over them, with the paddles extending into the
water, and thus the wheels are made to turn. By this
means, manufacturing purposes of different kinds are car-
riedon. There appear to be no cascades in these small
streams, such as we often find in New England and some
other parts, but there is gradual and yet rapid descent. The
houses have a—cleanly aspect; still there is not that air of
neatness seen in many of our American villages. Every-
thing bears the impress of quiet and simplicity; and, from
the number of crucifixes and images frequently to be met
with, we must conclude that these industrious people are
not unmindful of sacred things. A candid person, of what-
ever belief, could hardly object to the religious observances
here seen, provided no undue importance is attached to
them. One thing is certain; the inhabitants of these rude
mountain’ parts are remarkably kind and honest in their
dealings with their fellow-men. A boot-maker makes you
a pair of boots, or a tailor a coat; he works for days extra,
if need be, and without charge, to make a fit; but if you
try to beat him down in price, he is displeased, and will
not thank you for your work. Going, at evening, up the
mountain to Grafenberg, a stranger, you meet a fruit-wo-
man returning home; you wish to buy of her some fine,
costly grapes ; you cannot make change ; so she tells you,
(by her actions, if you cannot understand her language,)
that she will trust you to another day. The next morning
you see her among the fruit-women, up at Priessnitz’s ;
but she does not intrude upon you with her dun. You go
towards her, with your hand full of change, and she smiles,
to see that you remember the grapes: and, if you cannot
speak a word of German, know nothing of the currency,
and are with her alone, you may be certain she will take
from you not one fraction over her regular price. Such,
as a rule, appear to be the habits of the German peasants,
whether Protestant or Catholic, in these parts.
This beautiful valley at Friewaldau, extends in a direc.
tion nearly east and west. The mountains, each side, rise
to about twelve hundred feet, and are made up of pleasant
eminences and slopes, varying in appearance and height,
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 1l
and are mostly arable, tothe very tops. Portions of plough
land and beautiful forest are interspersed.
Grafenberg® is a small colony of some twenty houses,
and is situated about half-way up one of these mountains,
having a southerly exposure, as nearly as I can recollect, of
the sun at mid-day. From a point a little way off, we
have an extended view upon the plains of Prussia. The
mountain-tops, the hill-sides, the valley, and, in fact, every-
thing the eye can reach, is, by nature, beautiful in the ex-
treme. The air is as pure and exhilarating as can be con-
ceived ; springs, in almost every direction, are found gush-
ing forth, and the water is of purity and softness rarely
to be met with. A more fit place than this could not be
found in which for Providence to raise up an humble pea-
sant genius, whose lot should be to present to the world the
greatest improvement yet known to man.
A person comes from the refined cities, London or Paris,
er he may have made his way from New York, or from
some other part of our country, across the wide Atlantic.
He has, we will suppose, some inveterate malady, of
which all ordinary means have failed to bring relief. He
has, we may imagine, some disease of a limb, that the
best and most experienced in surgery have declared could
never be removed. Persons of similar, ailment have fre-
quently been cured by Priessnitz; and now the person,
after a long, tedious journey, arrives at the far-famed spot.
He looks upon that most wonderful man of whom he has
heard so much ; and strange asit may appear, his extreme
simplicity of manners and appearance is equalled only by
his goodness, and his goodness by the simplicity of the sys-
tem he practises. The emotions of such an invalid can
be imagined only by those who have been similarly circum-
stanced, and have themselves resorted to the place.
The learned may say, as often has been, of VINcENT
Prigssnitz, that these most wonderful cures. are easy
* Grafenberg is situated about 18 English miles from Neissé, ‘70 from
Breslau, 260 from Berlin, 200 from Dresden, 160 from Prague, 63 frarr
Olmutz, and 175 from Vienna.
12 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
enough,—that it is not water-cure, but more the imagina-
tion, the pure air, the exercise, the mental repose, the regu-
larity of habits, and the temperance observed ; or that it is
not by one circumstance, but by a combination of favorable
agencies, that these cures are performed. What candid man
does not know that all this is neither more or less than
Priessnitz and all his followers advocate as being true ; and
one thing is certain,—the practice of this man has been at-
tended with a greater degree of success than that of any other
individual who has ever lived. No honest, well-informed
physician will deny this,—not one. Facts are facts, and
cannot be overthrown. With this immense power of mind,
combined with the most artless simplicity and honesty of a
child, to what more envious reputation than that of Priess-
nitz, can the human heart aspire ?
It is wonderful to witness the power of one man’s mind
over that of other men. Priessnitz is, according to the
world’s ways, unlearned ; and yet, in different countries,
learned men have formed institutions like his. Some of
these are ‘sumptuously arranged, and possess every luxury
and convenience of civilized life ; yet Priessnitz receives
two, if not four times more patients than any of these. Since
the dawn of Christianity, more than that of any other hu-
man being, will the light of Primssnitz pass, as the sun
through the air, into the minds of men. ;
I shall be accused of undue enthusiasm, I know. It can-
not be said, however, that I am _ prepossessed in favor of
Priessnitz, from long acquaintance and favors received.
My stay with him was only short. It is true, I had, for
years, practised his system, and with results at which I
could not complain; his teachings, too, had, through the
providence of God, come to me indirectly, from afar. From
the treatment Priessnitz has too often received, he could not
be expected to lavish favors upon an educated physician ;
nor does he, in any instance, give written recommendations,
since every man’s work, like his own, recommends, neces-
sarily, itself. I honor Priessnitz greatly. I respect his
rare ability and honesty, I trust, in accordance with his
worth. — |
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. a0
What, in future ages, are to be the results of this great
man’s work? A patient asks of his physician, ‘“ What do
you think of the water-cure ?” He answers, “Oh, water
is a very good thing,—a good thing in its place, as we al-
ways have known; and diet,’ and air, and exercise, and
cleanliness, are all good, certainly, as none of us deny.
People do not need medicine, if they will but give atten-
tion to these.” -But, says the patient, “If these means are
so useful, why have you not told us before? We become
sick, and send for you. You set one poison to catch another ;
and mischief, you admit, often results. You cause disease
in one part, with the hope of curing it in another. You
admit that, on the whole, more harm than good is done
in the healing art.”
There are, then, two striking facts relating to the pro-
gress of water-cure at thisday. Physicians admit the power
of our means, and contend for medicine only as the excep-
tion to the rule. Second: It is notorious, how little confi-
dence medical men have in the profession at large. Sweep,
say they, al/ medical practice from the world, and there is
at once a diminution of disease, suffering, and premature
death. Can we have confidence in the work of such a pro-
fession as this ?
Again: Teetotalism, with all its blessings, is yet, as many
see, a thing far short of what it ought to be. It is true,
many a broken heart has been healed; many a wife made
happy again ; and many a wanderer brought back from the
error of his way ; but yet, so long as temperance goes no
further than alcohol, there is great reason to fear that the
movement will retrograde. If men persist in loving stimu.
lation, they will be very apt to get back in the old way. If
tea, coffee, tobacco, and medicinal stimulants are continued,
who shall determine how many will be driven back 2
Priessnitz comes then before the world with doctrines,
carried out in practice, that are in advance of all former
times. He_says practically, “It isa law of nature, thatin
the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread. The sluggard,
‘the gormand, and the inebriate, cannot have health at any
price. Health, like truth and every thing good, must. be
14 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
wrought for. Perform honest labor daily in the open air,
pe cleanly, be seasonable in your hours, drive away the
ten thousand useless corroding cares of artificial life. Be
temperate in all your actions and habits. Tea, coffee,
tobacco, heating spices, afd exciting condiments, all act
upon the same principle of drug substances, and should be
avoided, if you wish to enjoy happiness and health.” Now
all this, and much more, Preissnitz says, and the most re-
markable part of the matter is, he is great enough to induce
men to carry out in practice the doctrines he insists upon.
It is one thing to assert a truth, and very different to bring
men to act according to it.
The moral effects of the great system of Priessnitz should
not be lost sight of. It is said, “cleanliness is next to god-
liness.”? We do not see the cleanly, sober, industrious,
temperate and healthy man, committing evil deeds. ‘The
quarrelsome, the licentious, and the wicked, we shall find,
ali have their improper dietetic and physical habits, and that
these have preceded the moral evils such persons practise.
“Jt is always,” says Priessnitz, “the weak and enervated
who are the most sensual and debased.”” “The healthy
man has pure tastes, independently of his greater self-com-
mand.”
I express feebly, I am aware, my convictions concern-
ing the merits of Vincent Priessnitz; I appeal to those
who have had the best opportunities of becoming ac-
quainted with the man, if I have estimated his merits too
highly. If I have in any wise exaggerated, there is little to
fear but that the truth will soon become known. To no
living man probably is there more of the world’s attention _
at this time directed, than to Vincent Priessnitz, of the moun-
tains of Germany. |
A considerable number of individuals from our country
have already been under treatment at Grafenberg. I have
myself sent patients there. While lately in Germany, I
was most happy in travelling in company with Mr. Stiles,
our very worthy Charge d’Affaires at Vienna. He having
been subject, more or less, for years, to a complication of
ehronic ailments, was cured the past summer by Priessnitz.
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 15
He is a most ardent admirer of the new practice. My friend
and patient, Mr. D. A. Cushman, of this city, was with
Priessnitz at the same time with Mr. Stiles, and was himself
much benefitted, as he had also been by a course of treat-
ment just before leaving home.
There are many in our country who, through excessive
mental care and labor, injurious modes of medical treat-
ment, and neglect of due attention to dietetic and other
hygienic habits, have brought upon themselves inveterate
ailments. ‘hese cases often resist all ordinary modes of
treatment. In great numbers of cases of this kind, it is
acknowledged on all hands, that drug medicines do no good,
but on the contrary, as a general fact, decided harm.
Persons of this class, who can contentedly leave home, will
‘In no way do so wellas to resort to Grafenberg. We have,
it is true, a number of very good water institutions in this
country, but none of them possess all the advantages of a
rude mountain location, like Grafenberg ; nor is there proba-
bly any water so pure in any establishment yet formed in this
country, as that used by Priessnitz, besides the long journey
to Grafenberg, the separation from mental cares and excite-
ments, are circumstances highly favorable. The voyage
across the Atlantic, if understandingly prosecuted, has many
“advantages. ‘The sea-sickness, which almost all must expe-
rience, is unpleasant enough, and always of itself injurious ;
the fasting, patients are compelled to practise in connexion,
generally more than compensates the harm, and in some
cases works wonders. ‘This is especially true if pure soft
water, like the Croton, is at the time freely drank. People
latterly are beginning to learn the value of this practice.
The mental repose, the agreeable and entertaining society
of those very excellent masters of our American ships, the
alternations to manly exercises in climbing the ship’s rig-
ging, the promenades, the pure invigorating air, the pleasant
calms and majestic storms often experienced at sea, consti-
tute likewise a change, in many instances attended with the
best results. No person, however, of very feeble frame
should undertake a journey to Grafenberg, or a voyage
across the wide ocean, without first obtaining the advice of
16 ; THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
some competent physician who has himself been at sea.
Fresh air, water, exercise and diet, powerful means as they
are, will not cure every thing as we of the new system are
sometimes accused of advocating. It will be well, more-
over, in many instances, for persons to make a beginning in
water treatment at home, before undertaking a voyage to
Europe.
The expense of going to Grafenberg for a cure will ne-
cessarily detain many from the attempt. It is easy, how-
_ever, by economy, to go cheaply. There are now very
good ships that sail regularly to Hamburg. A person, going
by one of these, arrives at’ Grafenberg for less than one
hundred dollars. In Priessnitz’s establishment all expenses
for advice, treatment, servants’ fees, &c., amount to about five
dollars per week. At Friewaldau, the town in the valley,
thirty or forty minutes walk from Grafenberg, patients can
remain for less, having at the same time the medical care
of Priessnitz. In England the cost is three to four times as
much as at Priessnitz’s.
As an instance of the favorable effects of a very plain
diet, which is also an example of cheap living, Priessnitz
told me of a lady patient of his at Friewaldau, who had
been in all the refinement and luxury, so-called, of Euro-
pean life, who was at that time (Nov. 1846) living simply+
upon brown bread and water, with a small quantity of milk.
Her food cost daily 12 kreutzer, or between nine and ten
cents, American money. She was doing remarkably well.
Lodgings may here be obtained at one dollar, or even less,
per week. A bath attendant will need about fifty cents per
week (the price in Priessnitz’s own house), and the fee
for Priessnitz’s attendance is, say one dollar per week, al-
though many increase it two-fold or more. A patient then
may be treated at Freiwaldau at a very low price, having
at the same time the advice of Priessnitz.
One objection to some establishments in this country is
the high price charged. This however will not last long.
There are certainly, among our hills and mountains, and in
our forests, places where establishments may be formed so
that patients may resort to them at a very moderate price.
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 17
Most articles of food are cheap in this country ; patients
who are able to walk about, and do most of their treatment
without aid, as they should to obtain the best effects, may
be received into a rude mountain establishment for at most
a half dollar per day, including the advice of the physician ;
and indeed, if they furnish their own bedding, blankets, &c.,
there is no reason why a smaller sum may not be taken,
provided the concern is got up in some mountain district,
where the soil and water may be had at a very low price.
A great number of persons in this country need water treat-
ment, who will be deprived of going to an establishment
unless some cheap one is formed. Such there should be in
this country, and such we shall soon have, with competent prac-
titioners at the head of them. The water system is admi-
rably calculated for home practice, as I have always con-
tended. We can have towels, wet sheets, wash-tubs, wa-
tering-pots, and injection-pipes, every where, and with these
simple contrivances strong work can be done. But as
things exist, there are many advantages arising from the
gathering patients together in an establishment.~ At home
the patient is often annoyed by the fears, importunities,
and meddlesomeness of friends. “ Water will kill you.”
—‘ ‘You will certainly starve to death.”— These water
doctors kill a great many folks.”,—‘‘How bad you are
getting to look.”—‘‘ Oh, my husband, I dreamed last
night that I saw you die, and water killed you; why will
you use cold water?” Such are the expressions the pa-
tient is annoyed with; and besides all this, he is often
thwarted in his efforts, and is unable to carry out his reso-
lutions, however good, amid the temptations and luxuries
of home. In an establishment we have the increased influ-
ence of numbers. ‘The strong uphold the weak. There
are always here resolute, industrious, and persevering men
and women, who enter right heartily into the work. The
example of one man influences the many ; and better than
all, you have the personal practice of the presiding genius
of the establishment to guide you. He lives, and eats and
drinks with you, and if he be true to his calling, exhibits in
his own life, physical and moral, the precepts you are to follow.
18 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
So important is it that every individual sustain his every
faculty, bodily and mental, to the highest possible piteh,
patients should take to heart the duty of doing every thing
in their power by which to regain health. If you place
confidence in your physician, follow his directions implicitly.
Let there be no lack on your part, and then you hold him
responsible for what he promises. If you shirk any part
of his treatment, you give him a loop-hole to get out.
Priessnitz, like every practitioner, has difficulty on this
score. Not unfrequently it is necessary for him to make |
an example of some one, who becomes delinquent, and will
not follow out the work. He is the easiest man in the
world to get along with; simple and artless as a child.
He does not get ill-tempered, but if you disobey him by
not carrying out his reasonable requisitions, you will find
it is no small man with whom you have to do.
A water establishment-ought by rights to be away from
all bad influences, as in a forest place. ‘There should be
allowed no tippling, no candy-shops, no confectioners, or
the like. At Freiwaldau, on a convenient side of the town
next to Priessnitz’s, there is a confectionary establishment
which appears to be supported principally by the water-
cure patients. Every patient knows Priessnitz is much
displeased. He has been the means of building up one
half or more of the best of the town, and brings a great
deal of money there. In every sense of the word, it is
wrong for such an establishment to be kept up contrary to
his wishes. Noone, however, is to blame so much as some
of the patients. I met a friend -at Priessnitz’s, (I say a
friend, for so far away from home every American seems
a near friend,) who had closed up his business and went to
Grafenberg, so that if possible to get a cure. He made it
a serious matter with him. He complained rather of being
not the slightest better, although he had been there a num-
ber of weeks. Now, it may seem strange, I saw this friend
in that confectionary establishment, feasting upon-the good
things, cure or no cure, as the case might be. Poor human
nature, is indeed weak !
It will not be uninteresting to the frieads of water, to learn
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 19
that Priessnitz has been well rewarded in a pecuniary way
for the services he has rendered the world. From being a
very humble farmer in circumstances, he has, through in-
dustry and the strictest honesty, become very rich. He is
now estimated to be worth nearly a million of dollars. All
his wealth and honors, however, make no difference with
him in his appearance or actions. The past year, the king
of Austria, as is said, presented him with the highest medal
awarded by the government. Distinctions without number
have been conferred upon him ; but he is yet the same sim-
ple, plain, unpretending man. Should you meet him among
the mountain peasants and farmers, you could not distin-
guish him from the rest by his clothing. It is as plain and
homespun as their’s. «You see him, however, as one whom
you delight to look upon. Indeed, you would know that
you were in the presence of no ordinary man, but yet so
humble and unpretending is his appearance, you know not
why you are thus impressed.
Anecdotes of Priessnitz, and cases of cure.—lIt is due to
Priessnitz, and the great system he has so ably brought
forth for the world, that as many facts as possible that have
transpired during his career, be recorded. In giving some _
details of this kind, I shall make myself indebted to the va-
rious authorities that have fallen in my way, especially to
the very excellent work of Captain Claridge, of England.
Priessnitz, as is now generally well understood, derived
his first knowledge of the curative effects of water, by acci-
dent. Those only who have been at Grafenberg, and are
aquainted with the modes -in which the affairs of Govern.
ment are carried on in the Austrian part of Germany, can
have any adequate idea of the difficulties he had to contend
with. ’ In this, our country of experiments, changes and re-
forms, the matter would be very different. The sick saw
his first cures upon himself and others, and it was only of
the best part of human nature that they should desire his
aid, although he was not by law allowed to practise the heal-
ing art. Medical men growing envious, he was arraigned
before the authorities as an impostor. There is one amusing
anecdote about this matter. Priessnitz had the credit
20 THE. WATER-CURE MANUAL.
of curing a miller of the gout. The miller’s former physi-
cian was wrathful, and prosecuted Priessnitz for practising
without license. The miller was summoned before the
court to give his testimony, and being inquired of as to
who had relieved him, answered, ‘‘ Both—the doctor of my
money, and Priessnitz of my gout.”” Whatever may have
been true in this case, it is demonstrated now, that a great
many might in truth affirm of their doctors and Priessnitz,
as did the miller of Freiwaldau.
Priessnitz was, however, at length fined, and forbidden to
goon with his operations. Confident in the truth and
merits of his system, and backed by those he had been so
fortunate as to cure, he appealed against the decision of the
* court, and it was set aside. By this time the governmental
authorities at Vienna began to take an interest in his pro-
ceedings, and sent a medical commission of inquiry to his
establishment. It was a fortunate thing that old Baron
Turkheim, the head of the medical department, a man cele-
brated for his liberality, independence, and scientific ac-
quirements, was also at the head of this commission. He
staid some time at Grafenberg, and on his return to Vienna,
being at a medical meeting, he was asked what he thought
of the “new charlatanism ?”’ when he replied, “ Priessnitz is
an honest man, and no impostor ; and his mode of treatment
is more successful than ours; believe me, gentlemen, you
have much to learn from this countryman.”
The world persists in having no confidence in simple
means. Disease is reckoned a living something within, that
can only, be killed by substances harsh and powerful.
Through centuries traditions have been handed down, and
fallacies perpetuated. ‘Thus simple agencies have not ob-
tained. It issoin every country. I have administered
water emetics, and physicians have asked the friends grave-
ly, if they were-sure I put no medicine in the water. So with
injections, the same question has been asked, in this enlight-
ened city of New-York, and in the middle of the nineteenth
century. The same lack of knowledge concerning the effect
of a very simple means, was exhibited by the medical
commission just referred to. They analyzed the Grafen-
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 21
berg water to discover its mystic virtues! but how were they
disappointed to find it was nothing but pure spring water!
Then the sponges used at first by Priessnitz, it was thought
must contain some secret remedy. ‘These were also ana-
lyzed with great care, and, of course, nothing found.
Great numbers of cases, exhibiting the strikingly power-
ful effects of water as administered by Priessnitz, have been
published. Some of them will not be unwelcome to my
readers.
In the early part of Priessnitz’s practice, he was in the
habit of going long distances, to treat persons whose cases
had resisted the ordinary modes. It seemed almost as if no
distance was too great, or anything too difficult for him to
undertake. One very cold winter, he went a long way,
not being well at the time. He travelled in an open con-
veyance, and was thus much exposed. He was there re-
quested to go on further, so that, by the time he reached
home, late at night, his lower limbs were frozen. The next
day, his legs were swollen, accompanied with fever and in-
flammation in the stomach and bowels. After some pre-
liminary treatment, he said to his wife, “I must now go im-
mediately into the shallow bath, and be rubbed, or I shall
be laid up with a dangerous illness, perhaps a fatal one;
do you see that it is properly done, and the proper effect
produced, before I get out.”” He remained several hours
in the bath, two bath-servants carrying on the ablution, and
rubbing, without intermission, until the circulation was
equalized. ‘T'wo hours after the bath, a profuse, spontane-
ous perspiration set in, and the next day he was without
a symptom of anything wrong, feeling only weak and
tired. Is it, then, to be wondered at, that he should have
such confidence, himself, in the remedial powers of water,
or that his patients, when they see similar results frequently
taking place, should be inspired with the same feelings ?
Priessnitz has had born untoghim eight children, the first
a boy, and the rest all daughters. When first married, his
wife had no great faith in the water-cure. She insisted
that the first child (the boy) should be treated in the old
way. This he promised ; and when it was attacked with
22 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
measles, the doctors were called in, but it died. All the
other children he has treated himself, in all their com-
plaints,—measles, whooping-cough, scarlet fever, &c.; and
Mrs. Priessnitz says, that she has never had a moment’s ap-
prehension about them.
Mrs. Priessnitz, after her last confinement, had a severe
attack of child-bed fever, induced by the excitement of be-
ing ‘visited, for several days after her confinement, by a
number of ladies of rank. She was enveloped, repeatedly,
in the wet sheet, followed by a tepid bath; and the fever
completely removed in two days. Priessnitz observed,
‘Our enemies can do us but little harm; it is our friends
who kill us.”
An aged female came to, Grafenberg, using two crutches,
and supported by a servant. -She had been confined four
-years,—the first two to her bed, and the last two, not being
able to support an horizontal position, had been supported
by pillows. She had only been with Priessnitz a short _
time, when she was able to be brought into tlie ball-room.
She became, at length, able to walk and go about, like
others.
A medical man from Sweden, came to Grafenberg, sup-—
ported by two crutches, and led by a servant. At one time,
during treatment, a feverishness came upon him. Priess-
nitz applied, successively, eighteen sheets in the day, and
then a bath. Ina week, he went about, with only a stick,
and in ten days more, he walked as well as any one.
A lady, from general debility, was brought to Grafen-
berg, ine carriage built on purpose, so that the sofa might
be taken in and out. For ten years, as she told Captain
Claridge, she had not had the use of her lower limbs. In
two months, she was so far recovered, that she walked about.
A Polish general, who had a complaint of the spine,
on his arrival at Friewaldau, was told by his friends who
met him, as he descendedgfrom his carriage, that there was
no doubt he would throw away his crutches, and be perfect-
ly cured, if he followed the system. He sat talking with
them on one of the seats outside the house, when Priessnitz
came upon horseback ; he rose to salute him; the latter
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 23
begged him to be seated, and instantly said, “I perceive
that the water-cure will not be available in your complaint.”
The general afterwards said, that Priessnitz recounted to
him all his sufferings with the greatest exactness. The ge-
neral, however, then answered, “ Well, I may as well die
‘here, for I have tried all other remedies in vain; but the
most painful part of the matter is, that I have a young
family, which I had hoped to live to see brought up.”
The other replied, “ Although cold water will not cure you,
it *will relieve your pains, enable you to dispense with
crutches, and will prolong your life; but, as you regard
these as advantages, avoid drugs.” ‘The general at once de-
termined on residing there for some years. He became
cheerful, free from pain, and walked with the use of a stick.
“Count ——— corresponded with Priessnitz through a
general (a friend of his) at Grafenberg. From the count’s
statement, it was concluded that hydropathy would effect a
cure of his disease, and this induced him to undertake the
journey. Priessnitz, on seeing the invalid in the apartment
- of the’general, instantly doubted the paper statement of the
case, and requested him to walk as far as the window. This
the count did ; whereupon Priessnitz declined undertaking
the cure. After the departure of the invalid, the general,
who was on intimate terms with Priessnitz, inquired why he
had refused his aid? ‘‘ Because,” said he, “instead of it
being as he stated to me, it is one of those incurable cases,
so far advanced, that the poor gentleman will not be living
in three months.” A prediction which proved too true} for
he died at Vienna, whither he went to consult some eminent
physician, shortly after quitting Grafenberg.
A lady and her daughter, on alighting from their car-
riage at Grafenberg, were accosted by Priessnitz, who, on
being informed by the mother that the faculty thought her
daughter in a consumption, requested the young lady to run
a few paces up the hill. On rning to where they stood,
he said, “She is not in a MR oroption, though there is a
strong tendency to it in the system.” This young lady
gained flesh and color daily, and was perfectly cured in a
few months.
A
/
*
24 - THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
The Marquis D ,a French nobleman, accompanied a
friend on a visit into Gallicia. Almost as soon as they ar-
rived, a dysentery proke.out, which carried Se ath num-
bers in the neighborhood, and, finally, a gentleman who was
on a visit in the same héuse. Thisso alarmed the marquis’s
companion, that he also had the dysentery, upon which he
declared his conviction; that unless they left immediately,
he should follow his friend to the tomb: updn this they
started for Grafenberg. = :
_.-~. This gentleman told me, that he never thought it possible
*“any human being could endure what he had for forty-eight
hours, the time required for the journey ; but, notwithstand-
ing that; on arriving within the confines of Grafenberg, he
Zaid, jokingly, to the marquis, “ Now I have nothing more
to. do with it; now it is Priessnitz’s affair.’ They arrived
in the night, and sent, without loss of time, to call Priessnitz
up, who, as soon as he understood what was the matter, in
his cool, confident manner, replied, “ Das ist nichts,”’ or, it
isa mere nothing. In a few days, the patient was perfectly
recovered. ‘The marquis soon after also fell ill of the same
complaint, and then he also experienced the beneficial ef-
fects of hydropathy.
An English medical man called Captain Claridge’s at-
tention, at Grafenberg, to an individual about sixty years of
age, who passed them as they were talking together, and
said, that on his first arrival at that place, before he had
the greatest confidence in hydropathy himself, he was aston-
ished one morning, at the great bath, on being accosted by
that person, who said, ‘“ Doctor, this is a trying moment for
me: I have been afflicted with asthma for upwards of thirty
years, during which period I have hardly ever touched cold
water; and now, after having perspired for an hour, I am
to plunge into the cold bath. Don’t you think it is danger-
ous?” The doctor inquired, “ Are you sure that Priessnitz
ordered it 2”? He replied imsthe affirmative. “Then,” said
the doctor, ‘‘ you have nde rnatve ; so follow me :’”’ upon
which they both went into the bath. This man was per-_
fectly cured of his asthma in three weeks. He staid at
Grafenberg some months after this for some other com-—
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 25
plaint, during which time he never had the slightest :etura
of his asthma.
A delicate female came to Grafenberg, to be curel of a
liver complaint. The disease arose from inflamma.ion in
the liver, to cure which, by the allopathic system, she had
been treated with mercury. Under Priessnitz’s mode of
treatment, in a short time, she had a crisis of boils, through
which the mercury evaporated. Immediately after these
had healed, the inflammation of the liver returned. 9‘ Now
you may consider yourself cured,” said Priessnitz; and
she was indeed cured in a few weeks, when the liver com.
plaint left her.
Count Mitroski, a gentleman aged 54, who had long been
afflicted with gout, was found in his bed in an apoplectic
fit. ‘Some medical men were quickly in attendance, and
~ Priessnitz was sent for. ‘The medical gentlemen considered
the count past recovery ; and one of them said that he would
throw his drugs out of the window, and become a hydro-
pathist, if Priessnitz restored the patient. It was proposed
by another, to bleed the patient; to this Priessnitz would
not consent, if he was to bear any part of the responsibility.
So far gone was the patient, and so thearly extinct did his
vitality appear, that the priest administered extreme unc-
tion ; and, according to the custom of the country, a lighted
wax candle was placed in each hand of the apparently
dying man. By cold water treatment alone, under the sa-
gacious direction of Priessnitz, this gentleman recovered
consciousness on the third day, drove out on the fourth, and
gradually returned to his former habits.
The only son of a sovereign prince, aged three years,
suffered for fifteen months, from chronic obstruction of the
bowels, which belied the skill of his medical attendants, and
resulted in total atrophy. For eighteen days, the child
had no relief, and, by his physician’s advice, Priessnitz was
called in. He saw the child, a at his recommendation,
the prince and his family came here, in order that Priess-
nitz might daily superintend the treatment. The disease
yielded to the water-cure; and, in less than three months,
the child returned home, quite well.
. 9
26 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
A lady of rank suffered severely from frequent head-
aches, cramps in the stomach, indigestion, and other mala-
dies which cannot here be particularized. She constantly
threw up her food, even while in the act of eating, and could
not have the slightest relief, without medicine, and even
then had great pain and difficulty. She was under medical
treatment for fourteen years, during which time she con-
sulted fourteen eminent physicians. In fourteen weeks, by
water treatment, she was completely cured.
A person who had recently lost his wife and two children,
was attacked with brain fever. Priessnitz ordered him a
tepid bath, in which he sat, and was rubbed by two men,
who were occasionally changed. ‘The man became so de-
ranged, that it was with difficulty he could be kept in the
bath. Priessnitz, with that coolness which is so leading a
feature of his character, said, “‘ Keep on, until he either
talks much or goes to sleep.” The latter the man at last
did, but not until he had been in the bath for nine hours
and a half; that is to say, they commenced at one o’clock
in the day, and the patient fell asleep, from exhaustion, at
half past ten at night: he was then put to bed, and, next
day, the fever had left him, and, though weak, he was able
to walk.
Any number of remarkable cases of cure by Priessnitz
might be collected. Enough I have cited to give some
idea of the water-cure, as practised by its great founder.
Many a tear will glisten in many an eye, among patients,
as they call to mind the able services, the many kindnesses
of the man who effected their cure.
Perhaps in no part of the world is there greater enthu-
«asm manifested than at Grafenberg. ‘To witness prospe-
sity borne in the most perfect manner as it is by Priessnitz,
is truly a moral phenomenon the world rarely beholds.
Some idea of the enthusiasm alluded to will be seen in the
following well-written account by Dr. Smethurst, of Eing-
land, held upon a birth-day of Priessnitz :
«The 2d of October, 1842, was a day of great rejoicing
at Grafenberg: it was the forty-third annive rsary birth-day
of Priessnitz, commemorated by a rich merchant from
VINCENT PRIESSNITZ. 27
Vienna, who was cured of a chronic disease of long stand-
ing. ‘This gentleman had an obelisk erected for one of the
best springs in the wood, which bore the name of Hirsch,
or stag-spring ; on this spot, two hundred years ago, fell a
Priessnitz, an ancestor of our renowned Vincent Priessnitz,
in the defence of his only daughter, against the Swedes
who then invaded the country ; both fell a sacrifice to the
infuriated soldiers. On the completion of the spring in
question, it was christened and called “ Priessnitz Spring,”
to mark the two events. There was a procession formed
of all the patients, three or four hundred in number, headed
by a band of music profusely decorated with garlands, and
followed by the flags of all the nations, individual members
of which were present, twelve in number. Each had their
own flag made at their own expense, in honor of the coun-
try they represented; and the Union-jack waved trium-
phantly next to the national flag of Austria ; besides which,
there were the Prussian, French, Belgian, Bohemian, Hun-
garian, Dutch, &c. The cur-giste, or cure-guests, brought
up the rear :—all who could walk or hobble joined, the la-
dies enlivening the scene by their presence. After the
ceremony of consecrating and christening, a collation was
served up, consisting of potatoes and salt, which were boiled
in large saucepans in gypsy style, fifty yards from the
spring ;—these were relished with copious draughts of the .
pure water from the Priessnitz spring. Due honor was paid
to Priessnitz and to the various nations, by their healths
being proposed ; all were received with tremendous cheer-
ing, which made the very woods ring again; a salute of
cannon succeeded every toast: greater joy and hilarity
could not be witnessed in the most sumptuous feast. The
procession retraced their steps to the house in a similar
manner the evening was finished with a grand ball, the
spacious saloon being brilliantly illuminated. Priessnitz
absented himself that day, but hig health was drank again
and again, each time cheering louder and louder, and with
bumpers of—warer.”’
Priessnitz then is now forty-eight years of age, and not-
withstanding the great amount of labor he has been in the
e ?,
28 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
constant habit of performing for the past near thirty years,
he is yet perfectly sprightly, firm and active in his move-
ments, as much so as any healthy young man. He had
formerly a weakness in his chest, but through his very
temperate modes of life, and habits of bathing and exer-
cise, he has become a most perfect example in illustration
of the value and truth of the system he teaches. Thanks,
Priessnitz, to thy great name! Healthfully and long mayst
thou live to enjoy thy glory so nobly won.
———
There is one slander upon Priessnitz I shall here take
upon myself-to refute. It has been said, that he not being
a graduated physician, has no license to practise with drugs,
and uses, therefore, only water. ‘This imputation has been -
reiterated by many who appear glad enough, notwithstand-
ing Priessnitz’s alleged lack of education and license, to
herald themselves forth under the auspices of his system.
If such objectors would take upon themselves to go to
Grafenberg, and learn a few lessons at the fountain-head
of hydropathy, their patients would most likely be gainers,
to say the least. I should, for one, be pleased to see the
man who has ever been at that place, and yet cares to
signalize himself before the world, by asserting that Priess-
nitz does not practise the system he chooses, or that he is
in any wise a dishonest man. Besides, every thing con-
nected with his history proves that he would be permitted
by the Austrian government to practise any mode that he
chose to adopt. As a matter of common honesty, then, let
those who advocate drugs, not put themselves forth as pract
lioners of water-cure. No one deserves the name of hydro
pathist, who does not practise in accordance with the prin
ciples of the immortal founder of the new system. It is wel?
known to be a standing rule of Priessnitz’s, with which al.
must comply, that no patient is allowed to take medicine
while undergoing the cure.
WATER. 29
CHAPTER II.
WATER.
All hail to pure cold water,
That bright rich gem from Heaven ;
And praise to the Creator,
For such a blessing given!
And since it comes in fulness,
We'll prize it yet the more;
For life, and health, and gladness,
It spreads the wide earth o’er.”
Mrs, A. C. Jupson.
WatTER is the most common and abundant of all mate-
rial substances on the face of the earth. About three-
fourths of the whole globe is encircled by it. Water is
the great emblem of purity, and, at the same time, a sym-
bol, on the one hand, of weakness, and on the other of
power. In delicate dew-drops—in the fine mists of moun-
tain air—in the snow flakes, so light that the most delicate
balance is not sufficient to weigh them—water appears the.
very symbol of weakness. If we take a drop of it upon the
finger, and rub it with the thumb, it vanishes, as it were,
into nothing. ° Is there in nature any thing so feeble, so un-
resisting ? In majestic rivers—in terrific floods—in mighty
falls—in the overwhelming avalanche—and in old Ocean’s
depths, we find water possessing the most formidable power.
In the rending of rocks—the tearing apart of the most noble
ships—and in the destroying of man’s proudest works, is
the nature of this element, so feeble, and yet so powerful,
made known to man.
_ What is there in nature so beautiful as water? In the
form of genial spring showers, that fertilize and render fruc-
tiferous the earth—in the opening flower-buds—in glistening
_ dew-drops—in sparkling fountains—in rivulets—in spring
streams—in cascades—and in the delicate tear-drop that
30 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
moistens the cheek of woman, how beautiful is this agent,
everywhere so abundant—pure, simple water! :
The earth becomes dry and parched: flowers cease to
put forth their blossoms ; the trees yield no fruit ; the grass
withers, and the plain becomes dusty. At length, after
many days, the clouds begin to gather; the lambs are
heard bleating upon the hills; the cows gambol, and fowls
prepare their feathers. ‘T’he showers, all fresh and genial,
descend, and nature, as with one uplifted voice, praises
that Being who sends the rain.
The.inebriate, at the midnight revel, quaffs deep of the
intoxicating bowl. His brain becomes fevered, and his body
“ill at ease.”” When he began his inebriation, he would
have scorned the simple beverage of nature ; but now his
Sensations are imperious, and he longs for that drink which
alone is sufficient to quench his thirst. =
A sick man has high, burning fever and delirium, which
lasts for days. More earnestly than for all other blessings,
he begs for cold water to drink. In the belief that it 1s
dangerous, he is denied. He grows more and more thirs-
ty. ‘The tongue swells, the lips crack, and the pores be.
come closed. In every breath he puts forth, and at every
exhalation that passes from his body, its moisture is being
carried off. Yet, strange though it be, hi thirst no one
dares to quench. At last, in his sufferings, he breaks over
all restraint, and drinks to the fullest extent of his desire.
Before sleepless, he now passes into a profound rest.
Drenching perspiration breaks out, and in the morning he
awakes refreshed, and in his right mind, and the power of
his disease is broken up.»
Thus we have in water, abundance, simplicity, purity,
feebleness, not less than terrific power; awfulness, gran-
deur, sublimity, beauty, the purest of all beverages, and
the best of all means for healing the sick. Who can be
sufficiently thankful for this, one of the best of Heaven’s
gifts—PURE COLD WATER.
QUALITIES OF WATER. ~ 1
Quahties of Water.—For all drinking, culinary, and
medicihal purposes, we should, if possible, obtain water that
is pure and soft. The test of an ingenious washerwoman
is sufficient. Any well or spring water, that washes equally
well with rain water, we may be certain is good.
Animals have been observed to prefer even muddy soft
water-to that which is hard, however clear. Any one who
watches the effects, may easily determine the difference,
when he changes from the use of hard water to that which
is soft. The former sits heavy upon the stomach. It often
causes indigestion and derangement of the alimentary canal.
This is proved by the fact, that a change to hard water is
often attended with diarrhwa, dysentery, &c., when the
change back again soon cures the complaints.
Almost every family may have a cistern, so constructed
as to afford a liberal supply of good rain water. When the
rain falls, it may be made to run off, at first, until it becomes
clear. Some have two cisterns, with a filter between, so
arranged in the partition that the water, by its weight, is
forced through it, and is thus always made pure. Have,
by all means, water that is pure and soft.
Spring and well water are used mostly in drinking and
culinary purposes. These are generally hard. ‘There
may be, however, exceptions. In various parts of New
England, the water of springs and wells is of an excellent
quality. At different points along the Connecticut river, it
is very pure and soft. Probably, in almost every section of
our country, there is more or less of good water; but the
greater part of it is hard.
I brought with me specimens of water from Grafenberg.
J have examined a considerable number of springs in this
country, and have not yet, except in one instance, founa
any as good as that. It has, in the gallon, only one and a
half grains of mineral substances, principally the compounds
of lime, as is generally the case in hard water. ‘This is a
very minute quantity, indeed—so small, that, probably, no.
the least difference could be detected between it and rain
water, in the processesof washing. As good as we consider
the Croton water, in New York, it contains, in the gallon
32 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
upwards of four grains of mineral impurities. Probably, in
no water establishment yet formed, either in this country or
England, is the water so good as at Grafenberg. The well
water of cities and large towns is often rendered very im-
pure. All manner of filthy and disgusting substances find
their way into the wells; and troublesome diseases have
been known to have directly resulted from the use of the
water.*
Water in the vicinity of Burying-grounds.—The subject
of choosing burying places in cities has, of late years, very
properly received attention. In the city of London, water
has been’ rendered very impure and loathsome, by the
proximity of burying-grounds. The drainings of the filth
of cities, it is beginning to be more understood, deteriorate
water greatly. Still, many persons, as, for instance, thou-
sands in this city, will persist in drinking the filthy water of
the well, merely because habit has brought them to relish
it better than pure soft water.
The plan of conveying water through metallic pipes, is,
in some respects, objectionable. Iron pipes soon become
coated with insoluble compounds, so that metal is no longer
exposed to the action of the water. Lead Pipes are, of all,
the most objectionable. In this city, it is perfectly easy to
detect lead in water that has stood for awhile in the lead
*“ Dr. M. Barry affirms that the troops were frequently liable to dysen-
tery, while they occupied the old barracks at Cork; but he has heard
that it has been of rare occurrence in the new barracks. Several years
ago, when the disease raged violently in the old barracks, (now the de-
pot for convicts,) the care of the sick was, in the absence of the regi- —
mental surgeon, entrusted to the late Mr. Bell, surgeon, in Cork. At
the period in question, the troops were supplied with water from the
river Lee, which, in passing through the city, isrendered unfit for drink-
ing, by the influx of the contents of the sewers from the houses, and
likewise is brackish from the tide, which ascends into their channels.
Mr. Bell, suspecting that the water might have caused the dysentery,
upon assuming the care of the sick, had a number of watet-carts en-
gaged to bring water for the troops, from a spring called the Lady’s
Well, at the same time that they were no longer permitted to drink the
water from the river. From this simple but judicious arraffgement, the
dysentery very shortly disappeared among the troops.”—Dr. Cheyne.
WATER. 33
pipes, so much used. There is a prevailing opinion to the
contrary, I know ; but I quote the authority of Dr. Chilton,
a man second to no one in judging of things of this kind.
It is necessary, then, in order to be safe, when the un-
tinned pipes are employed, that, before using the water, it
run awhile, to carry off and wash out the solution of lead.
Amount of Water in Food.—The amount of water con-
tained in different kinds of food is much greater than is ge-
nerally supposed. A table, showing the proportion of this
fluid in a variety of dietetic substances, will be interesting,
atleast, as a matter of general knowledge. The following
we give from Pereira on Food and Diet, with the authorities
annexed. ‘The numbers represent so many parts in the 100
of the articles mentioned.
Water. Authority.
PAPO Crys O85 ho el fr OS So. J Dern,
mugger Candy. il otto. OS 910-53... .....Peligot.
Arrow-root, (by drying at 212° F.)18-2.........Prout.
Wheat, (by drying at 230° F)...14:5......... Boussingault
Rye, do. Os ss bday MO les ost etre Oy,
Cats, do. a 20:8 do
Barney, si bam i 28 aga Tee ce a, Sg
Maize, do. Meee ro Eh aaah gested scrsieormtgs \B
Peas, do. is A optic Iar See aE ayiaie,
Beans, do. HO PETES aS hee
Lentils, do. HO. Babee: Lee Aa Ome
Potatoes, (dried at 230° F.)..... USK! Mei erator Boussingault.
Turnips, do. a IM! 27s NE er Re:
Carrots, Paornt clon .y. 3. so Wns ie aaah do.
Beetroot, (do. at 230° F.)..... 27 Ro CNR ee do.
Jerusalem Artichoke,do...-.....79-2......... do.
Cabbage, White, (dried at 212°F'.).92:3......... do.
Black Bread, do. do.. ..31.4 to 33. ...Boeckmann.
SESE SEE Oe a eee 98-4375 ......Christison.
RMR MR tices teeth ca scu - nls Wa i's = SOs usw. wLaebig.
A ee ie ae 74:8 to’ 75... ..Boeckmann.
Darema Ot Reet... 3. ds. se ek (4. eos Le Brande,
* Physicians often speak of giving good strong nourishment, as beef
tea. Such are certainly not aware of the fact, that the article is almost
entirely simple water.
+
34
THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
Water. Authority.
Muscle of Beef...........-.. 1COsis .- Schlossberger.
BIOL IN CAN oe ee emcee ang hee (ees ..Brande.
190. 00, oe cee. eae sees 719-7 to 782... ‘Geno
Do. Muttor os . Brande.
DaoPork rs eo ee eee ee 16252. Via do.
Do) do AS ere ae 18:Boos eS Sn a
Do; Ree Deersess se. Gas ase 16-9. soe ae
Do, Chickena. i653. ees ee Toy = Beale.
Dy 0s ca wise md ee oe ee 717°3 Schlossberger
DO: Pige0n eg ie ne emus ae Poo do.
Do. Cod.. BY oS ies ape he Brande
Do. PMaldoek. Oe 82... do.
DO, ale eS Ee er ee ee 79. do.
a: Carpe. Soe eae eee 80-1 .. Schlossberger.
Don Prous 2 eet sk, aes 80:3: enemies 0.
Calf’s Sweetbread.........0.-. G0) sig . -Morin.
