WILLLIAM BRODUM, M. D. F. R. H. S. London, Published March 4th 1797 A GUIDE TO OLD AGE, OR A CURE FOR THE INDISCRETIONS OF YOUTH. IN TWO VOLUMES. BY WILLIAM BRODUM, M. D. VIRGINIBUS PUERISQUE CANTO.-VIRGIL. To Youths I write, and Virgins uninformed. VOL. I. THE FIFTH EDITION. LONDON : Printed by J. W. MYERS, Paternoster-row, FOR THE AUTHOR, And sold at his House, No. 9, Albion-street, near the Leverian Museum, Blackfriar's-bridge, and may be had of all the Booksellers in the three Kingdoms. 1797. [ENTERED AT STATIONERS-HALL.]  TO THE KING's MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. SIRE, AS every individual may be allowed a degree of merit, in proportion to the services he may render Society, I flat- ter myself that I shall not be thought without some claim to your Majesty's most gracious approbation, as well as to the favourable opinion of your Royal Consort, in whose country I have the honour of being born and bred. a 3 The vi DEDICATION. The strength and prosperity of a nation, have ever been supposed to de- pend on the number of its inhabitants. Indeed, the most learned Writers of all ages have agreed in this universal truth, that a state is great only as it is populous ; and as nothing can contribute more towards this than the preserva- tion of the Health of the People, I can- not but feel myself particularly happy that I have been so successful in my endeavours for that purpose. In the course of the long and exten- sive practice which I have had in this and other countries, it has pleased Divine Providence, not only to bless my labours and exertions, in making myself useful to my fellow creatures, but in discovering the most effectual remedies for those Diseases, that are not only most liable to affect the human frame, but particularly grievous in their nature and effects. It DEDICATION. vii It is a peculiar satisfaction too for me to consider, that the Royal House- hold, as well as the Public at large, have experienced the benefit of my Medicines and Advice, of which I have been favoured with testimonies highly flattering to my reputation and future fame. I beg leave to assure you, Sire, that while I reflect on the good I have been able to do, in the exercise of my pro- fession, it will ever be my pride and ambition to continue to study the health of mankind, not only as the most laudable pursuit in which I can possibly be engaged, but as the best and surest means of deserving your Majesty's encouragement and support, which must ever be considered as the first mark of distinction, and the highest honour a good subject can ever hope to enjoy. Earnestly viii DEDICATION. Earnestly wishing your Majesty every happiness this world can afford, I en- treat you will have the goodness to permit me to subscribe myself, with all possible humility, Your MAJESTY'S Most devoted Servant, WILLIAM BRODUM. No. 9, Albion-street, Blackfriar's-road. PREFACE. THE following sheets are avow- edly written in recommenda- tion of two specific medicines, which the inventor has found, in the course of a long and extensive practice, highly beneficial in many diseases. That any one who may have devoted his time to the discovery of new and peculiar virtues in the physical world, has been engaged in a ser- vice of the first merit and considera- tion, is a truth too obvious to be denied. There x PREFACE. There are, however, some men who think that those discoveries, together with the whole progress of them, ought to be laid before the public, without any regard to see or reward. Such conduct is inconsistent with the gene- rality of the actions of mankind, and particularly incompatible with that duty the inventor owes to himself and his family. Let those who thus speculate, dis- pose, if they think proper, of their worth for the good of the community, and inculcate a spirit of universal philanthropy and benevolence. " The labourer is" still "worthy of his hire." And he who discovers a remedy for diseases which have baffled the skill of the PREFACE xi the most sage, and, at the same time, the most learned, surely will not be thought too much recompensed, in requiring the reward his merit so justy entitles him to expect from a liberal and discerning public. It may be imagined by some, that, however salutary and efficacious a medicine may be, in any particular case, it is idle to expect that it will operate with equal efficacy in a variety of others. But, may not, in a number of instances, many of the same symp- toms be traced, even in diseases that do not at first sight appear to be at all similar ? And where such an association of symptoms occur, and more especially, where they are symp- toms xii PREFACE. toms of consequence and importance, why may not the medicine, which is sure to be of the highest advantage in some complaints, promise an equal success in others? I have selected a variety of cases in which my medicines have been highly beneficial in the particular