Chicago Medical and Surgical Instit 617 La Salle Avenue, Chicago, III. UTcv, ESTABLISHED 1878. REORGAN'ZED AND INCORPORATED 1891. CAPITAL $100,000. THE OLDEST. LARGEST, MOST SUCCESSFUL AND RELIABLE MEDICAL ESTABLISHMENT FOR TUK TRI^ATKEN O? ALL CHRONIC, SPECIAL AND SIKGICAL DlisJEASK- AM> DEFORMI TTES, BTC. N. E. WOOD, A. M., M D., PRESIDENT AND CHIEF ME'DiCAL DIRECTOR. Over T-,venty-flve Years' Hospital, Special and Private Practice.) Assisted by a Regular Faculty of Skillful aud Experienced Physicians, Surgeons, Specialists, Trained Assistants and Xurses. c Particular attention paid to Deformities, Diseases "f Women, Diseases of the Urinary and Sexual Organs, Diseases of the Nervous System, Lung and Throat Diseases, Surgical Operations of every kind, Piles and all Rectal Diseases, Cancers, Tumors, etc. We have superior advantages and facilities for treating diseases, p*r. forming surgical operations and nursing pitien'.n, which, combined with our acknowledged ability, experience, responsibility and reputation, should make the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute the first choice of the invalid. / Introduction. Nor love, nor honor, wealth, nor power Can give the heart a cheerful hour, When health is lost. Be timely wise. —Gay. "How can lost health be regained?" This book is written and published to give the answer to this question, and to advise those who are earnestly seeking to recover lost health where and how they may do so. It is not expected to interest those who have no' acquaintance with disease or deformity. We seldom appreciate the blessing of health until it is lost; when stricken with the relentless hand of disease the pain-racked invalid loses all the pleasures and joys of life; ambition and hope are crushed, and there is no charm or delight in the things that wealth may pur- chase or in the pleasures of nature that the humble poor, gifted with health, may have and enjoy. Early in our medical career we saw the immense advantage to be derived from system, organization and specialization in curing the sick, and were among the first to realize that a sanitarium for the care and cure of chronic invalids should consist of a thoroughly equipped medi- cal and surgical institute, with a faculty of specialists working in har- monious unity, yet dividing the work in the various laboratories and depart- ments, which, when equipped with the most complete complement of instru- ments and appliances, must give the patients the best results that science and skill can produce. Ample accommodations in the way of offices, reception rooms, laboratories and private rooms for resident and visiting patients, arranged on the plan of a modern home, or private hotel, instead of the old unsanitary method of herding all sorts and conditions of cases in hospital wards, so much dreaded and rightly rebelled against by patients themselves. In the year 1876 we set out to find the most suitable place in the United States to found and establish such an institution. After thousands of miles of travel, and nearly two years search, we decided that on account of its central location, being more easily reached from all parts of North America, Chicago, the coming great metropolis of the conti- ft Chicago Medical and Suegical Institut* nent, with its equitable temperature, absence of malaria, in a latitude not too far north or south to be extreme, on the shore of a great lake with abundance of pure water and all the healthful influence of a country village, with beautiful parks, magnificent drives, libraries, churches, museums, theatres, resorts and places of interest and amusement, with the advantage of a large commercial city, where everything needful is at immediate command, was the ideal location, and here we established the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute in 1878. Beginning in a humble way with limited capital and small resources, we labored hard struggling against much opposition and many discouraging influences, bos/i within and without the profession, but success came in spite of all efforts to crush us, and in 1891 we re-organized and obtained a charter from the state of Illinois, with a paid up working capital of one hundred thousand dollars, and had a new building erected for our use in the business centre, on the corner of Wabash and Van Buren streets, which we occupied during a period of five years, and built up a large business, treating successfully thousands of patients from all over North America, and also many from foreign shores. The building of the elevated railroad, the increase in the noise and confusion, and the rapacity of our landlord, forced us to seek a new location in the spring of 1896. We resolved to leave the business district and purchase property near one of the parks for a permanent home for the Institute, where we would get purest air, quiet and peaceful surroundings, and a more healthful and delightful place for our patients and ourselves to live. For we recognize that as the tender plant is stimulated in its growth by rich and prolific soil, as the flower buds and blooms where the atmosphere is light and warm, so the invalid becomes well when nurtur- ed by skilled and careful hands, amid surroundings where nature revels amd a beauty and charm; where days are pleasant and nights afford the sweetest sleep, Reception Hall—Parlor Floor Chicago Medical and Stjkghcal Institttte. 5 There is not a lovelier spot on the face of this earth in the summer time than Lincoln Park. We gave this fact full recognition when we selected a place within a block of it, and purchased grounds and erected buildings for the permanent location of the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute at 617 La Salle Avenue, after full investigation of the many places which could be ob- tained, and which would to a great extent satisfy our desire. We found all had some objections, principally of noise, an absence of pure air and the lack of facilities for patients to obtain rest and quiet. We found at our present location none of these objections, and all the advantages, it being only one short block from Lincoln Park and overlooking it from our rear' windows. We look upon it as "our back yard," our house being pervaded with the freshness of the park and the pure lake breezes which are wafted to us constantly during the heated season. Here we have found and fitted up a place such as we had long sought, where nature would assist us in restoring invalids to health—where the sick and the weary could come, and with the assistance of our expert physicians and surgeons could be restored to health, strength and vigor. We selected La Salle avenue in preference to other streets because it is more quiet and has not the noise and confusion of the cable cars and heavy traffic wagons on the more busy thoroughfares. We have the cable cars one block away on each side of us—North Clark street on the east and Wells street on the west, near enough for convenience and far enough away so we escape the noise and confusion. Our patients enjoy all the advantages and pleasures of Lincoln Park ; it is only two minutes' walk from the Institute to the south-west entrance to the park, and our patients never tire of praising the many beautiful things they see, and the sweet rest and quiet always to be found there. Children take supreme delight in visiting the animals in the Zoological gardens—the lions, the tigers, the bears, buffalo, elk, deer, moose, the elephants, seals, alligators, as well as the monkeys, birds, and thousands of other speci- mens in the collection are interesting also to many children of larger growth. Chicago medical and surgical lNSTrrurra Our Great Success. The subject of health and how to regain and retain it, will, it is taken for £ granted, interest the reader who has followed us thus far if he is an invalid in earnest quest of a means of cure. ^v We have already hinted something as to our equipment and methods; the reader has also noted ere this the illustrations made directly from photographs both of the interior and exterior of our building, from which he will form a cor- rect conclusion as to our beautiful location, equipment and facilities for caring for him ; but in matters of this kind the best proof of our ability to cure him is * afforded by our success with others, for success proves success; it is the final test of all theories—the truth of the old proverb that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" is expressed by the more modern phrase "nothing succeeds like success," and as our success has been the most marvelous achievement in modern medicine, we shall endeavor to show the reader something of it by intro- v ducing a few of our former patients who will tell of the matchless success of our treatment in their cases, previous to which we must by way of a proper intro- duction explain something of the nature of our practice. It has been our custom for the past five years, since we adopted our new system, tj seek out for treatment chronic, and so-called incurable cases—those who had failed to find relief or cure at the hands of the family physician, or ordinary medical practitioner, and such surgical cases as pertain to the reproduc- tive organs of men and women, the eye and ear, and cancers, tumors, deformi- ties of the limbs and back, rectal, pelvic and abdominal operations, etc., etc. The reader will observe that these are such as the ordinary practitioner shuns as the least hopeful and most difficult, if not actually pronounced incura- ble. Our records show during this period over seven thousand surgical opera- tions performed, many of them major or capital operations, yet the astounding and almost incredible fact is that not a single patient out of this vast number died either directly or indirectly from a surgical operation at our hands—a rec- ord that the annals of surgical science had never before attained. And what is almost equally gratifying, every operation without exception was a success. We penetrated portions of the brain (and successfully removed tumors), where surgi- cal science had never before invaded. We removed ovarian and fibroid tumors from the abdomen, weighing from fifteen to forty pounds; we located and re- moved bullets, tumors, cancers, etc., from the stomach, intestines, liver, blad- der, kidneys and other internal organs ; we opened and drained pus cavities and abcesses of the chest; we repaired knife and bullet wounds in the intestines ; we removed cataracts from the eyes and restored sight to the blind, yet in all these hazardous operations no human life was lost, health and life being restored and preserved to thousands who were thought to be hopeless and beyond tb.9 reach of human aid. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute 7 Our medical cases were ot course of a. 1 irg^r nimber aid almost equallj successful ; yet we claim no superauurjl pr-vsr. W«i h ive simply discovered a way to work with nature's laws in harmony with her own purpose in the cure of disease and the preservation of life. In a less enlightened age and among a people not universally instructed and intelligent, the work we accomplish would certainly be deemed miraculous. Now with a few words on our methods in surgical operations, how we do away with the pain and danger and avoid suppuration, secure healing of large wounds in so short a time and our successful system of treating non-surgical patients at home by correspondence, we will leave our readers to study our suc- cess with our former patients who will occupy the balance of the limited space with theii testimonials. Aseptic Surgerp and Surgical Operations. The aseptic, or non-septic, method in surgery, is the outgrowth of the " antiseptic " method, which originated a few years ago in Germany, The German surgeons were at that time the most advanced and progressive of any in the world, but now the Americans out rank all others. We imme- diately took up the German idea and improved on it so much, that a new sys- tem was evolved. The German method is based on the well known facts, proved beyond all ques- tion, by the microscope, that the germs of putrifaction and suppuration, known in science as bacteria, micrococci, streptococci, etc. ,«are every where, in the dust, air, etc., millions of them are generated in a few hours, and it is their presence that causes the putrefaction of meat, when the conditions of moisture and heat are present. Everyone is familiar with the fact that canned meat, fruit and vegetables are preserved for an indefinite period, by sealing them from the air, first boiling them in the can to kill the microbes that are already in them; also with the fact that the farmer's wife must scald her milk pails and pans daily with boiling hot water to kill the germs of fermentation in the "sour" milk, otherwise the sweet fresh milk would become "soured " by the infection. The great source of danger from surgical operations, and the great evil that former generations of surgeons feared, but could not combat, was pyaemia (blood poisoning) erysipelas and gangrene. These diseases, or the fear of sup- puration (the forming of pus or matter) with its dreadful consequences, does not now stay the hand of the surgeon when an operation is necessary, as in days of old, when it was a last resort and a forlorn hope. Now, if such a condition takes place, it is the fault of the surgeon, either in ignorance, carelessness, or a lack of proper means at his command, and in this age no surgeon should run the risk of operating without proper arrangements. The original method of the Germans was to use antiseptic, or germ destroy- ing, solutions in the wound. A spray of the same fluid was constantly kept up over the wound, the instruments, and the hands of the surgeon during the oper- ation and the wound irrigated with it immediately before closing it, and apply- ing the dressings which also were saturated with iL 8 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Preparing for a Minor Operation. It was found on experience, that whatever chemical means was employed to destroy the microbes, being of a poisonous character, did more or less harm to the tissues, hence our progressive American surgeons improved on the pro- cess, overcoming this objection by greater efforts in the direction of absolute cleanliness of the hands and instruments of the surgeon and his assistants, the sponges, dressings, and everything liable to come in contact with the wound, the arrangement of an operating room so that the germs could be excluded, and careful and thorough cleansing and disinfecting the part to be operated on in advance, thus obviating the necessity of putting anything of a poisonous character into the wound, to intercept or interfere with nature's matchless efforts to heal it. • We also found means of sterilizing the dressings and solutions used for irri- gating the wounds, and our hands and instruments, without resorting to chemi- cal poisons. We also made many improvements on the methods of controlling hemorrhage, preventing pain and shock, and insuring the quick healing of wounds. It will be seen by the reader that we have thus, step by step, over come all the great dangers, and thereby removed the dread and fear of surgi- cal operations, as they were usually performed under the conditions which pre- vailed in the olden times, and which unfortunately still prevail to some degree with those who have not kept up with the rapid advancement of modern surgi- cal science. We are now able to perform operations with comparatively no danger, and absolutely no pain or suffering to the patient, that until a few years a?n wai-« Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 9 considered too hazardous to undertake without great danger, and consequently were so much dreaded that they were only consented to as a last resort, Our phenomenal success is therefore not so much to be wondered at, for it follows as a natural consequence, and demonstrates the superiority of our improved system. Rome Treatment. This has for many years been an important branch of our business, and with our vast experience we have evolved a wonderful system, so that we are able te treat by correspondence and cure, nearly all the cases of chronic and complica- ted diseases that have been the rounds of the home doctors, and the local and other specialists, without obtaining relief. We have such a perfect system of diagnosis by means of question blanks, with '' Report" blanks for those under treatment, that nothing escapes our notice and attention, and if a patient will but follow the plain printed directions, which he can easily do without hin- drance to his usual work or business, be can secure an easy, certain and cheap cure without ever leaving home. We have cured • thousands in this manner by correspondence, under our system, that have never been to the Institute, and whom we have never seen personally. This department is under the direct supervision of our president. Dr. Wood carefully reads every letter "report " and statement received in the mail from patients, and dfctates the answer to his private secretary, who is an expert sten- Prescription Laboratory. 10 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute One of the Private Rooms for Patients ographer, and who then writes it out on the typewriter, and ii is looked over and signed by the president and mailed. Every patient under treatment receives a register number when treatment is commenced, his case being recorded by that number, with a full record of all the symptoms, the age, sex, occupation, and everything connected with the his- tory of the case, likely to have a bearing or influence in the treatment. The diagnosis and opinion of the faculty, and a copy of every prescription is also re corded, with the date of same, and the contract, or price agreed on, and tht amount paid duly credited, and he is furnished blanks for monthly reports, as well as medicines ready prepared for use in a convenient form, and general and specific advice and directions according to the necessities of his case. To such cases as we consider impossible to cure by home treatment alone, we im- mediately inform them of that fact by letter, and urge them to visit the Insti- tute without delay. We send medicine to every part of the world, both by mail and express, with such clear and explicit directions for use that no mistake can occur. Our remedies are securely packed in a box with plain wrapper, and sent by express unless otherwise directed. We send medicines in liquid form, which are com- pounded in our own Laboratory from pure drugs, and certain in their action, They are concentrated extracts, thus being in small bulk, but we can send in the form of tablets or pills in many cases if preferred. We invite all to correspond with or visit us before taking treatment else- where, believing that a visit or consultation will convince any intelligent person Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. H Our fees and Charges. This question is often one of the first asked of us, and many write asking our terms without any accompanying statement or history of the case, never stopping to think that it would make any difference in our compensation whether the case was one requiring only a few minutes attention in prescribing a simple means of quick cure, or one in which weeks and months of careful earnest study and work must be employed, and rare and costly medicine procured, compounded and dispensed, or some delicate or difficult operation performed. We must first be made acquainted with the details of the case, in order that we may correctly estimate the service we may be expected to perform; then we are in a position to give an estimate of our charges which will always be reasonable, but we wish it distinctly understood that we never attempt to com- pete in price with those whose chief recommendation is the fact that they are "cheap," Cheap doctors and cheap medicines are usually worse than worthless, and if you are so unwise as to trust your health and life with a doctor who offers to serve you at an unusually cheap price, it is a sure evidence that his skill is worthless, and you will be fortunate if you do not lose both health and life in the end. In medical practice, as in other professions, the best talent and skill that can be obtained, is the most economical that can be employed. The wisest business men, managers of large corporations and financial institutions, invar- iably secure the best and most eminent legal talent to defend and promote their interests, not hesitating in paying them munificent fees, they find it prudent and economical to do so, experience teaching them that while they could always secure a "cheap" lawyer for perhaps one-tenth the fee paid the other, and who would doubtless do very well in some cases; yet sooner or later, through lack of talent and trained skill, he would in some important matter cause a loss that would have more than fifty times paid the amount of the fees of the best legal talent to safely protect their interests. Again, a man on trial for his life, charged with murder, would not consent to go to trial with a third-rate "cheap" attorney to defend him. Haovould give all that he possessed to secure the services of the most skillful criminal lawyer in the country. Yet, when afflicted with complex and dangerous diseases, sure to result in premature death in a comparatively short time, if not overcome by medical skill, many men look about for a cheap doctor or some cheap medicine, instead of securing the best skill and experience to be obtained regardless of cost. Our terms are only a reasonable and just compensation for the skill, ex- perience, time and medicine given in any case. No matter who the parties are, old or young, white or black, rich or poor, or what the disease may be, we always give them our best attention and treat- ment__do our best to cure them in the shortest time possible, and for a reason- able price. By our professional skill and fair dealing we have built up a big reputation, and half of our business now come3 through the influence of old psHrots—friends. Our motto is: " Try to make a friend of every patient." 12 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute DIET FOR INVALIDS. Many people who write to us say, " I have dieted and fasted, eaten everything and eaten nothing-, and still I am no better." They live upon lean meat, some dry bread, and tea or coffee without sugar or cream, with much self denial, in the vain and delusive search after health. On the other hand many will go to the opposite extreme, and eat nothing but vegetables, which to many are as injurious as a meat diet. " Now," they say, " what shall we eat?" ' The value of any particular article of food depends mainly on the facil- ity with which it can be converted into the organized tissues of the body. In this process of assimilation, as it is called, the nutriment undergoes di- gestion, absorption and secretion. Of the facility with which different kinds of food are absorbed and secreted, we have but little practical knowledge. A variety of circumstances, however, affect the facility with which different articles of food are digested. Some kinds of food are nat- urally more difficult of digestion than others. This is especially the case with all oily or tatty substances. Tenderness of fibre renders the diges- tive process more easy, and, therefore, all those circumstances that affect the texture of the flesh have an influence upon its digestibility. Violent muscular exertion, immediately previous to the death of the animal, ren- ders the flesh more easy of digestion. The flesh of young animals, though more soluble and tender than that of the adult, is not so easily digested. Vegetables are generally more slowly digested than meat. Minute divis- ion facilitates digestion; hence, if food is perfectly masticated, the pro- cess of digestion is more rapid than otherwise. The art of cooking has as much to do with the digestibility of food as any circumstances belonging to the food itself, or the manner in which it is received into the stomach. The immediate object of cooking, as prac- ticed by all civilized nations, is the gratification of the palate, the promo- tion of the digestion being a secondary object. Cooking, for the most part, produces no chemical change in the constitution of food; it simply destroys its organization and softens its texture. The process of frying, however, has an effect upon all animal fat or oils, which is exceedingly unfavorable to digestion. For the same reason melted butter, buttered toast, butter- cakes, pastry, marrow and suet puddings, are all difficult of digestion, and "lie heavy on the stomach," as it is termed. Butter, and all fat substances, if used as food, should not be subjected to any process by which they become melted and their fixed oils set free. The whole process of pastry-cooking is at war with digestion. Articlesof food that are naturally easy of diges- tion become the most obnoxious to the digestive organs by being com- pounded together. Thus eggs, fresh butter, bread and sugar, are each very wholesome and readily digested when eaten separately; but when the eggs aud butter are combined with the flour and sugar, to form a cake, the compound may almost defy the powers of the stomach. Eggs, too, when slightly boiled, will not offend the most delicate stomachs; but, when fried hard in animal fat or butter, they are exceedingly difficult of digestion by the most vigorous. All compound food, or such as is formed by cooking several simple articles of diet in combination, is found more or less indi- §estible, according to the richness of the compound. Meat may and should e eaten, but it should be mostly lean, free from rich gravies, and in mod- erate quantities. Animal substance becomes indigestible by being either too much or too little cooked; vegetables, chiefly by being cooked too little. Fried and stewed dishes—very highly seasoned articles—fish cooked in animal fat—are all prejudicial to the digestive organs. All condiments, unless in small quantities, are hurtful; salt, vinegar, and lemon-juice, are Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 13 the most wholesome, under all circumstances. Baked pastry, pies and tarts, and the boiled dough of puddings, are difficult of digestion. A great variety of fruits, at the same-meal is also injurious. All preserved and stim- ulating articles of dessert, nuts, melons, raisins, etc., are always more or less indigestible. Excessive indulgence in fluids of any kind weakens th« power of the gastric juice and renders digestion more difficult. THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. DISEASES OF THE LUNGS. The f miction of respiration consists in exposing the blood or circulating fluid to the action of atmospheric air. It has for its object the purifying of the blood, and the generation of a certain amount of animal heat, which is produced by combining the oxygen taken into the lungs with the carbon and hydrogen in the tissues and fluids of the body. Nearly all our food contains more or less carbon, which is laid in store as the natural fuel to supply warmth to the body; and were it not for the existence of this con- stant demand for carbon, it would accumulate in large and injurious excess. By the process of respiration, carbon combines with oxygen to form car- bonic acid,' which is thrown from the lungs at each respiration. This work of purifying the blood, and producing heat, requires constant action of the lungs. The perfect performance of their function is more essential to vitality than that of any other organ, since the purity of the nutritive fluid depends on it. To insure health of the respiratory organs, the most import- ant conditions are, that the lungs should at all times be free and unre- strained in their actions; that the blood itself should be presented to the lungs in as healthy a condition as possible, and that the temperature of all parts of the body shonld be nearly the same at all times. To a reflecting mind, no argument would seem necessary to prove the importance of preserving the action of the respiratory organs free and unre- strained. It has been seen that the capacity of the lungs is increased and diminished by the alternate depression and elevation of the walls of the chest, together with tbe contraction and> relaxation of the muscles of the abdomen. Whatever, therefore, constrains the free play of the walls of the abdomen and the chest, interferes so much with the natural process of res- piration. Just in proportion as the lungs are constrained in their action does the respiration become more frequent—wearing out and exhausting the power of these organs, in the same manner that a piece of machinery will wear out faster when it is propelled beyond its appropriate velocity. It is owing to the diminished capacity of the respiratory organs, that per- sons tightly dressed can take only moderate exercise without inducing that hurried respiration called panting. The lungs seem struggling with intense effort to perform their office, while the whole system is suffering from the imperfect oxygenation of the blood. The extremities are habitually cold, and the countenance pale and sickly, from a feeble circulation of the vital fluid, and the subject becomes an invalid for life, or an early victim of disease. The health of the lungs also depends, to a very great extent, on the purity of the blood. It should not be overcharged with carbon, or with any other impure matter. When the skin,_the liver, or the kidneys, fail to per- form their functions properly, the blood becomes loaded with injunous elements, tending to disease. The respiratory organs are liable to several distinct diseases which receive their names from the part affected. Thus we have pneumonia, or f4 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. inflammation ef the substance of the lungs; bronchitis, or inflammation of the air-tubes or bronchi; croup, laryngitis, etc., all of which are acute dis- eases, and are usually caused by cold. The lungs are also subject to a disease of a chronic character, which is the cause of more deaths than any other known disease. This is called Phthisis Pulmonalis, or pulmonary consumption. A disease so peculiar in its character, ond so fatal to our race, seems worthy of a special description. CONSUMPTION. By consumption is meant the wasting of the body, from the effect of a disorganizing process of the lungs. It is induced by a variety^of causes, the most important of which are nereditary predisposition, imperfect nutri- tion, and exposure to cold. The hereditary origin of consumption is estab- lished by the concurrent testimony of almost all writers on the subject; though it is believed by many that the development of the disease may be prevented by proper care, or by removal to a climate where