A Peay A Aer es a ae 68.64. 2392 Braconnot
pee OF ite GL ).c. D236 tk eer = ee Gmelin
ONO Olea cone ieee aces Oe DOT. a nee Prout
ME OO Bn eo tg ns or ee 87:02.
Do., ’Asses By pce ea ee i a ed ys 91-65.
DG., FiMMan. aa A oon. 87-98. | O. Henry &Cheva.tes
Dy. oats 2 Pas Seti hae sl Se 86:80.
Dio. TE Wests ns ees dso5 ne oe 85°62. J
DRINKING OF WATER. 33
CHAPTER III.
THE DRINKING OF WATER.
* Though I look old, yet I am strong and lusty
For in my youth I never did apply
Hot and rebellious liquors to my blood:
Nor did not with unbashful forehead woo
The means of wickedness and debility ;
Therefore my age is as a lusty winter,
Frosty, but kindly.”
“QO, that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their
brains! that we should, with joy, revel, pleasure, and applause, trans-
form ourselves into beasts! O thou invisible spirit of wine, if thou
hast no name to be known by, let us call thee—devil! !”
SHAKSPEARE.
ScarceLy any man can be found, now-a-days, who takes
upon himself at all to think, but believes that water is the
best possible drink,—the best to promote healthfulness of
body, vigor, cheerfuln~ss, and contentment of the mind ;—
the best to enable the system to endure excessive heat, cold,
or protracted exertion of any of the faculties of man. How
different from this universally received opinion has been
the practice of ages! Immediately after the flood, it was
found that he who was chosen above all others as the fa-
vored of Heaven, had yet within him the artificial love for
intoxicating substances ; and how far back in the period of
man’s history these substances were used, it would be diffi-
cult, if not impossible, to determine. I will not stop here
to adduce the proofs that all intoxicating and exciting drinks
‘are more or less injurious to the system, and unfriendly
to life.
That water is the best and most natural drink, is not a
doctrine peculiar to modern times. In the Sacred Scrip-
tures we find abundant examples for its use. . It was not
Tokay, or Sherry, or Claret, that was formed for our first pa-
rents in the garden of Eden. When there was made great
36 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
provisions for the Syrian army, the drink was water. When
Rebecca received the offer of marriage, she gave to Abra-
harth’s servant water. Elijah, when fed by the ravens,
drank water. The only drink of the valiant soldiers of
Gideon, was water. Daniel and his three friends, famous
for wisdom, and learning, and personal appearance, would
drink only of water. ‘The Jews were promised, by the
King of Assyria, that they should eat their own vine, and
of their own cisterns drink water. For the infant at the
breast, next to the bland and healthful fluid, coming from
the maternal breast, as well as for the aged and infirm, is
water, the most kindly of all drinks.
T’oo much, indeed, cannot be said in praise of cold wa-
ter. No where in nature, either in spring or fountain, lake
or stream, has Providence provided any thing as a beverage
so grateful; and in health, whether wandering among the
snows of the north, or the sands of the tropics, man every-
where finds this beverage the most grateful and the best.
When, too, the system is all parched and burning in fever,
how superlatively grateful, how reviving and invigorating
is pure cold water to drink! ‘ :
I will now cite some opinions of physicians and others,
who, notwithstanding the times in which they lived, had the
sagacity to discover the great and immutable truth con-
cerning the value of water as a drink.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who lived more than
two thousand years ago, considered water the best drink.
Fle lived to an old age, ninety years, and it may he fairly
inferred that he availed himself freely of the fluid he ad-
mired. It was a recommendation of his, that those who
have head-ache, drink nothing but pure water.
Galen, of the second century, who, next to Hippocrates,
was considered the prince of Greek physicians, was a strong
advocate of water. He said he had cured many eases of con-
tinued burning fever by giving his patients nothing but cold
water to drink, and that not one of them died who had re-
course to this simple remedy sufficiently early. He had
seen many cured of a severe pain in the stomach in a single
day, merely by drinking freely of cold water. Galen was
DRINKING OF WATER. 37
very abstemious and simple in his habits of life ; and like
Hippocrates, lived to a very advanced age.
Pliny considered it a great absurdity that mankind should
bestow so much trouble and expense in manufacturing arti-
ficially such a variety of drinks, when Nature has prepared
to their hands a beverage of so superior a quality.
Gelsus, an ancient physician and philosopher of note,
strongly advocated water. He recommended cold water
when limpid, light, without smell and taste, (pure soft wa-
ter,) and obtained from a clear running stream.
Hoffman, a cotemporary of Boerhaave, professor of physic
at Halle and physician to the King of Prussia, said that wa-
ter proves agreeable to persons of all ages. The drinking
of water is serviceable in every complexion. ‘Those who
drink only water, are observed to have much whiter and
sounder teeth. They are brisker and more alert in all the
actions, both of body and mind, than those who use malt
liquors. In reference to the use of mineral waters, so much
in vogue in chronic diseases, he said, it was not owing to
the light sparkling air in the saline or other mineral sub-
stances combined with the water, so much as to the medicin-
al and other properties of common water with which they
are mixed, and which is drank in large quantities.
Hufeland, another distinguished German physician and
professor, said, water is the greater promoter of digestion, an
excellent reviver of the stomach and strengthener of the
nerves, and assists all the secretions of the body, and that
it purifies not merely the skin, but freshens and exhilarates
both mind and body. It strengthens and preserves against
the changing influences of air and weather, keeps the solid
parts supple and the joints pliable. It preserves the strength
of youth, and keeps up the vigor of old age. It is a pow-
erful preventive of bile and putrefaction. Hufeland men-
tions also the case of a Mr. Thedan, veteran surgeon-gene-
ral, who ascribed his long life, more than eighty years, to
the quantity of water he drank for upwards of thirty of the
latter years of his life. Between his thirtieth and fortieth
years hé was. a most m‘serable hypochondriac ; oppressea |
with the deepest melas. -holy, tormented with palpitation ot
7
38 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
the heart, indigestion, é&c., and fancied that he could not live
six months ; but from the time he commenced his water
regimen, all these symptoms began to disappear, and in the
latter half of his life he enjoyed better health than ever be-
fore, and was perfectly free from his troublesome ailments.
Hahn, who was also a German physician of note, said,
‘Water does not, as some suppose, weaken the stomach, but
increases the appetite, as may be seen by the larger quantity
of food taken at meals. Those who make this assertion
contradict themselves: for a debilitant stomach requires a
less and not a larger quantity of food. Others imagine that
by drinking water they lose their color and flesh. Even if
this were the case, and they did become a little paler and
thinner, such a loss is not to be compared to the general
improvement of health which is obtained thereby. It yet
remains to be shown whether a protuberant stomach, with
swollen, flabby, puffed-out cheeks, is to be preferred to a
more slender shape, and a thinner face; or whether the
rude country glow of health, with rosy cheeks, is not to be
preferred to that pale and sickly hue so much admired by
people of fashion. But water drinkers generally retain
their flesh and healthy color. A few, however, who had
swollen, flabby or spongy flesh, and therefore unhealthy,
have in appearance become thinner, and lost their puffiness,
having exchanged it for a firm and compact flesh, therefore
healthy. Those who, from the use of ardent spirits and
thick glutinous beverages, as beer, brandy, éc., have got
reddened, violet copper-colored faces, have not by drinking
water become pale, but have exchanged their violet or pur-
ple redness for a more natural color. Every man, I think,
ought to be satisfied with such a change.
Zimmerman, the author of the well-known work on Soli-
tude, and physician to Frederick the Great, king of Prussia,
strongly recommended water. “ Water,” says he, “ does
not chill the ardor of genius.”? He instances Demosthenes,
whose sole drink was water. ‘Pure soft water is the most
suitable drink for man,”
Sir John Floyer, one of the earlier English physicians, a
manof high repute, said, “The water drinkers are temperate
~—
DRINKING OF WATER. 39
in their actions, prudent and ingenious ; they live safe from
those diseases which affect the head, such as apoplexies,
pain, blindness, deafness ; also, gout, convulsions, trembling
and madness. Water resists putrefaction, and cools burn-
ing heats and thirsts: and after dinner it helps digestion.”
“That good, pure water has a balsamic and healing quality
in it, 1 could give many instances, as well externally in
curing wounds, as internally in ulcers, excoriations, &c.,
for I once knew a gentleman of plentiful fortune, who by
some accident fell to decay, and having a numerous family
of small children, whilst the father was a prisoner at the
King’s Bench, his family was reduced almost to want, his
wife and children living on little other than bread and water.
But I never saw such a change in six months, as I did in
this unhappy family; for the children that were always
ailing and valetudinary, as with coughs, king’s evil, &c.,
were recovered to a miracle, looked fresh, well colored and
lusty, their flesh hard and plump.”
The editor of the London Lancet, a standard medical
journal, some time ago, in an article in which he professes
to analyze water-cure, makes this assertion, “ If we could
always persuade a patient who consults us for the first fit
of the gout, to drink water for the rest of his life, to take
exercise and to diminish by half the amount of animal food
he is in the habit of taking, there would be but little chance
of a return of the attack.”
The celebrated Dr. Cheyne, of Dublin, gives a striking
case, illustrating the effect of pure soft water as a drink in
enabling the body to withstand fatigue. Hesays,‘‘ [ had once
the opportunity of inquiring into the habits of the workmen of a
large glass factory ; they generally wrought from twenty-
four to thirty-six hours at a time, according as the furnace
continued in a proper state, and I found, during this time,
which was technically called a journey, that to supply the
waste caused by perspiration, they drank a large quantity
of water, in the quality of which they were very curious ;
it was the purest and softest water in the district, and was
brought from a distance of two miles. There were three
men out of more than one hundred that drank nothing but
40 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
water; the rest drank porter or ardent spirits ; the three
water-drinkers appeared to be of their proper age, while the
rest with scarcely an exception, seemed ten or twelve years
older than they proved to be.”
Dr. Franklin, when a printer in London, proved to his fel-
low workmen that water was sufficient to enable him to exert
more physical strength than they could put forth with the
use of porter, an article to which they were much addict -
ed. This, Franklin claimed, contained but a very small
amount of nutriment, and not enough to cause any appre-
ciable effect in sustaining strength. It is, however, more
from the morbid craving for present stimulation, that other
drinks than pure water are taken, than from any belief that
strength is by their use permanently sustained. :
Many more examples of water-drinkers and water-drink-
ing might be given. Facts like the foregoing I trust will
prove to the general reader, as they have to myself, inte-
resting, especially in these days of cold-water praising and
temperance.
Does man naturally drink?—It has been a question with some
whether man is naturally a drinking animal. One author —
of notoriety, Dr. Lambe, argues that we must suppose every
animal to be furnishea with organs suited to its physical ne-
cessities. ‘ Now I see,”’ continues this writer, “that man
has the head elevated above the ground, and to bring the
mouth to the earth, requires a strained and painful effort.
Moreover, the mouth is flat and the nose prominent, cir-
cumstances which make the effort still more difficult.?’—
But in all this reasoning, it is forgotten that one of the most
pleasant, safe, and natural modes of drinking water, is that
from the hand. Ifa person is wandering of a sultry sum-
mer day, along the mountain side, and parched and thirsty,
and comes to a spring, pure, fresh, and bubbling, he very
quickly lifts the fluid portion by portion, in the half.closed
hand, and raises it to his lips ;_ besides, it is as natural for man
to employ his ingenuity, provided this is done in accordance
with certain laws, as for animals instinct. Man, I have
no doubt, like animals, in general, drinks. pial
Considerable has for some years past been said by medi-
DRINKING OF WATER, 41
cal writers, in this country, concerning-the case of Dr. Wm.
A. Alcott, of New England, the well known writer on vari-
ous subjects connected with health. This gentleman is
quoted as having gone more than a whole year at a time
without tasting of drink, and hence it has been inferred that
he did not believe in drinking even of pure water. This
was never Dr. Alcott’s idea. His object merely was, so to
regulate the habits of labor, exercise and diet, that thirst
would be experienced but seldom. He was well aware that
the supply of some pounds of fluid that pass from the body dai-.
ly, by respiration, evaporation, &c., must in some way or
other constantly be kept up. ‘This he did in great part
by the free use of fruits, principally apples, which contain a
very large proportion of water.
Philosophy of Water-Drinking.—The human body, as a
whole, by weight, consists of about 80 parts, in the 100, of
water. Even its dryer portions, as bone, muscle, cartilage,
ligament, and nerve, contain a large proportion of this fluid.
The blood has about 90 parts, in the 100, and the brain
nearly the same proportion. Without the presence of water
in the living body, food would not become digested in the
stomach; no chyme would be elaborated, to supply the
chyle, or chyle to form the blood. Respiration, circula-
tion, secretion, nutrition, perspiration, elimination, neither’
of these could take place in the human system, without the
presence of a large proportion of water.
The living body may be compared to a perpetual furnace,
which has a tendency, constantly, by evaporation, to be-
come dry. If food and water are, in every form, withheld,
the individual grows parched and feverish. In a few days,
delirium supervenes, and, in about three weeks, he dies.
But if water be taken according to the demands of thirst,
no fever or delirium ensue, and life goes on more than twice
as long as when both food and drink are withheld.*
* In the “ Transactions of the Albany Institute,” for 1830, Dr.
McNaughton relates the case of a man, named Reuben Kelsey, whe _
lived on water alone for fifty-three days. ‘‘ For the first six weeks, he
walked out every day, and sometimes spent a great part of the day in the
42 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
It 1s not, however, proper, as has been done, to speak of
water as a nutriment. ‘True, it is immediately concerned
in most or all of the transformations constantly going on in
the system; but that water is ever decomposed, or chem1-
cally changed, in the living animal, has not been proved,
nor have we reason to believe that such is ever the case.
Drinking in Fevers and Inflammatory Diseases.—We can
scarcely give a lecture, enter a neighborhood, or even a
family, and introduce the subject of water, but that we are
at once told of remarkable instances of cure, which the
narrator has known to take place, through the drinking of
water. The patient was very sick; learned physicians
declared, “For his life, he must not touch cold water.”
Everything fails; the man grows worse,—is given up;
and, in the long, dark night, to give some:small relief from
his raging thirst, water is administered. The friends trem-
ble for his safety, butvhe appears to grow better, and more is
given. Sleep and perspiration ensue. The patient lives,
“in spite of cold water,” shall any one say ? Or, perhaps,
in his delirium, he has broken over all bonds, and quaftfed,
suddenly and deep, of the fluid which, above all earthly
things, he craved; or, by stealth, hire, or threats, he ac-
complishes his object. Whoever knew a patient in high,
burning fever, (not induced by over-exertion,) killed by cold
water? Many have been thus saved, but more, alas! in-
comparably more, have been lost, for the want of its use.
Let the sick drimk freely, copiously, according to the
woods. - His walk was steady and firm; and his friends even remarked,
that his step had an unusual elasticity. He shaved himself, until about
a week before his death, and was able to sit up in bed to the last day.”
Kelsey was twenty-seven years of age, at the time of his death; and,
during his fasting, evidently under the influence of delusion. At the be-
ginning of his course, he assigned, as his reason for so doing, that he
would be furnished with an appetite, when it was the will of the Almighty
he should eat. ;
Barn-yard fowls, kept from food and drink, do not survive the ninth
day. If water is allowed them, they reach the twentieth day. These ex-
periments can be easily tried; but, as the principle is well established, no
possible good would result: and none but the most heartless barbarian
would repeat them.
DRINKING OF WATER. 43
demands of thirst. Be the disease curable or fatal, deny it
not. Even in the last hours of consumption, by draughts
of pure cold water, let the fever be quelled, the suffering miti-
gated, and everything done possible that may be, to smooth,
in some degree, however small, the sufferer’s passage home.
It is most surprising, that physicians should so generally,
and for so long a time, have erred, in regard to the use of
cold drinks. Had facts been sought out, theories could not
have prevailed over the precepts of Hippocrates, Celsus,
Galen, Hoffman, as well as the voice of nature and the dic-
tates of common sense.
Drinking, after great exertion and fatigue.—Every one
is well aware, that life is sometimes suddenly destroyed
by persons drinking a large quantity, when greatly fa-
tigued. It is easy to avoid all danger in these cases, by
sipping the water, only a few drops at a time, as it were.
The body is already in perspiration, which is, of itself, a
cooling process; and a small quantity of »water, slowly
taken, proves sufficient, soon, to quench the thirst. Wash-
ing the face, hands, and temples, and holding water in the
mouth, are safe and excellent means.
Treatment for injury of this kind.—By whatever means
the system becomes severely chilled, so that prostration
takes place, the first indication is to secure warmth. In all
cases, the more the body can be brought to generate its
own heat, the better, provided this is done quickly enough
to answer the end. Frictions with the dry hand, and, per-
haps, still better, the wet, are means to be used. If the pa-
tient can be brought sufficiently to his senses to be made to
drink enough, vomiting, by means of blood-warm water,
should be practised. ‘This action of the stomach always
excites circulation, perspiration, and determination towards
the surface. According to the philosophical and very ac-
curate experiments of Dr. Currie, of Liverpoo), the best of
results followed the use of the warm bath, warm applica-
tions to the region of the stomach, that is, over the great
solar plexus, or centre of the sympathetic nervous system.
By this means, as well as through the stomach, internally,
the general system may be speedily warmed. ‘The arm-
44 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
pits and inner part of the thighs and feet are also highly
sensitive, and, therefore, good places for applications of this
kind. It is best of all, when we can, to make the body
warm itself, so to speak; but this cannot always be ac-
complished ; and then artificial means must be used. The
same general rules apply, in whatever way the chilliness
and exhaustion may be brought on.
Rules for Water-Drinking.—A very good rule for the
healthy, and such as have active exercise, is to drink, ex-
cept in fatigue and exhaustion, as thirst demands. Patients
may have the general direction to take at such times, as
when the stomach is empty, as much as can be conveniently
borne, which will generally be from six to twelve half-pint
tumblers in the whole day. Feeble persons must not go on
very rapidly at first. If they have been accustomed, a
long time, to hot drinks, they should on commencing, make
small beginnings, gradually training the stomach in the new
way. Wonders may thus be accomplished, if the patient
can have system and perseverance enough to proceed.
The better statement for invalids perhaps, is, ‘‘ exercise
as much as may be without causing too great fatigue ;
by this means, the system becomes invigorated and warm-
ed; more fluid is thrown off, more is needed, and more re-
lished ; so exercise and drink as much as you conveniently
can.”
Some persons who have accustomed themselves much to
exercising and drinking, have gone great lengths in the
matter; taking even more than one hundred tumblers in
the day, and apparently experiencing no harm.
Drinking at Meals.—People generally have an impres-
sion, that drinking at meals is injurious; and yet they are
ready enough to take soups, tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate,
and the like, not to mention stronger articles, healthy or
unhealthy, as fluids may be. It is said the gastric juice is
diluted and weakened, and that therefore digestion is re-
tarded. But it should be understood that the stomach is not
a sack for holding gastric juice. The first part of digestion
7 the absorption of the more fluid portion of the food. The
more solid contents are crowded to the lower or pyloric
DRINKING OF WATER. 45
part of the stomach, and a sort of hour-glass. contraction
takes place. The fluid becomes absorbed, and afterward,
as the churn-like motion of the stomach commences, the
gastric juice oozes forth like perspiration upon the surface,
to commingle with the food. Does not every one know that
grapes, apples, and the like substances, almost all water,
are among the most healthful forms of food? In fact, these
substances, taken in suitable quantity, as by half tea-
spoon doses, if the stomach is so weak as to require that,
are, to say the least, among the very best things possible for
the sick. This is’especially true in fevers, in which cases
food is so illy borne; and certainly, food that is good for
the sick must be as good for the well, needed of course in
greater quantity, proportioned to the amount of strength.
In a late work by Drs. Wilson and Gully, practitioners
of water at Malvern, England, we find the following sug-
gestions, intended to apply to all who are undergoing the
water treatment :
“The less you drink of any thing at meals the better ;
not because the liquid dilutes the gastric juice, as some
have said, but because it gives a stimulus to the secretory
vessels of the stomach, different from that of the dry ali-
ment which is the right stimulus, and the consequence is
likely to be, the secretion of an improper gastric juice.”
If the food must be dry, what will Drs. Wilson and Gully
do with their fine peaches, apples, plums and grapes. With
a good plateful of any of these articles before a man, it
would be hard to convince him, I think, of their hurtful
tendency. ‘These good things, it is true, are often taken in
too great quantity, and when the stomach has already more
than it can bear. The trouble then is from the quantity, and
uot the quality of the food. ‘These articles, moreover, are
often taken at improper times. Asto the second part of the
_ above objection to liquids, viz: that water gives the secretory
vessels of the stomach a stimulus, the consequence of which
is likely to be the secretion of an improper gastric juice, is
merely anassertion without proof. Who knows but that a
weak, dibilitated stomach, (as all patients to a greater or less
extent have,) needs this very stimulus? A mother’s breast:
46 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
is inflamed and swollen, the milk thickened, and little or
none of it can be made to flow. ‘The cooling of the part
with cold water, (stimulating it, according to the physiologi-
cal notions of Drs. Wilson and Gully,) causes the milk to
come forth, in streams even, and although thick and viscid
at first, if the process be continued sufficiently, it gets to be
more and more bland, instead of becoming bad. I believe
the same principle holds good in regard to the stomach and
the gastric juice. If this be true, there will often be cases
in which the drinking of water at meals must be salutary
and good. The food, every one knows, should be well
masticated, and not “ washed down.” ‘The larger part of
drinking for medicinal or curative purposes, should, how-
ever, be practised at other times than the meals. To enter
at length into this matter, would involve more space than
we can here give.
Farmers, and those who labor much during the long, hot
days of summer, sweating a great deal, as they must neces-
sarily do, tell us that if they drink freely at meal-times,
they need much less water, or, in other words, experience
much. less thirst. Here then would seem to be an argu-
ment in favor of drinking at meals.
Let it be remembered, that*almost every kind of food is
made up, the larger, pet of water. Even baker’s bread
contains 35 per cent. ; domestic bread generally more than
00 per cent.
If all the habits are ell regulated, true natural thirst
will seldom be experienced by “the healthy, and it remains
yet to be proved, that; (except in certain cases, asin hiccup,
heart-burn, acidity, &c.,) the drinking of water is useful at
such times as when there is no thirst. Priessnitz recom-
mends drinking at meals, but not to excess.
Acidity of the Stomach, Heart-Burn, and Thirst, caused
by improper Sood. —Mr. Sylvester Graham, who has written
so strongly, and in general so accurately, upon the subject of
health, fell into the error of advocating the disuse of drink
in acidity, heart-burn, and the like, and others have done the
same. Generally in such cases there is no thirst, but some-
times this becomes very tormenting. Now in all these cases,
DRINKING OF WATER. 47
if I can understand the effects of water, both upon myself
and others, I am certain that copious drinking is one of the
best, if not the best, means that can be used, i. e. after the
difficulty is already present. Better much, of course, to
avoid the trouble by practising sufficient moderation in
food, but if the evil comes, drink.
Digestion is one thing and fermentation.another, and very
different. If the stomach is weak, food is apt to pass at once
into acetous fermentation, just as would be, were it in
any other warm moist place. ‘The acid substance is an ir-
ritant or excitant to the coats of the organ, thus causing the
difficulties in question. ‘The more it is diluted, therefore,
the less effect can it have, and the sooner is it washed away.
The undue heat in the part is quelled, and the stomach is
invigorated, the better to perform its functions.
Wind upon the stomach may be expelled by drinking
very often small quantities of water.
The smaller difficulties of digestion had perhaps better
not be interfered with. When the process goes on fairly,
three or more hours should supervene before drinking is
commenced. ‘Towards the end of digestion, the stomach
becomes jaded, so to speak, when the sipping of water will
prove salutary.
Hiccup.—As is perhaps generally known, hiccup is at
once arrested simply by drinking. Even in those cases we
all dread so much, in which hiccup is an almost certain in-
dication of approaching death, it may often be arrested by
small draughts of water frequently repeated. It does one’s
inmost heart good, if he can do something to relieve his friena
when upon the bed of death. Other cooling means are here
also useful. | , eh AG
Bleeding from the Stomach.—In this there is’great heat in
the part, and cold water is very grateful as well as salutary.
_ The swallowing of small pieces of ice, and taking frequent-
_ly small draughts of ice-cold water, arethe best means until
hemorrhage is arrested. Any part that is bleeding can
hardly be chilled too much.
Cholera.—It is a fashion for the profession to assert that
nothing is known of the true mode of treating the cholera,
48 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
because the opinions concerning it were so contradictory.
Professor Chapman, of the chair of theory and practice in
the medical department of the University in Philadelphia,
said three years ago, in my hearing at one of his lectures,
that the best mode he ever saw in cholera was, giving the
patient as much ice and ice-water as he desired ; and, said
he, it is astonishing what quantities such patients would take
in this disease. In this the professor was right. There is
no disease in which the serum or watery part of the blood
passes off so rapidly asin this. ‘There must necessarily be
a thirst proportioned to the loss of fluid, and there is no other
disease in which such enormous quantities of water are
tolerated as in this.
Constipation.—Persons are always bettered more or less
in this complaint by drinking freely of pure soft water.
Nothing, however, will answer fully for plainness of food in
these cases. Water-drinking is good, but other means in
connexion must be used.
Mineral Waters.—Patients go to watering-places, leave
their cares, anxieties, excessive labors, mental and physi-
cal, rise early, go much in the open air, drink spring water,
and by so doing are sometimes benefitted, sometimes made
worse. ‘The same principle precisely, holds good in the
use of all mineral waters as in drugs. It is for the drug
effects only that they aretaken. The same amount of pure
soft water, drank in connexion with the other favorable cir-
cumstances, would be incomparably better than the mineral
water. Ask one hundred persons who have tried both
methods, and ninety-nine, if not the whole number, will de-
cide in accordance with that which I have afhirmed.
Head-ache.—Many persons troubled with this symptom,
have only to restrict themselves to water-drinking, partak-
ing temperately of plain. food, and the difficulty vanishes.
But some had rather eat and drink, and die, than deny self.
Poor human nature, how weak ! :
The Teeth.—The good effects of water-drinking are very
apparent in the condition of the teeth. These beautiful
and useful organs are thus rendered firmer, whiter, and less.
liable to decay and ache. . |
¥
DRINKING OF WATER. 49
The Skin.—Water-drinking affects very favorably the
skin. It becomes clearer, more beautiful, and has a better
hue. Old and obstinate skin diseases, pimples, eruptions,
and rashes, have been cured simply by drinking pure dis-
tilled water for a length of time, the person at the same
time being temperate in food. Ina crisis way, these symp-
toms may at first become a little increased, but only the
sooner to be expelled.
Palpitation of the Heart.—This symptom may, in many
cases, be cured merely by coming down to water, and ex-
cluding all other drinks.
Vomiting by Water.—If there is need of vomiting, as in
internal cramps, colics, pain in the bowels, flatulency, pros-
tration by heat or cold, poisoning, &c., water vomiting is a
most serviceable means. Drink many tumblers of blood-
warm water, place the finger in the throat, or knead the
stomach, and the vomiting ensues. Repeat the process
again and again, till the organ is completely cleansed.
Perseverance must be practised here, in some cases, at
least. Persons must be urged to the work, if they have
not, of themselves, courage enough. ‘The sick cannot al-
ways be their own masters in these things. If a cathartic
action is caused by the water drank, the effect is good.
Water- Vomiting in Poisoning.—Domestic animals, it is
well known, if they become poisoned, as by arsenic set for
rats, take, at once, to water. ‘They vomit many times, and
are thus sometimes saved. Rats do the same ; but whether
they are generally killed or not, would not be so easy to
determine.
Nearly three years ago, a very worthy lady, in this
city, was, beyond doubt, poisoned by her husband, a phy-
sician, and worthless character, in the following way:
There had been serious difficulty between them; and, one
day, he wrote a penitential note, requesting her to call at
‘his office. She being anxious to do all she could for peace
and good will, went. They were neither of them, strictly
speaking, temperance persons; so he took down what ap-
peared to be some bottles of porter. But, of one of these
he poured a part of the contents for her, and took the other
3
\
50 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
for himself. She said, immediately on drinking the arti-
cle, it seemed as if it flew like fire through the whole sys-
tem, to the fingérs’ ends. She went instantly to the door,
was helped into a carriage, and arrived soon at her board-
ing-house. She was at once carried into the house, but
could scarcely utter a whisper ; and severe cramps and
contractions of the muscles and limbs, with coldness of the
extremities, had come on. A lady in the house, who under-
stood water treatment, commenced quickly giving water to
drink. The mouth, throat, and stomach were so burning,
the patient afterwards said, that she could not at all taste the
water, although ice-cold. I was sent for immediately ; but,
the messenger not finding me, another was called. When
T arrived, the attending physician, together with the well-
known chemist, Dr. Chilton, was present. ‘They approved
of what had been done, and continued the vomiting, as the
symptoms demanded. Gallons of water were drank and
vomited; and, by this simple means, apparently, the lady
was saved.
There was one thing remarkable in this case. Dr. Chil-
ton, although so ingenious a chemist, could not possibly de-
tect any poison in what was vomited. The physician, who
we had every reason to believe gave the lady poison, was —
remarkably well educated, and knew, doubtless, too well,
that there were some vegetable poisons which no chemist
could possibly detect under such cireumstances. Cases of
poisoning have not unfrequently been eured in the above
way. Poison taken internally inflamesthe stomach. Wa-
ter is the effectual agent to reduce inflammation, as well as
to cleanse, and here we can get immediately at the very
part, and the remedy is besides the most grateful one to be
found. The lady above referred to said, that she felt as
certain as possible that she must have died, had it not been
for the water, so much had she suffered. This she said on
my first seeing her, and so to this day.
To check Vomiting.—Vomiting is sometimes very obsti-
nate. I have never yet had any difficulty to arrest it.
Persons in this state are often dosed and dosed with such
quantities of food and medicine, so frequently, and of so
DRINKING OF. WATER. iF
many kinds, that it is no wonder at all that the vomiting
does not cease. Many cases would stop soonenough, if the
patients were only let alone. The stomach is always fever-
ish when vomiting occurs in thisway. What does common
sense then dictate as the remedy ? Let cold water be ta-
ken in small quantity, according to the strength. And if
there is strength enough to cause vomiting, some water
at least can be borne. The vomiting may continue a while,
but when the stomach is cleansed and sufficiently cooled, it
stops. Give then afterwards no nourishment until the or-
gan has: had a good rest.
~
CHAPTER IV.
THE ENEMA, CLYSTER, INJECTION OR LAVEMENT.
Tuts very important part of the water-cure, is as old as
the healing art itself, but in the endless complications of the
remedial means of modern times, almost any irritating or
disgusting fluid, other than pure water, is preferred. A va-
riety of instruments for administering injections are now
manufactured, varying in price from fifty cents to four or
five dollars. The cheaper kinds, if well made and used
with some degree of dexterity, answer a good purpose.—
Every person should have access to one ; no lady’s toilet is
complete without it. Contrary to the common notion, a per-
son, by the exercise of a little skill, can easily use this rem-
edy without assistance. It is in no wise painful, but de-
cidedly agreeable, and affords in a variety of complaints,
speedy and efficient relief. Thousands suffer incalcula-
bly from constipation, year after year, when the use
of this simple means would give the greatest relief, and
thousands more are in the daily and constant habit of swal-
52 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
lowing cathartic and aperient drugs, Brandreth’s pills, cas-
tor oil, magnesia, blue pill, mercury, and so through the long
chapter, that irritate and poison the delicate coats of the
stomach, and exert their pernicious influence throughout
the numberless lanes and alleys of the system, destroying
the healthy tone of the tissues, deranging the nerves, and
thus causing a state of things incomparably worse than the
disease itself, and rendering even that more and more per-
sistent.
Most persons may and should use this remedy cold. A
beginning may be made with the water slightly warmed.
In obstinate cases, luke-warm water effects the object quick-
er and with greater certainty than cold. It may be repeat-
ed again and again, in as great quantity as is desired.
Some prefer the clyster before breakfast ; others immedi-
ately after; the former, I believe, on the whole, to be the
best. A good mode, too, is to take a small injection, a tumb-
ler full, more or less, that is retained permanently without
a movement before morning. ‘This is very soothing to the
nervous system, aids in procuring sound sleep, and by its
absorption, in the coats of the bowels, dilutes acrid matters
therein, tonifying and strengthening likewise those parts,
and aiding materially in bringing about natural move-
ments; but invaluable and efficient as is this remedy, let
no one persist in those habits of diet, such as tea and coffee
drinking, the use of heating and stimulating condiments,
greasy and concentrated forms of food, &c., that tend so
certainly to constipation and irregularity of the bowels.
In all forms of looseness of the bowels, as diarrhoea,
dysentery, cholera morbus, cholera infantum, and the like,
this remedy is most excellent. In many a sudden attack,
injections, sufficiently persevered in, will suffice quickly to
correct the attack, and this when, in the ordinary treat-
ment, a course of powerful drugging would be deemed in-
dispensable, that would result perhaps indeath. This state-
ment will cause sneering, I know, but it is no fancy sketch.
The thoroughly washing out, so to say, the lower bowels ;
by which also the peristaltic or downward action of the
whole alimentary canal is promoted, and by the absorption
INJECTIONS. 53
or transudation of water, its contents are moistened and dilu-
ted, and the whole of the abdominal circulation completely
suffused, by that blandest and most soothing of all fluids,
pure water. I say all this is sufficient to effect, in all such
cases, a great amount of good ; and whoever understands
well the sympathies and tendencies of these parts of the
human system, will at once perceive the truth of that I
affirm. So also in constipation and obstructions of the
bowels ; when no powerful cathartics that any one dare
venture to exhibit, can be made to act, this simple remedy
is effectual in bringing about the desirable object.
In any of these cases, if there is debility, and especially
if it be great, whether the patient be young or old, the water
should be used of a moderate temperature—not above that
of the blood (98° F.) nor very much below that point.
Even if there is high inflammation and much heat in the
bowels, water at 90 or 95°, persevered in, will readily bring
down the temperature of the parts to a natural state, as may
be determined by placing the hand upon the abdomen.
The patient’s feelings of comfort as to warmth or cold are a
- good guide. With these precautions as to temperature, &c.,
the injections may be repeated for an hour, or even hours
upon the stretch.
In attacks of colic, clysters are used much. In spase,
modic colic, I believe, it will generally be found best to
use them quite warm. In wind colic, the enema is highly
useful. Vomiting as well, and some other means, as is
shown elsewhere, should be brought to bear. Some cases
are very obstinate and require all the skill of the most ex-
perienced practitioner; yet I advise all persons to perse-
vere; in bad cases, you cannot make matters worse, and
will generally succeed if you do not falter by the way.
At the beginning of labor in childbirth, it is advisable
that the colon or lower bowel be cleared of its conteuts.
There is generally more or less constipation then ; and it
is the common practice to administer some cathartic, slow
in its operation, and irritating and debilitating in its effects.
The injection is quick and harmless in its action, and al-
wavs aids, in a greater or less degree, the natural. pains
o4 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
in accouchement. It is also invaluable day by day, when
needed, after the birth.
In uterine hemorrhage, or bleeding from the womb, very
cold injections might be brought well to bear, but they
have seldom if ever been used for that purpose.
In the untold sufferings of painful menstruation, expe-
rienced by so many of the fair ones of our country, now-
a-days, injections to the bowels are invaluable. Generally
chilling cold ones are best here. ‘They do not arrest the
menstrual discharge, as would generally be feared, but on
the contrary, promote it if too scanty, or check it if too
great. If in any case the cold application increases the
pain, the warm one is indicated.
In fainting fits, and in hysterical symptoms, the injec—
tion is serviceable. If there is much debility, care must
be taken that the temperature is not too cold; but, gene-
rally, the colder it is given, the better.
In cases of cholera infantum, when the infant is already
past recovery, I have known tepid injections, frequently re-
peated, give, apparently, much relief ; and it affords satis-
faction, when nothing more can be done, to be the means,
in some degree, of smoothing the passage of these innocent
sufferers to the tomb.
Injections to the urinary passages, and to the vagina ana
womb, are useful in all acute and chronic affections of these
parts. The water should generally be used cold. Various
instruments are constructed for these purposes.
In piles ‘and hemorrhoids, of whatever kind, injections
are indicated. Recent cases are often cured with wonder-
ful rapidity ; and, in any case, those who have been long
troubled with these complaints, (and it would seem, that
about one-half the number of adults who lead a sedentary
life, are thus troubled,) will find, that simple, pure water
is incomparably better than any of the thousand-and-one nos-
trums so much in vogue at this day. Ina majority of these
old cases, however, no local application will accomplish
much, alone. The local symptoms only indicate the dis-
eased condition of the whole alimentary canal, as well as
considerable derangement of every function of the whole
INJECTIONS. 55
system. Hence, the treatment must be general, and often
powerful and long continued ; and it may appear singu-
lar that the disease may be made apparently worse by the
treatment, before it can be cured. It likewise, sometimes,
comes on as a crisis, where it never had existed previously.
In all of these cases, cold injections are good.
Injections of air, or ventilation of the bowels, have been
recommended and practised by some, in cases of obstinate
character. A pair of small hand-bellows have been used,
for giving the remedy. I have no personal knowledge of
this means. Confined air, or gas, in the bowels, we know,
may be the cause of much pain ; but I doubt if there need
be any fear on this score. The air is introduced from be-
low upwards; and it would appear that the air would not
be apt to become confined, since it must find exit in the
same way by which it was introduced.
CHAPTER V.
BATHING, AND DESCRIPTIONS OF BATHS.
And Naaman, the leper, came with his horses and with his chariot,
and stood at the door of the house of the prophet Elisha.
And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, Go wash in the river
Jordan, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought
he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call upon the name of
_ the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the
leper. So he went away in a rage.
_ And his servants came near, and spoke to him, and said, My father,
if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have
done it? How much rather then, when he saith unto thee, Wash, and
be clean. Book or Kines. ©
“ Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
Nerruer Priessnitz, or any of his followers, contend for
the remedial use of water, as being entirely new. On the
contrary, they advocate the antiquity of the system.- Far
“
56 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
back, even in Bible history, we find examples of ablutions,
washings, purifications ; and so in all periods of time. We
have not here room for a detailed account of the historical
uses of water, but must content ourselves by merely des-
cribing the modes of the modern water-cure.
The Abreibung, or Rubbing Wet-Sheet.—This is one of
the mildest and most convenient forms of a bath.« A large
linen sheet, of coarse material, is wrung out in cold water,
and, while dripping, one or more assistants immediately
aid in rubbing over, not with the sheet. This is continued,
briskly, three, five, or more minutes, until the skin becomes
reddened, and the surface ina glow. The system is then
made dry with towels, or a dry sheet. Frictions with the
dry hand, are also very useful. If the patient is feverish,
much friction is not required,—the sheet is repeated often.
In determination of blood to the head, the lower extre-
mities being generally cold, the rubbing-sheet tends to re-
store an equilibrium of the circulation. The rubbing wet-
sheet, in principle, is easily administered to patients in
such a state of health as to render it necessary for them to
remain in bed. The person lays upon a blanket, that may
be afterwards removed: a portion of the system is rubbed,
first with wet towels, followed with the dry. ‘his part is
then covered, and the other extremities disposed of in the
same way. ‘The water should be moderated, according to
the strength of the patient. All who are able to walk
about, to ensure warmth, should take the water cold.
Dr. R. H. Graham, of London, who advocates, strongly,
the- uses of water, but objects to Priessnitz as a prac-
titioner, commits an error in saying, “ A glass of water
must be drank immediately before, during, or after this ap-
plication, according to the inclination of the patient.” Be-
fore no cold bath, whatever, should cold water be drank.
Even if there is fever and thirst, we should avoid drinking
it. Most persons may bear such a practice; but, even
with the most robust, the physiological action of the bath
is more beneficial with the drinking omitted until after it:
and then, water should not be taken internally, until the
«system becomes decidedly warm,
BATHS. 57
Again, Dr. G. says, ‘‘ It may, moreover, be usea immedi-
ately after dinner, and with much advantage, when the body
is covered with perspiration, from exercise.” Here, again,
is wrong teaching. Physiology says, unequivocally, ‘“‘ When
digestion is going on, take no form, whatever, of general
path.’ If you exercise the muscular system violently, or
set the brain hard at work, the blood and vital power need-
ed at the stomach, is withdrawn to other parts, and, there-
fore, it cannot well do its office; and if you commence
operating upon the skin, that greatest organ of the system,
you, by sympathy, arrest the progress of its work. I ad-
mit, certainly, that if the dinner has been such (and there
are some who take of this kind) as to throw the system into
a decided general fever, this should, by some means, be re-
duced. Digestion does not now go on. Under such cir-
cumstances, then, a person may take the rubbing sheet, or,
if strong, almost any form of bath. If it be the fever caused
by strong drink, he may lay himself in a tepid bath, and
sleep, even, until his fever is removed, and he awakes re-
freshed. But such modes are very wrong for the well, or
those in chronic disease.
As to the other part of Dr. G.’s last statement, if a per-
son is very much fatigued, and covered with perspiration,
he must be careful how he meddles with the cold bath. But,
if the fatigue has not gone too far, although there is perspi-
ration, the rubbing wet-sheet is one of the most soothing,
and, at the same time, invigorating modes that can possibly
be found. Such as have become exhausted, from public
speaking, strong mental efforts, watchings, and the like, are
greatly benefitted by the rubbing wet-sheet. If, at any
time, the surface is cool, dry frictions or exercise are to be
practised, to induce warmth, before it is used. If a person,
from debility, fails of becoming warm, he is well wrapped
in dry blankets, a half hour, or more, and, when sufficiently
comfortable, the rubbing sheet is again given, to promote
the strength. Frictions, with the dry, warm hands of as-
sistants, are always good, in these cases, to help to insure
warmth, If a person finds himself remaining cold in the
lein-tuch, he should omit that, until the use of the abrei
3*
58 THE WATER:CURE MANUAL.
‘ bung, exercise, &c., enables him to get warm. The tonic
effect of the rubbing sheet is most serviceable in night per-
spirations and debilitating sweats.
The very soothing effects of the rubbing sheet shomd not
be lost sight of. In cares, watchings, and in grief, this re-
medy of Priessnitz’s is unparalleled in its effects. In deli-
rium tremens, and in inebriation, it is most valuable in its
results. Priessnitz, in his practice, depends upon it very
much.
Towel Bath.—By means of wet towels, we may take, al-
most anywhere, a good bath. With a single quart of wa-
ter, we can do this, even in a room, carpeted ever so nice,
without spilling a single drop. ‘The towel bath may seem
a small matter; but we find none, but the most lazy, who,
once accustomed, are willing to relinquish its use. Small
matters, oft repeated, and long continued, accomplish much.
A little medicine is taken, day by day, and, at length, health
fails, and death is the result. ‘Tea, coffee, tobacco, wine,
&ec., are used in very small quantities, and the teeth become
dark, and decay ; the head aches, the hand trembles, and
the spirits fail. So good influences, however small, in the
end, accomplish great results.
How can it be, asks an objector, that trifling applications,
made externally, become, to the internal organs, so servicea-
ble as some assert ? This query may be well answered in
the sarcastic words of a good old English writer on water,
Dr. Baynard: ‘A demi-brained doctor, of more note than
sense, asked, in the amazed agony of his half-understand-
ing, how ’twas possible that an external application should
affect the bowels, and cure the pain within. Why, doctor,
quoth an old woman, standing by, by the same reason, that
being wet-shod, or catching cold from without, should give —
you the gripes ‘and pain within.”’
Sponge Bath.—Some like to stand in a tub, and use a
large sponge, out of which the water is pressed, and made
to pass upon the head, neck, and shoulders, and other parts.
We may pour water from a cup, basin, or pitcher, if we
choose. ‘There appears to be no particular advantage in
the sponges ;—the water is what we need.
BATHS. 59
The Shower Bath.—This is often wrongly used. As
physicians are becoming generally more impressed with the
importance of water, they not unfrequently say to a patient,
«Take the shower bath.” The patient, a lady, perhaps, is
very weak. Medicine enough to make her so, quite likely
has been given, and a good bill run up. Last of all, the
order comes, “ Take the shower bath :’”? about as philoso-
phic a prescription, as to say to a person in severe constipa-
tion, and not at all acquainted with the doses of medicine,
“Take Croton oil.” Of this most powerful of all purga-
tives, every one would, of course, fake too much. Within
three years, since baths are getting to be the fashion, I have
known a number of persons materially injured, in conse-
quence of this loose kind of advice. A great many patients
are too weak to take the cold shower bath. Milder means
must be used.
The shower bath should never be taken upon the head.
Some can bear it; but, in all cases, it is better to wash the
part. The head should never be beaten by water, or any
thing else. Most men have an idea, that taking it upon the
head is necessary, to prevent rushing of blood to the part.