diseases to which they allude. In some instances, I have been obliged to conceal the names and residences of patients. To those friends who have favoured me with their attesta- tions of my skill, I confess myself much indebted, especially as they have done it, with a view of rendering service to the general health of man- kind, and without any solicitation of mine ; PREFACE. xiii mine ; I hope, therefore, that those I have produced, in almost every disease I have mentioned, will be thought sufficiently numerous to satisfy the curiosity of the idle, and the doubts of the incredulous. Or, what is yet of infinitely more consequence to the general welfare of mankind, these attestations will, at least, serve to inform the afflicted, where they may receive the assistance they stand in need of. WILLIAM BRODUM. Albion-street, Blackfriar's-bridge. VOL. I. b AD-  ADVERTISEMENT. DR. Brodum advises all patients who take his Nervous Cordial and Bo- tanical Syrup, to purchase the following Guide to Old Age, which, from the excellent advice it contains, and the astonishing cures that are inserted in it, has caused it to be translated into the French, German, and Spanish languages, and the first and second editions, two thousand copies each, have been sold in the course of nine months. A new and enlarged edition of this truly interesting and valuable work is just published, with a dedi- cation to the King, and so good a likeness of the Doctor, as to pre- b 2 vent xvi ADVERTISEMENT. vent all that have it in their possession from being liable to be deceived by a set of impostors who assume the Doctor's name and person for the pur- pose of more effectually deceiving the public. This work contains proper restric- tions for diet, with much additional information that cannot be inser- ted in the Direction Books, how persons should live that take the medicines in question, and a variety of cases, that bear an exact analogy to what may happen to others, so that it is impossible to read and attend to it, without taking the best measure imaginable to secure a continuance of health, as all ranks, ages, and sexes have already happily experienced. CONTENTS. A. ACUTE rheumatism, remarks on it 128 Asthmas, treated of 94 how cured 96 extraordinary case of one 97, 98 Atrophy, or nervous consumptions, treated of 73 how to be cured 74 extraordinary cases of it 77, 78, 79 Allen, Mrs. her case, 32 B. Bad breast, extraordinary case of it 196, 197 Baker Doctor, on dropsies 112 Baker Jane, her case, cured of a decline 34 Bilious complaints, treated of 86 extraordinary cases of it 87, 88 Birch Mr. his case, cured of rheumatism 137 Boyle Mr. on palsies 141 Bullivant Mrs, cured of a stone cancer 196 b 3 Cancer xviii CONTENTS. C. Cancer extraordinary cure of it 197 Capps Thomas, his case, deafness 55 Carver Richard, his case, stone in the gall 93 Carter Thomas, his case, palsy 150 Chapman Mr. his case, of the gout 136 Cheyne Doctor, on palsies 145 Clarke Edward, his case, of blindness 66 Collison John, his case, cured of evil 197 Consumptions, treated of 67 how cured 68 D. Deafness, treated of 49 its remedy 50 remarkable cases of it 54, 55, 56 Durant John, his case, of asthma 97 Dropsy when expected 99 cure of 105, 112, 113 treated of 103 how cured 105 Dix Mr. his case 64 Epilepsy, CONTENTS xix E. Epilepsy, its symptoms described 40 methods of curing it 41 Epileptic fits, a person cured of them 44 Evil, extraordinary cures of it 196, 197, 198 Eye, diseases of it 58 how to be treated in diseases of it 59 diseases of it cured 63, 64, 65. F. Fistula lacrymalis in the eye, extraordinary cure of it 196 Fits, a person cured of them 44 Foot Mrs. cured of a cancer in her womb 197 Ford Edward, his case, bilious and dropsy 88 Fothergill Doctor, on dropsies 111 Frost Ambrose, his case of a dropsy 113 G. Gillingham William, his case, dropsy, &c. 98 Goodall Thomas, his case, paralytic 150 Gout, treated of 115 how relieved 120 Green-sickness treated of 155 how cured 159 particular case of it 167 Hall xx CONTENTS. H. Hall Mary, her case, of an ulcer in the ear 195 Haylock Mary, her case, of blindness 63 Hardy Susannah, her case, cancer in the mouth 194 Hazard Sarah, her case, fistula, eye 196 Head-ach treated of 36 how cured 37 Hoffman Doctor, on palsies 141 Hunter Doctor, on dropsies 111 the gout 118 menstruation 154 Hysteric fits, how known 27 in what manner to be treated 29 Hompesch, General, his letter 185 Hobbs William, cured of the evil 399 I. Indies East, of the palsy there 147 J. Jaundice, treated of 80 how cured 81 Jewel Mrs. her case, dropsy and jaundice 114 K. Kent Thomas, his case, deafness 57 Learner CONTENTS. xxi L. Learner Mary, her case, joint evil 196 Leprosy, extraordinary cure of it 195 Line Rachael, her case, cancer and white swelling 198 Liver diseases of it, treated of 89 how cured 91 extraordinary case of it 93 Lumbago, remarks on it 129 M. Madness treated of 45 how cured 46 