Every Man His Own Doctor
by R. T. Claridge · English · Gutenberg #41292 · 504,331 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Every Man His Own Doctor
Author: R. T. Claridge
Release date: November 5, 2012 [eBook #41292]
Most recently updated: October 23, 2024
Language: English
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Transcriber's notes:
In this plain text version, italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and
bold text by =equals signs=. Numbered footnotes are located below the
relevant paragraphs.
In the list of errata, page numbers are consistent with those in the
book but line numbers do not correspond because of word-wrapping
requirements to produce this screen-readable text.
Capitalisation, hyphenation, and spelling styles vary throughout the
book and almost all have been left in the original format (some marked
with [sic]); some of the more obvious variations are listed below.
Inserted corrections are enclosed in [ ]. Abbreviations such as U.S.,
M.A., and M.D. vary as to whether they are spaced or closed up.
a-day/a day
ancle/ankle
aught/ought
a-week/a week
bason/basin
catemenia/catamenia
colic/cholic
degrees/deg./°
diarrhoea/diarrhœa
ear-ache/ear-ach
etc/&c
everywhere/every where
Freywalden/Freywaldau/Freiwaldau
Greenough/Greenhough
headache/head-ache
Homoæpathic/Homeopathy/Homæopathist
Hydropathy/hydropathy and related terms
Hygeia/hygeia
inquire/enquire
Jenison/Jennison
kidnies/kidneys
mattrass/mattress
Packing-sheet/packing-sheet/Packing sheet/packing sheet
Priessnitz's/Priessnitz'
reaction/re-action
ringworm/ring worm
Rubbing-Sheet/Rubbing-sheet/rubbing-sheet/rubbing sheet
shews/shows
sitting-bath/sitting bath
sitz/Sitz
smallpox/small pox
staid/stayed
tepid-bath/tepid bath
Vanderheyden/Van der Heyden
watercure/water-cure/Water-cure/water cure/Water cure
EVERY MAN HIS OWN DOCTOR.
THE
COLD WATER, TEPID WATER,
AND
FRICTION-CURE,
AS APPLICABLE TO EVERY DISEASE TO WHICH THE HUMAN
FRAME IS SUBJECT.
AND ALSO TO
The Cure of Disease in Horses and Cattle.
BY
CAPTAIN R. T. CLARIDGE.
AUTHOR OF THE "GUIDE ALONG THE DANUBE TO TURKEY AND GREECE;"
"HYDROPATHY, OR THE COLD WATER CURE," ETC. ETC.
LONDON:
JAMES MADDEN, PUBLISHER,
8, LEADENHALL STREET.
M.DCCC.XLIX.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY J. WERTHEIMER AND CO.,
CIRCUS PLACE, FINSBURY CIRCUS.
[Transcriber's Note: The book does not contain a list of contents;
the following table has been compiled to assist the reader.]
PREFACE iii
ERRATA
HYDROPATHY
I. Vincent Priessnitz. 1
II. Hydropathy. 17
III. What Does Hydropathic Treatment effect? 17
IV. How are the Effects described in the last Chapter
produced? 20
V. Is Hydropathy a Panacea? And what Complaints are
Curable by it? 24
VI. Is Hydropathy new? Why is it not generally adopted? 26
VII. The Lancet. 30
VIII. Authorities in Support of Water as a Curative Agent. 32
IX. Ablutions. 40
X. Use of Cold Water for Drinking and Injections. 41
XI. The Cold Bath. 43
XII. Is going into the Cold Bath in a State of Perspiration
attended with Danger? 45
XIII. The Packing Sheet, and Sweating Process. 46
XIV. Sweating Process. 50
XV. The Rubbing Sheet, or Abreibung. 50
XVI. The Douche Bath. 52
XVII. The Shower Bath. 54
XVIII. The Sitz or Sitting Bath. 54
XIX. Eye Bath. 55
XX. Head Bath. 55
XXI. Finger and Elbow Baths. 56
XXII. Leg Bath. 56
XXIII. Foot Bath. 56
XXIV. The Tepid, or Abgeschrecte bath. 58
XXV. Bandages, or Umschlags. 59
XXVI. Diet. 62
XXVII. Clothing, Air Baths, Wearing Stays, etc. 69
XXVIII. Drugs. 73
XXIX. Assimilation. 77
XXX. The Crisis. 79
XXXI. Dropsy. 82
XXXII. Smoking. 84
XXXIII. Questions put to Mr Priessnitz, and his Answers. 90
TREATMENT AND CASES
XXXIV. Gout. 92
XXXV. Rheumatism, etc. 100
XXXVI. Tic-Doloureux. 106
XXXVII. Affection of the Throat and Pain at the Chest. 107
XXXVIII. Fevers. 108
XXXIX. Congestion of the Lungs. 118
XL. Inflammations. 118
XLI. Gripes, Cholic, Diarrhœa, English Cholera, or Cholera
Morbus. 121
XLII. Consumption. 125
XLIII. Cramps. 125
XLIV. Asthma. 127
XLV. Surgical Operations, Accidents, etc. 128
XLVI. Small Pox, Measles, Hooping Cough, Croup, Scarlatina,
Colds, Shivering, etc. 135
XLVII. Sore Mouth--Inflamed Gums 146
XLVIII. Tooth-ache, Preservation of the Teeth, etc. 147
XLIX. Watery or Inflamed Eyes. 148
L. Deafness. 148
LI. Ear-Ache. 148
LII. Ringworm, Itch, etc. 149
LIII. Psoriasis. 149
LIV. Fistula. 151
LV. Hæmorrhage, Irregular Menstruation, Pains in the
Womb, &c. 152
LVI. Change of Life in Females. 155
LVII. Treatment of Ladies. 156
LVIII. Giddiness, Dizziness, etc. 158
LIX. Head-Aches. 158
LX. Acute Inflammations in the Head, Chest, and Abdomen. 160
LXI. Chilblains. 160
LXII. Cold Feet. 160
LXIII. Cold Hands and Whitlow. 160
LXIV. Bunnion and Enlarged Glands of Foot and Instep. 161
LXV. Depression of Spirits, Head-Ache, etc. 161
LXVI. Deafness. 161
LXVII. Hernia and Constipation. 161
LXVIII. Liver Complaint, Congestion of Blood in the Head,
Enlarged Vein in the Leg. 162
LXIX. Deformity. 163
LXX. Spinal Complaints. 164
LXXI. Constipation. 166
LXXII. Indigestion. 166
LXXIII. Stomach Complaint. 167
LXXIV. Throwing Food off the Stomach. 167
LXXV. Heartburn. 167
LXXVI. Sea Sickness. 168
LXXVII. Palpitation of the Heart. 168
LXXVIII. Want of Sleep. 168
LXXIX. Languid Circulation. 168
LXXX. Ring Worm. 169
LXXXI. Hands Frostbitten or Suffering from a Boil. 169
LXXXII. Weak Eyes and Eruption on the Head. 169
LXXXIII. Weak Ankles. 169
LXXXIV. Treatment of Infants. 169
LXXXV. Epilepsy. 170
LXXXVI. Hypochondria and Hysteria. 170
LXXXVII. Fœtid Perspiration of the Feet. 171
LXXXVIII. Stricture. 172
LXXXIX. Inflammation of the Kidneys and Urethra. 172
XC. Hydrocephalus. 172
XCI. Syphilis. 172
XCII. Chancre. 173
XCIII. Gonorrhœa and Chancres. 174
XCIV. Scrofula and Vaccination. 175
XCV. Piles. 176
XCVI. Rupture. 176
XCVII. Chilblains. 177
XCVIII. Cold Feet. 177
XCIX. Eruption, Scabs, and Sores on the Arms. 177
C. Consumption. 177
CI. Insanity. 179
CII. Cholera. 179
CIII. Colds, Sore Throats, etc. 185
CIV. Cancer, etc. 187
HYDROPATHY FOR ANIMALS 197
EXPENSES AT GRAFENBERG 212
ROUTES TO GRAFENBERG 212
INDEX 213
PREFACE.
It is difficult to account for the fact that Hydropathy was practised at
Gräfenberg, and at many other establishments in Germany, and that books
on that subject were published in that country, twenty years before it
was known in England.
Most works treat upon some familiar subject, and are supported or
opposed; but my book on the Water-cure, from its great novelty, placed
me in almost as isolated a position at the time, as the publication of
Bruce's Travels did their author.
A gentleman who had been at an establishment in Germany, and who
afterwards wrote in favour of the cure, on seeing the review of my work
in the Times, addressed me a letter wishing me every success, and saying
"that I had put my hand into a hornet's nest: that I had that day made a
hundred thousand enemies."
These fears, I am happy to say, have not been realised: at least, as far
as I know. The leading papers reviewed my work favourably; my lectures
in England, Ireland, and Scotland, met with serious attention; and baths
and wash-houses resulted from a lecture I gave in Edinburgh.
I have found numbers of persons willing to give the system a trial; but
unfortunately, few could spare time to go to Gräfenberg, where it is
carried out with safety and success by the immortal Priessnitz.
Though not a medical man, I seldom refused to administer aid when it was
asked of me, and I have the satisfaction of knowing that no accident
ever attended my operation; on the contrary, my humble endeavours, in
every instance, were more or less crowned with success. I am bound, in
candour, to say, that from members of the medical profession with whom I
have had the honour of becoming acquainted, I have invariably met with
the greatest courtesy.
The propagation of any novelty, however useful, is a work of
time,--especially when, like Hydropathy, it attacks the deep-rooted
prejudices of society, and is opposed to the interests of a host of
individuals.
Hydropathy--unlike brandy and salt, mustard-seed, and many other
chimeras with which its opponents wished to rank it--is not to be put
down. During the short period of eight years, its principles have
pervaded all society: we can hardly go into any society that we do not
find its advocate. The upper classes drink more water and less wine; the
poorer classes are beginning to bathe: for this purpose, baths and
wash-houses are open or being erected in most of the metropolitan
parishes--or, as it is expected they will pay their own expenses, it is
to be hoped they will be provided for the poor in every parish in
England.
Hydropathic establishments are now to be found in England, Ireland, and
Scotland, and in America; and the practice of the Water-cure has
penetrated to the Antipodes. Hardly a week elapses but some work appears
on the subject. Messrs. Abdy's "Diseases Cured by Cold Water;" Sir
Eardley Wilmot's "Tribute to the Water-cure;" Col. Dundas' work, "To the
Halt, Lame, and Lazy;" Mr. Lane's "Life at the Watercure;" Sir Edward
Bulwer Lytton's "Confessions of a Water-drinker," are amongst those of
the non-medical productions.
The following is a list of medical men who have recorded their opinions
in favour of Hydropathy:--Drs. Wilson, Gully, Johnson, Weiss, Marsden,
Ellis, Baxter, Rischanek, Weeding, Feldmann, Lovell, Courtney,
Heathcote, Balbirnie, Stummes, Paterson, King, Curteis, Hills, Preshaw,
Gibbs, Macleod, Paisley, Smethurst, Barker, Laurie, Bushnell, Mayo,
Weatherhead, Graham, Alexander, Freeman, Martin.
Notwithstanding Hydropathy has made its way in an extraordinary
manner,--with the mass of evidence that has been produced in its favour,
it is matter of surprise that it has not become _even more_ general; for
it is a remarkable fact, that, in this age for writing, whilst so many
works, both in Germany, France, and England, have appeared in support of
Hydropathy, I do not know one that has seriously attempted its
refutation. It is true that, at its first introduction, some said my
only object was to make money; others cavilled at the term Hydropathy,
the absence of diphthong in the word Gräfenberg, its want of novelty,
the non-professional terms I made use of in my work, and similar
trifles; but no one ever wrote a line to disprove the truth of the
system, or demonstrate the uselessness or danger of the wet sheet,
sitz-bath, or, indeed, any part of the treatment.
That it was my intention to make money by hydropathy is an allegation
without a foundation; my object being completely philanthropic. Having
gained my own health and saved the life of my daughter at Gräfenberg,
and having witnessed most astounding cures there, I wished to make
generally known so valuable a remedy,--to do this by writing, lecturing,
attending the sick, opening establishments, or any other means in my
power, my exertions have been unceasing. I may therefore be permitted to
repeat, my motives have been disinterested, as, thanks to Providence, I
am perfectly independent in circumstances. The promotion of hydropathy
has always been attended with expense to me--a sacrifice which I am
still willing to make for its advancement.
We claim nothing for hydropathy on the score of novelty, because it is
well known that in India the natives understand the use of cold water in
curing fevers, wounds, bruises, etc.; in all probability it has been
their panacea for all diseases since the time of Noah.
A hundred years ago, Dr. Sir John Floyer, in a work he published, stated
that he frequently saw people with cutaneous eruptions go to a spring in
his neighbourhood, dip their shirts in it, wring them out, put them on,
and walk away. He inquired, and never found any harm to result from thus
wearing wet linen.
The Russians, from time immemorial, have gone into snow in a state of
perspiration.
What we claim for Priessnitz' system is, a systematic mode of
manipulating; a cautious, modified plan of operations, by which no risk
is incurred, and more good produced than can be accomplished by any
other means known to the medical profession. Hydropathy would doubtless
have taken a much larger extension, had the trouble attending the
treatment been less, and its practitioners more competent. It has always
been matter of regret that Mr. Priessnitz has no successor, and that he
has not himself published something on the subject of the Water-cure. To
supply this desideratum, when last at Gräfenberg, where I stayed twelve
months, I proposed to Mr. Priessnitz that he should furnish me the
matter, and that I should publish it; to this he consented, and gave me
verbally his opinion of the treatment to be followed in the various
cases as they occurred. The following pages are my humble endeavours to
place before the public the results of our conversations as a familiar
guide to the Water-cure for men and animals.
The greatest enemies to hydropathy--its most violent opponents--are
those who know nothing whatever about it; who have never seen it
practised as it ought to be, or made reasonable inquiry into the
subject. This is what every science has had to encounter. When Lord
Spencer, many years ago, was in the habit of stating his belief that
steam and gas might be made available to useful purposes, he was
considered a madman, and would-be-wise people declared that what he said
on the subject was absurd. Dr. Lardner, in his "Encyclopædia,"
endeavoured to prove, and no doubt did convince his readers, that no
steam-boat could cross the Atlantic. Works may be read in the
"Bibliothèque" in Paris, written by medical men on the introduction of
the potato into France, to shew that fevers which raged at that time in
the capital arose from the use of that vegetable.
Thus, it will be seen, speculative opinions are but of little value--we
want facts; and unless we are prepared to discredit the evidence of the
many respectable professional men, and others, whose names are here
given, the value of hydropathy must be admitted.
The learned and talented Dr. Forbes, editor of the "British and Foreign
Medical Review," says:--
"The practice of the Hydropathists is so open, and their disciples so
numerous, that the innocence of their proceedings may be said to be
established by the absence of evidence to the contrary. We cannot enter
any circle of society without encountering some follower of this method,
ready to narrate a series of _psuchrolousian_ [Transcriber's note:
should be psychrolousian - 'psychro-' of or pertaining to cold]
miracles, prepared to defend and zealous to applaud the Priessnitzian
practice. Judgment must, therefore, be entered by default against its
opponents, and Hydropathy is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness,
since cause has never been shewn to the contrary."
ERRATA.
In consequence of the unavoidable absence from London of the
Author, while these sheets were passing through the press, the following
errors have occurred:--
_Page_ vii. _line_ 16, in preface, _for_ Spencer _read_ Stanhope.
" 29, " 40, _for_ Wilson _read_ Watson.
" 104, " 32, _omit_ "and the following process was adopted"
" 108, " 21, _omit_ not.
" 123, " 6, _omit_ before.
" 127, " 26, _omit_ until warm.
" 132, " 19, _for_ Scontetton, _read_ Scoutetton.
" 154, " 20, _for_ minutes _read_ weeks.
" 175, " 36, _for_ from Dartres, _read_ afflicted with
dartres.
" 208, " 25, _for_ and afterwards had wet bandages, dry
ones were applied, _read_ wet bandages were applied to the
inflamed part; when inflammation was subdued, the heating
bandages were used.
HYDROPATHY,
ETC. ETC.
I.--VINCENT PRIESSNITZ.
"Discover what will destroy life, and you are a great man--what will
prolong it and you are an impostor! Discover some invention in
machinery that will make the rich more rich, and the poor more poor,
and they will build you a statue! Discover some mystery in art, that
will equalise disparities, and they will pull down their houses to
stone you."--_Bulwer._
Priessnitz was born at Gräfenberg, October, 4th 1800. His father became
blind in his nineteenth year, and remained so until his death, which
took place in 1838, a period of thirty-two years, during fourteen of
which his son was his guide. His mother was killed by a bull in 1821.
Priessnitz's family have been in possession of the estate he now owns,
consisting of about 180 acres of land, for upwards of 200 years, so that
a mistake arose in calling him a peasant, instead of a farmer's son, or
yeoman of Silesia. Two centuries ago (1645), when the country was
invaded by the Swedes, a soldier, attempting to carry off a female of
the family, was pursued and slain by one of Priessnitz's ancestors on
the spot now called the Priessnitz-Quelle (or spring). A tablet placed
over the spring, commemorates this event.
Priessnitz was born, in what is now called the "stone house," (opposite
the large establishment) which he inherited with the land.
He began dabbling in the Water-cure, when only twelve or thirteen years
old. Having sprained his wrist, he pumped upon it and applied a wet
bandage, which produced an _Ausschlag_, or eruption; he not knowing
whether it would be beneficial or otherwise. The question was, however,
soon decided; for the _sprain_ was cured. Finding the same plan, in
other sprains, cuts, and bruises invariably succeed, he recommended its
adoption to his neighbours.
He next applied the wet bandage to swollen joints and local pains, and
was gradually led to its application in gout and rheumatism. Observing
that the wet bandage remained cold from want of heat in the part
affected, he covered it with a dry one to prevent evaporation, and
confine the heat. The appearance of eruption in many cases before
amelioration or cure, led him to suppose that there was generally some
peccant or foreign matter required to be drawn out, or eliminated. Thus
drawn on to think and reason on the subject, his powers of invention
were kept in constant activity to find new expedients for producing the
desired effects in the fresh cases presented to him; until the present
complete and efficacious system, or science was gradually developed and
matured.
In treating a cut hand in one person he found it heal kindly; in
another, it became angry and inflamed: whence he concluded that the
blood of the one was healthy, and of the other impure. Reflecting on the
effect of bandages and baths, in extracting and attracting heat, and
exciting eruptions when applied, he resorted to the elbow bath, and
bandages up the arm, to relieve the hand. Other modes of treatment were
progressively discovered and added.
When sixteen years of age, after loading a waggon with hay, Priessnitz
was standing at the horse's head, whilst his companions were cogging the
wheel; before this was effected the horse struggled, overcame him and
rushed down the hill, which was very steep. Unwilling that the animal
should destroy itself, Priessnitz would not relinquish his hold, his
foot caught in a bush and he fell between the horse's feet, was dragged,
trampled upon and severely bruised. He was taken up senseless, with two
of his front teeth gone, and three ribs on the left side broken, he was
carried home, and a doctor sent for: who, after causing great pain by
probing and _punching_ the side, applied his remedies, at the same time
prognosticating that his patient would never perfectly recover.
Priessnitz having no respect for treatment or opinion, declined the
doctor's further attendance.
He then began to manage himself. By frequently holding his breath, and
pressing his abdomen on the side of a table, for a painful length of
time, he forced back the ribs into their proper position. Wet bandages
were constantly applied and changed, and water drunk in abundance. By
perseverance in these means he rapidly mended, and in twelvemonths his
health was completely restored.
His own faith and that of many of his neighbours in the power of water
was thus established; and ere long the peasantry from all sides flocked
to him for aid. Some thought him endowed with the power of witchcraft;
others honored him as a prophet; all wondering at his success in curing
disease. Sponges used by him in washing his patients were regarded as
talismans--as containing within them something gifted with a mysterious
and marvellous operation. Broom-sticks were placed across his doorway,
to see whether on coming out he could get over without displacing them,
it being a prevalent opinion that only those practising witchcraft can.
His antagonists took advantage of this disposition of the people; and
their opinion that Priessnitz was possessed by an evil spirit was
encouraged by the priests, who denounced him publicly in the church.
Some idea of the excitement got up against him may be found, from the
fact, that the peasantry were in the habit of throwing stones at the
early visitors to his house.