Cooling the head is, of course, good for this, and, if the
bath has but little force, the head is, in many instances, be-
-nefitted. But it may be beneficially acted upon indirectly,
as by the foot bath, which is so good to relieve head-ache.
The hip bath is easily managed, so as to cause the same
effect. So, also, the shower bath, upon any or all parts of
the body, but the head, may be made to cause the same re-
sult. Now the blood at the feet is cooled, and now it has ar-
rived at the head. The blood is rapidly coursing through
the system; and thus, by cooling it, we very soon affect
the most distant part.
If the person has strength enough, and does not take the
shower bath upon the head, he will find no difficulty in its
use. It is a very valuable and convenient mode ; and
‘many persons have, by this simple means, been most won-
derfully restored. And yet, some water-practitioners are
so prejudiced, that, if a patient commences telling them the
henefit he has derived from its use, they at once fall into a
60 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
rage. It is easy, in these cases, to see where the shoe
pinches: they have committed themselves before-hand, and
been talking of what they know but little about. If I have,
myself, taken some hundreds of the shower bath, and pre-
scribed it to hundreds of others, (as I have,) I ought to
know more concerning its effects than those who have seldom
or never attempted its use. I do not say that a shower bath
is the best that can be; but I contend, that, properly man-
aged, it is a most excellent mode. The pouring of water,
or the small stream, of the same quantity and force of the
shower, I hold is, in most cases, the best. I go, as ] always
have done, for avoiding the shock, although this is generally
advocated as being the principal good of the bath. ‘The
pouring, and the small stream, much less than the shower,
produce a shock.
Drunkenness.—In the fever of drunkenness, (for that state
of the system is one of artificial fever,) the best thing that
can be done is to cool the body ; and, in this way, the ef-
fects of water are often singular enough. ‘Thus, if a per-
son is so drunken as not to be able to speak a sentence
through, a good showering, or pouring of cold water over
the body, restores the senses at once. ‘Those who are “ dead
drunk,’ are more quickly restored in this than any other
possible way. Pouring cold water some time upon the head,
works wonders in cases of this kind. Large cold injections
are also highly serviceable here.
Obstinacy.—Cold water is one of the best means, in cases
of obstinacy. The dashing of cold water upon obstinate
persons, is immeasurably more humane and effectual than
the old barbarous modes. Prisoners have been much injured
by a stream of cold water directed upon the head; and
thus this kind of punishment seems to have gone into disre-
pute. It was a dangerous practice, and never should have
been commenced. ‘The head should never be beaten by a
stream af water, or any thing else.
General directions concerning Baths.—-Persons who are
under the necessity of commencing the use of water, with.
out the advice of a physician, (and most persons in chronic
disease, with the most perfect safety, may,) should begin
BATHS. ~ 61
very cautiously. It is so easy, at any time, to increase,
that there is no need of hurry in the matter. ‘Haste
makes waste.” Begin by merely washing the surface
once, daily. If you are very weak and sensitive, use the
water at 70° F., or even 80°, and, if it is at 909°, it
is yet cooling,—cold water, in effect, and very mild in de-
gree. It is easy, then, to lower the temperature, day by
day, as you find you can bear. Rub the skin thoroughly,
to excite activity in this part. ‘The warmer it becomes, and
the better the circulation, the more grateful is water, and
the better the effect accomplished. Very soon you can
commence taking the shower, small stream, or douche,
upon a part. Take it, first, upon a single limb, or two,
next upon all the limbs, then upon a part of the body,
and, finally, upon the whole, except the head. In this
way, any one, who is able to walk about, may gradu-
ally and safely accustom himself to the shower, or small
douche bath. Most persons are apt to wish to proceed
too rapidly, and, in so doing, fail of bringing about the
best results. If disease has been a long time accumu-
lating, as is almost always true, time must be given for
Nature to do her work. You may aid her in her efforts,
but to force her, is impossible. Many invalids, of course,
have strength to proceed much more rapidly than I have
indicated for those who are very weak. But, I repeat, those
who practise upon themselves, should proceed cautiously,
and, as it were, feel their way. |
If one bath per day is found useful, soon a second may
be ventured upon, and, finally, a third, or even a fourth.
Weak persons go fishing voyages, and, in many cases, soon
become able to remain much in the water, the whole day,
and half of the night. If a crisis appears, you may know
Nature is doing her work. The treatment must be, then,
moderated, as we shall elsewhere see.
Bath by Affusion.—A person may stand in a wash-tub or
any convenient place, and by means of a pitcher, cup, or
hand-basin, pour water upon the neck and shoulders, and
thus take a very excellent bath. This simple way will in-
deed be found, as a general thing, better than the portable
62 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
shower baths. These are very apt to get out oforder, al.
though some of them are very good.
Fifty years ago, Dr. Currie, of England, performed won-
ders by the affusion of cold and tepid water, graduated in
temperature according to the strength of the constitution.
In all the varieties of fever he adopted the mode ; so in
small pox, measles, scarlatina,—as well as in convulsive
diseases and in insanity. It is now acknowledged by the
highest authority in that country, that Dr. Currie’s mode
was attended with greater success than any other previous-
ly known. :
Plunge Bath.—In sea, river and lake, as well as by arti-
ficial means, bathing and general ablutions have been prac-
tised from time immemorial ; as a matter of luxury, reli-
gious observance, purification, prevention and cure of
disease, bathing has been resorted to in every period
of the world. So efficacious has this simple means proved
in the healing of the sick, that not a little superstition
has been mingled with it. Springs and wells have often
been supposed to possess some mysterious power, and have,
therefore, been named after some pattern saint. The world
has loved mystery and marvellousness, and has ever been
wandering from simplicity and truth.
Many wonderful things are recorded of the effects of the
general cold bath. Insane persons, who have, accidentally
or designedly, plunged into cold water, have been almost as
suddenly brought to their reason. ‘There is a well authen-
ticated story, like this: An insane man, living upon the
Connecticut river, was observed by his friends to be making
his way with a rope in his hand towards the river. Know-
ing his suicidal propensities, his friends followed. He
succeeded in climbing a tree, the branches overhanging the
river. Before he could be reached, he succeeded in placing
the rope about his neck, but in his haste forgot to attach it
to the limb : so in jumping off, instead of being hung, as he
intended, he fell into the cold river. He was taken out by
his friends, and at once recovered his senses. |
I know a physician who was delirious ina high fever, and
being of strong frame, he ran away from his attendants
-. BATHS.> 63
plunged himself into a spring stream, and there remained
until the system was cooled, when he came to his right mind
and was soon cured.
My worthy friend, Mr. Flagg, ex-mayor of New Haven,
informed me that at one time, while in the south, a very fatal
fever (the yellow fever, I think,) was raging, and carried off
numbers in a very short time. A friend of his, of strong
frame, was attacked and in a few hours died. ‘The fever
came upon himself, but in its beginning he hastened to the
sea-shore, waited in the water some hours, and thus broke
up the attack.
I was informed of a gentleman of Boston, who some years
since had the rheumatism very severely, and one cold win-
ter’s day accidentally fell through ice into the water. His
friends took him out, thinking, of course, that death would
be the certain result, but were surprised to find him very
soon recovered of the disease. Such occurrences have
every now and then happened, but, valuable as is bathing,
- we cannot reckon upon them as being the ordinary result.
Drunken persons, as is well known, are very soon sobered
by a good cooling with cold water.
Howard, the philanthropist, as we elsewhere see, observed
most remarkable effects to take place from cold baths. In
prisons, one great object of his was to recommend their fre-
quent use. The very talented Rev. John Wesley also had
the sagacity to observe the remarkable effects of cold water
baths.
In districts, where autumnal fevers prevail, boys who
have been in the habit of resorting to the swimming exer-
cise daily, have been known by numbers to pass through the
season without having the slightest attack of fever, while
those who did not practise the water exercise, almost every
one experienced the disease.
Fighting dogs are very soon quelled by dashing cold wa.
ter upon them. The experiment would not be a bad one.
made upon fighting men. Beyond a doubt, if cold water
was more freely used, there would be less need of bullets
and stripes.
It is well known that the numerous body of Christians
64 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
called Baptists, are in the habit of performing the ceremo-
ny of baptism in the most inclement seasons of the year.
As an argument in favor of their peculiar mode of adminis.
tering this rite, it has often been said that none are ever in-
jured by it, however cold the water may be when it is per-
formed. Those who fear so much the effects of cold wa-
ter under ordinary circumstances, naturally enough attri-
bute this immunity from harm to a superhuman power.
Whether this be so or not, every one must be his own judge.
The fact certainly exists, that persons seldom, if ever, under
these circumstances, receive any harm.
Not only is no injury done to the health, in these cases,
but sometimes great good. As I am now writing, my wor-
thy co-worker, Mr. La Morte Barney, hands me an anec-
dote, penned down as given by the individual who re-
lated it to him, as follows: “ Not long since, a clergyman
called at our office, and appearing to be much interested in
the new system, I, through curiosity, asked him what first
induced him to turn his mind to the subject. He said he had
been for years afflicted with the rheumatism, which grew
upon him as he became more advanced in life. One piere-
ing cold Sunday, about a year ago, in time of a revival, he
was persuaded, against his inclination, to preach. A
large congregation assembled ; the room was very warm,
he became much excited, and at the end of his discourse,
was in a profuse perspiration. He was now prevailed up-
on to undertake the baptizing of a number of persons.
Putting his trust in Providence, he was soon at the water’s
side. Not feeling able to perform the service of prayer, he
requested a brother to lead in that exercise. The latter, in-
stead of making the prayer as short as was desirable, contin-
ued it to an unusual length. At the conclusion, the former
had become so chilled as to be scarcely able to advance in-
to the water. With difficulty he succeeded in baptizing
the proposed number, but, at the end, found himself unable
to come out from the cold element without assistance. He
was conveyed to the nearest house, stripped, made dry, and
wrapped in warm blankets, and, although chilled as he was,
he became, before a long time, comfortable. The result
- BATHS. 65
was, that instead of being killed, as was supposed would be
the case, he was at once relieved, and his rheumatism left
him. Occasionally, since, he has had slight returns of the
disease, which have been as often driven off by the applica-
tions of cold water. Thus singularly was this individual
brought to experience in his own person the wonderful ef-
fects of cold water.”
Mr. Barney also gives me at second-hand a narrative
showing the power of water, to wit:
“ A gentleman of this city (a patient of Dr. Shew’s) tells
me the following story. In the early part of last March,
he went, in company with a physician, on a fishing excur-
sion.’ The latter had an affection of the throat, which part
he was very careful to exclude from the cold, fearing if
the cold air came in contact with that part, it might end in
serious consequences. However, they had not been engag-
ed long at their sport, ere a flaw struck them and upset the
boat, leaving them in the water. ‘They remained in this
predicament nearly half an hour ; a boat then came to their
rescue. They reached the shore, and there being no con-
veyance at hand, were obliged to run, as it were, for
their lives. They reached the house, and with some difh-
culty relieved themselves of their frozen clothing. After
some time they became warm. ‘They passed the night and
their sleep was not troubled with frightful dreams. In the
morning, the doctor was at a loss to know what had become
of his bronchitis. In accidents like the above there seems
never to be any harm done, except the individual becomes
either greatly exhausted or the body frozen.”
Priessnitz’s Plunging Baths.—In each of his different build-
ings, and those of his immediate neighbors, (some twenty
houses in all,) there are oblong plunging baths, made rude-
ly of strong coopers’ work. These are supplied by the pure
spring water that issues so copiously in every direction
among the hills. The water is conveyed from considerable
distances in hollow logs placed in the ground. The water
passes continually in at one side of the bath, and out at the
other. That it may be pure, it is made to pass under
ground, through earth and gravel, after it leaves one build.
66 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
ing to go to another. A perpetually cleansing bath of wa-
ter so-pure and soft as that at Grafenberg, is a blessing
which may well be craved. These baths of Priessnitz’s
are all placed in the basements or cellar kitchens of the
houses, and as persons pass from the wet sheet, or the
sweating blanket, which is now rarely used there, they have
often to go a considerable distance to the bath. Rude as
things necessarily are in these mountain parts, one would
be looked upon strangely should he undertake to convince
the people here of the feasibility of conveying water into
the upper stories of the houses. Besides, it is Priessnitz’s
professed object, and a true way, to make the cure a hardy
one. ‘The more hardy and work-like the course, the better
the results.
These plunging baths are much used in the cure. Those
who are not sufficiently strong, practise at first the rubbing
wet sheet, half baths, hip baths, drinking, exercise, &c.,
until they have sufficient strength. From the sheet or the
perspiration, the person goes quickly to the bath, wets his
face and temples, and then plunges directly in. He remains
longer or shorter, as the case may require. It is not best
to continue so long as to get a second chill. Keep-in mo-
tion, and practise as much friction as possible, while in the
water. ‘These baths are exceedingly exhilarating and in-
vigorating for those who are in a condition to bear them,
and most persons are.
The Douche (Doosh) Bath.—This powerful bath, al-
though highly useful in a great variety of cases, is not per-
haps quite as much used at Grafenberg as it formerly was.
With all Priessnitz’s amount of experience (greater than that
of any other man), as he grows older, he makes some
changes. Nor is he unwilling, as has been said, to speak
of those changes, but, on the contrary, glad to inculcate the
improvements -he has made. I know by personal experi-
ence of what I affirm.
A stream of water, an inch or two in diameter, with a
fall of ten, fifteen or twenty feet, may be said to constitute
an ordinary douche. At Grafenberg there are a numbet
ef these in different directions in the forest, formed in rude
BATHS. 67
huts. Some are exclusively for ladies, others for the men.
One for each is. kept open through the winter. According
to rules formed by a standing committee of the patients, a
small sum is paid weekly by those who use them, for the
keeping them in good order, and paying the attendants.
Although the most powerful means used in hydropathy,
the douche may be made very mild. Thus, a small stream,
first taken only upon a single limb, is easily borne. With
proper apparatus, indeed, the douche may be made so mild
that any one can bear it. If there is doubt in any case as
to its propriety in a stronger form, it is best to commence
in a small way, and only upon a part of the system at
once. It is so easy to increase at any time, this will often
be found the safer and better way. The system can be
brought to endure almost anything, provided moderation
at first and gradual increase are observed.
Kinds of Douches.—The douche may be vertical, oblique,
horizontal, or descending. That which is nearly vertical,
is the one most used, and may be considered as the only one
strictly necessary in the treatment, to produce the different
effects required. ‘The ascending douche is, however, an
excellent mode, in cases of piles, and diseases of the uterine
organs. As a local means in uterine hemorrhages, fluor
albus, &c., this remedy is strikingly serviceable.
In the older works on water, we find the douche recom-
mended, in various cases, to be taken upon the head. ‘This
is, in every sense, wrong. The principal effect of the
douche, it is true, is the conduction of caloric from the part
upon which it is directed ; still, the mechanical force of the
application is a sufficient objection against its use upon that
sensitive part, the head. ‘The pouring, or affusion, upon
this part, is always to be preferred. No blow of any kind
should ever be struck upon the head.
Those who have weak lungs, stomach, or abdominal or-
gans, should not take the douche upon those parts. Ope-
rate upon the system, through the limbs, the large joints,
and the muscular parts. This is the better mode. Weak
organs can be strengthened, for most part, only through the
general health.
68 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL. |
In paralysis, and in diseased joints, the douche is a valu-
-able remedy. In all cases of the like kinds, the system
should be gradually prepared, by a general treatment.
Persons are apt, here, as elsewhere, to have too great re-
gard for local means, and not enough for general treatment.
In diseases, of whatever kind, the greater part of the effect
is to be brought about through the general means.
In gout and rheumatism, affecting the joints, there has
been not a little discussion among medical writers, as to the
safety of douching. It has been feared that the disease
might be driven to some other part. Experience abundant-
ly demonstrates, that of this there is not the slightest danger,
provided certain plain rules are observed. If the part be
hotter than is natural, so long is the application of cold water,
by whatever means made, entirely safe. Indeed, we have
no proof that cold water, in any case, ever produces the
metastasis, or change of disease from one part to another,
alluded to. If the part is not hotter than natural, the dis-
ease might become increased by the douche, but, further
than this, there is at least room for much doubt. The prin-
cipal effect of cold external applications, it should be re-
membered, is the abstraction of heat. The action, then, is
outward, and not inward, as is by some supposed. Another
proof of this is the fact, that eruptions, boils, &c., appear
upon the surface, where the water is used.
In some cases of swelled and painful joints, the relief ob-
tained, in a very short time, by the douche, is little less
than miraculous.
Old tumors are, sometimes, in connexion with other treat-
ment, driven away in a very remarkable manner, by the
action of the douche.
The best time for douching, I believe, in most cases, to be
the morning. The system is then more vigorous, from the
night’s rest, the stomach is more apt to be free from undi-
gested food, and thus the strong impression of this powerful
mode is the better borne. A strong douche should seldom
be taken more than once a day.
At a small expense, a douche may be arranged in almost
any situation. By means of a pump, water is easily ele-
BATHS. 69
vated to a cistern, or cask, and thus the amount of tall ne-
cessary obtained.
The Wave Bath.—This is, in some respects, similar to
the douche. In this there is force of water, as at an un-
dershot mill-wheel,—a sluice-way, as it is called. A per-
son lays hold of a rope, or something by which he may
keep his situation, and lays himself at length in the swift
running water. ‘This is what*is called a wave bath. The
mode is a good one, but possesses no peculiar advantages.
It is not used by Priessnitz.
How often to bathe. —There appears to be as good reason
for the daily cleansing of the whole surface as of the hands
and face. I have before written, “ Every sick person,
in whatever condition, or however weak, should have the
whole body rubbed over, with wet cloths, sponges, &c., at
least once each day. In some cases, great caution will be
required, in order that the bath be performed safely. Let
those who have lain for days upon a sick bed, without any
ablution, as is generally the case in the ordinary modes of
medical practice, try, when the body is warm, the rubbing
it part by part over the whole surface, following, briskly, with
dry cloths, and then covering it warmly, according to the
feelings of comfort, and they will find it a most effectual
tonic, as well as an application productive of the greatest
comfort. Physicians, generally, have yet many simple les-
sons of this kind to learn.”
Let every individual, then, old and young, male and fe-
male, sick or well, have a daily bath; and, in case of in-
disposition, of whatever kind, let there be more, instead of
less, attention given to bathing.
The Half Bath.—This bath may be used as one of the
mildest of water-cure processes, or as one of the most pow-
erful. An ordinary bathing tub is a very good apparatus
for the purpose.
sure health. ‘Take your over-fed, indolent gentry, and do
with them as Frederick, king of Prussia, did with his indo-
lent subject,* and you give them health. Nothing short of
a hardy course throughout will accomplish the work. —
Priessnitz’s patients, who are able, take a large amount
* The following anecdote is related of Frederick, king of Prussia:
One day, while walking through the public gardens of Berliit, he met
with a stout, well-fed gentleman, one of his subjects, who complained
to the king, whom he did not know, of the misery of his bad health,
which made him spend half his fortune in constant travelling to water-
ing places, without anyrelief. The king told him that he would recom-
mend him to an excellent physician at Spandau, (the next station and
fortress,) who would undertake his cure for a trifle, and that he would
answer for the success. ‘The gentleman accepted this offer with great
- pleasure, and took a note from his kind adviser to Spandau, when, on
delivering it, he was, by mistake, as he thought, taken into the fortress,
and obliged to work hard, with very scanty food. He complained bit-
terly of this mistake, wrote to Berlin to his friends, but had no answer,
till, six months after his arrival at the fortress, the king came himself, to
inspect the prisoners, and was very glad to see his patient in perfect
health, but rendered to a shadow of what he had been before. He con-
gratulated him on his recovery at so cheap a rate, and sent him home
cured forever. it
EXERCISE—AIR. 115
of exercise. Eight or ten hours, daily, many are busily
engaged in climbing the hills, shaded by forest, going tothe
several springs, drinking of water, and bathing. All who
are able to harden themselves to such a course, can but
grow stronger and firmer in health. Food is relished, di-
gestion goes on healthfully, rest and sleep are enjoyed, and
the whole existence becomes changed.
The amount of strength that may be gained by well re-
gulated and persevering practice in physical exercise, 1s
truly astonishing. From being very feeble, many persons
may, by constant and regular exercise, gain an amount of
strength they had never before experienced. Rheumatisms
and other old ailments are thrown off. Riding upon horse-
back long journeys has often cured that dire disease, the
consumption; and long journeys upon foot have often ac-
complished that which physic, diet, and bathing alone could
not bring about.
For the present purpose a few general directions may be
given. Be the weather what it may, exercise daily and fre-
quently in the open air, but never so much as to cause too
great fatigue. Practise moderate exercise always after a
meal, as this is proved to be a means of promoting diges-
tion and increasing the strength. Perform, however, the
greatest feats, when the stomach is free from food. En-
deavor to take such exercise as will also interest agreeably
the mind ; and of all exercise, that which is directed to-
wards some honest industrial pursuit is the best that can pos-
sibly be taken. The laboring man or woman exercises the
muscular frame too much, rendering the mind dull and stupid,
while the indolent and unoccupied suffer more from the op-
posite cause.
Weak persons, who are not able to exercise, must have a
good deal of frictions, rubbings, kneading the flesh, bathing,
&c., to answer as well as may be the same end.
Air.—The advantages of the cool or cold air bath we
have spoken of elsewhere. The same general principles
apply in the breathing of air, except this is the more im-
_ portant consideration of the two. . One of the greatest of all
physical evils is the breathing of impure air ; so, also, is the
116 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL. |
breathing fresh, pure air, one of the most important influ.
ences in the prevention and cure of disease. ‘The impor-
tance of a due supply of fresh air may be seen from its ef-
fects upon infants and children. Those that are carried out
of doors regularly and often are well known to be much
more healthy than such as are constantly housed up and
confined. In the city of London one half of the deaths oc-
cur before infants and children arrive at three years. In
New York there is nearly a like proportion. But any one
who will take the trouble carefully to ascertain facts, will
find that of those children that are taken daily and often in-
to the open air, and are kept likewise in well ventilated rooms,
are seldom found to suffer from ill health. There are, |
know, but very few children served in this way—very few
indeed ; but among this few, the result will be found as I
have stated.
How very little is there known in society generally, com-
pared with what should be, concerning the importance of
breathing fresh air. People go to churches, halls, lecture
rooms, concerts, the theatre and other places of amusement,
and breathe the atmosphere again and again, rendered im-
pure by many causes. ‘These places and buildings gene-
rally are constructed as if with the view to prevent the ad-
mission of fresh air. As a consequence, there occur very
frequently, faintings, swoonings, hysterics, sighing, cough-
ing, head-ache, and a multitude of symptoms, indicating
the presence of something injurious. All these things have
been explained over and again, and yet the evils are allowed
to go on.
There is, perhaps, no one circumstance in which so much
harm is done in reference to the breathing of air, than
in sleeping apartments. Every one has observed, on
entering a sleeping apartment of a morning, having come
from the pure open air, how impure and offensive the air
has become. Let any one begin by opening the window a
very little at first, and more and more as he becomes ac-
customed to the change, avoiding, of course, direct draughts,
and he will not be a little surprised to find how much pleas-
anter, as well as more salutary, the change will prove to be.
SLEEP. 117
Instead of languor and weariness in the morning, there will
be a feeling of rest and refreshment, and incubus and hor-
rid dreams are avoided, especially if, in connexion, the oth-
er habits are correct. ‘There are now parents in New
York who practise regularly the admitting freely of fresh
air into the sleeping rooms of their children, even to the
youngest infant.
The article of Franklin’s on procuring pleasing dreams,
so well illustrates the whole subject under consideration, I
shall here give it place, hoping that it may be studied and
practised upon asit merits : ;
“As a great part of our life is spent in sleep, during
which we have sometimes pleasing and sometimes painful
dreams, it becomes of some consequence to obtain the one
kind and avoid the other; for whether real or imaginary,
pain is pain, and pleasure is pleasure. If we can sleep
without dreaming, it is. well that painful dreams are avoid-
ed. If, while we sleep, we can have any pleasing dreams,
it is, as the French say, tant gagné, so much added to the
pleasure of life.
«To this end it is, in the first place, necessary to be care-
ful in preserving health, by due exercise and great temper-
ance; for in sickness, the imagination is disturbed ; and
disagreeable, sometimes terrible ideas are apt to present
themselves. Exercise should precede meals, not imme-
diately follow them: the first promotes, the latter, unless
moderate, obstructs digestion. If, after exercise, we feed
sparingly, the digestion will be easy and good, the body
lightsome, the temper cheerful, and all the functions per-
formed agreeably. Sleep, when it follows, will be natural
and undisturbed ; while indolence, with full feeding, occa-
sions night-mares and horrors inexpressible. We fall from
precipices, are assaulted by wild beasts, murderers and de-
mons, and experience every variety of distress. Observe,
however, that the quantities of food and exercise are rela-
tive things: those who move much, may, and indeed ought,
to eat more; those who use little exercise, should eat little.
In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eat
about twice as much as nature requires. Suppers are not
118 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
bad, if we have not dined; but restless nights naturally
follow hearty suppers after full dinners. Indeed, as there
is a difference in constitutions, some will rest after these
meals ; it costs them only a frightful dream and an apo-
plexy, after which they sleep till doomsday. Nothing is
more common in the newspapers, than instances of people,
who, after eating a hearty supper, are found dead in bed in
the morning.
‘‘ Another means of preserving health to be attended to,
is the having a constant supply of fresh air in your bed-
chamber. It has been a great mistake, the sleeping in
rooms exactly closed, and in beds surrounded by curtains.
No outward air, that may come into you, is so unwholesome
as the unchanged air, often breathed, of a close chamber.
As boiling water does not grow hotter by longer boiling, if
the particles that receive greater heat can escape ; so living
bodies do not putrify, if the particles, as fast as they be-
come putrid, can be thrown off. Nature expels them by
the pores of the skin and lungs, and ina free open air, they
are carried off; but, in a close room, we receive them again
and again, though they become more and more corrupt.
A number of persons crowded into a small room, thus spoil
the air in a few minutes, and even render it mortal, as in
the ‘Black Hole’* at Calcutta. A single person is said to
spoil only a gallon of air per minute, and therefore requires
a longer time to spoil a chamber-full; but it is done, how-
ever, in proportion, and many putrid disorders hence have
their origin. It is recorded of Methuselah, who, being the
longest liver, may be supposed to have best preserved his
health, that he slept always in the open air; for, when he
had lived five hundred years, an angel said to him, ‘ Arise,
Methuselah, and build thee a house, for thou shalt live
yet five hundred years longer.’ But Methuselah answered
* The Black Hole is a close dungeon in Fort William, Calcutta,
“One hundred and forty-six individuals were imprisoned in a room,
twenty feet square, with only one window, and before the next morning
all but twenty-three died under the most dreadful of tortures, that of
slowly increasing suffocation.” : 5 ee
SLEEY. 119
and said, ‘If I am to live but five hundred years longer, it
is not worth while to build me a house—lI will sleep in the
airas I have been used to do.’ Physicians, after having
for ages contended that the sick should not be indulged with
fresh air, have at length discovered that it may do them
good. It is therefore to be hoped, that they may in time
discover likewise, that it is not hurtful to those who are in
health; and that we may then be cured of the aéropholia,
that at present distresses weak minds, and makes them
choose to be stifled and poisoned, rather than leave open
the windows of a bed-chamber, or put down the glass of a
coach.
* Confined air, when saturated with perspirable matter,*
will not receive more ; and that matter must remain in our
bodies, and occasion diseases: but it gives some previous
notice of its being about to be hurtful, by producing certain
uneasiness, slight indeed at first, such as, with regard to
the lungs, is a trifling sensation, and to the pores of the
skin a kind of restlessness which it is difficult to describe,
and few that feel it know the cause of it. But we may re-
collect, that sometimes, on awaking in the night, we have,
if warmly covered, found it difficult to get to sleep again.
We turn often, without finding repose in any position.
This fidgettiness, to use a vulgar expression for want of a
better, is occasioned wholly by an uneasiness in the skin,
owing to the retention of the perspirable matter—the bed-
clothes having received their quantity, and, being saturated,
refusing to take any more. ‘To become sensible of this by
an experiment, let a person keep his position in the bed, but
throw off the bed-clothes, and suffer fresh air to approach
the uncovered part of his body ; he will then feel that part
suddenly refreshed; for the air will immediately relieve
the skin, by receiving, licking up, and carrying off, the
_load of perspirable matter that incommoded it. For every
portion of cool air that approaches the warm skin, in re-
* What physicians call the perspirable matter, is that vapor which
passes off from our bodies, from the lungs, and through the pores of
the skin. The quantity of this is said to be five-eighths of what we eat.
120 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
ceiving its part of that vapor, receives therewith a degree
of heat, that rarefies and renders it lighter, when it will
be pushed away, with its burden, by cooler and therefore
heavier fresh air; which, for a moment, supplies its place,
and then, being likewise changed and warmed, gives way
to a succeeding quantity. This is the order of nature, to
prevent animals being infected by their own perspiration.
He will now be sensible of the difference between the part
exposed to the air, and that which, remaining sunk in bed,
denies the air access, for this part now manifests its un-
easiness more distinctly by the comparison, and the seat
of the uneasiness is more plainly perceived than when the
whole surface of the body was-affected by it.
‘“‘ Here then is one great and general cause of unpleasing
dreams. For when the body is uneasy, the mind will be
disturbed by it, and disagreeable ideas of various kinds will,
in sleep, be the naturat consequences. The remedies, pre-
ventive and curative, follow : .
_ “1, By eating moderately (as before advised for health’s
sake,) less perspirable matter is produced in a given time ;
hence, the bed-clothes receive it longer before they are sat-
urated ; and we may, therefore, sleep longer, before we are
made uneasy by their refusing to receive any more.
«2, By using thinner and more porous bed-clothes, which
will suffer the perspirable matter more easily to pass through
them, we are less incommoded.
«¢3, When you are awakened by this uneasiness, and find
you cannot easily sleep again, get out of bed, beat up and
turn your pillow, shake the bed-clothes well, with at least
twenty shakes, then throw the bed open, and leave it to cool ;
in the meanwhile, continue undrest, walk about your cham-
ber, till your skin has had time to discharge its load, which
it will do sooner as the air may be drier and colder. When
you begin to feel the cold air unpleasant, then return to
your bed; soon you will fall asleep, and your sleep will be
sweet and pleasant. All the scenes presented to your fan-
cy will be of the pleasing kind. I am often as agreeably
entertained with them, as by the scenery of an opera. If
you happen to be too indolent to get out of bed, you may, in-
SLEEP—CLOTHING. 121
stead of it, lift up your bed-clothes with one arm and leg;
so as to draw in a good deal of fresh air and by letting
them fall, force it out again ; this repeated twenty times,
will soclear them of the perspirable matter they have im-
bibed, as to permit your sleeping well for some time after-
wards. But this latter method is not equal to the former.
“Those who do not love trouble, and can afford to have
two beds, will find great luxury in rising, when they wake
in a hot bed, and going into the cold one. Such shifting of
beds would also be of great service to persons ill of fever,
as it refreshes and frequently procures sleep. A very large
bed, that will admit a removal so distant from the first situ-
ation as to be cool and sweet, may in a degree answer the
same end.
“One or two observations more will conclude this little
piece. Care must be taken when you lie down, to dispose
your pillow so as to suit your manner of placing your head,
and to be perfectly easy ; then place your limbs so as not
to bear inconveniently hard upon one another ; as for in-
stance, the joints of your ancles ; for though a bad position
may at first give but little pain, and be hardly noticed, yet
@ continuance will render it less tolerable, and the uneasi-
ness may come on while you are asleep, and disturb your
imagination.
“These are the rules of the art. But though they will
generally prove effectual in producing the end intended, there
is a case in which the most punctual observance of them
will be totally fruitless. I need not mention the case to
you, my dear friend ; but my account of the art would be
imperfect without it. The case is, when the person who de
sires to have pleasant dreams, has not taken care to pre-
Serve, what is necessary above all things—a coop con-
SCIENCE.”
Clothing.—It is no more than a common maxim, that
‘those who accustom themselves to go thinly clad are the
most hardy, vigorous, and free from disease. The question
then arises, how far is it safe, in each individual case, to
diminish the amount of clothing worn? It is very evident,
that no great change should be made all at once. By prac«
6
;
122 THE WATER-CURE 1. ANUAL.
tising the various means for hardening the system and in-
vigoratiiig the general health, a much less amount of eloth-
ing than is generally worn, almost any one may become ac-
customed to. At Grafenberg, many wear very thin cloth-
ing, even when the weather is frosty and snow upon the
ground. According to the rules of etiquette there, no cra-
vat of any kind is to be worn upon the neck. The neck
and breast must be left exposed, to receive the invigorating
effect of the cool, fresh air. It 1s amusing, often, to see
even old men, who have become so hardy that they brace
up against the snow-storm with uncovered breast, and per-
haps without a vest.
Wearing Hats and Caps.—At Grafenberg, it is more
the fashion to go in the open air bare-headed. The brain
becomes thus cooled, and a tonic effect is produced. Keep
the head cool, is a wise old maxim, the importance of which
the sagacious mind of Priessnitz could not overlook. A
vast amount of harm arises from hot and air-tight hats and
caps upon the head. That calamity, baldness, which comes -
upon so many men, is caused much by hats and caps.
Women, whose heads are more of the time uncovered, and
whose head-coverings are generally lighter and moreairy,
for the most part retain their hair.
The best possible treatment for loose and diseased hair,
is that which invigorates the general health.
Flannel.—There has been a great deal, and particularly
of later years, said in favor of wearing flannel next to the
skin, but scarcely more than for the use of tea, coffee, to-
bacco, opium, calomel, and castor oil. Howard, the philan-
thropist, learned, after much experience, that mankind were
in the habit of inverting the remedies to be used. So, also,
it may be said, they are in the habit of avoiding things they
should use, and of using things that cause the greatest
harm.
As to flannel, the sum total of the matter is, it should, as
far as possible, be avoided, because of its weakening effect,
in retaining too great an amount of the animal heat. As
fast as possible, the system should be so hardened, that it
may be thrown off. Old persons and the feble may need
|
CLOTHING. 123
it, but never next the skin. Jt irritates too much the sur-
face, retains too much warmth, and thus destroys the pow-
er to resist cold, and impairs the generating of heat. If it
must be worn, let a muslin or linen garment be kept next
the skin. ‘Those whose systems have been saturated with
mercury, must not be surprised, if they feel symptoms of
rheumatism when they first make the change, but even
here a little perseverance, and every thing well managed,
will work wonders in a short time.
Too small, as well as too great, an amount of clothing is
injurious to the health ; but, in this country of abundance,
there is little to be feared from wearing too small a quantity.
Trregularity in wearing Clothing.—Ladies, more particu-
larly, are apt to suffer from too sudden changes in the
amount of clothing. Generally, too great an amount is
worn. Then, to attend the theatre, a ball, party, or wed-
ding, a great change is made. Their stockings and deli-
cate shoes are exchanged for less substantial ones; the
same general change is made in the dress; the individual
is thus exposed. And how often, in this way, is a cold
taken, that lasts for months, or becomes the foundation of
an incurable disease, and, in some instances, ends soon in
death. Mothers are greatly in fault in this matter. Great
and sudden changes, in regard to dress, must never be made,
even with persons in health. So impressed with the im-
portance of this rule was one great physician, that he laid
down, as a maxim, that those who wore flannel should, in
the warmest of the summer, throw it off one day, and re-
sume it the next. Now, I repeat again, there is, generally,
far too much clothing worn ; but all changes should be made
im connexion with cool or cold bathing, and always gradually.
Many a cold is received, when if, at the making a change,
a cold bath, with exercise, had been practised, the indivi-
dual would have been safe.
There is another practice of females that sometimes does
injury to the health,—that of wearing dresses very low at
the neck. About the waist there is worn a half dozen or
dozen thicknesses of cloth, and then low about the neck
there are none at all. At other times, the same person will
124 ; THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
have the neck warmly clothed. These changes are not
good, and clothing should be as evenly as possible distri-
buted over the whole system.
As to the moral effect of wearing low-necked dresses, I
will not pretend to decide. I will, however, venture to give
an opinion, that ‘f a wife wishes to please her husband, or
a young lady her lover, she will better-succeed by not wear-
ing dresses of that kind. :
Clothing of Infants.—There is one practice that has long
prevailed in this country, as well as in Europe, and for how
long a time we know not, that of swathing or binding close-
ly and tightly with bands and rollers, the body of the new-
born infant. Whether such were the swaddling clothes in
which the Saviour was bound, we cannot, perhaps, determine
positively. We have, however, every reason to believe that
such they were not, since the clothing used at the Hast was
of a very flowing and loose kind.
This exceedingly injurious practice originated, no doubt,
in two ways: First, the parent, proud, ignorant, and super-
stitious, believed that the form of the infant's abdomen would
be improved. Secondly, physicians believed that swathing
would tend to prevent rupture ; but this idea was as mis-
taken as Could be, for the application made is one of the
most certain means of CAUSING the difficulty mentioned. The
bowels are crowded downward, and the rupture is more
apt to be caused ; besides, fron the heat retained about the
surface, and the uncomfortableness and irritation caused by
the bandage, the evil is much more likely to occur. Besides
all this, “ Let a person put the hand on the abdomen, or Tre-
gion of which the navel is the centre, and feel the rising
swell of this part, during every inspiration, or drawing of
the breath, and it must be very obvious, that to compress
this region by a bandage passed round and round the’ body,
cannot but interfere with the freedom of respiration, by pre-
venting the complete enlargement of the chest and the de- —
scent of the lungs. The viscera, or organs, contained in
the great cavity itself, being thus pent in by the bandage in |
_~front, and all round, and pressed upon above by the midriff, |
in its descent, at each inspiration, will greatly suffer, and
~
CLOTHING. 125
be forced into new situations, or kept in forced contact, ir-
ritating and inflaming each other.”
One-time in a thousand, there may be a rupture at the na-
vel that requires a very light, cool bandage, but never one
that is so tight as to crowd the bowels downwards, or im-
pede, in any manner, the motions of respiration, or become,
in any degree, a source of discomfort to the infant.
From the first of my practice, those mothers whom it has
been my lot to attend in child-birth, have obeyed my injunc-
tions as to omitting the bandage. The best of results have
always followed this mode, and there cannot be infants and
children anywhere found of health and form superior to
those treated in this way. Who would think of swathing
an animal, to give it a better form than God directs ?
Dr. Andrew Combe quotes a writer, who, in describing
the Caribs one hundred and seventy years ago, says, in a
tone of regret, ‘They do not swaddle their infants, but
leave them to tumble about at liberty in their little ham-
mocks, or on beds of leaves spread on the earth in a corner
of their huts; and, NEvERTHELESS, their limbs do not be-
come crooked, and their whole body is perfectly well made.’
And again, ‘“‘ ALrHouaH the little creatures are apt to roll
about on the ground, in a state of nudity, they, NEVERTHE-
LESS, grow marvellously well ; and most of them become so
robust as to be able to walk without support at six months
old.”
“The naiveté of this expression of surprise at the little
Caribs growing marvellously well with the assistance of Na-
ture alone, and without the use of stays and bandages im-
ported from Europe,” says Dr. Combe, “is extremely amus-
ing, and shows to what extent prejudice and custom, once
established, will continue to prevail, even when we have be-
fore our eyes the strongest evidence of their being hurtful.
Our excellent author seems never to have allowed the
thought to enter his head, that the Europeans produced the
deformity, by means of swaddling and bandages, and that
the Caribs escaped it, simply by avoiding its causes, and
giving liberty to both limbs and trunk of the body.”
Mr. Stevenson says of the Araucanian Indians of South
126 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
America, “‘ The children are never swaddled, nor their bo-
dies confined by any tight clothing. They are allowed to
crawl about nearly naked, until they can walk. To the
loose clothing which the children wear from their infancy,
may doubtless be attributed the total absence of deformity
among these Indians.”’
Bed-Clothing and Sleep.—tIn order that sleep be sound
and refreshing, the bed should be a hard one, as cool and
with as little clothing as may be. Bea little too cool, rather
than too warm. Feather beds and feather pillows should
not be allowed, except, possibly, for very aged and infirm
persons, and such may soon, with advantage, accustom
themselves to hair or cotton mattresses.
Light.—The importance of light has been generally
overlooked. Light is as essential to the growth and healthy
developement of all animal bodies as of plants. Every one
knows how poorly flowers, and the like, thrive, if they have
but a small amount of light. Vegetables become feebly
pale and watery in the absence of this agent ; and, in like
manner, those who live in mines and other dark places pre-
sent a pale, sallow, and feeble look, which contrasts strongly
with the ruddy freshness of those who are much in the open
air. There is, it is true, a less supply of pure, fresh air in
dark places, so that a part of the good effect obtained in
the light is owing to the air; but much is also to be attri-
buted to the influence of light.
Those who visit European cities, have an unpleasant op-
portunity to witness the injurious effects of the want of light.
In the crowded, dark lanes and alleys of those cities, it is
impossible not to notice the squalid paleness and depression
of the poor inhabitants residing in them. Healthy children
1B found always to be exceedingly fond of going into the
ight. ;
Ladies in our cities have a very unpleasant mode of dark-
ening their parlors. In making a friendly call, one often
feels as if he were emerging from a dungeon, when he
again comes to the light. Those who desire to enjoy good
spirits and fine health, must go much and often in the open
air and light. | 4 ee
PART SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
DESCRIPTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE,
HEENITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN, OR BRAIN FEVER.
Symptoms.—Great heat, throbbing and violent pain in the
head, a sensation of severe tension or constriction in the
forehead, throbbing at the temples and of the large vessels
(carotid arteries) of the neck, and throbbing at the back of
the neck : violent pyrexia or general fever, restlessness,
extreme excitability, dread of noise and light ; the eyes
are red and suffused, face flushed, pulse generally full and
hard, the stomach often disordered, the urine high colored,
and generally watchfulness and sleeplessness are experi-
enced.
This disease, like all others, varies much in degree. It
varies from a mere head-ache or giddiness to the most in-
tense inflammation and violent delirium. It affects persons
of all ages. It may be either acute or chronic, the latter
often following the former. It may be primary, or secon-
dary in connexion with some other disease.
The causes of this disease are those of inflammation gen-
erally, exposure to great heat or cold, cold and moisture,
sun-stroke, too much mental application, undue excitement,
intoxication, habitual drinking of spirits, too much and
stimulating food, blows upon the head, and other mechani-
cal injuries. The poisonous narcoties, opium, hyosciamus,
128 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
stramonium, &c., given as medicine, sometimes cause the
disease. Blood-letting likewise may bring it on, as also
surgical operations.
This disease, when severe, is exceedingly dangerous, and
must be treated with promptness. The first indication is to
cool thoroughly the head, and to reduce the general fever-
ishness. It is seldom, if ever, necessary to shave the head,
as is often done. ‘The part may be effectually cured with-
out resorting to that practice. Ifthe treatment is commenced
sufficiently early, the head kept thoroughly cooled, the gene-
ral feverishness reduced, the bowels open, and the stomach
free, there will be little difficulty in subduing the disease.
Having the patient’s head projecting a little over the edge of
the bed, supported by two persons, holding at each end of a
linen towel, for the head to rest upon, so that a large quantity
of the coldest water can be poured upon the head and neck, to
be caught in a tub or bucket below, is a good mode. At the
same time wet towels are to be placed about the surface of
the body, and changed as often as they become warm. —
These answer all the purposes of the wet sheet, and pre-
vent the necessity of moving the patient, which it is better
to avoid. Bladders of pounded ice, or pounded ice placed
between wet linen cloths, laid upon the head, are very use-
ful. Silence must be enjoined, and the room should be
darkened until light is borne. As in all dangerous disea-
ses, when recovery begins to take place, the greatest care
must be observed in diet. Both after and at the time of the
disease, the bowels must be kept free by frequent injections
of tepid water. By perseverance in these simple means,
easily understood, many cases, that under ordinary treat-
ment are lost, will in a very short time become effectually
cured.
A Case.—This was the case of one of my bathing assistants,
John Dean, colored, a native of Ceylon, having very straight
hair and good features, of strong make, about 20 years old, and
accustomed to both hot and cold climates. The summer of
1845, a very hot season, he was with me at Lebanon Springs.
On one of the warmest daysyhe was for some hours exposed to
the heat of the sun, his head being protected only by a small |
‘ BRAIN FEVER. 129
cloth cap. This brought on brain fever : he was, in short, “ sun-
struck.” His health, besides, was not very good at the time.
He had not been sufficiently careful in diet, and had, moreover,
too much care, night and day.