Menstruation, treated of 152 how to be attended to 154 Metralcourt Mr. his case, nervous, &c. 88 Mills William, his case, nervous, &c. 33 Moule Thomas, his case, nervous 32 Macmillan Mr. cured of deafness 56 N. Nervous complaints, in what cases incurable 27 extraordinary cases of them 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 Newman John, his case, fits 44 Norwood Thomas, his case, blindness 63 Oppro- xxii CONTENTS. O. Opprobium medicorum, what disorder are ranked under it 27 P. Palsy, treated of 138 how cured 142 extraordinary cases 149, 150, 151 Parker Robert, his case, fits 44 Phillips Mr. his case, blindness 63 Preston on William, his case rheumatism 137 Q. Quincy, on palsies 142 R. Raymond, Mr. his case, deafness 56 Reynolds Mrs. her case a cancer in womb 197, 198 Rheumatism, treated of 125 how cured 130 extraordinary cases 136, 137 Riley Thomas, his case, dropsy 113 Rutherford Doctor, on the rheumatism 130 Scro- CONTENTS. xxiii S. Scrofulous complaint, extraordinary cure 195 Scurvy, treated of 172 how cured 176 Shave Thomas, his case, palsy 149 Shotter William, his case, scorbutic 73 Smith Doctor, on dropsies 104 menstruation 154 Stevens Doctor, on the gout 117 Sydenham Doctor, his opinion on consumptive cases 70 dropsies 103 the gout 119 T. Taceonus Doctor, on the gout 117 Thorp Sarah, her case, deafness 54 Tobitt Thomas, his case, of scrofula 84 Tympanum, nature of it 110 U. Universal temperance best preventions of the gout 123 V. Valerian root, how to be used 144 Ward xxiv CONTENTS. W. Ward Doctor, on dropsies 106 Welling Mrs. her case, dropsy in ovi 84 Williams Elizabeth, her case, decline 78 Wilson Elizabeth, her case, joint evil 194 Windsor Mrs. her case, decline 78 Womb, swelling in it extraordinary cure 197 Wood Elizabeth, for case decline 79 Woolemore E. her case, cancer in the neck 193 Witham Mr. his case, nervous &c. 35 Y. Yellow jaundice, extraordinary cure of it 84, 85 A GUIDE TO OLD AGE. CHAP. I. NERVOUS DISORDERS. THE knowledge of ourselves is doubtless the most rational and essential investigation that can occupy the attention of human beings, and therefore every attempt to delineate the cause of those disorders that are most prevalent in the system, is par- ticularly worthy of consideration. Amongst them none are more various in their appearances than those of a VOL. I. B Nervous [ 26 ] Nervous Nature, they differ so essen- tially, that they resemble almost every other disease, and however general they may be, are scarcely alike in any two persons. Most pleasant, indeed, as well as most satisfactory and beneficial would it be to the public at large, as well as to practitioners of medicine indi- vidually, if the art of Healing were reduced to a certain science ; and every disease to which the constitution is subject, were sure of deducing from it a remedy complete and irresistible. But, unhappily, this is far from being true in any instance ; and in no in- stance more generally, than in those classes of diseases which commonly pass under the title of Nervous Dis- orders : complaints arising from an infinite variety of causes, both mental and corporeal, and whose first founda- tion [ 27 ] tion is generally laid in the tender and delicate period of youth, when the mind and the body are both equally susceptible of the slightest impressions, most easily submit to their influence, and are with most difficulty freed from their future effects. It is in consequence of the dif- ficulty of curing this class of disorders, radically and effectually, that they have often been called the Oppro- brium Medicorum : but they are incu- rable either from their arising from a cause which medicine can not cure, such as disappointment in love, bad husbands, losses, &c. or the plan laid down for their cure is of such a nature, as the circumstances of the patient render incapable of being com- plied with, as riding, country air, sea-bathing, &c. An hysteric sit is generally preceded by a pain in the B 2 fore- [ 28 ] forehead, temples, or the eyes, with an effusion of tears, and dimness of sight, a languor seizes the whole body, palpitation of the heart, with a constriction of the thorax, succeeds ; likewise nausea and spasms upon the intestines, with borborygmi, from the rarefaction of the confined air. The globus hystericus, or, as the good women term it, the rising of the lights, is owing to a spasmodic con- traction of the œsophagus ; the large quantity of pale, limpid urine, from a spasm on the kidnies. If the patient falls asleep, he generally awakes, impressed with the phantoms of a disturbed imagination : but in different patients, we shall find a great variety and difference of symptoms. The indications of cure are, first, to palliate the symptoms which arise during the fit ; secondly, to prevent a relapse. [ 29 ] relapse. For the first, a moderate emetic, of ipecacuanha, or antimonial wine, may be made use of, with opiates, and other