Numbers, however, came to him for advice, which he then only gave at his
own house; afterwards he was induced to visit his patients. This seemed
to dissolve the spell, and his reputation began to decline,
notwithstanding he claimed no remuneration nor accepted any fee: from
hundreds his applicants fell off to tens. He soon perceived that what is
simple, costing neither money nor trouble, loses its value, or is but
coldly appreciated; he therefore returned to his previous usage of
giving advice only at home, leaving people to believe as much as they
pleased in the magical virtues of his remedies.
His reputation now rose higher than ever, and spread far and wide.
Strangers from distant parts came to Gräfenberg, so that he was
compelled to increase the size of his house for their accommodation; and
thus his establishment commenced.
He was not yet, however, allowed to proceed smoothly in his career: many
viewed his growing reputation with jealousy. The two medical men and the
Burgomaster at Freiwaldau set on foot a conspiracy to crush him. Their
persecutions lasted thirteen years: but, as frequently occurs in
similar cases, these were among the circumstances that eventually
advanced his success; since but for this pressure from without, he never
would have so completely developed the power of water over disease; and
the physiological and pathological truths that have in consequence come
to light, must still have lain buried in darkness. During all this
period, he was strictly watched, to see if he applied aught else than
the pure element; calling for the exertion of his utmost ingenuity, to
supply, by water alone, the place of every other remedy.
He was frequently brought before the Syndic at Freiwaldau; but all
endeavours to convict him of any unlawful act (which the administration
of drugs or herbs in an unlicensed practitioner would have been) had
failed, when in 1828, a more determined attempt was made to put an end
to his proceedings. Witnesses were brought forward to prove that he had
injured them, and others that he had pretended to cures that had
actually been performed by the medical men. But none, when examined,
could deny that Priessnitz had benefited them, and taken no payment in
return.
There was a miller, whom both the doctor and Priessnitz claimed the
merit of curing. On being examined, the miller was asked which of the
two had effected the cure? "What shall I say?" answered he: "_Both_; the
doctor relieved me of my money, and Priessnitz of my disease. In return,
I have given him nothing--not even thanks, which I take this opportunity
of offering him for the first time." This was of little avail; his
calumniators had resolved his downfall. Accordingly, he was next accused
of quackery, in illegally tampering with the public health, and ordered
to be put under arrest. An appeal to the tribunal at Brünn, caused this
unjust sentence to be reversed; and he then obtained permission to have
a cold-water bathing establishment. Discontented at this, his
persecutors shortly after brought him to the court at Weidenau, a
neighbouring town, on the hypocritical plea that the connection between
his accusers and the authorities of Freiwaldau might, contrary to their
wishes, give a colour of unfairness to the proceedings. The tribunal of
Weidenau could not reverse the sentence of that at Brünn, but prohibited
Priessnitz from treating any persons but those of his own parish or
district. He replied that water was free to all, and that he was not in
the habit of inquiring whence an invalid came previously to
administering aid. Feeling he was right, he persisted in acting as
before; and for some time, no further notice was taken of him.
In 1831, his enemies took a bolder course, by raising an alarm of the
craft being in danger. This enlisted in their cause the medical men at
Vienna, who brought the subject under the notice of the emperor. He sent
Dr. Baron Turckheim with a commission of district and staff surgeons to
Gräfenberg, to investigate and report on the new system, and the
proceedings of its originator. Notwithstanding that most of these
gentlemen were prejudiced against both, they were astonished and pleased
at what they witnessed; and their report was of so favourable a nature,
that Priessnitz was allowed by imperial authority to carry on his
establishment, with the addition of the privilege enjoyed by staff
surgeons of giving sick certificates to public employés and officers
under his care. This state of things was, however, again shortly
afterwards disturbed. In 1835, the emperor Francis being dead, fresh
intrigues induced the government authorities at Troppau (a town about
fifty miles from Gräfenberg) to withdraw the permission Priessnitz had
received for giving sick certificates. He was urged to appeal to the
higher powers, but declined, saying--"The matter must right itself," and
steadily refused giving sick certificates, even to foreign officers.
These complained, through their ambassadors, to the authorities at
Vienna; and for them, Priessnitz's power of granting certificates was
restored. The Austrian officers and employés being still excluded, also
exerted themselves through friends in the capital; and the matter was,
in the end, satisfactorily arranged.
In 1843, the Prussian government, doubtless under medical influence,
forbade all officers or employés proceeding to any hydropathic
establishment out of Prussia, unless expressly recommended by their
medical advisers.
The greatest difficulty in obtaining passports to the Hygiean temple is
also encountered by the Russian Poles. It has been observed by many from
both these countries who, nevertheless, reached Gräfenberg, that their
medical men strongly recommended their not going to Priessnitz, and
willingly gave certificates for any other establishment, even though in
a foreign country.
For thirty years, although all publications against Priessnitz and the
Water-cure were tolerated in the Austrian dominions, none in favour of
either were permitted. But, as though willing to do tardy justice and
urged on by public opinion, in July, 1845, the Vienna Gazette inserted a
favourable article on both subjects.
From the age of seven to twenty-one, Priessnitz was in constant
attendance on his blind father; and on that account, escaped the
liability of being drawn as a soldier. Early in life he married a
distant relation of his own name, daughter of the _Schulz_ or chief
magistrate of Bömishdorf, who was by trade a miller. He has had nine
children, of whom six daughters and one son are living. The first-born,
a sickly boy, died of apoplexy. When taken ill, the wife and relations
insisted on having a physician from Nicholasdorf: this was at the
commencement of Priessnitz's career, and he reluctantly yielded. He has
since said he would not have given way, had he imagined the doctor could
have killed the child so soon, for a powerful medicine being
administered, death was the almost immediate result. Priessnitz supposes
it was calomel. Whatever it was, it produced spasms and death.
This was a severe lesson to Mrs. Priessnitz, who since that event has
left the treatment of her children entirely to her husband.
As has been said, the various manipulations which now form so complete a
system, were gradually introduced just as Priessnitz became aware of
their necessity and had experience of their effect.
Finding that pain was relieved by natural perspiration, he instituted
the sweating process by covering the patients up well in bed. Some time
later he improved on this, by introducing the blankets. On a patient
becoming faint, whilst under the process, he found that opening the
windows to admit fresh air, and washing the face, afforded relief, and
ordered it with equal advantage generally. At first he sponged the
throat, then the chest, and gradually the whole body; finding the
extension of this practice most beneficial in _every_ case, he ventured
on the tepid (_i. e._ 62° Fahr.) bath and ultimately the plunge or cold
bath.
The relief afforded by local bandages to the finger, arm, leg, and other
parts of the body afflicted with pain, or to which he wished to attract
the vicious juices, suggested the use of the waist bandage, which he
found fulfilled many useful purposes, especially in relieving pain in
the abdomen, feverishness, and restlessness, and also in bringing the
abdominal functions into a healthy state.
Satisfied of the benefit derived from local cold bandages, he thought
they might be extended over the whole of the surface of the body; and
this originated the wet sheet, which supersedes the lancet by relieving
the overcharged system of heat, and is the most powerful sedative known.
It has gradually superseded the sweating process, though not in all
cases. Priessnitz recommended the weaker patients to remain in the
blanket only a sufficient time to get thoroughly warm; but they,
thinking to accelerate a cure, sometimes remained in it too long, and
fainted from exhaustion--a reason assigned for confining his treatment
more especially to the wet sheet.
In chronic cases, which resisted the application of bandages, tepid and
cold baths, he long tried local baths, to cause internal excitement and
reaction; thence arose the hip, arm, foot, and head baths, which were
generally successful: but in some obstinate cases, where they were not
so, Priessnitz wished for a more powerful agent, and hit upon the
douche, to which his attention was drawn by reflecting on the benefit he
had received by pumping on his sprained wrist.
The rubbing sheet is a much later addition, being an improvement on
rubbing with wet hands, or using sponges. It is a means of rousing
latent heat, and administering an ablution to delicate persons, who
could not endure an immersion in the bath.
This combination of novel and invaluable appliances will effect any
purpose attempted by the pharmacopœia. In fact, so complete and
efficacious is the system, that it may justly be termed a science
putting into the shade all hygeian discoveries from the days of
Hippocrates to the present time.
"Notwithstanding there are several defects in point of beauty, and a
sternness of outline in almost every feature," there is something in the
whole expression of Priessnitz's countenance peculiarly pleasing as well
as striking; and one reads there kindness of heart as well as firmness
and decision.
Among all his neighbours, his character stands deservedly high. From his
infancy, he has been a pattern of sobriety and virtue, a good Christian,
kind neighbour, an excellent husband and father; ever prompt to acts of
benevolence and, though secretly, to acts of charity. Poverty deprives
no invalid of his succour. Many, for months together, enjoy the
hospitality of his table, and benefit by his advice, who have no means
of making any pecuniary return. Indeed, Priessnitz never demands a fee,
nor complains if none be given. Nevertheless, he has become rich by the
exercise of prudence and economy.
It is worthy of record, that he never wrote a line or caused anything to
be inserted in newspapers on the subject of his discoveries, or employed
any of the means of publicity usually resorted to make known his
establishment; yet this is frequented by denizens of all nations, and
his fame extends to the antipodes.
When the author went to Gräfenberg in 1841, there seemed a deficiency of
English; of whom he found but three. There were members of every grade
of society from the crowned head to the beggar, all submitting
themselves to Priessnitz's directions.
Anxious to make my countrymen acquainted with a system which had
benefited thousands, and from which I had personally derived great
advantage, immediately on my return home I published a work suggested by
my visit to Gräfenberg, which proved to be actually the first that had
appeared in England on the subject. Many English were thus induced to
undertake a journey to see Priessnitz, and several books shortly
afterwards came out, attesting the writer's high opinion of his skill,
with their faith in the efficacy of his method. The number of English
pilgrims to the Hygeian temple increased; and it is at present one of
their favorite resorts. In 1848, a letter numerously signed was sent to
America, and was inserted in the _New York Tribune_.
"To the Editor of the Tribune.
"Sir, _Gräfenberg, 14th August, 1849._
"The undersigned, desirous to alleviate suffering, and to promote the
health and comfort of human beings, wish to call attention to the
Water-cure as practised by Vincent Priessnitz. Not a particle of
medicine is ever administered in any form or quantity. No bleeding,
blistering, or leeching is ever employed.
"It is not pretended that the Water-cure is a universal specific for
all diseases; but there are sufficient facts to prove that all diseases
curable, and many incurable by any known means, can be healed by a
proper application of the Water-cure, which the following cases will
demonstrate.
"Count Mitrowski, an Austrian nobleman, aged fifty-four, who had long
been afflicted with gout, and whose name we are permitted to use, was
found insensible in his bed in an apoplectic fit. Some medical men were
quickly in attendance and Priessnitz was sent for. The professional men
considered the Count past recovery; and one of them said that he would
throw his drugs away and become an hydropathist if this patient was
restored. It was proposed by some to bleed the invalid, to which
Priessnitz objected, if he was to bear any part of the responsibility.
So far gone was the patient, and so nearly extinct did vitality appear,
that a priest administered the extreme unction, and according to the
custom of the country, a lighted candle was placed in each hand of the
apparently dead man. By cold water treatment alone under the sagacious
direction of Priessnitz, this gentleman recovered consciousness on the
_third day_, drove out in a phaeton on the fourth, and gradually
returned to his former habits.
"The only son of a Sovereign Prince, aged three years, suffered for
fifteen months from chronic obstruction of the bowels, which baffled the
skill of his medical attendants, and resulted in total atrophy. For
twenty-seven days the child had _had no relief_, when, by the
physician's advice, Priessnitz was called in. He saw the child; and at
his suggestion the Prince and his family came here, in order that
Priessnitz might daily superintend the treatment. In a few days the
disease yielded to the water-cure, and at the end of three months, the
child returned quite well.
"A lady of rank suffered severely from frequent head-aches, cramp in the
stomach, indigestion, and other maladies, which cannot here be
particularised. She constantly threw up her food, even whilst in the act
of eating, and could not have the slightest relief without medicine, and
even then had great pain and difficulty. She had been under medical
treatment for fourteen years, during which time she consulted fourteen
eminent physicians. In little more than a year under the Water-cure, she
was restored to perfect health.
"A gentleman had one of the worst attacks of small-pox, complicated
with measles. From the fact of his vomiting blood any medical man will
judge of the malignity of the disease.
"In a fortnight he was out of doors; and in four weeks all traces of the
disease were rapidly disappearing.
"Here is one case of a gentleman advanced in life and long an
invalid,--another of a tender infant,--a third of a lady,--a fourth of a
person labouring under what is generally considered a fatal disease, and
_all restored_.
"The undersigned trust you will kindly insert this statement, which they
are impelled to offer from a desire to make known to others the benefit
derivable from a system in the efficacy of which, as well as in the
sagacity and skill of its founder Priessnitz they have the fullest
confidence, and to which, humanly speaking, some of them owe their
lives, and are,
"Sir,
"Your most obedient servants,
E. H. Tracey, the Hon., _England_
J. Hailes, Major, Bengal Army
Hugh Barr, _Paisley, Scotland_
J. H. O. Moore, Capt. H. B. M. S.
Edward Birch, British Consul
J. F. Sparkes, _England_
C. A. Lane, Lieut. Col., Bengal Army
Alonzo Draper, _New York_
T. V. Ganahl, _Inspruck, Tyrol_
C. W. Ganahl, _Ditto_
H. C. Wright, _Philadelphia, N. Y._
H. D. Avrainville, _Ditto_
Baron Rudolph, _Lüttechan, Austria_
Count Guillaume D'Aichott, _Westphalia_
Charles Dr. Pickler, _Gratz, Styria_
Baron de Leutch, Capt. Austrian Army
Count Pierre, Dr., _Goess, Styria_
Baron Keller, Capt. Austrian Army
Count Zelenski, Chamberlain, _Austria_
Gustav Hirschfeld, _Holstein_
H. K. Marcher, M. D. _Denmark_
Count Wallowitz, _Poland_
L. Lemoile, French Consul
Baron de Wrede, _Austria_
Count Henkel, Dannesmark, _Prussia_
C. Balsch, Grand Logothet, _Moldavia_
Baron de Pabst, _Holland_
J. N. Spencer, Surgeon Dentist, _London_
F. B. Y. Ribas, Spanish Consul, _Odessa_
F. Harnish, Apothecary, _Bresslau_
L. J. E. Rudnick, Phil. Doc., _Prussia_
E. C. Ellery, _London_
G. Pietsch, _Leeds_
Sig. Goetzel, _Vienna_
Count J. Schaffgotsch, Chamberlain to King of Prussia
Baron F. D'Unsulz, _Poland_
Baron Schmidburg, Sect. Austrian Gov.
A. B. Mills, _Glasgow_
J. T. Delvarnes, son of Ex-President of Chili
H. A. Muller, _Hambro'_
Carl Burmester, _Ditto_
H. Schierholz, _Ditto_
Theod. Heyman, _Ditto_
E. Holzmann, _Ditto_
Count Szirmay, Chamberlain, A. G.
H. G. Robinson, _Yorkshire_
L. de Grotoski, _Poland_
Napoleon Maleski, _Ditto_
J. Slatter, _Isle of Jersey_
Le Chevalier de Montiglio, Sec. Legation, _Sardinia_
Prince Auguste Ruspoli, _Rome_
F. Kronwald, Councillor, _Austria_
Count Zeno Sarav, Austrian Chamberlain
Baron Tindal, Sec. Legation, _Holland_
The Rev. Thos. Smythe, _England_
J. Hamilton, _Carnacassa, Monaghan, Ireland_
Donilzi de Galetti, Capt., Russian Army
Alexr. de Harmasaki, _Moldavia_
V. Hake, Lieut. Col., _Prussia_
V. Crety, Lieut., _Ditto_
Otto Schramm, Royal Councillor, _Prussia_
Edward Hoffman, Lieut. Prussian S.
Edward Calvos. Lieut. Austrian S.
J. Gibbs, _Enniscorthy, Ireland_
Edward Joseph Tabelar, Councillor, _Vienna_
Baron C. V. Radzig, _Bavaria_
Michael Avrial, Merchant, _Paris_
Ignace St. de Ionnewald, Major, _Austria_
V. Siegl, Barrister, _Austria_
V. de Lauken, Lieut. Prussian S.
V. Siegler, Capt. Austrian S.
Count V. Orosz, Sec. Excise Bureau, _Vienna_
V. Perboe, Lieut. Austrian S.
L. Liebshang, Postmaster, _Austria_
L. Bardel, Lieut. Austrian S.
H. de Strager, Lieut., _Ditto_
C. Niemann, Provincial Deputy, _Pomerania, Prussia_
Victor Kurnatowksi, _Poland_
Baron N. de Höpken, _Stockholm_
Genges Siebil, _Lyons, France_
Karl Quovos, _Prussian Poland_
Francis Rieger, _Cracow_
Johann Gotthilf, President Criminal Court, _Prussia_
Count Oscar Roswadowski, _Austria_
Baron J. Wallish, _Ditto_
Baron M. Lyncker, Lieut., _Prussia_
Baron Mezenthin, Major, _Ditto_
Ivan A. Roiz, _Brazils, S. America_
Nicholas Arnault, _Paris_
Guiseppe Weyher, _Trieste_
August Navez, Lieut., _Belgium_
Wilhelm Lommatsch, _Saxony_
Baron A. Ledderer, Colonel, _Austria_
Von Kutzl, Lieut., _Ditto_
Von Bovelmo, Lieut., _Ditto_
Baron Huelberg, Lieut., _Ditto_
"P.S.--We, the undersigned, cannot vouch for the exactitude of each
particular in the four cases, related above, not having been at
Gräfenberg during their occurrence; but we are happy to state our
conviction and experience to be fully in favor of this mode of
treatment.
E. Hallman, M. D., _Berlin_
Peter Wilson, Writer to the Signet, _Scotland_
Horatio Greenhough, _U. S._
A. Schrotterick, M. D., _Norway_
Francisco Bazan, _de la Province de Seville en Espana_, M. D.
J. M. Gutterieg Estrada, late Plenipotentiary to the Court of London,
from _Mexico_
C. M. Mecker, _America_
R. L. Jones, _Luton, Bedfordshire_
A. J. Colvin, _Albany, N. Y._
A. F. Webster, R. N., _Battle Abbey, Sussex_
W. Cybulvo, M. D., _Prague_
Dr. Hempin, _Prussia_
W. Murray, _Monaghan, Ireland_
W. S. Ellis, _Middle Temple, London_
T. H. Cohen, _London_"
* * * * *
In 1845 a work of a very different tendency appeared, which, though
approving of the hydropathic treatment in itself, denounced Priessnitz's
application of it, and calumniated him personally in the most
unwarrantable and groundless manner. The author was R. H. Graham, M. D.;
and so unpardonable was his attack on Priessnitz that it drew forth the
following letter.
"To the Editor of the London Times,
"_Gräfenberg, 2nd February, 1845_.
"Sir.--We, the undersigned British and Americans, who have resided here
for periods varying from three months to two years and upwards, and who
consequently have had ample opportunities of acquiring correct
information, deem it our duty publicly to assert that a work, entitled
'A true Report of the Water-cure, by Robert Hay Graham, M.D.' abounds in
gross exaggerations, mis-statements, and calumnies respecting
Priessnitz. It would lengthen this document too much to go into a
detailed repetition of all those portions of Dr. Graham's work which we
could contradict; we therefore refrain from noticing any in particular:
it will be sufficient to say, that _from personal observations_, we can
deny several of Dr. Graham's allegations, and, from information upon
which we _can_ rely, we are convinced that many more are totally devoid
of foundation.
"We have seen a letter dated January 15th, 1845, from Captain Wollf,
whom Dr. Graham gives as his authority for some of his most unfounded
assertions, and to whom he dedicates his book; and we beg attention to
the following extracts from that letter.
"'I not only' says Captain Wolff, 'was a passionate Hydropathist, but am
still, to this day, known as an out-and-out one ... the information
which I gave Dr. Graham, concerned solely the scientific part of the
Water-cure, and could not, of course, be otherwise than favourable; I
being, as above stated, an Hydropathist. With regard to the wretched
stuff you allude to, as to whether Mr. and Mrs. P. drink wine or grog,
whether Miss J. S. and other English ladies were treated with or without
clothes, the tiresome story about Munde, or whether the Princess L. did
or did not employ the Water-cure, with such like, I have never concerned
myself; for I lived at Gräfenberg exclusively for the Water-cure.'