it does not pre- vail, at an early age before the consumptive predisposition has commenced its work. Improper or insufficient nourishment—confinement in impure air—neglect of cleanliness—exhausting mental labor, or bodily fatigue- exposure to wet or cold—may interfere.with the process of perfect nutrition of the body, or some of its tissues, and predispose it to consumption. Confirmation of this is observed in the lower animals. The lungs of cows confined in close stables in the city become tuberculous; and rabbits may be rendered so by confinement in a close place, with bad food, for only a few weeks. Consumption prevails more extensively in temperate than in hot or very cold climates. Particular localities, especially such as are exposed to damp and bleak winds, and sudden changes of temperature, are most favorable to its development; while, in places which enjoy the greatesl uniformity of temperature, it prevails least. The period between the twentieth and thirtieth year appears to be that which is most liable to its attacks; and it is the conviction that many of those into whose hands this work will fall are aproaching that period of life, which has induced us to describe some of the symptoms of this fearful disease. No disease with which we are acquainted is more insidious, br more de- ceptive, in its progress. In, perhaps, a majority of cases it becomes per- manently seated and incurable before its subject is made aware of its pres- ence. In its first stages, it is seldom attended with much pain; or, with Eain about the shoulders and chest, so trifling as to create no alarm, or to e referred to some other than the true cause. Nor is it always preceeded by a cough. Tubercles, which may be regarded as the germ of the disease, are often deposited before the cough commences, or while the cough is not sufficient to attract attention. The first symptom, however, which plainly indicates the true nature of the disease, is usually a dry hacking cough, accompanied or soon followed, by paleness of the countenance, and general debility. These steal on with little apparent reason for apprehension, till tubercular deposition has so far taken place that the disease runs a rapid course to a final termination. In either case the disease follows one or more severe colds, or inflammation of the lungs, or a fever accompanied by Sectoral symptoms. In other cases still, the patients have been out of ealth, or in a debilitated state, before the commencement of any cough. In most cases there is but little pain or suffering till the very last stages of the disease, and the unfortunate victim is seldom aware of its progress, except as it is learned by an increasing weakness and inability to endure accustomed labor or exercise* The subject of die disease, for the most Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. ij part, is cheerful and full of hope, and unconscious of the destructive process that is wasting the vital powers. A kind of balance seems to be maintained between all the functions that secures exemption from suffering. As the available portion of the lungs is diminished, the mass of blood that has to pass through them becomes less and less, and the wasting of the body and the failing of the strength seems to keep pace with the decay of the lungs. Thus the descent is easy, and the parting of the last filament of life very gentle. \ CATARRHAL CONSUMPTION OR CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. There is an intimate connection between catarrhal or inflammatory diseases of the nose and throat, and that variety of pulmonary consump- tion, known as Catarrhal Consumption. The continuance of the same mucous membrane that lines the nose and throat, downward through the bronchial tubes, to the air-cells of the lungs, is a ready explanation of the fact that a neglected catarrh, chronic laryngitis or bronchitis, so often ends in fatal catarrhal consumption. In this variety of consumption, originating from the above causes, or from an attack of catarrhal pneumonia, the air- cells and the minute air-tubes leading to them, are in the early stages found filled with a thick, muco-pus secretion discharged from the walls of the cells and tubes, which secretion after a time takes on a more solid con- sistency, and becomes of a cheesey or caseous nature. This solid material filling up the air-cavities soon exercises a pressure on the intervening lung- tissue, which gradually checks the circulation of the blood therein until the whole surrounding tissue or even an entire lobe of the lung, becomes one solid mass, and undergoes further degeneration and death. By and by, as the disease progresses, this cheesey, solid mass begins to undergo soften- ing at various points, where the greatest changes have taken place, and this softened, decaying material is gradually expectorated. Those parts of the lung in and around the larger bronchial tubes, and around the blood- vessels, are the last to undergo this softening, so that after cavities have been formed and much * the lung substance wasted, it is no uncommon thing to find blood-vessels and branches of the air-tubes still sound, and extending across these cavities, when much of the surrounding lung mater- ial is gone. Larger cavities are formed by the breaking down of the divisions between the smaller ones. The shape and size of cavities vary with their age. As the upper part and apex of the lung is the part most subject to this caseous process, perhaps from the circulation being more restricted in this locality, so it is that these cavities are usually located in the upper lobes of the lungs. At first the interior of each cavity is irregular, rough, and full of decaying lung material; but as the disease advances, and especially as ..he cavities find a free opening into the larger air-tubes, and the foul products are discharged, the interior wall of the cavity becomes smoother, and forms a lining of fibrous or connective tissue on its surface. Armed with the proper remedies in a vaporous or gaseous form, the in- telligent physician, by Inhalation, administers those medicines, which, breathed into the cavities, tend to dry up the discharge from their walls and heal what has now become an ulcerated surface. This is the common sense method of treating this form of consumption, and you might as well attempt to heal a burn on the hand, or other part of the surface of the body by internal stomach medication, as to cure this form of consumption* simply by swallowing medicines. 16 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. SYMPTOMS OF CATARRHAL CONSUMPTION. In the chronic form of Catarrhal Consumption, the onset is so gradual that the symptoms cannot be fixed on with certainty. The patient easily catches cold, and gradually a persistent cough, and the expectoration of muco-pus is observed. Each severe cold day may be accompanied by chilliness, loss of appetite, and a troublesome cough. During one of these attacks the spitting of blood may occur, or a mouthful of coagulated blood may be brought up: or there may even be a smart pulmonary bleeding. After such an attach it is observed that the " cold " does not get well; that the cough and expectoration persist; that there may be a daily morning chilliness, an evening fever, and a sweat sometimes during the night. The patient looses flesh; there is a great weakness and feeling of exhaustion on slight exertion, the appetite is poor, the digestion is feeble, and in the female the monthly catamenia becomes scant and irregular. In a portion of these cases, after the catarrh products have become caseous, there is a {>eriod of comparative repose, and the patient feels encouraged, the cough essens, the fever declines, the appetite improves, and a gain in flesh may occur. But such hopes and improvements are delusive. Presently the softening of the caseous products begins (perhaps after some weeks, even after many months) in the lungs; and with the softening, destruction of the lung sub- stance, and the formation of cavities set in. In a few months a marked de- cline in strength, flesh and activity has occurred, and there is a great loss in weight. Owing to the destruction of so much lung subctance, there is a marked shortness of breath. The cough is very troublesome, preventing sleep, and expectoration is profuse and often streaked with blood, or bloody, coming from the lungs. The strength is soon gone, and the appetite en- tirely absent. All the symptoms increase in intensity, and in a few weeks or months, the case may terminate in true tubercular consumption and death. DANGERS OF DELAY. Delay is more dangerous in this class of diseases than in any other for the reason that these diseases are constantly injuring the organs af- fected by them, as well as the constitution at large. Consumption, unless checked, is steadily making inroads and destroying the lung substance; asthma and Bronchitis are daily rendering the air-passages more-irritable and inflammed; Catarrh is hourly thickening or destroying the delicate mucous lining of the Nose and Throat, and diffusing its poison to the lungs or stomach. Every day's delay is giving the disease a firmer footing in the diseased organs, weakening the system, and rendering the cure more difficult and uncertain. If you, or any one in whose weltare you take an interest, are unfortunately suffering from symptoms of these diseases, be assured that it is the part of '•sdom to seek immediate relief. Do not give the enemy time to establisn mtnself in the citadel of life. Do not wait until human effort and human skill may he unavailing, and relief come too late to save. TREATMENT AND CURE O^ CONSUMPTION. In a former edition of this book, ana in otner writings and lect- ures, I have stated that consumption was an incurable disease, but one of the consulting physicians of our faculty, who has given more than twelve years to original research and investigation along- this Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 17 line, has invented and perfected the celebrated Thermic Inhaler, which ia now being used and recommended by the leading physicians of the world. It has now been demonstrated to our entire satisfaction, after a thorough trial in a large number of cases, that a cure has at last been found for this disease, which has so long baffled medical skill and science. We use the celebrated Thermic Inhaler, with dry, hot medicated vapors, heated from 200 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, each patient being furnished with the complete instrument, with suitable medicaments and such internal constitutional remedies as are indicated in his par- ticular case. The remedies and medicaments being supplemented with a generous diet of suitable and nutrient food, outdoor exerc.se and rest from all fatiguing labor, the whole being designed and carefully cal- culated to check the progress of the disease and to rebuild and restore the patient to his former weight, strength and vitality. This we accomplish by a judicious course of the combined treatment, as briefly outlined above, care being given to every important detail and nothing omitted that experience, judgment and special scientific skill can devise to aid in accomplishing a cure. By this instrument medicaments are transformed into pure vapor by the action of heat, which vapor can be easily inhaled into the lungs. The word " vapor " may be defined as an aeriform fluid into which medicaments are changed by action of heat. 'Vapor is essentially the same as gas, but the term " vapor" is usually limited to the gaseous state of a body which is a substance at ordinary temperatures, while the term "gas " is applied to aeriform bodies which are in that rare- fied state at ordinary temperatures. We use the term "dry vapor" to distinguish it from steam, which was formerly so much used. The instrument will produce many different kinds of vapor. The volume of vapor can be graduated and controlled so that, in beginning the treatment, weak and debilitated patients will inhale small non-irritating doses, which may be gradually increased to any volume, as the condition of the patient requires. These vapors attack disease at its seat and the curative effect is extended to the entire system. The vapors produce a soothing effect upon the irritated, congested portion of the air passages, the breath- ing becomes more free, causing a larger amount of oxygen (contained in the air) to be absorbed by the blood, resulting in increased appetite, improved digestion, more restful sleep and a higher tone in vitality. Our vapors vary from 200 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the degree of heat in the hot rooms of Turkish baths. The dryness and purity of these vapors prevent the heat from being felt, other than comfortably warm, and they are easily inhaled into the lungs. Inhalations should be taken twice each day in mild, and three or four times each day in severe cases, extending from ten to thirty min- utes as the case requires. Each patient must, therefore, be furnished the complete instrument for use at their home. To this end we have secured the agency of it for the United States and can supply our patients in all parts of the country with them. 18 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. In speaking of a method for the actual cure of consumption, we must not be surprised if we meet with doubt, denial, a disdainful shrug of the shoulders, a compassionate smile, or an autocratic denial on the part of those whose verdict the world considers authoritative on mat- ters medical. Neither indifference or opposition of this kind should be allowed to discourage or dishearten us. Astounding discoveries and important acquisitions to human knowledge have ever had to struggle against prejudice and indifference; but the success of these discoveries has been all the greater when once these obstacles were finally overcome. The scientific facts upon which our method is based can easily be placed before the public in such a manner that, when once thoroughly understood, the efficacy of our curative methods appears a matter of course. Through microscopic investigations, discoveries and researches we learn that consumption is caused by bacteria—tiny organisms or germs. They increase very rapidly, by subdivision, and damage the organ in which they are found, either by their mere presence or by some specific poison produced by them. The bacteria which cause consumption are named tubercle-bacilli. Since the discovery of this incontrovertible fact, it has been the task and the aim of every disciple of the healing art to destroy these jgerms. Unfortunately, every attempt to this end has hitherto failed, isimply because any drug strong enough to destroy the germs inevita- bly proves destructive also to the human body; so that the bacilli cannot be destroyed by germicides without destroying the cells of the human body at the same time. Bacteriologists, by experiments and cultivating these "tubercle- bacilli," have repeatedly demonstrated that they live and thrive only within the narrow limits of a temperature equivalent to that of the human body, their normal temperature being exactly one degree above the normal human temperature. (The temperature of most consump- tives is about one degree above normal.) A rise of 3 to 8 degrees causes a complete cessation of their growth and development. Now, it is a well known fact that while these microbes cannot con- tinue to live in a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit, it is equally well known that in many branches of industry the workmen are ex- posed for long periods to a temperature of (and breathe) air heated to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, and higher, yet they are not injured by it, and consumption is unknown among them. I became convinced, by experiments on my own person and others, that man is able to breathe air, directly into the lungs, heated to a temperature as high as 360 degrees Fahrenheit, without any injurious effect whatever. The hot chambers of Turkish and Russian baths are often heated to 212 degrees or more, and I, myself, have repeat- edly remained in them for more than one hour at a temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit, and with none but beneficial results. This gives us the key to the secret of this most rational and suc- cessful method of cure, viz: The breathing directly into the lungs of dry, hot medicated Vapors, heated to a very high temperature {200 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit) at frequent intervals from day to day, until the tubercle-bacilli are completely destroyed and the lungs healed, made strong, sound and well. Experience has now demonstrated that this is easily and certainly accomplished if this treatment is adopted in time, with suitable atten- tion to other important aids to the restoration of health and strength. I Jg^jg/tSSi (T''"' jl 1 ol •"W**.^"1^ si f ^'BSBfcL'i^H ^ST ■ " ) ^^W-« jv; •• i . m 3fc The Main Parlors. 20 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. STRANGERS IN THE CITY Sometimes go, or are taken by mistake, to the charitable hospitals which are maintained for the treatment of- the city paupers, and are in charge of young, inexperienced doctors and students, who work for nothing to get practice, and a few doctors, who use the paupers for the purpose of ex- periments. It is needless to say that persons in search of thorough scientific treat- ment never go intentionally to such places. Patients at this Institute are treated personally by the Physicians and Surgeons and skilled Specialists and not before any class of students, and are subjected to no experiments DYSPEPSIA-CHRONIC GASTRIC CATARRH. One of the commonest causes of dyspepsia is chronic catarrh of the stomach. The mucous membrane lining the stomach is continuous with. that of the nasal passages and the throat, through the oesophagus, and is subject to the same diseases. Chronic gastritis, or chronic catarrh of the stomach, is a chronic inflammation of this mucous membrane of the stomach, and may be due to an extension of any ordinary nasal and throat catarrh to the stomach: or, more frequently, the disease is due to that gen- eral condition of the system which causes a catarrhal tendency of all the mucous membranes. When chronic catarrh of the stomach exists, the patient is rarely free from disagreeable sensations, but it is chiefly after taking food that he ex- periences a feeling of weight or fullness, often of positive pain. Some- times the pain may be relieved by pressure, but more usually pressure over the stomach at any point, develops the uneasy feeling and soreness. In some rare instances, the pain is greater when the stomach is empty, but generally speaking the soreness and pain are aggravated by taking food. The sense of swelling and fullness that exists is due in part to the irritable condition of the mucous membrane, but more particularly to the imperfect digestion, which gives rise to the gases of decomposition. Less or more distention of the stomach occurs, with a sense of heat and burning, and the eructation of a sour liquid, causing "heartburn." (Pyrosis.) Treatment of Catarrhal Dyspepsia.—Nearly ninety per cent, of all cases of dyspepsia are due to a chronic catarrhal condition of the lining membranes of the stomach. I have found that this is a disorder which very rapidly yields to proper treatment. My first object always is to allay the irritating condition of the mucous membranes by the proper remedies. Patients who have suffered for months, or years, and whose di- gestion is so impaired that they were unable to bear anything but a weak diet, will, under a few weeks' treatment, be able to digest a variety of plain foods, and in a two months' course, be entirely restored. Nature has hap- pily provided that the stomach of the civilized man shall be possessed of extraordinary recuperative powers. As the stomach is the organ most abused by carelessness in diet and by irregularities and excesses, it is, in- deed, fortunate for us, that it so quickly recovers from improper treatment of any kind. Even the stomach of the habitual drunkard that has been kept inflamed and congested for years, under its daily drams of burning alcohol, will, if left to itself, get into fairly good working order with a few weeks rest. When aided by proper attention to diet on the part »f the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 21 ffatient, I have rarely found more than a month required to perfectly re- ieye the most intractable cases of dyspepsia, proceeding from this con- dition of the stomach; and the most marvelous improvement will follow even one or two weeks' proper treatment. So rapid and satisfactory is the recovery, and so great the relief, that I have again and again heard patients reproach themselves for having so long endured the daily suffer- ing when the path to recovery was so simple and easy. CATARRH. Catarrh is a chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the air passages of the head, attended by a profuse fetid discharge, which is thrown off through the nose, or dropped into the throat, and then hawked up or swallowed into the stomach. This disease prevails extensively, and is frequently productive of seri- ous consequences, often leading to deafness, week eye9, sore throat, bron- chitis, lung diseases, headaches, etc. The manner in which catarrh may M Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. produce these diseases may be more readily explained when it is under- stood that the whole interior of the body is lined with one continuous mem- brane, just as the skin covers the exterior. This membrane commences at the edge of the lips and nostrils, proceeds through the nose and mouth to the throat, from which it extends upward to line the Eustachian tubes (the tubes leading to the ear), and proceeds downward to line the wind-pipe and bronchial tubes, to the air-cells of the lungs. From the nose the membrane extends through the tear passages, until, under the name of Conjunctiva, it spreads over the eyelid and front patr of the eye ball. Inflammation of this membrane produces at first a peculiar dryness and irritation, followed by a discharge of thick, viscid, opaque, stringy mucous. Taking into consideration that this membrane is continu- ous; that, in fact, part of the same membrane lines all of these passages, it will be readily comprehended how a disease of one part can extended to or affect another, as Catarrh causes deafness or Diphtheria, ear and eye diseases. The symptoms of Catarrh are too well known to make it necessary to enumerate them. The cure of this disease is much more easily ac- complished than formerly. Vaporized medicines are, by means of inhalers brought into immediate contact with the inflamed membrane, allaying the inflammation and healing the ulceration. We use the celebrated Thermic Inhaler or Chemical Atomizer for the cure of Catarrh in all its forms, in cases where patient cannot remain at the institute for treatment. INHALATION. This invention is a simple apparatus, by means of which any medicine may be converted into a vapor or spray, inhaled through a tube, and thus be brought into direct contact with the membranes or parts of the respira- tory organs diseased, thereby cleansing, disinfecting, neutralizing, soothing and healing. It is a well-known physiological fact that when we take medicines into the stomach, they have to be absorbed into the blood, and through the circulation reach the parts affected; but in taking medicines into the system by inhalation, we not only bring it into immediate contact with the diseased parts, but as the blood in its passage through the lungs absorbs oxygen from the air we breathe, it also takes up the medicine con- tained in the vapor inhaled into the lungs, and thus the vaporized or atomized medicine acts both locally and constitutionally. For the benefit of physi- cians who, through ignorance, may pronounce the treatment by inhalation unscientific, I quote from Flint's Practice of Medicine, a standard work on that subject, page 215. He says: "A late improvement by inhalation" consists in the pulverization or atomization of liquids by means of apparatus adapted for that purpose. Medicated liquids may thus be employed much more efficiently than by any other method in chronic inflammation of the air passages. The objects to be affected by the topical application of spray or atomized medicated liquids are as follows: 1st—To check profuse expectoration by an astringent effect, and so modify favorably the inflamed condition of the membrane. 2d—To pro- mote mucous secretions and expectoration. 3d—To produce a sedative effect on the inflamed membrane. 4th—As an antiseptic and alterative." Dr. Felix Von Niemeyer, of Germany, in his work translated by Humphreys, of New York, says: " The introduction of the inhaling appa- ratus marks a new era in the therapeutics of the treatment of diseases of the air passages. Inveterate bronchiae, pharangeal, laryngeal and nasal catarrh, which have resisted all methods of treatment, are now readfty cured." Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 23 Every physician should understand inhalation; it is a part of the medi- cal profession, and in time will become as familiar to the profession and public as taking medicine into the stomach now is. The preparation of medicine for inhalation requires care, skill and study. Different diseases require different remedies. It is not the vapor, but the medicine atomized and inhaled by means of the vapor, that cures. We have all the medicines used by inhalation, and also the inhaler used in the principal cities of Europe and America, and have a larger experience in treating diseases by this method than any physician in the West. STOMACH AND LIVER. DYSPEPSIA, CONSTIPATION AND OTHER DISEASES OF THE LIVER, STOMACH AND BOWELS. When the liver, stomach and bowels fail in the proper performance of their respective functions, health and comfort soon take their flight. The process of digestion, assimilation, secretion and excretion are of the great- est importance in the nutrition of the human system. If the process of digestion is not properly performed the whole system must suffer, if the food taken into the stomach is not digested it spoils, gas (or wind) and acids are formed from its decompositon which distend and irritate the lining membranes of the stomach and bowels, causing congestion and inflamma- tion; the food not being digested, the strengthening elements it contains cannot be absorbed into the system, conseqently the body suffers; first, from the lack of nutritive elements which it should obtain from the food; second, the whole system suffers from the absorbtion of the poisonous mat- ter created by the decomposition of the undigested food; the kidneys and bladder are irritated and become diseased from the acids formed in the stomach and carried out of the system through the water. The urine is loaded with the chemical elements of decomposition, if allowed to stand de- posits a sediment, at times high colored and scanty, then clear and very abundant. The blood becomes thin and impure, being loaded with im- purities and deficient in the life giving elements, which it can only obtain from nutritious, perfectly digested food. The liver receiving this impure blood through the portal circulation becomes congested, torpid, inactive and fails to secrete the bile which it should furnish to assist in carrying the excrement from the system, failing to do this the impure, venous blood is again carried into the system, charged with bile, causing all the bilious symptoms known too well to the sufferer; owing to the lack of bile in the intestines, we have constipation or costiveness, the fecal matter being re- tained in the intestines, the fluid portions being again absorbed into the blood to further poison it, leaving the remainder dry, hard solid and very hard to evacuate, or at times being perfectly rotten, passes off in a diar- rhoea. These conditions develop Headache, Neuralgia, Nervousness, General Debility, Flatulence, Constipation, Dizziness, Despondency, Gloomy Feelings, Coated Torigue, Bad Taste and Breath, Sallowness and Dryness of the Skin, Moth Spots, Pimples, etc., etc. In females the con- stipated condition of the bowels and debility often leads to congestion of the womb, leucorrhoea, prolapsus, retention of menses, etc., etc. The treatment of this class of diseases requires a thorough rebuilding up, invigorating treatment, restoring the organs to their natural functions and conditions, renewing vitality and vigor, and directed at the foundation of the disease and not at the symptoms. Our success in curing this class 84 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. of diseases has been most flattering, and warrants us in saying that persons afflicted with Dyspepsia, Constipation, Sick Headache, Neuralgia or Debil- ity cannot afford to neglect to visit us at once Our remedies act directly upon the tissues, restoring wasted energies, giving back to the human structure the animating elements of life which have been wasted, maintaining that buoyant energy of the brain and^ mus- cular system which renders the mind cheerfull, brilliant and energetic, en- tirely overcoming that dull, inactive, sluggish disposition which the debili- tated experience. DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND THEIR COM- PLICATIONS. The most prominent and most common diseases of the Rectum are Piles, Fistula, Fissure, Ulcer, Pruritus, Prolapsus, Polypus, Stricture and Cancer. The complications of these diseases are Dyspepsia, Gastralgia and other diseases of the stomach; Constipation, Catarrh, and other diseases of the bowels; diseases of the Liver, Kidneys, Womb, Ovaries, and the Genito-Urinary Organs; diseases of the Nervous System, or General Nervous Debility, extending to Chronic Catarrh of all the Mucous Membranes, Consumption, Rheumatism, Heart Disease and Cancer. Rectal diseases present such a diversity of phases, that it is impossible to make a satisfactory diagnosis until after a personal interview and ex- amination of each case. The expense of treatment and the time re- quired for treatment can only be approximately given. The length of time required for a successful and curative treatment will vary according to the condition of each case. An ordinary, uncomplicated case of Rectal Disease can be treated and cured in ten to eighteen days; other and complicated cases require a longer time. Patients, residents in this city and vicinity can be treated at stated intervals of ten days to three weeks, and not be detained from their usual occupations, and receive a satisfac- tory and permanent cure. Ordinarily, however, it is best to give the whole time for a few days and be treated promptly. Recently much has been printed about peculiar "methods" of treating Rectal diseases—each self-constituted "rectal specialist" has a peculiar method and the method is "known only" to himself. His "method" is "painless," entirely "painless," and "causes no detention from business," and effects a cure in "each and every case." Having had occasion during the past four years and three months (as per record on our books) to treat 907 cases which had been previously treated (and not cured) by some one of the many so-called "painless methods," we are prepared to demonstrate that any like number of cases taken consecutively and anywhere from our rase-books, and that were originally treated by us have suffered very much /ess pain and inconvenience. To have a "manufactured" and "stereotyped method" or "system" by which to treat every case of Rectal Disease, is professionally impossible and scientifically untrue. Each and every case must be treated skillfully and scientifically according to the conditions and complications as presented in that individual case. Our patients suffer very little pain with their treatment, and, in no class of ailments is the re- sult of efficient 'treatment more satisfactory, or are cures more permanent and far reaching in their influence for the restoration of the general health of the patient. Nothing can be more convincing and encouraging to one suffering with some rectal ailment than an interview in person or by letter, Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 25 with a number of people who have been similarly afflicted, and roven to be safe and successful. We have most thoroughly and efficient- y investigated all the so-called "special methods," "the only methods," "the universal cure," methods'", the "never fail" methods, the "patent methods," the "patent cures," etc., and we have found in the treatment of over ten thousand cases that no two of them can be treated by a stereotyped method, but that every case must be treated on the basis of its own merits and strictly according to the indications as presented in that individual case. It should always be observed that we "treat diseases of the rectum and their complications," and it should also be observed that the compli- cations of the "Diseases of the Rectum" are often very remote and con- sequently very obscure. It is not too much to say that no diseases re- quire more thorough and extensive qualification, practice and experience to diagnose correctly and to treat successfully than do the "Diseases of the Rectum and their Complications." Every man, woman and child knows the changes and improvements that have been made in the past few years in farm implements, manufacturing machinery, commercial iudustries and public education. Yet, as wonderful as these have been, and as useful as they are, they do not approach iii beneficence and blessing to the human family, the unparalleled progress and marvelous improvements that have been made in even shorter time, in Medicine and Surgery. A review of the knowledge and discoveries of science, art, and literature, will show that more has been done in the past five years in the way of developing easy, safe and successful means of treating and curing such diseases than has been done in all the ages of the past. Patients suffering with any of these ailments should, without delay, place themselves in the care of a physician competent to diagnose them correctly and treat them success* fully, for in no instance is it more true that "delays are dangerous " No Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 31 class of ailments is more amenable to relief and permanent cure, when rightly understood and properly treated, and in no class of ailments is the service more highly valued ana appreciated by the patient, or the benefits and the results more lasting and satisfactory. The cuts used in this pamphlet to illustrate the various forms and phases of Rectal diseases are after Ashton, Agnew, Esmarch, Cripps, Bryant, Curling, Kelsey, Hilton and others, Cut 1. Showing the large intestine, or ascending transverse and de- scending colon, sigmoid, flexure and rectum. Cut 2. Showing the abundant nerve supply of the Rectum, and espec- ially to the sphincter muscles. Cut 3. Showing a nerve or sensation and one of motion, connecting the surface of a Rectal Ulcer with the Spinal Cord. Cut 4. Showing three Protruding Piles and four Internal Piles. These can all be treated and entirely eured with very little, if any pam 0* incon- venience. 