antispasmodics, as camphor, assafœtida, &c. and for the second, whatever will tend to diminish the general debility and relaxation of the system, and to restore to the muscles a due and universal tone : hence the advantage of Peruvian bark, pure air, and sea-bathing ; hence, more especially, the peculiar and exclusive benefit of the NERVOUS CORDIAL, which, from its bracing property, is acknowledged by the most eminent physicians, who have done me the honour to investigate its effects, to be the first on the list of tonic medicines, that was ever pro- posed in any age or country. [As a proof of the above fact, I beg leave to refer to the cases at the end of the chapter.] B 3 In [ 30 ] In some measure synomymous to the hysteric complaint, is the hypochondriasis or hypochondriac desease ; though, in this last, there is Seldom any extreme pa- roxysm, or such violent contortion of the muscles. It is owing to a relaxation of the nervous and muscular system, or an unequal distribution of the nervous in- fluence ; hence tremors, and spasmodic contractions of various parts of the body. Delicate, relaxed people, the inactive, studious, and sedentary, are generally subject to these complaints. Melancholy, and the various misfortunes in life, may be considered as the pre-disposing causes ; so far at least as relate to its mental ori- gin. From a relaxation of the nerves, the solids will he weakened, and all the animal functions impaired ; and the mind, from the slightest cause, will fall into the greatest despondency. It may likewise proceed from those imprudencies in the earlier stages of life, to which both sexes are [ 31 ] are too much addicted. This disease being, as before noticed, of much the same nature and tendency as the hysteric disorders, it is useless to state the precau- tions and medicines to be employed in the cure thereof, these being already recapitulated and explained above ; to which, therefore, I beg leave to refer the reader. CASES. TO DR. BRODUM. SIR, For the sake of doing justice to your extraordinary abilities, as well as to inform the enemies of public practitioners in that science, that they should not be too precipitate to censure ingenious and honest men, I do hereby inform, the afflicted, and the public in general, of the most surprising cure in the known world, per- fected by your Restorative Nervous Cordial. I was afflicted with a nervous complaint, palpitation of the heart, which distracted my head, so that I could scarcely sleep night [ 32 ] night or day ; took sometimes my sight away, that I could hardly see half a yard before me. I applied to many eminent Physicians, but all to no purpose ; in which situ- ation I was for fifteen years ; but by applying to you, Sir, I was cured in a short time. Any person doubting the truth, may be convinced by sending a letter, or by applying personally to me. THOMAS MOULE, Shopkeeper, Barkway, near Royston, Cambridgeshire. Witness to the above, John German, Cross Keys. Brighthelmstone Circulating Library, SIR, Sept. 26, 1796. The annexed case was given me by a Lady to send to you. I am, Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant, JAMES GREGORY. Singular Case of a Lady who was restored from a Nervous Complaint, by Dr, Brodum's Nervous Cordial. SIR, By the advice of an eminent Physician in London, I went to the Hot Wells, Bristol, where I attended to every means possible for eight weeks ; from thence to the Waters at Bath for six weeks ; but to my great disappointment, could obtain no relief, for a most vio- lent Nervous Complaint which I had for a long time Laboured under, which was attended with violent tremb- lings, [ 33 ] lings, palpitations at the heart, depression of spirits, &c. so that at the least sudden surprise I was thrown into strong fits, sometimes crying for hours, which I could not avoid ; in short, my whole frame was so impaired, that I was obliged to be carried to my bed and carriage. I was often persuaded by my friends to try Doctor Brodum's Nervous Cordial, but could not be prevailed upon to take an advertised medicine. After having had the advice of many eminent Physicians in town and country, I was advised by a lady of my acquaint- ance, who had purchased a publication of Doctor Bro- dum's, entitled A Guide to Old Age, wherein was so many cases similar to mine, I was induced to take the Nervous Cordial. I first took a guinea bottle, which afforded me a little relief ; I then sent to the Doctor's house for a five-guinea bottle, and before I had taken half of it, I was able to walk without assistance, and by continuing the medicine, and strictly adhering to the Doctor's advice to bathe at Brighton, am now happily restored from the very verge of the grave to a better state of health than I ever enjoyed. I am, Sir, your obliged servant. North-street, Brighthelmstone, R ALLEN. Aug. 27, 1796. I, C. J. M'DOWGALL, was afflicted with a nervous complaint for about three