"Thus does Dr. Graham's principal witness fail him! It is only necessary
to add, that we do not place the least reliance on any of Dr. Graham's
statements. We are led to say thus much from regard to truth, and from
esteem for a great and good man, who has been basely vilified.
"In our opinion Priessnitz, from long practice, varied experience, and
close observation, guided by his extraordinary genius, has acquired so
intimate a knowledge of the action of water, of its dangers and
advantages as regards the human body, both in health and disease, that
the most delicate invalid may safely rely on his judgment; and in this
opinion we are sustained by the fact of his great success in the
treatment of almost every variety of disease, which surpasses that of
any physicians on record. The patients who seek his aid may be divided,
with few exceptions, into two classes:--those who by medical men have
been pronounced incurable; and those, whose diseases are the result of
medical treatment: and, out of the large number whom he yearly treats,
it would be absurd to expect that he should never lose one. But we
cannot believe that the Water-cure is the best remedy for disease,
without also believing that he, its discoverer, is the best practitioner
of it; and to convince us to the contrary would require somewhat
stronger and more unexceptionable testimony than that of Dr. Graham.
From the portrait which Dr. Graham draws of Priessnitz, one who did not
know him, would be apt to imagine him as full of assumption and
Charlatanism, whereas he is as far from either as any man; being as
remarkable for his simplicity and truth, as for a native modesty and
unassuming propriety of demeanour, which, combined with his kindliness
of heart, win respect and regard from almost all who approach him.
Requesting that you will do us the favour to give insertion to this
letter, We are, Sir, Your obedient Servants,
Lichfield (The Earl of)
E. H. Tracey (The Hon.)
W. S. Ellis, _Temple_
Richard L. Jones
Gretton Bright
Augustus Blair (Capt.)
J. H. O. Moore (Capt.)
Thomas Smithell, M.A.
Andrew B. Mills
C. Sewell
Horatio Greenough, _U.S._
W. D'Arley
John Gibbs
William Murray
Andrew J. Colvin, _U.S._
Alonzo Draper, _U.S._
G. Pietsch
James Hamilton
Henry J. Robinson
C. H. Meeker, _U.S._"
* * * * *
If Dr. Graham's object was to injure Priessnitz, it was, unquestionably
thoroughly defeated; for his fame continued to increase, and at the end
of the same year, Gräfenberg was honoured by a visit from the Archduke
Charles, heir apparent to the imperial crown of Austria, who treated
Priessnitz with the greatest consideration, and shewed great interest in
the Hydropathic treatment. On his arrival, an address was presented to
him, numerously signed by the visitors at Gräfenberg, and presented by--
Don I. M. Estrada, Ex-Minister from Mexico to London
Count Cyacki, Grand Marshal of Poland.
Count Shaffgatch, Chamberlain to the King of Prussia
Baron A. D. Lotzbeck, Chamberlain to the King of Bavaria
Capt. Moore, 35th Regt.
F. La. Moile, Ex-Consul de France.
The Archduke seemed much pleased with it; and as it was a novelty in
Germany, where addresses are unknown, we think a translation may be
interesting to our readers.
_Address presented to_ Archduke Franz Carl, _at Gräfenberg, October
4th, 1845_.
"We, the undersigned natives of various countries, enjoying here the
hospitality and protection of a paternal government, hasten to take
advantage of the propitious occasion offered by the presence of your
Imperial and Royal Highness, to lay our homage at your feet. How could
we fail to evince the sentiments of gratitude which we entertain towards
your illustrious house, for the favour it has deigned to grant for the
development of a system, which has produced such happy results on
ourselves, on that around us, and on the thousands of invalids who have
preceded us. The protection of Government having been extended to the
establishment at Gräfenberg and Freiwaldau, your Royal and Imperial
Highness has judged it not unworthy to see with your own eyes the
marvellous effects of a treatment, which gradually spreading over the
universe, will preserve the human race from the double curse of
intemperance and disease. For this condescension we tender our thanks.
In all times and in all countries the use of cold water as a curative
means has been acknowledged. The great physicians of past ages already
had recourse to it. Travellers relate singular cures effected by its
means amongst even the most savage tribes. In recent times we
occasionally see light feebly penetrating through the darkness of
prejudice and routine, and revealing the neglected virtues of this
simple gift of nature; but these facts remaining isolated, the germs of
such a noble discovery had hitherto always remained undeveloped. It was
reserved to the soil of Austria to give birth to the immortal author of
a system which can already rank among the sciences. Priessnitz, a simple
farmer, in a poor and retired hamlet, obeying only the promptings of his
genius, has triumphed over all obstacles, and, still young, has marched
with a rapid step towards the destiny of great men. Relying solely on
observation and experience, he realised truths which the science of ages
could not reveal. The fame of his marvellous cures resounded at first in
the immediate neighbourhood: but his star always rising and never
vacillating, at last ended by shining throughout the world. Invalids
from the most remote countries hastened in great numbers to submit
themselves implicitly to his directions. Many disciples of medicine even
hesitated not to throw aside their prejudice, and become enlightened by
his discoveries. His cottage became the refuge of suffering humanity,
his hamlet the seat of a new doctrine; still, far from being intoxicated
with so much success and such unexpected good fortune, Priessnitz has in
no way deviated from his original simplicity and primitive manners. His
greatest ambition is the accomplishment of the laborious task he has
imposed on himself; his sweetest recompence the affection and veneration
of all who surround him. We know not which to admire most, the rare
genius of this gifted man, or the firmness and modesty which
characterise him. Guided by gratitude, and the admiration we feel for
the Hydropathic system and its origination, we have ventured to present
this humble address to your Imperial and Royal Highness, trusting that
the visit of such an enlightened Prince will be a good augury for the
further dev[e]lopment and extension of the curative system from which we
have ourselves experienced such happy results."
In the ensuing summer a most flattering testimony was decreed to
Priessnitz by the Emperor of Austria. It was a gold medal (called a
_Verdienst Medaille_ or medal of merit), and was presented to him by the
Governor of Troppau, on the 7th of July, 1846, at the altar, with great
ceremony, in the very church in which he had been formerly denounced.
Shortly after, an incident occurred which had nearly deprived the world
of this great man: this was the marriage of his eldest daughter, then
only seventeen, to an Hungarian nobleman of large fortune. The young
couple started for Hungary; and Priessnitz, on taking leave of them, was
observed to be much affected. Later in the day, whilst visiting his
patients, he found it difficult to lift one hand to his head. He hurried
home, where he hardly arrived when he was suddenly struck with general
paralysis, and was quite insensible. His attendants resorted to his own
remedies, he was placed in a tepid bath and rubbed by four persons for
nearly two hours before he began to regain his senses, when he ordered
the tepid water to be changed for cold; and he has since been heard to
say, the former would not have been attended with sufficient reaction,
and consequently would not have had the desired effect. He now ordered
his own treatment and recovered in a few days; his health was afterwards
re-established by a fortnight's visit to his daughter in Hungary.
A few months since he was rejoiced by the birth of a son. This event
conferred great happiness on him; for, as may be remembered, his
first-born whom he lost was a son, and all his other children until the
last, were daughters.
It is to be hoped, that Providence will spare his valuable life to see
his son grow up, so that he may initiate him experimentally in the
theory of Hydropathy, which can never be perfectly disseminated in any
other way.
Several monuments and fountains erected at Gräfenberg, testify the
admiration and respect in which Priessnitz is held. The English and the
Hamburghers are at present engaged in erecting similar testimonies. The
latter have placed his bust in the Exchange at Hamburg.
Judging from the strides Hydropathy is making, it is fair to conclude
that in the course of time these examples will be followed by every
nation in the world.[1]
[1] _Father Matthew's letter to Mr. Priessnitz._
"Cork, Sept. 25th, 1845.
"My dear Mr. Priessnitz,--Though this is the first time I have had the
honour of writing to you, I look upon you as an old and much esteemed
friend. This feeling has encouraged me to address you as such, and to
solicit a favour. You have proved yourself the benefactor of the human
family, and have much promoted the sacred cause of total abstinence.
As a trifling mark of the high estimation in which I hold you, I
presume to present the enclosed temperance medal. Condescend to accept
it, and to wear it, and you will confer a deep obligation on, With
profound respect, dear Mr. Priessnitz, Your devoted friend,
THEOBALD MATTHEW."
II.--HYDROPATHY.
The term "hydropathy," has been cavilled at; its etymological sense
meaning "water-disease," whilst its conventional sense means
"water-cure." If disposed to dispute about terms, we might say that
"physiology," in its etymological sense, means merely a discourse about
nature; whilst, in a conventional sense, we understand it to treat of
the science of animal life. For want of a better word, that of
"hydropathy" was adopted, to express the manner of curing disease, by
cold and tepid general and local baths, wet sheets (sometimes called
linen baths), dripping-sheets, douche and friction, air, exercise, and
drinking water. To this may be added, simplicity in our habits, and
temperance in our manner of living.
In fact, by the term "hydropathy," were intended all those appliances by
which nature may be put in the best possible way of assisting herself,
since no allopathist, homæopathist[Transcriber's note: should be
homœopathist], or hydropathist, will pretend that anything he can
administer has of itself any healing virtue. It is a common observation,
that riding, climbing, and exercise, give us strength; the horses,
hedges, mountains and ground, do not, however, impart strength, but they
afford the opportunity, the necessary resistance to develop or increase
that strength which is in us. The weak man, do what you will, can only
develop the strength which is in him, and the strong man the same. Let,
therefore, the reader judge which is best calculated to cause that
development--hydropathy or drugs.
III.--WHAT DOES HYDROPATHIC TREATMENT EFFECT?
It promotes the vital energies, quickens the action of the absorbents,
strengthens the nerves, allays irritation, promotes healthy action of
the vital organs.
The extreme vessels deposit healthy particles, which the absorbents
remove.
Dr. Gibbs, in his "Letters from Gräfenberg," states that water, applied
hydropathically, acts in the following ways:--
1st. By the more rapid liberation of caloric.
2nd. By accelerating the change of tissues.
3rd. By constringing the capillaries.
4th. By increasing nervous power.
5th. By restoring tone to the skin.
6th. By derivation.
7th. By forwarding the elimination of morbific matter; or, in other
words, as a sedative, alterative, tonic, stimulant, derivative, and
counter-irritant.
And taken internally, it acts--
1st. As a solvent, and contributes to the greater part of the
transformations.
2nd. Gives tone to the stomach.
3rd. Promotes the secretions and excretions, particularly from the skin,
bowels, and kidneys.
4th. It is a most important and indispensable element in the blood; and
"its partial application," says Dr. Johnson, "acts by determining
the force of oxygen from one part to another; it produces all the
effects of bleeding and blistering--except the pain," and he might
have added, the debility.
The hydropathic treatment causes the elimination of all foreign matters
from the body, and thereby promotes contraction, without which there can
be no health, which Dr. Billing has shewn to demonstration; he states
"that the proximate cause of _all_ disease is relaxation and enlargement
of the capillaries: the indication of a cure, therefore, is to
constringe the capillaries, and cause them to contract, and resume their
healthy state."
"As all organic action is contraction, all organic or animal strength
depends upon the power of the different parts of the body to contract."
If it be true, that the effect to be brought about in the treatment of
_all_ disease is to unload and constringe the capillaries, how can this
be better achieved than by the sweating or wet-sheet process, and the
cold bath; Dr. Johnson says--"The hydropathic treatment, which unloads
the capillaries by sweating, and constringes them by cold, is clearly an
efficient substitute for bleeding, purging, vomiting, uva ursi,
digitalis, antimony, mercury, arsenic, nitrate of silver, sulphate of
copper, iodine, iron, and multitudes of other remedies, enumerated by
Dr. Billing, merely by their power of unloading and constringing the
capillaries."
Priessnitz's theory:--
1st. That by the hydropathic treatment, the bad juices are brought to,
and discharged by, the skin.
2nd. A new circulation is given to the diseased or inactive organs, and
better juices infused into them.
3rd. All the functions of the body are brought into a normal state, not
by operating upon any particular function, but upon the whole.
If these are the results of hydropathy--and that they are so, has never
been disputed; nay, the truth is even proved by the following great
medical authority unconnected with the water cure: it must be admitted
that the sooner drugs are dispensed with the better.
_British and Foreign Medical Review, and Quarterly Journal, October,
1846.--Extract._
"The water cure is a _stomachic_, since it invariably increases the
appetite.
"It is a _local calefacient_ in the wet sheet covered by a dry one.
"It is a _derivative_; cold friction at one part, by _exciting increased
action there, producing corresponding diminution elsewhere_; _the
compress_ frequently acting, if not like a blister, at least _like a
mustard poultice_.
"_It is a local as well as a general counter-irritant._
"_It is essentially alterative_ in the continual removal of old matter:
its renewal is shewn in the maintenance of the same weight.
"An important hydropathic principle is, that almost all its _measures
are applied to the surface_. One of the most formidable difficulties
with which the ordinary physician has to contend is, that nearly all his
remedies reach the point to which they are directed _through one
channel_.
"The only means of relieving certain diseases is _by inundating the
stomach_ and bowels with foreign and _frequently_ to them _pernicious
substances_.
"Hydropathy employs a system of most extensive energetic general and
local counter irritation.
"A fifth physiological feature of hydropathy is the number of coolings.
The _generation of caloric has been traced to its right source_. It
results from the burning up of waste matter, which by accumulation would
become injurious.
"It is singular enough that almost all arguments used against cold
bathing are the strongest theoretical arguments in its favor. Dr.
Baynard, a most sarcastic writer, gives us the following anecdote:--
"Here a demi-brained doctor of more note than _nous_, asked, in the
amazed agony of his half-understanding, how 'twas possible that an
external application should affect the bowels, and cure pain within?
'Why doctor,' quoth an old woman standing by, 'by the same reason that,
being wet-shod or catching cold from without, should give you the gripes
and pain within.'
"If a rude exposure of the surface to cold and wet is capable of
producing internal disease, there is no _doubt that a close relation
exists between these agents and the morbid_ conditions of internal
parts."
After devoting upwards of thirty pages to prove the value of Hydropathy,
the reviewer sums up as follows:--
"After what has been said and written in favor of Hydropathy.--_Judgment
must therefore be entered by default against its opponents, and
hydropathy is entitled to the verdict of harmlessness, since cause has
never been shown to the contrary._"
IV.--HOW ARE THE EFFECTS DESCRIBED IN THE LAST CHAPTER PRODUCED?
Are the effects, as described by hydropathists and by the British and
Foreign Medical Review, produced without purging, vomiting, drugging, or
the lancet--or by what other means are such essential results to be
attained? We answer, by hydropathy alone are they to be produced,
through the medium of the external and internal skin or mucous membrane,
the most important organ in the human structure, and the most neglected
by the guardians of the public health; and by the promotion of all the
secretions and excretions.
The Abbé Sanctorius, a Florentine, might be said to have spent twenty
years of his life in a balance determining the amount of matters thrown
off by the pores of the skin. To ascertain this, he first cleaned and
then placed small glasses, some not longer than thimbles, on various
parts of the human frame, when the result proved that every man ought to
pass off from his person, daily, from six to seven pounds. Two and a
half pounds are supposed to be released by the ordinary modes of
evacuation, and the remainder by the pores of the skin. Now, if this
exhalation is impeded, and the necessary amount not eliminated (which
must happen if the skin has lost that energy, which exercise of the body
and cold ablutions can alone support), what becomes of the superfluous
juices thus retained in the system? The answer is easy; they circulate
through the internal organs and become the source of fevers,
inflammations, dropsy, and all sorts of diseases. Medical men see these
effects, but do not suppose them to have resulted from suppressed
perspiration. Instead of attacking the skin, they assault the stomach
and bowels, weaken the digestive organs, and by that means create
disease; whilst water, on the contrary, is a remedy, possessing at once
dissolving and strengthening properties, which would seem to neutralise
each other, but that we have daily evidence to the contrary.
Herein lies the great secret of hydropathy: by its modes of application,
morbid humours are drawn to the surface and eliminated, the body is
cooled, and the skin put into a state to perform its indispensable duty.
In internal inflammations, the morbid heat from the internal skin or
mucous membrane is drawn off by the application of cold and irritation
to the surface, and the disease subdued without charging the stomach
with anything but pure spring water, which in contradistinction to
drugs, produces the most salubrious effects.
The following extract shows that the skin is the great drain through
which matters injurious to the system, and superfluous heat are drawn
off and accounts for hydropathy being so universal a remedy.
_A Practical Treatise on Healthy Skin, by_ ERASMUS WILSON, _1 Vol.
1845_.--_Extract._
"The structure of the skin and the diseases to which it is liable, have
latterly received from many of the medical profession considerable
attention. The skin is that soft and pliant membrane which invests the
whole of the external surface of the body, as also the interior which is
called mucous membrane.
"The construction of these two membranes may easily inform us, without
having recourse to fanciful hypotheses, how disease, affecting any part
of this membrane, either internally or externally, may pass to any other
part and affect the whole; and thus how a faulty digestion in a lady, a
disease of the investing or mucous membrane of the stomach, may show
itself in eruptions on the face. We see at once, too, how it happens
that, calling into more active action the shower bath and flesh brush,
dyspepsia may be avoided or cured. It serves also to explain the
circumstance noticed by Fourcroy and Vauquelin, that the skin, with all
its products, 'is capable of supplying the office of the kidneys,' and
carrying off, as we know it to imbibe nourishment, the indispensable
excretions for which the proper organs may be deficient.
"In explanation of this circumstance, we must remark, that the skin,
internal or external, in which terminate all the arteries and commence
the veins, in which too, the nerves of sensation commence, and the
nerves of volition terminate, not only envelopes the whole body
internally and externally, but is also the secretory organ of every
part, and the immediate means of communication with the external world.
"The skin is the organ of contact with the external world, and the means
of making us acquainted with every part of the universe. The senses of
touch, of hearing, of smell, of taste, are all exercised by the skin.
"By the vessels terminating in the skin, or of which it is formed, all
the phenomena of nutrition, and decay of appetite, and sensation, health
and disease are produced.
"Whatever may be the climate or temperature in which the body is placed,
it is kept at nearly one uniform and vital heat by the varying and
adapting operations of the skin.
"The skin is the organ by which electricity is conducted into and out of
the body.
"Its functions are, in short, proportioned to its vastness; and as it
envelopes every part, so manifold are its purposes.
"The structure of the skin is highly curious; it consists of two layers;
the one horny and insensible, guarding from injury; the other highly
sensitive, the universal organ of feeling, which lies beneath; the
latter feels, but the former dulls the impression.
"The following will show how, by the perspiratory organs, excess of
water is removed from the blood, and the uniform temperature of the body
preserved.
"Taken separately, the little perspiratory tube with its appended gland,
is calculated to awaken in the mind very little idea of the importance
of the system to which it belongs; but when the vast number of similar
organs composing this system are considered, we are led to form some
notion, however imperfect, of their probable influence in the health and
comfort of the individual; the reality surpasses imagination and almost
belief.
"The perspiratory pores on the palm of the hand, are found to be 3,528
in a square inch; now each of these pores being the aperture of a little
tube of about a quarter of an inch long, it follows that in a square
inch of skin on the palm of the hand, there exists a length of tube
equal to 882 inches, or 73-1/2 feet. Such a _drainage_ as 73 feet in
every square inch of skin, assuming this to be the average for the whole
body, is something wonderful; and the thought naturally intrudes itself,
What if this _drainage were obstructed? Could we need a stronger
argument for enforcing the necessity of attention to the skin?_ On the
pulps of the finger, where the ridges of the sensitive layer of the true
skin are somewhat finer than the palm of the hand and on the heel, where
the ridges are coarser, the number of pores on the square inch was
2,268, and the length of tube 567 inches, or 47 feet. To obtain an
estimate of the length of tube of the perspiratory system of the whole
surface of the body, I think," says Dr. Wilson, "that 2,800 might be
taken as a fair average of the number of pores in the square inch, and
700 consequently of the number of inches in length. Now the number of
square inches of surface in a man of ordinary height and bulk is 2,500,
the number of pores therefore, 7,000,000, and the number of inches of
perspiratory tube 1,750,000, that is 145,833 feet, or 48,000 yards, or
nearly 28 miles.
"This is only a specimen of the extraordinary structure.
"Besides the perspiratory vessels, the skin is provided with vessels for
secreting an oily substance, which is of a different nature at different
parts of the body; with vessels to repair abrasion and provide for its
growth, and carry off its decayed parts; with nerves and blood-vessels
that are probably as numerous and extensive as the perspiratory vessels.