The symptoms were those usually found in this disease: great
heat and pain in the head, with high general fever; redness
und suffusion of the eyes, intolerance of light and sound, and a
strong tendency to muttering delirium. From the importance of
the organ affected, a severe attack of this disease is always ex-
tremely dangerous, and requires the most prompt and efficient
treatment. I had him immediately placed in the wet sheet, and
arranged upon a cot bed in such a way that the head extended
a little beyond the end. In this posture, it could be easily held
for the more convenient affusion of water upon that part. A
tub was placed underneath, containing a sufficiency of ice-wa-
ter. With this, constant affusion was kept up, the water pass-
ing over the whole head, and also freely down upon the neck,
thus cooling the mass of blood passing through the carotid ar-
teries, cath arteries of the neck.) Instead of changing the
sheet often, as is usually done in high general fever, I adopted
the plan of frequently sprinkling ice-water upon it, and leaving
it uncovered, that evaporation (always a cooling process) could
the more effectually go on. As the fever became considerably
reduced, a slight shivering would now and then take place. To
prevent this, a blanket was placed loosely over the sheet. In the
course of some two hours he fell asleep, while the affusion was
yet being practised upon the head and neck. The head was then
made to rest upon hard pillows, with cooling bandages kept up-
on it. I watched him closely, and whenever the heat began to
return, the affusions and sprinklings were again and again prac-
tised. With such means at hand, we could, of course, cool the
system as effectually as a blacksmith could a hot iron. The
treatment was commenced early in the morning, and he was
kept in the wet sheet until towardsevening. A half bath, with
a good deal of friction upon the surface, together with affusion
upon the head, was then given. ‘The fever being by this time
quite subdued, water was used at about 70° F. A large injec-
tion was now given; after which he rested some time, hav-
ing scarcely any return of the symptoms. In the evening, it
was thought best to resort again to the wet sheet and half bath. ,
Me took no nourishment that day, and rested tolerably during i
the night. He drank water as he desired. In the morning, '
the half bath was again used at the mild temperature, and he
was, to all appearance, entirely free from the disease, being, of
course, a little weak. He went about moderately during this
6*
130 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
day, took light nourishment, and the next day went, as usual,
about his duties.
In the treatment of this most formidable disease, what are
the great engines of the old school,—the modes that are honest-
ly believed in, and by which not only ordinary patients, but
practitioners themselves, and wives, and children, are treated ?
Bleeding ad libitum, or at least ad deliquiwm ; bleeding large-
ly, copiously, leeching, blistering, and powerful purging with
calomel, antimony, and colchicum, together with cold applica-
tions to the shaved head. “Get the mouth sore (that is, salt-
vate) as soon as possible.” These are the means, the horrible,
barbarous means, sanctioned by ages, and used in this nine-
teenth century of ours. Thanks to Priessnitz, thanks to science,
and the fast spreading light of this day, we have other modes !
Water upon the Brain of Children.—Inflammation of
the brain, ending in affusion, or what is termed water upon
the brain, steals on often imperceptibly, and with most
frightful rapidity. If the child becomes stupid, with the
head too hot, the warming must be taken, and the part should
be kept constantly cool. The general means are to be used
as the symptoms demand. Large injections of water, as
cold ‘as the strength will admit, should be often given.
Head-Ache.—There is a great amount of head-ache
now-a-days, caused solely by improprieties in food and
drink and the use of medicines. ‘There is the tea head-
ache, the coffee head-ache, the head-ache arising from indi-
gestion, and the head-ache caused by narcotic and other
medicines. If the causes of these complaints are removed
for a sufficient length of time, as a natural consequence
they become cured. Scarcely a case can be found but that
may be cured in this simple way ; but there are some who»
would prefer to suffer all these difficulties than take up their
cross. Such are welcome alike to their enjoyment and
their aches.
When there attends the head-ache a too great amount of
heat, chilling the head drives it away at once. Whether
it arises from excessive mental application or from too much
food, the same means are to be used. If the head-ache is
nervous, and is attended with little or no increase, or if it
is caused by tea, coffee, or any other medicinal substances,
then cold will generally cause it to become worse.
APOPLEXY. 13.
Sick Head-Ache.—This occurs over the eye-brows, and is
called ‘‘sick,”’ because there is nausea attending it. Right
or wrong, the poor stomach always gets the blame in these
cases. Professor Elliotson, of London, calls this a most ‘na.
tractable complaint. He had known it to affect many per-
sons in whom all the remedies that were employed, failed
of accomplishing any material good. He had tried iron,
sulphate of quinine, arsenic, and any medicine that suggest-
ed itself to his mind, or that had been recommended by
others, but it was all in vain. Let a person be made to fast
twenty-four hours, taking only water, and then proceed
with the brown bread and water diet, and that only, and
the sick head-ache will soon become cured, I will venture
to affirm. As a means of immediate relief, vomiting, and
a good cleansing out of the bowels by injections, are famous
means. So, also, the general bath.
APOPLEXY.
Persons most liable this disease have a large thick head,
a short and thick neck, circular breast, and are not very
tall. It takes place most commonly after the meridian of
life, and generally comes on suddenly, though not always so.
Causes.—The more frequent are indolence, drunkenness,
and excess of food. What is termed moderate drinking,
with high living, often brings it on. ‘Too great mental or
physical exertion, great anxiety, exposure to severe heat or
cold, as, also, poisonous and narcotic medicines, the use of
opium, belladonna, &c., may cause it. Mechanical inju-
ries, forcing pieces of bone upon the brain, the bursting of
a blood-vessel or vessels, or the softening of the brain, may
likewise cause the disease, It occurs oftener after a glut-
tonous meal.
Symptoms.—The person falls down suddenly, and often
dies at once; if not, the pulse is slow and full, the face is
swollen, livid and flushed, and the breathing difficult, the
eye is insensible, dull and glassy, and sometimes blood-shot,
Treatment.—To manage this disease to the best possible
advantage requires decision and experience. There are
certain things that every one can do. The head and shoul-
182 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
ders should be raised, the clothes loosened, especially abou:
the neck and chest, and fresh, cool air in abundance is to
be admitted to the room. If alcoholic liquors, improper
food, or any other substance in the stomach, are supposed to
be the cause, no time should be lost in thoroughly cleansing
the stomach and bowels. Large draughts of water, luke-
warm, and large and repeated clysters of cold water, should
be administered. Fomentations to the stomach, as well as
kneading that organ, and placing the finger in the throat,
will aid in causing vomiting. A very thorough and brisk
rubbing of the whole surface with wet cloths or frictions in
the half bath, to set the blood in motion, will be, perhaps,
the best means that can be used. If the surface isas warm
or warmer than natural, the wet sheet, arranged from the
arm.-pits down, so as not to confine too much the upper part
of the body, should be applied. In the most favorable is-
sue, the wet sheet should be taken daily for some time,
being always cautious not to let the body become too much
heated. If depression of a part of the skull is the cause,
of course the surgeon must be called, but, even in such a
case, the treatment mentioned will be useful as a preparative
means.
PARALYSIS, OR PALSY.
This disease sometimes attends apoplexy: it may like-
wise precede or succeed it. It may affect the whole of one
side vertically, or the lower half of the body horizontally.
It may also affect only some particular part or organ of
ihe body, or some particular sense, as of smelling, hearing,
or tasting. The disease varies greatly in degree.
Treatment.—This disease sometimes ceases spontane-
ously, but very often all that can be done, is only palliation.
In the European water-cure establishments, have been some
very striking cures of this disease. A long course of the
most powerful processes only, are sufficient. To palliate,
a great amount of wet rubbing of the parts affected is good.
- Regulating the stomach and bowels is of great importance
here as elsewhere, and the use of water must be persevered
in daily, and for a long time.
EAR-ACHE—-TOOTH-ACHE. 133
EAR-ACHE.
This disease, although considered a small affair, is not
always free from danger, and is more liable to be attended
with serious results than tooth-ache. It has the same causes
as inflammations in general.
Lreatment.-—As in all other aches, arising from inflam-
mation, the patient should practise perfect and entire absti-
nence from all food, (even though it should require days,
although that would seldom be necessary,) until all pain is
gone. Water of course is to be drank as thirst demands.
Lhe great poultice, the wet sheet, is here good. Vapor
baths and sweating are, in the severe cases, likewise bene-
ficial. ‘The moist compress over the whole side of the
head and neck is useful. Then having this covered by
flannel, with a warm brick or bottle of water against it on
going to rest, seems in many cases to be one of the best
things that can be done, and sometimes better than the cold.
Washing and rubbing the side of the face, neck, and back
of the ear, violently, will be found serviceable.
industrious, or are from circumstances compelled to be, of-
_ ten doa great deal too much. Society is composed mainly
of drones and over-workers. It is painful to witness how
much of useless care, anxiety and labor, females often have
to undergo. The cares of a large family, the making and
mending of clothing, the daily and constant preparing of
complicated meals; the ten thousand duties of both night
and day, that devolve upon the mother in the present state
of society, tend powerfully to the destroying of good diges-
tion, and consequently of health.
Discontent, or home-sickness, causes bad digestion. There
is nothing like contentment for health. A really contented
man or woman, is the happiest that can be.
Over-taxing the mind, is a common cause of indigestion.
So little is known concerning health, that in our larger sem-
inaries and institutions of learning, almost every member
becomes dyspeptic. Our muscles and limbs, as well as
brain, were given for daily action, and unless we follow the
order of nature we inevitably suffer.
Treatment.—It hardly need be said, that as far as possible,
all the causes of the complaint must be removed. This, in a
great number of cases, will be all that is necessary, and in
fact, amounts to a cure. But in others, a long course of
the most persevering treatment will be indispensable.
Whether we expect organic disease of the stomach or not,
the treatment must be the same, and must be graduated ac-
cording to the strength. ‘Thus, in treating for cancer of
the stomach, the general health is to be invigorated by
moderate and frequent baths, by exercise, such as can be
safely borne, by the breathing of pure air, and above all,
the stomach should not be overtasked.
In the treatment for indigestion, the person, who, by a
long course of abusing the stomach, has brought upon him-
self weakness of that organ, must remember that a few
_days, or weeks, or even months, will not suffice to give him
again the digestion of a ploughman or a pavier. Nature
works in her own slow and certain ways, and time must
>
150 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
elapse before the stomach can again become vigorous and
strong.
Some have an idea that the severe craving for food ex-
perienced by dyspeptics must be answered. Almost as well
might we give the reformed inebriate the dram he so much
craves. ‘The craving for the increased amount of food is
as good proof that it is needed, as the craving for the dram
that zt is needed. A weakened stomach can manage only
a small amount of food, just as a weaker horse can draw
only a lighter load. :
The food of dyspeptics should be of such kinds as are
digested with the least expenditure of vital power. Of all
varieties of food, that which bears the name farinaceous is
the most easily digested. It is true, some forms of animal
food are digested more quickly than the farinaceous, but
there is yet a greater expenditure of vital power. There
attends the digestion of animal food, much more of what is
ermed the “fever of digestion,” than in that of vegetable
food. The circulation and heat of the body is more excited,
the system is permanently less vigorous, fatigue more last-
ing, and sleep less refreshing.
As a general thing, no great change should be made sua-
denly in diét. The most objectionable articles should grad-
ually be got rid of. As to animal food, a little only of the
plain preparations of cream, milk, or buttermilk, with good
farinaceous food and fruits, is all that is necessary to en-
sure the best of health.
Constipation should be removed if that symptom is pre-
sent. The best means of all is so to regulate the diet and
all the habits, that the bowels act naturally. Coarse wheat-
en bread, cracked wheat mush, are perhaps of all substances
the best that can be used to regulate the bowels. Use a
full injection of cool or cold water in the morning before
breakfast, and exercise to become warm. ‘Take alsoa
small injection, as a tumbler of cold water on going to rest,
io be retained in the bowels. ‘This aids in procuring sound
and refreshing sleep, and a better movement of the bowels
in the morning. The long continued use of the water in-
jections does not, as is often imagined, cause an increasing
/
A CASE. 151
necessity for their use. Cold water, properly used, is
strengthening to the bowels internally, as to the skin exter-
nally. Fail not here to do every thing to benefit the general
health.
In constipation, some have an idea that the bowels alone
are at fault; others, that the bowels are not at all con-
cerned, but that the blood is out of order. The truth is, in
chronic constipation, the whole system, the blood, fluids,
and every part, in short, the general health, is not good, nor
can it be, as long as constipation remains.
The following case of one of my patients, whose name
{ shall take the liberty to use, Miss Ann Copcutt, of Tar-
rytown, New-York, is one of a remarkable kind, and inter-
esting in various particulars. It shows the good effects of
due care and perseverance in observing strictness in diet,
without which the best of other treatment avails but little
in the end. Since this case was written and published in
the Water-Cure Journal,* Miss Copcutt has continued to
improve in health and spirits. In consequence of the effects
of water and attention to general regimen upon herself,
she has been often prevailed upon to prescribe for poor
persons and others who desired her advice. I am glad she
is about to publish a small work concerning her experience,
and observations in her peculiar modes.
Indigestion, Nervous Excitability, and Melancholy.
A Case.—Dear Sir :—Having,'for many years, been afflicted
with indigestion, nervous excitability, and that most distressing
of all diseases, melancholy, I was induced, as a last resource,
to try the vegetable system, both with and without abstinence ;
together with exercise, bathing, abstinence from all alcoholic
drinks, &c. And as I had frequently been told that it was
most conducive to health, to abstain as much as possible from
drinking any thing, 1 imprudently avoided even water, except
when I was completely overpowered with thirst, which rarely
<== RRR emeeearscazemammmemmmmemmemme emma eee ET ee a ee
* The Water-Cure Journal is a semi-monthly periodical, by the au-
thor of this work. It is designed to give general and practical infor-
mation on the subject of Hydropathy, and is published at the very low
price of $1,00 per year.
152 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
occurred, as my diet was not stimulating. I contmued this
course for three years; but the absence of water, and the con-
sequently increased appetite for food, though the plainest, had
such an effect upon my system, that, to my great surprise, and
still greater disappointment, instead of recovering, I gradually
grew worse. I was more nervous than ever, though less mel-
ancho.y, and could not eat the simplest food without discomfort.
I could not endure the thought of applying to the faculty ; for I
knew that, in reality, they would injure my constitution, though
they might afford me temporary relief. .
At length, hearing that you were a practising physician of
some value, hope once more revived, and I determined to apply.
I was then laboring, as you well remember, under the painful
effects of severe indigestion, a deranged nervous system, pal-
pitation of the heart, extreme debility, distressing heat in the
head, and various other parts of the body, particularly about
the region of the heart; inward exhaustion, inability to walk,
to study, or even to read; shortness of breath, aching of the
limbs, sleepless nights, &c., &c. You immediately advised me
to wear the body bandage, to bathe freely, to drink plentifully
of cold water, to take as much exercise as possible without fa-
tizue ; and, as I had no appetite, to fast rigorously. I was faith-
ful to your injunctions, and soon perceived that my health was
slowly improving. However, when my appetite returned, my
ailments returned also, anda most painful conflictensued. You
then proposed that, in connexion with bathing, drinking, &c., I
should frequently lose a meal; and you warned me to use judg-
ment in all things, and to avoid extremes. Wrth these instruc-
tions, we parted. a
But I was so bent on restoring my health, that, whatever !
did, I did it with all my might; consequently my zeal again.
led me astray; and as I felt great heat and fulness in the head,
palpitation of the heart, and various symptoms of indigestion,
even when I fasted, I thought I certainly must be drinking too
much water. I also reasoned with myself that, as my stomach
was too weak to digest a small quantity of the plainest food, it
was unreasonable that it should be able to absorb somuch wa-
ter healthfully. I therefore diminished the quantity to eight
tumblers daily, which I drank with my meals; and, with absti-
-nence, I soon found relief. From this I never deviated, wheth-
er it distressed me or not, unless I was thirsty ; and, even then,
1 carefully avoided distension, especially after a meal. Indeed,
I could not drink so much as one tumbler without discomfort,
even when I did not eat; but I found water so strengthening
DYSPEPSIA, OR INDIGESTION. 153
an agent, that I had sufficient encouragement to persevere, and,
as this difficulty was gradually removed, as my health returned,
I attributed it to disease, rather than to any deleterious effect of
the water.
Finding that I was never so well as when | abstained from
food, I resolved to lose my breakfast regularly ; with this excep-
tion, however, that 1 substituted milk and water, (about one-
third milk,) for pure cold water, simply because it afforded me
more satisfaction; and I rejoiced to find that, during the morn-
ing my ailments were considerably subdued, and that I was
able to read alittle. This encouraged me to hope that, by still
greater abstinence, I might, in time, subdue disease entirely, and
resume my studies without inconvenience ; to do which was the
height of my ambition. Therefore, as I always felt very un-
comfortable afier dinner, I gradually diminished the quantity of
food at that meal also, until at length, for a few days, I reduced
it to nothing but water. This was painful in the extreme ; but,
by attentive observation, I perceived that I could read and
study the best, and that my ailments were the most subdued,
when I was the most abstemious.
However, as I despaired of reconciling my mind to total ab-
stinence during the day, I concluded, that for the sake of a lit-
tle satisfaction, I would take, in connexion with two tumblers of
water, a very small quantity of the most innutritious food, or that
which contains the least sustenance, and the most water; for 1
shuddered at the idea of eating solid farinaceous food more than
once a day. I then thought that I might, with perfect safety,
eat a hearty supper, though I never fully satisfied my appetite.
But no; I was compelled to be very careful; and, by drinking
‘three tumblers of water, and avoiding distension, I was com.
paratively comfortable through the evening. \ Indeed, it was ab-
solutely requisite that the whole of my food during the day
should constitute but one moderate meal. I particularly dread-
ed distension, because it was always attended with pespitatton
of the heart, involuntary sighing, sleepiness, and other unpleas-
ant symptoms; all of which were prevented by avoiding the
cause,
As my health returned, 1 gradually increased my aliment,
and as gradually I relapsed, until, at length, I was obliged to
lay aside my books; and my ailments returned with such viru-
lence, that I was driven, with an aching heart, and, as it were,
with a rod of iron, to my former abstemious course. However,
I was immediately relieved; and I returned to my studies with
comfort and delight. This entirely removed from my mind the
+ (as
154 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
impression that study injured me, although it seemed unreason-
able that one moderate meal a day should be sufficient to sup-
port nature healthfully. My appetite often led me to repeat
the attempt; but it was always attended with the same unfa-
vorable results. I learned at last that, however hungry, or
however weak I might be, more than the above mentioned
quantity was invariably hostile to my system. I finally attribu-
ted the hunger to disease, because the more I abstained the less
craving I was, and the debility I ascribed to the heat of the
weather; because the same amount of nutriment supported me
well when it was cool.
I often felt very unpleasant sensations just before a meal ;
and, as eating sometimes afforded me relief, I naturally conclu-
ded that it must be beneficial when this was the case. How-
ever, after I had tried the experiment a great many times, and
found that it never failed to cause a return of the same unpleas-
ant sensations, with increased vigor, I relinquished forever the
idea of having recourse to food as a remedial means. I was
also strengthened in this idea by observing that, when I omit-
ted a meal entirely, or when circumstances caused it to be de-
layed beyond the usual time, I frequently felt perfectly well,
and continued so until I again disturbed my system by eating.
However, I was determined to have one meal a day, whatever
I might feel. Thus refuge failed me, and I had no’hope from
any thing but starvation; and I thought thatif it really is true,
that when a person is starved to death, the system preys upon
disease until it is entirely eradicated, before it touches vitality,
or that which is essential to life, there was no danger that I
should starve to death, while I was so encompassed with dis-
ease. In this manner, painful experience proved the truth of the
assertion of Hippocrates—“ The more you nourish a diseased
body, the worse you make it.”
Finding that all my bathing, exercise, plain diet, &c., were
not perceptibly beneficial without the most rigorous abstinence,
in a fit of desperation, I threw off the body bandage, dispensed
with all baths, except a daily shower bath, which I never omit-
ted unless it was intensely cold; I took as much exercise as
suited my convenience, and was less particular in my diet than
[ had been since I first turned my attention to physiology. TI
took milk and water for my breakfast, a very little innutritious
vegetable, or fruit and water, for my dinner, and for my sup-
per, I ate any thing that I fancied, if it agreed with my stom-
ach ; and being very fond of milk, I exchanged pure water for
milk and water, which in the winter I preferred warm. I ate
animal food occasionally, though I did not consider it best for
DYSPEPSIA, OR INDIGESTION. 155
me; however, it was requisite that it should be very tender
I dreaded the lean, if it was hard, more than the fat. I made
use of butter, and other oleaginovs substances, in moderation,
with no apparent inconvenience. I ate no bread but that which
was made of the best unbolted wheat meal, ground Very fie.
As I found it quite as beneficial as the coarser, I gave it the
preference. Nothing could have induced me to eat bread made
of superfine flour ; it is of so astringent a nature, that I consid-
ered it perfect poison. 1 carefully avoided all crude and hard
substances. I dared not eat nuts, nor any fruit too heavy for
my stomach; rather than dispense with it entirely, I merely
took the juice of it. I could not digest new bread, hot cakes,
&c., comfortably ; therefore I rejected them. I found no diffi-
culty from unripe fruit, if it was cooked, though I did not choose
it. Nothing ever caused me so much distress as hard fruit ; and,
as nothing ever excited my nervous system so sensibly as in-
digestion, I studiously avoided every thing that had a tendency
‘to cause it.
I pursued this course successfully for eighteen months; and
i know several individuals who did the same with equal suc-
cess. I have also seen it successfully tried by a child for diz-
ziness in the head. The child willingly and cheerfully acced-
ed to the proposal, delighted at the thought of a remedy; and
in one day the dizziness was entirely removed. Indeed, I have
never seen it attempted by any one, in any degree, without
beneficial results. As my disease was chronic, a great length
of time was necessary to restore my health. It is true, that I
frequently departed from the rigor of this discipline ; and it is
also true, too. true, that as frequently I relapsed. However, I
soon ceased to give myself any uneasiness respecting my
health ; for I knew that nature, ever faithful to her trust, would
always afford me relief, if I gave her an opportunity. And I
was very sure that, physiologically, I was in the narrow road
that leads to life, while, with a bleeding heart, I beheld such
numbers of my fellow creatures running the broad road to ruin
and destruction. “O! that they were wise !”
By degrees, my nervous system became stronger than it had
been for years. Gloom and melancholy fled, and were suc-
ceeded by uniform cheerfulness and serenity. Indeed, I felt a
buoyancy of spirits, and an elasticity of motion, that I never
experienced before. My sleep was sound and almost dream-
less. The heat in my head, and other parts of the body, to-
gether with palpitation of the heart, entirely left me. I felt
no inward exhaustion. no inclination to sigh, no shortness of
breath, no aching of the limbs. My physical strength was
1586 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
greater than ever. I hada healthy hue, and my skin was free
from all cutaneous eruptions. I gained ten pounds in weight,
and was able to read and study as well as ever, although I had
been deprived of that pleasure for ten long years. However,
as soon ds I was fatigued, I abstracted my thoughts entirely
from my books, and turned them into another channel. Inever
felt sleepy in the day-time ; and, during all the intense heat of
the summer, I did not once feel any desire to lie down; it would
have been irksome to me; whereas, I never remember to have
passed through a summer without lying down very frequently.
I walked two or three miles every day, unless the weather, or
domestic duties prevented; and I was able to walk a much
greater distance, particularly when it was cool. I frequently
regretted that the habits of a female are necessarily so seden-
tary. However, it was my consolation, that abstinence, to
which I gradually became more reconciled, sets all things
right. Whenever I was absent from home during the dinner
hour, especially if it was on business, I took nothing but two
or three tumblers of water, even though I walked six or seven
miles, and I returned feeling no need of food, and frequently
no fatigue. The water prevented all craving. Persons often
remarked, “How healthy you look!” “I never saw you look
so well!” “You formerly looked so thin, and too sallow for a
person of your age.” “I wish I could walk so far,” &c. I said
but little, because I know that it is always offensive to inter-
fere with the appetite. However, I felt persuaded, that if they
mer a with my heifer, they would have found out my
riddle.
When my body was in so diseased a state, a fast of twenty-
four hours caused head-ache, trembling, and such debility, that
f was obliged to lie down; but after I became accustomed to it,
and my health was restored, I felt perfectly well.in every re-
spect, during so long a fast; nor did I perceive the least dimi-
nution of strength. Indeed, I never had a pain, nor an ailment
of any kind, that I could not subdue by abstinence and cold
water. Even the tooth-ache, to which I had formerly been
much subjected, never troubled me.
I chose to eat at the closé of the day, because it seemed to
me more rational that my intellectual and physical faculties
should be clear and free from all obstructions during the time
appointed for labor, whether of body or mind; and I thought
that, if I must be heavy and sleepy, it should be at night, the
time appointed for repose. Besides, I could not desire to sleep
hetter than I did; and, unless I transgressed, I was rarely
‘ 2,
DYSPEPSIA, OR INDIGESTION. 157
sleepy in the evening. It also afforded me some pleasure to
have u meal in anticipation at the close of the cares and duties
of the day. Ihad likewise tried the loss of the third meal,
and every thing else that I thought calculated to restore my
health, until my heart sank within me with grief and disappoint-
ment, because nothing answered my expectations.
Iam still careful in my diet, and whatever ailment I may
teel, f immediately return to my former course—my never-fail-
ing remedy—which I continue as long as I find it necessary,
and never use any other medicine. Surely, I cannot too highly
appreciate this knowledge, notwithstanding all the pain that it
has cost me to acquire it; especially when I see so many sal-
low and worn-out countenances, and listen to the dismal com-
plaints of those who are ignorantly and unconsciously bringing
upon themselves misery, disease, and death. I would fain di-
rect them to the right path; I would fain proclaim the remedy
(that they all possess ; but my efforts, though sometimes eflec-
tual to a certain extent, are oftener, alas! of no avail. My ad-
vice is not official, or rather, not palatable.
I often think of these words, “Put a knife to thy throat, if
thou be a man given to appetite.” “ Blessed art thou, O land!
when thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for
drunkenness !” And I feel no more respect for myself, or any
other person who is prostrated by sleep or stupidity, in conse-
quence of excessive aliment, than I do for one who has taken
spirituous liquors too freely.
I hope I have forever done with medicine, and I trust that
with the blessing of Providence, without which our best efforts
are ineffectual, I shall be able to preserve my mind and body
in a healthy condition, until the appointed time come, when 1
must put off this tabernacle of clay.
But I fear I shall exhaust your patience. I am glad to hear
of your success in the practice of water-cure; and I hope
you will accept this long epistle as a token of respect, from one
who will never cease to be your grateful and sincere friend,
Ann Copcort.
~I will mention, that Miss Copcutt used injections freely,
a circumstance omitted in the foregoing account. These
she finds still occasionally necessary, and prescribes them
much to those who seek her advice. This lady is not, let
it be remembered, a practitioner of the healing art, except
as a matter of gratuity or charity to those who stand in
need.
158 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
HEPATITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
This disease may be seated either in the peritoneal cover-
ing, or in the substance of the liver, and often in both. It
may be either acute or chronic. In acute inflammation,
there is constant pain in the right side, below the ribs.
The greater part of the liver is on the right side ; hence the
pain is chiefly in that part. Sometimes pain in the right
shoulder and back. The pulse varies accordingly, as
there is inflammation. There is difficulty in breathing,
arising from the motion of the liver in respiration. There
is a sense of great weight in the region of the liver, and
the patient can lay best upon the right side. The disease
comes on, at times, in the most violent and painful manner.
Chronic disease of the liver is often brought on by the
use of calomel. That abominable medicine always does
this organ much harm. The liver is torpid; the patient takes
blue pill, or some other form of calomel, and thus the liver
is goaded on in its action more vigorously for the time, and
the feelings are better; but then, again, follows the old
difficulty, in an increased form; the remedy is used again
and again; at last loses its power, even to bring about ap-
parent good ; and the patient sinks into an incurable state.
Treatment.—If acute, the treatment must be of the most
vigorous kind, as in any severe inflammation. [If it is
chronic, it is to be treated like indigestion, or any chronic
disease of important internal organs. The wet girdle is
here particularly useful.
JAUNDICE.
This term is derived from a French word, jaune, signify-
ing yellow. ‘The bile, a yellowish fluid, which in “health
passes off by the bowels, is absorbed, and becomes diffused
throughout the general system. The excrementitious mat-
ter from the bowels generally becomes pale in this state of
the system, not being yellowish, as in health.
Treatment.——This must be upon general principles. It
there is pain, endeavor to remove this by means of band.
ages. Use injections, practise the drinking freely of water,
BILIOUSNESS—ENTERITIS. 159
daily bathing according to the strength, and all the means
of renovating the general health. Patients must exercise
patience in this disease.
BILIOUSNESS.
What is meant by the term so often used, being bilious ?
Bile becomes diffused throughout the system. It also finds
its way up to the stomach, although it naturally passes
downwards to the bowels. ‘The liver is the great filter of
the blood. The blood passes in a crude state to this organ,
and there the bile is filtered out. If the filter gets out of
order, of course the fluid is not well cleansed.
Butter and oily substances cause the bile to ascend to
the stomach, where it does not belong.
If a powerful emetic is given, bile is thrown up. The
person then says, ‘‘ How bilious I am.” According to this
idea, every person is bilious, since ‘every person can be
made to “throw up” bile.
ENTERITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS.
Inflammation of the substance of the bowels, or intes-
tines, is known by the following symptoms. “In simple
enteritis, supposing it to be active and violent, there is
- cute deep-seated pain; and this may occur in various
oarts of the intestinal region. Although the pain is con-
stant, yet it is aggravated at intervals; and it is increased
m pressure. It differs from ‘a fit of the gripes,’ as it is
called, ‘pinching and purging,’ in this, that in common
‘pinching,’ there are intervals of ease, and when the
pinching’ 4s over, the person is comfortable ; whereas,
m enteritis, although the pain comes on at intervals, yet it
13 constant ;—although it is not of uniform intensity, yet it
is always present.” There is general fever and usually
very obstinate constipation. The pulse is small and what
is termed wiry. The pain is most severe about the umbili-
cus. Hernia or rupture, it should be remembered, is not
unfrequently the cause of this disease. It may then be-
come necessary to call the surgeon.
Treatment.—Professor Elliotson gives us the following
160 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
mode of treatment in the ordinary way. “The first thing
which we have to do, is to bleed the patient well. We
should set him as upright as he can be, and bleed from a
large orifice, without any mercy. We must of course
consider the patient’s strength ; but we should bleed on till
we make a decided impression: till we knock down the
pulse, and make him faint. After this has been done, a
very large dose of calomel should be exhibited.” It is not
the strangest of all things, that patients often sink under the .
above and other complications of old routine modes.
This disease is to be treated on the general principles of
all severe inflammations. Keep down the fever, especially
in the bowels; use half baths or hip baths of temperature
suited to the strengh; wet sheets, fomentations come well
in play. Give injections almost blood-warm, again and
again—if need be, fifty times ina day; keep the bowels com-
pletely “soaked.”’ Give no food until the disease is quell-
ed, and then begin with a half tea-spoon portion ; if this does
well, double or treble the quantity, but be very careful or
you get in trouble from food. Most frightful relapses are
caused in these bowel difficulties by food.
The following case I published in the Water-Cure Jour-
nal about two years ago:
Inflammation of the Bowels—Some months ago the editor
was called to visit his brother, Truman B. Shew, of Philadel-
phia, suffering under a severe attack of enteritis, or inflamma-
tion of the bowels. The disease, always dangerous under the »
ordinary modes, is, generally, easy to manage with water, if
taken in season. In this instance it took on a very obstinate
form. The symptoms, as physicians would say, were fast be-
coming typhoid, or sinking. Besides the pain and swelling of
the abdomen there was severe pain in the back, the thighs, in-
jection of blood in the eyes, thick fur upon the tongue, and men-
tal disturbance. The sleep under powerful opiates, was dreamy
and restless, attended with all manner of troubles and visions, —
and was any thing but refreshing. We saw our brother for the
first time, on the sixth day of his disease, a little past the middle -
of the day. His worst night was the one previous. He had
been kindly visited a number of times each day, his physician
residing in the same house, and had certainly been treated with
much skill and good judgment according to the common mode.
ENTERITIS. 161
Yet the disease was exceedingly obstinate. Our first applica-
tion was to pass freely of tepid water into the bowels, with a
good injection instrument. It may be asked, why use tepid wa-
ter instead of cold in inflammation 2 We answer, when there is
great debility, as there was in this case, it is not wise to make
too great and sudden a change. Theremedy should not be too
violent. Water, which, in the cold season of the year, feels to
be bloodwarm, is always fifteen, twenty, or more degrees lower
than the heat of the body. In this ease, the water was proba-
bly about 20° F. lower than the heat of the bowels. It was
astonishing how perceptibly this application cooled the body.
By the hand being placed upon the abdomen, 11 was easy to per-
ceive the cooling effect of the water; just as if an inanimate
substance were being cooled. In a few moments a large evac-
uation took place, notwithstanding the constipation had been ob-
stinate.
The second application was that of the wet girdle, four yards
long and one and a half feet in width. This was also taken
from tepid water, enough of one end being wet and wrung out
of the water to pass once around the whole body. ‘The com-
bined effect of the clyster and bandage was soon to remove all
pain from the bowels and the back. Wet bandages, similar to
that about the body, were put about the thighs, and strange as
it may appear, in less than half an hour all pain was removed.
About a wine-glass half full of water at a time was taken fre-
quently.
After our brother had been permitted to rest awhile, being
free from pain, a wash-tub was ordered, in which was put a
bucket or two of tepid water. In this he sat, and was quickly
rubbed all over the surface, and the water was dipped up and
poured over the body. The face, neck, and temples were not
omitted. Then the upper part of the body was quickly rubbed
dry, and well covered, and afterwards the lower limbs were
freely washed, and the bandages re-applied. All this was done
quickly within about five minutes, and then he was replaced
in a warm, dry, and comfortable bed, with warm applications to
the feet, there being some coldness in these parts. In the even-
ing, the same operations were gone through with, such as em-
phatically makes one “feel clean.” After this, a sound and
refreshing rest was experienced, incomparably more so than
had been since the sickness. The clyster was again used in
the evening. Nota particle of medicine was taken after com-
mencing with the water. It had been administered hourly.
No food was given until the second day, and then a very small
quantity. Food is almost atways the cause of the relapses so
162 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
common in this disease, and should be given with the greatest
caution, and only of the farinaceous kind, a spoon-full or two of
water gruel only at a time, and this will cause mischief, if given
too soon.
The result of the treatment was most astounding to all who
witnessed it. The second day’s proceeding was similar to that
of tha first; and on this day, our brother walked about the
house. Still he was very weak, but yet free from all pain. One
striking effect of the treatment, particularly noticed by our
friend, the physician, was that of the coating being so soon re-
moved from the tongue.
On the morning of the third day of the treatment, we had -
the satisfaction of walking in the street with our brother, and
the next morning again, before leaving him, we walked a con-
siderable distance with him in the city. All this time, the
strictest care was taken in regard to food, he taking only a very
small portion of rice, mealy potatoes, and the like, twice a day,
with water as the only drink.
PERITONITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING
MEMBRANE OF THE ABDOMEN.
This is known from inflammation of the substance of the
bowels by there being no constipation, and the pain is not
so much fixed, but more diffused. ~ The treatment should be
quite the same as in the first mentioned disease. .
COLIC.
This is so called from the “colon,” or lower large bowel.
It may precede or succeed inflammation of the bowels, or
it may occur alone. ‘There is constipation and much flatu-
lency. The pain is much the same as in enteritis, but
there is no tenderness. Pressure upon the abdomen is not
only well borne, but isoften very agreeable. ‘The disease
is caused like other internal inflammations, by dietetic im-
proprieties, exposure to wet and cold when over-heated, &e.
Treatment.—This should be much the same as in enter-
itis, or inflammation of the bowels. ‘There is not general
fever, and the injections seem to act better quite warm.
Whether it be the best or not, the vapor bath, warm bath,
&c., act like a charm in removing these spasmodic pains.
S also is cold useful. When every thing else had failed,
PILES. 1638
Professor Elliotson, before quoted, had known the best of
effects to come from taking the patient out of bed and dash-
ing two or tree buckets of cold water upon the abdomen.
The spasm became instantly reduced. Injections alone,
suffiviently persevered in, will cure most cases.
PILES.
Very nearly akin to, and often in connexion with, indi-
gestion, is the disease called piles. This affection, in its
various phases, is too well known to need any particular
description. In all its forms, it is caused in the same way,
—by the weakening of the alimentary canal and the gene-
yal health. The stomach has been overtasked, the bowels
neglected, and the general health has been ‘allowed to be-
come impaired.
Treatment.—As a matter of course, to obtain a perma-
nent cure, the causes of the disease must be removed. Use
every rational means for invigorating the general health,
and for local treatment, take two, three, or, still better, a
half dozen sitz baths of short duration, (five or ten minutes, )
each day. These and one or two full clysters of cold wa-
ter, daily, will be found to cause most astonishing results.
There are hundreds of men, to-day, in this city, who would
give almost any sum of money for the effectual relief which
water will cause in this disease. Query! Why do they not
read, think, and practise for themselves? ‘The remedy
appears too simple.
If there is falling down of the bowel, it may, in some
cases, be found the better mode to omit the injection until
on going to rest atnight. The protrusion of the part is some-
times attended with a great deal of inconvenience and pain.
In this, as in all affections of the bowels, a very small injec-
tion of cold water, to be retained, on going to rest, is very
soothing and healing in its effects. Even if the large injec-
tion is taken in the evening, the small one should not be omit-
ted. If for a few times, at first, the water comes away, no
harm is done.
In many cases of long standing, a continued course of
well-directed treatment will be required to effect a cure, and
164 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL. *
persons must not be discouraged if they at times feel worse.
I never saw an old case cured, in which the symptoms did
not, at times, appear to be aggravated. _In many of these
cases, large boils will appear upon the body, and after this
the good effects of the treatment begin to appear.
In all recent cases of this disease, the water treatment will
be found to act like a most perfect charm. Bleeding piles
are 1o be treated as other cases.
Hemorrhoids are about the same thing as piles, and need
precisely the same treatment.
Itching at the lower bowel, a very troublesome symptom,
often precedes or attends piles. The clysters and sitz baths
will be found effectual to remove it.
The following complicated case, written out by a medi-
cal friend, as given by the patient himself, will not here be
out of place:
INDIGESTION, CONSTIPATION, PILES, AND SCIATICA, OR
NEURALGIA OF THE LEG.
A Case.—Mr. Amsa Smith, of Southbury, Ct. aged 54, a
shoemaker by trade, in consequence of his sedentary avocation,
became in early life a victim of dyspepsia, and was afflicted
with the usual symptoms of that complaint, such as constipa-
tion, low spirits, loss of appetite, furred tongue, acid stomach,
pain in the bowels, with occasional spasms, knotting up the ab-
domen as it were. He had also been troubled with the piles,
and such was the torpor of the intestinal canal, that, for a pe-
riod of ten months at a time, he could obtain no movement from
it without the aid of lavements or medicine.
After suffering thus a long while, he resorted some years
since to the Thompsonian system for relief. During the steam-
ing, &c., to which he was subjected, a severe pain in the small
of the back, of which he then complained, seemed to be trans-
ferred to one of his limbs, and a course of sweating for twenty-
one days being persisted in, which brought no relief, resulted
in the shifting of the pain to a spot on the outside of the other,
the right leg. Soon the cords of this limb were drawn up, the
knee remained flexed, without power to extend, while the hip
and lower part of the abdomen, in the vicinity of the groin,
shared in the suffering. This became so severe that he was
obliged to give up his business, and could get about only by the
aid of a crutch, In the affected part there was a constant
4
INDIGESTION, PILES, AND SCIATICA. 165
numbness, with a sensation of pricking, as if from ten thousand
needles, and occasional attacks of agonizing pain occurring in
spasms half a dozen times a day, and oftener, from which he
could only gain relief by such desperate resorts as half-roasting
the limb by thrusting it under a hot stove, &c.—Once, while on
a visit to New-York, a spasm attacked him as he was hobbling
about the street, and so excruciating was the pain, that he was
compelled to lie down on the sidewalk, and there writhe and
‘groan in the greatest agony.
Opiates were tried, but they gave only temporary relief, if
they relieved at all. A thorough steaming, according to the
most approved practice of the Thompsonian school, for three
nights in succession, over hemlock boughs, (“the awfullest
steaming” he ever took,) brought no manner of alleviation.
in this pitiable condition he was induced to give the water-
cure system a faithful trial. Having consulted Dr. Shew, of
New-York, together with perusing his treatise on the subject,
he commenced on the Ist of January, 1845, by using the cold
foot bath for half an hour before breakfast, drinking during that
time a quart of cold water, and taking what exercise within
doors the crippled state of his limb would allow him. Besides
this he made use of the cold sitz bath, twice in the day, for half
an hour at a time, and had the affected limb douched by pour-
ing cold water on the hip. This last caused a singular sensa-
tion, as if millions of insects were driven down the leg towards
the feet. He also wore constantly an umschlag around his ab-
domen, and cooling bandages around the seat of the pain, which
was confined toa space not much larger than a silver dollar
would cover.
These processes at first increased the pains—he had horrid
feelings for one or two nights. However, he said nothing of
this to his family, lest they should more earnestly beg him to
desist, from what seemed to them folly and madness—but
bravely persevered in the course he had marked out, making use
occasionally of the rubbing wet sheet, and lying all one night
in wet drawers, (sleeping well, however, and feeling better for
it.) and in the latter stages of his cure, even trying the effects
of the cold effusion, having buckets of cold water dashed over
him.
‘And now came the reward of his perseverance. In one week
he found the pain had very considerably remitted, and in a fort-
night he was able to walk without crutch or staff. By spring,
he could go about pretty well, and work some on the farm on
which he now lived—and in the summer he did considerable
labor. In the month of August last, he assisted a carpenter
166 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
who was repairing his buildings for him; and during this pe-
riod, in consequence of the fatigue to which he was exposed,
he plied the cold water with double diligence. This brought
on a crisis, in the form of a general eruption of little pimples,
exuding serum, and roughening the skin—attended with very
great itching, which nothing but the application of the coldest
water would alleviate. Ere two months, however, this had all
passed away, and his skin became smooth.
Is now healthy and strong: has done more work this spring,
(April 10th, 1846,) than for ten years past. Once could not
mount a horse, or climb a fence, but with the greatest difficulty,
evn when he had assistance—now can jump over a fence as
ye could when a boy. His old complaint, the piles, has scarce-
ly troubled him atall for a year past. Has hardly had any ail-
ment for months, save a slight cold, which he took on his jour-
ney to the city; and this he “would have had off before now,
had he been at home,” where he could resort to his favorite
means. His tongue now is clean, though the coat he used to
have upon it could never be removed by medicine. For the
last fifteen months, he has never lacked an appetite for his
meals. In regard to diet, it ought to be stated, that, from the
first, Mr. S. “ docked off his tea and coffee and the use of grease.”
He breakfasts on potatoes, the coarse bread, fried pudding, &c.;
eats meat but once a day; and is confident that he can work
longer without weariness upon brown bread and potatoes and
cold water, than he could when he took beef-steak and coffee
for his morning meal. Indeed, he has tried a different diet,
while in all other respects continuing the hydropathic treat-
ment, and found that then he did not feel so well or gain so fast.
Mr. Smith, in concluding the account of his case, (which we
have given above, substantially as we took it down from his
lips,) observed: “'There is one thing about it, my cure has cost
me nothing, only my labor,—I have had nothing to pay for medi-
cines.” Health, however, he regarded as a blessing worth la-
boring for; and going to work in the right way, his faithfal-
ness has had its recompense, in his perfect recovery from a se-
vere and obstinate neuralgic affection, of a class in which the
medical profession are in most cases compelled to confess the
impotence of all the resources of their art.
DIARRHGA.
This name has, in the common acceptance, no very defi-
nite meaning. It is often, though not always, to be regard-
ed as a salutary effort of nature to remove from the system
DIARRHGA. 167
some offending cause. Inthe water treatment, it not un-
frequently becomes a crisis. The patient is not then weak-
ened, but feels soon the better for it. When it is in reality
a disease, as is easily known by pain, weakness, wc., it
should be promptly treated. This is a disease in which the
good effects of remedial means can be shown very quickly.
The causes of this state of the system are very numer-
ous. ‘The most common is improper diet. Rich and fatty
food is very apt to cause it. Irregular meals, irregular
hours, too little sleep, fatigue either of mind or body, stim-
ulants in food and drink, sudden fright and emotions of the
mind, and in short, every thing that acts to deteriorate bodi-
ly or mental health, may become a cause of diarrhoea.