years, winch affected my head and eyes very violently : by taking Dr. Brodum's Resto- rative Nervous Cordial, am happy to say, that I am able to work. Witness, WILLIAM MILLS, Bookbinder and Stationer, in Wade's Passage, Bath. [ 34 ] VOLUNTARY ATTESTATION. I, JANE BAKER, of No. 5, Bird-court, Philip-lane, Aldermanbury, in consideration of the great benefit I have received from Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial, vo- luntarily depose, that I was violently afflicted with an inward complaint, that settled on my lungs, and termi- nated in a deep decline. This visitation reduced me to a perfect skeleton, rendered me incapable of walking, and was attended with frequent tremblings, and violent palpitations of the heart. During the extremities of my distress I could not obtain any relief, until I fortunately heard of the great benefit that was dispensed to such miserable objects as myself, by the administration of the above truly excellent medicine, which was a sufficient inducement for me to make a trial of its efficacy : the result of this experiment has been to me a blessing of the first importance, since, after taking medicines for a short time, I am now completely restored to my health ; which induces me, for the good of my fellow- creatures, to make oath before the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London ; and I shall ever consider Dr. Brodum as the agent of the Almighty, in putting a period to my calamities, and servently pray, that he may continue to dispense the blessings of health to objects, like me, who have long been a stranger to so in- estimable a blessing. Sworn before me at the Mansion-house, JAMES SANDERSON, Mayor. London, February 9, 1793. [ 35 ] SIR, In the beginning of March last, as I was sitting in my chair, I was seized with a violent Nervous Complaint, which caused my whole frame to shake, and such a sinking and depression, that I was afraid my life was in danger ; when I laid down to rest, I felt an intole- rable pressure, like an inward suffocation. In this debilitated state, I had the advice of some of the most eminent of the Faculty, but to no purpose, for I got worse rather than better, until hearing of the great virtues of your Nervous Cordial, I was induced to take it, from which I soon found relief by its salutary effects, and after taking it some time, am now restored to perfect health. Therefore, in gratitude to you, Sir, and for the benefit of the afflicted, I humbly request my case may be published, being ready to attest the same to any enquiring person. I am, Sir, Your obliged humble Servant, No. 21, Rosoman-street, Clerkenwell, T. WITHAM. October 22, 1796. Witnesses, Richard Hilton, No. 40, Long, Eliz. Baylie, No. 39, Rosoman-street. CHAP. [ 36 ] CHAP. II. THE HEAD-ACH THE Head-ach is sometimes acute and sometimes chronical, and its seat is various. It may be either in the enciphalon, i.e. the contents within side the cranium, viz. the dura and pia mater and their appendages, and it may be external, in the teguments of the cranium, viz. the scalp and the pericranium, or in the substance of the bones themselves. The causes are various : it may proceed from inflam- mation, or a plethora, distending the vessels. The membranous parts are liable to severe rheumatic pains. It may also be intermittent, or owing to the venereal disease. We have like- [ 37 ] likewise nervous and spasmodic head- achs. If the pain be slight, and affects a par- ticular part, it is called cephalalgia ; if the whole head, cephalica ; if only one side, hemicrania : if there be only a fixed pain on the top of the head, which may be covered with the tip of the finger, it is called clavus hystericus. The general cause is an obstructed circulation through the vessels of the head and stomach : it may sometimes proceed from a bilious tendency in the latter ; or any morbid matter, absorbed from the external parts of the body to the internal. From the various causes of the disorder, no one me- thod of cure can be recommended, but must be varied as the case requires. If from inflammation or plethora, we must empty the vessels by blood-letting, and lenient purges. If from a rheumatic cause, warm, aromatic plasters, or a blis- VOL. I. C ter, [ 38 ] ter, with anti-rheumatics, may succeed. An intermittent commonly begins in the teeth, and spreads first in the forehead, and afterwards to the back part of the head. During the paroxysm, the urine is clear and crude ; but in the interval deposits a copious sediment. In these in- dications, the Nervous Cordial has never failed being successful ; and I do not hesitate to affirm, that no one remedy has evinced so salutary an efficacy, in the most dreadful stages of the complaint. Provided the cause is of a venereal tendency, the Botanical Syrup may be recommended with greater propriety. For by expelling the subtle particles of mercury, imbibed by an improper appli- cation or