"It must at the same time be remembered, that the interior skin or
mucous membrane, is provided with equally numerous and complicated
vessels, to answer some analogous purposes. The whole of them may be
affected by applications to the external skin."
Dr. Wilson has, in his work, introduced some equally curious and
instructive passages, as to the formation and uses of the oil-glands,
the structure and functions of the hair, the influence of diet and
clothing, and the effect of exercise and cleanliness on the health of
this extensive organ.
V.--IS HYDROPATHY A PANACEA? AND WHAT COMPLAINTS ARE CURABLE BY IT?
Dr. Rauss, author of a work on hydropathy which passed through several
editions, says, "It is almost impossible for any one to die of an acute
disease, in whom reaction can be produced, and who from the commencement
is treated Hydropathically.
"Those unacquainted with this treatment will naturally doubt its
wonderful power; and the physician, when he reflects upon the number of
patients who in acute diseases have perished under his hands, will no
doubt treat it with derision; nevertheless," says the Doctor, "as I am
not advancing a doctrine that may be controverted, _I here publicly make
known that I am ready, by deeds as well as words, to prove all that I
have stated_." "_To state_," adds the Doctor, "_what diseases are
curable, would be a tedious occupation; I shall prefer pointing out
those which are not, viz., all diseases of the lungs, all organic
defects, and all diseases in people whose muscles and sinews are past
all power of reaction, and from whom vitality has passed beyond
recovery._" The cure of all acute diseases, of whatever nature or kind,
with these exceptions, is to Priessnitz merely child's play; in no
instance of nervous fevers or inflammations, in any stage, was he ever
known to lose a patient; and what is worthy of remark in acute cases, a
cure is effected in a few days without the subsequent debility which
results from other treatment. Whilst I was at Gräfenberg, all
descriptions of acute attacks came under my immediate notice, and I
assert, without fear of contradiction, that they were all cured, with
but one exception,--and that a highly valued friend of my own, a medical
man, who was attacked with inflammation of the lungs. The doctor, who
was advanced in life, retained his old prejudices, and consequently
refused to submit to the treatment until too late. Confident in the
power of Hydropathy for the last six years, whenever occasions offered
(and they were not few during my sojourn in Ireland), I applied the
treatment with invariable success. A case of inflammation of the mucous
membrane is worthy of notice. One M. D. declared his belief that the
patient would not live two hours; the other, that he could not exist
until the evening. On the application of the wet sheet and tepid bath,
the resuscitation of the man was as by miracle. In a case of diarrhoea,
the rubbing sheet and its bath acted to the astonishment of the family.
A young man had been under medical treatment for diarrhoea for a month,
when he could not sleep more than a quarter of an hour at a time. He
abandoned drugs, and was cured by hydropathy in three days. Dr. Engel of
Vienna, and many other writers on the subject, are quite of the same
opinion as Dr. Rauss as regards acute disease. This mode of treatment is
efficacious in chronic diseases accompanied by atony; in all nervous
affections, spasms, pains of which medicine will not discover the cause;
in cases of obstruction of the bowels, and all the systematic evils
which arise from them, such as indigestion, hypochondria, piles,
jaundice, &c; in gout, rheumatism, scrofula, and most diseases affecting
women; in fact, it is successful in a number of complaints altogether
beyond the reach of medicine. I have had frequent occasions for admiring
the result of the treatment in cases of ague, nervous, typhus, putrid,
and scarlet fevers; but its most signal triumphs are obtained over those
serious derangements of the system produced by the abuse of drugs, or
when consumptions are produced by iodine, arsenic, or the consequences
of mercury, tartar emetic, or other dangerous medicaments, have
manifested themselves."
It may be stated without the fear of contradiction (not a word has been
written to the contrary), that in small-pox, scarlatina, measles, croup,
and all the complaints incidental to children; in fevers, inflammations,
cholera, cholic, dysentery, diarrhoea, and, in fact, all acute diseases,
hydropathy competently administered is omnipotent; and that in chronic
complaints it effects more than can be obtained by any other means. The
question is frequently put, "Will hydropathy cure all complaints?" I
answer it is no catholicon, no panacea; nor is any cure for all diseases
to be found.
"As man, perhaps, the moment of his birth,
Receives the lurking principle of death,
The young disease that must subdue at length,
Grows with his growth and strengthens with his strength."
Thus Pope viewed it, and thus it must be viewed by all who think on the
subject. What the advocates of hydropathy assert is, that sudden fevers,
of whatever nature they may be, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, English
or Asiatic, in fact, all complaints that are termed acute, when the
vital energies can be roused are sure of being cured; and that in
old-standing complaints, usually denominated chronic, the water cure
will do all that can be done by drugs, and that it is all-powerful over
many complaints which are beyond the reach of all pharmaceutical
remedies.
VI.--IS HYDROPATHY NEW? WHY IS IT NOT GENERALLY ADOPTED?
It is frequently said, by way of detracting from the merits of the
Water-cure, that it is not new, that ages buried in the past have been
witnesses to its merits. To this it may be replied, its advocates admit
that the application of water to the cure of disease is as old as the
hills;--but let me ask, breathes there a man who can point to the page,
or call the dirty manuscript, from cavern or chest, wherein lies hid the
present process of Hydropathy's main arms, the wet sheet, sweating
process, the douche, etc.? Where shall we find the sage of ancient or
modern times, buried in herbalistic lore and practice, that ever
succeeded so completely in the cure of diseases, by thrusting nothing
upon his patient's stomachic organs but pure unadulterated water, as
Priessnitz? We seek not to prove its novelty, but its utility.
It has been shewn that water as a curative agent, has been known from
the remotest period; but its means of application were insufficient. In
the days of Pliny, it agitated the Roman world. In the sixteenth
century, great efforts were made in our own country to introduce it into
practice, and again more lately, the subject was agitated, but it did
not advance. Thus it has been with all great discoveries--witness Steam.
Le Caus, who discovered its powers two hundred years ago, was consigned
to a mad-house. The French Academy of Science denounced Fulton's
discovery as a chimera and absurd, as it did Hydropathy a few years
since. Others, anxious for the existence of a hidden treasure, were
ever in search of it, each step conducted slowly nearer the goal; but a
Watt, was required to give full and vigorous development to its powers.
Thus, it has been with water, which, unaided by its present manifold
modes of application, was nearly as ungovernable as the steam without
the engine.
All nations recognised and many partially profited by the healing
properties of water; but the genius of a Priessnitz was required to
explore its capabilities and resources, and, by reducing them to a
science, confer an inestimable boon on mankind and scatter to the winds
the accumulated fallacies of ages.
If all these effects which we have shown, are to be produced by
Hydropathic appliances, is it not evident there is something to be
learnt? An acquaintance with its details, its _modus operandi_, can only
be acquired by study and experience, as Lady Morgan says, "knowledge is
a fruit which no longer grows upon trees; on the contrary, it partakes
more of the nature of the truffle, and must be dug for by those who are
desirous of tasting it."[2]
[2] The following letter, extracted from Miss Costello's "Summer among
the Bocages and Vines," chronicles another melancholy instance of
persecution:--
"Paris, Feb. 1641.
"My dear Effiat,
"While you are forgetting me at Narbonne, and giving yourself up to
the pleasures of the court, and the delight of thwarting M. le
Cardinal de Richelieu, I, according to your desire, am doing the
honours of Paris to your English lord, the Marquis of Worcester; and I
carry him about, or rather he carries me, from curiosity to curiosity,
choosing always the most grave and serious, speaking very little,
listening with extreme attention, and fixing on those whom he
interrogates two large blue eyes, which seem to pierce to the very
centre of their thoughts. He is remarkable for never being satisfied
with any explanations which are given him, and he never sees things in
the light in which they are shown him, you may judge of this by a
visit we made together to Bicêtre, where he imagined he had discovered
genius in a madman. If this madman had not been actually raving, I
verily believe your marquis would have entreated his liberty, and have
carried him off to London, in order to hear his extravagancies from
morning till night, at his ease. We were crossing the court of the
mad-house, and I, more dead than alive with fright, kept close to my
companion's side, when a frightful face appeared behind some immense
bars, and a hoarse voice exclaimed, 'I am not mad! I am not mad! I
have made a discovery which would enrich the country that adopted it!'
'What has he discovered?' I asked of our guide. 'Oh,' he answered,
shrugging his shoulders, 'something trifling enough; you would never
guess it; it is the use of the steam of boiling water.' I began to
laugh. 'This man,' continued the keeper, 'is named Solomon de Caus; he
came from Normandy, four years ago, to present to the king a statement
of the wonderful effects that might be produced from the invention. To
listen to him, you would imagine that with steam you could navigate
ships, move carriages--in fact, there is no end to the miracles which,
he insists upon it, could be performed. The Cardinal sent the madman
away without listening to him. Solomon de Caus, far from being
discouraged, followed the Cardinal wherever he went with the most
determined perseverance; who, tired of finding him for ever in his
path, and annoyed to death with his folly, ordered him to be shut up
in Bicêtre, where he has now been for three years and half, and where,
as you hear, he calls out to every visitor that he is not mad, but
that he has made a valuable discovery. He has even written a book on
the subject, which I have here. Lord Worcester, who had listened to
this account with much interest, after reflecting a time, asked for
the book, of which, after having read several pages, he said, 'This
man is not mad. In my country, instead of shutting him up, he would
have been rewarded. Take me to him, for I should like to ask him some
questions.' He was according conducted to his cell, but after a time
he came back sad and thoughtful. 'He is indeed mad now,' said he,
'misfortune and captivity have alienated his reason, but it is you who
have to answer for his madness: for when you cast him into that cell,
you confined the greatest genius of the age.' After this, we went
away; and since that time he has done nothing but talk of Solomon de
Caus.
"Adieu, my dear friend and faithful Henry.
"Make haste and come back, and pray do not be so happy where you are
as not to keep a little love for me.
"MARION DELAMORE."
A Medical Education does not necessarily assist in the knowledge of
Hydropathy; on the contrary, it acts as barrier to the acquirement of a
perfect insight into it. Hydropathy and Allopathy in their practice are
like the poles asunder.
The question is frequently mooted, if Hydropathy is so harmless and yet
so certain in its operations, how is it that the medical professors,
whose object is to relieve their fellow-men, and prolong their lives, do
not take it up? To this it might be answered, "It is a difficult thing
to force any to believe the evidence of their own senses, if their
instincts or their interests (which are one and the same) happen to
point another way."
In the practice of Medicine, as in every thing else, there are vested
interests, those in the receipt of large sums of money are content with
things as they are, those in more limited practice have not the courage
to enter upon anything new, however persuaded of its utility. Others are
deterred by the fear of being considered Quacks, or losing cast[e] with
their brother practitioners, and all see, that, in the ordinary
occurrences of life the application of Hydropathy is so simple, that
were it generally practised, nine tenths of the faculty would have to
throw up their briefs. A writer in Chamber's Journal justly
observes,--"If the subject be new and startling, and still more so, if
any interest or prejudice be disturbed by it, the clearest demonstration
on earth is of no avail."
Since the education of medical men (totally at variance as it is with
all the principles of the Water-cure), gives them no advantage whatever
over a non-medical man in judging of what is, or what is not a fit case
for Hydropathy; or, in prescribing its practice, any opinion from the
faculty, opposed as their interest, and prejudices are to it, ought to
be received for as much as it is worth, and no more. One thinks
Hydropathy available in gout--another doubts that, but believes it to be
good in fevers or inflammations--a third would not hesitate to apply it
in dysentery or diarrhœa--a fourth, for a cold--and so on through the
whole category of disease; but, with the gravity of true sons of
Esculapius[Transcriber's note: Aesculapius], to their own patients they
recommend caution, which at once deters them from trying it. When these
practitioners are asked, how they arrived at the conclusion, that the
complaints they name may be cured by this treatment, their reasons are
entirely speculative; and when pressed as to why they do not apply it,
inasmuch as they admit it to be good, they argue the impossibility of
contending with public prejudices.
Might we not ask, who are the authors of this state of things? Few
people think for themselves, either in Law, Physic, or Divinity. As long
as incomes from one thousand to thirty thousand pounds a year (and that
there are the latter is proved by the returns of the Income Tax), are
made by members of the profession, no reform with their consent can be
expected. At one period, after the amputation of a limb, bleeding was
staunched by the application of boiling pitch. Paré deprecated this
treatment, and recommended the taking up arteries, as is now done. He
was treated with derision: "What" said the old practitioner, "would you
hang the life of a man upon a thread?" When Harvey propounded his
theory, he lost caste with his brethren, and a medical writer doubts if
any practitioner of the period, who had passed forty years, believed in
the circulation of the blood.
Jenner, to secure himself from the fury of a mob, sought refuge in the
house of Colonel Wilson; and there is still a minute in the books of the
Foundling Hospital, the first public establishment that adopted
Vaccination, stating that as its application could not be entrusted to
the faculty, the Committee recommended that the operation of vaccination
should be performed by the Clergy.
Lady Mary Wortley Montague was so persecuted, that she always regretted
having introduced inoculation into the country.
VII.--The Lancet.
The use of the Lancet is a subject that ought to interest every friend
to humanity in an especial manner. By this, our mortal foe, more have
fallen than by the sword. The use of one is as unjustifiable as the
other. "Blood is the life," this is the language of holy writ; he who
sheds that, deprives us of a part of our existence.
"The use of the Lancet," says Dr. Dickson, "was the invention of an
unenlightened, possibly a sanguinary age; and its continued use says but
little for the after-discoveries of ages, or for the boasted progress of
medical science.
"Will the men who thus lovingly pour out the blood, dispute its
importance in the animal economy? Will they deny that it forms the basis
of the solids,--that when the body has been wasted by long diseases, it
is by the blood only it can recover its healthy volume and appearance?
"Misguided by theory, man, presumptuous man, has dared to divide what
God, as a part of creation, has united; to open what the Eternal, in the
wisdom of his omniscience made entire.
"It is on the face of it a most unnatural proceeding. How can you
withdraw blood from one organ without depriving every other of the
material of its healthy state?
"The first resource of the surgeon is the lancet. The first thing he
thinks of, when called to an accident, is how he can most quickly open
the flood-gates of the heart, to pour out the stream of an already
enfeebled existence."
Capt. Owen, in detailing the mortality which took place among his people
on the coast of Africa, by yellow fever, says, "he had not one instance
of perfect recovery after a liberal application of the lancet.["] And in
the subsequent report of the Select Committee on the Western Coast of
Africa, there occurs the following passage. "The bleeding system has
fortunately gone out of fashion; and the frightful mortality that
attended its practice, is now no longer known on board our ships."
"Let the reader," says Dr. Gibbs, in his letters from Gräfenberg, "enter
the crowded hospitals in England or the Continent, and see how
mercilessly the lancet, the leech, and cupping-glass are employed in the
diseases of the poor. Look at the pale and ghastly faces of the
inmates."
Among the numerous diseases which bleeding can produce, Darwin says, a
paroxysm of gout is liable to recur. John Hunter mentions lock-jaw and
dropsy; Travers, blindness and palsy; Marshall Hall, mania; Blundell,
dysentery; Broussais, fever and convulsion. "When an animal loses a
considerable quantity of blood," says John Hunter, "the heart increases
in frequency of strokes, as also in its violence." Yet these are the
indications for which professors bleed. Magendie mentions _pneumonia_ as
having been produced by it; and further tells us, that he has witnessed
among its effects "the entire train of inflammatory phenomena;" and
mark, he adds the extraordinary fact, "that this inflammation will have
been produced by the very agent chiefly used to combat it." We read in
scripture, "He that sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be
shed." It has ever been supposed, that this applied to the assassin; but
holy writ is deeper than this! and no doubt the time will come, when one
man will no more think of bleeding another, than he would of committing
any other act that should expose him to public ignominy.
The operation of blood-letting is so associated in the minds of most men
with the practice of physic, that when a sensible German physician, some
time ago, petitioned the king of Prussia to make the employment of the
lancet penal, he was laughed at from one end of Europe to the other.
"The imputation of novelty," says Locke, "is a terrible charge against
those who judge of men's heads as they do of their perukes, by the
_fashion_; and can allow none to be right, but the received doctrine."
Thus Hydropathy, like many other valuable discoveries, and even
Christianity itself, must wait its time; a circumstance much to be
lamented--because all that is sought by bleeding is effected without
this soul-harrowing process. Let such as doubt the fact, go to
Gräfenberg, there they will learn that during the whole course of Mr.
Priessnitz's practice, not a single drop of human blood has been spilt;
and yet all diseases for which the lancet is applied are hourly
relieved. This is a fact so notorious, that no pen has ever been raised
to deny it; so long as interest governs prejudice, practitioners may
continue their destructive practice with impunity; but where are the
feelings? As observed by a writer, "what a long dream of false security
have mankind been dreaming! They have laid themselves down on the laps
of their medical Mentors, they have slept a long sleep; while these,
like the fabled vampire of the poet, taking advantage of a dark night of
barbarism and ignorance, have thought it no sin to rob them of their
life's blood, during the profoundness of their slumber."
Dr. Kitto, in his clever work on consumption says;--"On the subject of
bleeding, purgatives, mercury, and a low course of diet, I shall have
occasion to show, in the course of my observations, that these agents
are not only unnecessary, but actually mischievous, particularly
bleeding, which has proved more fatal than the pestilence or the sword.
Nature is our best and surest guide; and if we would follow only her
admonitions, we should not so frequently have to witness the impotence
of our efforts to alleviate suffering; or to mourn the unfortunate
results of cases, which, despite the boasted improvements in the healing
art, but too frequently terminate in the grave."
VIII.--AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF WATER AS A CURATIVE AGENT.
Thales, like Homer, looked upon water as the principle of every thing.
The Spartans bathed their children as soon as born in cold water; and
the men of Sparta, both old and young, bathed at all seasons of the year
in the Eurotas, to harden their flesh and strengthen their bodies.
Pindar, in one of his Olympic Odes, says, "The best thing is water, and
the next gold."
There was a Greek proverb to the effect that the water of the sea cured
all ills.
Pythagoras recommended the use of cold baths strongly to his disciples,
to fortify both body and mind.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who added friction to cold
bathing, was accustomed to use cold water in his treatment of the most
serious illnesses. It was Hippocrates who first observed that warm water
chilled, whilst cold water warmed.
The Macedonians considered warm water to be enervating; and their women,
after accouchement, were washed with cold water.
Virgil called the ancient inhabitants of Italy, a race of men hard and
austere, who immersed their newly-born children in the rivers, and
accustomed them to cold water.
Pliny, in speaking of A. Musa, who cured Horace by means of cold water,
said that he put an end to confused drugs; and he also alludes to a
certain Charmes, who made a sensation at Rome by the cures he effected
with cold water. On being asked what he thought drugs were sent for, he
said, "he could not imagine, except that men might destroy themselves
with them when they were tired of living."
Celsus, called the Cicero of doctors, employed water for complaints of
the head and stomach.
Galen, in the second century, recommended cold bathing to the healthy,
as well as to patients labouring under the attacks of fever.
Charlemagne, aware of the salubrity of cold bathing, encouraged the use
of it throughout his empire, and introduced swimming as an amusement at
his court.
Michael Savonarola, an Italian doctor, in 1462, recommended cold water
in gout, ophthalmia, and hæmorrhages.
Cardanus, of Pavia, 1575, complains that the doctors in his time made so
little use of cold water in the curing of gout.
Van der Heyden, a doctor at Ghent, in a work published in 1624, states
that during an epidemic dysentery, he cured many hundreds of persons
with cold water, and that during a long practice of fifty years, the
best cures he ever made were effected with cold water.
Short, an English doctor, 1656, states that he had cured the dropsy and
the bite of mad dogs with cold water.
Dr. Sir John Floyer published a work, called "the Psychrolusic," in
1702, showing how fevers were to be cured with water. From that period
to 1722, his work went through six editions in London.
Dr. Hancock, in 1722, published an anti-fever treatise upon the use of
cold water, which went through seven editions in one year.
Dr. Currie of Liverpool, who published a work in 1797, on the use of
water, introduced that element extensively in his practice with
astounding results.
Tissot, in his "Advice to the People," published in Paris, 1770, shows
the importance of cold water.