Treatment.—In a great many cases, one or two, or if ne-
cessary, a half dozen good injections of lukewarm water,
will suffice quickly to arrest the disease. Asin all diseases,
the causes as far as possible must be removed. Wet body
bandages, covered to keep them comfortably warm, are ex-
cellent, and should not be omitted. In general, in this dis-
ease, no great shock should be caused by cold. Sitz
baths, tepid, if one is weak, or cooler, if there is power of
reaction, are very useful. Thorough rubbing the whole
surface in a mild half-bath, with wet cloths, &c., as wellas
all the milder means of causing a good action upon the skin,
and of strengthening the general health, can, according to
the conveniences, be resorted to. If I had this disease, I
would dépend simply upon injections and drinking, rather
than any or all the drugs in Christendom, for relief. Cleanse
well the stomach and bowels, and then cease making a
« soap-vat”’ of the stomach, and little is to be feared.
Cholera Infantum of the United States, or the Watery
Gripes of England, is a continued diarrhea of children,
and should be treated accordingly. The stomach and
whole alimentary canal becomes affected. [tis a very fata]
disease in cities. It may generally be readily managed in
the first stages, but by far the better mode is to avoid the
disease. When will mothers and nurses learn properly to
rear children ?
- Cholera Morbus is what may be called very severe diar-
168 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
rhoea, and is usually attended with bilious vomiting. Cleanse
well the stomach and bowels with water of such tempera-
ture as may be borne well, (for if there is much pain and
griping, the warm temperature is often best,) keep down all
morbid heat, leave for a day or two the stomach at rest, be
most scrupulously careful then as to diet, and in almost
every conceivable case, all will go on well.
DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.
This disease occurs oftener during the summer and au
jumn, and in hot climates more than in cold. Upon ship-
board, when passengers are much crowded together, among
‘sailors, in camps and prisons, in crowded cities and other
places of impure air, this disease, often so destructive, takes
place. It occurs sometimes as an epidemic, and is then of-
ten very malignant and fatal.
Causes.—These appear to be principally impure air, im-
proper food, and irregularity in meals’ Panic is often the
exciting Cause: as upon ships, if passengers begin to -die,
more and more begin to have the disease.
Symptoms.—The disease is mostly an inflammation of the
mucous or lining membrane of the colon, or lower bowel.
The discharges are mucous or bloody, and there is severe
tormina, (acute griping, or colicky pains,) and tenesmus
(frequent and painful, and yet unavailing desire to evacuate
the bowels.) As in other severe inflammations, there is al-
ways general feverishness. When the discharges are
white, the disease is called dysenteria alba, or white dysen-
tery.
Treatment.—This is very easy to understand. We must,
of course, quell the general fever. The disease being in
the lower bowel, we can get at that directly by injections.
Use these always as cool as the patient desires. If it is an
infant, that cannot speak for itself, use the injection tepid,
quite lukewarm, so as to be comfortable, but never so high
quite as 98° F., the heat of the blood. The injection should
be persevered in so long as there is pain and bearing down,
and as often asa discharge takes place. Sitz baths, not
too cold, are very useful. ‘There cannot be too many in-)
DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX. 169
jections used so long as the pain or discharge continues.
Not a particle of nourishment should be given until the
disease is arrested, even if it require days. Water in
small quantities is to be drunk to the full extent of thirst ; and
as in all affections of the stomach and bowels, food must be
commenced with the greatest caution, in tea-spoon quantities,
or even less at atime, and gradually increased as the sto-
mach is found able to bear.
A Case.—At a time during the hottest of the past summer, L
was called to attend the little son Aaron, of Mrs. Potter’s,a very
worthy and industrious colored woman, residing in the basement
story of the house of Professor Ives, No. 417 Houston street.
Not having kept any notes of the case at the time, I give it from
memory.
The lad, eight or nine years of age, was taken with dysentery,
commencing, as it often does, with bilious vomiting. His health
had been poor and the bowels irregular, for some time previous-
ly. The tormina, (griping pain in the bowels, ) and tenesmus,
(bearing down of the lower bowel,) were very severe There
was also high general fever, and much heat in the abdomen.
The discharges frequent, and pains and desire almost constant.
It was already the second day, and the boy was quite emaci-
ated and weak. He had been unwell for some time. 1 com-
menced by giving a tepid bath, ina wash tub, he being support
ed the while by assistants, and frictions practised over the body
as well ashe could bear. The bath being considerably cooler
than the body, removed much of the general fever and the pains.
Fomentations were to be kept about the body, and injections of
Croton water, a little tempered, as often as the pains and bear-
ing down were severe, and as often as the general fever should
rise he was to be placed again in the half bath as at first. As
much cold water was to be taken as could be conveniently, in
small quantities at a time, and no nourishment was to be given.
These means caused at first a good deal of amendment, still the
disease did not give way, as such cases generally do very soon
under such treatment, and, after about the third day, he be-
came worse and worse. 1 saw the little patient a number of
times every day, and according to the general course men-
tioned we did the best we could. However, at about the end of
the first week we had succeeded in mastering the disease, when,
in the absence of the mother, she having many duties to per-
form, the little fellow could not resist the temptation, and took an
amount of food that again brought on the attack more violent
8
.
~
170 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL. ©
than at first. We then set to work again, treating him upon the
same principle as before, of keeping almost entirely without
nutriment. We found, as before, that by placing him in the
wet sheet, two or three double, from the arm-pits to the knees,
and wrapping him up so that he was neither too warm or cold,
he could often sleep for two or three hours quite well, and then
again, in spite of our best efforts, the gripings and bearing
down would return, and the discharges become worse. In just
two weeks from the first attack, of a Sunday morning, the dis-
ease was at its worst pitch, the discharges taking place almost
constantly, and the pains, if possible, greater than they had
been. From care and anxiety, and constant toil among the sick,
I was at this time completely worn out. I called upon a medical
friend in whose skill I had confidence, and whose treatment I
knew would be very simple. I said io him, “I have a case
thus and so, the most obstinate I have ever had of the kind.” [I
expected soon to be in a state I could not possibly attend the
boy. I desired him to go with me and I would make one des-
perate effort, and if I became go sick that I could not keep on, I
wished him to study the case, and be ready to attend it. Ac-
cordingly we went, and as before said, the disease was at its
highest pitch. The little sufferer was, by this time, of course,
very weak. I took a force pump syringe, and with my own
hands, the mother aiding, commenced giving injection after in-
jection, using the water quite lukewarm, or warm, as it would
be called, my medical friend and myself judging it, from the sen-
sations, tobe at 95° F. Without having the boy rise, we gave
injection after injection, keeping the bowels all the time as full
of water as we possibly could do. It was not long before the
pain began to give way, and the pulse to grow less frequent. f
continued thus giving the injections for about an hour and a
half; and during this time the pains and profuse discharges
had all ceased. Hard round balls of excrement were passed, and
finally, a quite natural movement, and the pulse had come down
many beats to about its natural standard. Very greatly to my
satisfaction, he, from this moment, rapidly recovered, , Now it
may be doubted whether water of so mild a temperature could
possibly produce such results. “I have given the facts as they
occurred, and for one, in the weak state in which the patient
was, I dared not use the water any colder than I did.
Kvery medical man well understands that this disease is every
now and then exceedingly obstinate; and runs on for weeks,
passing often into a very bad chronic form. Severe attacks of
this disease are always dangerous, whatever be the treatment
adopted. This is particularly true in city practice. As a gen-
THE CHOLERA. Tre
eral thing, we are able, by water treatment, to arrest attacks of
this kind in a very short time, and I never yet, in any instance,
had the misfortune to lose a case of the kind. The disease
should be attended to at the very first onset, especially if it be
epidemic. If this is not done, it may soon pass to ulceration of
the bowel, in which there could be but little hope.
If the disease has passed into a chronic form, the principles
of treatment are the same, and must be longer continued.
THE CHOLERA.
This dire disease, it is said, is again on its way from the
Kast. Whether this be true, or whether it may ever again
reach our country or not, some remarks concerning it may
prove not without value. It is a sad truth to dwell on, that
so little was learned of the true nature of the cholera, or
the proper modes of treating it. As in most, if not all,
other maladies of a prominent character, the modes adopted
by the profession were as heterogeneous and contradictory
as could be. Professor Elliotson, of London, says, “ We
are not, in the least, more informed as to the proper reme-
dies, than we were when the first case of cholera occurred ;
we have not been the least instructed by those who have
had the disease to treat. Some say that they have cured
the disease by bleeding ; others, by calomel; others, by
opium ; and others, again, say, that opium does harm. No
doubt many poor creatures died uncomfortably, who would
have died tranquilly, if nothing had been done to them.
Some were placed in hot water, or in hot air, and had opi-
um, and calomel, and other stimulants, which, altogether,
were more than their systems would bear, and more than
would have been borne, if they had been so treated even in
perfect health.” It has indeed become a fashion with medi-
cal teachers and authors to assert, that nothing is yet known
as to the true mode of treating the cholera.
In another place, I have cited the opinion of Professor |
Chapman, of the University of Pennsylvania, that he re-
commended the giving of ice and the coldest drinks to the
full extent of the patient’s thirst, the best mode he had seen
adopted. ‘The thirst in this disease is greater than in any
other known. The serum, or watery part of the blood, is
172 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
passing off by the bowels in the most terrible manner, and
this is the cause of the great thirst.
The notions concerning the causes of the cholera, were
as contradictory as the modes of treatment employed. Asit
first originated among the Hindoos, where rice is eaten
freely, therefore rice must bea cause. Accordingly, it has
had with some the name of rice disease. But this conclu-
sion concerning rice is as short-sighted and unsatisfactory
as are many of the conclusions in the so-called science of
healing. ‘That was taking avery small and one-sided view
of the matter. The great facts, that the Hindoos have, for
centuries, been among the most ignorant, degraded, sen-
sual, drunken, and licentious people of the globe, were lost
sight of. Nor is it at all surprising, that the disease should
sweep off such numbers, and cause such frightful ravages
among a people degraded and debased to an extent rarely
equalled even upon the face of the earth. These things
are not understood. It is often preached to us, that disease
comes upon the human family arbitrarily, through the
agency of an inscrutable Power. Cuuses and effects are
not sought out.
Not less satisfactory than the modes of treatment, were
the modes of prevention recommended. In London, there
was much tea drank, but not so in Paris. In the latter city,
there was more cholera; therefore, the drinking of tea
must be a good preventive of the disease. Here is the same
loose reasoning, if it may be called reasoning, as in attri-
buting the disease to the use of rice in India.
It may appear strange, that the use of alcoholic drinks
was recommended as a means of prevention, when, at the
same time, it was discovered that drunkards were the per-
sons, of all others, most liable to the disease. Yet, in
this country, and in Europe, generally, the habitual use
of alcoholic drinks was recommended, as a means of pre-
vention of the cholera.
In this country we have had two examples, most conclu-
sive and satisfactory, as to the best modes of preventing the
disease. ‘There is in the city of Philadelphia a body little
known, the Bible Christians. The members of this sect ab-
THE CHOLERA. 173
stain religiously from all intoxicating substances and from
flesh. They aim to live temperately and soberly in all
things. The Rev. Mr. Metcalf, of this sect in Philadel.
phia, gives us the following account of their experience
during those fearful epidemics, the yellow fever and the
cholera :
““ When the yellow fever broke out at the foot of Market
street, in the autumn of 1818, my residence was in the im-
mediate vicinity of the infested district, namely, in Front
near Market street. There I continued with my family,
while most of our neighbors fled from the site for fear of
being affected with that dreaded malady: yet we all con-
tinued to enjoy excellent health. The following year our
experience was similar. During the period of the cholera,
I am not aware that any of our members were in the least
affected by that disorder. My duty as a minister frequent-
ly led me to the bedside of the sick and dying poor, and
often to perform the last obsequies over the dead; yet
amidst all these painful duties, the same kind and merciful
Providence which “tempers the winds to the shorn lamb,”’
protected and preserved me in the enjoyment of uninter-
rupted health. You doubtless remember there were many
conflicting rumors of opinions among eminent physicians
and others, about the propriety of avoiding vegetables and
fruits during the continuance of the epidemic. I have no
knowledge that any of our members made the least altera-
tion in their accustomed mode of diet during that time, and
yet they all escaped suffering from that fatal contagion. In
my own family, vegetables and fruits were as freely used
as in former seasons, without suffering any inconvenience.”
The experience of those in this city who adopted a sim-
ilar course as the Bible Christians, was not less striking.
It will be recollected, that Mr. Sylvester Graham was the
means of inducing a considerable number to follow his pe-
culiar modes. Mr. Graham says, in his work on the Sci-
ence of Human Life: ‘The opinion had been imported
from Europe, and generally received in our country, that
a generous diet embracing a large proportion of flesh meat,
flesh soups, &c., with a little good wine, and a strict ab-
174 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
stinence from most fruits and vegetables, were the very best
_ means to escape an attack of that terrible disease. Nearly
four months before the cholera appeared in New-York, |
gave a public lecture on the subject in that city, in which
I contended that an entire abstinence from flesh-meat and
flesh-soups, and from all alcoholic and narcotic liquors and
substances, and from every kind of purely stimulating sub-
stances ; and the observance of a correct general regimen
in regard to sleeping, bathing, clothing, exercise, the indul-
gence of the natural passions, appetites, &c. &c., would
constitute the surest means by whichany one could ration-
ally hope to be preserved from an attack of that disease.
I repeated this lecture after the cholera had commenced its
ravages in the city, and notwithstanding the powerful op-
position to the opinions which I advanced, a very consider-
able number of citizens strictly adhered to my advice.
And itis an important fact, that of all who followed my
prescribed regimen uniformly and consistently, not one fell
a victim to that fearful disease, and very few had the slight-
est symptoms of an attack.”
Mr. Graham adds also in a note: ‘During the preva-
lence of the cholera in New-York in 18382, it was most ex-
tensively, clamorously, and continually asserted that the
‘Grahamites’ were dying by scores with the epidemic,
and this opinion has gone abroad through the country, and
is perhaps generally believed. Yet I solemnly declare that
I made the most diligent search in every part of the city
where any such case was reported, and called on every
physician who I heard had made such assertions—and in
the newspapers of the city, publicly called for the specifi-
cation and proof of such cases, yet I could not find a single
instance in which an individual who had adopted and con-
sistently observed the regimen I had prescribed, had died
of the cholera or any other disease, and but two or three
instances in which there had even been a slight attack ; and
in each of these cases there had been decided imprudence.”’
How is it possible to account for the fact, that such over-
whelming testimony as that of the Bible Christians and the
Grahamites, so called, has not yet found more favor with
THE CHOLERA. 175
the world than it has? Shall it be said that the mode of
life that is best to enable the system to resist those terrible
diseases, the yellow fever and the cholera, is not the best
for all periods and times? Most assuredly itis. And were
it not for the all.pervading power of appetite over reason,
such lessons as the above, so invaluable and convincing,
would have been long ere this heeded. If the cholera again
comes, let us see what may be brought about.
Dr. Smethurst, of England, in his very excellent work
on water, gives us the following account of what the great
Priessnitz accomplished in the cholera in his country : |
«When the cholera raged some few years ago in Ger-
many, Priessnitz saved a great many from death in Gra-
fenberg ; he did not lose a single case. In slight cases,
tepid sitz baths of long duration, (up to two hours,) were
sufficient, with constant rubbing of the abdomen-and lower
extremities ; cold water being drank in small quantities ;
injections aided the cure. In more serious cases, where
-convulsions and paralysis had already supervened, the pa-
tient was put into a half bath, and rubbed until the body
got warm and steamed. After being dried, and resting
awhile, the patient was wrapped in wet sheets and sweated
in them. Besides this, frequent tepid injections and sitz
baths, of an hour and a half long, cold water being of course
administered all the while.
Diet should be very strict ; fish, (eels particularly,) fruits,
salads, and fresh beer are injurious ; it should be light and
nutricious ; cleanliness must be particularly observed,
fresh air inhaled, dwellings and bed-rooms well ventilated.
Dr. Casper, in Berlin, was also very successful in curing
cholera ; his plan was this: the patient, if his skin be dry
and withered, is placed in a dry tub ; if soft, witha clammy
perspiration, in a lukewarm water bath, the water reaching
up to the navel. Then four to five pailsful of quite cold
water are thrown over head, chest, and back, downwards ;
at the same time two pailsful of cold water are thrown ho-
rizontally against the chest, from the end of the bath.
Every thing must be done quickly, and the patient then
put to bed ; the bath being repeated in three or four hours.
176 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
In the interval, ice-cold bandages are placed on the chest
and abdomen, and renewed when warm; the head is cov-
ered similarly with ice-cold compresses, to prevent an ac-
cess of nervous fever, which often succeeds an attack of
cholera. Cold water for drink, by which the disposition to
vomit is much diminished, but increased by warm drink.
Frequent baths and frictions will diminish, if not always
prevent, the extension of the ravages of this epidemic.”
WORMS IN THE BOWELS.
Many symptoms have been enumerated as being caused
by worms. None of these can be much depended upon,
except the actual expulsion of them. Decidedly ill gene-
ral health precedes worms, in most cases. Some, however,
have discharged several feet of tape worm, the worst of all
kinds, without having had the least idea of anything being
the matter with them. — Still it must be admitted, that, as a
general fact, worms occur in proportion as the general
health becomes bad. The more weakness there is of the
body, the more they thrive.
Causes.—lIrregularities and improprieties in food are
prolific causes of worms. Rich and concentrated food, im-
pure air, neglect of cleanliness, and want of light, may be
said to be the principal causes.
Treatment.—This is, then, plain enough. Do every
thing to better the general health. Children are mostly af.
fected. Give them only of the plainest food, no meat or
butter, no sugar, and as little salt as possible, and better,
none ; give baths three times per day, proportioned to the
strength ; use the wet girdle at least half the twenty-four
hours, the wet sheet once per day; a large injection, cool
or cold, in the morning, and a cold one, not so large, to be
retained at night. These are the means, the best and most
effectual that can be used.
NEPHRITIS, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
There is burning heat, acute pain, and a sensation of
weight in one or both of the kidneys ; scanty urine and
constipation ; also general fever. The disease is known
DIABETES—GRAVEL. 177
from “lumbago,” (rheumatism in the back,) by the latter
extending over a larger surface and down to the hips, and
by the absence of all urinary difficulties in rheumatism.
It is to be treated actively upon the same general princi-
ples as any acute inflammation.
DIABETES, OR CHRONIC EXCESS. OF URINE.
“ Diabetes,” is derived from a Greek word, that signifies
to stream through. The affection has also been called hy-
drops ad matulam,—“chamber-pot dropsy.’’ A tremen-
dous quantity of urine is, in some cases of this disease,
discharged. There has been known to be, on an average
per day of more than twenty quarts. Ina single day as
many as twenty-six quarts have been known to pass. The
usual quantity, however, may be stated at from six to twen-
ty pints per day. This disease often proves fatal, and, in
many cases, is followed by consumption. It always denotes
a very bad state of the general health. Those who use
intoxicating drinks seem to be most predisposed to this dis-
ease. Solitary vice and sexual abuses are often its causes.
Treatment.—This should be mostly of a general and tonic
kind. The whole system is at fault. The skin is dry and
inactive, and there is great thirst. No water but the soft.
est and best should be drank or used in preparing the food,
The thirst should be gratified freely, but by small quanti-
ties of water often repeated. Frequent rubbing wet sheets,
and towel baths—a half dozen or more in the twenty-four
hours, will be found useful. Hip bathsare excellent. The
greatest care must be paid to the diet. Go much into the
cool fresh air.
GRAVEL.
About two years after the Croton water had been brought
into this city, the physicians of the City Hospital published
as an evidence of the good effects of the pure water, that
there had not been a single case of the gravel among the
patients of that institution within that time. There is noth.
ing in the world like pure water and a general hydropathio
R*
178 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
course for this disease. Vegetable diet has been mentioned
by physicians as being peculiarly favorable for its cure.
Stone in the Bladder.—lIf this really exist, there is no cure
except by a surgical operation. Fortify the general health
to the greatest possible extent before submitting to this last
resort.
Urinary Dificulties—All of these are better managed by
water than by any medicine. Hip baths, often repeated,
and wet bandages, are very useful. Placing the feet in cold
water, upon ice, a cold stone or iron, the hip bath, general
cold bath, &c., will generally cause the urine to flow in such
cases as when forcible means by instrétments are resorted to.
Bleeding from the Kidneys and Bladder.—Bleeding here,
as elsewhere, is to be treated upon the same general princi-
ples. Chill right well the parts from which the blood comes,
and strengthen the general health.
THE VENEREAL AND OTHER PRIVATE DISEASES.
[ am not disposed at all to particularize upon these most
loathsome of all diseases. It is often supposed, even by the
friends of hydropathy, that water is not sufficient for their
cure. But there are no diseases in which the power of wa-
ter is better proved than in the treatment of these. Under
a judicious treatment the system becomes again free from
its uncleanness, and there are left none of those terrible con-
sequences, or secondary effects, now-a-days so common.
It would be, perhaps, a difficult matter, to decide precise.
ly how much of these effects, such as the loss of the nose,
portions of the skull, and other parts of the system, the
foulest of ulcers, wasting away of the flesh, tremors, despon-
dency, and imbecility of mind—I say, it would be difficult
to determine how much of these effects are to be attributed
to the modes of cure adopted. Mercury has, for centuries,
been used as the principal means, and it is a well established
fact, which every well informed physician will admit, that this
drug is capable of producing all these loathsome effects, called
the secondary forms of the venereal disease. Besides all
this, we know that persons who have contracted this com-
plaint, and have taken to the brown bread and water diet
FEVERS. 179
exclusively, and observed the rules of bathing and other
means of general health, have escaped those terrible rava-
ges so often found under the ordinary mode of drug treat-
ment to follow in the track of such disease. 1 read lately
an authentic account of some one, a priest | think, who was
said never to fail in curing the disease by restricting the pa-
tient for weeks to water gruel only for food, and water to
drink. Whatever may be true in all this matter, one thing
iscertain: Every one who becomes thus affected, learns by ex-
perience, “THAT THE WAY OF THE TRANSGRESSOR IS HARD.”
FEVERS.
Not many distinctions of fever are strictly necessary, since
the general principles of treatment are the same in all
cases.
Typhus and Typhoid Fever ; (called also nervous fever,
putrid fever, ship fever, jail fever, hospital fever, camp
fever, spotted fever, and malignant fever.) Some endeavor
to make a distinction between typhus and typhoid fevers ;
but it is doubtful if there is any real difference. Typhoid
means at least like typhus. The treatment is the same in
either case. A patient may pass into what is called a ty-
phoid or sinking state, from almost any other disease that is
of much consequence.
Renitient and Intermittent Fevers.—Remittent fever is such
as has decided remissions, but not intermissions. In the
former, the fever keeps on constantly, but is much less at
one time of the day than another. In the latter, there is
intermission when there is no fever.
Yellow fever is only typhus of a severe form, complica-
ted with jaundice. Hence the name, yellow fever.
Prevention of Fever.—i have elsewhere cited the won-
derful facts in regard to the prevention of the yellow fever
among the Bible Christians of Philadelphia. My worthy
and very intelligent friend, Captain E. Knight, of this city,
has been in almost every partof the world. He has sailed
often to the West Indies and to New Orleans in the worst
times of yellow fever. He says nothing is easier than to
ward off this disease, if a man will but take up his cross,
’
180 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
Plain food, bread, fruit and vegetables, water the.only drink,
and daily bathing—these are the means. Years ago, at
one time of his going to Havana, when near arriving at
that place, he was necessarily exposed much to the sun in
getting his ship into port. Immediately on arriving, he
found the yellow fever coming upon him. He had not, pre-
viously to that time, had such opportunity to witness the
disease. His good sense, however, led him to adopt a dif.
ferent course of treatment from the ordinary one. The
English and American physicians, he knew, pursued the old
modes of calomel, bleeding, stimulants, é&e. He sent fora
Spanish physician, who directed him first to take a moder-
ately warm bath to remove the pains of the general sys.
tem. He was to be placed in a large airy room, was to
have as much cold drink as he wished ; to take no nourish
ment but orange juice, and to resort to bathing as the symp-
toms might require. ‘The physician told him that, under
such modes, the fever could not possibly remain three days.
Elis prediction proved true. Preventing the disease entire.
ly, however, is by far the best plan. i
Treatment of Fevers.—This, I have said, is in all cases
to be conducted upon general principles. No one need
perplex himself as to the name of the disease. Manage the
case as the symptoms from hour to hour occur. Keep down
feverishness by cool or cold ablutions, spongings, wet sheets,
half baths, &c. Do no great violence to the system. So
long as there is excess of heat, it is almost impossible to do
harm by cold water. Sometimes the patient feels chilly
while the skin is hot. The tepid half bath, with much wet,
hard friction, is then most excellent. The vapor bath, pro-
perly managed, is a good mode. Use many injections ;
keep on the wet girdle ; give plenty of cold drink ; give no
food until the fever is quelled; observe the strictest clean-
liness, and have a constant supply of cool fresh air, and
make the patient as comfortable as may be,—these are the
natural means,—these as the principles upon which we
are to treat febrile and inflammatory diseases of whatever
kind.
Ague and Fever.—The water treatment, properly man-
FEVERS. 181
aged, is a sovereign remedy for this disease. ‘The follow-
ing cases will suffice to give some idea of the treatment :
Case of Ague and Fever —Through reading the mode of
water treatment for ague and fever in the Water-Cure
Journal of last year, Mr. J. W. Bonnell, of Camptown,
N. J., informs us that he was the means of directing the
following cure: A young lady, a sempstress in his employ,
had the ague last fall. A regular physician was employed,
and she was detained one month from labor. In the latter
part of last month (January), she was again attacked as
before. After the chill was off, (the third one,) she was
placed in the wet sheet, and remained about two hours,
and had a tepid bath. By these she was improved. She
took water injections daily. The next ague day, the at-
tack came on earlier and lighter than before. She had
taken the sheet the well day. She now took it again after
the chill was off, and this time free perspiration came on.
The tepid bath was taken as before, and she felt now much
better. She rested well at night; the next day went about
light labor, and took the wet sheet again in the afternoon.
She ate nearly nothing for nearly three days of treatment,
and the next day, the one in which to expect an attack, no
symptoms appeared, and she has been entirely free from the
disease since.
Remarks.—Many cases of this disease may be at once
arrested in the simple way, as above. Some cases, espe-
cially old obstinate ones, will need a more powerful and
longer continued treatment. The better mode is, while the
chills are on, to give a long continued tepid bath, nearly
cold, with a great deal of friction. Use then, after this,
the wet sheet. Do not attempt to cause sweating. Prevent
as far as may be, the chills and the subsequent fever.
Regulate the bowels by injections, and wear the wet girdle.
Eat little, go in the open air, and drink freely and often of
soft water. Act resolutely in this matter, and in a few
days at most, all will go on well.
Nearly three years ago, the following case of ague and
fever of an infant was published in the Water-Cure for
Ladies, by Mrs. M. L. Shew. She adopted the child, it
182 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
being an orphan. On receiving it she directed the treat.
ment as is given in the quotation:
“This case was that of'a child seven months of age. The in.
fant having lost its mother at its birth, a wet nurse was pro-
cured, such as was considered by the physicians to be a healthy
one. The child was removed to a plantation, where ague and
fever was common. After remaining awhile, the nurse was
taken with the ague, and subsequently the child. Both had the
disease severely. At the commencement, the nurse (a young
woman, lately from Germany,) was healthy and strong. Her
diet and general regimen were, however, as bad as could well
be,—consisting of much bacon, superfine bread, butter, gravies,
very strong tea and coffee, wines, &c., which things, also, the
child was taught to take. The usual anodyne and purgative
medicines were taken by the nurse, and given freely to the child.
At birth, the little one was the picture of health and cheerful-
ness. At seven months of age, in an almost dying state, it was
necessary to take it from the nurse. Its eyes were glassy, its
head languidly dropping upon the shoulder, and its naturally
clear and white skin had changed to a uniform yellow, almost
like that of a mulatto. Its lips were compressed, and of nearly
the same color as the face. It was of course much emaciated ;
its cheeks were hanging down, and its whole expression was
one of continual suffering. For weeks, it had not been seen to
smile. It was now put under the water-cure treatment, and at —
the same time weaned. The chill and fever took place every
other day. At first, on the ‘well day,’ a wet sheet was
given, accompanied by various bathings. Never before had
the child been given a drop of water. Now it took it greedily,
and soon rejected its accustomed drinks. On the ‘sick day,? it
being the second of the cure, persevering treatment prevented
the chill and fever, and it was never allowed to return,”
This little girl 1s now nearly four years old,—as perfect a
specimen of health, apparently, as can be found in the wide
world. She is very plump, and has an abundance of flesh, and
that which is firm and hard, different enough from the loose,
puffy flesh which many children deemed very healthy have.
Her complexion is as clear and beautiful as can be imagined. -
She has been given the plainest of food, as coarse bread, ho-
miny, rice, potato, apple, &c., with very little milk or sweeten-
ing. She has had no illnesses but that could be easily nipped
in the bud, except last spring, at three years of age, she had
the genuine small pox. The fever was kept down by water ;
she was confined two or three aays. Her face swelled much.
SMALL POX. 183
and she was a singular looking object; but she seemed to care
little more for the disease than if the pustules had been only so
many musquito bites. The pustules were large and full, but
yet not a single mark was left permanently upon the face or
any part. She has continued in the most perfect health since.
VARIOLA —VARIOLOID, OR SMALL POX.
Varioloid is only small pox modified by vaccination.
This is proved from the fact, that matter taken ffom a vari-
oloid pustule, will communicate genuine small pox to one
who has never had the disease naturally, or by inoculation,
or who has never been vaccinated. Varioloid may be said
to be mild small pox.
Symptoms.—There are at first symptoms of approaching
fever, languor, drowsiness, pains in the head and loins, and
pain at the pitofthe stomach. There is despondency and ri-
ritableness of temper. The pulse quickens, and the general
fever comeson. With adults there is sometimes profuse
sweating, and children often have fits. It has been said
that one fit forebodes a mild attack, but several a severe one.
But we may conclude that no fit at all forebodes some-
thing better than even one.
Appearance of the Eruption.—A fier the premonitory symp-
toms have prevailed a day or two, “ there appear, first on
the face, and then successively throughout the body and
extremities, small red spots, and these rise into elevated
pimples, and these again into hard tubercles, in the common
acceptation of the word. So that, first of all, there are mere
red spots on the skin; these spots rise into what are com-
monly called ‘ pimples ;’ and these pimples become very
hard. ‘They become pellucid; and on the first day, (count-
ing from the first attack of feverishness, head-ache, &c.,)
they become pustules. From being pellucid, they have
purulent contents, opaque and white; and those which are
large, are at first generally depressed inthe centre. ‘They
are not perfectly filled at first, but are filled in the circum-
ference more than in the centre.”
It is impossible for any one to determine for the first day
or two, or even at the first of the eruption, whether the at-
184 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
tack be really one of the small pox; but this is not impor
tant, since the treatment should be precisely the same in
_ all such attacks.
Period of Maturation.—The ordinary course of matura-
tion of the pustules is as follows: “On the eighth day,
counting always from the first, if there be much eruption,
the face swells from the inflammation. If the disease be
pretty severe, the cellular membrane beneath falls into
more or less irritation, and secretes abundantly ; so the face
swells on that account. The same circumstance causes
the eyes to close ; and the continued extension of the irri-
tation causes the mouth to ‘run,’ and the fauces (parts of
the throat) to inflame. On the eleventh day, the pustules
are at their height, as full and as numerous as they will
be; and the swelling of the face, the ‘running’ of the
mouth, and inflammation of the fauces, subside, and then the
hands and feet swell ; first the hands, and afterwards the feet.
The spots spread down the body and arms, towards the
hands and feet; and, as these parts suffer the least, so they
swell the least ; and when the swelling commences in them,
the irritation is already begun to subside in the parts ori-
ginally affected. The pustules are then said to ‘ maturate,’
that is to say, they grow ripe and perfect.’”? Such is the
ordinary cause of small pox; but cases often occur in
which there is considerable variation from the foregoing des-
cription.
This formidable disease may end in death at any time
from the first attack of the general fever, up to the thirtieth
or even fortieth day. It, however, very rarely proves fatal
before the appearance of the eruption, and from the observa-
tions of the writers of all countries, it would seem that the
eighth day is generally the one of the greatest danger.
The second week exhibits the greatest amount of mortality.
Small pox often comes upon persons having other dis-
eases at the time. Those who have poor health are indeed
much more liable to an attack, and it is much more apt to
go hard with those who have already a serious malady to
combat.
T'wo years since, the author wrote, for the Water-Cure
SMALL POX. 185
Journal, the following case with observations on the small
POX :
Robert B. Hughes, son of Mr. Hughes, 15 Desbrosses street,
sickened on the 30th of January, 1845, with a severe and con-
tinued pain in the region of the stomach; had chills alternating
with high fever; tongue thickly coated. He ate nothing the
next day and drank only lemonade. At noon of the second
day after the attack, the editor was called. In addition to the
above symptoms, there was obstinate constipation. Pulse 112
in the minute.
The treatment recommended was simple, and as follows: T'wo
full clysters of tepid water were to be given, the one immediate-
ly following the other. These caused the bowels to act freely,
giving at once considerable relief. The young man was then
allowed to rest for a few minutes, while water was being pre-
pared for an ablution, or as Professor Elliotson would say, for
giving the patient “a good sousing in a wash tub.” A bucket
of water put in an ordinary tub, the water having the extreme
chill taken off. The head, neck, and body were quickly washed
over, the water being freely poured upon the different parts, and
the whole surface being rubbed briskly and constantly with a
wet brush, until the surface was completely red. This wet
brush rubbing is a better means of exciting quickly the skin
than rubbing merely with the wet hand. The operation
was performed quickly, yet it caused considerable shiver-
ing and chattering of the teeth. With aview of preventing the
severe pain in the stomach and side, a large wet towel wrung
out of moderately warm water, was put about the body, so as
to act as a fomentation or poultice, and this was well covered
with a bandage of dry muslin cloth, one foot and a half in
width, and four yards long. For the comfort of the patient, as
well as to prevent shivering, moderately warm bricks were
placed at the feet and the region of the stomach.
The effect of this purging, washing, and bandaging was stri-
king. The time occupied from the commencement until the pa-
tient was warm and comfortable in bed, was about thirty min-
utes. Yet inthis short space the severe pain had almost en-
tirely subsided, and indeed in a short time after, it was entirely
gone. The pulse had fallen from 112 to 85 in a minute, and a
refreshing sleep soon followed. The same applications were di-
rected to be made in the evening, and the patient was thus en-
abled to obtain a very good night’s rest. The next day the
washing, bandaging and clysters were repeated morning and
evening, and the washing and bandaging at noon. It was be-
186 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
lieved that by this means, the patient drinking at the same time
as much water as he could conveniently bear, and taking only
a little water gruel for nourishment, the fever would soon sub-
side. Still the complaint seemed to be hanging abouthim. On
the morning of the third day of the treatment, an eruption ap-
peared upon different parts of the body. The patient was
questioned as to whether he had been exposed to any of the |
eruptive diseases, which he had not, knowingly. It was stated
to him and the parents, that whatever the disease might prove
to be, the indications of treatment were plain and the same—to
wash the body as often as necessary to keep it cool, or, in other
words, to keep down the fever, to apply wet bandages on every
part of the body where there was any pain, smarting or discom-
fort from the eruptions; to abstain from nutriment, except a lit-
tle water gruel two or three times a day, and to drink not only
as much Croton water as the thirst craved, but as much as could
be taken without decided discomfort, and daily to open the bow-
els by clysters. ‘Through such treatment the young man was
kept quite free from pain, and comparatively comfortable. In
the course of a day or two more, there was no difficulty in de-
termining the case to be one of real small pox. The same gene-
ral treatment was continued, and at the middle of the second
week from the appearance of the eruption, the young man was
so far recovered as to be able to walk out in the city, and was,
in fact, quite well. He has continued to grow firmer and strong-
er in health continually since.
Few constitutions are in so bad a condition as was that of
the young man before this attack. Within four or five years
past, he had been taken ill apparently in the same way as at this
time, except that each attack was more severe than the one
preceding ; and, indeed, the one next previous to this last was
of such severity, that medical attendance was necessary for
three months. In consequence of these attacks and the medi-
cines taken, together with laboring habitually in a conf ned at-
mosphere, and the habitual use of the ordinary pernicious diet.
of civic life, the constitution was brought into a condition high-
ly susceptible to disease, and such as, under the ordinary drug
treatment, would, to say the least, be in a very unfavorable con-
dition to combat this terrible disease, small pox.
A remarkable fact in the effects of water in this disease is
this: If every thing is well managed, the body kept cool by
bathing, drinking, and cool air to breathe, and if every part up-
on which eruption exists is kept covered with clean, moist cloths,
of temperature to suit the feelings of comfort, as a rule, not a
mark is left by the disease. This fact was established long ago;
SMALL POX. 187
and yet the cooling treatment so grateful, as well as efficacious,
is yet so contrary to the generally received opinions, that it has
seldom been adopted. In reference to the use of water, there
has been as much error in the world concerning this disease
as concerning other inflammatory and febrile affections. It is,
however, fortunately, now beginning to be well understood, that
in all inflammations and fevers, whenever there is thirst, this
dictate of nature should be freely and fully answered; that
whenever the whole body or any of its parts are hotter than
natural, it is perfectly safe with cold water to cool the whole
body or any of its parts; that cold water is incomparably the
best febrifuge in nature. Comparatively afew years ago only,
in this country, as well as in most parts of Europe, it would be
considered the height of madness to use cold water in burning
fevers and inflammations.
Dr. Currie used water very largely in the treatment of a
great variety of diseases, and with remarkable success. In his
work on the Effects of Water, he says, “ The singular degree
of success that, on the whole, attended the affusion of cold
water in typhus, encouraged a trial of this remedy in some
other febrile diseases. Of these the small pox seemed more
particularly to invite its use. The great advantage that 1s ex-
perienced in this disease by the admission of cool air, seemed to
point out the external use of cold water, which, being a more
powerful application, might be more particularly adapted to the
most malignant forms of small pox. The result corresponded
entirely with Dr. C.’s expectation. Of a number of cases in
which he witnessed the happy effects of the affusion of cold
water in small pox, he gave the following one: “ In the autumn
of 1794, J.J.,an American gentleman, in the 24th year of his
age, and immediately on his landing at Liverpool, was placed
under my care; the prevalence of the small pox rendering it
imprudent to wait till the usual preparations could be gone
through, or indeed till the fatigues of the voyage could be in
some degree removed. He sickened on the seventh day, and
the eruptive fever was very considerable. He had a rapid,
feeble pulse, a feetid breath, with pain in the head, back, and
loins. His heat rose in a few hours to 107°, and his pulse beat
119 times in the minute. I encouraged him to drink largely of
cold water and lemonade, and threw three gallons of cold brine
over him.* He was in a high degree refreshed by it. The
* Lemonade is, in such cases, at most, only admissible in a weak
and very slightly sweetened form. Dr. C. generally used fresh water,
and preferred it to salt.
188 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
eruptive fever abated in every respect,—an incipient delirum
subsided, the pulse became slower, the heat was reduced, and
tranquil sleep followed. In the course of twenty-four hours
the affusion was repeated three or four different times, at his
own desire,—a general direction having been given him to call
for it as often as the symptoms of fever returned. The erup-
tion, though more numerous than is usual from inoculation, was
of a favorable kind. There was little or no secondary fever,
and he recovered rapidly.”
In reference to the safety of the affusion of water, incidental-
ly it may be here remarked, in answer to the objection some-
times made, that a man with the skill of a Dr. Currie, or a
Priessnitz, may safely direct when and how to practise affusion
of water, but that practitioners in general would not be able to
make the nice distinctions necessary, and that much harm would
thus be done by the general introduction of the practice, that
the distinctions are in reality easy, and can be made by any
person of ordinary capacity. Dr. C.’s rules were made as the
result of long and careful experiment, and are these: that “ The
safest and most advantageous time for using the aspersion, or
affusion of cold water, is when the exacerbation, (increase of
the fever,) is at its height, or immediately after its declination
is begun: and this has led me almost always to direct it to be
employed from six to nine o’clock in the evening; but it may
be safely used at any time of the day, when there is no sense
of chilliness present, when the heat is steadily above what is
natural, and when there is no general or profuse perspiration.”
It would be difficult to conceive how any one of common
sense could be at a loss in proceeding according to these plain
rules, laid down by Dr. Currie. By this simple means, Dr. C.
succeeded in curing a great variety of cases of disease, and
often where the ordinary means had failed. He afterwards
found that drinking of water was also a powerful means of re-
ducing fever, and after making many careful experiments, he
determined that the same rules were to be observed in drink-
ing as in bathing or affusion. ‘
But to return to the small pox. Many cases are on record,
showing the great superiority of the cooling, above that of the
stimulating, treatment. Hahn, a German physician of note,
who wrote in 1738, ascertained from experiment, that in small
pox, as well as in measles, scarlet fever, and other rashes, “ we
may freely wash with cold water, from the first to the last, dur-
ing the whole course of the disease, in order to prevent the
fever from becoming too violent. The skin is thus rendered
more soft, so that the acrid matter can more easily pass through
*
SMALL POX. 189
it. In small pox, the corrosive quality of this acrid matter is
rendered milder, so that it does not eat into the skin, leaving
scars behind, and very few patients who have been treated in
this way have been marked by the disease.” This writer gives
asomewhat amusing account of the African mode of treating
this disease. “The Africans wash all their small pox patients.
A captain having a cargo of slaves, amongst whom this dis-
ease made its appearance, treated them according to their own
mode. Being permitted, the other slaves tied ropes around
the bodies of those that were sick, and dipped them frequently
during the day into the sea, drying them afterwards in the sun,
and in this manner they were cured.”
But, of all that has ever transpired in the healing art, the
work of Priessnitz stands pre-eminent. His success has never
been equalled. He has treated in all manner of diseases, al-
though we are often told the contrary, and in no disease has his
treatment been more successful than in small pox. An Ameri-
ean gentleman, after having been at Grafenberg six months,
lately, writes concerning Priessnitz’s treatment of small pox:
“ We have had it here in the establishment, some eight cases,
within six months, and not one death; one of them a case of
black confluent small pox, complicated with measles, and the
patient was out in fourteen days.”
By those who have confidence in the new treatment by wa-
ter, it is often inquired, “Is vaccination necessary?’ ‘To this
it may be answered, it is now well known that vaccination fre-
quently fails to protect the system from small pox ; besides, it
is an important fact, not generally understood, that obstinate
and long continued skin diseases often follow vaccination, and
many children seem never to enjoy firm health after the intro-
duction of this poison into the system. The writer has been
surprised on questioning parents, to find how frequently evils,
apparently from this source, arise. After due consideration
upon the subject, we have come to the conclusion that no child
of.ours, or of whom we may have the charge, shall be vacci-
_ nated. In our estimation, it is not wise thus to poison the sys-
- tem; besides, if children are reared as they should be, (which,
by the way, unfortunately, very few understand,) they will sel-
dom be attacked with the disease, and if it should be taken, it
is easily and safely cured by means of water, and this without a
mark being left. Such an assertion as this, we are well aware,
will be a cause of sneering and ridicule ; yet we have one sa-
tisfaction: facts are as stubborn as ever, and truth must finally
prevail. The Jews, because of the hardness of their hearts,
. Were permitted to pui away their wives; so those who cannot
190 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
do better, should resort to vaccination. In this view, and this
only, is vaccination a great improvement.
Since writing the above, I have had two long years in
which to look over this whole matter more extensively. I
think those who are best acquainted with me, will give me
the credit of being a lover of truth, wherever I find it,
even though it conflict with previously formed opinions. I
will now state what appears to me true in regard to the
treatment of small pox, and the true merits of vaccination.
During the last two years, about fifty cases of small pox
and varioloid, so called, have come under my immediate ob-
servation, most of which were treated by myself. Some
of the cases were of infants, and the rest of persons be-
tween infancy and fifty years of age. Of all these but
one died, a young man whom it was thought best to remove
from the city, in consequence of the weather becoming
warm, and the small room in which he had been confined.
He was decidedly convalescent at the time. As things
turned out, drug treatment was practised, (not by myself,)
and the man finally died of inflammation of the stomach,
as was said by his physicians.
A number of these cases, indeed the larger part of them,
occurred in the heat of summer. The past summer, Mrs.
Weeks, of 278 Third street, my patient, was attacked, if |
recollect rightly, within three days after child-birth, it be-
ing her first. She had practised bathing for about one
year, regularly, and lived plainly. She got along with
little indisposition, and in a few days her infant was attack-
ed. This seemed to have very little effect upon its health.
It was bathed often, and kept cool, and every thing went
on very well. In fact, in all the cases of infants and
young children, there seemed to be no difficulty at all, and,
after a sufficient time, the marks seem alltodisappear. Of
older persons, some may become slightly marked, so that
it may be discovered by close inspection. Some who had
very depraved health may remain marked, in a slight de-
gree, permanently ; but as a general rule, it is not too
strong an assertion to state, that water patients have no
permanent marks. .