assumption, and too frequently from the ignorance of pretenders to the medical science, the means adopted are frequently far more pernicious than the disease [ 39 ] disease itself. The same deleterious ef- fects are too often produced by self- quacking, and the use of family receipts, or injections of mercury, or other metals, which may ultimately prove baneful to the constitution at large, without assisting the local disease. C 2 CHAP. [ 40 ] CHAP. III. EPILEPSY. THIS disease is of a convulsive nature ; if hereditary, it is almost impossible to cure, if idiopathic, ex- tremly difficult, and if sympathic may be relieved by removing the disease from which it originated. In epileptic cases the principal objects are to avert an impending paroxysm, to shorten its continuance when present, and to pre- vent a future attack. The patient is thrown suddenly on the ground, whence it is called the falling sickness. It attacks with a lassitude of the whole body, pains in the head, and drowsiness, a sudden deprivation of all sensations, an in- [ 41 ] involuntary emission of urine, and some- times of semen, and a total forgetfulness of every thing that has happened. If it attack before puberty, it often leaves the subject of its attack at that time ; but when it makes its appearance after the age of twenty, it is seldom cured. This disease, in itself, is not attended with any immediate danger ; but if it con- tinue any long time, or return with much frequency, it often produces very mis- chievous consequences and effects ; such as loss of memory, &c. and sometimes it introduces mere idiotism. An epilepsy appearing soon after birth, is probably owing to some injury done to the brain, as the head shoots through the vagina, and is seldom cured. A fright, or sudden passion of the mind, will sometimes oc- casion an epilepsy ; worms in children often produce it, by irritating the nervous system of the intestines. In this case, if C 3 we [ 42 ] we can remove the cause, the disease is generally cured. An epilepsy sometimes ends in melancholy, or madness. When it brings on a palsy, or apoplexy, it proves mortal. Sometimes a quartan ague puts an end to it. We have three indications of cure. First, to prevent an impending paroxysm ; Secondly, to shorten it when present ; and, Thirdly, to guard against future attacks. In phlethoric habits, evacuation may sometimes be necessary, to ward off the fit : but if the pulse be low and weak, the Nervous Cordial*, or a slight emetic, with a strong opiate afterwards : thirty or forty drops at least of the tincture bearing this name, and repeated every night for some days. The following powders may be after- wards taken occasionally : * Vide cases inserted at the end of this chapter. Powder [ 43 ] Powder of Valerian -of Peruvian bark, of each 1 oz. -of Senna Antimonial Powder, of each 1 dram. Mix them, and divide into thirty doses ; of which one may be taken three times a day, in a glass of wine and water. Cold bathing will likewise at this time be often of essential consequence. CASES. [ 44 ] CASES. The son of JOHN NEWMAN, ostler, at the White Hart, Newmarket, was afflicted with fits, so that he was quite speechless ; by taking Dr. BRODUM'S Restorative Nervous Cordial, was perfectly cured in two months. Witness, J. Newman, Newmarket. January 7, 1791. The son of ROBERT PARKER was violently afflicted with epileptic fits ; by taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, was perfectly cured in a fortnight. Witnesses, Richard Searle, M. Dawson, Linen Drapery No. 4, Northgate-street, and John Lacstead. Frog Lane, Bath, April 4, 1792. CHAP. [ 45 ] CHAP IV. MADNESS. I CONFESS, that but few opportu- nities of making observations upon this disease have occurred to me, in the course of my practice. Some few, how- ever, have : and in these I have seldom pursued that coercion and complete de- privation of personal liberty, which is so warmly recommended by many physi- cians. If any degree of irritability is present, it will add to that irritability ; and in the most irritable habits, it will too much prevent that exercise, and those rural amusements and pure air, which are often of the highest consequence ima- ginable. The best book on this subject, with [ 46 ] with which I am acquainted, and which I would therefore recommend, is Bailey's Treatise on Mania. If there be any fever present, it is seated in the brain, and is of the chronic kind. But the best and most immediate dissections have never yet discovered any physical difference or alteration, between a patient dying under this or any other disease. Dr. Brooke, of St. Luke's hos- pital, has, with the hope of such a dis- covery, dissected the brain of many of his patients ; but in every instance it proved a useless attempt, and he was never able to ascertain any thing like the proximate cause of the first paroxysm. The practice pursued at Bethlem hos- pital, is to give drastic purges