32 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute Cut 5. Showing an Ulcer and three Internal Piles ; presenting a case that may be easily cured. Cut 6. Showing a very severe case of Ulcer with three fistulas open- ings through to the outside. If taken in time, it is readily cured with proper treatment. Cut 7 shows a mass of Protruding Piles, some of which have been rup- tured. They can all be removed, but require special care in treatment as *hey are liable to bleed. Cut 8 shows view of Internal Piles that have been protruded. Very easily cured when properly treated. 999999 Chicago Medical and Surgical Intsituts. # Cut 9 represents an impacked Ulcer lying between the Rectum and the Spine. lO 1 1 Cut io represents an Elongated Ulcer of the Rectum with thick and rounded edges. It discharges a whitish matter, and requires special and persistent treatment to effect a cure. Cut 11 shows six Pile Tumors that are protruded. They can be treated and pressed back into the bowel. They are read'ty cured. >4 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Cut 12 shows a medium case of internal Protruding Piles, entirely curable. Cut 13 represents an Ulcer with both an internal and external incom- plete Fistula and a partial Stricture of the Rectum just at and above the Ulcer. The cavity of the Ulcer is nearly two inches deep and discharges pus; a condition requiring special facilities for its successful treatment. Cut 14 represents a case of Pruritus or Itching of the Anus. The skin about the anus has become thickened and formed into pleats or folds. This condition is due to ulceration inside of the Rectum and contraction of the sphincter muscles. Some cases of very long standing are very difficult to cure. Cut 15 shows a Fissue, a Polypus and a deep Ulcer; a combination and complication only curable with good facilities and expert treatment. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 35 Cut 16 represents a form of Cancer of the Rectum, causjng an hour- glass contraction of the bowel, and finally closes the passage. Incurable. Cut 17 represents an impacted Ulcer and one large Pile Tumor. The Pile is easily cured. The Ulcer is of a bad form, and difficult to cure. Cut 18 shows a Prolapsus of the Rectum, protruding in folds or pleats, sometimes coming out several inches. It is a very distressing condition, but one that can be cured with suitable facilities and proper treatment. Cut ig represents an internal incomplete and an external incomplete Fistula. A dangerous condition, on account of the constant absorption of poisonous matter, a condition often observed in consumptives. The Fistulas are curable, and if not of too long standing the patient will then regain his health. Cut 20 shows a Stricture of the Rectum nearly closing the bowel, a very troublesome ailment for both the patient and his attending physician; requires great care to keep the bowel from entirely closing up. Generally, but not always, curable. j 3* Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Cut 21 shows an Anal Fissure with Polypus and a Rectal Ulcer. The Fissure may cause the most intense suffering, and produce complete nervous prostration; a condition that is curable, and yet one that may effectually resist all paliative means of treatment such as the patient can apply himself. 21 22 Cut 22 shows a Cancer of almost the whole cavity of the Rectum. Incurable. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 37 SKIN DISEASES, There are no diseases that are less understood than the common skin diseases so prevalent in the United States. There are vast numbers of skin diseases, too numerous to mention in the space allotted here to this subject. All have their specific origin. Some are blood diseases; others are nervous in character, while a great majority have their origin in mi- croscopic animaculae. Many cases are caused by specific virus, such as indiscretions, veneral excesses, or are the result of improper elifninative treatment of the primary diseases. There are numerous types of blood and skin diseases of great diver- sity of chaiacter, which frequently give rise to different symptoms. The ability of the physician to discriminate with precision between the different varieties, forms, and complications is, therefore, the first element of suc- cessful treatment. This ability is a qualification difficult to acquire, and consequently one which few possess; yet without it no doctor can reason- ably hope to treat blood and skin diseases with any degree of satisfaction either to himself or his patients. There ard many, both doctors and patients.who ignore this fundamental principle. With them "blood medi- cine" is a hobby. They act on the theory that every itching, pimple, or eruption of the skin, is an indication of bad blood, and use their favorite "blood purtfiers" indiscriminately for every disorder. This is the reason why thousands suffer from year to year meeting disappointment after disappoint- ment until they are completely discouraged. The worthless remedies they take to "purify' the blood derange the functions of the stomach, bowels and other organs, without reaching the disease for which they are intended, and the patient is thus left in a worse condition than before. It is true that an almost innumerable array of disorders are the result of impure diseased and impoverished blood and sluggish circulation, but many other diseases may exist, when the blood is perfectly healthy, and to give treat- ment for the blood in such cases is only to aggravate the misfortune and sufferings of patient. It should be further remembered that the blood may be disordered in many different ways, and only an experienced physi- cian can determine the nature of the remedies required to restore the life fluid to a healthy condition. For this reason the "blood medicines" and "skin cures" recommended as infallible remedies, usually fail. The only successful treatment is that which is carefully modified and adapted to the peculiar requirements of individual conditions. In diagnosing these cases it is first necessary to determine whether the disease is on the skin, in the skin, or under the skin, and whether it is a local affection of the epidermis, or a constitutional taint in the blood. We have made a special study of these disorders, and our clinical and hospital experience warrants us in promising radical and permanent relief in these dreadful maladies. Correspondence by letter strictly private and confidential. CANCER. The light of science, developed by a more thorough knowledge of Physiology and Chemistry, has brought to light facts—truths that were not formerly known in regard to this terrible disease.# A more perfect under- standing of the tissues and organs of the body, their functions, the circu- lation of the fluids and their compositions, the formation of cells, and of lubercles, theii locations, functions, persistence or non-persistence, their 38 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. malignancy or non-malignancy, has, by repeated search and research, been so fully and clearly demonstrated that we are not now left to grope our way in the dark, or rest our opinions and practice upon uncertain conjec- ture, but have the light of demonstrative truth laid open to our view, leav- ing no doubt as to the real nature and cure of cancer. The discoveries made by microscopical examinations of the cancer- cells (or atoms which go to make up the substance of the cancer) have en- abled us to clearly distinguish cancer from all other malignant ulcers or tumors; and studying the effect that different drugs and chemicals have Before Treatment. After Treatment. upon these cancer-cells, in neutralizing and destroying them, has enabled scientific men, after careful research, to find an antidote or specific capable of destroying the cells or germs of cancer, and thus curing this loathsome disease. The cancer-cell or germ, may lie dormant beneath the skin or membrane for a long time, even for years, without causing any disturbance of the system, pain or other symptoms; it may show itself only by a small enlargement or bunch beneath the skin, or small, dark colored spots upon it. After a time, sooner or later, from certain conditions of the system act- ing as an exciting cause, the cancer-cell enlarges, bursts, and discharges a corrosive, poisonous fluid, capable of destroying the healthy flesh which it comes in contact with; other cells form and go through a similar course. These minute cells and their poisonous exudation, infiltrated with pus or matter, are absorbed and taken up by the glands and the blood circu- lating through the parts affected, and thus the whole system becomes poisoned, and death ensues. Every case of cancer should be put under proper treatmeut as soon as the disease is known to exist, although many have and are now recovering after the disease has existed for years. We effect cures with ease by our new treatment which were formerly deemed impossible. Our remedies are ?[uick, certain, and almost painless, completely eradicating the disease rom the system. ; Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 39 v.ei DISEASES OF THE KIDNEY. i When the skin and lungs are in a healthy condition a large amount of the waste fluids of the system pass off in the form of sensible or insensible perspiration and in vapors exhaled, but the excretory pores and lungs would be quite insufficient, unaided, to dispose of the soluble effete mat- ter, and consequently the divine Artificer created in, the human body.and in the bodies of all vertejjrated animals, organs called the kidneys, to- gether with other organs, which have been named Dy anatomists the ureters, bladder and urethra, to act subordinately to them. The kidneys • in the human being are brownish-red, bean-shaped glands, located on either side of the spine in what is denominated the lumbar region. They are largely made up of tubes and cells and of membranes of so thin texture that, as the blood passes through the kidneys, the watery portions pass through the membrane as readily as water passes through muslin, and then it trickles down through tubes to the little reservoirs in the kidneys and then through the little canals called the ureters, to the bladder, which is the great receiving reservoir of the urine. In health the bladder retains the urine until it becomes full, or until it is convenient to void it. In both sexes the bladder is located in the lower part of the bowels. In men it is bounded at the back by the seminal vesicles and rectum. In front, it lies just back of the abdominal walls. The bladder empties itself through the urethra, or water passage. Through the water that we drink, the food that we eat, and the action of the digestive and other organs of the body certain chemical changes take place and poisons are formed that, unless speedily carried out of the sys- tem, would produce disease and death. The organs whose office it is to carry these poisons out of the body are the kidneys, which separate the urine con- taining these poisons in solution from the blood and through the bladder car- ry it out of the system. If the kidneys fail from disease or other cause to per- form the work for which nature intend- ed them, serious consequences must necessarily follow. The poisons left in the blood are deposited in different parts of the system and produce Rheumatism, Heart Disease, Dropsy, Paralysis, Gravel, Stone in the Bladder, Catarrh of the Bladder, Bright's Disease, Diabetes, etc., etc. The first symptoms noticed are debility, pain, or weakness of the back, sediment in the urine, sudden repeated changes in the urine, from dark- colored and scanty to clear like spring water and very large in quantity, and back again to dark-colored; difficult and painful urination, and many other symptoms denoting dangerous disease. Diseases of the kidneys assume many complications that cannot al- ways be readily distinguished by the outward manifestations, making a Human IVater Works. 4© Chicago jwkj>ical and Surgical Institute. careful microscopical and chemical examination ot the urine absolutely necessary, as the only reliable means of diagnosis. Those who have any reason to believe that they have the least trouble with these organs should m t delay having a thorough examination made at once, as such diseases almost invariably prove fatal unless checked by prompt and skillful treatment. Our treatment of these troubles has-been reduced to a science, and anyone consulting with us will be told at once the nature and extent of their trouble; and by placing themselves under our care, will secure such treatment as will speedily remove the cause and restore them to perfect health. ORGANIC DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS. Although the kidneys are subject to many different forms of disease we have not the space to notice more than two or three of the most preva- lent as well as the most important to be guarded against. The first we shall consider is NEPHRITIS OR INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. When the kidneys become congested, and the condition is neglected or improperly treated, it may result in inflammation of these organs, at- tended with an increased tenderness and soreness of the back on each side of the spine, accompanied with fever and a scanty secretion of high col- ored urine, etc. When the inflammation results in suppuration it will be followed by a purulent discharge, resulting in disorganization or degene- ration of the kidneys, commonly called BRIGHT'S DISEASE. Albuminuria, or Bright's disease of the kidneys, is caused by structu- ral change or disorganization of these organs. There are various stages of this disease, commencing with nephritis or simple inflammation, follow- ed by a second stage, or the secretion ofalbumen, and a third or last stage, desquamation, or discharge of epithelial casts, from the lining sur- face of the urinary tubes in the kidneys. The presence of albumen in the urine is generally significant of the nature of the disease, especially if this condition continues for any length of time. Degeneration of the kidneys causes albuminuria by allowing the blood to pass through the cortical sub- stance of the kidneys into the urinary tubes almost unchanged. In fact the disorganized kidneys are worn out, and have lost their power of sepa- rating the urea from the blood sent to them for the secretion of the urine. This disease, which is one of the most dangerous, may be caused from in- temperance in living, or by abuse or neglect of the genito-urinary organs. GRAVEL. Healthy urine should contain about thirty parts of urea in one thous- and. When it exists in urine above this quantity, the specific gravity of the urine rises, and when we add a few drops of nitric acid, it will soon form crystals of nitrate of urea. When there is an excess of uric acid in Chicago Medtcal and Surgical. Institute. 41 the urine it is generally high colored when it is voided. After a short time a brick-dust colored sediment is deposited upon the bottom of the vessel, caused by the decomposition of the urea, and the formation of the salts of urea, such as nitrate of soda, with coloring matter. These products are popularly styled, red gravel. Sometimes the phosphates are present in such excess in the urine as to form a copious white deposit in the bottom of the vessel, when the urine stands in it over night, and is commonly call- ed white gravel. Oxalic acid combined with lime, forming the oxalate of lime frequently occurs as a morbid product in the urine. All these forms of gravel are found chiefly in persons broken down by exposure, excessive mental application or the various abuses of the reproductive function. In patients afflicted with this disease, concretions usually form in the cavity of the kidney and pass through the ureters into the bladder, from whence they are carried by the urine, if not too large, through the urethra and ex- pelled. In their passage through the urethra these concretions often lace- rate the delicate membranes of this canal and cause it to contract at one or more points, thus forming one or more strictures. This is a dangerous complication, which must be relieved by surgical interference. DIABETES. There are two varieties of this disease, called Diabetes Insipidus, at- tended wtth a copious ^discharge of light colored urine, with a low specific gravity, with excessive thirst, and Diabetes Mellitus, attended with pro- fuse secretion of the urine loaded with sugar. This is a very dangerous affection, and in a chronic form, like Bright's disease,always tends toward a fatal termination. Like the other forms of kidney disease already referred to, diabetes is usually caused by exposure, neglect or abuse of the repro- ductive orgnns. Its slightest symptoms should always warn the patient of his danger, and cause him to seek the advice of some physician espec- ially expert in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the urinary organs. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. The bladder may become irritated, inflamed or ulcerated from a variety of causes, such as injuries, the presence of stone or gravel in its cavity, retention of urine from stricture, or from the enlargement of the prostate gland, etc. When the mucous membrane lining the bladder be- comes irritated or inflamed it will cause pain and bearing down feelings, inclination to urinate frequently, sometimes with chills followed with fever. In severe cases the discharge of urine bceomes scanty, mixed with mu- cous, blood and purulent matter having a strong alkaline and fetid odor. THE MICROSCOPE AND URINE. Physiology teaches us that the main function of the kidneys is to re- move water and nitrogen from the system, at the same time taking from the blood most of its salts. The excreted liquid contains, therefore, a va- riety of elements, and by its studv we are fortunately enabled to arrive not only at the condition of the organ which secretes it, but also at the state of the circulating fluid, and often indirectly at those of several organs, the disorders of which give rise to impurities in the blood, which the kidneys 42 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. endeavor to eliminate; hence the urine, besides being the most accurate index of the condition of the urinary organs, also becomes a fair indication of that of many of the most important secreting glands in the body; and furthermore, though to a less extent, throws some light on the workings of the nervous system. The urine to be examined should be the last that passes from the bladder the first thing in the morning. Three teaspoon- fiils, in a small vial should be packed in blotting paper or sawdust.and will come safely to us through the mail. We have one of the largest and most expensive microscopes in the West, and would advise all young or middle aged, where they suspect disease, to send us a sample for examination. No country physician has the instrument or apparatus for scientific exami- nation. EXAMINATION OF THE URINE. A careful microscopical examination and chemical analysis of the urine is absolutely necessary in determining the nature of many chronic diseases of the urinary and sexual organs and nervous system, blood and liver. Our valuable Binocular Microscope is one of the most powerful and accurate in existence, and experience has made us experts in its use. Medical authors, professors, and practitioners of all schools, admit and even insist upon the importance of urinary examinations in diagnosticat- ing diseases. Many practitioners neglect to take advantage of this valu- able aid, from the fact that they are not in possession of the expensive apparatus necessary. Persons consulting us and wishing to avail them- selves of the advantages afforded by these examinations, can send small vials of their urine by express. The vials should be carefully packed and enclosed in a box. All charges for transportation must be prepaid, and a complete history of the case, including the age and sex of the patient, must accompany each package, or it will receive no attention. This saves valuable time by directing examination into the channels indicated, and thus avoiding a lengthy series of experiments. As we are daily receiving numerous vials of urine, every sample should, to prevent confusion, be la- beled with the patient's name and $2 enclosed to pay for examination and report. TAPE WORMS. The numerous disorders that arise from the presence of entozoa, or animal parasites, has induced us to thoroughly investigate the subject and discover remedies that would kill and expel them from the system. There are about two hundred distinct species or tape worm, divided into three families, two of which infest the human body; the others being found in the lower vertebrated animals. The symptoms of the presence of tape worms are: Dizziness, itching of the nose and anus, noise in the ears, impairment of the sight, dyspepsia and loss of appetite, colic and pains in the abdomen. But in ladies with a delicate nervous system, hysterical convulsions, and in children spasms and convulsions are frequently caused by tape worms. We never fail to get the worm in one day, so that patients know they are cured. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 43 DISEASED BONES. Any of the bones of the body are liable to caries or necrosis from Scrofula, Injuries, Inflammation, Syphilis, etc., and the portion diseased and dying becomes a foreign substance, often keeping up a discharge of matter, irritation and drain upon the system, destroying health and mak- ing life miserable. Such cases are easily cured, and often in a short time. Hundred of limbs are amputated on account of such condition which Could just as well have been saved. There is not one case in a hundred which is incurable. INDOLENT ULCERS. Indolent Ulcers (or fever sores, as they are called) are loathsome and painful affections, and while they are often pronounced incurable, yet proper treatment will almost invariably cure them in a very short time. No class of cases yield more rapidly. 44 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. NEURALGIA. Neuralgia may be defined as pain of more or less severe character, eonfined to the course of a particular nerve or set of nerves. The pain usually is felt on one side of the body, but may attack both sides at once Neuralgia may occur from various causes, but is more apt to occur in per- sons suffering from an impoverished condition of the body, and generally , accompanies debility, weakness, poverty or thinness of the blood, etc., no, matter what the condition of the body, an impoverished condition of the blood makes it worse. The further the body departs from a strong, ; healthy, vigorous condition, the more liable it is to some nervous affection, such as neuralgia, hysteria, sick headache, dizziness, insanity, etc. Th* proper remedy is to build up the whole system by means of medicine and diet; improve the blood both in quality and quantity; strengthen the muscular and nerve fibre; restore the stomach and liver to their normal condition; the appetite will return, the food be properly digested, new, rich blood made, and the neuralgia and other nervous disorders will depart never to return. The use of the galvanic or constant current of electricity in the treat ment of neuralgic affections is one of the triumphs of modern medicine It is one of the most reliable and quickly successful agents in the treat ment of painful nervous affections with which I am acquainted, and a con. stant and daily experience with it justifies my faith in the great efficacy aa a remedy for neuralgia and other nerve affections. A severe attack can often be relieved at one sitting; in chronic cases the applications should be , made frequently, assisted by medicine in the form of nerve and blood tonics. EPILEPSY—Convulsions, Spasms, Fits. The symptoms of this terrible disease which has ruined the lives of so many unfortunates are various. The subject usually feels the approach of the attack and is taken with sudden blindness, flashes of light vertigo, fright, pain in the head, etc., and usually falls unconscious to the gronnd; many victims of this disease, however, are always, taken while asleep, and are therefore not conscious of its approach. Epilepsy was once considered incurable, but now, by means of proper medication, and the galvanic current of electricity properly applied to the brain and spinal cord, cures are possible in cases heretofore considered hopeless. If the sufferer is a child, not an hour should be lost in placing it under proper treatment, as its mind may be ruined by delay, and though the fits may be stopped afterwards, the intellect may never recover its former strength. Delays are always dangerou's. St. Vitas Dance, Catalepsy, Spinal Irritation, and all this class of diseases which affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves, are among the specialties to which we have devoted years of study and practice. Owing to this large experience and our remedies drawn from every quarter of the world, we are enabled to cure after many skilled physicians have failed; we have every remedy and appliance known to science, and if a cure is possible we are always successful.- GOITRE, WENS AND ALL TUMORS OF THE NECK CURED BY ELECTRICITY. In years past the knife was the only remedy for this class of tumors, but the electric needle and galvanic current of electricity is now our main reliance. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 45 RHEUMATISM. GOUT AND SCIATICA. Experiments upon dead and living subjects by means of the microscope and other scientific appliances, under the direction of the German govern- ment, made by Drs. Koch, Dawoski, Guttman and others, have demon- strated that the germ theory advanced some years since by the greatest scientists of the world in England and Germany, is correct, and that rheu- matism, gout, neuralgia and several,other diseases of this character have for their primary cause the action of bacteria and microbes, which are minute poisonous atoms or germs that are taken into the system in food, water or air, and brought into contact with the acids formed by the decom- position of food, thus producing a new compound of lactic, uric and other acids, which, if eliminated from the system by the kidneys are inert, but if not carried out of the system through the kidneys are deposited in the white fibrous ligaments of joints, muscles and membranes, and cause a thickening and hardening of these parts, resulting in intense inflammation, swelling and stiffness, which gradually develop into what is known a« chronic articular rheumatism, gout, etc. Unless treated at once by means of remedies which act by neutralizing these substances and causing them to be carried out of the system, great and sometimes irreparable damage will take place. The parts will become deformed, drawn up, contracted and twisted in almost inconceivable shapes, and the unfortunate victim becomes a helpless cripple for life, doomed to drag out a miserable almost unendurable existence until death happily comes to his relief. In many of these cases, although the patient may be in this crippled condition, he may live to an advanced age, as the disease seems to exhaust itself in time, leaving the sufferer in this deformed condi- tion. It is unnecessary to tell any person of ordinary intelligence, that to avoid this condition, they should upon the first appearance of the disease, place themselves in the hands of skillful men, who with the means that science has placed within their reach during the last decade, can make a rapid and permanent cure; and even after the patient has passed into the second stage and considerable deformity is present, by the means of mechanical appliances, electricity, dectric Oaths and proper medicinal remedies, a cure can be effected. Rheumatism is not incurable in itself, Dut In cases ;hat have been neg- lected, the deformities resulting from rheumatism mav become incurable, I will also state that chronic articular rheumatism is the indirect cause of nine-tenths of the deaths produced from Heart Disease, as the same white fibrous tissue enters into the formation of the valves of the heart, a super-abundance of lactic acid causing a thickening of the valves of the heart, preventing their proper adjustment, more especially in the semi- lunar valves, permitting regurgitation of the blood and thereby causing the heart to become more rapid in its action than in a state of health. For a time the heart will continue to enlarge by hypertrophy, it being a muscular organ composed of longitudinal and circular muscular fibres. While this is the case, I do not say that the patient is in absolute danger of sudden death. However, this continues only until the heart has reached its utmost capacity of hypertrophy, when dilation takes place and the walls of .the heart may become as thin as tissue paper, and are liable to rupture at any time, if violent exercise is taken. The remedies that act as antidotes to deposits in the joints will act in the same manner upon drsease of the heart, as the tissue formation is the same. 46 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. NEW REMEDIES. CONCENTRATED EXTRACTS AND ACTIVE PRINCIPLES. The science of pharmacy and chemistry has advanced rapidly within the last ten years. Previous to that period, when a physician wished to administer any vegetable, root, leaves, bark or berry, he was obliged to give the crude plant to be made into a decoction or tea, the powdered herb, or the strength extracted by alcohol, called a tincture. These methods were very uncertain in their action, often disordering the stomach, and were loathsome to the taste, so sensitive with many invalids. But the experi- ments of pharmaceutists and chemists have demonstrated that the real medicinal strength of plants is not distributed throughout the whole herb, but is located in certain parts, just as the strength of wheat or oats is con- tained in the seed or kernel. The farmer does not grind up the straw, stalk, root and kernel, but by machinery removes the gram containing the strength and nutrition, and by grinding and sifting obtains the purest of that, and so makes his bread of the real strength of the vegetable. Fol-. lowing this principle, the chemist removes the woody fibre, separates the true medicinal principles from the inert or useless parts, and obtains the active principle containing all the strength of the plant or herb in a very concentrated form. The real strength of one ounce vof root or leaf may thus exist in from l/% to i grain of the active principle. These active prin- ciples we dissolve in elixirs and cordials, and they will be borne by the most sensitive stomachs, and are pleasant to the taste, and more certain in their action than any other form of medicines; can be hermetically sealed in bottles and exported from foreign countries without danger of injury, and will keep for an indefinite time. The crude herb is always in danger of becoming injured from damp, heat, improper care, etc. These are not homceapathic remedies, although many of them are used by that school and claimed as such. They are the standard medicines of the most scientific medical men of the world to-day. If your merchant or machinist should offer you machinery of a half century ago, you would be disgusted with him; yet you are taking into your stomachs from your doctors or druggists the same crude roots and preparations used by your forefathers, and, in- deed, by the aborigines of the country. We use the concentrated extracts and active principles. Nearly all our medicines are of purely vegetable origin. We use nothing that can possibly injure the system. Our medicines are prepared under our own supervision by an experienced chemist, pharmaceutist and botanist. We therefore run no risk from the ignorance or carlessness of druggists. We know that our remedies are properly compounded, fresh and active. We keep a complete history of each case taken, the name, number date, disease, contract, P. O. address, etc. Each preparation of medicine given is numbered, and the prescription put on record, so that no mistake can possibly occur. ELECTRICITY. We find that in advocating the use of Electricity in its various forms for the cure of diseased or unnatural conditions of the human body, we have to combat the ignorance and prejudice of uneducated physicians more than in any other branch of medicine. It is hardly necessary for us to assert that no one can be proficient in any department of science without at the same time having a thorough understanding of its foundation princi- Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 47 pies; yet we find doctors declaring "There's nothing in Electricity," who are and will admit that they are perfectly ignorant ofthe leading principles of Electrophysics, or Electro-therapeutics, andif possible, more ignorant of the practical workings of this great principle or power that has made itself felt in every branch of science and mechanics, by means of which those born deaf are made to hear, the darkness of night turned into noon- day brightness, and we are able to hear the voices of those miles away from us. Happily medical electricity stands upon too sure a foundation to be affected by the ignorance or stupidity of self-sufficient conceited doctors. The nerve fluid is admitted to be analogous to the electric fluid which undergoes in the brain and great nerve centres those changes which fit it to become the connecting link between the mind and the organs and func- tions of the body. It has for its great highway and fountain the brain, spinal chord and nerves of sensation, voluntary and involuntary motion. The vital or life fluid is subject to laws of electrical polarity, both in its general circulation and in every organ in the body. In health, the positive and negative poles balance; any agency which changes this relation may be the cause of disease. We correct the abnormal polarization by properly applying the poles, thus curing the disease. Experiments performed upon living animals, as well as human bodies, dead ana alive, have demonstrated the powerful effect of electricity upon the brain and nervous system, and cures performed in cases of neuralgia, paralysis, rheumatism, St. Vitus dance, epilepsy, spinal disease, nervous dyspepsia, constipation, etc., place it among the most valuable remedies in the hands of the physician. In advocating Electricity as a remedy for various diseases, we wish it to be distinctly understood we do not endorse the use of any so-called "Electric Belts," "Elec- tric Shields," or ''Magnetic Cloth- ing," and other alleged "electric" devices advertised and sold exten- sively as the sitve qua non of elec- trical treatment. We warn the public against everything of this kind as they are all made to sell and are, without exception, fraudu- lent in character. You cannot get the rational action of electricity in a form fit for medical use without a com- plete battery with resistance, coils, rheostats or current con- trollers, and, in addition, an in- telligent physician or specialist to properly apply it. The electric- . ity generated by belts, etc., is the coarsest and harshest form of cur- rent. It being produced by the action of acids on copper and zinc plates, it only burns and irritates and does more harm than good. We formerly supplied our patients with a closed cell family battery, and instructed them how to use and apply it, but we found so few persons competent to use it properly and intelligently, even when GUR X-RAY MACHINE. 18 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. sarefully instructed, that we have now discontinued all home treetfc» ment with electricity, and patients are treated by this agent only at the. Institute with our large batteries under the immediate supervls* ion'of our specialists. X-RAY EXAMINATIONS. Most of our readers have doubtless read of the wonderful X-Ray by which we are enabled to illuminate and distinctly see every inter- nal organ and part of the body and detect the presence of various dis- eased conditions, or of bullets, needles and other foreign substances that may be lodged or hidden in any part of the body. Our Institute is equipped with one of the finest and most powerful X-Ray machine., in the United States, and we find frequent use for it in making special examinations in suitable cases whenever there iE doubt as to the diagnosis. DEFORMITIES, If you have a child with a crooked foot, leg, or back, it is evidently your duty, as the parent or guardian of such a child, to do all in your power to have the deformity corrected. The child is wholly dependent upon you, and can do nothing without your consent and assistance. While it is small it will bear the infirmity without a murmur, but as it grows to manhood or womanhood it will feel very keenly your neglect and will heap reproaches upon your head during its life*for allowing it to grow up a maimed and helpless creature, when opportunities are time and again pre- sented for its relief. A few dollars cannot be weighed in the balance against such disability, and your plea that you have not the means at your immediate command will not be allowed by your child as a sufficient ex- cuse for your culpable neglect. The time to correct deformities is when the patient is young and growing, when the bones are comparatively soft and yielding. Children are like twigs, if they are crooked from any cause they will grow and remain so. Then let us urge upon you the necessity of prompt action in so important a matter. Time is everything; do not idle it away in fooling and temporizing with this or that thing, or rely upon the hopeless fallacy that it will grow straight. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 4g Your family physician, though he may be skillful in treatment of fevers and other acute diseases, should not be employed in this class of diseases, as he is not prepared to treat deformities and probably h$s had no experience In times past many physicians have attempted to cure curvature of the spine by means of the Plaster Paris Jacket, but it proved a painful failure and is no longer used by scientific men. It has been the means of inflicting untold misery upon the sufferers and destroy- ing their chances of perfect recovery. Many cases are sent us by physi- cians as soon as the disease is discovered, when a perfect and permanent cure is easily made by means of our improved appliances, manufactured for each particular case by our brace maker and under our supervision. Other cases are sent us after their family physician has experimented with them for months, has applied liniments, bandages, plaster of paris, etc., called the disease Rheumatism, Lumbago, Neuralgia, and by various other names, and has been finally obliged to admit that he did not understand the rase, could not effect a cure, and advised taking the patient to a reliable medical institute, prepared to treat and cure such cases. These are facts which thousands of persons who are or have been af- flicted will substantiate. OUR METHOD OF TREATING DEFORMITIES. We treat all physical deformities by means of our new and improved surgical appliances and apparatus, perfected after many years of practical experience, entirely ignoring the old torturing modes of treatment, and thereby dispensing with all pain and danger to the patient. Upon all cases of deformities, surgical appliances and apparatus will be fitted and perfectly adjusted. The patient can then return home and prosecute the treatment to a successful termination under our directions. The surgical appliances can be worn by the most delicate without pain or inconvenience, and patients need not be confined to their rooms. 50 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. DISEASES OF THE SPINAL COLUMN i . Angulur Curvature. The spinal column is composed of twenty-tour bones, or vertebrae,- articulating with each other; these bones are convex, or circular, in front, and flat upon the upper and lower surfaces. They have projections on each \ side and behind, called processes. Each, also, has a large opening, com- municating with its fellow above and below, making the opening for the spinal cord. This cord is connected with the brain at the top. The same membranes covering the brain extend down and inclose the cord. The cord gives off pairs of nerves between the different vertebra?, to supply the limbs, the vital organs, muscles, etc. Now, in all spinal affections, where there are diseases of the bones, and deformity is the result, these bones change their shape, allowing the spine to bend gradually or at an acute angle, narrowing the canal and pressing on the cord. Before treatment. After treatment. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 5« The symptoms of antero-posterior curvature of the spine (with caries of the bones) forming a lump upon the back, are so likely to be mistaken by the inexperienced for other diseases, that hundreds of poor sufferers are allowed to become deformed for life before the real danger is known. The following are some of the preceeding symptoms: The patient, while able to go about as usual, is seized occasionally with pain in the stomach or bowels, sometimes constant for days, or perhaps only momen- tary; a hacking cough, difficulty of breathing, pain in the legs, lassitude, sometimes loss of appetite and flesh; laying the hands upon the tables, chairs, etc., as they are passed, and leaning upon some support as much as possible. Some of these symptoms occur; but soon a cautious gait is observed, the elbows are thrown back, chest protruded, the body kept straight.if possible, will kneel with one knee, or squat, instead of stoop, to pick up anything from the floor. If the curvature is going to come high up, or above the shoulders, the hand is found supporting the chin or head; if lower down, the hands are on the knees. As the case progresses the suffering increases, locomotion becomes more impeded. Finally a slight elevation is seen upon the spine. Even then many cases are heartlessly neglected, being told it is nothing—will outgrow it. The pains not always in the back, mislead those Before Treatment. After Treatment. ignorant of their true meaning, deformity ensues, and when the health fails, locomotion nearly lost, and the struggle for life half over, danger begins to be feared, weeks or months afrer the most vigorous treatment should have been adopted. 52 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. The proper method is to virtually put on an artificial spine; that i*. S perfectly fitting apparatus on the outside, pressing firmly against the la.- ternal processes and ribs on the sides of the spine, securely n°ldl^£ the pelvis and shoulders back, with means to hold up ends of ribs with all nec- essary pads and means for adjusting, etc. The case in which the spine is drawn or curved to one side lsknown as Lateral Curvature; it affects the female sex most frequently. The symp- toms are often obscure and undefined; as the disease progresses a slight elevation of one shoulder blade is noticed. The curve or distortion of the spine increases until it often assumes the shape of the letter S. unless checked by proper treatment. The symptoms of lateial curvature (see cuts above) in the earlier stages are often quite obscure. Among the first noticed is the loss of vitality, debility, nervousness, loss of appetite, flesh and strength. One shoulder blade seems a little larger and more prominent than the other. If a girl, or young lady, it will be noticed on fitting the clothing that one side is larger than the other. This deformity being produced by contraction of muscles on one side and partial paralysis on the other with a soft condition of the bones, it nec- essarily grows worse more rapidly as the body becomes heavier and larger. Hence a case never exists where nature has produced a cure, or the patient outgrew it. If the case is neglected, the vital organs suffer from compression by distortions of the body, serious diseases of the lungs, liver, heart, or other vital organs supervene, and a life of deformity is the best that can be hoped for unless proper mechanical and medicinal treat- ment is employed. Chicago Medical and Surgical Intsitute. 53 The above cuts, with apparatus on, represents a few of the appliances made and used by us in the treatment of spinal diseases and deformities. No two cases are alike, hence each case must have apparatus made and adjusted to meet its peculiar wants and peculiarities. Great errors are committed, and disappointments realized in the tak- ing of measures for apparatus, and in sending to some instrument shop for apparatus to straighten the back. No one but an experienced surgeon and practical brace-maker should be intrusted with so important a case. Actual and long continued pactice is the only avenue through which the necessary experience is attained. We cannot insist too much upon immediate attention to such cases, and would advise you to come at once to us, where you will find every fa- cility for treating diseases and deformities of the spine successfully. CLUB AND CROOKED FEET. By our new mode of treatment, club, reel, or crooked feet can be made as perfect in appearance and use as though the deformity never existed. This may seem mysterious or doubtful to those unacquainted with the new discoveries in surgical art. We effect a cure in one-fourth the time usually occupied in the treat- ment of such cases with the best treatment the old method ever did or can afford. We do it with one-tenth the pain and suffering. We care not how careful the physician may be or how well padded the apparatus, for the old ■principle is radically wrong, and is a painful failure. $4 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. In many cases no surgical operation is" required; but should it be necessary, it is so simple as not to shed a drop of blood, nor cause any swelling, pain or soreness afterward. The treatment never, in any way, interferes with health or causes the loss of a meal, or a night's sleep—the skin never becomes sore from chafing, or pressure by the apparatus, The deformity will never return after the treatment is concluded. The motions of the joints are perfect, the gait natural, and all hobbling removed. We make a specialty of its treatment, and by the use of appliances of our own manufacture, meet with invariable success. Most patients are treated at home after the apparatus are fitted, which will require but one day usually. We are frequently asked by parents at what age the foot should be straightened. We answer, as soon after the child is three months old as possible/ In very bad cases we think the best results can be obtained by cutting the cords, which can be done by an expert surgeon without danger. A very narrow knife being passed beneath the skin, and the cord cut without scarcely any external wound, rubber plaster is placed over the small opening made by the knife. A club foot shoe and brace applied, the patient returns home and is soon well. If the case is not abad one we can make a brace and shoe that will gradually bring the foot perfectly straight; in all cases it is best that the child be brought to us for measurement, although in cases where it is impossible to do so we can send rules for measurement, which the patient can take and return to us when the brace will be made as accurately as possible, if it is not a perfect fit we will change without extra expense to persons ordering. Over five hundred cases of club feet cured by us without a failure. Ordinary physicians, though the most honorable, worthy, scientific, are successful in the general practice of their profession, wherein their minds must be occupied with the great problems of life and death, in the treatment of serious fevers and other maladies, cannot be successful or proficient in the treatment of this de- formity, which alone requires all the time and special study of the surgeon." Great errors are committed and disappointments realized in taking meas- ures for apparatus, and in sending to some instrument shop for " club feet shoes," or apparatus to straighten crooked feet. The measure is taken by one who does not devote his time to such work; and is so critical a matter, in which he is not thoroughly informed, it would be a wonder if he did get it correct. Besides, when the apparatus arrives, the application requires more than theory can suggest. There are several adventurers throughout the country claiming to have regularly established institutions, and by copying our cuts and the language of our books, induce many afflicted persons to believe that they have the same means of cure that we possess. The fact is, however, that they have nothing better than any general practitioner can obtain, and they are en- tirely unreliable. Those who are unfortunate enough to be deceived by them will always regret the useless expenditure of money and cruel suffer- ing from the application of improperly constructed apparatus. Never place Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. our child's case in the hands of any surgeon unless he can show you that ie has a skilled instrument maker at hand. Before Treatment. During Treatment. After Treatment. HIP-JOINT DISEASE. Inflammation and disease of this, the largest and most important joint of the body is fraught with danger and the most serious consequences. It is the joint to which more force is applied, with more varied and extensive movements, with a closer contact and larger amount of friction surface when the parts are inflammed, and is surrounded by more powerful, impor- tant and numerous muscles than any other joint in the body, The disease is more prevalent among children and youths, yet adults are not infrequently its victims. Its common causes are external injuries, blows, falls, or strains, yet, occasionally, arises without any apparent cause, induced, probably, by a scrofulous or strumuous diathesis. Inflammation of the synovial membrane and articular cartilages of the hip-joint, com- -mencing in the usual subacute form is so obscure, in the early part of the disease, that its true character is seldom observed and properly understood by the inexperienced surgeon. It would, however, require several pages of this book to give in detail the various symptoms attending the different stages of this disease. We can, therefore, only mention the more promi- nent symptoms. It first manifests its presence by a feeling of uneasiness and fatigue of the affected limb after exercise, with more or less pain in and around the knee joint, especially at night, when the child will cry out with j6 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. pain, and the sleep will be disturbed by twitching and jerking of the leg; the cause of the pain being first experienced so remote from the real point of attack is that the hip-joint is deeply seated, and the parts thus far at- tacked are destitute of the nerves of sensation. As the disease advances an apparent elongation of the limb is often, if not always, observed, caused by the inflamed and thickened condition of the synovial membrane lining! the socket and head of the thigh bone. The disease, in its inflammatory^ state, insiduously progresses until the entire joint is involved, the deep- seated nerves of sensation are encroached upon and the pain shifts to the hip-joint, becoming severe and at times intense; a distinct limp is now observed; the slightest motion or weight borne on the limb now increases suffering, and the joint becomes tender to pressure and often swollen. In its fearful ravages, destructive ulceration invades the synovial membranes, cartilages and ligaments, in and around the joints; matter forms, and in many cases seeks egress through the abscesses or opening formed on the exterior, while in other cases the matter is absorbed and no abscesses make their appearance. Caries, or disease of the bone, now supervenes, causing softening or gradual decomposition and wasting away, of the head of the thigh bone, which, in many cases, becomes shorter and sometimes almost J obliterated; the powerful muscles of the hip are wasted away, become 1 atrophied and rigidly contracted, drawing the limb up and hip out of po- ] sition, presenting an apparent dislocation, and the fearful destruction is J complete, and the poor unfortunate victims, if they have survived the shock to their systems from the long-continued sufferings, are left at death's door,| pale, haggard and emaciated, with the leg drawn up, hip forced back andf upward, muscle and flesh of leg wasted away, leaving it a deformed, use-1 less and cumbersome appendage. Nor is the picture overdrawn, as thousands throughout our land annually fall victims to this terrible diseas i*| Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. y m& are left In this sad condition, and none but they can ever know tha inutose agony of pain and suffering they endure. TREATMENT OF HIP DISEASE. Treatment of disease of the hip should commence early, with a perfect apparatus, keeping the diseased bones from being forced together by the contraction of the muscles of the hip, relieving at once all pain and twitch- ing of the limb. If your child or friend is suffering severely, is very weak or emaciated, do not listen a moment to the statement that it is too ill or weak to treat, or to have attention. Hundreds of them are brought on pil- lows and couches to get free from suffering and pain, and prevent deform- ity. Do not wait until destruction has done its work, for the, joints, liga- ments, bones and all the delicate structures are being destroyed. We cannot insist too much upon immediate attention to such cases, or too fully deprecate or denounce the indifferent manner in which they are too frequently treated. Take warning, as you love your child, or your own life, do not allow improper treatment. We challenge investigation of our method of treating this fearful malady. The old style splint, which is often ordered, is useless; it may do harm, aside from the failure to accomplish good. The strap passing around the leg at the groin pulls obliquely up and out, in just the direction to pull the bone out of the socket, and it does it most effectively, if it does anything; but it depends for extention upon galling, irritating, slipping, adhesive plasters applied on the leg, which are a great nuisance to the sufferer, as the skin gets sore, slips off, etc., adding annoyance and torture. Of all the Cruel fallaries. inflirfinor nain anrl Hi»fr»rrr>itv nnnn the pitiful Sufferers, this 58 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute Engraving showing result of treatment of deformity from hip disease oj twelve years standing. is the most to be dreaded. Take warning, and while the case is still cur able.do not allow improper treatment, or any apparatus to be applied.which, by straps, pads, supports, plasters or any device whatever, goes around the diseased hip or groin in any manner; or the most foolish practice of apply- ing a weight to the foot. All such treatment does harm; they excite con- traction of the muscles, and press upon the tissues around the joint, in- creasing the sloughing and deformity. The experience of twenty years in the treatment of hip-joint disease has suggested many very valuable improvements, not only in the treat- i ment of the disease in its incipient stages, but also in cases hitherto con- sidered deformed for life. One of the frequent results of the strong, per- ! sistent muscular contraction in such cases, is to force the joint out or its socket and carry the head of the femur, or thigh bone high up on the side Df the pelvis, thus producing shortening of from two to six inches or more; and usually the leg is so flexed on the body; and when both hips are diseased, the knees are brought nearly, if not quite together. With our new appliances and machinery, we are enabled to take these cases, and, by motion and gradual pressure, first straighten the limbs, and afterwards, by suitable appliances for extension, bring the head of the femur back to its natural position, with motion restored. If the bonesy have become so de- composed and the tissues so seriously destroyed as to allow shortening of the limb and the formation of an artificial joint upon the pelvis, we find it best to have that joint as low down as we need it, or as near the original] position as possible, which can just as well be accomplished as to leave it to chance. All this is accomplished with little or no pain to the patient.1 In some cases where the disease commenced in early childhood, we find Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 59 shortening in the femur, caused by arrested growth of the bone, when, of course, nothing can be accomplished toward lengthening the limb. In these cases, should there be flexion, we first straighten the limb, and then apply an extension apparatus to the shoe, enabling the patient to walk with comparative ease and comfort. , In fact there is scarcely any conceivable deformity, resulting from hip- bone disease, which can not be greatly benefited by proper mechanical treatment to be found in this institution. Visit us, and we can, after ex- amination, tell you exactly what can be done. PARALYSIS. What more pitable sight can be imagined than the poor paralytic— helpless, deformed, deprived of locomotion and self-support, of the pleas- ures and enjoyments of life ? Every impulse or desire for usefulness to himself or society is a failure; hopes blighted; the future but a long weary life in deformed humanity—to be called and known to others and himself as a cripple—a maimed and useless creature; and when he contrasts his lamentable fate with those blessed with sound limbs and body, enjoying life's pleasures and usefulness, free to move, think and act—how his very soul must recoil, and how sad his heart must be, and how anxiously he must look for medical aid and cure. Causes.