Hoffman, the famous German doctor, says that if there existed anything
in the world that could be called a panacea, it was pure water: first,
because that element would disagree with nobody; secondly, because it is
the best preservative against disease; thirdly, because it would cure
agues and chronic complaints; fourthly because it responded to all
indications.
Hahn, who was born in Silesia, in 1714, wrote an excellent work upon the
curative agency of water in all complaints, a copy was lately found upon
a book-stall, and purchased by Professor Oertel, for little more than
one penny, and has been re-published; it is interesting to all who
regard with attention that great moral change which the Water-cure is
calculated to effect.
In Dr. Hahn's work, it is stated that Pater Bernardo, a Capuchin monk
from Sicily, went in the year 1724 to Malta, and there made some most
astonishing water-cures, the fame of which spread throughout Europe: he
used iced water internally and externally, and allowed his patients to
eat but very little. He made a proposition that the doctors should take
100 patients, and said if they, by their mode of treating them, could
cure forty, then would he undertake to cure sixty more easily and
securely, and in a shorter time. His remedy of iced water, was just as
effectual in winter as in summer. A case is cited of a man, ninety-two
years of age, who was at the point of death from the virulence of a
fever, and was cured with cold water only.
Evan Hahnemann, father of Homeopathy, in a work published at Leipsic,
1784, recommends fresh water, without which, he says, ulcers of any long
standing cannot be cured, and adds, if there be any general remedy for
disease, "it is water."
The Rev. John Wesley, A.M., published a work in 1747 (about a century
ago), which went through thirty-four editions, called "Primitive
Physic, or an Easy and Natural Method of Curing most Diseases."
After deprecating the manner in which drugs were imposed upon mankind,
the mysteries with which the science of medicine is surrounded, and the
interested conduct of medical men, the Rev. gentleman proceeds to shew,
that he was fully aware of the healing powers of water; and from the
long list which he has given, and which follows, it will be evident that
he thought water capable of curing almost every disease to which human
nature is exposed. He writes:--
"The common method of compounding and decompounding medicines, can never
be reconciled to common sense. Experience shews, that one thing will
cure most disorders, at least as well as twenty put together. Then why
do you add the other nineteen? Only to swell the apothecary's bill! nay,
possibly on purpose to prolong the distemper, that the doctor and he may
divide the spoil.
"How often, by thus compounding medicines of opposite qualities, is the
virtue of both utterly destroyed?
"Nay, how often do those joined together destroy life, which singly they
might have preserved?
"This occasioned that caution of the great Boerhaave, against mixing
things without evident necessity, and without full proof of the effect
they will produce when joined together, as well as of that they produce
when asunder; seeing (as he observes) that several things which taken
separately are safe and powerful medicines, when compounded not only
lose their former power, but compose a strong and deadly poison."
In recommending to his followers the use of water, Mr. Wesley proceeds
to state, "_that cold bathing cures young children of the following
complaints_:--
Convulsions, coughs, gravel
Inflammations of ears, navel and mouth
Rickets
Cutaneous inflammations
Pimples and scabs
Suppression of urine
Vomiting
Want of sleep
"Water," he further adds, "frequently cures every nervous[3] and every
paralytic disorder. In particular:--
Asthma
Agues of every sort
Atrophy
Blindness
Cancer
Coagulated blood of bruises
Chin cough
Consumption
Convulsions
Coughs
Complication of distempers
Convulsive pains
Deafness
Dropsy
Epilepsy
Violent fever
Gout (running)
Hectic fevers
Hysteric pains
Incubus
Inflammations
Involuntary stool or urine
Lameness
Leprosy (old)
Lethargy
Loss of speech, taste, appetite, smell
Nephritic pains
Palpitation of the heart
Pain in the back, joints, stomach
Rheumatism
Rickets
Rupture
Suffocations
Surfeits at the beginning
Sciatica
Scorbutic pains
Swelling in the joints
Stone in the kidneys
Torpor of the limbs, even when the use of them is lost
Tetanus
Tympany
Vertigo
St. Vitus' dance
Vigilia
Varicose ulcers
The Whites
[3] "And this, I apprehend, accounts for its frequently curing the
bite of a mad dog, especially if it be repeated for twenty-five or
thirty days successively."
"Water prevents the growth of hereditary
Apoplexies
Asthmas
Blindness
Consumptions
Deafness
Gout
King's evil
Melancholy
Palsies
Rheumatism
Stone
"Water drinking water generally prevents
Apoplexies
Asthma
Convulsions
Gout
Hysteric fits
Madness
Palsies
Stone
Trembling.
"To this children should be used from their cradles."
We then find the following prescriptions:--
"_For Asthma._--Take a pint of cold water every morning, washing the
head in cold water immediately after, and using the cold bath.
"_Rickets in Children._--Dip them in cold water every morning.
"_To prevent apoplexy._--Use the cold bath and drink only cold water.
"_Ague._--Go into a cold bath just before the cold.
"_Cancer in the breast._--Use the cold bath. This has cured many. This
cured Mrs. Bates, of Leicestershire, of a cancer in her breast, a
consumption, a sciatica, and rheumatism, which she had had nearly twenty
years.
N.B. Generally where cold bathing is necessary to cure disease,
water-drinking is so, to prevent a relapse.
"_Hysteric colic._--Mrs. Watts, by using the cold bath two and twenty
times in a month, was entirely cured of an hysteric colic, fits, and
convulsive motions, continual sweatings and vomitings, wandering pains
in her limbs and head, and total loss of appetite.
"_To prevent the ill effects of cold._--The moment a person gets into a
house, with his hands and feet quite chilled, let him put them into a
vessel of water, as cold as can be got, and hold them there until they
begin to glow, which they will do in a minute or two. This method
likewise effectually prevents chilblains.
"_Consumption._--Cold bathing has cured many deep consumptions.
"_Convulsions._--Use the cold bath."
And so on. In this valuable little work, from which are the above
extracts, confirmative of the value I set upon cold water, Mr. Wesley
prescribes the use of water for almost every complaint.
Slade, in his "Records of the East," very judiciously remarks, with
reference to the Turks, that "notwithstanding their ignorance of medical
science, added to the extreme irregularity of their living, both as
regards diet and exercise, one day dining off cheese and cucumbers,
another day feeding on ten greasy dishes; one month riding twelve hours
daily, another month never stirring off the sofa; smoking always, and
drinking coffee to excess; occasionally getting drunk, besides other
intemperances--combining, in short, all that our writers on the subject
designate injurious to health--the Turks enjoy particularly good health:
and this anomaly is owing to two causes; first, the religious necessity
of washing their arms and feet and necks, from three to five times a
day, always with cold water, generally at the fountains before the
mosques, by which practice they become protected against catarrhal
affections; second, by their constant use of the vapour bath, by which
the humours that collect in the human frame, no doctors know how or why,
occasioning a long list of disorders, are carried off by the pores of
the skin. Gout, rheumatism, head-ache, consumption, are unknown in
Turkey, thanks to the great physicians, vapour bath and cold bath! No
art has been so much vitiated in Europe, by theories, as the art of
preserving health. Its professors, however, are beginning to recur to
first principles; and when bathing shall be properly appreciated,
three-fourths of the druggists will be obliged to close their shops."
The question here arises: how is it that with so much evidence in favour
of water, it has never been brought into general use? Many reasons might
be assigned, but the principal [Transcriber's note: originally
'principle'] one is, that until the present day no system of treatment
has ever been based on scientific principles. It was in embryo, and,
like Steam, wanted its time for development. If people studied their
health as they do their interest, they would at least enquire into this,
the best means of preserving it.
But in our present state of civilisation, nature is known by name only.
None save those reduced to the last stage of poverty ever satisfy their
thirst with water! Men, women, and children, rich and poor, old and
young, all avoid water--perhaps because it costs nothing (for, in our
artificial life, we are led to esteem things according to their venal
price), and, like air and sun, is shared in common with our poorer
fellow-kind.
The Germans are water-drinkers, but the English have a distaste for it;
few ever drank half a pint undiluted at one time, in their lives,
imagining that water will cause inconvenience, whilst in the course of
the day, they think nothing of drinking wine, soda water, brandy and
water, and tea, to a great extent, all of which are injurious. A lady of
my acquaintance carries her distaste for water so far as to ruin the
health of her children by it. For some time the eldest, about four years
old, had been sickly: when at Rome, the mother consulted a medical man,
who said that the child wanted nothing but water, which was given it,
and the child got well immediately. I met the same family at Kissingen,
when at a spring the nursery-maid asked me if she might give the child
water, saying the children were always asking for it, but her mistress
did not like them to drink water alone. "Certainly," I replied, "give
her as much as she chooses to drink."
In addition to cold water, fresh air and exercise are most important
means of health. They are especially useful in giving life and activity
to the skin, which seldom meets with proper attention, people generally
not being aware of the evil consequences attending their neglect of that
most important organ of the human frame.
By protecting the skin from the air, we concentrate on it the heat that
is ever exhaling from the body, and thus complete what warm baths,
spirituous liquors, want of exercise, close rooms, and heavy
nourishment, have begun. We do not perceive that by keeping the body
warm, we weaken the skin, which becomes so sensitive to external
changes, that we are incessantly obliged to augment the thickness and
number of its coverings. At last, a time comes when nothing more can be
added to the clothing already too heavy. Then weak and irritable
persons, whose numbers--our erroneous system daily augments!--remain at
home, not aware of the innumerable inconveniences to which such a
resolution exposes them, and not knowing that the habitual washing of
the body in cold water, would enable them to leave their heated
apartments, abandon flannel, and expose themselves, without the
slightest danger, to the healthy effects of fresh air.
It is the enervating softness and delicacy of modern customs, which
present the greatest obstacle to the use of cold water. Man looks for
agreeable impressions, and avoids whatever does not produce them. But
with a little courage, he would discover that the inconvenience of a
more rigorous and simple mode of life was but momentary, and when he had
found his health of mind and body improved by it, it would soon become
agreeable, whilst from luxurious sloth ensue enervation and disgust.
Being unable to change the nature of the elements, we should harden our
bodies, familiarise ourselves with the inclemency of the seasons, and
turn them to the benefit of our health. It is in vain that the man
whose fortune permits him to change the climate, looks for a milder sky;
if his effeminacy accompanies him, he will be like a lady of whom
Priessnitz speaks, who near the fire was cold. A warmer air would
enervate his skin more and more; and then he would be as sensitive to
cold, even in a Neapolitan climate, as, with a hardened body, he would
be at his ease in the hut of an Esquimaux.
Another obstacle to the external use of cold water, is the false belief
that colds, which are the sources of much illness, result from it.
People cannot understand that a cold bath, followed by suitable
exercise, warms the feet and the body, and that there is _no_ surer
preservative from cold.
The same incredulity is affected with regard to the revulsive effect of
the cold foot-bath; nevertheless nothing is better proved than its
efficiency in relieving the head. Every one knows that, after having
washed the face and hands in cold water, an agreeable warmth ensues,
which is not the result of warm water. That after any part of the body
has been exposed to cold, rain, or snow, it becomes hot; and that the
reverse is the case after the use of warm water; which accounts for
people in Summer feeling cool after a warm bath.
When we wash the body with cold water, we should do it quickly, lose no
time in dressing, and afterwards take exercise. Washing should be
avoided when the parties are cold, because then the re-action or
re-production of heat is slower. These precautions would prevent the
most delicate persons from taking cold, though not in the habit of using
cold water.
Professor Oertel was the first to publish to the world the astonishing
cures which were effected at Gräfenberg; and he was followed by Brand,
Kroeber, Kurtsz, Doering, Harnish, and a host of others, whose writings
contributed to establish the reputation of Priessnitz, who by means of
the various forms in which he administers water, attacks all diseases
susceptible of cure, and very frequently establishes the health of those
who have been declared incurable.
IX.--ABLUTIONS.
There can be no doubt, if the public were in the habit of using cold
ablutions every morning, their health would be improved, and the number
of consumptive cases much diminished.
There are many ways of using ablutions, according to the health and
strength of the parties.
Strong people ought to go into a cold bath the moment they get out of
bed; then rub themselves well for three or four minutes. If not in their
usual health, the bath should be protracted, and more friction used.
Another or general mode is to have a washing tub, water only two or
three inches deep, put a towel into the water, leave the bed quite warm,
step into the tub, take up the towel with as much water as possible, and
squeeze it over the head and shoulders several times, rub the body well
with the towel, then sit down in the tub, and with wet hands rub the
abdomen, etc., for a minute or two.
Delicate persons may be washed all over with wet towels; sometimes it is
desirable to wash first with tepid water, then with cold.
Where there is a great whiteness of skin, which indicates a want of
circulation, or parties feel themselves indisposed, dripping sheets are
prescribed; the friction here used arouses the vital energies, and in
general produces a most refreshing feeling throughout the system.
Priessnitz never prescribes cold immersion till the body be prepared for
it. When patients have been desirous of bathing in a river, he has
always opposed it; saying, "Bathing excites nervous sensibility; too
much bathing excites the system to an injurious extent." The various
baths resorted to in hydropathy, are to effect an object, and as such
are medically applied. Sea bathing for some constitutions is remarkably
wholesome, but to others it is injurious.
X.--USE OF COLD WATER FOR DRINKING AND INJECTIONS.
Dr. Arbuthnot, in his work on aliments, says that "Water is the chief
ingredient in the animal fluids and solids; for a dry bone distilled,
affords a great quantity of insipid water: therefore, water seems to be
the proper drink for every animal." Berzelius, the great Swedish
chemist, proved the truth of Dr. Arbuthnot's observations, by distilling
the entire corpse of a moderate sized man down to water, with the
exception of eight pounds.
And Milton has expressed his concurrence with those authorities in
eloquent language, when speaking of Samson:--
"O madness! to think use of strongest wines,
And strongest drink, our chief support of health,
When, God, with these forbidden, made choice to rear
His mighty champion, strong above compare,
Whose drink was only from _the limpid brook_."
About twelve ordinary size tumblers of water a day are generally drunk
whilst under the treatment; instances occur where that number is
increased to twenty, and even thirty glasses, but such are very rare.
At the beginning it is difficult to drink so much water; but by degrees
we become accustomed to it. All the operations of the cure lead to the
elimination of heat, which naturally causes thirst. Some persons on
first drinking water feel sick, or have diarrhoea, which proves that the
stomach is not in a healthy state. In this case, instead of
discontinuing the drinking of water, the quantity is increased. When
pain in the stomach comes from its being overcharged by food, water, in
large quantities is recommended to be persevered in until relief is
obtained.
We know that emetics produce this effect, but such remedies weaken the
stomach--while water has the contrary tendency.
Cold water, as a beverage, fortifies the stomach and intestines, by
clearing them of the bad juices they contain: favours the generation of
new juices, and mixes with the blood by absorption. It spreads itself
quickly through all the organs, attenuates, purifies, and dissolves the
sharp or thick humours, and discharges them by means of perspiration and
urine. Considered as a dietetic for slight indispositions, bad
digestions, and generally in all cases of disease for which the faculty
recommend aperients or mineral waters, it cannot be too highly
appreciated. In the morning, after a cold ablution, whilst taking
exercise, drink a few tumblers of water, and conclude every meal with a
tumbler of water. It will have the same effect as a purgative or mineral
water, without, like them, weakening the digestive organs. All persons
may drink cold water at all times of the day with impunity, if they are
not inconvenienced by it. That taken before breakfast, during exercise,
produces doubtless the best effects. It is above all after sweating that
drinking cold water produces an expectoration of phlegm. Water may be
drunk after breakfast, but not so as to overcharge the stomach. During
dinner the aliments should be moistened by some glasses of water, then
the stomach must be left to repose; some hours afterwards again water
may be drunk until supper-time. Drinking after supper is no less useful;
but it may break the rest, by causing an invalid to rise often in the
night. After drinking, exercise is indispensable, it stimulates the
action of the water, and accelerates a cure. When in exercise, though in
a perspiration, water may be drunk in any quantities. Water ought always
to be drawn fresh from the spring, and drunk as cold as possible. The
decanters which contain it ought to have stoppers, to preserve it cold
and fresh. After every operation in the cure, a glass of water should be
drunk; and it should be given in small quantities when in the sweating
process. I know a gentleman who has all his life been a free-liver, and
who, notwithstanding, is in good health, which he attributes entirely to
drinking a couple of tumblers of water the last thing at night and first
thing in the morning.
Under the denomination of injections, we principally understand
clysters. When the patient is not in the habit of using them with cold
water, they must not at first be applied for longer than two minutes;
but by degrees the intestines become accustomed to the water, which is
often absorbed like that introduced into the stomach. When necessary, a
second injection is repeated immediately after the expulsion of the
first.[4] Cold injections are used for constipation and diarrhoea, two
diseases diametrically opposite, but which arise from the same cause,
the weakness of the intestines. Thus the contradiction is only in
appearance, the great object of injections being to establish the tone
of these organs, and regulate their functions. Injections ought to be
aided by the use of cold water in other ways.
[4] Two ounces of water is sufficient for an infant; four ounces for a
child of six years old; eight ounces for a youth of fifteen; and
fifteen or sixteen ounces for an adult.
There are also other injections in use at Gräfenberg, such as for the
ears, nostrils, and genitals. Particular syringes are used for these
purposes.
XI.--THE COLD BATH.
The cold plunge-bath should be sufficiently deep for a man of ordinary
height to plunge into, up to his arm-pits. The water aught[sic] to be
continually renewed by a spring.
We have quoted many authorities to shew the advantages resulting from
exposing the body to the action of cold water.
When cold baths disagree with us, it is because we are not in a state to
use them, or we stay in too long.
When the body is overcharged with drugs or alcohol, when the juices are
dried up, or when there is an apoplectic tendency, and when in other
diseased conditions, the circulation is languid, cold plunge-baths must
be used with great caution. Many suppose that all the patients in a
hydropathic establishment, are indiscriminately ordered this sort of
bath. In this they err, because many are never allowed their use, and
others only after a long application of the rubbing sheet and tepid
baths. Strong robust constitutions may take the plunge-bath at once; but
in the Water-cure this is not allowed until the body is prepared for it,
and then only for a short time; generally for three or four minutes.
Priessnitz objects to persons staying long in the water: of course the
objection applies to invalids. For those who bathe in the sea, or other
water, he does not pretend to prescribe.
Every day's experience proves that the immersion of the body, covered
with perspiration into cold water, is exempt from danger, provided the
internal organs are in state of repose.
The risk which is incurred of catching cold on stripping and bathing in
a river, in this case cannot apply, as the body heated by artificial
means is at once immersed, whilst the bather often, injudiciously, waits
until chilled before he enters the water.
If we walk fast, or a long distance, to the bath, it is requisite to
repose a little to tranquillise the lungs; then before perspiration
ceases, we ought to undress quietly, and either plunge head foremost
into the water, or wet the head and chest previously, to prevent the
blood mounting to those regions.
Whilst bathing, the head ought to be immersed several times. After the
sweating or packing process, great care is to be observed in not
exposing any part of the body to the air previous to entering the bath.
The patient should keep in movement, rubbing himself well the whole
time. This stimulates the skin and abates the cold.
The time for remaining in the bath, is governed by the coldness of the
water, and the vital heat of the bather; a second sensation of cold is
to be avoided, or re-action may be difficult.
On leaving the bath, the patient is covered with a dry sheet, upon which
the attendant rubs, until the body presents a warm healthy glow. The
invalid should then dress quickly, drink a glass or two of water, and
walk out in the air to get warm; to effect this by the heat of stoves or
beds would be acting in direct opposition to Hydropathic rules.
When irritation is excited during the cure, the cold bath is sometimes
suspended and tepid baths resorted to. Every house ought to be supplied
with a cold bath, as its habitual use by the members of the family would
secure them against colds, influenza, etc.
Priessnitz says, "that the effect of going into cold water without being
previously heated, and doing so in a state of perspiration, is like a
blacksmith hammering upon cold, rather than hot iron. Cramp frequently
attends the former, whilst a healthy reaction is always the result of
the latter."
XII.--IS GOING INTO THE COLD BATH IN A STATE OF PERSPIRATION ATTENDED
WITH DANGER?
"The transition from a Vapour-bath to snow, or to a Cold-bath, has been
practised by the Russians for time immemorial" with the most beneficial
results,--"this," adds Dr. Johnson, "is conclusive, that there is no
danger whatever in going into the Cold-bath while covered with
perspiration; unless it can be proved that perspiration produced by hot
vapour is a very different thing from perspiration produced by a
blanket;" and, adds the learned doctor, in his valuable work on
Hydropathy, which every one ought to read; "All physiological reasoning
goes to prove, that it is safer to go into cold water when the
temperature of the skin has been raised.