and eme- tics every week, with the tonic applica- tions of the cold baths and chalybeates. This last medicine was highly approved of, [ 47 ] of, and much recommended, by my late intimate and worthy friend, Dr. Hugh Smith ; but, though I Shall ever pay the greatest deference to his judgment, and reflect on his friendship with the highest satisfaction, I cannot avoid adding, that I have found many cases, particularly in young women of delicate habits, and where the disease has been brought on from extreme disappointment, or sudden frights, in which the steel would not agree with the stomach ; and in all these cases, I have tried the Nervous Cordial in its stead, with great advantage to the patient, as well as to my own reputation. Blisters, by their irritation, would I think rather increase the disorder ; especially when owing to a violent agitation of the animal spirits. Opiates are highly ad- vantageous, as they diminish whatever irritability is present, and as we should always endeavour to divert the attention of the patient, by a multiplicity of objects, and [ 48 ] and not permit the mind to be engrossed by one subject, or train of thoughts ; for we see that disappointed love, great losses, deep study, or in short, any thing that thus too largely occupies the attention, is of itself one prime and frequent cause of the disease. CHAP. [ 49 ] CHAP. V. OF DEAFNESS. THE hearing is a sense by which found is perceived from a tremb- ling motion of the external air beating upon the tympanum, and so moving the internal air by means of the fibres of the auditory nerve that is communicated, to the brain. The tympanum or drum of the ear, is a nervous, round, pellucid membrane of most exquisite sense, se- parating the outward from the inward ear, and springs, according to some opinions, from the pericranium, to others from the pia mater, to others from the dura mater, and to others from the softer process of the auditory nerve expanded. When it is taken VOL. I. D away [ 50 ] away, a cavity on the inside of it, in which are contained four little bones that are moveable, and very much con- duce to hearing ; malleolus, or the little hammer, incus the anvil, stapes the stirrup, and os orbiculare, so called from its round drape. If by any ac- cident the tympanum is lascerated, the hearing of the ear is irrecoverably lost, therefore let the young surgeon be cautious how or with what he syringes an ear, and be sure to use an ear- syringe, and not one with a long pipe, nor do it too forcibly, lest he deservedly obtain just shame and scandal, and do such mischief as he can never make satisfaction for. Powers that can impede the undu- lating air from making a proper im- pression on the auditory nerve, may be the cause of deafness. This occurs in cases where the external passage is corked up [ 51 ] up with wax, or any other substance. Here the first indication is, to soften the wax, by dropping in a little oil, mixed with ox's or sheep's gall ; and then to syringe it with warm water, and a little Sp. Rorismarin. But there is another and a more common cause of deafness by far than the above. It is debility in the audi- tory nerve, and an incapacity of ex- erting its due tone and faculty, even when the meatus auditorius, or passage of hearing, is open and not obstructed. Of fifty cases of deafness, that occur every day, forty-nine at least, are ow- ing to this source. And here, I confess, I know of no very efficacious remedy, excepting the Nervous Cordial, which I have found succeed, without failure in a single instance, after all the common prescriptions and modes of cure have been tried to no purpose. I have, D 2 there- [ 52 ] therefore, recommended it by way of trial to other medical practioners of great merit and eminence, and am happy in having the addition of their testimony and support universally in my favour*. The adoption of Cantharides I would not, on any account, recommend. The cold bath, and sometimes small electrical shocks may be of use, both in deafness and blindness, when they proceed from paralytic causes. Though I acknowledge, that among the mul- tiplicity of causes from which deafness may arise, some may defeat the in- tention of the before-mentioned reme- dies. And as the ear is a delicate organ, and may most easily be injured, I * Vide cases at the end of the chapter. would [ 53 ] would advise no patient to quack or tamper with himself, but immediately to apply to some eminent medical practitioner for advice. My own pa- tients are sensible of the propriety of this observation, and the personal ap- plication of their friends to me, whom they know labouring under such com- plaints, from which they have been relieved, have been very pressing and numerous indeed. D 3 CASES. [ 54 ] CASES. COPY OF A LETTER TO DR. BRODUM. DEAR SIR, I should be totally destitute of gratitude, were I to omit returning you my sincere thanks, and taking every possible means of