°
SMALL POX. 191
It will seem to the world, that a man must be most fool-
ishly and ridiculously radical, to decry vaccination. All
agree, that every now and then a life is destroyed by it,
and that not unfrequently ill symptoms are found to follow
the practice. But it is believed that, on the whole, thou-
sands of lives have been saved by it ; and this is, no doubt,
true. Priessnitz is decidedly opposed to vaccination. I
asked him if it had not saved many lives. He answered,
it no doubt had, and added, but how much better is it for
people so to live as to be in no danger from the disease.
This, I believe, is the true ground. Priessnitz also said,
the best that could be, vaccinated persons would be con-
stantly liable to attacks of disease, in consequence of the
poison having been introduced into the system. He re-
garded, that the healing and sanative power of nature would
be thereby decidedly injured. :
It should be understood, that vaécination often fails of
its object. We constantly find persons having the small
pox who had been previously vaccinated. Indeed, so well
is this understood, that, according to the highest authority
in medicine, it should be practised, the oftener the better,
at least every year. Keep trying to see if it can be made
to take.
Many persons have desired me to refer to the case of
Mrs. Shew, and I have promised soto do. Early in May
_ last she experienced a very severe attack of this disease,
and some have been led to remark, that the fact of her hav-
ing the disease so severely, was rather an argument against
' the water-cure and vegetable system of living. She had,
to all appearance, been most wonderfully benefitted by
some years of bathing and attention to diet. It was there-
fore said, how could she possibly have the disease so se-
_verely. In order to give a correct view of her case, it will
be necessary to take into consideration some other circum-
_ stances besides those of the immediate attack.
|
|
The parentage of Mrs. S., as well as the relatives gen-
erally, on both sides, are of frail constitutions. Her mother
died some years since of the. consumption ; so also others
among the uncles and aunts upon both sides of the familv
i
192 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
connexion. Her father, a well known physician in the re-
gion in which he resides, is convinced that he himself has
within him the germs of consumption, and that he must
sooner or later fall a victim to its ravages. Mrs. Shew has
had weak lungs for years, and is withal strongly predis-
posed to that fearful disease. Again and again, before
commencing bathing, she had had attacks of inflammation
in the chest, and she is of opinion that she must have sunk
ere this, had it not been for the effects of water, diet, and
the other hygienic means. ~ At the time of the attack of the
small pox last spring, she had been nursing her infant seven
months. It was very large, strong, and healthy. During
the winter, she had a fall that debilitated her system con-
siderably. One week before the attack, she met with ano-
ther fall while in one of the douche rooms, bathing. The
small of her back came across a sharp stone, and this affect-
ed that part severely. On the first day of May, the time
of general moving in the city, she stood from early in the
morning until night in the hall of our residence, at 56 Bond
street. This is a very airy situation. A bad, raw, damp,
chilling wind blew all day, and in this hall in which Mrs.
S. stood, overseeing the things that were being moved into
the house, the doors at both ends were open most of the
time, thus causing a most injurious draught. Owing to this
exposure, and the state of her health at the time, the limbs
and extremities were all day chilled like marble. The ex-
posure I was not knowing to at the time, and it proved a
most unfortunate one. In the evening of the same day,
Mrs. 8. was seized with the most violent pleurisy. This
was of itself dangerous enough for any mode of treatment.
We combatted it with water, and before morning had suc-
ceeded in quelling the symptoms, so that there appeared to
be no danger. Within twenty-four hours of this, violent
pains came on in the back, and other symptoms of approach-
ing small pox. Such it proved to be, and thus came one
terrible disease upon the very heels of the other.
It was often said among certain friends and acquaintan-
ces, ‘‘ Now we will see if Dr. Shew does not resort to med-
icines. ‘This will be a test.” These friends, we are cer-
SMALL POX. 193
tain, would not by any means accuse us of dishonesty ; but
it seems a hard thing for the world to believe, that a physi-
cian can practise as precisely in his own family, as he does
- among his patients at large. As to the matter of Mrs. S.’s
taking medicines, those who know her will agree with me,
that it would be out of the power of man to induce her to
take them, provided she could have access to a suitable
water treatment. In her opinion, no medicine bears any
comparison to pure clean water, and her uniform practice
has for years been in accordance with that opinion.
Mrs. Shew’s attack was, all things considered, a very se-
vere one. Her system was greatly depressed by the pleu-
risy, and the other previous causes mentioned. The fever
ran very high, or at least would have done so, had it not been
for the cooling means that were constantly used. Great
quantities of ice were eaten, and much cold water drank.
The most free circulation of air was admitted into the room,
and the strictest regard paid to cleanliness. By sponging,
ablutions, the giving of ice and water to the full extent of
thirst, wet cloths laid frequently upon different parts of the
surface, injections, the cool air, ventilation, and the frequent
change of bedding, clothes and linen, the fever was kept
down as much as might be in so terrible an attack. But
very little nourishment was given any day for three weeks,
and that of water gruel only. Some days none at all was
taken. Mrs. Shew had her senses every moment of the
whole time. She felt that she must very soon have sunk
under the power of the disease, had there not been the most
constant and unremitting use of the means of water-cure.
It is a remarkable fact, that her young infant, not hav-
ing been vaccinated, although repeatedly and often exposed
to the contagion, did not at all receive the disease. It would
be almost impossible for her to have been more exposed in
an airy situation, and well ventilated house, than she was.
She was moreover at this time suddenly weaned, in conse-
quence of her mother’s sudden attack. It should be re-
membered, however, that she is a strikingly perfect speci-
men of health. At that time, seven months of age, she
had been bathed in the coldest Croton water always twice
9
194 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
daily. In the coldest weather she was taken into the open
air daily, from three to six hours each day, except now and
then when the weather was very stormy. It is also to be
remarked, that our hired help, some of whom had never
had the disease or been vaccinated to their knowledge, al-
though most of the time with Mrs. Shew, both by night and
by day, did not one of them receive the disease.* One of
the girls had all the premonitory symptoms of the disease,
but no eruption came out, and she was ill but two or three
days. Mrs. Shew’s brother, also, had apparently the pre-
ceding symptoms of small pox, but nothing more. ‘The
same was true, likewise, of her uncle, residing in the same
house. Every one of these persons, servants and all, were
in the habit of daily bathing. I have, in a number of other
instances, known those who were in the habit of daily bath-
ing, go clear in the same way, having only the preceding
symptoms for two or three “days, and ina slight form. |
experienced these myself at one time, when | was much
exhausted from arduous duties, and had been treating
the two young children of Mr. J. K. Wellman, publisher,
of this city, they having the genuine small pox. I had the
feverishness and feelings of stupidity for two or three days,
and there came some half dozen pustules, and all went on —
well. My vaccination, practised when I was yet a lad,
took little or no effect at the time.
Prevention of Marks in Small Pox.—As fay as my ex-
perience extends, I know of no case, with the exeeption of
one, in which there are any marks that can be seen at all,
except by very close inspection. If diet, bathing, and a
good deal of daily and frequent rubbing of the face with
cold water, after it has healed, are practised, the discolora-
tion and marks gradually wearaway. Fora year, or even
more, there continues to be improvement in this respect. It
remains yet to be proved, in Mrs. Shew’s case, whether the
marks remain in part or not.
*%
oe és
*I should have remarked, that Mrs. Shew’s friend, Miss Lazarus,
who was with her night and day, and unremitting in her kind atten:
tions, experienced the disease in a slight form. aes
SMALL POX. 195
It has been found by experiments in hospitals, that unc-
tuous plasters containing mercury, kept upon one side of
the face, are, toa greater or less extent, effectual in pre-
venting marks. This is a mode, however, which | would
by no means adopt. Mercury is absorbed and diffused
throughout the system, in whatever way it may be brought
in contact with the surface. Masks of wet linen kept cold
upon the face, by the frequent use of ice or the sponge. dip-
ped in the coldest water, appear to have a good effect in
preventing marks. As ‘to the healing the skin, it should be
remembered that pure water is the most friendly of all
Known agents to promote the growth of living parts, pro-
vided we can use it properly. Because of the great smart-
ing in Mrs. Shew’s case, it seemed necessary to use some
oily substance, to protect the raw surface from the air. I
have my doubts, after all, if this were the best mode. Some
have recommended fine cloths wet in milk; but I have no
knowledge of their effects. Mrs. Shew’s case, I should
have mentioned, was of the confluent kind, always much
more dangerous than the distinct.
Cases at Lebanon Spring.—In the winter of 1845-6, the
small pox was taken to this place by some one who had
been in the cities. It broke out in a house very near the
water establishment here, and, among others, some of my
patients had the disease. There were, | think, two or three
deaths in the neighborhood, perhaps more. But none who
subjected themselves to the water treatment suffered much
from their attack.
Dr. Schieferdecker, of Philadelphia, a practitioner of
the new system, received the disease, last spring, from a
patient whom he was treating. Although he had it in a
severe form, the water treatment carried him safely through.
Had the dietetic and other hygienic habits of our friend
the doctor been more in accordance with nature, he would,
to say the least, have had the disease much less severely
than he did.
The following case of our friend, Mr. D. D. Spencer, of
Ithaca, I have been kindly permitted to publish. It is with
feelings of sadness, that I cannot find words to express that
196 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
I record the death of two of Mr. Spencer’s little sons, lost
by the small pox, under the ordinary modes of treatment.
Mr. D. D. Spencer, of Ithaca, in this state, after a visit to the
city of New York, was somewhat affected, the fourth day after
his return home, with sickness at the stomach and feverishness,
which symptoms continued during that day, (Tuesday,) and the
two following days, increasing somewhat in force. As he was
pursuing the water-cure treatment, under the advice of Dr.
Shew, of New York, for a rheumatic affection, he took on Tues-
day two shower baths, morning and afternoon; wearing the
wet girdle on that day, and during his subsequent indisposition.
On Wednesday the wet sheet in the morning, followed by cold
bath by affusion, and shower bath at a subsequent hour of the
day. On Thursday, the same as on Tuesday. On Friday
morning the wet sheet, followed by cold bathas before. At this
time, appearances which indicated an eruption appeared upon
some parts of the body. The wet girdle was worn during the
night; and, on Saturday, when the morning shower bath was
taken, a very full eruption appeared over the whole system.
Totally unconscious of any exposure by which he could have
imbibed infection, he was entirely ignorant of the character of
the eruption; and a physician of considerable eminence and
long experience, who was consulted on this point, thought it pre-
sented the character of chicken pox, but was not liable to be
communicated to, or endanger any one else. The water-cure
treatment was continued ;—a second shower bath on Saturday,
and shower bath on Sunday morning, with the girdle, night as
well as day. On Monday morning, the eruption being quite
full and fresh, the wet sheet was taken, with cold affusions, by
pouring cold water over the shoulders, following; the only un-
pleasant effect being slight cramping of the calves of the legs
on the application of the cold bath, immediately subdued by
rubbing with a coarse towel. After this, the wet sheet was dis-
continued, till the eruption disappeared ; but the other applica-
tions, (the daily baths,) were continued, the large douche being
substituted for the second shower. It should be stated, that, from’
the commencement of the symptoms, costiveness ensued, and
cold water clysters were used on retiring, and full injections of
tepid water every morning; and the stomach evacuated, (by.
vomiting,) on one occasion, before the appearance of the erup-
tion, by the use of warm water. Not a particle of medicine
was taken, other than pure soft water.
During all this time the patient was not confined to bed, or
room, or house, fora single hour, by the force of the disease,
_VARICELLA—SCARLATINA. 197
but took his uswal daily exercise, and attended to a considerable
extent to business. And it isa remarkable fact, that though
in constant intercourse with friends and the public, in thronged
streets, and on one occasion in a large public assembly, he com-
Banas iP disease to no one except the members of his own
amily.
So, here is a case where a patient had the small pox, in
the varioloid form, (having been vaccinated with kine pock in
his childhood,) with a very general and full eruption from the .
crown of his head to the soles of his feet, and was successfully
treated by the water-cure, administered by himself, all in total
unconsciousness of the nature of the disease, till after his re-
covery from it! The water-cure worked like a charm, and it is
believed saved a whole village from infection. The nearly sim-
ultaneous appearance of the disease in the different members
of his family was the first intimation of its real character 5 and
it should be added, that, under other treatment, in the hands of
skilful physicians, a less amount of eruption was attended with
much more serious consequences.
VARICELLA—CHICKEN POX, OR THE LITTLE SMALL POX.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish this from mild small
pox. ‘There are not so many pustules, and they go through
their course much faster than those of small pox, and there
is scarcely any disturbance of the general system. The
treatment is of course very simple, and easily understood.
SCARLATINA, OR SCARLET FEVER.
For about two days there is general feverishness, and usu-
ally on the second day the eruption comes out upon some
part. But this may not take place before the third, fourth,
fifth, or even sixth day. The eruption usually continues
about five days. 7
Treatment.—W ater treatment is peculiarly favorable in
all diseases of the kind. We here get directly at the part
affected. Prof. Elliotson, in following out the practice of
Dr. Currie, describes a most excellent treatment for this
disease. He says, “ The disease has certainly been cut
short by taking a patient out of bed, and pouring cold wa-
ter upon him. The heat of the body is so great, in this
disease, that no danger is to be apprehended from cold affu-
198 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
sion. It is true, there are casesin which the patient is more
or less chilly ; but if, in this affection, the general rules
which | laid down in the case of common fever be followed,
there is no danger whatever, but the greatest advantage, in
taking a patient out of bed, however hot he may be, and
pouring cold water upon him. ‘Those rules are, that the
temperature is steadily above 98° F.; that there are no
_ profuse general sweats ; that there is no chilliness ; and no
inflammation of the chest or abdomen. I presume that this
would be done oftener than it is, were it not for its appearing
a violent measure to take a person in fever out of bed, put
him in a washing tub, and souse him well with cold water.
But, at any rate, no friends will object to washing a patient
with cold water. It is a great comfort to the individual ;
and, as long as it is comfortable, it should be had recourse
to. Sponging the hands, arms, face, and trunk with cold
water, is grateful to the patient; and is an excellent prac-
tice in the disease.” :
An ablution in tepid water with a good share of friction
is often sufficient to bring out the eruption at once, when
otherwise, it would have been much more tardy in making
its appearance. The wet sheet, and large fomentations,
act also in the same way. Gargling the throat often with
cold water is to be practised, and fomentations constantly
used. All the means, as abstinence from food, water drink-
ing, injections, &c., are to be used in this as in all inflam.
matory diseases.
MEASLES.
This disease is too well known to need any particular
description. It is to be treated on the general principle of
all inflammatory diseases. The wet sheet, properly man-
aged, has a most salutary effect in bringing out the erup-
tion. So also the tepid bath. Keep down the fever; give
little nourishment; keep the bowels open; and allow an
abundance of fresh air. Keep up the treatment for some
days, to prevent bad consequences.
SALT RHEUM, ITCH, RING-WORM, AND OTHER SKIN DISEASES.
These are all to be treated on the same general. princi-
SCALDS AND BURNS. 199
ples. Reduce inflammation and fortify the general health.
If the disease be chronic, as the salt rheum, a long course
of the most rigid perseverance in diet and bathing will be
necessary.
SCALDS AND BURNS.
Were it only for the wonderful effects of cold water in
scalds and burns that we advocate this remedy, we could
hardly say too much. If there can be any thing the one
hundredth part as good as cold water for burns, I shall lose
some faith, I confess, in the new mode. A few cases will
serve to illustrate the treatment of scalds and burns. | will
extract two remarkable cases from the Water-Cure Journal,
of 1846.
The apparently miraculous effects of Cold Water in
Scalds and Burns.
“ The cold water case mentioned in the first number of the
Regenerator* is a much stronger case than there stated. It
came to my knowledge inthis wise: Inthe 12th month of 1843,
as I was going to Piqua, I meta waggon with a sick person in it,
lying upona bed. He seemed to be travelling in much pain.
I inquired the cause of his suffering, and was told that he was
scalded by the bursting of steam works, in a tan-yard near Pi-
qua, about fourteen days before—that he was an apprentice to
Mr. McTurnahan, a tanner, and that Mr. Mclurnaham was
also scalded, with two of his sons. But the old man, who was
the most scalded of: any, jamped immediately into the pool,
which was slightly frozen over, and came out entirely well.
‘This tale appearéd so marvellous, that I concluded to call at
the residence of Mr. McTurnahan, and make farther inquiries.
I did so; and was informed by the old man, that he, his two
sons, and apprentice, were standing near the boiler of heating
water when it burst. He stood in such a position as to take the
strongest current of water and steam. This is the only evi-
dence that he has, that he was scalded as the others, for he
jumped immediately into the pool, and directed the boys to fol-
ow him. On coming out, and feeling the pain continue, he went
* A semi-monthly paper, published at Fruit Hills, Warren county,
Ohio, by Orson S. Murray. The case given is to be fully relied on as
being true and correct.
200 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
inagain. The skin peeled off a little from the lower pan of
his arms and a little from his breast. This awas all the mark he
had upon him, and it had not hindered him from his work at all.
He supposes he was not in the water more than five minutes.
“ His oldest son came to the brink of the pool, and stepped in
about half way up to his knees. He then stopped to unbutton
his clothes, and see how badly he was hurt. Finding the-skin
peel off with his clothes, as he took them down, he concluded to
go into the house, and send for the doctor. It was within three
or four days of six months before he was able to go about
again. Butso far as he went into the pool; there was no mark
of hot water upon him. The youngest son was scalded only
upon his legs. He wentimmediately into the pool, as his father
had directed. The only mark left upon him wasa small sore
on one of his heels.
“ ‘The apprentice went into the house and was doctored accord-
ing to custom. It was two weeks before he could be taken
home upon a bed, and four months before he could go about.
“Ihave called several times at McTurnahan’s, once in compa-
ny with Samuel Jay, and Walter D. Jay, members of the So
ciety of Friends, who lived in Miami county. The statement
he makes is uniform, and I think may be relied upon.
Thine, &c. Aveustus WATTLEs.
“Mercer county, O., 5th mo. Ist, 1846.”
To those who have never witnessed the effects of cold water
in scalds or burns, statements like the above appear like mere
idle fiction; but those who have witnessed such effects, recog-
nise, at once, upon the face of such narrations, their trath. We
will add a case of our own, illustrative of these effects.
A few weeks since, we were sent for, in great haste, to visit
the infant child of Mrs. Campbell, a sempstress of this city,
whose case of child-birth was some time since given in the
Journal. The message was, that the child was severely scald:
ed. We hastened to the woman’s residence, and there learned
the following particulars. The little fellow, (being ten months
old, and a cold water child, so called,) was, as usual, running
about the room, playfully, when he drew upon himself, from a
bench, or low table, a large pitcher full of hot water. The fluid
passed upon his neck, shoulder, down the arm, upon the side,
abdomen, over about one-third of the back, and upon one foot.
‘The whole extent of these parts was scalded, and in places
blisters rose, apparently as thick as one’s finger, In conse-
quence of the wonderful effects of water, which the mother had
herself’ experienced before the birth of her infant, as well as at
SCALDS AND BURNS. 201
that time, and subsequently, and what she had witnessed in
rearing, thus far; the child,—he never having had an hour’s
sickness from the first, or taken a single particle of medicine,—
she had very naturally the greatest confidence in the new treat-
ment.’ She preferred, in fact, rather to treat the case herself,
than have a physician of the ordinary practice,—such a one
having been called, through mistake of the messenger, and ar-
riving very soon after the accident. The mother said there was
a mistake, he was not the right doctor: so he took a look at the
little patient, well wrapped up ina wet sheet, (it being, no doubt,
the first time he had ever witnessed the “ bugbear” applica-
tion.) and then turned upon his heel and left.
Immediately after the accident, the little sufferer hegan to
collapse, as the term is; he grew pale and cold, and had a
severe chill. The mother instantly wrapped him in a folded
wet sheet; but his appearing to be cold, led her quickly to
place about him an abundance of warm blankets, outside the
sheet. It was not long before what is called, in such cases, re-
action, began to take place; the circulation and heat increased,
and, at the same time, the pain. All these symptoms were in
themselves favorable, but demanded at once the most prompt
treatment. The mother had already, before we arrived, very
properly commenced cooling the affected parts, by frequently
changing the wet cloths. We told her to have the child held
over a tub of water, and to pour cold water constantly upon the
cloths, these remaining upon the scalded parts, and to continue
this process as long as the pain remained. She kept on thus
cooling the scalded surface, until her suffering child ceased his
piteous moaning, and went to sleep. This must have taken
place between two and three hours after the accident. He
slept awhile, and awoke apparently as bright as usual. Still,
so much of the surface was either blistered or abraded, that he
could scarcely move without causing much distress. Those
parts were directed to be kept constantly covered with fine linen
cloths, wet, and these to be covered with dry ones, so that the
system might not become too much chilled. The child was to
have as much water as he chose to drink, to be fed very spar-
ingly, and the windows were to be left open both night and day,
for the admission of fresh air. The mother followed the direc-
tions faithfully, and, ina very short time, the parts were per-
fectly healed. During the first afternoon, every trace of the
inflammation, where the surface was not actually destroyed,
was removed. The fire, as some would say, was completely
drawn out.
g*
202 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
The cure, in this case, might properly be divided into two
more prominent parts: first, the cooling means used until the
abnormal heat was removed; and secondly, the soothing or
poultice effect of the moist applications that were continued
until the healing of the parts was fully accomplished. What
is there that will at all compare with the pure element in caus-
ing animal as well as vegetable growth? Throughout all na-
ture, in both vegetable and animal bodies, water is the great
fluid through which the vital processes are carried on.
We think the medical friend who saw this case, in connexion
with us, will agree that burns of apparently.not more than
one-third of the severity of this, frequently cause death in a
few hours.
“New York, Jan. 26th, 1847.
“ Dr. Shew: The following is a case of scald that occurred in
my family a few days since. It was just at evening, when my
son, in the absence of others of the family, was assisting to fry
some doughnuts. A few of these were dropped into the fat,
which was very hot. The dough, being cold and moist, be-
came instantly crusted over. Through this, or some other
cause, one of the cakes bursted with such violence that a large
quantity of the hot liquid was thrown into my son’s eyes, caus-
ing, necessarily, the most intense pain. I immediately had his
whole face immersed in cold water; but finding it difficult to
breathe in this position, a basin of water was put upon the
floor, and his head placed in such a position as to have the eyes
covered with water, and leaving at the same time freedom to
breathe. The water was changed often. He became more
and more easy; but lifting his head from the water, the pain
returned. This treatment was continued for about two hours,
when a wet bandage was applied to the parts, and changed as
often as they became warm. We feared that he would lose
his eye-sight; but upon washing his eyes the next morning,
we found but little injury done, and he suffered but little incon-
venience from the burn; and in a few days no trace of scald
was to be seen upon his person. No other remedy was used
except water. Yours, &c., |
K. B. CunnineHam.”
ERYSIPELAS.
There seems to be a general impression in this country
that the use of cold water in erysipelas is dangerous in the
»xtreme. The disease is attended with perhaps greater
reat than any other to which the system is subject. From
ERYSIPELAS. 203
this fact, no doubt, the delusion arose. So in high fevers,
it was long believed that no remedy more dangerous than
cold water could be used; and the greater the heat, the
more danger there was supposed to be. The best author-
ities in the healing art now all agree that the treatment of
erysipelas, as well as of all other inflammatory diseases,
should be of the cooling kind; and that cold applications,
to arrest both the general and the local fever in this disease,
are always entirely safe, provided they are made in accord-
ance with well-ascertained principles. The more heat there
is in the system, or any of its parts, the more salutary and
grateful are the means. Common sense, as well as sci-
ence, dictates, that any means, however good, must not be
carried to extremes. A medium is always to be observed.
If there is anywhere a sensation of too great heat, un-
attended with fatigue, use the cooling means sufficiently
often and long to remove that condition ; not, however, to
cause much chilliness, which, if protracted, might end in
harm.
The author has repeatedly cured cases of erysipelas of
the face and head by water treatment. He has failed in no
single instance. In one case, a medical man took upon
himself to affirm, that the lady’s constitution must have been
one of a thousand, or she would have been killed. Some have
not sense enough to refrain from judging of a matter before
hearing it ; and we find this truth verified in the opposition
so often set up to the water-cure by those who know not the
first lesson concerning it.
The following account, written by our brother and assist-
ant, Mr. La Morte Barney, who, in connexion with Dr.
Peirson, treated the case, exhibits, in a striking light, the
power of water to mitigate suffering, when all other means
fail. Does it not afford every humane heart satisfaction to
be the means of relieving, in some degree, however small,
sufferings at approaching death ?
“Saturday, Dec. 9, 1846, I was called, with Dr. Peirson, to
visit Mr. L , of 66 Liberty street, with erysipelas of the
head. On Monday of the same week the disease first appeared.
An allopathic physician was called early, but Mr. L—— grew
204 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
worse and worse. The head and neck were enormously swol-
len, the eyes were closed, and the nose appeared as if buried in
the flesh, and the features were lost. No one could recognize
him, except possibly by the voice. There was great heat and
pain in the head, and high general fever. He was delirious at
times, and had not slept for three days and nights. Among
other means used, the face had been rubbed over with moistened
nitrate of silver, and wheat flour sprinkled upon the surface,
which formed a dark-colored coating, hot, dry, and hard, like ce-
ment, The tongue, mouth, and lips were parched and swollen,
and the system seemed avy if literally burning up. What the
abject could have been in putting on the nitrate of silver and
flour, we cannot comprehend. It could not have been the in-
tention of the man of medicine to keep in the disease, or drive
it inward, as that is the main objection urged against the use of
water in cases of this and a like kind. That dangerous and
troublesome symptom, hiceup, we should mention, had com-
menced about three days before. Counsel had been called in
the case ; and it was believed that he could not survive the night.
Such was the state of Mr. L—— on the above named evening of
our visit. We plainly saw there was no prospect of his survi-
ving more than a very short time. All had been done by the
attending physicians that could be; and the friends were anx
ious that we should,relieve, if possible, Mr. L of this terri-
ble hiccup, that appeared to be so rapidly wearing him out.
_ © At8o’clock we commenced sponging the head and neck with
cold water, and applying cloths wet in snow-water to the same.
The cloths grew quickly hot, and were as often changed. These
applications produced a most soothing effect. At 9 o’clock he
was wrapped in the wet sheet, and warm applications put to
the feet, these parts being cold. The hiccup had intermitted be-
fore this, but on wrapping him in the sheet it ceased entirely,
and he passed into a quiet sleep. He slept soundly nearly half
an hour, the latter part of which time it was necessary to open
the blankets somewhat, to prevent the body becoming too warm.
Slight muttering occurred at this time. The cloths upon the
head and neck were changed every five minutes. The body
appeared now to grow too warm, and the hiccup again returned.
We at once removed him from the sheet, and, by the aid of four
persons, administered a cold half bath. Pouring water upon
the head and back, as well as the rubbing and sitting in water,
gave him great relief, Immediately on commencing this bath,
the hiccup again left him. After about ten minutes he was
conveyed to bed, made dry, and rubbed with the dry hand. Mr.
LL—— appeared delirious when we commenced, but now seemed
ERYSIPELAS. 205
rational, and conversed with ease on different subjects, and was
rather jocose than otherwise. He said he felt much better.
The alteration in his breathing, speech, and whole appearance,
plainly bespoke to us that he was greatly relieved of pain and
refreshed by sleep. He now fell asleep again, and so continued
nearly three quarters of an hour, when the hiccup recurred.
We at once gave the half bath, as before. The hiccup was
again stopped. . At times, and as often as practicable, small
quantities of water were given. At first it was with the great
est difficulty he could swallow, but could now do so more and
moreeasy. Nomore general baths were given during the nicht,
but the wet cloths upon the head and neck were changed as
often as necessary to keep down the heat. During the latter
part of the night the hiccup ceased entirely. Mr. L ap-
peared to grow better until about ten the following morning,
when it appeared as if phlegm were collecting in the throat,
nee in a short time, quietly, and in his senses, he breathed his
ast.”
In 1845, I treated the following cases, and about one
year since published them in the Water-Cure Journal :
Case of Mrs. Goss— About one year ago we had the honor
to prescribe for our friend, Mrs. Goss, of 26 Vesey street, then
suffering from a severe attack of erysipelas of the face and
neck. The heat and swelling had gone on to a very consider-
able extent before we commenced. We directed that the face
and neck should, as far as practicable, be immersed in cold wa-
ter, and this as frequently as was agreeable. By kneeling at
the side of achair, and having upon it a large bowl of water,
the object could be tolerably well effected. At other times,
wet cold cloths were to be kept upon the parts. Two general
baths per day were to be taken. Only alittle water gruel, and
perhaps an apple or two, daily, were to constitute the food. By
these means, perseveringly carried out, a radical cure was ef-
fected in about three days, so that Mrs. Goss was about as
usual. Awhile after, a friend of hers had the same disease.
She recommended her to have water treatment, as she had
done. Her physician, learning what treatment Mrs. Goss had
had, said, very confidently, that her constitution was one of
hundreds, or she could not have endured it; but the fact is, Mrs.
Goss has naturally a feeble frame. The treatment was the
safest possible that could be adopted.
Case of Mr. Wetmore.—In the month of September, 1845,
Mr. Wetmore, a gentleman residing in the boarding-house kept
206 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
by Mrs. Goss above mentioned, was violently attacked with
erysipelas of the head. The general fever had already become
“very high, and the swelling large and very hot. By the use of
wet sheets, baths, cold applications, and immersions of the —
parts affected, together with fasting, Mr. W: was enabled to
walk out each day, and quite cured in four days. -He was di-
rected to take a thorough cold bath as often as the fever came
up, even if it were twenty times in a day. The night in which
the disease was the worst he took four long continued Croton
shower baths, between ten at night and six in the morning.
The fever raged; he took a thorough cooling in the shower,
slept soundly then awhile, and as the fever again arose, repeat-
ed the bath, and thus obtained a tolerably good night’s rest, and
was quite himself in the morning. Such are the modes of
treating this often dangerous affection, erysipelas. It is a dis-
ease attended with great heat, and always the more there is,
the more charm-like the cold water acts. :
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM.
It has been my lot to prescribe in many cases of these
diseases, especially of rheumatism. These maladies are
too well known to need here any lengthy description.
Gout.—lIt is pretty well understood who are the most sub-
ject to gout. It would seem that most persons who have it,
would prefer to keep on in their old ways with the gout, than
to deny appetite and go free. Indeed, some are proud of
the disease. It seems to be a proof to society, that such
persons and their ancestry have been independent in cir-
cumstances, and have gone to the full extent in the good
things of food and drink.
Kheumatism.—This, like all other diseases, varies almost
infinitely in the intensity of its attacks. It may be a very
trifling affair, or a most formidable disease, that distorts the
limbs and renders the subject a cripple for life. It also comes
on as a most acute disease, and one of the most difficult to
manage that we have. It is often caused by mercury, as
is well known, and is always preceded by more or less de-
rangement of the general health.
Treatment of Rheumatism and Gout.—This must be upon
general principles. If the attack be acute, the patient
should be denied food for a day or days, and the general
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 207
fever must be keptdown. All suitable means for removing
high inflammation and fever in any case, may here be well
brought to bear.
'Many cases of rheumatism I have known to be-cured by
perseverance in a moderate course of domestic treatment
by patients at home. Simple ablutions, exercise, and brown
bread and water diet, persevered in, will do wonders in this
disease.
The following case I have before published, but deem
that it deserves here a place :
This is the case of Mr. Ives, of the Musical Academy, Hous-
ton street, a well known author and teacher in music. The
facts concerning his case are known to our friend, Dr. Crane, of
Leroy Place, to Park Benjamin, Esq., who was then residing in
the same house with Prof. Ives, to the Rev. Wm. H. Channing,
to Mr. Osborne Macdaniel, who also rendered efficient aid in the
treatment of the case, and to a large number of Prof. Ives’s pu-
pils and friends.
‘Towards the close of the past winter, (1845,) Mr. Ives was
seized with a most violent attack of rheumatic fever. His
health, as is usual in such cases, had for some time been grow-
ing poor. The hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ancles, and knees,
soon became exceedingly swollen, hot, and painful, and the
whole system, at the same time, deeply affected with general
fever.
Previously to my being called to attend Prof. Ives, a variety
of means had been resorted to by the two attending physicians.
Gum guiacum, a powerful stimulant, diaphoretic, and cathar-
tic, and repeated and powerful doses of colchicum, a violent,
acrid, narcotic medicine, had been administered. Two days
previous to my first visit, the rheumatism went to the heart.
This happens not unfrequently, and if the attack be severe, the
symptom is always to be looked upon as a very dangerous one.
‘'‘here is reason to believe that it is often caused by the mis-
chievous medicines administered. The mucous membrane of
the stomach and bowels become exceedingly irritated and in-
flamed, and the heart, having strong sympathy with those inter-
nal parts, becomes affected. That such a result is caused by
the too free use of powerful medicine is not merely an opinion
of hydropathists, but of some of the most experienced in the
old practice. In this case, the attack of the heart was so
severe as to cause delirium. It seemed, the patient said, as if
a gimblet were being bored through the heart.
208 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
Mr. Ives, from the first, had an inclination to use water. On
asking the attending physicians, (there were two, ) whether this
remedy could not be advantageously used, he was answered,
“ What! Use the very thing to cause rhewmatism, would.
you?” At length, finding no relief, growing constantly worse,
and not being able to get any rest, and suffering more than can
be described, I was sent for soon after the middle of the night,
two weeks after the attack. Considering the bad work that.
had been done, fearing more, by far, the effects of the medi-
cines that had been administered than the disease, I was re-
Juctant to proceed. I knew full well, however, that the body,
all in fever and suffering as it was, and those swollen, inflamed,
and painful parts, could all speedily be cooled to the natural
temperature ; and that in so doing, the pain would at once sub-
side, and thus the sufferer would be brought into the condition
the most favorable for recovery that the case would admit of.
A lengthy detail of the treatment cannot*here be given.
Thick woollen shirts, that had been left upon the body since
the first of the attack, were cut into shreds,—this mode being
the only one by which they could be removed. Mr. Ives had
been charged to avoid the slightest change of air. The gar-
ments, therefore, could not be removed. It is not easy to con-
ceive of the great amount of acid, fetid perspiration with which
these garments were saturated, and the whole surface covered.
The body was kept well guarded from cold. A thorough
cleansing was given by means of towels wet in tepid water.
During this operation, a most loathsome stench filled the room.
So grateful and cooling was this process, (for tepid water, as
well as cold, is cooling,) that it was with difficulty that Mr. Ives
could remain awake till it was finished. Observing the great
relief so quickly given, Mrs. Ives said, “ If you cure that man,
never shall I forget you!” She had considered his case en-
tirely hopeless, and it was generally believed by Mr. Ives’
friends that he could not possibly recover. The swelled joints,
and almost the entire body, were then, after the cleansing,
bandaged in wet cloths, arranged so as to cause a soothing or
poultice effect. The treatment was persevered in; three and
four ablutions daily were given. A variety of modes in the*
use of water were resorted to, as the symptoms from time to
time demanded, the object of all of which was to cause in the
whole system and each of its parts the natural degree of cool-
ness, to keep the bowels open and the stomach free from irrita-
tion, and to prevent, as far as possible, all pain, to insure sound,
quiet, and refreshing sleep, and by all natural means to invigo-
rate the whole system. The directions were fully and faithfully
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 209
carried out, and the ever assiduous attention of Mrs. Ives was
no small item in the success of the cure. In three days’ time,
Mr. Ives was able again to stand upon his feet, and in twe
weeks was able to walk-about, and in two or three days more,
went about the city. He has been well ever since.
lam confident that in Mr. Ives’ case, the treatment of his
first two physicians had, according to the ordinary modes, been
judicious. They, without doubt, managed precisely as they
would have done were they in asimilar manner afflicted. Like
results can, by judicious management, easily be caused in every
case of acute rheumatic fever. Every trial of the kind serves
only the more strongly to convince me that all other modes of
treatment now or ever known, in point of efficacy, are mere
child’s play, compared with this of water.
Further Remarks.—We deem it necessary that, concerning
the treatment of a case so important as the above, some further
explanations be given. The notes were written very hastily,
and without sufficient exactness. The general principles of the
treatment adapted to all cases of a similar kind, we think, we
can make plain to all. ?
1. We are to observe that Mr. Ives had had for fourteen
days a very high general rheumatic fever, which also invaded
all the larger joints.
2. That about the eleventh day the disease attacked also the
heart, always a dangerous symptom.
3. That energetic means had been resorted to without any
apparent degree of success to arrest the disease.
4, That Mr. Ives had been growing constantly worse, until
the water treatment was commenced.
5. That at the time of commencing this treatment, the suf-
ferings were such as wholly to prevent sleep. There was a
constant desire to change, and yet with the aid of two or three
strong men, the greatest difficulty was experienced in being
moved.
6. That the affection of the heart was constant, and at times
so painful as to cause delirium.
7. That among other, so-called, remedies, colchicum, the
great dependence in the old mode for curing this disease, was
given to the utmost extent that was thought safe.
The reader then can imagine the state of the patient. It 1s
in the night time, toward morning. The night thus far has
been spent sleepless and in groans; the limbs remind one more
of an elephant’s limbs, so much are they swollen. Without
causing the greatest pain, it is impossible to move. The whole
system is, as it were, burning with fever, the pulse being above
210 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
100, full, tense, and throbbing. What is to be done m so form-
idable a case? Surely, there stands a large centre table, well
covered with vials, potions, and a magnetic apparatus. If all
these have been tried, under the care of two physicians well
skilled in their use, what is to be expected of pure, clean water ?
It is proper to mention, likewise, that, as in houses generally,
except those recently built, there is no bath-room, no apparatus
for bathing,—certainly it falls to our lot sometimes to do good
work, if such we can, with very poor means to do it with.
The first thing that nature demands of us in such a case, is
to relieve the pain. The woollens were at once cut to pieces,
as this was the only mode by which they could be removed.
The acid, fetid perspiration peculiar to the disease, was quite
as much as one could bear without fainting. The body was, as
before said, well cleansed piece-meal, by rubbing with towels,
being at the same time well guarded from the air. The disease
had proceeded so far that cold water would have been too
powerful; it would have caused spasms, which might have
proved dangerous. The wet bandages were at first cooling
and soothing, and were often changed before becoming too hot
or dry. A large wet bandage, extending from the arm-pits to
the hips, for the purpose of drawing outward, poultice-like, was
kept constantly applied. Things being thus arranged, the ex-
cess of heat in the whole system, and particularly of the painful
parts, being removed, and the pulse being correspondingly low-
ered, and some cold water drank, it was the most natural thing,
that sweet and refreshing sleep should be enjoyed; still. under
such circumstances, it would be but comparatively a short time
before the feverishness and pains would begin to return, when
the same processes would again be necessary, within three or
four hours at least.
From four to six times per day, these bandages were chang-
ed, and the swollen, painful parts were wel! rubbed with the
wet hand, and the whole body washed three and four times in
the twenty-four hours. Forever, in gout and rheumatism, there
is not the least danger of applying the cooling means, so long
as they are agreeable, and the parts are hotter than is natural.
It is altogether absurd to suppose, as is often done, that these
diseases are some mischievous sprite, which the least applica-
tion of cold is liable quickly to transfer to some internal organ
or part. It would be well nigh, if not quite, impossible to
cause an occurrence of the kind, and a well authenticated case
cannot be found on record, we will venture to say.
As the feverishness becomes reduced, less and less of the
cooling means are demanded. In Mr. Ives’s case, the difficulty
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 211
of moving was so great for the first two days, that the wet sheet
was not used. The bandages, however, covered the larger
part of the surface, causing the same effects. After two or three
days the wet sheet was applied at nights at about 10, in which Mr.
Ives slept very soundly in a half-raised position, until waking,
which was four or five hours, when an ablution was performed,
and some hours more of good rest were experienced. The first
two or three days of the treatment, at least two-thirds of the
whole time was spent in refreshing sleep. The bowels were
regulated daily by clysters of tepid water; water as much as
was desired was drank; and a very important thing not to be
omitted, is, that not a particle of foad was taken until the third
day. Why add fuel to the fire, so long as any general fever
~ remained? Food would only increase it.
In about two weeks, as we have said, Mr. Ives was out; but
still, as is always the case in this disease, the remnants of the
disease fora whileremain. The daily baths were kept up as dur-
ing the treatment after the first two or three days, by sitting in
a tub of water, the water being poured upon the body, and the
body well rubbed ; but still more efficient means were needed.
According to our advice, it was not long before Mr. Ives had a
Croton shower bath arranged, which being taken daily, ina few
weeks expelled wholly the disease. He has taken the cold bath
ever since, and now, in the midst of winter, is as well, if not
better, than ever in his life.
We have known numbers of cases in which the daily
shower bath, with, at the same time, suitable practices in
food and drink, has completely broken up old chronic lum-
bagos and other rheumatisms, so that not a vestige remained.
The vapor bath, rightly managed, in connexion with the
cold bath, is one of the most effectual means that ever has
been or can be devised for the treatment of rheumatism, and
rheumatic as well as other fevers. It is an old Indian
mode as well as Russian, and was used likewise by the
ancient Romans. The Thompsonian, as he is called, if he
understand well his system, will cure more rheumatisms,
ten to one, than any drug practitioner, allopathic or homeo.
pathic, without the baths. We shall speak again of rheu-
matism hereafter.
By the daily use of the shower bath, Mr. Ives has kept
perfectly free from the disease now about two years. He
~ has enjoyed most excellent health ever since the cure, with
212 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
scarce an hour’s exception. He feels that his system has
been very materially benefitted by the water treatment and
the course he has pursued.
The case of Captain Prindle, of this city, I treated about
three years ago, and some months after published it, as fol-
lows :
A Strong Case.—Some months since we were called upon to
direct the treatment, in a severe case of rheumatism, then of
near three months standing. The case was that of Captain
Prindle, of this city. He had been attended by a very reputa-
ble practitioner, but without any permanent mitigation of the
symptoms. He was fully as bad, if not worse, when we were
called than at any time previous. The disease was worst in the
knees, ancles and feet. There was considerable of it in the
shoulders, and the whole system was more or less affected. The
joints were painful and swollen, so that the Captain could searce-
ly move in bed. Pulse regularly well nigh 100, and the bowels
constipated. ‘The hot, swelled and painful joints were covered
over with leech bites, but the “leeching ” in this case had done
apparently no good.
The treatment in such a case is easy to understand. First,
he was to have the joints bandaged, over and beyond the swell-
ing, with thick, wet bandages, and these were to be covered
with dry ones, so that they were comfortable. All that we have
to observe in these cases of bandaging is, to keep the parts wet,
and yet perfectly comfortable. There being heat in the parts,
the coolness of wet cloths was grateful. By repeating the ban-
dages, in less than 24 hours the pain wasreduced. ‘T’wice, dai-
ly, the joints were to be thoroughly rubbed in tepid water, and
the bandages renewed and kept wet night and day. A rubbing
bath, (the patient sitting ina wash tub, with water nearly cold,)
was taken morning and evening, and the bowels were daily,,
once or twice, opened freely with full clysters. Body banda-
ges were also used, and sweating was produced by warm cov-
erings and drinking water. The wet sheet was used but once.
From twelve to twenty tumblers of water were taken every
day. Food of the plainest kind, as rice, mush, coarse bread,
toast without butter, was taken in very small quantity—the
amount of one common tea saucer full only twice a day. The
effect of low diet, drinking, bandaging, and bathing, was soon
manifest, in relieving all pain, and in bringing the pulse to its
natural state. Soon the Captain was able, little by little, to ex-
ercise in his room, and, incredible as it may appear, on the ninth
day he walked with his tight boots on, and on the tenth day
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 213
walked about the city, and has continued well ever since. He
-has had the disease in different parts of the world, and has had
all varieties of treatment, but, as he declared, never any thing
that would at all compare with this. He continues his daily
bathing, and remains perfectly free from the disease.
Mr. John H. Gray, of Boston, a gentleman who has don.
much for the new system in this country, gives us the fol-
lowing experience of his own.
Here, at the above named establishment, (at Laubbach,) 1
reposed my rheumatic limbs, and devoted them for three months
to the blanket and the cold water, under the direction of Dr.
Petri, an excellent physician, who continues his usual medical
practice at Coblentz, and visits Laubbach twice every day, to
give his advice, but here he never administers medicine. I will
now give the details of the manner an invalid passes a day at
Laubbach, and the treatment is quite similar at all the other,
water-cures. I was awoke at half past four in the morning by
the bath servant, and tightly enveloped in a thick dry blanket,
the face only left uncovered, and a comforter or thin feather bed
over the blanket. ‘The window was opened to admit the pure
air to the lungs, and occasionally the servant offered me cold
water to drink. After being in the blanket about two hours,
and perspiring for the last half hour very profusely, and being
asleep most of the time, I was pronounced “ done,” as a cook
would say of a pudding. A chair upon wheels was brought in,
the servant lifted me up enveloped in a blanket, and in this
chrysalis state placed me in the chair, and wheeling it along the
entry, fastened it toa trap door in the floor; this gradually sinks
down, and I find myself two stories below, in the bath room.