—Excessive physical or mental exertion and prostration, syphilis and scrofula; nervous irritability, etc. Acute diseases, incident to HEMIPLEGIA. childhood, induce, or are the exciting cause of this trouble, such as spinal or cerebral meningitis, scarlet fever, measles, whooping cough, worms, colds, etc. Falls, blows, sprains, injuries from careless nursing of infants and children often result in paralysis, though months may elapse before its appearance. Some retire at night, well as usual; the morning finds them helpless. With some a slight fever precedes the malady. It may follow teeth- ing, spasms, attacks of severe illness, etc. Sometimes a slight difference is 6o Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. j ■etieed in the usefulness or control of the hand or foot. This differenet I increases from week to week, or month to month, until paralysis is eon> i plete. With adults the causes are more apparent, as falls, injuries, private diseases, fevers, exposure, overwork—mental and physical, etc., etc. Paralysis may be general or partial, affecting the whole or only a part of the system. i When paralysis affects one side ofthe body only, it is called "Hemiple- | gia," and when it affects only the lower part of the legs, it is called "Para- 3 plegia-" when only one limb, hand, foot, one side of the face, it is called | Local Paralysis. This is the most common form of paralysis met with. It, in the major- j ity of cases affects the left side of the body. In a few cases, the left arm I and right leg may be affected, or vice versa. The mind, in this kind of J paralysis, often suffers, and the speech may be impaired, but in young sub- jects, the mental functions and speech, if injured, usually recover. This, however, unfortunately is not often true of adults, especially if past the | meridian of life. Hemiplegia is generally the result of some lesion of the brain by rup- . ture of a blood vessel, by softening of the brain, disease, or obstruction of the cerebral artery, by tumor, syphilitic, germinations or growths, by ab- scesses, injuries of the skull and brain, etc., etc. PARAPLEGIA, Or paralysis of the lower half of the body, from disease, injury or compres- sion of the spinal cord, or its membranes, or reflex irritation. In this form j of paralysis, although the patient may be unable to move the limb, yet | involuntary motion with jerking and trembling is quite common, caused by j continued congestion of the cord. HOW WE CURE PARALYSIS. We increase the size of the dismissed blood ^vessels; thus the perish- ing muscles are supplied with a greater quantity of blood and nurisnment, causing them to grow stronger and acquire their natural power and motion. We reproduce the natural heat in the cold and perishing limbs, impart to them new life and animation, causing them to develop in size, grow in strength and establish a vigorous circulation therein. We keep the limbs from being drawn out of shape, prevent all deformity, and if the limbs are already crooked when we take hold of the case, we at once straighten them without pain, and give proper support and passive motion to the weak joints We adjust upon the limbs perfectly fitting surgical appliances, that support the weight of the body, thus relieving the weak joints and muscles, giving them freedom of motion and action, without injury or fatigue. We cleanse the blood of all impurities, stimulate the circulation, and give tone and vigor to the constitution. Our treatment causes no pain or torture; cases can be successfully treated at their homes under our direction; we furnish them with all the necessary machinery and appliances. The patient at once comprehends the philosophy of our method of treatment, soon feels that he is surely improving, is convinced that it must do all we claim, is therefore encouraged and inspired with faith, and thus greatly facilitates j the treatment; and finally, our treatment is rational, plainly indicated by common sense, wholly and solely based-upon the nature and requirements of the case. We are happy in being able to relieve the suffering, and fre- quently restore the long-neglected, helpless paralytic. Electricity, the great \ Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 61 restorer of nerve and vital force, is used by us in Paralysis by means of improved Galvano-Faradic apparatus. Our methods of using electricity, as well as our electrical apparatus, are according to the new discoveries in electrical science and entirely differ- ent from the common electric battery used by physicians in general prac- tice. We treat patients at the Institute, until they are on the road to recovery and understand the treatment and use of instruments, and then furnish them with the necessary apparatus and appliances to use at their homes, where they can continue the treatrkent until cured, with our braces and appliances. Many who are helpless can be made to stand and walk in a few days; Hundreds throughout the west can substantiate this state- ment; any person who remains paralyzed or allows a child to grow up in thfs condition, without making an effort to cure, and placing the case in the hand of scientific men, supplied with the latest treatment for this condition, deserves the condemnation of every intelligent person. The second or third attack, which is always looked for with dread by the victims of this terrible disease, can be warded off or prevented by our present mode of treatment, which has been perfected by years of exper- ience. Hundreds of persons now enjoying good health whom we have cured of this malady can testify to these facts. Our medical, electrical and mechanical treatment for paralysis is not surpassed by any medical establishment in the world, and our physicians ana assistants have had an unequaled experience in this class of diseases. BOW LEGS. Before treatment. After treatment. We manufacture a brace which can be worn under the clothes, is not painful or unpleasant to wear, and never fails to cure this deformity. 62 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. WRYNECK. Wry neck is caused by contraction of the muscles of the neck. After this condition has existed for some time, the bones are changed in shape, one side becoming thinner and the other thicker, by the pressure, with an unnatural positition of the head. This deformity requires nicely fitting ap- paratus to hold the head in proper position long enough to^ lengthen the muscles and change the shape of the bones. This requires but a short time, relieving the deformity entirely. THE KNEE JOINT, Like other joints, is subject to all forms of inflammation, abscess, tubercu- losis, rheumatism and injuries, and being the largest joint, when affected, it is subject to the most violent consequences. Tuberculosis (or White Swelling) is a terrible disease, destroying the membranes and articulations, depositing matter in the cavity of >the joint, and is attended with contraction of the limb, loss of motion, great pain, and sometimes death. Dropsical effusions frequently occur as a result of inflammation, whether produced by injuries, sprains or other causes. Ligamentous ad- hesions and stiffening result from rheumatism. From any of the above diseases the cords may become contracted, and i the limbs crooked and deformed. There are no cases requiring more vigi-] lant and correct treatment than disease of this joint, as with it great suf fering and life-long deformity may be prevented; while without it grea Buffering and life-long deformity may result. The ankle, shoulder, elbow 1 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 63 and wrist are subject to the same forms of disease, and are followed by like consequences. No disease affecting these joints can be successfully treated without proper mechanical appliances. HARE-LIP. • Hare-lip is a congenital defect which greatly disfigures the face, and if a person is allowed to grow up with it the bones of the face change in shape, and the deformity is much harder to entirely remove. Every child. born with such defects should be operated upon while very young, and thus prevent deformity by improper growth of the bones. Many physicians are ready to undertake the operations upon such cases, as they feel it is only necessary to "pare the edges and sew it up" to make a cure. How many little ones suffer from this cause to no purpose, for even if it heals, a notch or deformed lip is the result. No child should be operated upon with- out proper preparation with apparatus to overcome the contraction of the muscles of the cheek thoroughly beforehand, in order to prevent pain and the drawing of the edges apart after the operation. This precaution is everything to success, yet not practiced by surgeons outside of this Institute. 64 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. TO PERSONS LIVING AT A DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO OR IN OTHER LARGE CITIES. Many persons living at a great distance from Chicago hesitate about coming here for treatment, thinking that they should find medical and surgical skill, and physicians possessing equal facilities for curing them nearer home. To such persons we will say that a medical establishment of this kind is not located on account of the size of the city, but springs into existence more from the fact that the location selected is central, easily reached and is the home of physicians of noted skill and experience, who have prospered and succeeded in building up a large practice, and who come into prominence on account of the cures that they have performed and the reputation they bear amomg the people of the State in which they live. Furthermore, it is impossihle for many medical establishments of this mag- nitude to exist in one section of the country, as on account of the large ex- pense incurred in furnishing such an institution with the medical and sur- gical apparatus necessary to conduct it, and the large outlay constantly required to keep it in proper working order, it is necessary that its patron- v age be drawn from a large extent of territory. Therefore, while there are many physicians in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Milwaukee, who are scientific men, and are well thought of in the community in which they live, none of them claim to treat as many cases or draw their patients from so large a section of country as the physicians ofthe Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. The patronage of this institution has been constantly on the increase since its opening, and persons come here for treatment from not only the Western, but many of the Eastern and Southern States. To an intelligent, thinking person who has watched our growth, and to those who visited us years ago, who now see the difference in our equipment, the number of our patients, and who know our standing among professional and business men, no other proof is necessary of the uncommon skill of the physicians constituting the faculty. As was remarked by a gentleman of this city not long since, the large number of persons that have been treated here within the last few years alone would give any physician an immense experience, let alone our career of the previous twenty years, which were spent in the leading hospitals and medical institutions of the world. We have been very much annoyed, and perhaps injured in the estima- tion of persons not acquainted with us, by men claiming to be physicians and representing us, who are unauthorized and unqualified to treat cases. Beware of all physicians claiming to have held positions in this insti- tute, and to have left it and started other establishments, or engaged with other establishments, as no men occupying any other positions than assist- ants or servants in the Institute have ever left or been discharged. The physicians who really gave the Chicago Medical Institute the reputation it enjoys to-day are still with us. Those who have been here in the capacity of assistants and have been discharged were either incapable, intemperate or dishonest. We know of several parties who claim to have been mem- bers of the faculty, who simply came here and applied for positions, art'd after a few weeks trial were found untrustworthy. Beware of them. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 65 DISEASES OF THE EYE AND EAR. There is no branch of Medicine or Surgery which requires a more thorough scientific knowledge of the subject than diseases of the Eye and Ear. The ordinary physician will admit that he knows little more of these diseases than the patient; to the specialist, therefore, both physician and patient turn for relief and cure. The family physician can often prescribe some remedy to allay pain, but seldom attempts more. We fully appreciate our responsible position in taking charge of these important organs, and have supplied ourselves with every new instrument and medicine Known to be of value, and are from time to time adding to our faculty men skilled and experienced in this branch of the profession, and do not hesitate to claim superiority over any oculist or aurist in the west; and the thousands whom we have cured, after others have failed substantiatFbur claims. To those afflicted with eye and ear diseases, we simply say, call and consult us, get a scientific opinion, then visit whom you like, and if you are an in- intelligent person you will return to us for treatment and cure. The following pages, describing the eye and ear and their diseases, in plain language, with numerou* illustrations, are written for the benefit of patients and physicians who write us in regard to cases. By reading them carefully they will have a clear understanding, and can describe cases to us more intelligently. tf ANATOMY OF THE EYE. The eye is held in its place in a bony cavity, called the orbit ox "socket,' by the aid of six'muscles. The internal rectus, the shortest of these muscles, is designed for drawing the eye in a direction toward the nose. The external rectus draws the eye out- ward toward the temple. The superior rectus is designed for raising the eye up- ward; the inferior rectus draws it down- ward. The superior oblique, the largest of the muscles of the eye, passes forward to near the upper edge of the socket, and nearer the nose than the centre of the socket, where the tendon of the muscle passes through a tendinous loop, when it turns back and becomes attached to the upper, outer and back part of the eyeball. When this"" muscle con- tracts, therefore, it rolls the eye inward and down, as when the eye is di- rected toward the tip of the nose. The inferior oblique is attached by one extremity to the front part of the socket, near the nose; it then passes under the eyeball and becomes attached to its back part, between the ex- 66 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. ternal rectus and inferior rectus muscles. It tends to roll the eye upward and outward, causing it to look toward the outer end of the eyebrows. Such are the muscles charged with moving the eye in all directions. The movements of the eye are accomplished with great smoothness and i ease, for the entire ball is surrounded by a cushion of fat. ' Before entering upon a description of the eye, now that we are ac- quainted with the muscles that serve to direct it, let us speak of the eyelids, those veils designed for protecting the apparatus of vision. As every one knows, these are bordered by the eyelashes, which as well as the eyebrows, ; prevent dust and foreign bodies from falling into the eye. j The tear apparatus consists of the lachrymal gland, the lachrymal \ caruncle, the lachrymal points, the lachrymal canals and the lachrymal sac. The lachrymal or tear gland consists of a small organ, of about the size and form of a sparrow's egg, of a whitish yellow color, situated above the eye, a little outside of the middle of the socket, and near its front edge. In this the tear fluid is formed frcm the blood. At the inner corner of the eye, and as it were, between the ball and the inner corner of the lids, is small, somewhat prominent substance called lachrymal i caruncle. Near the caruncle may be seen two orifices, which further examination will show to be the opening of two minute tubes called the lachrymal canals; these come around and open into a large tube called the lachrymal i sac, or tear duct. This opens into the nose. The tears are of use, ordinarily to moisten the eye ana afterward the nose. When the flow of tears is so copious that the lachrymal canals cannot carry them off into the nose the surplus runs over on to the cheek. The anterior surface of the eyeball is covered with a delicate mucous membrane, called the conjunctiva, which is reflected upon the lids, and forms their internal surface. This membrane also invests the lachrymal canals and the lachrymal sacs, and extending downward through the nasal ducts, becomes lost in the nasal fosses, and then acquires new properties; it is called the pituitary' or schneiderian membrane.. It will, therefore, be seen how liable the lining of the eye will be to disease if a perso^Jake cold, both on accouut of its similar structure to the lining of the nose and intimate connection with it. The form of the eyeball is that of a sphere, of about one inch in diam- eter, having the segment of a smaller sphere ingrafted on its anterior sur- face, which thus increases its antero-postero diameter. The outer part of the eyeball, from its color, is commonly called "the white of the eye," and, from its firmness, the sclerotic coat. It has two openings, a large one in front to admit light and a, much smaller one, a little to the inside of the back center, to admit a bundle of nerves, called, collectively the optic nerve. The transparent cornea forms the front part of the eyeball; it is fitted into the sclerotic coat very much as the crystal of a watch is fitted in its case. Immediately beneath the sclerotic is found a membrane of a rich chocolate brown color externally, and of a deep black within; it is called the choroid. The ciliary ligament, or circle, is a thick grayish band, almost a line or two wide, situated between the choroid, the ins and sclerotic. The iris, so named from its variety of color in different individuals, is a membranous partition placed vertically behind the cornea, in the anterior part of the eye. It is pierced somewhat to the nasal side of its center by a circular opening called the pupil. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 67 Fig. 4.—The Eye, and the corresponding parts shown in a vertical section. 1. The levator muscle of the eyelid. 2. Superior oblique muscle. 3. Inferior rectus. muscle, n. Optic nerve, which spreads out internally to form the retina n «., v. Vitre- ous humor. 2,2. Ciliary processes. I. Lens, p The anterior chamber, c. Cornea. i. Iris. The Crystalline Lens (Fig. 4 /) is more convex on the posterior than on the anterior surface; in the foetus it is nearly spherical. The space intervening between the cornea and the iris is called the anterior chamber (Fig. 4. p.) The posterior chamber, less than half a line in depth, is situated between the internal face of the iris and the external face of the lens. The acqueous humor (Fig. 4,/)a transparent fluid, is situated in the an- terior and posterior chambers. The vitreous humor (Fig. 4, v,) is a highly transparent fluid, inclosed in a delicate membrane, the hyaloid. It forms the principal bulk of the globe of the eye. The crystalline lens, retained in its place by a prolongation of the ciliary zonule, is composed of a cap- sule, which contains a small quantity of fluid. The lens itself consists of concentric layers, of which the external are soft, the next firmer, and the central form a hardened nucleus. Immediately around the circumference of the lens is a triangular canal—the canal of pettit—which allows the ciliary muscle to move the lens. The retina (Fig. 4, n. n.) a knowledge of the structure of which, is of the utmost importance in the theory of vision, is a pulpy, grayish mem- brane (transparent during life) extending from the optic nerve (of which it is an expansion) to the lens; it lies immediately upon the choroid, but does not adhere to it. The retina is not a simple membrane; it is formed of eight layers. The optic nerves, two in number—one tor each eye—arise from a por- tion of the brain called the optic lobes, and intercross. At their origin they are wide apart, then they cross each other and again diverge to penetrate the orbits, where, spreading over the choroid, they form the retina. This reunion of the two optic nerves explains why vision is single, although we pos&ess two eye*. / 68 Cvgcago Medical and Surgical Insi/tutk. 4 N THE OPHTHALMOSCOPE. ITS VALUE AS A MEANS OF DETECTING DISEAS »S OF rHB IN* TERNAL EYE. This wonderful instrument was invented by Prof* sso* Helmholz, of Kcenigsburg, Prussia; with it the oculist can see the iixi.ide of the eye ,as distinctly as the ordinary observer can the outside. In examining the in- ternal eye with the Ophthalmoscope, the oculist holds .he Opthalmoscope' before his own eye in such a position that, while he looki through the small opening in its center, the mirrored surface receives the rays of light from the lamp, and reflects them directly into the eye of the patient; in his left Fig. 6—Examination ofthe internal eye with the Opthalmoscope. hand he holds a lens before the patient's eye, so adjusted that it concen- trates all the rays of light within the eyeball, thus illuminating the whole interior of the eye, enabling him to observe the optic nerve, where it enters the eye, the retina, choroid coat, the blood vessels that supply the back part of the eye, and the vitreous humor. All of which are as distinctly visible to an educated oculist as the engraving here shown are to the ordi- nary observer. Its intelligent use requires long practice and much experi- ence. DISEASES OF THE RETINA AND NERVE. Many people are surprised when told that the ophthalmic surgeon can examine and plainly see the retina and nerve of the eye, and so form a 1 correct opinion as to the nature and exten* of any disease affecting these. •; , parts, by means of the wonderful instrument—the ophthalmoscope—by \ Chicago Medical and Surgical Intsitute. 69 which he is permitted to examine the entire internal eye, not a particle of which can elude his keen observation. The most common disease of the internal eye is known as congestion of the retina, caused by straining the eye. It is also often caused from certain constitutional diseases. Should the symptoms be disregarded which usu- ally attend this condition of the eye—such as pains in and about the eye, sensitiveness to light, a disposition of the eyes to close when using them, watering, a tired feeling always pervading them, etc., and if the patient has not proper care and treatment under this condition, the congestion is apt to bring on inflammation of the retina, accompanied by violent pain and great intolerance of light, and this may be followed by rupture or the en- gorged blood vessels and extravasation of blood under the retina. This is a very serious mishap, leaving the patient nearly or completely blind. It is regarded as very serious, and should be early discovered and means taken to asorb the fluid as soon as possible. Very many other diseases of the retina and nerve remain to be described, varying in appearance, symptoms and danger, but space will not permit here. Nearly or quite all of them are of a graver character, requiring early treatment to avert blindness. CATARACT. Cataract is an opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye, or its capsule, caused from the supply of nutrition being cut off, from injury to the lens, or other disease, some cases being congenital (at birth). There are several varities of Cataract, designated as Hard, Soft, Fluid, Lenticular, Capsular, etc. (See cuts.) Hard Cataract in which the Opacity Hard Lenticular Cataract. is but recently completed. There are degrees of blindness produced by Cataract. Most persons suffering from Cataract can usually see shadows and flashes of light, and with "unripe" Cataract they may see large objects, at a short distance, quite distinctly; they always see better on cloudy days, or at twilight, when the eye is shaded and the pupil becomes dilated, allowing some rays of light to pass into the eye, around the margin of the opaque lens. There are medicines that will dilate the pupils temporarily, and thereby improve the sight while the effect continues; but no medicine can clear up a lens that has once become opaque, or stay the progress of a forming Cataract. Cataracts are never formed on the external portion of the eyes, as most DeoDle, and, in fact; many doctors suppose. The opaque "spots" and "films" on cornea, that are called cataracts by the average conn try doctor, 7o Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. are not such; but are usually albugo or leucoma of the cornea; described elsewhere in this work. I desire to call particular attention to this distinction, for the reason that they are so often confounded, even by doctors who actually profess to know all about the eye, and frequently go so far in their ignorance as to attempt to cure the disease by some eye-water, or, still worse, " scrape it off.'7 Patients under 25 or 30 years of age usually have "soft" cataract; after 30 or older it generally is " hard " or senile cataract. Extracting t;he lens is the most successful operation, one for the perma- . nent relief and cure of cataract, but it requires great skill to accomplish, and should not be attempted by novices. The operation is not painful, but \ it is the most difficult one in the whole range of surgery, and, when prop- erly performed, is attended with the most brilliant results. If sure that i the cataract was not complicated with other diseases of the eye, affecting vision, I would not hesitate to promise my patients to restore vision in every i case of cataract, by this operation, having performed it so many times with- out a single failure. Persons can be operated on for cataract at any age. I have operated on several who were over 70, and three were over 80, restoring useful vision in each case. One case had been blind thirty years, and could only go about by being led. I operated on him at 73; three weeks after the opera- tion he began to read the daily papers every morning, and his sight still' remains good. ^ A case of cataract seldom gets well without an operation, though elec- tricity is. reported by some reliable authorities to have cured cases in the first stage. STRABISMUS. CROSS-EYES OR SQUINT. There is no deformity of the eye that attracts greater attention and is ' really more unsightly than cross-eyes. The eye rests in a socket, and is t moved and controlled by six muscles; a contracted condition of one of these muscles, caused by a defect in the nerves supplying the muscles, or from a sfcortvnrag of the muscle itself from di»«a«e or habit, or at birth, Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 71 constitute the deformity, the eye turning in or out (sometimes up or down), in the direction of the shortened muscle. In the cuts A represents a single convergent squint; B, a double con- vergent squint, C, a double divergent squint. , No medicine will cure this disease, but an operation which is simple, safe, a.nd Painless, will relieve it in two minutes. The operation is easily and quickly performed by the skillful ophthal- mic surgeon, and results in a complete cure in almost every case. Occa- sionally the operation is attempted by unskillful and inexperienced opera- tors, and the result is not perfect, and requires a second operation, more difficult than the first, but when skillfully done completes the cure. Having operated on so many during the last ten years, many of which had been operated on before with imperfect results, and not having to re- cord a single failure in my own operations, I feel that I can assure all who are afflicted with this repulsive deformity a perfect cure. Before Operation. Aftm> tyvmMem. 