"If there be danger at all, it is going into cold water _without_
raising the temperature of the body. It must be the temperature that is
the question; for it cannot be of consequence whether the body be
covered with grease called perspiration or hog's-lard. Re-action will
most certainly be produced, and congestion as certainly prevented by
going into the water when the body is warm. Profuse perspiration does
not make the body hotter, in proportion to its profuseness, on the
contrary, it is cooler than before, for perspiration is a cooling
process.
"When perspiration is present, the body is never extremely hot. Checking
perspiration is a chimerical danger; the oozing of perspiration subsides
of itself, almost at the moment the means that produced it are
withdrawn, and the perspiration on the body is that which has been
already produced, having now no connection with the body."
At Cork in Ireland, it was told me by one of the first brewers, that
formerly his men, while in a state of perspiration, from pressing the
grain out of the vats, frequently caught cold and died: at last they
adopted the plan of going into cold water, whilst in that state; the
result of which has been that they now never catch cold from their
occupation, and are as healthy as other people.
XIII.--THE PACKING SHEET, AND SWEATING PROCESS.
Take all the coverings off the bed, arrange the pillows, cover over the
bed and pillows with a large thick blanket, then put a small sheet into
a pail of fresh cold water; if to reduce fever, let it be wrung out
less; if there is no fever, more; the drier the sheet, the sooner the
re-action; spread this sheet so wrung out, on the blanket.
The patient extends himself, divested of every thing, upon the sheet,
which should be brought over him as soon as possible. The blanket is now
brought over the sheet, and the attendant tucks it in, beginning with
the neck, as tightly as possible, so that his patient can hardly move
hand or foot. Other blankets are then added, separately tucked in, and
turned up at the feet. Half-a-dozen blankets are not too many; and to
produce immediate heat, a feather bed is superadded, leaving the head
free. It is astonishing what an amount of covering one may support
without inconvenience.
The great object is so to envelop the body as to exclude the air, and
prevent evaporation, in order that its own heat may be concentrated upon
itself.
In ordinary cases, the sheet is well wrung out, and covered up as before
stated; but in cases of severe fever, the wet is only covered with a
single dry one. In cases of very great delicacy, but not in fever, the
sheet is put into tepid water instead of cold.
This has by some been called a general poultice, as it performs upon the
whole body what a poultice or the bandages effect upon members of it.
Dr. Alexander of Newcastle terms it a linen bath.
That wet linen should produce good and evil results appears paradoxical.
Damp beds are said to lead to injurious consequences, whilst wet linen
applied as a covering to the whole or parts of the body, produces the
most happy effects.
Accustomed as Priessnitz is to witnessing none but the best results from
the application of damp linen, he could not be persuaded that mischief
arose even from lying in damp beds.
In the Hydropathic practice the body is so hermetically enclosed in the
wet sheet, that not a particle of heat can escape or external air
penetrate, by which means the exhalation is concentrated upon the body;
this may be termed a linen bath or fomentation.
In the case of people being accidentally put into a damp bed, none of
the above precautions are taken; there is no extra clothing, no binding
about the neck to prevent the escape of caloric, and therefore to these
causes must be attributed the mischief, if any ensue.
It is, however, a question, where mischief follows, whether
one-twentieth part of the cases can be fairly attributed to the damp
beds. It is highly probable that Priessnitz's surmise of its being the
development of a disease lurking in the system which under the
Water-cure might easily be met, is correct.
Wet sheets are resorted to in all fevers, and changed until the paroxysm
is abated. In Typhus, the sheet is changed every ten minutes, and as
often as forty or fifty times in a day.
As a general rule, Mr. Priessnitz told me, if unwell, without waiting to
know the ailment--to take a packing-sheet, until warm, twice a day,
followed by a tepid bath.
Packing-sheets may be persevered in for years in obstinate cases. The
usual time employed in their application is until the body is warm,
which will be from twenty-five to forty minutes. It is a great mistake
to suppose the application of the sheet is to produce perspiration. If a
genial heat pervades the body, it is all that is required, unless under
peculiar circumstances, previous to immersion in either tepid or cold
water.
The following anecdote, told me by Major Beavan, is adduced as
corroborative evidence in favour of the use of wet linen to lower the
temperature of the body. In 1821, the Major having to pass through
extensive jungles to join his regiment in the East Indies, a distance of
nearly 300 miles, caught a fever. When at the highest stage of the hot
fit, it occurred to him that he might cool himself as they did wine and
other liquids in that climate. He accordingly had himself wrapped up in
a wet sheet for a quarter of an hour, when, finding himself relieved, he
added a number of coverings, and fell into a most refreshing sleep of
some hours. On awaking, he found mind, body, and appetite restored, all
of which had been prostrated to an extreme degree for several days.
The packing-sheet is the greatest sedative known. It generally occurs
that persons who, from pain or nervous excitement, have not slept for
nights, doze off immediately on being enveloped in the wet sheet.
The packing-sheet brings morbific matter to the surface, and thereby
relieves the capillaries. The ablution which follows acts as a tonic.
The relief afforded to the overcharged system through the pores, by the
application of the packing-sheet, may be compared to the emptying of a
bason with a sponge; each sheet absorbing a certain amount of morbific
matter and superfluous animal heat, until the body is relieved.
In fevers generally, the fœtid odour of the sheet when withdrawn, is
hardly to be endured; and in eruptive fevers, the inclination to scratch
the body is allayed, and very little inconvenient sensation is felt
either night or day.
In the morning, when fever is most felt, wet sheets and tepid baths
allay it; and in the afternoon, any return of it is again subdued as
before. The discovery of the wet sheet alone is sufficient to render the
name of Priessnitz immortal.
But when, by these means, it would be difficult to produce perspiration,
recourse is previously had to a dripping or rubbing-sheet, and then the
patient is packed up; or the blanket is warmed before a fire, before the
body is enveloped in it.
The sweating process, when used, is always succeeded by a tepid or cold
bath, or a dripping-sheet: if a tepid bath, cold water is afterwards
poured over the head and shoulders; but if a dripping-sheet, it is
repeated until the body is cooled.
Every day's practice at Gräfenberg, and elsewhere, shews that no danger
attends going into cold water in a heated state.
But Mr. Priessnitz, whether from having a different class of patients,
or from the difficulty of getting servants to understand when the
patient had perspired enough, or the conviction that the same or better
results attend the packing sheet, we know not, has changed his practice,
and no longer resorts so frequently to the sweating process. The
following extract is from a letter received by the author from a
gentleman who has been a long time at Gräfenberg.
"The object of all Hydropathic appliances may be shortly and
intelligibly defined, as assisting Nature to regain that ascendancy by
which she of her own accord will throw off what is offensive to her. The
practitioner ought therefore to strengthen her in every possible way;
and we have the latest discoveries of science as a guarantee that the
present (the packing or wet-sheet process) method of carrying out the
cure effectuates this end more completely than any other; what therefore
is opposed to that, is so much drawn from the strength which it is the
object to promote, and inasmuch as sweating, however it may tend to
alleviate, undoubtedly weakens, it is a counteracting agency.
"Priessnitz is reaping the benefit of twenty years' experience. He
follows still as he always followed (as far as it was possible for him
to read and understand) the mysteries of his great mistress, Nature.
Chance, I imagine, has in no way guided his choice; it may have assisted
him in interpreting some of the revelations of this great spirit, but he
has always had the same unerring basis on which to establish his system.
Through imperfect light he may have sweated for a time, but the still
small voice of truth has never ceased to whisper in his ear, and it is
highly conducive to his honour that he should now have the courage to
say that in this point he erred. He does this at the risk of reputation
and fortune; he subjects himself to the abuse of high and low; but he
acts up to his conviction, which is that the packing sheet, if to be
persevered in, is better than the sweating process."
Though, however, the sweating process is not now so general, it is not
entirely abandoned. A lady, a friend of mine, had a cold--she was
ordered to sweat lightly twice a day, for two or three days. A gentleman
had a swelling in his mouth; he was ordered the same. Others are
ordered to sweat once or twice a-week, but the greater part of
Priessnitz' patients never sweat at all.
Priessnitz guards people against the use of hot-air and vapour baths;
they weaken and relax the skin. The difference between bringing a great
amount of heat to act upon the surface, and causing the body to develop
its own heat, must be obvious to every one.
XIV.--SWEATING PROCESS.
This process is precisely the same as that which has been already
described, with the omission of the wet sheet. To produce perspiration,
the body is enveloped in dry blankets. This tedious process in
moderately strong people is seldom effected in less than three hours.
In the wet sheet, _no_ water is given--but in the blankets, as soon as
perspiration appears, it should be administered in small quantities; for
this purpose a tea-pot is desirable.
In the Sweating process it is necessary to place a urinal in the bed of
the patient. On proceeding to the bath after either of the operations,
the attendant must take especial care to keep the body well covered, or
his patient may take cold. On throwing off the covering, let the body be
wetted all over instantly. This is an infallible precaution.
When there is a difficulty in procuring a bath, the dripping sheet full
of water is used. If the first sheet does not cool, it must be repeated.
XV.--THE RUBBING SHEET, OR ABREIBUNG.
This, by some, is called "the dripping sheet"; by others, "the wrung
out" or "rubbing sheet." The term "rubbing" is used, because when the
sheet is thrown on the body, great rubbing is used outside of it. It is
a quick and simple mode of taking a general ablution; and, when
frequently repeated, proves most effectual in restoring or increasing
the circulation.
The value of friction to the human body is too well known to require
observation. Hair gloves, hard brushes, or coarse towels cause a glow
and an elastic feeling, though if long persevered in, they irritate and
weaken the skin.
For the daily purposes of life, cold ablutions, and friction with dry
cloths are sufficient; but to rouse the dormant energies, to give
vitality to the system or combat illness, something more powerful is
required.
The rubbing-sheet is a small sheet, soaked in cold water, and afterwards
wrung out. This the attendant throws over the patient naked, who,
standing up, receives it over his head and shoulders. When thus
completely enveloped, the attendant rubs (outside the sheet) the back,
loins, legs, and feet of the patient, whilst he himself rubs his abdomen
and chest. The operation lasts about three minutes; the wet sheet is
then replaced by a dry one, and friction again renewed until the body
becomes quite dry; after which, if one rubbing-sheet only is prescribed,
a waist-bandage is put on, a glass of water drank, and the invalid
proceeds to take the air. If two or three rubbing sheets are prescribed,
after the first operation as just described is over, the patient walks
about the room in the dry sheet, with no other covering, for four or
five minutes, occasionally approaching the window, which should be
opened, throwing open the slight covering, in order to expose his skin
to the air. The second and third rubbing-sheets are applied as the
first.
Rubbing-sheets being used to effect several objects, are accordingly
well wrung out, or not much wrung out, or scarcely wrung out at all. The
first are used where there is a great want of vital energy, slow and
languid circulation; the second is the ordinary mode of using the
rubbing-sheet; the third is adopted where parties have lain in the
packing-sheet or blankets and have no bath to cool them afterwards.
Where there is a superabundance of heat, the rubbings are repeated
perfectly wet, until the body is cooled.
The Rubbing Sheet is one of the safest and most efficacious appliances
in the Water-cure. Every human body has in it 100-1/2 degrees of heat;
this is not diminished by the rubbing; by extracting we increase.
Whenever persons are unwell, no matter the cause (except there may be
eruptions on the body), a Rubbing Sheet is advisable. Where patients
have been too exhausted to endure any other treatment, these sheets will
resuscitate them in an extraordinary way.
Priessnitz perceived that merely rubbing the body with a damp and
afterwards with a dry cloth was beneficial; but he found that whilst one
part was under the operation, the other was exposed to catching cold;
this gave him the idea of the Rubbing-Sheet, with which the whole body
is covered at once.
As a general rule it is safe to begin the treatment of any illness with
these sheets; they refresh the invalid, often ward off the complaint or
develop the malady. In the cold stage of intermittent fever these
rubbings down are persevered in until heat is produced; when the hot
stage ensues, recourse is had to packing sheets, tepid baths, etc.
Where there is an excess of caloric, and fever is not declared,
rubbing-sheets have a cooling effect, and often put an end to the
illness at once. Where there is a want of caloric, as in ague, the
Rubbing Sheets cause a determination of heat from the interior to the
surface, in the same way that friction, or striking, brings heat out of
matter. This may be elucidated by rubbing any part of the body with
snow--re-action instantly ensues.
After great fatigue or a chill, or where persons have reason to think
they have caught cold, two or three of these rubbings-down have an
extraordinarily restorative effect.
They may be used by old or young, strong or weak, with perfect impunity.
In lumbago or rheumatism, or where it is necessary to rouse the vital
energies, rubbing-sheets, four consecutively repeated, four times a-day,
are frequently prescribed. A friend of mine, after getting wet whilst
hunting, sat in his wet clothes, caught cold, and died. I am fully
persuaded, if he had applied the Rubbing-sheets on getting home, the
fatal result would have been avoided.
In some cases where a patient exhibits great weakness, languid
circulation, and doubtful reaction, the sheet is wetted in tepid water,
and sometimes the body is subjected to the action of cold by degrees,
instead of being covered up at once, as is the case with the dripping
sheet. There are invalids who cannot suffer anything cold to touch
certain parts of their bodies; in such cases the tender part may be
covered with a dry cloth, whilst the dripping sheet is applied, and the
sensitive portion approached by degrees.
XVI.--THE DOUCHE BATH.
The douche, of all means employed, is the most powerful in stirring up,
and removing humours from the position they may have occupied for years.
What is understood by a "douche," is a spring of water, conveyed by
pipes through the tops of small huts, from whence it falls in a stream
about the thickness of one's wrist.
At Gräfenberg, there are six douches in the forest, with the falls of
twenty feet, eighteen feet, and fifteen feet, respectively: the douches
for women have a fall of only twelve feet, but no difference is made in
the dimensions of the stream.
Patients are generally some time under the treatment before being
permitted to take the douche. The douche is a most powerful stimulant.
As the sun by repulsion, brings heat out of matter, so the douche, by
repelling, brings heat out of the body, and from the interior to the
surface. It sets up a powerful action in the system, and is an active
and useful agent for the cure of old-standing complaints. The douche
should only be used in conjunction with other treatment.
The douche is never had recourse to in acute attacks; it is useful
principally in chronic diseases. By its agency the body is hardened, and
caused to develop its own force; it strengthens the skin, determines
morbific matters to the surface by the pores, and exercises a powerful
action upon the muscles and nervous system, by the action it provokes.
In arthritic cases and rheumatism, the relief thus afforded is
marvellous. It is so powerful a stimulant, that persons are frequently
known, on coming out of the douche, to declare that they feel as much
elation and buoyancy of spirits, as if they had been drinking freely of
champagne.
A douche should be at some distance from the abode of the patient,
because the necessary walk to it produces a glow of heat, and renders
the body in a better state to produce re-action: no person should douche
if cold or chilly.
The afflicted parts should be most exposed to the action of the douche,
though it must be received successively upon all parts of the frame,
except the head and face, unless otherwise prescribed. It should be
avoided on the abdomen and chest when the latter is weak.
The douche ought to be discontinued when it produces feverish symptoms,
and commenced again when they cease. The duration of it, in a general
way, varies from two to five minutes, but is extended as the case may
require, from fifteen minutes to half an hour; the latter being ordered
in very especial cases.
An attendant waiting in the anti-chamber, throws a dry sheet on the
patient on his coming out from the douche, rubs him dry, and puts on the
waist bandage.
The time allotted for douching is two hours after breakfast, or dinner,
but this rule is not without an exception; some patients, after their
morning treatment, walk an hour, and then proceed to the Douche before
breaking their fast.
Patients ought to be most particular in observing their doctor's orders
in the use of the douche.
XVII.--THE SHOWER BATHS.
These baths so much recommended by the faculty are not used at
Gräfenberg. Many persons in the habit of using them complain of
giddiness and head-ache. This arises from the re-action upwards, which
naturally results from their application. As an ablution, a bath, or
washing with wet towels is preferable.
Mr. Priessnitz objects to the use of them, as parties take them without
previous preparation, or other adjuncts. Falling on the head, they
frequently cause congestion in that region.
XVIII.--THE SITZ OR SITTING BATH.
By this is to be understood a hip bath: that used at Gräfenberg is a
small flat tub about seventeen inches in diameter and twelve or thirteen
inches deep; a common washing tub placed against the wall will answer
the purpose. The water in this bath is seldom more than four to six
inches deep, in which the patient sits with his feet resting on the
ground. No rule can be laid down for the duration of this bath, as it is
ordered from ten minutes to an hour, and longer, depending upon the
effect it is intended to produce. It is sometimes prescribed three or
four times a day.
The sitting bath is of so much importance that where not prescribed the
case is considered an exception to the ordinary rule of treatment. The
sitting-bath cools and strengthens the viscera of the body, and by
revulsion or derivation, draws the humours from the head, chest, and
abdomen; relieves pain in the gums or face, and dissipates flatulency
and cholic; and is of the utmost value to those who lead sedentary
lives.
The object of using so little water in this bath, the foot and a half
bath, is, that reaction may be the sooner effected. The water is only
changed in peculiar cases. The abdomen should be well rubbed whilst
taking the bath, and exercise taken immediately after it, to bring on a
reaction. Where there is any tendency of heat or blood to the head, a
wet bandage in the shape of a turban should be put on the head
immediately before sitting in the bath, and continued the whole time. In
commencing the hydropathic treatment, or where the patient is low
spirited or unwell, or in cases where reaction is slow, a tepid sitting
bath of 62 deg. to 64 deg. is usually prescribed. If a patient takes
this bath immediately after the rubbing-sheet, or the room in which he
takes it is cold, he should be covered with a cloak or dry blanket.
Sitting baths must not be taken just before going to bed, excepting
under peculiar circumstances.
In a case of asthma when the patient could hardly breathe, a tepid
sitting bath relieved him effectually in fifteen minutes. In all cases
of accidents to the head, evil consequences are averted by repeated
sitting baths. Head-aches are also generally relieved by these baths,
which shows to demonstration that the theory of cold water when applied
to the extremities driving the blood to the head, is completely devoid
of foundation.
XIX.--EYE BATH.
As a preservative to the eyes, they should be kept open in a basin of
water for two or three minutes every morning, or oftener. Glasses may
also be used of the form of the eye, with water in them. For weak eyes,
they are applied two or three times a day for five minutes each time.
Where great inflammation exists, water should be thrown with the hand
into the eyes several times a day.
XX.--HEAD BATH.
This bath can be taken in a common baking-dish, or any shallow vessel
that can be kept flat on the ground. To take this bath, place a rug or
blanket on the ground, and at the end of it, the vessel, containing
water about two inches deep. The patient should extend himself on the
rug so that his head may reach the dish or bason; then place the back of
the head in the water, and keep it there three or four minutes; then
each side of the head for the same time, and finish the operation by
again subjecting the back of the head to the bath for two minutes. This
process relieves headache. In cases of brain fever, and other diseases
which cause great heat or pain in the head, these baths are frequently
resorted to whilst the patient is in bed,--the back part of the head of
the patient being placed in water, which is renewed when hot. In
inflammation of the eyes, deafness, or loss of smell and taste, these
baths are of great utility.
XXI.--FINGER AND ELBOW BATHS.
The wounded finger is placed in a glass of water; and there are cases
where a glass is affixed by a string to the wrist, and the patient keeps
the finger constantly in the bath. The elbow bath is used whenever the
hand is wounded: it draws off the heat, and lowers the inflammation.
XXII.--LEG BATH.
The thighs and legs, when afflicted with ulcers, ringworms, etc., ought
to be put into a bath, so as to cover the parts afflicted, for an hour
or longer. This bath acts as a stimulant.
Other members of the body may likewise be subjected to baths; but their
necessity must, be determined by circumstances.
XXIII.--FOOT BATH.
This bath acts derivatively, and is employed as a counteracting agent
against pains of the head, inflammation in the face, congestion to the
upper regions of the body, fainting fits, bleeding of the nose, or
spitting of blood.
Priessnitz prescribes cold foot-baths to effect the same object that the
faculty endeavour to promote by warm ones.
The difference between a cold foot-bath and a warm one is, that after
the cold one, a warm glow succeeds and remains; whilst cold feet are the
necessary consequence of a warm bath. After the feet have been in cold
water for some time, the water becomes tepid from the heat extracted. If
the feet are put into hot water, heat, instead of being eliminated from
the system, is brought to it--the very opposite to what is intended.