Here two bath servants receive me, take off my blanket, and
dash six or eight pails of water over me, or sometimes I dive
into the large cold bath. A sheet is then-thrown over me, I
am wiped dry, and I go to my room to dress, walking upstairs
with a flannel gown on, and greeting my fellow boarders, whom
{ meet all in fine spirits. The sensation produced by the morn-
ing’s process is exhilarating and delightful. Nearly all the pa-
tients, and with almost every disease, submit to this once, and
many twice a day, for many months,—and I did not hear of an
instance of one being injured by it, or even of one complaining
of it. I then drank a few tumblers of water during the next
hour, while walking and taking exercise, and then went to
breakfast, which consists of milk, bread and butter, and fruit.
At twelve, I took the German shower bath from three to five
214 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
minutes, or the douche, and the same again in the afternoon.
The dinner, at two o’clock, consists of very little meat, but
many vegetables, and no stimulants of any kind. For supper,
milk, with enough bread and butter, and fruit, and all retire
at half past nine. The expense, including the Doctor’s fees and
servants, was about nine of our dollars per week. I wore wet
bandages upon my limbs all the season, and I have left my
chronic rheumatism on the other side of the Atlantic.
Case of Mr. Rolph.
Huntineton, February 3d, 1847.
Dr. Shew: Dear sir—Having been long afflicted with dis
ease, and feeling that hydropathy, with the blessing of God, has
been the means of affording me more relief than any other
mode of treatment to which I have ever. resorted, I am induced
to add to the multiplied cases of relief which the water-cure
is effecting, my testimony as to its results in my own case.
For the last fifteen years I have been almost constantly dys-
peptic, and being a farmer of slender frame. but laborious habits,
I was attacked four years since, after a season of uncommon <
toil and exposure, with rheumatism. This had been manifest-
ing itself slightly for some months, but not so severely as to
A
cause any alarm until midwinter, when it became so severe that _
for several days I was hardly able to get from one room to
another. This was from home. In about ten days | was able
to get home, and as I was slowly improving, no physician was
called in. I continued to recover, so that in the spring I was
able to resume my occupation. I soon found, however, that
my rheumatic disease was manifesting itself in other parts of
the system, and it continued to spread until I was unfit for labor,
yet I did not yield to the dictates of prudence, but persevered,
not merely in active exercise, but in hard labor, until by the
close of the season, instead of exhibiting the sprightliness of a
man of thirty years, I presented the decrepitude of approaching
oldage. I now made up my mind to rest from labor for a while
and try the effects of ease upon my complaint. For two years
more I remained much as I had been for the year past, the
enemy seeming to have complete possession of my joints,
but sometimes showing himself by affecting only the muscles,
and often my lameness would be manifested in the most
distant and opposite parts at the same time, and often, as if
by sympathy, the corresponding joints or parts of my limbs
would be affected exactly alike at the same time. During this
time I often conversed with and frequently called in my family
physician, a man whom I shall ever love for his candor and
GOUT AND RHEUMATISM. 215
honesty of purpose in treating me. He having been long ac-
quainted with my system and habits, was frank to admit his
opinion as to the inefficacy of taking much medicine. _ I, there-
fore, confined myself principally to the application of domestic
treatment, such as bathing the parts with warm lotions, wear-
ing warm flannel, bandages, plasters, &c., and occasionally
when my attacks were severe, with his advice, I applied blis-
ters, which usually appeared to produce good effects. Upon
the whole, my system appeared to be sinking. I was constantly
dyspeptic, had an increasing sallowness of countenance, and
my energies seemed to be on the decline. I have ever been slow
to fall in with what so many stand ready to call the delusions
of our day. I had heard and read of Priessnitz’s new mode
_of treatment, and it appeared at first like a mere chimera, but
t feeling that ordinary medicine was not to give me relief, I gave
the water treatment a little serious investigation, and after the
strong recommendations of friends, and two or three consulta-
tions with yourself upon the subject, I concluded to make a trial
of it, which I commenced at home. I almost immediately be-
gan to feel the good effects of it. But not believing that in
this treatment every man might be his own doctor, I resolved
to put myself under the care of some practitioner of the water-
cure, and the time being in the extreme heat of midsummer,
when a residence in cities is almost intolerable to countrymen,
I resorted to an establishment in the country, where I remained
five weeks under almost constant improvement of my lameness,
and correction of my dyspeptic habits, after which I returned
home, and have kept up the treatment with great success, fol-
lowing up the system of diet usually practised at the establish-
ments, which I consider an important aid to the treatment, and
would go far towards preserving those who are already healthy
from the need of medical treatment. Although I am almost
entirely free from any symptoms of rheumatism, yet I do not
consider myself well. I have some trouble yet from dyspepsia,
increased perhaps by over-eating. My appetite is uniformly
good, my strength is constantly increasing, and I think it must
be said, to the praise of water treatment, I have not had the
slightest cold this winter, although I have exposed myself to
the weather every day without exception, and my clothing
being much thinner than what I have ordinarily worn in winter.
Since my return home, which is near six months, I have dis-
missed my cane, which had been my constant companion for
months previous, and am happy to say that I have not once
felt the need of its assistance. My treatment has consisted of
sitz baths, the douche, the rubbing sheet, the wet sheet, wear
216 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
ing bandages constantly on the body and parts mostly affected.
and the morning wash of my whole person never once omitted,
The forms of crisis in my case have been various and repeated
and I have even at present one which water-cure patients hai
as a harbinger of good. I cannot find terms to express the
gratitude I feel for the confidence in the water treatment which
I obtained from consultations with you, and for the strength of
purpose which your advice has given me to persevere in it.
Yours, &c. J. R. R.
I will remark, that Mr. R. commenced the treatment
only a few months since. He is not one of those who are
in the habit of exaggeration, but speaks the facts as they
are. Although having received so great benefit, Mr. R. —
has but just entered upon the threshold of what he will yet ©
experience.
HYDROPHOBIA.
Hydrophobia has been cured by water. Priessnitz’s
mode is to douche the animals (dogs he has practised upon)
much and repeatedly with cold water. After this they are
covered warmly, and made as comfortable as may be. A
druggist in this city tells me he has repeatedly cured this
disease, by putting dogs under a pump and the like means.
CONVULSIONS.
Convulsions may often be prevented by the cold bath.
If the patient is weak, and especially if much and powerful
medicine has been given, we must be careful ; use then tepid
water with much friction. I have repeatedly been begged
of to do something, if possible, for infants and children that
had been given up in convulsions. In many cases, all we
can hope to do is to prevent in some measure those terrible
symptoms. Generally the convulsions may be arrested, and
thus the little sufferer dies more quietly and with less pain.
DROPSY.
It has been a question with some, whether the drinking
freely of water may not be a cause of dropsy. Dropsy, it
should be remembered, is a disease of debility, and never
takes place until there has been, for a long time, depraved
PARONYCHIA. 217
general health. It would be a difficult matter, we think,
to prove that water drinking injures the health. Certainly
there are not many who believe that it does, although, if
we were to judge of men’s opinions from their habits, we
should suspect that there was an almost universal dread of
cold water, as a drink.
The fluid in dropsy is not so much one of water as is
generally supposed. It is of course watery, but is often so
thick that it burns like oil.
Treatment.—Do every thing that may be to benefit the
general health. Begin moderately, and do no. sort of vio.
_ lence to the system.
_
OF PARONYCHIA——-WHITLOW OR FELON, AND ITS CURE.
The word paronychia is derived from two Greek words,
signifying “near” “the nail.” This name was given an-
ciently to an inflammation seated near this part, generally
of the fingers, but sometimes of the toes. It may be seated
quite near the surface, but is generally deeper, and often
between the periosteum, or enveloping membrane of the
bone, and the bone itself. The disease is generally known
by the name of whitlow, or felon, the latter being the more
common name, especially when it is severe.
Causes.—Mechanical injuries appear sometimes to cause
the disease. It comes on oftener, however, apparently
without any exciting cause. As far as the writer’s obser-
vation extends, the disease attacks only persons whose
general health is not good. Such, at least, appears to be
the general rule.
Treatment.—As this is one of the most painful affections
to which we are subject, the treatment is no unimportant
.matter. There is an old woman’s remedy which we will
first mention,—one which is said sometimes to have effected
a cure, especially if it is taken early. A vessel of weak
ley is placed upon embers or a hot stove. The part affect-
ed is immersed in the liquid of a moderate temperature,
which is gradually raised to as high a heat as can possibly
be borne, so that the part is quite “par-boiled.”” We do
not doubt but that such a mode wi'l, in some cases, at once
10
218 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
destroy the inflammation. Probably pure water, used
without the ley, would be fully as good.
But, sometimes the inflammation may go on in spite of
all ordinary means. What then is to be done? The mode,
according to surgery, is freely to open the part. Lay it
open for some distance beyond the tenderest part, deep
down to the very bone. Thorough work must be made of
it the first time, for patients never let us make the second
attempt. In some instances, at the urgent request of pa-
tients, we have resorted to the knife, but we confess we
would not allow it to be used upon ourselves ; we should
prefer keeping the part free from pain, and letting it take
its course. We believe keeping it constantly immersed in
ice-cold water would form the most effectual means of ar-
resting the infammation and preventing its raising to a
head ; and that this mode is certain to quell down the pain
most effectually, every one who has the opportunity may
test for himself. This is an affection in which we have a
perfect demonstration of the great power of cold water to
quell pain. Severe as it may be, we immerse the part in
very cold water, when, all at once, the pain grows less and
soon dies away. Keep it thus immersed, taking care to
keep the water very cold, and the pain does not return. We
lately had a case in which a physician’s skill had been ex-
hausted, and for days the patient could get no sleep. But
by having a large bowl of cold water at his bed-side, and
keeping his hand immediately therein, he could sleep as
well as any one, and keeping the bad finger thus constantly
‘cool, he soon got well. Stranger is it, that the world has
been so misled in the use of remedial means. The reme-
dy, of all others the most powerful for good, rains down
upon all, and is yet rejected. Thus it shall not always be.
TETANUS, OK LOCK-JAW.
This disease, as is generally understood, arises from
wounds and injuries. It is a most formidable and danger-
ous affection.
Treatment.—I have never yet had occasion to treat teta-
TETANUS. 219
nus, only to prescribe when there has been danger of its
coming on. Ihave at this time, (Feb. 22d, 1847,) a case
like this. Mr. Perry, of Orchard street, cut his hand one
week ago. He isa machinist by occupation, and thinks
his health has been injured by gases, and by verdigris fly-
ing off from copper in the form of dust. He has taken
eolds very easily. He took a cold in the wound, and it
swelled prodigiously. He used poultices of different kinds,
but it grew worse and worse. Very severe pain was
experienced im the hand and up the arm, (a nerve was no
doubt wounded,) and there was also constant pain in the
back. He was very feverish and could get no rest. Last
evening he had himself placed in a wet sheet, put on a
large wet girdle, wet bandages all about the arm, and the
hand in water. ‘This stopped the pain completely in the
hand, and he appeared better in every respect. He sent
for me, and I directed him to use, in addition to the hand
bath and the wet girdle, the half hath quite cold, but not
the coldest, to renew his bandages often upon the arm, take
the elbow bath, drink water very often, eat no food for some
days, or at most not until all pain and fever has subsided,
and to take the half bath as often as the pain in the back
returns. The hand to be kept in cold water most of the
time, enough to prevent all pain in that part. This morn-
ing, I find Mr. Perry decidedly better, the pulse at 80 in-
stead of 100, as when I first saw him last night. The hand
is yet much swollen, and some days will be required for
this to be thrown off.
In cases of considerable debility, when there is danger
of lock-jaw, or when the disease is already present, we
must be careful not to make too short and sudden an im-
pression by means of cold. ‘This cautionsis particularly
needed when powerful medicines have been given. Warm
baths which have been recommended, it is now acknow
ledged do harm. The half bath is an invaluable means,
and must be persevered in. If we conclude to dash on the
cold water, we must be sure that the patient has. consider
ole strength, and that the paroxysm is at a high pitch, other-
220 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
wise we may do harm. The dashing of the coldest water
upon horses in this disease, has been known to cure it.
The water must be continued for some time.
In speaking of the effects of refrigeration in this disease,
Professor Elliotson gives the following cases: “There is a
case mentioned by Sir James McGrigor, in the sixth volume
of the ‘ Medical-Chirurgical Transactions,’ and also in his
reports of the diseases of the Peninsular war. It proceed-
ed from a slight wound in the finger. The patient (a sol-
dier, of course,) was carried in a bullock-car after the bat-
talion to which he belonged, in a state of severe tetanus,
in the midst of pouring rain, which completely drenched
him in the early part of the day—the heat being fifty-two
degrees; and then they ascended the highest mountain in
Gallicia, the snow on the summit of which was knee-deep !
And there the temperature was only thirty degrees. He was
exposed in this condition from six o’clock till ten o’clock at
night, and arrived at his journey’s end, half starved from
cold, but perfectly cured of his tetanus. Whether such a
mode would succeed, if it were put into practice intention-
ally, I do not know. I stumbled on a similar case, pub-
lished in 1827: a horse, which was in a state of tetanus,
happened to be in a wet park, and was drenched with rain
—precisely as was the case with this unfortunate man, and
the horse also did perfectly well. Whether the depressing
power of cold and wet, regularly kept up, for a certain
number of hours, has a tendency to cure the disease, I do
not say; but I think that, in a disease of violent excite-
ment as this is, the constant—not sudden, but constant re-.
frigeration (by means of a low temperature, united with
moisture,) is likely to be of great service. There are at
least two such cases on record, and it is surprising to find
a soldier, so exposed from morning to evening, recover,
and especially in so short a time as one day.”
CORNS.
It is a singular fact—one that shows well the healing
power of water—that patients in the new system all become
cured of their corns. A corn, whether hard or soft, is an
FROST-BITES—CRUSHINGS AND BRUISES. 221
inflammation, and needs the cooling effects of water.
“Soak” the feet often in cold water, and pour’water from
a height upon the part. Chill the corns sufficiently and
long enough, and they all go. If you have walked a long
way, so that the part becomes inflamed and painful, im-
merse the foot in cold water, and then tell us if you can
find any thing as good as water to relieve pain.
FROST-BITE.
If a part has become frozen, why do we use snow or
cold water instead of warm? Is it to “draw out the frost ?”
This is the common notion, but an incorrect one. Violence
has been done the tissues, and as a secondary result, the
part affected becomes swollen and hot. Consequently, pain
is experienced. ‘Too much blood is allowed to come to the
part, and the little capillary vessels that have been so
‘pinched up’’ with the cold, have not now power to con-
tract upon the blood. It, therefore, does not flow back.
Every one must have noticed, when they have walked a
long way, on a hot day, and the veins of the feet and hands
become swollen, how quickly these veins are made smaller
again by immersing the part in cold water. Its constring-
ing effect causes a contraction of their coats. The same
effect follows in the case of frost-bite, and thus the pain is
prevented. , ‘
CRUSHINGS AND BRUISES.
A few days ago, the little daughter of my esteemed friend,
Mr. Wellington, placed her finger, as children are apt to
do, in the crack of the door at the side upon which are
the hinges. The door was hastily closed, and the first
joint of her little finger was pinched to the space of quite
a small crack. ‘The bone caused considerable indentation
in the wood, but still the finger was crushed a good deal.
Her mother instantly pressed it into as good a shape as she
could, and then immersed it in the coldest water, to benumb
the pain. After a little while, the child became easy. A
wet towel was wrapped about the whole hand, and she soon
‘vent tosleev. The part healed in a short time.
222 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
In crushings and bruises, then, as in scalds, burns, frost
bite, benumbing from cold, corns, &c., we have an example
of the;wonderful power of water to reduce inflammation and
prevent, pain.
INVERTED TOE-NAIL.
In consequence of too tight shoes, the toe-nail becomes
inverted, as we say, or grows into the flesh. This has
often been a most troublesome affair. The use of water is
very effectual to remedy this. Cut out the part of the shoe
over the nail, to prevent pressure, or wear one that is very
loose. ‘Trim the nail well, and hold the foot several of
times a day in cold water. Attend well also to the general
health. , Follow up the treatment sufficiently long, and all
comes right again.
WEAK AND INFLAMED EYES.
There is nothing like water for weak and inflamed eyes.
Wash the eyes often in pure cold water, and open and shut
them in it. In some instances, they will appear to be
worse at first. Persevere, however. Some old and weak
persons, had perhaps better commence at first with tepid
water. ,' Do all that may be to invigorate the general health.
The affection called amurosis, in which the eye appears
to the observer to be not in the least diseased, a cure is sel-
dom effected by any means—in real amurosis, perhaps
never. :
BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE.
A general cold bath is a good means. A piece of ice,
or a cold wet towel at the back of the neck, will often ar-
rest this. Some sniff véry cold water repeatedly up the
nostrils,: until it stops. .
PAINFUL MENSTRUATION.
How many are there in these times of luxury and ease,
who suffer monthly more than tongue can tell. The daugh-
ter must be educated in the fashionable mode. She must
not walk out, unless the weather is just so fine. She must
&
i
MENSTRUATION——COLDS. 223
hold her arms in a peculiar manner, and must walk in just
such a way ; otherwise she is very rude. She must drink
tea and coffee, and partake of very fine food, so as to be
fashionable. She must not labor the least, as that would
soil her hands. Any amount of care and expense is paid
the appearance of the external dress, but the daily chang-
ing of the under-clothes at morning and at night, and the
daily ablutions of the surface—these are of no account.
Considering, then, all these things, is it any wonder that
more is suffered at every monthly period than should be at
childbirth! How many a wife, too, is rendered perfectly
miserable by the husband’s excesses in the marriage bed ?
When, alas! will it be learned that ‘‘ TEMPERANCE IN ALL
THINGS” is the only way to happiness and health ?
SUPPRESSION OF MENSTRUATION.
Use here no violent means. Attend well to the general
health. Nature then does her own work. In some cases
of water treatment, this function is for a time arrested, but
no unpleasant consequences result: This I have known to
take place for a whole year, and in some of the best cases
of water-cure I have known.
COLDS.
Cold bathing, together with plain dieting and avoiding
overheated rooms, generally prevents colds. Most wonder-
ful effects are often brought about in this way. One of
the best possible means of breaking up the inflammation
called a cold is to go to a warm bed and drink a very large
quantity of soft water, to bring on a “sweat.”? Bathe on
rising. Practise moderation in food a few days. A mode-
rate but long continued vapor bath, drinking at the same
time a good deal of water, is an excellent mode. Some lay
in a wet sheet all night, and this often throws off a cold.
Cold in the chest.—Those who have weak lungs often
take cold in the chest. Such should use no severe means.
Better to have patience, and let nature have time to do her
work. Such should wear the wet jacket, covered with
fannel all about the chest. Live plainly, drink a good
224 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
deal of water, and go much in the open air,—these are the
simple and natural means.
HABITUAL COLDNESS OF THE FEET.
Here the general health is always at fault. Pursue a
regular course of daily treatment suited to the strength.
Take cold foot baths when the feet are warm, and exercise
to promote circulation. As the health becomes invigorated
the feet will become warm. ‘The warm foot bath, except
perhaps rarely, taken before the cold one, is here worse than
useless.
SCROFULA, OR KING’S EVIL.
What is termed scrofula, or king’s evil, is to be treated
on general principles. All the means of i improving the
general health are to be adopted. Much can be done in
the way of prevention, if persons commence in season.
?
CANCER.
Cancer is owing to ill general health, consequently the
treatment must be principally of a general kind. Remoy-
ing cancers by surgical operation, it is now well under.
stood, does seldom, if ever, any good, as the disease re-
turns with redoubled violence. Do every thing possible to
benefit the general health. Use wet bandages to the parts
affected.
CONSUMPTION.
Consumption, true developed consumption, can seldom,
very seldom be cured by any means earthly. Now and
then cases of cure happen. Ulcers in the lungs may heal,
but such cases can only be the exception, not the rule.
The water treatment, bathing, of temperature tepid, cool
or cold, suiting the patient’s strength, exercise in the cool
fresh air, riding on horseback, plain diet—these are the
modes which, if pursued with decision and long continued
perseverance, will accomplish the most that can be in this
dire disease. Air and horseback exercise alone seem to
have. been the means of curing some persons. Some have
CONSUMPTION. 225
gone long journeys upon horseback, and have founa that
day by day they gained strength remarkably. Wonders
will be accomplished by judicious management in the pre-
vention of this disease. If every child were reared from
the first day of its existence, and onward, according to the
dictates of nature throughout, few would die of this dire
disease.
As to the treatment of consumption, two or three cases
of cure may be given to illustrate.
Quick consumption case of Miss Lydia Mott, of Albany, N. Y.
[From the Water-Cure Journal of Dec. l5th, 1845.]
About the first of October last, my friend, Sidney Howard
Gay, of this city, called to confer with me concerning the case
of Miss Lydia Mott, of Albany, given up by her physicians, as
he was informed, in a hopeless state of consumption. I said to
him in substance, as I always do in reference to this disease,
that water treatment is altogether more powerful to save than
any other known mode, and that in case a cure is necessarily
impossible, the treatment, incomparably more than any other,
will prolong life and render the sufferings less.
In two or three days after this conversation with Mr. Gay, I
received a letter from the sister of Miss Mott, asking my opin-
jon of her case. The sister informed me that the physicians
declared Lydia’s case to be one of tubercular consumption, and
that they despaired of medicines reaching her case. She said
furthermore, “for the week past we have tried the wet sheet,
and bandages during the day, with no other result but an ap-
parent suspension of the disease.”
In one week from this time, I had the pleasure of seeing both
the sister and Lydia at my house in this city. I had advised
her to continue the treatment which appeared to be doing so
much good, and that as soon as possible, for a change of air, it
would be one of the best things she could do to make a journey
down to the city. They remained two or three days, Lydia
feeling decidedly better of the journey, and having obtaimed
my directions for future treatment, then returned home to
Albany.
Concerning the true nature of Lydia’s disease, there may be
some doubt. Tam myself not fully satisfied what it was.—Up
to the time of her commencing water treatment, she had been
under the judicious care of Drs. Ward and Paine, of Albany,
and Dr. Bryan, of Troy, as counsel. I have not yet had the
107
226 : THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
satisfaction of conferring with either Dr. Ward or Paine. [
met with Dr. Bryan, who told me that when he saw the patient,
she had, without any mistake, hepatization, as it is called,
(hardening) of the right lung. “As to his opinion concern-
ing wlceration, I do not recollect. He considered her case a
very dangerous one, and he should watch the progress of the
disease under the water treatment with much interest. Drs.
Ward and Paine, as I am informed, declared that there was
actual ulceration of the lung. Not having seen Lydia until
she had considerably recovered, I cannot give any positive
opinion of my own.—There could not have been any mistake
as to the hardening of the lung; and this alone is dangerous
enough without ulceration, which did probably exist. Ifulcer-
ation did exist, it was caused either by the inflammation and
breaking down of tubercles, or it was the result of infamma-
tion of the substance of the lung, causing hardening, and the
hardening resulting in ulceration. This, however, seldom takes
place, although it sometimes does. The ulceration is by far
oftener caused by the inflammation of tubercles, than by in-
flammation resulting in hepatization or hardening of the part.
Whatever was the state of the lung, I am confident there was
likewise severe rheumatic pains in the chest, which amounted
to a good deal of suffering.
It is proper here to state more of the history of this case.
The patient is a person of very ,active habits, and during the
last spring took a severe cold, which settled upon the lungs.
This caused a serious illness at the time, and which continued
to trouble her very considerably during the whole summer.
She did not, as she usually has done, spend a part of the hot
season in the country air, but remained actively engaged dur-
ing the whole of the past hot summer. About the first of Sep-
tember, she took again a very severe cold, settling, as before,
ae the lungs, and resulting in he dangerous illness described
above.
Beginning now again at the time when Lydia returned home
from visiting New-York, she continued to use water nearly two
weeks longer, at which time I was at Albany, and called, ac-
cording to promise, to see her. Before commencing: at all the
use of water, Drs. Ward and Paine very candidly said that,
notwithstanding they considered the case now entirely hopeless,
they would be glad if water treatment could be fairly tested,
but that thomselves, not having given the subject sufficient at-
tention, could take no responsibility in its use. In making this
statement, these gentlemen exhibited a degree of candor which
we too seldom find How many physicians are there yet of
CONSUMPTION. 227
¢ur country who have ever seen the application of the wet
sheet? and yet very generally they assume to know as much
about it as if they had administered it as often as they have
doses of calomel. This is not as it should be; and if they do
not choose thoroughly and impartially to investigate the new
mode, patients will practise upon themselves, as in such case
they should. But to return to the treatment in this case.
The wet sheet, as has been said, was used each day. It
was wrung from water that was rather mild of temperature,
and applied according to the usual mode. It produced a sooth-
ing and relieving effect, and was followed by an ablution in
water of a moderate temperature. Four well wrung wet tow-
els were arranged about the chest, to mect at the side, making
two thicknesses of wet linen upon every part of the chest.
Over these towels still another moist bandage was placed, and
over the whole an abundance of flannels, to retain the warmth.
These were worn at first, I believe, only during the day. It
would have been still better to have continued them at night
also. The effect of the sheet, the ablutions, and the bandages
in removing pain, preventing general fever, cough and night-
sweats, was indeed wonderful. She improved astonishingly in
strength, and, as before said, was able to journey to New-York
in two weeks.
During a part of the following two weeks, she is now of the
opinion, that she used too much of cold applications; or that,
as the general feverishness of the system, and particularly of
the chest, was at this time considerably removed, the same ap-
plications as before made, were not now well borne. The sys-
tem did not, as before, react sufficiently against the cold. Du-
ying the most of this second two weeks, the patient. thinks she
rather lost ground than otherwise.
In four weeks she came again to the city to remain with us,
to undergo a more thorough treatment than could be conveni-
ently carried on at home; besides, she felt that she needed
special advice, as new symptoms might arise. The right lung
was at this time still very weak. I should have said, that on
first seeing her, that is, two weeks from the commencement of
water treatment, the hardening of the right lung had given
‘away considerably, so that the air penetrated some distance
aownward. At the end of the four weeks, there was still much
pain through the chest, particularly the right side, and extend-
‘ng to the right shoulder, and under the right shoulder blade,
The right arm could only be used with great difficulty. In the
nost comfortable situation it could be placed, two or three days
were required to finish a single letter. The treatment by the
228 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
wet sheet once daily, and ablutions and bandages, was kept up.
In two or three days, she was able to bear a mild shower-bath,
and in two or three days more, a small douche. This proved
very strengthening, and was powerful in removing pain. At
Albany, she could scarcely go in the open air at all. The
milder air of this city agreed much better, and she was, day by
day, able to take more exercise in the open air, and in less than
two weeks she could walk at one time some miles without in-
convenience, and with benefit. After a few of the first days
' she took two shower or douche baths daily, besides the one fol-
lowing the wet sheet, in all three general baths daily.
After remaining nearly three weeks, she thought, as a mat-
ter of experiment, feeling now so much improved, she would
make some friends a visiton Long Island. She remained about
one week, continuing the daily use of water, and returned still
more improved. She could now undergo as much exertion as
she had been able to do for years, and has now (Nov. 26th,)
returned to Albany, after having used water in all about eight
weeks, to remain, 1 hope, in the enjoyment of good health.
With the good care she will now observe, there is reason to be-
lieve that no recurrence of the disease will take place. Still it
must be remembered, the chest is contracted and weak, and
that this will be the part most likely to give way first.
Food, it should be mentioned, was taken very sparingly.
During the first two weeks, it consisted almost entirely of grapes.
During the second two weeks, friends had urged that flesh meat
should be taken, to promote strength; as her health was, if it
had been said, to promote pain, inflammation, coughing, ex-
pectoration, and weakness, the fact would have been stated.
While with us, she partook of farinaceous food, as coarse bread,
milk, toast, buckwheat cakes, potatoes, squashes, turnips,
stewed fruit, &c., using of animal food only what little was con-
tained in the preparations in which milk was used. No butter,
or food in any way prepared with butter, was taken. Salt was
almost entirely abstained from. We care not what chemical
physiologists tell us from theory about the necessity of salt. We
go for facts. Salt, like other medicines and medicinal stimu-
lants, we choose to abstain from. Miss Mott partook of food
but twice a day, and on the whole, the regulation of diet had
no small share of effect in her remarkable cure.
She is now able to endure nearly or quite as much exertion
in the open air as she ever has been, and more than most la-
dies in good health. Time will determine how permanent her
cure may be.
CONSUMPTION. 229
It should have been mentioned, that while upon Long Island,
Miss Mott, feeling quite ‘strong, thought she would try the ex-
periment of discontinuing the bandages upon the chest. She
found, in less than one day, that she could not yet do without
them. A sensation of sinking and weakness in the chest was
experienced. It will be best, for a time at least, that the band-
ages be continued both night and day, as they have been.
Miss Mott remains yet very well. It should be remem-
bered, that in all these cases, of so-called cure of consump-
tion, the lungs remain the weakest part of the system, and
that such persons are, perhaps, of all others, the most sub.
iect to colds. In every chronic disease of important or-
gans, the best possible cure that can be effected, yet leaves
the part that has been affected in a condition susceptible to
the disease. This remark applies particularly to diseases
of the lungs. And those who may have the fortune to be-
come cured of such disease, should remember that the
greatest care and perseverance will be required, in order
to enable them to keep tolerably free from colds and fresh
attacks, and that, in the end, they must in all probability
sink with that fearful disease, consumption of the lungs.
Since making the above remarks on Miss Mott’s case, she
writes, (March 4th, 1847,) “You will be gratified to learn,
that my health is good, although I still perceive a little
dificulty in my chest. I have not had any colds this win-
‘er. They have been very prevalent with us.”
Case of Mr. Waterman Roberts, of Hartford, Conn.
It is due Mr. Roberts to state, that he is only willing that
his name appear in public, because of his belief that some
one in the condition he has been, may be similarly benefit-
‘ed as himself. I give Mr. Roberts’ own account.
I am now forty-five years of age. My habits of life have
been decidedly active. My health, until about five years ago,
was usually good. My grand-parents were long-lived. My
father died at the age of forty-seven. My mother at fifty-seven.
of consumption. One of my brothers, younger than myself,
died a few years ago, at about forty, decidedly of the same dis-
ease, My mother had the disease some eight years; my brother
about three years.
Five years ago last November, I was attacked with the wing
230 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
fever. For a while before that time, my health had not been
as good as usual, but I still kept about. For this attack, I was
bled, according to the usual modes in such cases, freely. The
bandage became disarranged in the evening that same day,
soon after the bleeding was practised. I awoke and found my
arm in a puddle of blood, as it were. I immediately undertook
to rise from my bed, but fell in the attempt, and fainted. The
loss of blood made me exceedingly weak, but I appeared to be
‘in a measure free from the fever. However, at the end of about
two days, my lung fever returned with increased violence, and
I became delirious. Various means were resorted to, and after
some days I began to mend so as to be about the house a part
of the time. I was, however, very weak and highly suscepti-
ble to cold, and could not undertake business until late in the
spring. I never again became so strong as before until after I
resorted to the use of water. An obstinate cough followed this
attack, and was very bad. I raised, first andlast, a good deal
of matter, apparently from my lungs. Food also disagreed
with me, and I lost much flesh. About two years after my
attack, [ had become much reduced and had frequent night-
sweats.
About this time, (Feb. 1844,) I was advised by my physician
to take a voyage to the West Indies. I sailed to St. Domingo,
and was absent some three months. The voyage appeared to
be of benefit during my absence. My cough was less, the
raising less, and I became a little stronger. But on returning
to Hartford, my difficulties soon returned, but not so formida-
bly until cold weather again set in. Warm weather appeared
then to agree with me best. >
In December, of the same year, I became much debilitated
and discouraged. By the advice of some of my friends, one in
particular, I was led to examine the water system, and, as you
will recollect, called upon you for advice. You left it optional
with me whether to go home and be treated, or to return to you.
The first I concluded to do. I was very thin, and susceptible
to cold. You advised me to begin cautiously with tepid bath-
ing and a good deal of friction. “The wet jacket upon the chest,
to be covered with flannel, I was to commence at once. After
a few days, I was to commence showering with coal water im-
mediately after the tepid bath. My health was such thatI
frequently took colds. You recommended, that at such times.
I should lay awhile in the dry blankets, to cause warmth, and
that I might the better endure the baths. Occasionally, I
sweated in the blanket, and perhaps, ina few instances, became
weakened thereby.
CONSUMPTION. 231
For a time, I bathed twice daily. The cool towel bath at
evening acted most beneficially in arresting the night sweats.
The wet application worn over the chest night and day, changed
three or four times in the twenty-four hours, seemed to allay
irritation in the lungs, and to prevent the cough. The effect
was very soothing, as well as warming. After some weeks, I
at times left off the wet jacket for a day, and was surprised to
find that the surface was warmer where the wet cloth had been
than elsewhere. Still I felt the need of it for its tonic and sooth-
ing effect. You directed me to have no more fire in my sleep-
ing room, and to have it well aired by day. I was also to ex-
ercise in the open air daily, and to be out as much as I could
possibly bear. It was better for me, you said, to go out even
when it was stormy and inclement, than hover over the fire in a
hot room. I asked if I had not better take some syrup or me-
dicine for my cough. These I had taken by the quart. You
said, “ Nonsense; the cough will take care of itself, as your
strength becomes improved.”
I was to partake only of plain, coarse food—brown bread,
especially ; the less meat the better. The coarse bread has
been my “staff of life.’ Until I became strong, I used plain
fresh meat but once a day. I left off tea and coffee, drank only
soft water. My appetite had been by turns very poor, but now
increased wonderfully. Digestion improved alsomuch. From
that time to the present, now two years and two months, I have,
with some little drawbacks, been growing firmer in health and
strength. For the past eight months, I seem to have been able
to accomplish as much and undergo as great bodily fatigue as
for the same space at any time within the last ten years.
I feel yet that the lungs are the weakest part; and I some-
times take colds; but I have each time succeeded in throwing
them off by renewed treatment, the blanket, baths, wet jackets,
injections, &c. The tepid bath, taken usually at from 70 to 75° F.,
followed by a slight shower, cold, has seemed to be, of all baths,
the most beneficial. For the past seven or eight months, |
have, asa rule, used the water cold. I have good reaction, and
the cooler the air now, the more am I invigorated. Differently
from before, [now enjoy the cold weather decidedly the best.
And now, after having followed the water treatment for more
than two years, although my lungs are not yet free from weak-
ness, and I am liable to serious pull-backs, yet I feel grateful
to God, that 1 have received such wonderful benefit. And I do
herein add my testimony, that I have unwavering confidence in
-he water-cure.
232 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
Case of Mr. Jacob Campbell.
The case of this gentleman is certainly, all things consider-
ed, a very remarkable one. Mr. Campbell is a resident of th's
city, engaged eta as: at the desk,) at the bank in the Bow-
ery. He is of very fair, delicate complexion, blue eyes and
auburn hair, a most perfect subject for consumption. ‘The dis-
ease is also hereditary in the family, on the father’s side. His
father’s brothers died of it, and he has lost already a brother
and sister by consumption. .
Mr. C. is now thirty-one years of age. About one year ago,
the present time (15th March, 1847,) he called to consult me.
He had had a pain, at times severe, in the left lung, for two
years. For eighteen months he had raised blood, but in large
quantity. He expectorated a good deal, apparently from the
lungs. This exhausted him very much ; he was indeed so de-
bilitated that it was with difficulty he could go to and from his
place of business, or attend to his labors at the desk. He took
colds often and at the most trifling exposures. He had suffered
also a good deal from constipation, and appetite was poor.
Mr. Campbell could not at the time come to my house, nor
could he leave his business. Accordingly, he was under the
necessity of doing what he might at home. I directed him to
commence bathing, once a day for three or four at first, and
then twice per day, with wearing the wet jacket ahout the
chest, to observe strictly the rules of diet, and gradually to go
more and more in the open air. There was an immediate
amendment in all of his symptoms, and he pursued the regular
course for months, continuing business, however, allalong. He |
grew stronger and stronger, and the appetite improved ; the wet
jacket removed all pain from the chest, the expectoration grew
less and less, and the spitting of blood entirely ceased. Mr. C.
says now he has been as strong all winter as he ever was in his
life. Appetite perfectly good for the plainest food, and the
bowels regular. The expectoration is not all gone, but he says
there is not now more in a whole month than formerly in one
day.
Whether there were actually tubercles that had gone to sup-
puration or not, it is impossible to say. Mr. Cs former physi-
cian, a man of respectability and experience, declared that tu-
bercles did certainly exist. The result of the treatment has
been entirely beyond my most sangume expectations. It is to
be observed, however, that Mr. Campbell persevered in the
treatment with a diligence that deserves great credit.
It seems, then, that this was a case in which the patient fled to
INDIGESTION, DEPRESSION OF SPIRITS, ETC. 230
the water treatment, just in time to save life. No one acquaint-
ed with that dire disease, could believe that Mr. Campbell
would long hold out as things were going. Generally, con-
sumptive patients come to us after all other means have failed,
and then it is too late, only they can be invigorated somewhat,
and kept incomparably more comfortable (if we may ase that
term,) than by any other known means. - There is probably a
point at which, if water treatment were commenced, almost
every one could be saved. But after the disease has become
deep-seated, we must tell our patients frankly that in all pro-
bability they must sink.
MISCELLANEOUS CASES.
INDIGESTION, DEPRESSION OF SPIRITS, AND GENERAL DEBILITY.
Dr. Joel Shew: Dear Sir,—Having perused your work
called the “ Water-Cure,” and tried your prescriptions upon
myself, I will give you a few particulars relative to my case,
and the happy result of the water-cure treatment.
I am twenty years of age. My occupation is school-teach-
ing. In June last, my health was miserable. 1 was troubled
with pain in my stomach and depressing lassitude of the whole
system, so that a short walk fatigued me extremely, and made
me very “nervous.” All my labors, whether mental or phy-
sical, were forced. I concluded that I should have to relinquish
school-teaching, and resort to some of the “ cure-alls” (kill-alls. )
At this time your “ Water-Cure” came into my hands; | read
itand took courage. I immediately commenced the water-cure
treatment, by going to the adjacent bay, and bathing, washing,
and rubbing my whole body, till a glow was produced,—dress-
ed, walked to my room, undressed, and used a stiff flesh brush
from five to twenty minutes over my entire body, with all my
might. I drank from six to fifteen tumblers of cold water daily ;
mostly before breakfast and dinner, and always before my meals.
Occasionally, after commencing school in the morning, I felt a
dullness, caused by not taking sufficient exercise, and then I
took a draught of cold water and walked briskly till I perspired
freely, and felt well the rest of the day. I find it absolutely ne
cessary to take active exercise (the more the better,) after bath-
234 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
ing or drinking cold water; and that, immediately. Now for
effects. The pain in my stomach left me in about a week from
the time I commenced the treatment, and my legs began to
itch, and smart, and burn, and~purple spots and blotches ap-
peared and discharged, so that I was a horrible sight to behold.
For about two weeks I suffered much from the burning and
itching, yet felt much better in body and mind. Every morn.
ing when I got to the bay I rubbed and scratched myself till
my whole body was covered with discharges from the blotches,
and horrible was the sight! Then I bathed and washed tho-
roughly, and the burning and itching was allayed, and did not
trouble me till the next morning. I treated myself the same
every morning, and felt better and full of courage. In a few
days several boils appeared, which discharged freely. The
blisters began to disappear, and the itching subsided. My
health improved and strength increased, so that in a few weeks
I could run, and jump, and ride on horseback without fatigue,
which I could not do before. In the course of two months, a
great change was wrought in my system and spirit. A regene-
ration was fairly begun. But my diet was not right. I believe
man is constituted a fruit and vegetable eater,—is not carniv-
orous. Am where I cannot live strictly on fruit and vegeta-
bles; mean to go where I éan, soon.
I will here mention, that I had the measles in 1843, and did
nothing to purify my system. My eyes have been weak ever
since ; have also been more nervous. -I had the same taste in
my mouth when I began to break out, through the water-cure
treatment, that I experienced when I had the measles, showing
that the impurities generated by the measles were secreted in
the system for years, inducing diseases more virulent and en-
ervating. I have practised the inspiration of air daily, until
my lungs were full, then drumming on my breast, so that in
two months’ time I have increased the circumference around
my chest two or three inches. During the years 1833—40, I
was about three-fourths a Grahamite. My health was the best
then that it ever has been. I was stronger, and could endure
much more hardship than when I used flesh-meat, tea, coffee,.
&c. Since then my diet has been irregular and improper.
Some tell me, when I mention daily bathing, “ You'll kill your-
self; the doctors say it is not good to bathe during dog-days,”
&c., &c.: but I have been firm, and am reaping a glorious
harvest. Those who cried down the “water-cure,” are now
enjoying the ague and fever, cold chills, bilious fever, &c., and
still say to m2, “ You'll be sick by and by, don’t boast too soon,”
SPINAL DISEASE. 235
&c. I think the “ Water-Cure” a valuable work. Can cheer-
- fully recommend it to all. But let all who read, understand
and practise judiciously. Happy am I, that I had courage to
depart from the old way,—from fashion’s and customs fooleries ;
for I am enjoying uninterrupted health, without a pain or an
ache Your’s, &c.,
G. W. Rot.ins.
St. Mary’s Co., Maryland, Sept. 7, 1844,
SPINAL DISEASE.
Case of Miss Potter.—A little upwards of a year since, Miss
Elizabeth Potter, of North Brookfield, Mass., was brought to
’ our institution, in this city, to undergo a course of water treat-
ment. She had been, for seven years, afflicted with a most se-
vere and painful spinal disease, and was, for a larger part of
the time, confined to her bed. She had, literally, “ suffered
many things of many physicians, and was nothing bettered, but
rather grew worse.” For some months Miss Elizabeth had
been using water, under our directions, at home, and had re-
ceived some benefit ; still, when she was brought to us, accom-
panied by her mother and family physician, her weakness was
such, that she could not at all be raised in the sitting posture,
and could be conveyed only upon a feather bed. She remained
with us about four months; and, by very praiseworthy perseve-
rance on her part, as well as that of her mother, she became,
litle by little, able to sit and stand. and, finally, to walk; and
now, (January 1st, 1847) is up and about, attending to reading,
drawing, painting, light work, &c. Though an excellent
scholar, she had not been able to read or write for years.
Miss Isabella Thompson.—This young lady, daughter of
the late Judge Thompson, of Burlington, Vermont, suffered si-
milar to Miss Potter, but not for so longa time. She had been
occupied in teaching music, French, &c., and had not, for about
two years, (speaking from memory,) been able to read or write
a word. Her system was so sensitive, that she could be carried
into the light only by having over her face very thick veils. Scarce~
ly any light could be borne in her room, and her voice was
hardly above a whisper. It was supposed necessary, before
_ she was brought to us, to administer, daily, powerful opiates.
Miss Thompson was with us some four months, before we
left home for Europe. Under a very diligent treatment, she
improved, from week to week; and in about two months, she
—
236 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
was able to correspond, by letter, with her friends. She be
came able, again, to walk her room; went, from time to time,
to the parlor, to enjoy society, and partook meals at the table
with others. She rode, gradually, in the open air, and could
go miles in the city, before we left. She had continued to im-
prove, when we last heard from her, and will, we have reason
to believe, yet enjoy, for many years, good health.
Mrs. Richards.—This lady (resident of this city,) was pros
trate, for a number of months, with spinal disease, that had re-
sisted all ordinary modes. A number of physicians had at-
tended her; but she, on the whole, grew worse. Under a mo-
derate treatment at Mr. Richards’ own house, (he then resid-
ing in Brooklyn,) and finally a rigorous one at our establishment,
she was restored to health. For a number of months, she has
now been industriously attending to household duties, and en-
joys what may be termed good health.
The above are three successive cases of spinal disease, that
have come under our care.
FEVER AND AGUE.
In the spring of 1845, I wrote the following case for my
Water-Cure Journal :
A few days since, the editor was called to attend the case of
his esteemed friend, Henry Degroot, Esq., a lawyer, of 52 John
street, New-York.
The symptoms of this disease it would be perhaps useless to
dwell upon. The patient was first seen at the evening of the
sick day,—was directed to wash the whole body thoroughly,
beginning at the head, using at the same time a good deal of
friction with the flesh brush, to drink plentifully of cold water,
to eat little or nothing until appetite returned naturally, to use
large clysters of tepid water daily, to repeat these if necessary,
to insure a free action of the bowels. The bath was to be ta-
ken at least twice daily—oftener if necessary. By these sim-
ple means it was believed that the fever would at once be
broken up.