72 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. WHY IT SHOULD BE DONE IN EARLY LIFE. If you ask any grown person who has a cross-eye, in nine cases out of ten he will tell you: "My cross-eye is partially blind." If the eye had been straightened in youth, it would have been as good as the other. Fathers and mothers ! your children will never outgrow it. Do notjet your child reach maturity with this deformity, which ruins the sight of the eye, and subjects the child to a life of ridicule, when a simple and almost painless operation will cure it. Cross-eyes can be straightened at all ages, but the improvement in sight is not so great in middle age as in early youth. GLAUCOMA. Glaucoma is generally miscalled neuralgia of the eye. One severe at- tack may leave the eye totally blind. More frequently the first attack j leaves the eye in a damaged condition, and this is succeeded by others, until vision is lost. The pain, at the time of the attack, is almost unbear- \ able. If one sees circles of light around a gas lamp or candle, like a rain- bow, or, when looking directly in front, objects at one side appear more in- j distinct than usuaL there is |danger of an attack. This frightful disease, fortunately not very common, has, until within a few years, baffled the skill of the best ophthalmic surgeons. An operation has been devised which acts as a perfect cure. If you have had severe pain in the eye, accompanied by a partial or total failure of sight, apply for advice without a moment's delay. DISEASES OF THE TEAR PASSAGES. The tears enter the eye at the upper and outer corner, and after flow- ing over the eye-ball, pass into the lower part of the nose by a narrow pas- sage, an inch long, which commences by two small openings in the edges of the lids, at the inner corner of the eye. They are plainly seen by turn- ing the lids slightly out. An obstruction at any point causes the tears to run over on the cheek. It is observed, when facing a cold wind and,.! should be at once attended to, for, aside from the annoyance and deformity! of a perfect closure of the passage, the person is liable at any time to have' an abscess in the passage at the corner of the eye, which causes pain and ] disfigures the face. Success in the treatment of this class of cases requires! care, patience and skill. IRITIS. This is an inflammation of the Iris and is frequently mistaken for ordinary sore eyes, and treated as such, with the re- sult of partially or totally destroying the sight. The symptoms are intolerance of light, redness around the colored part of eye, much pain, sometimes so severe as to entirely prevent sleep, and, if very closely observed the color of the Iris would be found to have changed. This acute disease requires prompt! and intelligent treatment. If neglected or improperly treated, the pupil of the! eye becomes blocked with lymph, andj you may have all grades of poor sight I Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. from slight falling off of vision to total blindness. This unfortunate result can always be prevented by proper treatment, but where it has occurred, howeyer, it can be entirely relieved by an operation for artificial Pup", and, when needed, it should always be performed, for if the eye has been left in an imperfect condition by this affection, the disease is almost sure to make its appearance again, and it will recur again and again, until the sight is lost beyond all hope of recovery. PTERYGIUM This cut represents a growth called Pterygium. It commences, generally, at the inner corner of the eye, gradually ad- vances toward the center, and finally covers the sight. It occurs most frequently, but not always, in persons exposed to the weather. It is first observed as a slight thickening of the skin or membrane cover- ing the eyeball, between the sight and corner of the eye. It can be cured by an Pterygium. operation, which causes little or no pain. * The sooner it is removed the slighter the operation. GRANULATED EYE LIDS. Chronic granulation is one of the most common of the diseases which affect the eye. The inflammation is very slight at the commencement of this affection, so that persons may be suffering from it and notice only that the eye lid is a little glued together in the morning, or that there is a slight feeling of roughness under the eyelids. This condition is soon fol- lowed by inflammatory symptoms, the membrane soon becomes thickened, swollen and red, with small minute pimples or granulations scattered over them; a thick mattery discharge, ana a feeling as of grit or sand under the lid. If the development of the granulation is not checked, the eye lid, from severe inflammation, becomes contracted, the outer edge being drawn or rolled in, and the eye lash will sweep or rub against the eye ball. The con- dition is commonly called wild hairs, from the mistaken idea that hairs have grown on the inside of the lid. The constant friction of the eye lashes and the surface of the lids, roughened by the granulations rubbing against the conjunctiva, or front of the eyeball, irritate it, cause it to become thickened, opaque or milky, and if not arrested, the disease will terminate in partial or complete blindness. Some so-called eye doctors have attemnt^d to treat this disease with 74 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. GRANULATED EYE LIDS- This cut represents an aggravated form of granulations. The eye lids are partially turned, but have such a wonderful growth of granular matter that the eye ball is hidden, j If allowed to continue, or improperly treated, the eye will ultimately be lost, but every case that has not been too long neglected can be cured. caustics, blue vitriol, potash, nitrate of silver, etc. This is an erroneous i and dangerous practice, and many eyes have been ruined by it. The proper treatment is to allay inflammation as quickly as possible, which we are en- abled to accomplish by means of a newly-discovered remedy, which acts \ by contracting the bloodvessels of the eye, and theieby preventing the flow of blood to the inflamed part It is a wel known principle that if the flow of blood is stopped or decreased, inflammation subsides. We keep up this contraction or closure of the blood vessels until the inflammation is allayed*' the granulations not being irritated by *he inflamed condition, soon atrophy, or dry up and disappear. ' If the case is of long standing, the thickening and opacity of the mem- ' branes covering the sight of the eye, will require treatment to cause its absorption. The different malformations of the lids can all be remedied by an operation. The horrid deformity represented in Fig. X, was completely Fig Y.—Trichiasis {inversion ofthe lids.) Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. . 75 cured by an operation. It is astonishing how the different displacements and malformations, in and about the eye, can be so thoroughly cured, without leaving ^.perceptible scar. A neglected case of sore eyes or granulations very commonly causes the lids to turn or curve in, and the lashes scratching on the clear part of the eye make it rough. The light soon passes into the eye with difficulty, and finally the p'erson becomes blind. A simple operation, performed'in time, prevents this sad conclusion to a painful disease. WARTS ON THE EYELIDS. It is not necessary to describe them, for they are observed as a small lump in the lid. They are a deformity, and they also grow quite rapidly, and seriously injure the eye. They should be removed as soon as observed. The operation is almost painless. Abscesses and styes, if allowed to take their own course, not infre- quently cause the lashes to grow in an irregular manner and irritate the eye. A timely interference saves the palient all the pain, and guards against future danger of ending in a malignant disease or cancer. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE EDGES OF THE LID. The edges of the lids are red and inflamed, especially when used by artificial light; crusts or scabs collect at the roots of the lashes; the lashes themselves are observed to fall quite rapidly, and there is danger of losing them entirely. The treatment is simple, and a cure can be guaranteed in every instance. ARTIFICIAL EYES. A rtificial Eye. A rtificial Eye. Patients always couple the idea of pain with the wearing of an Arti- ficial Eye, and this arises from the supposed size. An artificial eye, as seen by the cuts, is a very slight, thin shell of enamel, made to represent the front of the living structure. The shape and size must vary, to suit differ- ent cases, each requiring a different model, and the correspondence in size with the other eye demands much more nicety than is necessary to match the color. The improvements which have been lately effected in the color- ing of the enamels for artificial eyes render the imitation so perfect that not only is the casual observer deceived, but even the professional man may not detect the substitute. We furnish patients, when desired, with the best French and German artificial eyes at reduced prices. * 76 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. GONORRHEAL OPHTHALMIA SYPHILITIC DISEASE OF THE EYE. Constitutional Syphilis very frequently attacks the eyes. The symp- toms are similar to rheumatism of the' eye, but the ultimate effects are much more dreadful. Where there is the least suspicion of Syphilis in connection with the diseased eyes, lose not a moment in seeking the ad- vice of a competent oculist—the happiness of your whole life may depend upon it. Neglected Syphilitic Iritis, Neglected Syphilitic Iritis, with loss of sight. with loss of sight. Thousands of causes may bring about visual troubles, and various names have been given to the afflictions which result therefrom. We will examine them, and then will take occasion to describe those which are most interesting. Thus, in amaurosis, the eyesight will be gradually extinguished if, at its inception, care be not taken to arrest it by therapeutical treatment. In certain cases the eye presents grave interior disorders, and yet vision is little changed. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 77 It may happen, too, that one portion of a body is seen more clearly than another (meropia) or, again, that one part of an object only is clearly seen, the other being covered with a dark veil (hemiopia.) Often, in paral- ysis of the retina, objects can be seen only by inclining the head; often, too, a bar seems to hide everything. The eyes are occasionally different, and this trouble is known as assymetropia. Sometimes spots are seen sta- tionary with regard to the visual axis (scotopsia); now these spots are seen moving or flying {muscoe volitantes), as it happens, at the beginning of the cataract; now, again, these bodies that are seen are luminous (photopsia.) When light fatigues and irritates the eyes, the affection is designated as photophobia; and when bright light facilitates vision it is calledphotolimia.) Objects may also be seen of some other color than they really possess; Syphilitic Ulceration of the Eye. Conical Cornea. they may also appear as if they were seen through a lattice work. Some- times objects appear distorted. Often vision is doubled; or, again, mul- tiple. Objects may also be seen larger or smaller than they really are. Trichiasis.(see cut Y) is a turning of the eyelids inward, it may lead to a stubborn inflammation, and often to a swelling of the follicles of the pal- pebral conjuactiva. "Films" on the cornea may often form after inflam- - mation. When the eyesight is weak a cloud may exist; then the "film" is simple. _ If the "film" is opaque it is named albugo. When the opacity is complete it is called leucoma. In this disease a peculiar form of spectacles is used, which serves to limit the places that remain transparent; in this way the eyesight is made more perfect. Muscoe volitantes (myodepsia, "flying insects") is a trouble that affects a great many persons. Filaments and dots*swim before the eyes, chang- ing form and moving wherever the latter are turned. The trouble is some- times caused by small bodies in the liquids of the eye, and sometimes by congestion of the retinal vessels. In " diplopia " two objects are seen instead of one. We distinguish " binocular diplopia" when two objects are seen with the two eyes, and "uniocular diplopia" when two objects are perceived with a single eye. This trouble arises from a paralysis of one of the muscles of the eye." It is treated with the ajd of medicaments and the use of prismatic glasses. Opthalmia is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. According to its as- 78 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Lenticular Cataract. Ulceration of Cornea. pects, it is designated as "simple," "pustular," "granular," or "purulent" conjunctivis. The first is a slight affection and readily yields to medicine. In the second, besides a redness, there is seen near the edge of the cornea a small pustule, into which the injected vessels empty. In the third, gran- ulations form under the eyelids, sometimes in such numbers as to raise the lids in a notable manner. Purulent conjunctivis is common to children.^ A currerit of cold air may determine this horrible affliction in a newly-bornl babe, and if care be not taken the eyesight may be forever lost. Staphyloma is a tumor situated under the coujunctiva, at the anterioi or posterior part of the eyeball. There is, also, a staphyloma of the cornea Capsular Cataract. Symblepharon. (see cut). There may exist staphyloma of the sclerotic, called sclerotitis (see cut). In abscess of the cornea there often forms a deposit of pus in the anterior chamber. In regard to treatment for diseases of the eye, there are considered three distinct kinds—Medical, Surgical and Optical—the medical and sur- gical pertains to the oculist, the latter only to the optician. In any cases of visual trouble it is always wise to first procure the advice of a competent Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 70, oculist, who will advise the proper glasses to use when there is no better remedy for the case. If you have any trouble of the eye, hasten to a competent Ophthalmic Surgeon. In very many more cases than is generally believed, every hour is fraught with danger. Is your little child born blind? Have your children defective eyes? Be sure to have them carefully examined. Many in your blind asylums could have been given good sight in their youth, and even many adults, who have been blind from infancy, can, by a skillful operation, obtain useful vision. In a large majority of cases of partial or total blindness, the retina and optic nerve, which lie in the back part of the eye, are in a perfectly healthy condition. The structures in front of these have from some cause become thickened and opaque. Light does not pass through to those regions where the sensation of sight is produced; but if light can be ad- mitted by an operation the patient will receive the great boon of sight, be- come a useful citizen, and bless the great advances of modern science, which have made him happy and independent. Have you weak eyes, pain on using them, or can vou use them but a short time without suffering? Does the bright light affect them? Have you floating specks in front of the eye, or an appearance like a shower of sparks or bright colored spots? All these difficulties require careful and intelligent treatment if you wish to retain perfect eyesight. Something more grave may follow if you neglect to secure proper advice and skillful treatment. SPECTACLES AND EYE GLASSES. WHEN GLASSES SHOULD BE WORN AND HOW TO OBTAIN THEM. The eye, as is well known, is the most sensative organ in the human body. Few people, however, are aware of the disastrous results which fol- low when delicate machinery is strained or overworked. The conditions of the eye which constantly strain the ocular muscles, and are therefore the most dangerous, are known popularly as long sight, and short sight. These are both defects of vision which depend upon the shape of the eyeball. In the former it is too short from before backward, and while near'and distant vision may be good, near objects are only seen clearly when the little muscle in the eye called the cilhary muscle is severe- ly strained. The use of such an eye by artificial light at night or for too long a per- iod during the day is certain to result in serious trouble. The first symp- toms are blurring of the print while reading, floating spots (muscae volitantes) in the field of vision, soreness in and around the eyeballs, redness and in- flammation of the edges of the lids, and of the white membrane covering the eye, sharp pains shooting over the head and side of face, and increasing dimness of vision. If the eyes are neglected, or poorly fitting glasses worn, the symptoms increase in sevreity. The headache becomes neuralgic in character, and almost constant, and is often accompanied with vertigo, nausea and vomiting. The vessels in the interior of the eye become choked with blood, and if the strain still continues an artery may break and vision 80 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. be entirely destroyed. From the close connection between the eye and the brain the best authorities in Europe and America are of the opinion that neglected long sight or imper- fectly fitting glasses are fre- quently the direct cause of various diseases of the great nerve centers, which sap the vital strength and shatter the strongest constitutions. In short sight the globe of the eye is too long from before backward and vision for the distance is imperfect. When overworked, the chief dan- ger to fear in eyes of this character, is that the thin layers of tissue in the interior of the eyeball will be torn through and total blindness result. Statistics show that this fatal accident happens in a large percentage of neglected cases. The only safety for persons with long or shorti sight is to submit the eyes to an experienced oculist | for examination and wear the glasses which he pre- scribes. It will not do to trust such delicate organs] in the hands of a country doctor or to inexperiencedl oculists; it is dangerous to wear the glasses which! the spectacle vender sells you; and it is equally dan-l gerous to select your own glasses simply because youl can see better with them. Glasses, in order to dol good, must be fitted with scientific accuracy by al trained and experienced specialist. This department! in our Institute is in charge of an oculist who hasl studied for years with the foremost eye specialists inj Europe and America, and has had large practical ex- perience in testing eyesight. His time is devoted] exclusively to treatjng diseased and abnormal con- ditions of this organ. All tests are made in the mostl scientific manner with the opthalmoscope and a com-1 plete set of Natchet's test glasses. We keep a full] line of eye glasses and spectacles of the best pebbleI and crown glass, and also a large stock of gold, tor-| toise shell, nickel, steel and every variety of the new- est styles of frames. All persons suffering with de-L f ects of vision, or with any of the symptoms enumerated above will find it to their advantage to consult our optician. ANATOMY OF THE EAR. In man, and nearly all mammals, the ear consists of three parts, viz: The external, middle and internal ear. The external ear is simply a sort of a funnel for collecting and transmitting sound waves, which are sent through a passage called the auditory canal to the middle ear. The middle ear, or tynmpanic cavity, as it is sometimes called, is separated from the auditory passage by a membraneous partition termed the tym- Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. S\ Vertical Section ofthe Ear, Showig I he Internal Structure. internal ear. The internal ear, sometimes called the labyrinth, is sepa- rated from the middle ear by a bony partition, which is perforated by two small holes, one round and the other oval. The round one is closed by a membrane similar to the tympanum, and the oval by the base of the stir- rup bone. The internal ear is the true auditory apparatus and consists of three parts, the vestibule, the semi-circular canals, and the cochlea. They are all situated in the most solid part of the temporal bone of the skull. It is to the internal ear that the auditory nerve is sent, its terminal fila- ments floating freely in a limpid fluid, with which the whole of its cavities are filled. By this mechanism the vibrations of air are collected by the external ear, conveyed along the auditory canal to the tympanus, which transmits them to the chain of small bones. These, in connection with the air that sur- rounds them, convey the vibrations to the internal ear, in the labyrinth of which they comein contact with the filaments of the auditory nerve, and this conveys the impression to the brain. The particular functions of the different parts of the ear, with refer- ence to the qualities of sound of which they take cognizance, is only par- tially understood. It has been supposed that the tympanum judges the in- tensity of sound, their pitch is measured by the cochlea, and their quality by the semi-circular canals. Hearing is one of the most important of our senses. Good hearing is re- quisite in every department of life for the rapid interchange of our thoughts. 82 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. ideas, and wants, and its loss or impairment a misfortune, which makes itself felt at every step, and seriously interferes with our usefulness and success in all relations of life. The most common causes of loss of hearing or deafness, are cold draughts of air, bathing, especially if water is allowed to enter the ear, The Ear Drum {Magnified^ violence to the ear, loud reports, throat afflictions, scarlet fever, influenza, diphtheria and diseases of the skin, brain diseases, fever, quinine, if used for a long time. The diseases most often met are inflammation of the auricle or external ear, inflammation of the canal leading to the tympanum Our Method of Examining the Ear with Otoscope. or ear drum, polypus, inflammation of the glands, hardening ear wax, in- flammation of the tympanum or ear drum, inflammation of the eustachian tubes arising from catarrh or throat afflictions, paralysis, or atrophy of the auditory nerves, or discharge from the ear. There are a large number of persons suffering to a greater or less ex- tent from deafness, owing, in a great measure, to neglect in seeking com- petent medical advice and treatment, upon the first appearance of disease Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 83 of the organ, or to improper treatment. The majority of the diseases of the ear are chronic, commencing very insiduously, give scarcely any pain, and impair hearing so gradually that it is not detected until in the second stage. To treat deafness successfully, the treatment should be directed to the cause which produces it, as deafness is not a disease, but the defects of a diseased condition. The curability does not depend upon the age of the person affected, nor the degree of deafness, but upon the source from which it emanates. The new method of treatment consists of the introduc- tion of gases and warm vapors, impregnated with such medicinal sub- stances as each particular case requires by means of appropriate appar- atus, sounds, ear catheters and electricity, and is not attended with any pain or inconvenience. The pouring of powerful liquids, caustics, etc., into the ear has been abandoned as not only painful and useless, but as posi- tively dangerous. WHAT EMINENT PROFESSORS AND AUTHORS SAY OF THE TREATMENT OF EAR DISEASES, AND THEIR NEGLECT BY DOCTORS GENERALLY. Professor Von Trolsch, Aural Surgeon and Lecturer in the University ot Wurzburg, Bavaria, says in his work on the ear: "The number of ear patients is very large, and the consequences of ear diseases in every respect are very important since they not only extend an influence upon the life, happiness and social position of the adult, but also on the intellectual development of the child, yea, they even bring the life in danger. We are able to diagnosticate diseases of the ear quite as well as many other classes of. disease, certainly better than diseases of the kidneys, liver or spleen, which, however, no physician to whom they come would designate as afflic- tions in which there is nothing to be done. So much as refers to the diag- nosis, refers also to the treatment, which we will hereafter speak of in detail. Here as in other cases, constitutional remedies are at our service; we know that the external surface of the membrani tympani and auditory canal are entirely accessible to local treatment, and we are enabled through the Eustachian tube, in various ways, to affect the middle ear. We can find here no reason why the efforts of the physician cannot be as successful as in other branches of disease. Considering all these things, it is peculiarly hard to understand why this branch of medical science has been so little attended to—in general, entirely neglected." Professor Toynbee, of London, England, the great author on diseases of the ear, who spent over twenty years in writing one of his books, during which time he made nearly 2,000 disections or post mortem examinations of ear cases, and who is regarded as most eminent authority, says, in his work on the ear: "The result of my own experience is that diseases of the ear are not more difficult to diagnose, nor are they on the whole less ame- nable to treatment, than those of any other organ that can be named." There seems, indeed, to be an extraordinary degree of indifference on the part of practitioners and even teachers, in regard to the diseases of the ear. It is only necessary that we should devote the same amount of study and attention to these diseases that we bestow upon other branches of sur- gery, and we shall soon wrest this practice from the hands of the charlatan and place it upon the exalted footing to which its importance entitles it. 84 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. DISEASES OF THE MIDDLE EAR. "RUNNING EAR," ITS CAUSE AND CURE. Otorrhcea, commonly called "running ear," is a very common affliction of an extremely loathsome character, and is generally a sequela of some grave disease, such as scarlet fever, measles, small-pox, or it may result from catarrh or "cold in the head." The inner parts of the ear are so hidden from observation that the pub- lic generally does not appreciate the sad results of neglect. A discharge from the ear, however slight, is indicative of a destructive inflammation going on within. The delicate parts of the ear, are constantly bathed in the foul discharge, and before one is aware the organ of hearing is totally destroyed. This frequently occurs with children, who often bear pain without complaining, and there is a prevailing opinion that the discharge ought not to be stopped, and that it will injure the child to do so. This is a grave error; the sooner it is stopped the better chance the child will have to regain hearing. Let it continue and you take the consequence of con- signing the child to a deaf and dumb asylum, an idiotic institution, or to the grave. This is not overdrawn, for the ear is separated from the brain by only a very thin shell of bone, which this inflammation destroys, and the disease extends to the membranes of the brain, which causes death or makes the child an idiot. The remorse of many fond parents, who allowed what they thought a harmless discharge from the ear to continue until it was too late, will more than justify this statement. Professor Von Troltsch says: "You will still allow me a few words con- cerning the prejudice felt against the local treatment of "running ear," as having a bad effect upon the general health. I have always found the opposite to be true; that with a gradual diminution of the discharge the general health is improved, and that very many persons lose their lives be- cause the discharge is allowed to go on." He further says: "I have learned that a sudden cessation of the discharge is not productive of evil results," and he intimates in the following language why so many physicians and surgeons seem prejudiced against arresting the discharge: "We will be very likely to regard each view of the surgeon or physician against the sudden stoppage of the discharge, as very like the idea of the fox in the fable when the grapes were beyond his reach." "I, like Sir W. Wilde, says Professor Allen, of England, "have never been able to discover one well authenticated instance when disease in the head has resulted as a consequence of checking otorrhcea and we should by every means in our power endeavor to heal them." CLOSURE OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE. Closure of the Eustachian Tube, due to catarrh of its lining membrane, is a common affliction at almost all ages. It may be complete or incom- plete, and the deafness will be in proportion to the degree of obstruction. With grown-up persons it is not unusual to find only one tube affected. If the deafness is very extreme, there will often be a little singing as well. The symptoms in these cases are recurring attacks of deafness durng colds, increasing in degree and duration as they are repeated; swelling and congestion of the throat, often also of the tonsils; sniffling of the nose with disposition to blow it.* But the diagnosis rests on the appearance of the drum membrane, which is pressed inward toward the drum-wall. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 85 The treatment proper is the inflation of the drum by Politzer's process, which generally gives instant relief, and should be followed by vapors med- icated and used by means of proper vaporizers. We have had wonderful success in the curing of ear diseases by our improved vaporizer and elec- tricity applied by ear electrodes and proper electrical apparatus. DISEASES OF THE DRUM. The drum may be thickened by chronic diseases, or there may be deposits of bony or calcareous matter in it, or there may be a hole in it, or it may be entirely gone. It is evident that any of these difficulties would seriously interfere with hearing. When the drum is thickened, applica- tions can be made to improve hearing. When there is a small hole in the drum, it can generally be caused to take on a new action, and close the hole. WE CURE DEAFNESS. Marion, Iowa, Feb. 24th, 1899. Dr. N. E. Wood, Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute, 617 La Salle Ave., Chicago, III. : Dear Sir—I have to acknowledge that you cured me of deafness, in 1894, and the cure seems permanent. My left ear was afflicted for twenty-five years, and my right ear for two years. I tried several doctors and used medicines they gave me, which done me no good, un- til I went to your Medical Institute, which is the best one I know of in this country, and it did not take you long to cure me. I have since recommended several of my friends to go to you and I shall continue to do so. Yours Truly, 86 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute, DISEASES OF WOMEN. THE FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. Explanation of Cut: No. i, the Uterus or Womb; 2, the Cervix or Neck ofthe Womb; j, the Vagina; 4. the Bladder; 5, the Outer Lip ; 6, the Cli- toris ;j, the Inner Lip ; 8, the Rectum ; q, 10 and 11, the Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes and Brood Ligaments. In ages past diseases peculiar to women have not received the atten- tion from the medical profession necessary for the proper understanding of their location, cause and treatment. And even at this age of the world, an age noted for invention, discovery and research, this branch of medi- cine and surgery has been so sadly neglected that it is an exception to find a physician capable of understanding and treating in a scientific and skill- ful manner many of the obscure and mysterious diseases o'f the female organs. Women are more subject to disease then men, for the following reasons: First, their natural delicate organization. Second, they are liable to the ordinary diseases of the race, and, in addition, owing to their peculiar functions, child-bearing and lactation, and menstruation, they are subject to diseases unknown to men. Third, the rules and usages of civili- zation in habits, food, dress, exercise, etc., tend to impair a woman's health more than man's. We could say much upon the mode of dress, weight of garments, tight lacing, lack of protection to chest, neck and head, sud- den changes from the crowded theatres, heated room at parties, balls, etc., Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 87 to the cold air; light, thin shoes, etc., but it would be a waste of words. We propose to take people as we find them, knowing that it is impossible to change fashion or custom. Fourth, a woman, from a false delicacy, often conceals her disease and suffers rather than make her condition known; especially is this true of young and unmarried women, who fre- quently lay the foundation for a life of misery as an invalid by concealing her sufferings and symptoms. Fifth, ladies are usually treated by a poorer and less skillful class of physicians then men, for the reason that a woman will consult some ignorant old drone, or superanuated physician, who has outlived his usefulness, or ignorant midwife, rather than the active, skill- ful, energetic physician, as she feels more free to talk to and be examined by them; while her brother or husband, if sick, will have the benefit of a scientific physician. And too often women are encouraged in this by their male relatives or guardians, who forget that a patient, male or female, to a physician, is as a piece of machinery which he is called upon to repair, and it matters little to him what organ or what part he is called upon to treat. It has become a matter of business with him. So prevalent have become chronic diseases of females, and so many have applied to me in person and by letter, and so rapidly has my practice in this specialty increased (owing, I am proud to say, mainly to my success in effecting cures, after others have failed) that I have been obliged to write this little book in order to make known my views and methods of treatment; more especially to those who state their cases to me by letter, and are treated by correspondence. The vast majority of cases can be treated without a personal interview. Long experience in treating cases by letter enables us to treat persons scientifically without seeing them. Each disease has certain unmistakable signs or symptoms, which, when told to the scientific physician, point out to him the exact nature and loca- tion of the disease and enables him to choose the proper remedies to effect a cure—often without seeing the patient. Every case consulting me, whether by letter or in person, is given the most careful and considerate attention. We ask you for your own benefit, if you are in any way affected, to read these pages'carefully as far as concerns your disease, and then give us a careful history of your case in your own language. You can write at your leisure better than you can state to me if here or fill out question blanks. Or, if you find it convenient to call, do so, and I will give you a Eersonal examination and explain your disease to you, by the aid of mana- ins, models, anatomical preparations and charts so plainly that you will understand your condition thoroughly. I can convince any intelligent per- son that we have the best facilities and most complete medical and surgical institute in the country, east or west. Most of our outfits was pro- cured in Europe regardless of expense. In every case give age, postoffice, county, state, express office, married or single, how long out of health, what has been done for you, as well as you know, and whether you can visit me if it would be necessary in the course of treatment, and then de- scribe symptoms in your own plain language, reading all the articles that have a bearing on your case, and as you read writevyour statement. Upon the receipt of the history of your case we will thoroughly analyze your disease and give you a scientific, candid opinion of the disease and treat- ment required to effect a cure if it can be done by science nnd skill. It is very unwise to neglect your maladies from false modesty and when proper and timely attention will relieve them, render life agreeable and prevent a long list of diseases, among which those of the spine are prominent. There are thousands of homes in the land which would brighten with the appear- ance of offspring; and in many cases such a desirable end is attained with 88 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. a slight but appropriate treatment. There are cases entirely beyond treat- ment, but no one except a skillful physician can decide as to that. Until the age of maturity the female sexual organs are small and exert little in- fluence upon the constitution, and are not liable to disease, except in rare and exceptional cases. But after menstruation is established, until middle life the functions of the uterus are subject to serious derangements and diseases. At a more advanced period of life malignant diseases, cancers, tumors, etc., are more common. In old age the uterine system undergoes a great dimunition in size, frequently atrophies or shrinks to such an ex- tent that the internal openings or canals can hardly be discovered. NATURAL MALFORMATIONS. The uterus has been found wanting in some women; others have had the orifice closed by a membrane, or a dense fleshy substance, or the os uteri has opened into the rectum. The vagina is also sometimes mani- fold. Its orifice has been impervious from unusual strength of the hymen, or a considerable portion of the canal has been closed by thick, fleshy sub- stance. Cases have been recorded in which the whole vagina has been filled up with a dense, solid mass. An extreme narrowness and shortness of the canal has also been repeatedly observed; and in some it has been alto- gether wanting. In the neck of the bladder, urethra, and parts situated around the orifice of the vagina many varieties of malformations have oc- curred. Nearly all cases of malformation can be remedied by proper surgical operations, but in such cases it is absolutely necessary for the physician to personally examine the case. Usually after the operation the patient can at once return to her home and continue the treatment there We ascertain the presence of disease in the uterine system chiefly by the uneasy sensation of the patient, by the distorted functions of the organs, and by the changes in their situation, form and sensibility. The maramse, stomach, brain and nervous system are all, from sympathy, affected in many of the diseases of the uterus; and in most of the organic affections of the organ and its append- ages, there is severe burning or lacerating pain experienced in the abdo- men, or dull, gnawing pains in the sacrum, loins, pubes, and upper part of the thighs; often sickness and vomiting, loaded tongue, impaired appetite, and other signs of gastric derangement; frequently, also, dull pain, sense of giddiness, confusion of the head, and many irregular nervous affections. The mammae, or breasts, sometimes become enlarged and painful, as in the early months of pregnancy. The functions of the uterus, more par- ticularly of menstruation or conception, are interrupted or disturbed from disease. The uterus changes location, size and shape. A discharge may be present, either mucus or pus (matter), or bloody water. The mouth or the womb may be open, or unnaturally contracted. The discharge may be offensive, indicating malignant disease. It is by an examination of the vagina that we determine the numerous displacements to which the uterus is liable. MENSTRUATION. The functions of menstruation last, upon the average, for about thirty years of the life of a woman, beginning at puberty and ending somewhere between forty and fifty years of age, unless interrupted by disease, by preg- nancy, or by suckling. During-this large portion of female life there is a great liability to derangements of one form or another in the menstrual Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 8g process, and to which much importance is attributed; more anxiety is gen- erally expressed in cases of diminished or suspended discharge than in those where it is unnaturally profuse. For a very considerable period before puberty, often two or three years, symptoms of the approaching important change in the system may be de- tected. It is not at all uncommon to meet at this age with very obstinate disorders, such as headaches, epileptic fits, cutaneous affections, and upon finding the usual plans of treatment fail, some medical men are in the habit of prophesying a cure when menstruation is established. If the symptons alluded to continue, scientific medical advice should be obtained.' It is not often necessary to use much medicine, but the little needed is indispensable if you wish the girl to become a healthy wife and mother. The mother, if a close observer, can state the case; or, when far from the city, write it out in plain detail. When the function of menstruation has been once fairly established, it may become disordered in several ways, each forming distinct classes of diseases. Menstruation may be* faulty in respect to the guantitity of the discharge, the quality of the discharge, the regularity of its appearance, the time of its duration, and the degree of pain with which the process is accompanied. AMENORRHCEA.—Suppression of Menstruation. Amenorrhoea has been usually divided into retention and suppression of the menses. Retention of the Menses.—The non-appearance of the menstrual discharge at the usual age does not in itself constitute a disease. The condition of the bodily development must chiefly be taken into considera- tion, for the age at which ovarian functions are first manifested varies ex- ceedingly. Instances of very precocious puberty are numerous; neither is it at all uncommon to meet with cases where menstrual discharge does not occur till a very late period of life. We have met with young women of eighteen and twenty years, re- sembling children in conformation, with a weak and languid frame, a feeble circulation, attenuated, colorless and stunted of growth. These cases are obviously one of constitutional debility, and as such require med- ical treatment. When, at the usual age of puberty, a decided change in the system is observed, and a struggle is evidently taking place to bring about the sexual functions, although followed by no actual development, we may conclude that the defect is only in degree, and by proper medical assistance nature will accomplish her object. But if from false modesty on the part of the young female, or the want of proper regard for her situation, either from carelessness or ignorance on the part of the parents, the case if neglected, three chances out of four are that she will become the victim of consump- tion and fill an early grave, and the fourth case all her life long have some or all of the menstrual derangements so common in this country. DYSMENORRHCEA.-Painful or Difficult Menstruation. This disease is an important one, owing to the extreme delicacy of the parts affected and the great suffering which it produces. In healthy men- struation there is often no warning whatever of the period; more generally there is some degJee of discomfort consisting of a sensation of weight and qo Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. fullness about the pelvis, with a bearing down and aching ofthe thighs; M but usually the suffering is so slight as not to call for medical aid, In ays- fl memorrhcea, however, the menstrual period is accompanied with such acute pain and suffering, and is looked forward to with such apprehension, that the patient is eagerly inclined to seek for relief, and is but too otten driven \ from one remedy to another with but trifling advantage. The time at which the pain comes on varies in different cases. In many the pain precedes the discharge, or else the discharge is exceedingly scanty as long as the pain lasts, but as the quantity increases to a flow, a subsidence of the suffering takes place. In these cases the pain will last only a few hours. In other instances the discharge is more profuse than natural during the whole continuance of the pain, is apparently expelled in gushes, and is then usually mixed with coagulated blood. In a few more rare cases the pain will only occur in the latter part of the menstrual period, accompanied either with a diminution or anjncrease of the flow, and ceas- ing only after every vestige of the discharge has passed off. All these varieties will be found in practice, though in the histories of this disease some have been often omitted, and most authors have described the pain as occurring only at the outset and ceasing when the full and free v evacuation takes place. i The pain often resembles the grinding pains of the first stage of labor, \ and is similarly in paroxysms of short duration and frequent recurrence. There is also, in the intervals, a constant aching pain down the legs, with a dragging sensation in the back and loins; there is sometimes also a sensa- tion of bearing down on the pelvis, with even an actual lowering of the uterus. All these pains will vary in degree; for in some severe cases the paroxysms have been so violent that the patient has rolled on the bed or on ^ the floor with agony, and in a few instances the writer of this article has* i noticed severe convulsions. It would appear that the immediate cause of this distressing disease is extreme irritability of the uterus; and as it is well known that great irrita- tion is but a step removed from inflammation, it is very probable that in some cases, where a membrane is expelledr inflammation of a peculiar character may be excited. Hence the necessity of attending to this form of disease, that you may avoid the more serious complication of inflamma- tion or ulceration of the womb. MENORRHAGIA. This term implies morbidly refuse menstruation. The term uterine hemorrhage is so constantly limited in practice to cases unconnected with menstruation, and occasioned by organic disease, accidental injury, or the consequence of pregnancy in parturition, that it is much more convenient to include under the title at the head of this article all those instances of a discharge of real blood from the uterus, which occur in connection with the menstrual functions. The cases, indeed, are very rare in which any strik- ingly profuse menstruation exists without more or less of real blood escap- ing at the same time. Menorrhagia is a disease occasionally of great obstinacy, and some- times of alarming severity. It not only includes the immoderate quantity of discharge at each monthly period, the time remaining regular, but it is also understood to comprehend the too great frequency of menstruation, even when the quantity lost is not unusually abundant, still the definition* of "morbidly profuse menstruation" ought to be remembered, because to constitute the disease the quantity lost must be relative. In healthy men- struation the discharge takes place every twenty-eight days and lasts from Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 91 two to four days, and the quantity Jost, upon an average, is about five 01 six ounces. Menorrhagia may occur in entirely opposite states of the system, and has, therefore, been divided into active and passive; the former arising from too great activity in the vessels of the uterus, the latter from a want of tone in their secreting orifices. Either of these states may exist in a plethoric habit of body, or in one of great debility. After a long continu- ance of the disorder, the strongest and most plethoric frames are brought down to a state of weakness, and the active menorrhagia may thus become passive. In active menorrhagia for a short time, sometimes for two or three days before the expected period, there is a sensation of unusual full- ness about the pelvis, with throbbing referred to the situation of the uterus, itself, along with sense of heat and weight; the external parts of genera- tion are often slightly swollen, and the mammae become hot, tumid and painful. The circulation is quickened, the mouth hot, the tongue dry with thirst, and there is a general feeling of opression, with headache and gid- diness. After these symptoms have lasted tor a certain time, the func- tion of menstruation begins, but the discharge comes on with violence, in gushes, and usually accompanied with pure blood, as proved by the pres- ence of coagula. The progress is then variable; sometimes, after the first few hours, the patient feels relieved, lighter and cooler, and the rest of the period passes over more quietly and naturally; but in more aggravated cases the flow still proceeds in equal or increased quantity, and lasts for several days, occasionally subdued, but again breaking forth on the slight- est exertion, till at the end of the period the patient is left weak and lan- guid, with a feeble pulse and pale countenance. The Cause of Menorrhagia may be divided into the constitutional and the accidental; but it often seems to require a combination of both to excite the disease. The active menorrhagia is found to occur in plethoric habits, apparently as a natural relief to the overloaded system, but aggra- vated or excited by luxurious living, a sedentary and indolent life, hot rooms, and also by very violent exercise or any other fatiguing exertion. The passive menorrhagia, on the other hand, is caused by all those circum- stances which lower the bodily powers and weaken the action of the heart and arteries. But in both these cases there are local causes which peculi- arly tend to direct the mischief to the uterus and increase the circulation in the vessels of that organ, leading to the increased discharge, whether that be the immediate effect of excess of activity or diminished power of retention, such as blows or falls or any other local violence, frequent and recent abortion, leucorrhoea, over-indulgence in sexual intercourse, irrita- tion of the bladder, disease of the rectum. There is a frequent cause of menorrhagia not much attended to and not mentioned in systematic works on the subject, but the knowledge of which is highly necessary. It has been often observed that the most obsti- nate forms of chronic menorrhagia occur in those persons who have an im- peded or disordered circulation through the abdominal vein, particularly where there is organic or functional disorder of the liver. I have no doubt this is not an uncommon cause of obstinate menorrhagia, Treatment.—The medical treatment of all disorders of menstruation consists of enriching the blood and improving the general health of the system. Remedies that exercise a stimulating effect upon the uturus and ovaries, powerful emmenagogues that force the menstruation, should be avoided Medicines that restore the organs to their natural functions and aid nature, the great restorer, are the safes: and most certain. Our treatment is based upon the laws of nature and experience. 92 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. CHLOROSIS. Chlorosis, or Green sickness, is a disease common to females, especi- ally at the age of puberty, and is very apt to be associated with a retention of the menses, though it may and often does occur without any - chlorotic tendency. Symptoms.—Chlorosis is characterized by a state of melancholy and disposition to inactivity, the female becomes silent and gloomy, frequently sighing involuntarily or shedding tears without any cause, the countenance becomes pale, of greenish tint, and bloated, the eyes languid and the eye- lids swollen with dark rings around them, especially in the morning; the skin is dry and cold and has a flabby or doughy feeling; the pulse is fre- quent and easily suppressed; the breathing hurried or laborious; the diges- tive functions deranged; the bowels costive and irregular; the stool some- times white and hard; at other times fluid; the sleep is disturbed and dreams unpleasant; the intellect becomes dull and the mind is occupied with fanciful notions or projects; headache is usually present; ringing of the ears; the nostrils dry; neuralgic pains and palpitation in the neighbor- hood of the heart or stomach. The tongue is generally coated white, and acid regurgitation takes place frequently, with nausea, especially in the morning. There is often an accompanying cough of an irritable and distressing nature, leading the friends to suppose that the patient is affected with consumption. Sometimes dropsical swelling occurs in various parts of the body, or the patient may be attacked with St. Vitus dance, hysteria or epilepsy. Leu- corrhoea is generally present, with a retention or suppression of the men- strual discharge, or, if any fluid escapes monthly, it contains but little color- ing matter and less fibrin than usual. All the above symptoms will not be present in any one patient, but a great proportion of them will, and they vary in their character according to the circumstances attending each case. Causes.—The causes of chlorosis are various and numerous. It may be owing to indigestion, to living in low, damp situations, secluded from the rays of the sun, bad food, late hours, excessive use of indigestible food, indulgence in warm drinks, want of exercise and a sedentary mode of life. Females of a rapid and premature growth, those of weak, delicate constitu- tion, of a scrofulous habit, or of a^nervous temperament, are more especially liable to it. Many young females produce this disease by a violation of the physical laws of nature. Such females labor under great depression of mind, are often affected by some menstrual derangement, and become almost unfit for society. Women thus afflicted suffer long and severely because of a false deli- cacy in not seeking early the advice and counsel of a scientific and skillful physician, whose sympathies and kindness, in addition to his skill, might soon restore them to their wonted health and vigor. The treatment consists in blood tonics to restore the blood to its natural condition in quantity and richness, stimulating the secretions and action of the kidneys and liver; improving digestion and assimilation, thus overcom- ing constipation, if it exists, and bringing up the whole system to the nat- ural standard of health. If St. Vitus' dance (twitching of the muscles) exists, or a numbness of the limbs, showing a tendency to paralysis, then electricity will be found a valuable remedy, and no time should be lost in placing the patient under proper treatment. Chicago Medical and Surgical Intsitute. 93 THE CHANGE OP LIFE.-Cessat!on of the Menses. Menstruation commonly occurs in the human female at regular monthly intervals, during a period of about thirty years. It commences at about the fifteenth year and, consequently, should terminate at the forty-fifth year. Instances are common, however, in which it has been prolonged until the fiftieth or even fifty-fifth year. As women approach the critial period of life, if the general health and habits be good, the discharge may gradually diminish and at length totally disappear, without producing any particular inconvenience; but if the gen- eral health is poor, the blood impoverished, bowels constipated, liver slug= gish, kidneys inactive, the system may not be able to withstand the shock, and the patient may become an invalid for years. The cessation of this function occasions irregularities and disturbances of the general health. When the flow of blood is diverted from the uterus, it is liable to be directed to the head or some other part of the body. In fact there appears to be constitutional agitation and disorders of all the organs. Perhaps one reason for calling this a critical period is, that if there be a morbid tendency in the system, a disposition to develop tumors ofthe breast or uterus, these are very liable to make rapid progress at this time, since they are not relieved by the customary local exudation of blood. It is a time favorable to the awakening of latent disorder and morbid growths, for at the decline of the menstrual function the uterus is not so capable of resisting vitiating influences. There is greater liability to irritation of the bladder and rectum, and the menstrual flow may be superseded by a white, acrid discharge, caused by an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina. So that if the system be not enfeebled by the excessive loss of blood, debility may result from a continued irritation of the uterine organs, and cause the morbid dis- charge. The nervous system sympathetically responds, becoming exceed- ingly sensitive and irritable, and thus implicating in this disorder every bodily organ. It is of the utmost importance that every debilitated woman approaching or having reached this period of life, should take a course of medicine to enable her to become in the future a robust, healthy woman, and avoid the risk of becoming an invalid for life. STERILITY.—Barrenness. Men and women exhibit but little concern, mere idle curiosity perhaps, upon this subject, there be, perchance, no evidence of failure in their own reproductive powers. If, however, these appear to be deficient, then few topics are more deeply interesting or investigated with grea cr personal solicitude. Such persons will seldom submit their condition to the family physician, for it is a delicate subbject involving personal considerations, and therefore they prefer to consult with one who cannot connect their un- fortunate situation with any of the occurrences which enter into the history of their lives. This is very natural, and sometimes the only way to keep private matters profoundly secret. Being widely known as specialists, de- voting our undivided attention to chronic affections, and having proper facilities for the investigation and treatment of such cases, we are often consulted and called upon for treatment. Causes.—The cause of barrenness may be obliteration of the canal of the neck of the womb, sealing up its mouth, or inflammation resulting in adhesion of the wall of the vagina, thus obstructing the passage to the uterus. In the latter case the vagina forms a short, closed sac. In some Ii.:tip'"*° *v"» "ayingl "^acre rannot be entered in consequence of an im- A %__________________ 94 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. perforate hyman (vaginal membrane). Again the cause of barrenness may either be a diseased condition of the ovaries, preventing them front matur- ' ing healthy germs, or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane or the neck of the uterus, which does not render conception impossible, but improbable. It is one of the most common causes of unfruitfulness, be- cause the female seldom, if ever, recovers from it spontaneously. It has been known to exist for twenty or thirty years. Chronic inflammation of the vagina also gives rise to acrid secretions, which destroy the vitality of the spermatozoa. Suppression of the menses, or any disorder of the uterine functions, may disqualify the female for reproduction. Flections of the uterus, displacements, congestions, and local debility, may likewise prevent fertility. Sterility may result from im- paired ovarian innervation or undue excitement of the nerves, either of which derange the process of ovulation. Treatment.—An extensive observation and experience in the treat- ment of sterility convinces us that in the majority of cases barrenness is due to some form of disease which can be easily remedied. If the passage through the neck of the uterus be closed or contracted (and this is the most frequent cause of sterility) a very delicate surgical operation, which causes little if any pain or inconvenience to the patient, will remove the impediment to fertility. In many of these, we have succeeded in removing the contrac- tion and stricture of the neck of the womb bj dilation. When the vaginal walls are so firmly united as to prevent copulation, a surgical operation may be necessary to overcome their adhesion. When due to misplace- ment or ulceration of the womb^Ieucorrhcea or suppression of the menses, proper treatment will afford a cure. The first indication with the scien- tific physician is to determine the exact cause, then the cure is compara- tively certain DISEASES OF THE OVARIES. Sterility may be due to diseases of the ovaries. Chronic inflammation of the ovaries may result from uterine disorders, or peritonitis, and is com- monly attended with a sense of fullness and tenderness and pain in the ovarian region. These symptoms are more apparent upon slight pressure, or during menstruation. This disease is curable, although it may require considerable time to perfectly restore the health. When this chronic diffi- culty is the result or other disorders, the indications are to restore healh in the contiguous organs, and to relieve excess of congestion and nervous ex- citement in the ovaries. The patient should be very quiet during the men- strual period and avoid severe exercise or fatiguing occupations, not only at these periods, but the intervals. All measures calculated to improve the general health should be adopted, and the patient put upon remedies to act directly upon the ovaries; a short course of proper remedies used in time may prevent serious after consequences as abscess, dropsy, tumors neuial- gia, etc. LEUCORRHCEA, or WHITES. By the terms Leucorrhcea, or Whites, is meant a whitish or colorless discharge from the vagina, being the result of unhealthy condition of the the vagina, the womb or both combined. It is a very common maladv among women, but few passing through life without having one or more attacks of it. Symptoms.—-The leucorrhceal discharge is more or less profuse and varies much, both in quantity and color, in mild cases it is whitish; in others it is a brownish or greenish hue, and frequently so acrid as to excoriate the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 95 22onfmuc^deSlil?1 the discharffe js abundant or of long standing, it oc loin p™n in the «»y' WUhu* Serse ?f Pain and wei^ht in the ba<* and stomkch headache iTaCh' C?1,C.' imPaired °r depraved appetite, acid chilliness palDaHrfn ^nT °f the countenance, hollowness of the eyes ficial measures he 1/ -^T1 and ?reat mental depression. If no bene- exhauTted emarift9bta,ned. the constitution soon becomes impaired and frequentheThrill™??S}ZesLthe ?esh becomes loose, the pulse small and common and the fiS° '^ 1^ fe»d'the eyelids bloated> hysterics are stru^aTa"scharie fit ^ a?kleS swe11 and are constant/y cold. The men- const patfonifa ^uentlX becomes diminished or suppressed, obstinate scant? fwct ?mm?? symPtom' and the urine is generally turbid and Leur£XE^,cal gelling of"the whole body is often present. Of the mucou?ah!fr?lV1V!d in/° tw0 varieties, the mucous and the purulent, discharTe and t£f^ /? two forms,.characterized by the properties of the wv.g u e part from which it is secreted. . canal iH? !;nermucous discharge is from the neck of the womb, or its, III ™ transparent, glairy fluid of the consistency of the white of an w^hitTcKf eS„n° Sja,1\, but on^ a starchy, harshness to linen upon which it has been allowed to dry; has such a slimy, ropy and tenacious SSffSmV^" iS -witJ ^difficulty it can be removed from the neck pi the womb. Examined under the microscope it is found to contain a SSn mucous-corpuscles. This is a common and most obsti- nate form of leucorrhoea. «i.;»!X.hel!the!nuC0£USi.discha^e is from the va£ina il is of an opaque, whitish character, of the consistence of cream, has an acid reaction; com- municates a stiffness to the linen upon which it has dried, leaving a grayish spot, deepest at its edges is never ropy, and under the microscope exhibits a large number of epithelial scales. This form is frequently accompanied arts * condition of the vagina and troublesome itching of the When a leucorrhceal discharge is of a purulent character, it is colored greenish or any intermediate scale between a light yellow and a dark brown; leaves deep stains on linen which are removed with difficulty bv washing, and exhibits under the microscope a large number of pus glob- ules. Most generally this discharge issues from an excoriated or ulcerated surface on some part of the neck of the womb; occasionally it proceeds from the vagina. This, however, may be determined by its acidity or alkalinity. Women laboring under this form of leucorrhcea are very sub- ject to abortions. J Leucorrhcea sometimes becomes of so acrid and irritating a character as to communicate a disease very closely resembling gonorrhoea, and the determination of this matter, upon which the happiness of the family may depend is attended with much difficulty. Great care must be taken by the physician in pronouncing positively in cases of this kind, as a mistaken diagnosis will be the source of much misary and mortification. CAUSES.