Sometimes, water at a temperature of 62 degrees is prescribed.
Cold foot-baths are accused of driving the blood to the head, for which
notion there is not the slightest foundation, as the very opposite
effect always attends their application. In the case of bleeding at the
nose, I have seen them used several times; two cases, in fact, are
worthy of notice:--A man was nearly exhausted from loss of blood from
the nose; he put his feet into cold water, and the bleeding stopped in
two minutes. A young lady, similarly attacked, put a key down the back
and a wet towel upon the nape of the neck, without effect; her feet were
put into cold water, and the bleeding ceased immediately. These two
cases ought to satisfy the inquirer that cold foot-baths, far from
causing congestion in the head, relieve the head.
Care must, however, be taken that the feet are warm when put into cold
water, and exercise should be taken after the bath, in order to bring
about re-action.
To prove that re-action always attends the use of these baths, when
followed by proper exercise, we have but to observe our feet an hour or
two after using one. After great fatigue a foot-bath is most refreshing.
Mr. Priessnitz recommends the frequent use of these baths, as calculated
to ward off complaints--many of which originate in the feet.
Friction and cold foot-baths are the best remedy for habitually cold
feet.
Poor people who wear neither shoes or stockings, and whose feet are
constantly exposed to a sort of foot-bath, avoid many complaints with
which the rich are visited. It would be a misfortune to such people to
be furnished with covering for the feet, as will be seen by two cases
supplied me by friends on whom I can rely:--
An Irish gentleman, who removed a game-keeper from a low marshy estate
to one high and dry, asked him one day how he liked the change. The man
replied, "Not at all; he had never been well a day since he had been
there, for there was not a drop of water to wet his feet."
A game-keeper, sent to prison to wait his trial for killing a man, being
unwell, thought he would adopt his old habits as far as his confinement
admitted of. He frequently immersed his feet in cold water, and kept
them in motion. Soon after he began this, he recovered.
As a general foot-bath, the water should only come up to the instep; the
feet and legs ought to be rubbed by an attendant, or one foot rubbed
against the other the whole time. For cold feet ten minutes is
sufficient, and the water need only cover the soles of the feet; but for
other objects these baths are taken from fifteen minutes to half an
hour, often much longer.
XXIV.--THE TEPID, OR ABGESCHRECTE BATH.
This bath is precisely the same as the half-bath, and applied in the
same way; the only difference being the water, which in this bath is
tepid; _i. e._ ordinarily 62 or 63 deg. of Fahrenheit, sometimes as high
as 76 deg. In ordinary cases eight or ten minutes are sufficient, though
in gout I have known it continued for hours. Great friction, except in
eruptive cases, is applied the whole time.
The temperature during the use of this bath must be gradually diminished
by the addition of cold water. After rubbing the body for a short time,
the attendant throws a can of cold water on the head and shoulders and
then renews the friction, a process repeated until inflammation and pain
has subsided. If the patient feels weak or tired under the operation, he
is allowed to come out for a few minutes and then begin again. It is
customary with Priessnitz to put all new-comers into a tepid bath for
one or two minutes, then into the cold plunge bath and back to the
tepid. By these means he judges of their powers of re-action, and
prescribes accordingly.
Tepid baths are always used in eruptive cases. All practitioners would
do well to begin with these baths and proceed by degrees to colder ones.
Every day's experience teaches Priessnitz the value of tepid baths.
Whenever these baths are ordered--for instance for fifteen
minutes--instead of taking the whole at once, the dose is administered
_à trois reprises_. After the first five minutes, the patient gets out
of the bath and walks about the room, covered with a dry sheet, until he
gains a little life and activity in the joints, which will be effected
in two or three minutes. He then returns to the bath, and after the next
five minutes the same process is repeated. After the third process, the
patient is dried and walks about the room in the dry sheet for a short
time, by way of taking an air bath. This is an important modification in
the use of this bath. When patients are feeble and not able to support a
bath so long as is often necessary to remove the attack, of whatever
nature it may be, by dividing it in the way described, nature recovers
herself a little during each rest, and the sufferer is thus enabled to
take the whole; whereas, without any such pauses, the demand made on his
strength might be too great. With children this mode of treatment is
particularly observed.
XXV.--BANDAGES, OR UMSCHLAGS.
Bandages fulfil two objects diametrically opposed to each other, viz.,
to calm and to stimulate. One object is effected by leaving a good deal
of water in the bandage, not covering it with a dry one, and changing it
as soon as hot. The other by wringing the bandage well out, covering it
with a dry one and only changing it when dry.
1st. The more heat there is in the intestines the quicker the body
bandages act.
2nd. Outward cold applications cause a fresh generation of heat.
3rd. By keeping the skin moist, these bandages cause the exudation of
peccant humours and eliminate the excess of caloric.
4th. They equalise the temperature of the intestines, and keep up a
healthy action in them.
5th. Wherever there is inflammation, their application and renewal
lowers the temperature, and their moisture causes the healing of
sores or wounds.
Those most in use, may be termed heating bandages. That for the waist,
is worn day and night. It is 8-1/2 feet long; eight or nine inches wide,
with a double tape at the end to tie it with. To be put on with
facility, it ought to be rolled up like a surgeon's bandage, beginning
at the tape end. Then as much should be wetted and wrung out as will go
once round the body, which the remaining part will cover. The chest
bandages are made of coarse linen, _doubled_, in the shape of a
breast-plate, to fit the chest and the throat, tied with three pair of
tapes, one round the neck, under the arms, and round the waist. There
must be two breast-plates, one to button into the other: the smaller to
be wetted, the larger to be dry.
In the water-cure the waist bandage is changed in the morning, at noon,
in the afternoon, and on going to bed.
A clammy heat almost immediately succeeds the application of this
bandage: a sensation which one soon becomes accustomed to. Large or
small bandages of this nature are applied in an infinity of cases. Those
afflicted with complaints of the throat or chest, wear the chest bandage
at night. Bandages are also applied to the feet and legs as derivatives;
and to all wounds, bruises, diseased parts, or wherever pain is felt.
The humid heat of these bandages has a stimulating and absorbent
property; they relieve the body of superfluous heat, and extract
vitiated matters from the parts to which they are applied, as is
frequently seen by the water in which they are washed. Moreover, they
regulate the bowels, kidnies[sic], &c.
Mercury is constantly drawn from the pores in these bandages.--Prince
Leichtenstein, who had rubbed a light green ointment into his leg twelve
months previously to going to Gräfenberg, found that for a fortnight it
came out of the flesh by means of these bandages. Some medical men are
sceptical on this subject: to be convinced of the truth let such go to
Gräfenberg, where they may have constant evidence of the fact.
These bandages assuage pain, and aid in curing--better than ointments
and plaisters[sic]. It is in vain that we seek to cure malignant ulcers
retained in the system by impure blood with ointments. At Gräfenberg
this is effected by the general cure, in which these bandages occupy so
prominent a part.
These bandages are used by every patient, and must be renewed after
every application of the treatment. If not mentioned in any of the
following cases, the omission is unintentional, and those for the waist
and diseased parts must be applied notwithstanding.
To any one who has never been in a Water-cure establishment, the
application of these bandages will doubtless appear fraught with danger;
but so little is this the case, that they are applied to age and
decrepitude, to infants as soon as born, and to persons of weak,
nervous, and delicate constitutions.
So far from colds being produced by these bandages, when covered with
dry ones, we find invalids almost entirely encased in them nightly for
months together. Let any one in pain, or who has a sore throat, try
them, and he will soon be a convert to our opinion.
In inflammation, congestion of the blood, head-aches, burns, scalds, and
wounds, until inflammation subsides, bandages without dry ones over them
are used.
For this purpose, linen several times doubled, is wetted in cold water
and placed upon the parts affected, where it remains until hot, and then
is renewed until the disease ceases for which it was applied.
Sometimes these bandages are changed every ten minutes. In cases of
wounds or fractures, sitz-baths accompany these bandages, as together
they keep down inflammation.
In inflammation and fever, and in all cases of sickness, discomfort,
pain or cramps, a larger bandage than usual is required: this is a sheet
folded up and applied from the arm-pits to the thighs, and changed
frequently. This large bandage is frequently ordered at night to sleep
in, instead of the smaller one.
A gentleman, greatly afflicted, was packed up at night in a wet sheet,
with a blanket loosely bound round him, his arms and feet being left
free. This afforded him relief from pain. Of course, care was taken that
perspiration did not ensue. In the morning the patient took his usual
treatment.
The following interesting fact, confirming the advantage of bandages, is
related in Baron Larry's "Memoir of the Russian Campaign." "An officer
underwent amputation of an arm, after which the surgeon lost sight of
him for some time. Two years subsequently, he met the officer in the
saloons of Paris, who stated, that his wound had been completely cured
by the constant application of cold wet bandages, which he wetted at the
different rivulets he met with in his retreat, without any other
application whatever."
In a Water-cure Establishment bandages are applied wherever pain or
inconvenience is felt. Sometimes a patient has his legs, thighs, loins,
and perhaps an arm or his head encased in them at one time, and so
sleeps without any precautions as to increasing the amount of his
covering.
A well-known English Gentleman caught leprosy in the East. Whilst under
treatment at Gräfenberg, he slept in a pair of wet pantaloons, and a wet
waistcoat covered with dry ones every night. The dry covering soon
became wet, as did the blanket, when the patient felt chilly and
uncomfortable, yet no cold resulted. The blanket which was used as a
covering attracted the humidity. Priessnitz ordered a second blanket to
be put over the first, which absorbed the damp from the first. After a
couple of hours this was taken off and the under blanket was found dry:
thus the patient was relieved of his discomfort.
A Gentleman afflicted with Lumbago was advised to bathe in the
Serpentine in winter. After having done so, he dipped his shirt in the
water, wrung it out, and put it on, then buttoning up well and putting
on a great-coat and a large neckcloth, he proceeded briskly to Hampstead
and back; this produced great heat, and cured the lumbago. These
circumstances lead to the conviction that dangers attending the
application of wet linen to our bodies, are less real than is
represented. Thus, the airing of linen before a fire previous to wearing
it, is of no advantage; the slight damp in it, on the contrary, excites
the skin, and is more beneficial than otherwise.
One thing the reader's attention must be called to as an
incontrovertible fact. No person ever caught a cold or suffered
inconvenience from the application of wet sheets or bandages in the
Water-cure.
XXVI.--DIET.
"It is not the plenty of meat," says Dr. Scott, "that nourishes, but a
good digestion; neither is it the abundance of wealth that makes us
happy, but the discreet using of it."
Whilst under treatment, patients partake of three meals, breakfast,
dinner, and supper. The breakfast and supper consist of bread, butter,
milk and fruit. Dinner ought to consist of plain food, that is to say,
roast and boiled meat, poultry and vegetables, puddings and fruits; fish
and soup are not recommended.
Priessnitz is not an advocate for what is considered highly nourishing
food; he contends that quantity is more essential than quality. The act
of feeding causes the stomach, like other members of the body, to
perform its office.
A written case was presented to him of a person treating himself.
Priessnitz approved of what was doing, until he came to where it was
stated the patient ate roast beef and mutton daily--through this he
struck his pen. This opinion of Priessnitz's seems confirmed by Dr.
Beaumont of the United States, who made some useful experiments upon a
young man named ---- Martin, who was desperately, though not mortally,
wounded, by the discharge of a gun, the contents of which entered the
chest, and passed through the integuments of the stomach, so that the
whole process of digestion was laid open to observation. The most
important inferences arrived at by the doctor, from his observations,
were--
1st.--_That all stimulating condiments are injurious to the healthy
stomach._
2ndly.--_That the use of ardent spirits if preserved in, produces
disease in the stomach._
3rdly.--_That bulk as well as nutriment is necessary to the articles of
diet._
4thly.--_That the digestibility of aliment does not depend upon the
quantity of nutritient principles it contains._
Dr. Beaumont further adds, "Here we have incontestable proof, that
disease of the stomach was induced, and going on from bad to worse, in
consequence of indulgence in ardent spirits, _although no prominent
symptom made its appearance_, and ---- Martin was, in his general habits,
a healthy and sober man."
I put the following questions to Mr. Priessnitz:--"Is it requisite to
eat meat every day?" "Yes, whilst under the treatment, because of the
waste which the operations and consequent exertions occasion." "In cases
of obstinate constipation, animal food must be partaken of sparingly?"
"When not under Hydropathic treatment, meat should not be indulged in
every day, except where parties are subjected to great exertion or hard
labour, and even then it is better to avoid it occasionally. In fact,
people would be more healthy if they only eat meat on alternate days,
and if all their food were cold instead of hot."
From the habitual use of hot aliments the lining coat of the throat and
stomach becomes distended and weak--hence bronchitis and weak digestion.
To the question as to drinking water. Priessnitz said, "Drink
plentifully at every meal, finish by a tumbler or two, and don't fail
drinking five or six glasses daily."
Experience which is better than a thousand theories, proves that after
partaking of indigestible food, or eating too much, a few glasses of
water relieve the stomach. One is at a loss to conceive why people
should avoid drinking water at their meals, since none suffer from its
use, and Nature seems to require it. Those who feel indisposed, by
abstaining from food altogether for a day and drinking water, may
frequently avoid a serious illness.
Butter is fat food and bad for delicate digestions. The leaner the food
the better, to restore tone to the stomach and bowels. To people of
strong digestions this does not apply.
If we look around us, we find that three-fourths of the human family
live and labour, and digest, without tasting animal food; that the
remaining fourth, who indulge in it, do more homage to Apothecaries'
Hall than all the rest. But it is argued, much depends upon climate:
then how shall we reconcile the rice of the East, the potato of Ireland,
the oatmeal of Scotland, and the rye-bread of Poland? We can easily
understand people in hot countries living upon rice, maccaroni[sic],
etc.; but if what we understand by the term, nutritious food, is
absolutely indispensable, how reconcile ourselves to the potato as the
only food for the largest portion of the inhabitants of Ireland? Rye,
which is the staff of life to the Poles, is a grain next in degree to
wheat; then follow barley and oats. Potatoes are the very worst and
lowest description of food. Rye-bread is as manna sent from heaven, in
comparison with oatmeal, the chief food of the highlands of Scotland;
yet we see strong healthy people in Ireland and Scotland, living solely
upon these to a fine old age, without the assistance of the
Pharmacopœia.
Does not this prove Mr. Priessnitz is right, when he says quantity is
more essential than quality?
The great mass of mankind live on vegetable diet, which comprehends all
the products of the earth. An author tells us, "Recent discoveries have
shewn that vegetables contain the same elements as flesh: the same
gluten, albumen, fibrin, and oily matters that exist in a beefsteak, are
also found in our esculent vegetables."
Experience proves that vegetable diet is lighter and less liable to
bring on disease, than one in which animal food largely prevails.
From an early period the philosophers of Greece,--from amongst whom we
may cite Zeno, Plutarch, Porphyrus, and Plautinus,--advocated and
practised an exclusively vegetable diet. The Pythagorean sages
inculcated the same: hence the prevalence of rice diet over the vast and
densely-peopled regions of Asia. Mahomet is said to have lived upon
dates and water. It is related that the philanthropists, Swedenborg and
Howard, were vegetarians; that Newton, Descartes, Haller, Hufeland,
Byron, Shelley, and a host of other men of genius, were advocates of a
vegetable diet. The continued use of meat produces scurvy, liver
disease, rheumatism, gout, piles, etc.
Lamartine is a vegetarian.
On the score of economy, it is ascertained that the same plot of ground
which would provide animal food for one man, would feed seventeen on
vegetables.
For sick and delicate people, nutritious food should give way to coarser
fare when under treatment. Priessnitz says he lost a colonel in the
army, entirely from his indulgence in niceties and nourishing food; he
could not be induced to confine himself to plain coarse fare: his
digestion, in consequence, was always impaired.
Salt is injurious when acid humours or sores affect the body.
All spices, such as pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and mustard, are to be
avoided, on account of their stimulating properties: nature gave these
stimulants to the Indians, because their burning sky, by enervating the
body, rendered them necessary.
In our climate the air is more compressed, and contains a larger amount
of oxygen, which predisposes to inflammatory diseases. "Use," says
Priessnitz, "the seasonings nature has given us, and leave to foreigners
theirs: nature has provided for man's wants; our eatables ought, on that
account, to agree with us the better."
Good household or brown bread is considered better than white bread.
Beer, wine, and alcohols of all kinds, are interdicted, as not
assimilating with the food. It is a mistake to suppose that such things
assist digestion: they have a totally opposite effect. Every museum of
natural history exhibits substances preserved in wine, spirits of wine,
or spirits, which would be dissolved in water.
A question arises, if, after having undergone the Water-cure, it is
requisite to pursue any particular regimen? To this it may be answered,
that those who continue a life of temperance stand a better chance of
enjoying health and happiness than those who do not; but abstemiousness
does not follow the Water-cure as a matter of course, any more than it
does medical treatment. It is, however, necessary to abstain from
intemperance for a short time after leaving off the treatment, or
serious consequences may ensue.
To those who have passed the meridian of life, whose circulation is
languid, who have been accustomed to stimulants, Mr. Priessnitz
recommends the occasional use of light wines; and in speaking of wine as
an alterative, he admitted that there could be no rule without an
exception.
Tea and coffee attack the nerves. In my travels through Ireland, I was
shocked at the ravages made upon the weaker sex by tea, the abuse of
which has become a besetting sin. Give two or three cups of strong tea
to one unaccustomed to it, and its effects will be evident upon the
nervous system: in most cases it will deprive the recipient of sleep. I
have known a strong man who, to cure headache, drank three or four cups
of strong black tea, who, a few hours afterwards, trembled from head to
foot. The same often attends the drinking of coffee. Dr. Sir Charles
Scudamore, in his work on Hydropathy, states that Liebig, the best
living chemical authority, said that coffee impeded the digestion of
food for one or two hours, its carbonaceous principle requiring oxygen;
and that he looked upon green tea as a poison. Tea and coffee-drinkers
declare that neither affect them, and refer to persons who have drank
both during a long life, and are, notwithstanding, in health. There are
exceptions. The Bacchanalian, in like manner, justifies his revels, and
the Turk his opium--but "_mark the end!_"
Stomachs weakened by the continued use of stimulants revolt at milk,
which is the only food of most animals when young, and, as such,
contains a large amount of nutriment, which is not the case with tea or
coffee. I know a lady, the wife of one of Napoleon's marshals, who, for
some complaint, was prescribed a milk diet. During a period of twenty
years she has not taken an ounce of anything in the shape of food,
having confined herself entirely to milk. Her health has been invariably
good, and, though no longer young, can endure an excursion on foot over
the mountains of Switzerland better than any of my female acquaintances.
Does not this speak volumes in favour of milk as a diet for children or
adults?
At Gräfenberg, patients who cannot drink milk mix it with water until
the stomach gains tone; others drink sour milk, and find it agree with
them, when common milk would not: this is to be accounted for from the
milk having already undergone the first process of fermentation, which
process would otherwise have taken place in the stomach. Most new-comers
to Gräfenberg have a strong prejudice against sour milk, which, after
persevering in taking it for some time, generally ends in their liking
it exceedingly. Sour milk, with sugar and strawberries, is delicious.
Boiled milk, with bread broken in it, agrees with most people, and makes
a nourishing meal. To those with whom milk alone does not agree, cocoa,
with plenty of milk, is recommended as wholesome and economical.
It has been observed by an able writer, that some people think that to
live well means only to eat, and, it might be added, to drink. To hear
that a man can enjoy the pleasures of the table, who refrains from wine
and beer, and whose only beverage is water, appears paradoxical. Some go
so far as to say that they prefer death to purchasing life on such
terms, forgetting that a temporary indulgence at the table for a couple
of hours may render them uncomfortable for the remainder of the
twenty-four, and that the exciting, overcharging, and thickening of the
blood, renders them hypochondriacal and morose, and makes invalids of
men who ought to be in the enjoyment of robust health. It is hardly to
be expected that nature will deal mercifully with him who has for so
many years sinned against her mandates: she will, doubtless, sooner or
later reward the crimes of _lèse majesté_ committed against her high
prerogatives.
"Nothing like the simple element dilutes
The food, or gives the chyle so soon to flow."