The second day, Mr. Degroot feeling quite well, proceeded to
transact business that required his personal attention. Becom-
ing considerably fatigued, and yet feeling comparatively little of
the effects of the disease, without thinking particularly of what
he did, took a supper later than usual. This very soon proved
FEVER AND AGUE. 237
troublesome, and prevented refreshing sleep. In the morning
early, a severe chill came on, which probably would not have
taken place, or at most very slightly, had the supper been omit-
ted. The chill, severe as it was, would have been preventcd,
had the wet sheet envelopment, the dry sweating blanket, or
the vapor bath, been resorted to sufficiently early to have caused
thorough perspiration before the chill could take place. From
the state of the previously favorable symptoms, this was not
deemed necessary, or it would have been recommended. As
the rigor was now already present, the question was how best
to manage. As is common in our practice, when no better
means are at hand, a wash tub, partly filled with tepid water,
was procured. The head, face and neck was washed ; the pa-
tient then sat himself in the tub, having the water dipped up
and poured over the body, while at the same time brisk friction
was practised over the surface witha stiff wet brush. With
these operations it was not five minutes before the chill was well
nigh broken up. But at the same time, distressing nausea came
on, approaching considerable towards fainting. These symp-
toms indicated the foul state of things in the stomach. The
patient took immediately to bed. Large draughts of tepid wa-
ter were quickly taken, to cause vomiting and cleansing of the
stomach. This took place very effectually. Warm bricks were
put to the feet—a large bandage, wet, about the body and
thighs, to remove the pains in those parts, and the wet bandage
to the head. The patient was directed to go through similar
operations twice each day, and if necessary, according to the
symptoms, oftener,—to rest quiet, yet to go out little by little in
the open air,—to take food, of the farinaceous kind, once or at
most twice per day for two or three days; but not to eat at all
until the appetite returned ; and by pursuing this simple course,
our friend was toid he need not fear the return of the fever. He
persevered in the mode, had only the slightest symptom of a
chill on the next day but one, and has continued to grow stronger
day by day since. For some days shower baths have been ta-
ken with great benefit, usually twice each day, early in the
morning and towards evening.
Before we had an opportunity to test the new system in inter-
mittent fever, or ague and fever, we came to the conclusion that
it would be an easy matter to arrest at once the disease by suit-
able applications of water. It did not appear to us possible that
a severe chill could take place, provided a good “sweat” was
brought on, and especially if this was followed by a thorough
and judicious washing. It is indeed singular that the simple
238 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
means of sweating had not long ago been resorted to by physi-
cians to forestal the chill. Almost every imaginable form of
drug treatment, for centuries, has been tried, from the mildest
to the most Herculean that men dared to adopt, and yet this
simple and most effectual treatment, as far as we know, until of
late, has been universally neglected, Dr. Currie of England or
ly excepted. In the multiplicity of drugs with which medicine
has been burdened, physicians have been led to neglect the
simple means, ever wandering in the regions of speculation, or
plodding along in the old routine of medical practice, spreading
death and destruction too often in their course. —
In reference to the above mentioned case, we gave the
following statement of Mr. Degroot :
“In August last I was attacked with intermittent fever. My
physician, reputed one of the most skilful in Western Virginia,
treated me-after the manner usual in such cases: I was bled so
freely as to cause fainting; the whole surface of the bowels
was then covered with a blister, and mercury given in large
quantities. This kind of treatment was pursued through my
whole sickness, which continued about two months, with an
occasional use of quinine, morphine, and other strong medi-
cines. During all this time my sufferings were terrible, both
from the effects of medicine and the disease itself. I became
greatly reduced, and it was several weeks after getting about
before I regained my usual health and strength.
“ About two weeks ago I was again attacked in the same
manner, and with all the symptoms as in August last. Dread-
ing to undergo the treatment usual under the old practice, |
concluded to try the water-cure. I have done so under Doct.
J. Shew, of this city, and the result has convinced me of its su-
perior efficacy and safety as a remedial agent. He found me
with a violent fever upon me. In a few days it was entirely
removed, and I was restored to my ordinary health; and this
without taking a particle of medicine of any description, but
simply through the use of pure water alone, and that applied
in a manner most grateful to one suffering from fever. -Of the
few days that I was under the treatment of Dr. Shew, there
was none but what I took exercise in the open air.
“] make the above statements simply because I think it due
to.a system from which I have derived so signal benefits, and
with a view to induce others to make a trial for themselves.
“H.-Decroot, 52 Join street, New-York.”
CASES AMONG THE SHAKERS. 239
CASES ..MONG THE SHAKERS.
An mtelligent and very worthy member of the Society of
Shakers, at New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., gave us the
following cases, a part of which have been published in the
N. Y. Daily Tribune.
Constipation.—A young man about twenty five years of age,
had obstinate constipation from childhood. Had undergone
various kinds of treatment without any permanent benefit. The
coarsest kinds of food wholly failed of removing theevil. ‘The
treatment was commenced by remaining in the wet sheet dur-
ing-the night for some days. Cold clysters daily, two at a
time, for three or four days, at two different times, within about
two weeks. From twelve to eighteen tumblers of soft water a
day were taken. Stimulating body bandage was worn. In
four weeks, bowels had become regular.
Scrofula.—This case is of the narrator himself. He had
been very scrofulous from infancy, and was considered incura-
ble by different physicians of note. The scrofulous ulcers had
been extremely bad, particularly at the neck. The disease
latterly was called scrofulous chronic catarrh. He had taken
much medicine from different regular physicians, regular courses
of mercury, &c. The disease had by thus doctoring, been
driven to the chest and stomach, and from thence to the head,
where it remained fourteen years constantly growing worse.
He thinks the vegetable system was all that kept him alive.
This man has practised medicine latterly in the Society. He
commenced water-cure upon himself about the 1st of June last.
He used the cold wet sheet. arranged to become quickly warm
by the heat of the body, with head bandages, about one week.
The sheets he remained in all night and took two or three baths
daily, and drank from twelve to fifteen tumblers of perfectly
soft water daily. He had by this time a crisis in the form ofa
feverish excitement of the whole system. He then moderated
the treatment somewhat, and in about one month had another
crisis in the form of a very large boil on the thigh, and also a
large swelling in the groin, which a physician told him would
never get well, and would be likely to kill him. He being well
acquainted with the system, determined to persevere, although
the opposition was great among his friends. In another month
he had another crisis in the form of boils, some fifteen _in num-
ber, on the right leg. One was as large as the “fist,” and
which, at every dressing, on turning upon the side, emitted
three streams of purulent matter at once. Different physicians
240 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
declared he would certainly kill himself. The result is, that
now the boils, all but one, are healed; he has gained in flesh
and strength, and is much better than he has before been for
twenty years. The pains from which he had suffered so much
in the head, are all gone. He takes no cold, whereas, before,
he did not pass a single week without it.
Hereditary Syphilitic Disease Another case he gave of a
boy in their Society, of fourteen years of age, with the most
loathsome constitutional hereditary taint in the system. They
had treated this boy allopathically for twelve months, and had
despaired of saving him. He commenced with a wet sheet
sweating two months ago. He gave him two wet sheets daily
and one all night. He used tepid baths at first. ‘The boy was
so crippled that he could but just hobble. The odor from the
body was so offensive that it was almost impossible to stay in
the room. He had a severe crisis in the form of ulcers the
most loathsome imaginable, one of which, in the thigh, bur-
rowed in the flesh several inches. The boy is now apparently
well. Hundreds of similar cases have been cured by water.
The gentleman, while treating the boy, tore from his own
finger a hang-nail, causing a small sore. He accidently got
some of the poison from the boy’s crisis bandages upon it,
which caused a severe stinging like that of a bee. The finger
soon became purple, and the swelling extended to the arm-pit.
He never suffered so much in forty-eight hours asthen. His
friends were so importunate that he should poultice the finger,
that he tried it, which only made it worse. He then took to
the water bandaging, and got relief. He had nearly made up
his mind at first to amputate the finger, so much did he loathe
the virulent poison. Simultaneously with the finger and arm
getting better, the last and most severe crisis above mentioned
came on. Dr. Whitlaw, the celebrated botanist, was with them.
He said water was a good thing, but it would not cure that—he
must take his vapor baths and purifying salts to cleanse the
blood—as if there was any thing better than or as good as pure,
clean water for such a purpose. The pain and swelling wer2
off in one week. He kept the finger perfectly wet night ana
day, for three weeks. The treatment in these cases required a
courage, perseverance, and knowledge possessed by few.
This gentleman has treated parallel cases of children with
canker in the throat and stomach, a part with water, and the
others with drugs. He accomplished the same with water in
forty-eight hours as with drugs in two weeks.
This very worthy individual, of as worthy a Society, doubt-
CASE OF AMOS ALLEN. 241
less believes, as do many others, that the systems of poisonous
drugging are destined yet to become reckoned only as being
among “the immense variety of things that are not, and can-
not be,” but that have been imagined and believed.
The above cases and remarks were written twoand a haf
years ago. The narrator of the cases had been, when we last
heard of him a few months ago, in good kealth all along from
the time of his cure. All who are acquainted with the Lebanon
Shakers will know who was the subject of this most remarka-
ble cure. Knowing the extreme reluctance of this friend to ap-
pear before the public, Iam not at liberty to give his name.
Case of Amos Allen, of Troy, N. Y.
[From the Water-Cure Journal.]
The following letter was not designed for publication, but
we are sure that Mr. Allen will forgive us for thus “dragging”
him into public, since his case is so important a one. The let-
ter is to the point, and speaks for itself.
Troy, Dec. 29th, 1845.
To Joel Shew, M. D.: Dear Sir,—You will recollect that 1
have been troubled with dyspepsia, continual constipation, piles,
erysipelas, awful depression of spirits, &c., for more than thirty
years, and no one knows what I have suffered, both bodily and
mentally. My nerves and mind became much affected: I have
tried various kinds of medicine without any relief. I called to
advise with you about ayear ago. I have since been drinking
eight or ten glasses of water daily, and washing, by ablution,
every morning. My food has been principally brown bread,
milk and apples; my only drink water, and have quit the use
of tobacco and every other stimulant. My health has greatly
improved, is better than it has been for twenty years.
I have obtained and disposed of twelve of your books on
Hydropathy, in various directions, by eift and otherwise ; am
taking your Water-Cure Journal, lending and recommending it
and your books to others. I have obtained but three subscri-
bers, but I enclose the money, and wish you to send ten copies
according to direction. Some of them are sent to friends gra-
tuitously. Yours, &c.
Amos ALLEN.
P. S. My cure has been a remarkable ene. My friends gave
me up for lost, being 59 years of age; but | nave gained thirty
pounds in flesh within one year, and bid fair to continue in
1]
242 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
health. My morning practice of washing has become a luxury
and pleasure as well as benefit. I could not be prevailed on to
desist on any consideration. A. A.
Friend Amos Allen of Troy writes us, that, if he had known
that we should publish his. case, ene in No. 5, p. 71, 1846,}
he would have been more particular in his statement. He used
wet sheets a few times at first, and has made much use of clys-
ters. These last have been invaluable in his cure. These
although in our sense unnatural means, should always be used
so that the bowels move daily, rather than to allow of consti-
pation in the least, and so also if the bowels act too freely, the
same are to be resorted to. The bowels may be strengthened
by water taken internally, as well as other parts by applications
made externally.
March 4th, 1847.—Mr. Allen says he never felt so well
in his life as now. He continues his daily baths. Takes
also a hip bath, and injections of one pint, to be retained on
going to bed. He has obtained well towards one hundred
subscribers for the Water-Cure Journal, and the people of
Troy, generally, can testify as to his earnestness and suc-
cess in gaining converts to the good cause.
Cases from the Rev. Mr. Butts.
New-York, Feb. 26th, 1847.
Dr. Shew. Dear Sir,—I have been induced to state the fol-
lowing cases, somewhat in detail, hoping that some who may
read them, particularly those laboring under disease, may be
induced to try the efficacy of that great remedial agent, which
the Author of our being has so bountifully placed within our
reach. If any will give this agent a fair trial, we fear not the
result. Yours truly,
JosHua Burrs.
is 87th street, near Third avenue.
On the 4th day of July, my son, not quite two years old,
was very violently attacked with the scarlet fever. I was then
but partially acquainted with the water-cure system, having
merely heard a part of the course of lectures, delivered by Dr
Graham, the winter previous.
Such, however, was my faith in it, that my child was taken
to the bathing room and put in the wet sheet, and immediately
wrapped in a large rose blanket. In this he continued two
CASES FROM THE REV. MR. BUTTS. 243
hours, the sheet was then changed for another. In this he re-
mained about one half-hour.
During most of this time, he lay perfectly unconscious.
About fifteen minutes after he was put into the second sheet,
perspiration appeared, and soon became very profuse.
He was then taken and washed off with cold water, Which
revived him so much, that he soon began to notice those around
him, and even became quite playful.
During the early part of the evening, the fever returned
pretty badly, we then sponged his body several times over, and
he slept for half an hour.
The skin again became very hot and feverish, he awoke and
said in pitiful tones, “Papa, cold water, cold water.” The
sponge was used as before, with the same result. Perhaps he
awoke ten times during the night, with more or less fever, al-
ways asking for “cold water,” and what was strange to me,
did not seem inclined to drink much, but preferred its outward
application.
I had the satisfaction of observing that the fever was less
violent at each return, when about 2 o’clock A. M. it entirely
left him, and he rested well for three hours. When he awoke
he appeared cheerful, happy, and playful, but extremely weak.
The third day, he was out on the pavement, playing as merrily
as any of those around him, and was no more trouble.
I will just add, that when taken from the second sheet, his
whole body, nearly, was covered with small white blisters, very
much resembling a rough grater.
A little girl, boarding with me, had the.same disease at the
same time, no worse in appearance, at first; but she hada
“ drug doctor ;” was confined, I think, about three weeks, and
was quite lame for many more.
My son was taken a few months after, with what is termed
the slow croup. An eminent physician who happened to come
in at the time, said to a friend that he did not think it possible
for him to live but a short time. A pitcher of ice-water was
brought, Mrs. B. held a towel to his throat, and he was placed
in such a position, that while I poured*the water, in a small
stream, upon the back part of the neck, the towel became per-
fectly saturated, which was gradually extended down on the
chest. In less than four minutes he. vomited copiously—in se-
ven minutes he was ina sweet sleep, from which he did not
-awake till morning, when he was as well as usual, except
weakness.
He has had two attacks since, which we have treated in the
same manner, with like success.
244 _ THE’ WATER-CURE MANUAL.
It should have been mentioned, that before he went to sleep,
a wet bandage was bound around his throat, covered with
flannel.
During the month of June last, I went, with my family, on a
visit to an uncle of Mrs Butis’, Richard Mott Underhill, Esq.,
of Yorktown, Westchester Co., N. Y.
Mr. Underhill had, about ten days previous to our visit,
bruised the end of the middle finger on his right hand. At
first, he paid little attention to it, as the skin was not broken.
In the course of three or four days, it began to swell, and be-
came very painful. Various remedies were tried, without any
relief. He applied to an eminent physician, who said, that the
finger must be cut to the bone, from the palm of the hand to
the end; that he thought nothing else could save it.
The second morning after our arrival, he came from his room
looking as though just recovering from a severe attack of ill-
ness, his finger very badly swollen, also his hand, with severe
darting pains to the shoulder and up the side of his neck and
face. He came to Mrs. B., and requested her to nurse his
finger. She replied, she would, if he would let her follow the
cold water system. He assented.
She wet a cloth, and put it around his finger; then a towel,
and bound it around his hand; over these a flannel blanket.
Changed the cloths and washed the whole hand and arm about
every fifteen minutes through the day, giving him about one
third of a tumbler of water to drink every time the bandage
was changed.
About 10 o’clock in the evening, the swelling had diminished
very much, and all inflammation entirely disappeared. The
bandage was changed before retiring to rest. He slept well
all night. In the morning, when we entered the breakfast
room, he was at the desk, writing a letter, the swelling gone,
and no pain or soreness, except when opened and shut quickly.
It required some little care for a day or two, when it was as
sound and good as.ever. He stated that he felt a very sensi-
ble relief after the bandage was changed the third time.
This wonderful cure converted him to the cold water doctrine ;
and in him you will find a firm and staunch advocate, in
spreading and defending the principles you yourself have so
widely disseminated through our country.
Yours, &c., Josuua Burts,
87th st., near Third avenue.
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH. 245
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH.
Possibly some one may doubt the propriety of giving
eases of the following kind in a popular work. Do we
not all buy our bibles, circulate them among all readers,
and make them tokens of friendship to those we hold most
dear on earth? And yet, with all its allusions to delicate
‘subjects, who would think of objecting to the Bible on this
account? “To the pure,all things are pure,” so also to
the impure, are all things impure. There is, then, no need
of an apology for introducing matter of this kind.
Out of numbers of cases of most marvellous kind, I
select here only one. I will take the liberty, however, of
referring the reader who may be interested, to a work now
in preparation by myself, designed more especially for the
perusal and study of Females, on the water treatment, as
applicable in pregnancy, childbirth, and the rearing of
infants and children. A work of the kind is, I believe,
needed not less than any other at the present day. Water
cure is destined yet to accomplish untold, unheard-of won-
ders, in childbirth, and the rearing of children.
Case of Mrs. Shew.—On the 16th of September, 1845, Mrs.
-Shew gave birth, under peculiar circumstances, to a child.
Her ancestry on both sides are consumptive, so that she in-
herits a strong predisposition to that disease, and has, in fact,
for years, had much to contend with, in reference to the condi-
tion of the chest. Pleurisies, inflammation of the lungs, cough,
and hemorhages, she had had at different times, and is con-
stantly liable to affections of this kind. She is likewise natu-
rally of very delicate frame and extreme nervous sensibility,
and it has been only by exercising great care in every thing
that pertains to health, that she has now, for a number of years,
with two or three exceptions, kept free from the outbreaks of
disease, and has enjoyed what would ordinarily be termed re-
markably good health.
The summer of 1845, it will be recollected, was very tedious
and hot. The whole season the drought was severe, and there
was scarce a single shower to refresh the earth. It was there-
fore very depressing to the health. However, by means of
daily bathing, and being much in the shade in the open air,
wearing usually a part of each day the wet girdle, to refresh
the sysvem, using the cooling hip bath and injections now and
246 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
then, as occasion required, and partaking lightly of food but
twice a day, Mrs. S. passed through the summer remarkably
well; but more than once during the season, certain things
transpired that were very much against the quietude, peace of
mind, and mental repose, so necessary in the condition she was
then in.
At length, her expected time drew near. By the exercise of
great prudence and care, she was enabled, up to the very last,
to discharge the ordinary duties of overseeing the household
affairs of her family, and to walk and ride daily and frequently
for exercise or as business called, in the open air.
I must here mention, that one of my respected preceptors in
medicine, and a man who is scarcely second to any other in his
thorough acquaintance with medical lore, gave it as his decided
opinion that from the extreme smallness of the pelvis, Mrs.
Shew could never give birth to a full-formed living child. The
expedient of causing premature birth, or the still more horrible
one, of destroying the child, seemed to him inevitable, either
of which Mrs. S. could not for an instant listen to. That
the labor must be exceedingly severe, was evident enough
to all. Butshe was resolved to let nature take her own course,
whatever it might be.
Labor came on at evening, of the 15th September, the weathe:
being yet hot and sultry. Mrs. S. would not listen to the pro-
posal, to have. medical aid besides myself; nor would she
consent to have any nurse or female attendant of any kind.
Ordinary servants only were to bring water, and do whatever
of like service was necessary.
The labor pains went on, becoming exceedingly severe, and
continued until three o’clock in the morning, at which time
she gave birth to a large, healthy, and well-formed female
child. Almost immediately the after-birth was expelled, fol-
lowed by most frightful flooding. The night was, I confess, a
long, dark, and dismal one to me. There was, I knew, in my
wife’s system, and always had been, as well as in her family, a
strong tendency to hemorrhages. I understood perfectly well
the different modes resorted to in these dangerous extremes.
Cold applications are, the world over, the means relied upon.
As to the mode of applying the cold, I had resolved, in this
case, to take a different course from any I had ever heard of.
I had procured a large hip bath, with a good back, in which a
person could be placed in a sort of half-reclining position, with
the head supported upon pillows. Instead of applying the cold
water by the stream from a pitcher, by wet cloths, and the like,
I had resolved, that if flooding came on I would take Mrs. 8.
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH. 247
in my arms, and instantly place her in this hip bath ; and thus,
as I believed, I could more quickly chill the whole of the pelvic
viscera, than by any other means. Be it remembered, that
wherever there is hemorrhage, whether from the lungs, sto-
mach, bowels, or womb, there is great heat in and about the
part from which the blood issues ; and the quicker and more
effectually this heat can be abstracted and the parts chilled,
the more certain are we to arrest the flow, by the constringing
effect of cold upon the open vessels. As for the shock of the
douche, or pouring of water from a height, so much in vogue,
I believe that, so far as the shock is concerned, it is better avoid-
ed. If I am not mistaken, that only tends to keep up the flood-
ing. The cooling should be passive and not violent.
Having every thing in readiness, I took Mrs. S. in my arms,
and before she had time to faint entirely, I placed her in this
hip bath of cold water. The water covered from near the
knees over the whole abdomen, and no sooner had these parts
come in contact with the water, than it seemed, as if by magic,
the flooding ceased. The water revived her, and a very few
minutes before she had become much chilled, I raised her care-
fully and laid her in bed, put wet cloths about the abdomen
and wrapped her warmly in blankets. The feet were cold, as
they generally are in severe hemorrhage. These parts, and
from the knee down, I rubbed briskly, with the warm hand, to
restore the natural warmth. I kept good watch that she should
not become too warm, as in that case flooding would be apt to
return. It was not long before Mrs. 8. fell into a sound sleep,
in which she rested for some time.
I have regretted much that I did not, at the time, write down
notes of this case; that is, of the remaining part of the treat-
ment to be spoken of. From the severity of the labor and the
loss of a large amount of blood, Mrs. 8. said she felt a greater
degree of weakness than she had ever before experienced, a
sense of sinking of the vital powers, and an oppression at the
heart, with which she was before wholly unacquainted. The
sleep I have spoken of, did her much good, and was, of all
things, the most desirable. Still she was very weak, and after-
pains set in, growing more and moresevere. Her system being
so highly sensitive, I expected this, and resolved upon the use of
the hip bath. I would here remark, that the objection that
would be raised by almost any practitioner to this procedure,
here as well as in the flooding before spoken of, would be, that
the position, the raising up a person in this weak state, and
placing the trunk of the body in an upright position, would be
likely to cause a return of the flooding. This objection, I ad-
248 _ THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
mit, would have great weight, were it not for the fact that the
water acts so powerfully to check that symptom. Still there
is nothing like the danger feared, even. without the use of
the water, that there is supposed to be. And persons are
found everywhere, in fact, it is almost a universal thing in
childbirth, that females are required to lie, day after day, in
too warm beds, thus debilitating the body by the heai caused
by the fatigue of remaining much in one position, and by the
unnatural position of the brain. Females thus become debili-
tated, nervous, restless, and are kept back day after day, and
often for weeks, and all for the want of what may well be called
good nursing; and then in this debilitated state, when they do
begin to get about, after the ninth day, as superstition has it,
the opposite extreme is practised; too much is done at once, a
cold is taken, inflammation of the breasts occurs, or falling of
the womb takes place, or perhaps a powerful hemorrhage. [
repeat, that in my practice, as a rule to which there can seldom
be any exception, my patients of this kind sit up, even if it be
but one minute or five ata time, the first day of the confine-
ment and onward. ‘This sitting up to rest the patient, that is,
to rest from the fatigue of the lying position, is one of the best
means that can be adopted. The bed is at the same time aired
and becomes cool, so that when she returns to it, the change
back again is salutary and the reclining posture becomes one
of rest. The patient Should be taught not to overdo in this
matter, for every good thing has its abuse as well as use.
I had now, in Mrs. Shew’s case, a good opportunity to test
fully the powers of water and good nursing. There were in
her mind no prejudices to overcome—no lack of confidence, no
superstitious, yet good-meaning, old women about us to whisper
their fears, and prognosticate evil.” There was nothing in the
way, and what was better than all the rest, Mrs. S. had herself
a good knowledge of the principles that should guide us in the
management of such cases, .
After Mrs. Shew had slept as before mentioned, and the after-
pains had commenced, I administered the hip bath. These
pains, as well as hemorrhages, are attended with internal heat :
but, as regarded the general system, Mrs. 8. had now a feeling
of dread of cold water. The objects in view in the use of the
hip bath and frictions, were to lull the pain, and to invigorate
the system by the tonic effect of the water and friction. I laid
a folded blanket in the bottom of the bath, in which was put a
small quantity of tepid water, of such temperature as would
produce no unpleasant sensation. Blankets were also used to
wrap about the feet and limbs, and the whole surface, except
PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH. 249
the parts exposed to the water. Reaching my hand under
these blankets, I commenced rubbing the spine, abdomen, and
other parts; and as the surface became accustomed to the wa-
ter, I dipped the hand into that which was of a little lower tem-
perature, and at length lowered the temperature of the water
in a bath gradually, by adding to it cold water. Inashort time
the pains ceased. The bath was continued some fifteen or
twenty minutes, possibly a little longer, and then Mrs. S. was
Sen comfortably in bed. It was indeed truly wonderful to
ehold the change produced by this bath. Besides the remo-
val of all pain, it seemed as if the strength was increased ten-
fold, all in the space of less than half an hour.
The after-pains returned frequently during the day, and as
frequently they were combatted with the hip bath and frictions.
At least as many as ten times, and I think more, through the
day and evening, I administered these baths, every one of
which appeared to do an astonishing amount of good. Besides
the removing of after-pains and the tonic effect of the baths,
there was another palpable one: at times, sharp, cutting pains
were experienced in the bowels, caused by flatulency. The
bath removed them like a charm. The urine was found to pass
freely, in consequence of the bathing and drinking ; and the
soreness so much felt in these cases was all removed.
As Mrs. S. grew stronger, the water was used somewhat
colder, but all the time of moderate temperature. She slept
very well during the night, having little or no more of the after-
pains. In the evening, she sat up, bore her weight, and walked
a little about the room.
In consequence of more than usual fatigue, I did not awake
the next morning until between six and seven o’clock. I con-
fess I was not a little surprised, on awaking, that Mrs. Shew
had left the room. This was only twenty-six hours from the
birth ; and she had taken her child in her arms, and gone down
to the kitchen. She felt that she was perfectly able to do this,
and acted accordingly, on her own responsibility. She was,
however, very careful this day; took but little nourishment ;
and in three days’ time, we moved to the large house, 56 Bond
street, Mrs. S. walking up and down stairs numbers of times
during the day, overseeing things, as they were moved, and
so every day onward. Bathing was kept up, as usual, daily,
and she partook now, as was her usual habit, of the plainest
iood, and but twice per day, using no other animal food, except
a trifling quantity of milk, and no other drink except pure
water.
The second day after the birth of our child, a worthy old
11*
250 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
gentleman, one of our patients, from New England, called upon
us. He inquired, kindly, respecting Mrs. S.’s health, he having
seen her much in the summer, and in a few minutes she met
him in the parlor. He raised his hands, and, in astonishment,
exclaimed, “ This is indeed bringing things back to nature !”
In conversation with one of the first medical men of our city,
or of the world, I described this case of Mrs. Shew’s, and
also others of like results. He said that he could not conceive
it possible for a woman to get up and go about, with anything
like safety, in twenty-four, or even forty-eight, hours after child.
birth. I admitted, that as a rule, women could not, under ordi-
nary modes of treatment,—but, at the same time, asked him
how it was that the Indian women were so little troubled with
these matters. I then said, our patients practise daily bathing
continually ; drink no tea or coffee, to weaken the powers of di-
gestion, constipate the bowels, destroy the relish for food, shat-
ter the nervous system, and impair the soundness of natural
and refreshing sleep; their modes of dress do not distort and
debilitate their frames, and, instead of remaining mostly within
doors, according to the foolish customs of civil life, they go re-
gularly and often in the open air, thus gaining strength upon
strength, by means of these natural and powerful tonics, ex-
ercise, pure air, and light. He admitted that such modes
persevered in, must produce powerful effects of some kind,
and added, that he intended always to sustain good health
by means of the shower bath, the daily use of which he had
adopted with the greatest benefit.
hold, that strong and enduring as are the Indian wo-
men, the generality of females of the present generation
even, may, if they commence in early life, becorme more
hardy and strong than are those daughters of the forest,
whose habits are, in many respects, unnatural and detrimental
to health. But all this requires an amount of knowledge
that few yet possess. :
I could add numbers of cases of child-birth scarcely less
striking than that of Mrs. Shew; and if the reader has any
doubts of the authenticity of such narrations, I ask him to
take the names and residences of my patients, and hear their
stories for himself. Persons who have experienced the inval-
uable, untold, and apparently miraculous effects of cold water,
will not hesitate to make known the blessings of the new system.
DIET AT GRAFENBERG. 251
CHAPTER II.
DIET AT GRAFENBERG AND REMARKS ON FOOD.
It appears to me that the relative value of the diet at Gra-
fenberg has not generally been well explained, or under-
stood. It has been represented to us as being, to say the
least, of very objectionable kind, in many respects, and
such as should be improved. If I mistake not, the food
furnished at Priessnitz’s table, is, on the whole, plainer, and
less objectionable than can be found anywhere else in a
large establishment. Priessnitz contends, that brown bread
and water, alone, are entirely sufficient to sustain man in the
best health. “Live upon brown bread and water, if you
desire the best cure,” says Priessnitz. Accordingly, he
furnishes an abundance of bread of this quality. T'wo
kinds are used ; to wit, coarse or brown rye, and brown rye
and barley bread. ‘There are, perhaps, about equal quan-
tities of these eaten, and the quality of each appears to, be
considerably coarser than that used by the poorest classes,
even. All of the brown bread in Germany seems sour.
This is the case at Priessnitz’s, and strange as it may ap-
pear, it does not seem to disagree with any one. I have
never seen the injurious effects that have generally been
supposed to be the necessary result of mere sourness in
bread. Whatever may be true in this matter, a person
very soon comes to relish these kinds of bread at Grafen-
berg. Especially is this true if he climb the mountains and
hill sides, and drink freely of the very pure soft water so
abundant there.
Some writers have left their readers to infer, that Priess-
nitz cared nothing for the bread being of a coarse quality,
or brown, except that it is more economical. They have
said, in describing the modes of living at Grafenberg, that
white bread must be paid extra for, and that Priessnitz does
not object to it. The fact is, he permits some things that he
252 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
does not consider the best; nor is he at all unwilling to
converse upon those matters. He allows the fruit-women
at the door of the establishment to sell small rolls of very
excellent white bread. Occasionally, a patient buys one of
these for a change, and carries it with him as he goes to
the table. There is, however, but very little of this used,
and it is there well enough understood, that Priessnitz re-
commends the brown instead of the white. The morning
meal the year round, is composed of bread, butter, and
milk, with the addition, perhaps, of fruit at certain seasons
of the year. There is sweet milk and sour buttermilk,
and we believe, at times, sour milk that has not been churn.
ed. It is very common in Germany to use these sour arti-
cles. Sweet milk is strained into sour to curdle it. This
is something similar to the first part of digestion in the sto-
mach. At all events, it appears to be more healthful and
less liable to cause feverishness, head-ache, or drowsiness,
than sweet milk. Farmers tell us, that the milk and whey,
with which swine are fed, is much better sour. Indeed,
some go so far as to assert, that if these animals are kept
upon the sweet articles altogether, they are certain to be-
come diseased, and, perhaps, die. Sour milk, slightly
sweetened, sour buttermilk, and sour pot-cheese, (Dutch
cheese, as some call it in this country,) are famous dishes
with the Germans.
Butter is very moderately used in Germany. At Priess-
nitz’s table, I doubt if six patients, as a rule, use more than
one in this country. There is but very little upon the ta-
ble. A very thin small roll of it is seen here and there.
Some of the patients appear to take none. As is the case
in Germany generally, the butter is salted but very little.
Perhaps this is one reason why so small an amount is
taken. And ifa larger quantity were used, it being nearly
saltless, the effect would be decidedly less harmful than if
it were salted, as in this country; for salt is in every sense
a drug, and one that should be avoided. With this doc-
trine, and for the same reason, Priessnitz agrees. |
The supper the year round, is precisely the same as the
breakfast, except at times, boiled potatoes, unpeeled, are
DIET AT GRAFENBERG. 253
brought upon the table. These may be slightly warm, but
with this exception, the breakfasts and suppers are entirely
cold. It will, perhaps, appear strange, that such meals are
relished highly as they are, but every one can call to mind
times when he has been compelled to lose a meal, or when
he has wandered in the woods, picking berries, hunting, or
fishing, and has returned home with an appetite that would
cause him to relish most keenly any cold thing he might
chance to lay hands upon. ‘This is a natural healthful ap-
petite, and such as is enjoyed at Grafenberg, for the pa-
tients there make, as all patients must, the matter of cure
one of work. It is a law of nature, that health can by no
possible means be attained without this.
Dinner.—Some, in advocating the diet generally recom-
mended at water:cure establishments, have spoken as if it
were not important that the dinner be cold. It is superflu-
ous to say that the same rules apply at one time of day as
another. No doubt at these establishments, generally, the
dinner is not cold, like the breakfast and supper, as it
should be. In the hurry of such a place, things are crowd-
ed together, and the dinner comes upon the table, smoking
hot. This can, and should, be avoided.
Objectors to Priessnitz’s dinners, have not sufficiently,
we think, considered the difference between two courses of
dishes and many. In the European higher circles, as is
well known, dish after dish is brought, so that if a little
only be eaten of each, the many littles would be found to
make a large whole. Persons would be astonished often
to see what quantities they eat, little by little, if they could
see the whole meal upon one plate. Now, at Priessnitz’s,
there are, properly speaking, only two courses. The brown
bread is always upon the table. At dinner, each person
has two plates, one upon the other. ‘The first dish usually
consists of boiled, lean meat, with potatoes, carrots or tur-
nips, made into what would be, in this country, understood
as a sort of a stew, a very plain dish. ‘There is also some-
times cabbage, or sour-krout, and roast meat of different
kinds, but this is intermingled with a large proportion of
vegetables, bread, dumplings, and the like, and is not in
254 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
those huge masses that we see roasted meat in this country
and England. After the first comes a kind of dessert dish,
as it may be called; rice pudding, so plain and free from
sugar, or sweet, as hardly to deserve the name ; apple pud-
dings, or ample dumplings, plain griddle cakes, with milk
or cream sauce, slightly sweetened. Such are the dishes
ordinarily furnished at the table of Priessnitz. Consider-
ing the fact, then, that there are but two courses, and that
these two consist of very plain and uncomplicated forms of
food, the Grafenberg dinner, it must be acknowledged, is a
very plain one; and we affirm, that any individual who
has an appetite at all natural, if he be not set and obstinate
in his own way, may, at any time, sit down at the table of
Priessnitz, and make a most excellent repast—one that will
undergo the process of digestion in an infinitely more
friendly and pleasant manner than those large dinners
which Americans and Englishmen are so fond of. If food
is of very plain character, containing never more than a
very small amount of sugar, or other saccharine matter,
no eggs, spices, or salt, and is sufficiently free from con-
centration of every kind, there is little danger of active
water-drinking people taking too much. If invalid persons
will try this mode of partaking of but one or two very sim-
ple articles, avoiding the rich and concentrated substances,
sugar, molasses, butter, &c., they will be astonished to ob-
serve what a difference there will be experienced in the
feelings and comfort of digestion. ‘The rule of the world,
however, is that persons study how near the line of actual
destruction they can go, and yet for the time escape.
Innutritious matter in food necessary to health.—lIt is a
well ascertained law of the animal economy, that food, to
be healthy, must contain a considerable portion of matter
that is wholly indigestible and innutritious. Thus, Magen-
die, the physiologist, found that dogs, fed upon sugar, gum
arabic, butter, olive oil, and some other articles of rich or
concentrated nature, each given to the animals separately
with pure water, they very soon lost their appetites, began
to droop, became emaciated, were attacked with ulcers,
and died, invariably, within the space of four or five weeks.
SS
DIET AT GRAFENBERG. 255
Fed upon superfine flour bread and water, they lived uni-
formly about seven weeks, varying only a day or two.
When fed upon coarse or military bread, such as contained
either the whole or a considerable portion of the bran, the
dogs thrived perfectly well, and were found in no respect
to suffer. The same truth has often been illustrated upon
ship-board at sea. In many cases, where the hay and
straw were swept overboard, it has been found that the ani-
mals, in a few days, famished, unless some innutritious
substance, and the shavings of wood, was’ mixed with the
grain given them. The animals have been observed to
gnaw at the spars and timbers, or whatever wood they
could lay hold of; and thus the idea was suggested, that
the grain alone was of too rich a nature for their suste-
nance.
The same principle holds good in reference to the health
of the human body, and as a general fact, food, in civilized
life, is of too concentrated a quality. This is particularly
true in those parts of the world where an abundance can
be had; in other words, in the more civilized and enlight-
ened parts of the world. A host of diseases, both acute
and chronic, are either caused or greatly aggravated by
concentration in food. Indigestion, with its immense train
of evils, constipation, loss of flesh, corpulency, nervous and
general debility, torpor, and sluggishness of the general
system, are the principal roots of all disease in the human
family, and these are among the difficulties caused by too
great richness in food. Children are often injured in this
way. Mothers, in their kindness, think nothing too good
for their little ones. In many parts of our country, the
infant at.the breast is taught to suck at its piece of pork, or
other fat meat. Sugar, sugar candy, sweetened milk, su-
perfine bread, and rich pastries, are all given for the same
reason, by mothers and nurses in their mistaken kindness.
Children reared in this way, can never be healthy for any
considerable length of time, are generally very puny and
weak, and often die within two or three years of birth.
Serofulous and other ulcers are frequently thus caused,
and so also those derangements of the stomach and bowels,
256 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
which so often, in spite of the best remedial means, sweep
these little sufferers from their earthly existence, and this
at the very time when their growing mind begins to glad-
den the ‘parent’s heart. There is great and prevailing
error upon this subject, and happy are those parents who
take it upon themselves to gain wisdom in this most impor-
tant matter of food.
Sedentary and studious persons, and especially young
ladies at seminaries and boarding-schools, suffer much from
the effects of superfine bread, and other forms of concen-
trated food. Constipation, which is always attended with
unpleasant results, is very common among this class of
persons, one of the greatest causes of that state of health
being too great richness in food.
The effects of superfine flour were strikingly illustrated
in the case of a crew of seamen belonging to Providence,
R.I. The narrative we quote from Graham’s Science of
Human Life, and is as follows:
“Captain Benjamin Dexter, of the ship Isis, belonging to
Providence, R. I., arrived from China, in December, in 1804.
He had been about one hundred and ninety days on the
passage. The sea-bread, which constituted the principal
article of food for his hands, was made of the best of su-
perfine flour. He had not been long at sea, before the men
began to complain of languor, loss of appetite, and de-
bility. These difficulties continued to increase during the
whole voyage, and several of the men died on the passage
of debility and inanition. The ship was obliged to come
to anchor about thirty miles below Providence ; and such
was the debility of the hands on board, that they were not
able to get the ship under way again ; and the owners were
under the necessity of sending men down from the city of
Providence to work her up. When she arrived, the own-
ers asked Capt. Dexter what was the cause of the sick-
ness of his men, to which he answered, “The bread is too
good.’ ”
Cases of a similar kind have elsewhere been known to
occur. Sailors, the world over, are generally furnished
with brown sea-bread, much to the advantage of this use-
EFFECTS OF DIET, BATHING, ETC. 257
ful class of men, did they but know it; and their health is
proverbially good, while they are away from the tempta-
tions upon land. These hardy, weather-beaten men are
subjected to many healthful influences other than the use
of coarse bread, but, on the whole, their dietetic and other
hygienic habits need greatly to be improved ; still, com-
pared with the mass of mankind, they are remarkably
healthy.
Every one who is aware of the importance of a certain
degree of innutritiousness in food, must lament many of
the so-called improvements of modern times. Who can
think of the good dishes our New England mothers used
to prepare, homely and plain, as the fastidious would now
consider them to be, and not desire earnestly that such days
of simplicity might again return tous? As things are, if
a person travels from home, or visits among friends, almost
every dish that is set before him is of a form so concen-
trated as to be positively injurious. At the best hotels and
boarding-houses, upon the floating palaces that glide upon
our waters, and in our splendid ships that traverse the seas,
the evil we speak of is generally prevalent. But, thanks
to the day in which we live, a better way is fast progress-
ing. Hydropathy, in all its simplicity and primitiveness,
goes forward; and a knowledge, never before arrived at,
of the importance of simplicity in food, is destined hence-
forward to prevail.
The Albany Orphan Asylum. An experiment illustrating
the effects of a judicious diet, in connexion with bathing,
ventilation, &§c.
It is understood by most persons in this country that Mr.
Sylvester Graham, now of Northampton, Mass., caused a
considerable degree of interest, some years ago, in giving
popular lectures upon the subject of health, Mr. Gra-
ham’s writings, setting forth his peculiar views, have also
circulated quite extensively. As is well known, he advo.
cated strongly the importance of attention to diet, but, at
258 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
the same time, not less the paying due regard to bathing,
cleanliness, air, and exercise, and, in short, to each and
every particular and circumstance that tends in any way
to affect health. Mr. Graham was often enough vilified,
misquoted, and misrepresented, as is true of all reformers.
Still, not a small number of persons have become, as it
were, his followers, and most of these affirm that they have,
by so doing, been greatly benefitted in health. A few we
have known, who have thought the experiment not a good
one ; but in cases of this kind it has not been difficult to
discover that the individuals have erred in some important
particulars, and proceeded contrary to the teachings of Mr.
Graham, and in, perhaps, a still larger number of in-
stances, persons have been driven back to their old modes,
by the want of self-denial and control. It is not every
one that has mental and moral strength sufficient to enable
him to forego the whole farrago of spirits, tea, coffee, to-
bacco, and improper articles of diet, at one and the same
_ time, although he is well convinced at the great advantages
to be derived in so doing.
Many suppose that Mr. Graham’s system, as it is called,
simply refers to anti-flesh and brown-bread eating, a sup-
position that could not be further from the truth. He has
always, at least, admitted of the moderate use of milk,
which is, essentially, animal food.
It will be observed that the leading opinions of Mr. Gra-
ham and Priessnitz are precisely the same. Both have
been, as it were, co-workers, without any knowledge of
each other, until of late. Both were insisting upon the
necessity of simplicity in food, the avoidance of all stimu-
lating substances and drugs, of bathing, exercise, air, and
all the natural means of fortifying the general health.
Both affirmed (although some meat is eaten at Grafenberg,)
that brown bread and water alone are sufficient to sustain
an individual in the firmest health.
The following account of an experiment made some
years since, in the Albany Orphan Asylum, according to
Mr. Graham’s directions, but few, at least of my readers,
are acquainted with, and I therefore give it. In the changes
EFFECTS OF DIET, BATHING, ETC. 259
such an institution undergoes, in the election of new offi-
cers, superintendents and matrons, and with the lack of
accurate knowledge concerning the subject of health, it is
doubtful if this experiment has been continued. Whether
this be true or not, we are not aware. It is indeed lament-
able that results so valuable should not have been more
generally appreciated.
“The Orphan Asylum of Albany, N. Y., was founded
in December, 1829. Orphans and other destitute children
of the city were gathered into it, to the number of from
seventy to a hundred and thirty. The house at first occu-
pied was too small for the good accommodation of so large
a number ; but great pains were taken to keep it clean and
well ventilated. One room was set apart for a nursery or
sick room, and a woman, with sometimes one or two as-
sistants, employed to nurse the sick and feeble. Drs.
James and Green were the attending physicians. Great
attention was paid to the personal cleanliness of the child-
ren, and their regimen generally as to bathing, clothing,
air, exercise, &c., was intended to preserve and promote
health. The diet consisted of fine bread, rice, Indian pud.
dings, potatoes, and other vegetables, and fruit with milk ;
and to these was added flesh or flesh soup once a day.
“¢ A large and commodious house having been built for
the purpose, the children were removed to it, in April,
1833. In September, 1833, a change was commenced in
the diet of the children, and in the course of three months,
they were brought fully into what is popularly called ‘ the
Graham system of living.’ In August, 1836, the following
account of the institution was published :——
“‘¢]t is now more than six years since this institution was
established, and about three since the new regimen was
adopted,—so that the time has been nearly equally divided
between the regimen which embraced animal food and that
which excluded it. From the commencement to the present
time, new inmates have been occasionally received into the
asylum from the almshouse and from the city, and most of
these children have been in very poor health, and some of
them exceedingly diseased. During the whole period,
260 THE WATER-CURE MANUAL.
also, children have from time to time been placed out in
families, when they had arrived at a proper age.
“