—Leucorrhcea arises from many causes, the most common among which is excessive coition. And to this cause is no doubt attribu- table by far the largest number of those diseases so common at the present day among women. Other causes, however, may produce leucorrhcea, as a rapid succession of children, colds, dampness, difficult deliveries, mas- turbation, abuse of warm baths, purgatives or emmenagogues, prolonged suckling, irritation of the rectum by thread worms, relaxation ofthe system by too much warmth, abortions, mechanical injuries by pessaries, secon- dary syphilis of the husband, sedentary life, sudden mental or physical shocks, excessive menstruation, etc. r When the leucorrhceal discharge is considerable and continuous o6 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. throughout the greater part of the menstrual interval, it is generally oCC^' sioned by chronic inflammation ir the uts.ine region, and very frequently the neck of the womb is the seat of the inflammation. It is to this tact that the intractibility of leucorrhoea is attributable. When the ordinary means for the cure of this complaint have been employed for a length ot time without giving permanent relief, there is ample reason for suspecting f that the medical attendant does not thoroughly understand the case; that __ he has failed to recognize the fact that the lucorrhcea is but a symptom ot that serious trouble, inflammation, with perhaps, ulceration of the neck ot the womb. It is almost a daily occurrence for persons to apply to me tor treatment for what their physicians have termed a simple leucorrhoea, and find upon examination that they have extensive ulceration of the womb. Treatment.—Is both local and constitutional. The local remedies are of a disenfecting, healing, and soothing nature, removing congestion, irrita- tion and inflammation; can be used as injections dissolved in warm water, or in the form of ointments applied at night to the affected parts on medi- cated cotton, and thus remain a greater length of time in contact with the organs diseased. This method we prefer to all others, as patients can use treatment at home and are not apt to neglect it. The constitutional treatment acts by giving vitality and vigor to the system, purifies and enriches the impoverished blood, and acts directly upon the mucous membrane, aiding in removing mucous inflammation 1 Remedies for this condition can be sent to patients to use at home with assurance of cure. HOW TO USE VAGINAL INJECTIONS. The effect of vaginal injections depends very much upon the manner in which they are applied. A rubber bulb continuous spray syringe (largest size) should be used. This instrument is preferable, because the patient can use it conveniently without an assistant, and the required amount of fluid can be injected without having to remove and re-insert it. These injections should be applied while lying down, the hips being well elevated on bolsters or pillows. After introducing the syringe, which should be pressed up as far as possible without causing pain, so as to bring the end of the tube into contact with the os uteri, or mouth of the womb, the exter- . nal parts should be firmly compressed around the instrument with a large napkin or towel. The fluid (which should not be less than from two to four ounces), should then be injected and held in contact with the walls of the vaginal canal for at least five minutes. If these precautions be not observed, the syringe not being introduced far enough, or being used in a standing or sitting posture, the injected fluid will come in contact with only a small portion of the diseased parts, and do little or no good. Warm water should be plentifully used with the syringe, according to the above instructions, to cleanse the parts of all acrid, irritating and offensive ex- cretions, previous to using the medicated fluid. DISEASES OF THE UTERUS, OR WOMB. INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. Acute inflammation of the uterus, or Acute Metritis, is occasionally met with; the inflammation may be confined to the internal mucous lining of the organ, to its serous coat, or to its proper tissue; or t( <; three may be simultaneously affected. Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 97 Causes.—The womb may be attacked with inflammation as a conse- quence of exposure to cold, menstrual suppression, excessive coition, and indeed the same causes that induce congestion of the organ. bYMPTOMS.—The attack may be very slight and of short duration, or it may be manifested suddenly and with much severity. A deep seated pain, ot more or less intensity, will be experienced in the pelvis or hypogastrum, with occasional or constant pains in the back, extending to the thighs, groins and pubic bones; the pain is aggravated on deep pressure being made over the affected organs, and also by urinating, sneezing or cough- ing. 1 he pulse is quick, sometimes full or hard, at others weak and com- pressible. . The general symptoms vary considerably; it is generally ushered in w,,h chills, succeeded by febrile symptoms; there will be heat and dryness of the skin, constipation, irritable stomach, dry and furred tongue, head- ache, slight delirium, etc. Anteversion of the uterus, or retroversion, sometimes takes place; or the breasts may become painful and enlarged; and frequently the patient will faint when sitting up. Menstruation is usually suspended, but not in all cases. On a vaginal examination the womb will be found swollen, tender and more open than natural, with more or less heat. Ocular inspection will frequently discover small, whitish, hard or soft granulations on the cervix, with redness and vascularity of the surrounding parts, pain, discharge and a tendency to bleed upon the least, touch; and to which condition the term "granular inflammation," has been applied. The disease seldom proves fatal, unless the inflammation extends to the peritoneum and intestines. It more commonly passes into the chronic stage, occasioning various annoy- ing and even serious consequences. Among its terminations may be named abscess, induration and gangrene of the uterus. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE UTERUS. Chronic inflammation of the uterus, or chronic metritis, may be the re- sult of an acute attack, or it may exist as the primitive affection, develop- ing itself very gradually. The inflammation is generally confined to the cervix and its lining membrane, though the whole organ or any part of it may be affected. Inflammation of the lining membrane of the uterus sometimes pro- duces merely an increase of the natural secretion, as an inflammation of the mucous membrane of other organs. Causes.—Chronic inflammation ot the uterus may be occasioned by anything which will maintain a constant excitement or irritation of the organ, as exposures to sudden changes of temperature, severe labor, exces siv-e coition, masturbation, stimulating diet, erotic desires, frequent child- bearing, menstrual derangements, abortions, blows externally, improper use of cathartics, vaginal injections, or emmenagogues, dwelling in damp situations, metastasis of rheumatic affections, prolonged celibacy, alcoholic drinks, etc.; it frequently comes on without any assignable cause, and sometimes follows as a sequence of some febrile disease or inflammation of neighboring organs, or may result from venereal disease. Symptoms.—The symptoms of this disease vary very much, more especially those of sympathetic character. In some cases the only symp- toms will be mental depression, with slight and irregular leucorrhceal at- tacks In others there will be more or less disturbances of the menstrual functions, some difficulty or distress in evacuating the rectum and bladder, with slight pains in the regions of the uterus; a sense of weight and drag- ging in the pelvis, heat, leucorrhceal discharge, tenderness of the cervix, 98 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institot;- weakness •£ the Dacls, etc. The sympathetic symptoms are P*io"> , head, derangement of the stomach and digestive functions, PalP!l^-PS:i at. the heart, pains of the breast, sense of oppression, cramps, hyste"£*' . tacks, nervous disorders, restlessness, etc. And these symptoms r"*^" met with in every degree, from a bare perception of them to severe ing and distress. , . rP.rv\v Upon making a vaginal examination, more or less heat ottne cervix may be present, or it may be of natural temperature, the body 01 inc uterus, as well as the cervix may be augmented in volume from congestion or may be of normal size, when the cervix is affected there is pain or tenderness of some portion of it on pressure, and the os uteri is usua*7 soft and more open than natural. When the body of the uterus is enlarged, the increased weight may be ascertained by elevating and poising it on tne finger. When the cervix is observed through the speculum, its redness is increased, and many of the blood vessels may in some cases be distinctly seen. Chronic inflammation of the uterus may terminate in ulceration, especially of the cervix. The malignant affections of this organ are otten preceeded for a longer or shorter time by a chronic inflammatory condition of some portion of it; but it is doubtful whether this condition is in reality the cause of subsequent mishief except it be improperly treated or of long continuance. Obstinate chronic uterine inflammation in a scrofulous female, or in one whose relatives have suffered from a cancerous disease of the part, must be watched with great care. Many long, tedious cases of ulceration of the womb, resulting from inflammation, might be avoided by proper treatment. ULCERATION OF THE NECK OF THE UTERUS. Chronic inflammation, if not cured, usually results in ulceration of the neck of the womb. In ulceration of the os and cervix uteri there it a loss of membrane covering the cervix, as well as a disorganization,, to a greater or less extent, of the adjacent parts. The ulcera- tion maybe limited,exist in patches, or occupy the entire external surface of the cervix, passing within the lips of the os uteri. On lightly passing the finger over them a, slight depression will be felt, of greater or less extent, the borders of which will be very regular, or irregular, and well defined; sometimes the parts will be very tender and bleed upon being touched. Upon removing the finger, an inodorous, whit- ish or yellowish substance will be observed upon it, occasionally tinged with blood. The irregularly bordered ulcer is stated to be indicative of a syph- ilitic taint, but I have frequently observed a regular defined margin in cases not connected with this infection. When the ulceration is very superficial^ the finger may not detect it. The employment of the speculum will discover one large, ulcerated surface, or many smaller ones of various sizes, with well defined edges, and reddish, granular surface, the smaller ulcerations coalescing and forming larger ones, giving to the surface of the uterus an eaten, corroded appearance. The os is generally open more than natural. In ulceration the parts may in some cases be exquisitely tender, while in others there will be but very slight increase of sensibility, or perhaps none at all. Erosion and ulceration are very common in scrofulous individuals, laboring'under leucorrhce; there is-a mueo-purulent discharge which has no odor unless it has been detained for some time in Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. y extreme burning Chicago Medical and Surgical Intsitute. 107 Thl'S1*"^ ?nd- may extend even td the anus or opening of the bowels. vLo^^1?!^ 1Sltlma,nycasesvery intractable to treatment, ahd many *f0I° If miseral?le l»ves from the severity of its symptoms. The cause IS. efSe vanes- , II may be from leucorrhceal discharge, from a HIa • !f Vor *rom a purely nervous condition. Our treatment varies ac- cormng to the cause, and consists in the application of certain medicines incorporated into ointments, which may be used at home by the patient her- self very readily, also proper internal remedies. INCONTINENCE OF URINE OR INABILITY TO RETAIN IT. t »i,T1lliS j ja condition of relaxation of the contracting muscle of the neck ot tne bladder, called the sphincter. This may occur at any time of day. Many of these cases are increased by female displacements. A history of the case is necessary to enable us to form an opinion. RETENTION OF URINE is another very painful, in fact at times an agonizing affection. This is pro- duced from a number of causes, sometimes from hysteria, at others from some new growth in the meatus, or a spasmodic condition, but the cause usually found is obstruction from some uterine displacement. These urinary troubles in ladies are all so intimately connected with female affections of various sorts, that treatment very frequently must be directed to them. We are happy to point to a long list of cures of these often serious cases, and the pleasure we take in making one success is only equaled by that we derive in the inspired hope of making the suffering of patient woman more bearable. IRRITABILITY OF BLADDER is one of the most painful and frequent of the affections from which fe- males suffer. In some extreme cases the water must be passed every five minutes, and the misery produced by this soon becomes intolerable. Of the displacements which produce this, that of anteflexions and falling of the womb are the most frequent; in this last displacement the interior wall of the vagina is dragged down, dragging also tne surface of the bladder, which is one cause of the affection. QUESTION BLANKS. We have carefully prepared lists of questions, which, if properly filled out by patients, will give us a perfect understanding of their disease or condition. Write for list of questions, and also in your own language tell us anything further that you think necessary. PRIVATE DISEASES. This is the common term for all infectious specific diseases of the uri nary and sexual organs of both sexes. Physicians, however, denominate them venereal diseases. They consist in the effect of certain morbid poisons generated, and usually communicated by promiscuous or unhealthy sexual intercourse. These diseases can be caught without bodily contact with anyone; hence, innocent parties can become diseased by coming in contact with the 108 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. virus, in water closets or from bed clothes, or towels that have been u^ed by some diseased person:* , I mention this as a warning to those who are suffering and retuse to seek medical advice, because they themselves think they have not been ex- posed to the disease by impure" intercourse. ,. It is, however, a fact, that if one particle of the specific poison or; dis- charge from an affected person, in any manner, comes in contact with a. healthy mucous membrane of another person, they may become inoculated with the disease. , More women than is generally supposed suffer from this class ot diseases. We receive thousands of letters yearly, asking for treatment and advice upon this subject, and treat many more that are affected, though they are, and we leave them in ignorance of the cause or their disease. Our province is to cure and not to pry into, or investigate the private history of our patient. GONORRHOEA. Gonorrhoea is an infectious inflammation (commonly called clap) of the urethra and lining membranes of the water and seminal passages in male, and vagina and urinary passages of the female. It generally shows itself in from two to ten days after infection, although in rare cases it may not show itself for two weeks. The after effects of this disease, if neglect- ed, are often worse than the disease itself, lasting a lifetime. Disease of the neck of the bladder is usually a sequal of gonorrhoea, chronic kidney and bladder diseases, sexual debility—all follow in its train. Symptoms.—Gonorrhoea almost always follows an impure connection. It commences with a sense of uneasiness, and itching—heat and soreness in urinating, a discharge of colored matter, slight pain in walking and un- easiness in sitting, followed by a copious discharge, similar to the whites. Sometimes when the inflammation is considerable, there will be ob- served a slight quantity of blood in the discharge. If gonorrhoea be properly attended to it may be cured in from ten to thirty days. Some cases, however, will require a much longer time. Patients who continue using highly-seasoned food, muchexercise.etc, may not be cured for months, besides being accompanied with the risk of giv- ing rise at some distant period to constitutional affection, especially if there has been a neglect of proper cleanliness. When the disease has continued for some time, from the falling of the matter on the various parts of generation, numerous and- troublesome warty excressences are apt to arise, which will require treatment to remove. Instances have occurred where the husband has contracted an inflamma- tion of the urethra from his wife, who was suffering only from leucorrhoea, or perhaps some inflammatory affection of the vagina. Great care is nec- essary, therefore, before pronouncing upon the disease, as the health and reputation of the parties, as well as the character of the physician, may be jeopardized by too premature and hasty conclusions. Still, I have good reasons for considering in many instances, the inflammation thus produced as infectious as that ordinarily termed gonorrhoea. I can see no reason why an acrid discharge from vaginal inflammation, or an acrid leucorrhoea, when it does develop urethretis in the male, may not be of an infectious nature. Indeed, I consider these conditions, together with uncleanliness of the parts, as the true, original cause of gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea sometimes, unquestionably, puts on a constitutional form, and we have pains in the bones, similar to rheumatic pains. The consti- tutional poisoning is further proved by the fact that many persons once Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. log , having had gonnorhoea, are much more liable to take it the second, or several times, than before, and it will sometimes reappear after intervals of several weeks, or even months, the patient having supposed herself en. tirely well. Our remedies for this disease are rapid in action, safe and sure. Can be sent by mail or express. SYPHILIS, This disease will be found very carefully described in part of this book upon diseases of men. It is not necessary to again describe it, as the symptoms are the same in both sexes, except that the difference in formation of the organs changes the location of the ulcers, and woman, being of a more delicate organiza- tion, suffers and*is more quickly broken down by this terrible disease. Syphilitic Ulceration of the womb is a very dangerous disease if neglected, frequently eating away a portion of that organ before its ravages are stopped. Many women that are said to suffer from cancer of womb really have syphiltic ulcers, perhaps innocently contracted without their knowledge. Treatment.—The treatment in chronic cases is mainly constitutional; first, to destroy the poisonous germs of the disease implanted in the-sys- tem; second, % build up the general health and vitality, that the system may be better able to withstand the ravages of the disease. In acute cases we destroy the malignant ulcers as soon as possible, in order that the poison may not be absorbed. *o !l<-*3&' 1 ■£ * W ' '.-"«* l s ;*>1 The Dinning Room (h4^ce^^x^' T/jfi/f?6 ____1 ' leXbA^ ty£jtsiA^j^ AOA^ Oi*^ ^ y^^ &£ * /}. fh/m {s$sipJ$cnrfcvi^^i* ,~ «kj*- Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Dunkerton, Blackhawk Co., Iowa, Oet. iMk, •&•* Hr. N. £. Wood, A. M., M. £., Xo. 6/7 La Salle Ave., Chicago. Dear Doctor :—In response to your request I gladly enclose you the fol- lowing testimonial to be printed in your new book, and hope it will do good by directing others to your noble Institute, to be cured as I was. Yours Respectfully, Mrs. Joseph Schuler. To Whom it may Concern: I can certify that the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute is a great and good Institution, for I have been cured there. I had an ovarian tumor which commenced to grow in 1889. I went to our home doctors in Waterloo, Iowa, but they did me no good, and it kept growing larger for three years, and •ny friends all thought I would die with it, and I thought so too, but my husband took me to Chicago and we inquired for the best medical skill in the city and were directed to the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. Dr. Wood and his staff of physicians and surgeons made a careful examina- tion of my case, and said if I would consent to an operation they would cure me. I consented, and after a few days preparation they performed the opera- tion and removed the tumor, which weighed 21 pounds. I recovered rapidly and in two weeks from the day I was operated upon, I walked to the depot and came home, and have been well ever since. That was in June, 1892. My health has been better the last four years than it had been any time before. I know I am cured, and Dr. Wood and his faculty of assistants is de- serving of the praise, and they have my greatful thanks for I know I would not have lived very long but for their great skill. I would recommend any one afflicted to go to them. Very Respectfully, ... We are sorry that we have not space to give this report in tull. " will pay any thinking parent to obtain it and place it in the hands of their children. „ , ,T „ Speaking of solitary indiscretion, Bcehave says: "It eventually causes convulsion, emotions and pains in the membrane of the brain, it deadens the senses, particularly the sight, gives rise to consumption, and various other mental and bodily disorders." Celsus affirms that it is a powerful promoter of insanity. Its victims are found among the young of both sexes m every city, vil- lage and on the farm, and, unfortunately, many otherwise virtuous females are addicted to it. Many who perish from its effects are supposed to die from other causes, such as consumption, St. Vitus dance, epilepsy, heart disease debility and failure of the vital powers. It destroys the mind as well as'the body In its milder form it produces loss of memory, melan- rhnlv evil forebodings, timidity, loss of spirits and energy; m its worst lorm idiocv and insanity/many maniacs owing their loss of reason to no other rViise In the tabulated reports of every insane asylum are hundreds of ^«»s'in which the cause of insanity is set down as masturbation. No af- fection so completely unfits a person for either the duties or pleasures of n6 Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. life. The semen of those who have abused themselves in this way, or who . have been guilty of excessive indulgence, is thin and watery, and when ex- « amined under the microscope the active principle, the spermatozoa, is de- ^ ficient or entirely absent. Such semen cannot properly propagate healthy offspring. Still others at the close of urination notice a drop of slimy fluid cling- .«> ing in the mouth of the urethra, and this, on microscopic examination, proves by the presence of spermatozoa to be the "flower of blood"—the life transmitting semen. Another class suffer a loss while straining at stool or performing labor which requires a strong exertion of the abdominal muscles. The above mentioned cases are less dangerous than the more obscure forms, because the patient is given fair warning of his loss, and is thus placed upon his guard. Nature seldom undermines a human constitution without giving admonition to the sufferer in time to enable him to adopt precautionary measures against premature death. But there are other forms of wasting away less apparent to the eye of the general observer, though the trained eye of the physician can readily detect their existence by certain unmistakable physiological signs. A MOST DANGEROUS FORM OF GENITAL WEAKNESS Is one in which the semen, instead of escaping from the mouth of the urethra, thus giving the sufferer warning of his danger, flows back into the bladder and mingles with the urine. When the disease assumes this form the patient wastes away, grqwing weaker and weaker until he drops into the grave from sheer exheustion, never once suspecting the nature of the trouble unless some fortunate examination of the urine reveals the pres- ence of spermatozoa. We believe that thousands who are supposed to be victims of consumption are really sufferers from concealed seminal weak- ness, and we feel positive that nine-tenths of the cases of general debility may be ascribed to the same cause. Every day we hear men complaining of too frequent evacuations of the bladder, often accompanied by a burn- ing of smarting sensation, and resulting in a weakness of the system in a manner that the patient cannot account for. An examination of the water in these cases will usually disclose a ropy sediment, or, if the urine is placed in a bottle and allowed to stand over night a white, milky substance will be found at or near the bottom; showing plainly on shaking the bottle. In many cases, however, it is impossible to detect the spermatozoa without careful examination with the microscope by the skillful physician. We do not wish to convey the idea that all persons who have practiced this wretched vice (usually in ignorance of its consequences) are doomed to suffer to this extent. These results, it is true, are the end to which they are tending, if they do not conquer the habit and obtain proper medical treatment. If they do so before the last sad stage is reached, there is good hope for their ultimate recovery. Many think all they have to do is to abandon the habit, that nature will restore them without medical aid; but experience has taught that it is very doubtful, if, when the practice has been much indulged in, the physical frame will ever be built up again with- out proper treatment. The almost universal tendency of the disease is to grow worse, and unless the cause is removed the haggard appearance, the sunken eye, the downcast expression of countenance, which seems to arise from a dread of looking a fellow creature in the face, will be carried to the grave. In the severe form of the complaint, even with the aid of the most skillful agents, if we save the mind at all, as a distinguished physician says, in his work on the Reproductive Organs, "we do well," and even then the Chicago Medical and Surgical Institute. 117 mind is apt to be enfeebled for several years. Among the other effects of the vice is aversion to society and love of solitude, dots and webs before the sight, and weakness in the calves of the legs, pain in the sides, a gen- eral feeling of lassitude, palpatation of the heart, a feeling of impending danger, frightful dreams, sensation of falling in the sleep, bashfulness and timidity, especially in the society of ladies; flashes of heat, chilly sensa- tions, rush of blood to the head, restlessness and cold feet; at times a vora- cious appetite, at other times loss of appetite and indigestion; flatulence, bloating of the stomach and bowels, dryness of the skin, pale, sallow com- plexion with dark rings around the eyes, indisposition to study, exertion, or to control the faculties and center them upon one subject for any length of time. A constant dwelling on one's disease often causes anxiety and dread of death, despair of recovery; etc. Some ot these symptoms are present in some cases and not in others. CANDID ADVICE. In view of the deplorable effect of seminal weakness, etc., our advice, as the result of our unusually large practice, and from seeing the almost magical effects of our treatment, is, that every person who has ever prac- ticed the vice, or is subject to involuntary emissions, should take a course of treatment to remove the effects from the system, however mild the case may be, whether conscious of any bad effects or not, to prevent future trouble, which is liable to occur years afterwards unless this precaution is taken. The effects of this vile habit hang to its victim like an accursea mantle all his life (unless counteracted oy skillful treatment), paralyzing every energy and blighting every hope. True spermatorrhoea, or seminal weakness, as it is commonly called, general debility, and impotence, are merely different degrees of the same disease. It may conveniently be di- vided into three stages, but it must be borne in mind that there is no wen defined line of demarkation between the different stages, one insensibly merging into the other. FIRST STAGES OF SPERMATORRHOEA. The main, if not the only feature, is involuntary seminal losses occur- ring in dreams, otherwise nocturnal emissions. The patient, after having practiced masturbation, has generally discovered its pernicious nature and abandoned it hoping by temperance and frugality to outgrow its evil ef- ?S S the iniurv having been done to the delicate sexual apparatus, e "soon r S'S and alarmed by the occurrence of involun- tary dScharees of semen. These in the first stage, occur at night, some- times *ffide»ble intervals at others ^X^L^j^^ rnmnanied bv a dream of an obscene nature. These seminal losses are a terriEfrirain upon the nervous system; they sap the very foundation of life, terrible aram upon "1C "^ , ,' , . f the previous elements of man- I3v7nshth^ and nervous system,first £00^ /li thl Sain of early abuse/overwork, confinement, sexual ex- begin to feel the strain ot eany . icular case For some time "Xrtri °uEffects are oSved, the general health being good and the no other serious eneci5