The _bon-vivant_, from the excited state of his system, is not only more
subject to complaints than persons who live temperately, but is more
difficult of cure. When overtaken with pain and illness, notwithstanding
his stoicism in declaring for a short life and a merry one, no one
desires to be restored to health with greater earnestness, or manifests
a more ardent clinging to life than himself.
Priessnitz's assumption that the indigenous products of the country
wherein we reside being best calculated for the support of health, is
borne out by Liebig, who says: "Even when we consume equal weights of
food in cold and warm countries, infinite wisdom has so arranged that
the articles of food of different climates are most _un_equal in the
proportion of carbon they contain. The fruits on which the natives of
the South prefer to feed, do not, in the fresh state, contain more than
12 per cent. of carbon; whilst the bacon and train oil used by the
inhabitants of the Arctic regions, contain 66 to 80 per cent. of
carbon."
Avoiding all excess, it is man's prerogative to elaborate and assimilate
the most heterogeneous aliments, not being limited, like other animals,
to any particular food; and it is certain that those who approach
nearest to nature, who enjoy the benefit of pure air and lead an active
life, do not require to observe any particular rules.
One thing, however, is admitted: the duration of life depends upon the
simplicity of our wants. Most people eat too much, especially of animal
food. No people talk so much of indigestion, dyspepsia, and
constipation, as the English; it has been said that they take more pills
and aperients, and pay more fees, than all the nations of the world
together! What a distinction from savage life! The child of nature,
whose only drink is water, can, without inconvenience, go for days
together without food, and then commit excesses that, if indulged in in
civilised life, would produce fatal results.
It ought to be observed, that abstinence from wine and spices is
compensated by the pleasure water-drinkers take in being enabled to
partake _ad libitum_, of pastry, fruit, and other delicacies of the
table, which wine-drinkers dare not indulge in.
XXVII.--CLOTHING, AIR BATHS, WEARING STAYS, ETC.
Mr. Priessnitz expects all his patients to leave off wearing flannel or
cotton next to the body; he maintains that by keeping up too much heat,
they weaken the skin, which then is less efficient in performing its
offices, and in consequence people become delicate and diseased.
A patient coming out of the bath, on being prevented putting on his
flannel waistcoat and drawers, said, "Tell Mr. Priessnitz, they and I
having been intimately acquainted for twenty years, I hardly like
parting with them so abruptly." His reply was, "They are false friends;
in a short time your skin will regain the proper tone which they
deprived it of, when you will be warmer without flannel than ever you
were with it." Priessnitz does not preach one doctrine and practise
another--he wears nothing under his linen. Some patients of a slow
circulation, on commencing the treatment, are ordered to wear their
flannel waistcoats over their linen for a few days: the want of it is
not felt. It might naturally be supposed, that leaving off flannel of a
sudden, especially in cold weather, would be attended with serious
consequences; but this is never the case in the Water-cure. Invalids
frequently arrive at Gräfenberg in the depth of winter, and after the
bath, invariably leave off flannel. Of the number of cases that came
under my observation, I never knew a single instance of a party catching
cold. After the bath, the patient is expected to keep up a brisk walk
for some time. In winter, it would be as well, after leaving off
flannel, to clothe warmer than usual for a day or two.
Wearing flannel waistcoats in bed of a night is greatly debilitating. An
almost universal prejudice exists in favour of flannel in cases of gout
and rheumatism; hence the question arises, "Does it prevent or cure
those complaints?" Certainly not; for where do you see their victims
without flannel? Experience proves, that it neither protects the wearer
from disease, nor allays pain.
Nightcaps destroy the hair, cause its premature decay, and have an
injurious tendency to those troubled with congestion in the head,
head-aches, etc.; such people cannot have their bedrooms too cold. There
is much sense in the old adage--"Keep the head cold, and the feet
warm." Previously to sleeping without a nightcap, and washing my head
every morning with cold water, I was constantly tormented with cold in
the head, from which I am now perfectly free. Perhaps, in some measure,
I am indebted to my last visit to Gräfenberg for this happy change,
having passed a whole winter there without wearing either hat or
neck-cloth, or making any change from my summer clothing, although the
thermometer was frequently 12° to 14° Reaumur below zero.
The constant use of oils and pomatums to the hair, unless the head is
often washed, closes the pores, and is prejudicial.
With respect to the clothing, Priessnitz advises "when in an open
carriage, or sitting still, the body should be well clothed; when in
exercise, as lightly covered as possible."
One half the cases of consumption in females may be traced to the
wearing of stays, and lacing them too tight. All artists agree, that
stays in growing people destroy, rather than improve, the figure. Bound
up in whalebone, they lose that graceful undulation of the back which is
so pleasing. Every one who has seen the Venus de Medicis, Canova's
Venus, or any other faithful copy of nature, must consider a very small
waist a defect.
Stays, at best, are unwholesome, as they keep up an unnatural heat about
the body; and when laced too tight, are sure to be attended with serious
consequences. I have known several young ladies, whose teeth were
destroyed, whose breaths were intolerable, and who were consigned to a
premature grave, entirely from tight lacing. To have health, the
greatest of all blessings, the complicated machinery inside our bodies
must have room for action (the intestinal canal, for instance, is half
as thick as a man's arm, and sixty or seventy yards long); contract this
space, you contract the vessels, and irregularity of the functions
ensues. This is an offence against nature, which sooner or later she
will repay with misery and pain.
Dr. Abernethy advised air baths, that is, the habit of exposing the body
naked to the air, which may be done with impunity after the cold bath,
but not otherwise. In winter, instead of increasing the amount of
clothing, Priessnitz advises exercise; for, in proportion as the body is
warmly clothed, and the air excluded, the less warmth is produced by the
body itself; resistance to cold causes the body to bring forth its own
energies and powers. There can be no doubt the feet are much warmer,
and that it is much healthier, to go without stockings; it necessitates
washing the feet oftener, which, if done in cold water, tends to bring
warmth to them. The Turks owe much of their health to their habit of
washing their feet. Before going to Gräfenberg, people destitute of
shoes and stockings excited my pity; but since that time, my opinion is
changed: let such persons be well fed, but for health keep their feet
bare. The following extracts from Liebig support Priessnitz's opinion:--
"Our clothing is merely an equivalent for a certain amount of food. The
more we are clothed, the less urgent becomes the appetite for food;
because the loss of heat by cooling, and consequently the amount of heat
to be supplied by the food, is diminished.
"If we were to go naked, like certain savage tribes; or if in hunting or
fishing, we were exposed to the same degree of cold as the Samoyedes, we
should be able with ease to consume ten pounds of flesh, and perhaps a
dozen of tallow candles into the bargain, daily; as warm-clad travellers
have related with astonishment of those people."
"The Englishman, in Jamaica, feels with regret the disappearance of his
appetite, previously a source of frequently recurring enjoyment. And he
succeeds by the use of cayenne pepper and the most powerful stimulants,
in enabling himself to take as much food as he was accustomed to eat at
home. But the whole of the carbon thus introduced into the system is not
consumed; the temperature of the air is too high, and the oppressive
heat does not allow him to increase the number of respirations by active
exercise, and thus to proportion the waste to the amount of food taken;
disease of some kind, therefore, ensues."
"The cooling of the body, by whatever cause it may be produced,
increases the amount of food necessary, the mere exposure to the open
air, in a carriage or on the deck of a ship, by increasing radiation and
evaporation, increases the loss of heat and compels us to eat more than
usual. The same is true of those who are accustomed to _drink large
quantities of water_, which is given off at a temperature of the body
98°. It increases the appetite; and persons of weak constitution find it
necessary, by continued exercise, to supply to the system the oxygen
required to restore the heat abstracted by the cold water. Loud and
long continued speaking, the crying of infants, and moist air, all exert
a decided and appreciable influence on the amount of food which is
taken."--LIEBIG.
"No isolated fact," says Dr. Johnson, "can contravene the law that the
quantity of food is regulated by the number of respirations, by the
temperature of the air, and by the amount of heat given off to the
surrounding medium, as for instance by frequent bathing. Of course it is
a matter of indifference whether that medium be cold air or cold water."
As a healthy naked body generates by heightened perspiration of the
skin, the same warmth as is produced by one which is covered, by means
of retaining the perspiration; so every one who is quite well, might by
use become so hardened, that during the coldest season he might feel,
when naked, as comfortable as any one covered with wool. The truth of
this was verified by two English gentlemen, the winter I spent at
Gräfenberg. One day in December, when the thermometer was at 6°, of
Reaumur, below zero, they proceeded to a mountain, took off all their
clothes, except their drawers, and proceeded to the top, where, though
the wind was blowing strong at the time, they remained two hours. They
stated that after they had walked briskly, or got up the steam for ten
minutes, a glow of heat came on, which counteracting the cold, produced
the most agreeable sensation. Neither of these gentlemen caught cold or
suffered in any way from this experiment.
The Scotch Highlander with his naked legs, does not feel colder,
surrounded by mountains of ice, than we do who are clothed. We prove
this by our bare faces in the coldest winter.
As the skin performs the double function, of drawing nourishment from
the air, and exhaling the phlogisticised air of the diseased matter and
worn-out atoms of the body, it follows that the true art of curing, must
be to endeavour to restore these two functions. Hydropathy causes the
ejection of diseased matter and revives the activity of the skin.
Dr. Johnson observes, "Discomforts are the necessary whips and spurs
which keep the living energies awake; whilst comforts operate upon us
like opiates: since to acquire a 'comfort' is only to remove a
discomfort; and to remove what keeps us awake, is the same thing as to
administer what will send us to sleep. The indulgences, therefore,
wherewith even young and healthy men indulge themselves; the
'comforts,' as they call them, of flannel, warm clothing, closed doors,
carpeted rooms, soft beds, hot food, are infinitely worse than absurd;
because the opposites of all these luxuries, so far from being injurious
to health, are absolutely _necessary_ to it. We actually kill ourselves
with comforts."
XXVIII.--DRUGS.
"Thus with our hellish drugs, Death's ceaseless fountains
In these bright vales, o'er these green mountains
Worse than the very plague we raged.
I have myself to thousands poison given,
And hear their murderer praised as blest by heaven,
Because with Nature strife he waged."
GÖETHE'S FAUST.
The influence of habit and custom is such, that it is difficult to
arouse inquiry, when the result is calculated to derange the existing
order of things. Mr. D'Israeli observes, "Could we conceive that man had
never discovered the practice of washing his hands, but cleansed them as
animals do their paws, he would for certain have ridiculed and protested
against the inventor of soap, and as tardily, as in other matters, have
adopted the invention."
All change, however beneficial, is attended with trouble; and we
therefore adopt the motto, "Whatever is, is right." This very motto is
the key to our method of cure--as it is to that of every other great
moral truth. Yet, to quote the words of Rausse, "We do not take this in
the sense of the philosophy of our days, or in that of the German
philosopher, Hegel, for then we must consider falsehood and
assassination to be good. Rather would we take these words in the sense
in which they were first proclaimed by the philosophy of Geneva, in the
sense in which the _first citizen_ used them for the foundation of his
truths; thus, that which is produced by nature is good; all
inclinations, all impulses of men derived from nature, are good; and
every mis-usage of nature is an outrage which she punishes with misery
and pain. All the principles of the art of curing at Gräfenberg,
attested as they are by thousands, are dictated by that instinct which
nature has given to every human being as his inheritance."
But are not all the cures performed at Gräfenberg--all the doctrines of
Hydropathy--opposed to science? It may be answered, Yes; nor can we shut
our eyes to the fact, that nature refuses all respect for what we are
pleased to denominate learning--nay, tramples upon what is often called
science: particularly on that of medicine. By what delusions were
mankind first persuaded to submit to the use of poisonous drugs! In the
middle ages, water as a beverage, and as a cure for disease, fell into
total disuse. In the time of the Crusades, the Arab doctors introduced
the use of Oriental drugs, to which they attributed miraculous virtues;
and during the period of astrology and alchemy, and when researches were
being made for the philosopher's stone, almost every nation boasted of
having found some panacea--some elixir vitæ: sometimes it was an oil or
an herb; at others, a powder or mineral; until, in process of time,
their accumulation formed the vaunted science of medicine. But, we would
inquire, are the effects of these compounds such as to lead to the
conclusion that they were recommended by nature? Have mankind become
healthier since their introduction? Are those nations who have done most
homage to this science, the strongest and soundest?
To think of eradicating disease with poisons, of which physic is
generally composed, appears paradoxical. How is it possible to bring
physic to bear upon the dispersed and deeply-hidden diseased matter?
Even if this could be done, it is quite impossible, as every chemist
knows, for the peccant matters and physic to dissolve each other into
nothing.
Dr. Forbes, editor of the "British and Foreign Medical Review," supports
this view of the case. He observes, "It is one of the most formidable
difficulties with which the ordinary physician has to contend, that
nearly all his remedies reach the point to which they are directed,
through one channel. If the brain requires to be placed under the
influence of a sedative or a stimulant, if the muscular system demands
invigorating by tonics, if the functions of organic life need correction
by alteratives, the physician has no means of attaining his object
except by inundating the stomach and bowels with foreign and frequently
pernicious substances. It being thus made the medical doorway to all
parts of the system, and so compelled to admit every description of
therapeutical appliances, the organ of digestion is contorted to a
purpose for which it was never intended."
"The consequence," says Dr. Arbuthnot, "of such treatment with physic
is, that to the old evil a new stimulus is added, weak or strong,
according to the dose and quality: what is inflammable, stays in the
blood, and afterwards affects the brain."
We may fairly ask, How can any of these consequences result from
Hydropathy? The following lines of Horace Smith are not far from the
truth:--
"Physic! a freak of times and modes,
Which yearly old mistakes explodes
For new ones still absurder.
All slay,--their victims disappear,
And only leaves the doctrine clear
That killing is no murder."
Are those who do most to aid the apothecaries, and who indulge in
alcoholic drinks, healthier than others; or, are those who are in the
habit of consulting doctors free from pain? No! they drag on a miserable
existence. It might be asked, If certain herbs and minerals were alone
intended for healing man's infirmities, how would the inhabitants of the
temperate zone procure those that are indigenous to the tropics, and
_vice versâ_? Instinct pleads in favour of the element that abounds
wherever human beings ought to live; and innumerable instances might be
adduced of the advantage which the use of water gives the savage over
cultivated man.
From the most remote ages, water was known and resorted to as a curative
agent by the unsophisticated children of nature. In the wilds of
America, the savage is put into a close hut, built of stones, which hut
is heated to produce intense perspiration on the invalid, in which state
he is immersed in the river, near to which the hut is generally placed;
and by Pallme's travels in Kordofan, we find that, in the very depths of
Africa, fevers are cured by cold water. It appears our traveller lay
several days in bed with burning fever, when, at length, his attendants
lifted him out of bed, placed him with his back against the door, and
poured a large volume of cold water on his head and body. After the
shock he was put to bed, covered with sacks and sheepskins: this
produced relief and sleep. A second application of this treatment
effected a cure.
Some writers err in supposing mankind to have arrived at an age of
decrepitude, from its not occurring to them that the deterioration of
health arises from art, and not nature. If you wish to be convinced of
this, leave civilised and go to savage life. There you will see the man
of nature as young and strong as the first created; the generation
cannot grow old, except by art, poison, or vice. Prescribe simple water,
and it is rejected with scorn; but let any quack recommend his drugs,
however poisonous, and they are swallowed regardless of results. It must
have been the enemy of all good who first persuaded mankind that poison
could produce health.
The evils that arise from pernicious drugs, which have swept away
millions, and which will destroy the whole species if no reform takes
place, originate in misunderstanding the first or acute attack, which is
but an attempt of nature to heal. Men take acute attacks for disease,
whilst _in reality they are the means by which the system is relieved of
disease_. Bleeding, blistering, cupping, and drugging, subdue these
efforts,--not by emancipating the system, but by so reducing it that it
can no longer contend with its enemy. Men praised the unlucky discovery,
and hence a host of deadly diseases took their origin, such as
destructions and suppurations of the inner organs, dropsy, etc.:
complaints which were hardly known in times of yore, and which, but for
these causes, would never have reared their heads. However, as the
lamentable consequences in some cases do not appear until years after
the suppression of the acute conflict, no one thinks of attributing them
to drugs. This drug-plague is the most dreadful malady mankind has to
contend with; dug by themselves from the black abysses of the earth, it
has been cherished as the effect of deep science for centuries; how
frequently has the last shilling been offered up at its altar! Upon it
as many millions have been spent as would pay off the National Debt: to
the study of these dangerous errors, millions of men have applied the
whole of their lives and their ability: backed by this so-called
science, they contend against nature; but _how_ does Nature punish those
who wish to master her? Oh, great unspeakable Nature! how dreadfully
beautiful art thou, in thy inexorable and destroying severity!
Mankind may still turn back, and regenerate health; but it is not
sufficient for them to renounce physic: they must abandon wine, spirits,
and poison, in every shape. For the curing of disease, we must not look
into the grey mysteries of the future, but far behind us, on the green
plain of Nature, and of the times which are past.
XXIX.--ASSIMILATION.
The preservation of life requires not only that its consumption should
be reduced, but its restoration rendered more easy. For this purpose two
things are necessary, the perfect assimilation of that which is
beneficial, the separation from that which is injurious. Life, as will
be seen from the following definition, depends upon the identification,
the assimilation, and the animalisation of external matter by the vital
power, in its passage from the chemical to the organic world.
The power of assimilating other substances into itself is the
fundamental principle of nature. This impulse and power is not only
prevalent in all organic matter, but also in elemental bodies, that is
to say, water, earth, and fire. The globe in the beginning was a rigid
rock, upon which air and water effected their power of assimilation.
Assimilation is only possible by dissolving. For the purpose of
assimilation, air and water dissolved the earth's crust; by the agency
of those powers that surface originated which produces and nourishes all
organic bodies. As these exist in the same world in which the elements
continually exercise their power of dissolving and assimilating, it
follows, that from the beginning there must have been developed in all
organic elements the same power, as a protection to themselves.
Air dissolves water into vapours, in order to assimilate gases from it.
Water extracts from air the oxygen gas.
Fire absorbs the oxygen of air, dissolves water into its two component
parts, hydrogen and oxygen, and by converting the former to a flame,
transforms water to fire; air absorbs many gases which fire releases
from combustibles; air draws gases from the soil, the soil absorbs the
oxygen of the air. In this way the elements are in a constant conflict,
each endeavouring to dissolve the other, and to assimilate its matters
with itself. Organic bodies draw oxygen from the air by the process of
respiration, which is also the property of plants: these draw all
assimilatory matter which the earth offers by their roots. The same
process is performed by animals feeding on plants or herbs; whereas, on
the contrary, fire resolves all organic matter into its original
elements. This same process is carried out by water and air, with all
organic beings, but as long as these are living they only get their
evaporation, and after death their entirety. The earth exercises this
power but conditionally and partially, viz. upon all animals that exist
in it, and on all roots of plants; upon mankind the earth only exercises
its power of assimilation after death. The proofs of this conflict of
assimilation in organic matter itself are clear, one animal eats the
other as well as plants; that is to say, it absorbs by the agency of the
stomach so much of their substance as may be assimilated. Plants again
convert parts of dead bodies and other plants (the manure) into their
own substance.
Besides this power of assimilation, there exists in every being, element
and organisation, the necessity of being exposed to foreign
assimilation.
This is the fundamental principle of the true doctrine of healing. In
support of this theory, we find that water, if withdrawn from the power
of dissolution by the fresh air, stinks and putrefies. Air loses its
oxygen and becomes mephitic, if it does not find water or plants with
which it can enter into the conflict of dissolution and assimilation.
Animals and plants fall ill and die if their surface is so covered that
neither air nor water can act upon them. If nourishment is withdrawn
from any organic being, that is to say, if it is deprived of the
opportunity of assimilating with external or foreign substances, death
is caused by the want of a supply of healthy juices; if, on the
contrary, this being is deprived of the influence or effect of this
foreign power of dissolution, illness is the consequence, arising from
the putridity of matter, from which putridity the system ought to have
been released by the agency of foreign assimilation.
XXX.--THE CRISIS.
"Most blessed water! neither tongue can tell
The blessedness thereof, nor heart can think,
Save only those to whom it hath been given
To taste of that divinest gift of heaven.
"I stoop'd and drank of that divinest well,
Fresh from the Rock of Ages where it ran,
It had a heavenly quality to quell
All pain: I rose a renovated man;
And would not now, when that relief was known
For worlds the needful suffering have forgone."
To those unaccustomed to t
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