informing the world of my son's asto- nishing recovery from a total (and as many of the Faculty pronounced it an incurable) deafness, by applying to you, and taking your Nervous Cordial. It is impossible any one can form an adequate idea of my son's sensation on being restored to perfect hearing, after having been to- tally deprived of that sense for upwards of two years. My gratitude to you, Sir, admits not of language ; suffice it to say, I regard you as the immediate instrument of Heaven, in recovering my son from a state which refused to yeild to any skill but your's. It is my wish to testify my gratitude in the most ample manner ; therefore, if you think the publication of this letter will do you any service, you have permission to make any use of it you think proper, and I shall always esteem myself happy in testifying how grateful a sense I have of your superior abilities. SARAH THORP. Witness, William Bristow, Printer of the Kentish Chronicle, and Samuel Kingsford, of Sturry, Banker in Canterbury. Sturry, near Canterbury, Dec, 11, 1793. A ref- [ 55 ] A respectable lady of Shard Sutton, near Maidstone, Kent, was afflicted with a nervous complaint and total deafness ; by taking six bottles of Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial (bought at Mr Blake's, Maidstone) was perfectly restored. July 10, 1794. A gentleman's son, in Artillery-street, in the Borough, had long been afflicted with deafness ; by taking Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial, was perfectly restored to his hearing. [This gentleman does not wish to have his name publicly inserted, but has given permission to the Doctor to refer to his house.] London Jan. 15, 1795. Mr. D-n, a wine-merchant in the city, was deaf several years; by taking the Nervous Cordial was restored to his hearing. THOMAS CAPPS, of East Dereham, Norfolk, was afflicted with a violent noise in his head, and was deaf seven years, which proceeded originally from a Nervous complaint ; by taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, was perfectly cured, and can hear now as well as ever.-I have seen and conversed with Thomas Capps, and believe him to be perfectly cured. Witness my hand, Samuel Rash Esq ; one of his Ma- jesty's justices of the county of Norfolk. Mr. [ 56 ] Mr. RAYMOND, ship builder, of Southampton, was afflicted with a nervous complaint, had always a noise in his head, which made him very deaf ; by taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, was perfectly cured in three months. Another remarkable Instance of Deafness radically cured through the Virtue of the RESTORATIVE NERVOUS CORDIAL. SIR, I waited on you for your advice about the 18th of December, being afflicted with a nervous deafness. I promised to let you know if I received benefit. I left word with my nephew, that is apprentice to Mr. Bris- tow, Canterbury, that I was better, and if you had not wrote to. Mr. Macmilian that you expected a line from him, should not have troubled you with a letter, as your skill is two well known to receive any lastre from a single cure. But as it is now six weeks since I left my friends to return to Scotland, I have the pleasure to inform you, that the five-guinea bottle of your Nervous Cordial that I bought at your house, has entirely removed the complaint, and I now at the writing of this, am recovered from the deafness, for which I return you my most sincere thanks, and am, SIR, Carsphaine, Scotland Your very humble Servant, March 21, 1796. ESTHER MACMILIAN. I, THOMAS [ 57 ] I, THOMAS KENT, at Darington, in Suffex, was afflicted with a deafness for twelve years, and had a noise in my ears like the sound of bells, which proceeded from a nervous complaint ; by applying to Dr. Brodum am perfectly cured by his Restorative Nervous Cordial. I am now sixty years of age, and can hear as well as ever, Witness my hand. THOMAS KENT. Witness, John Boyce, at the Star Inn Shoreham, Suffex, January, 1792, CHAP. [ 58 ] CHAP. VI. DISEASES OF THE EYE. IMPERFECT vision may arise from whatever may refract or obstruct the rays of light from falling upon the op- tic nerve. This may proceed either from a cataract, an opake cornea, or a paralysis of the nerve itself. For the first, nothing but the operation, either of couching or extraction can be used, as no medicine will have any salutary effect on the chrystaline lens. Inflam- mations are the most common causes of the second, from the fluids being too forcibly pushed on, and forming an error loci. This must be treated like all other inflammations, and common so- men- [ 59 ] mentations of poppy heads will, there- fore, often be useful. A laxity often remains, however, after the inflammation has subsided, and is sometimes removed with difficulty. The Collyrium formed from white vitriol, as a gentle astrin- gent, bids fair to succeed in all such cases. Issues are likewise of service ; but when this plan does not succeed, we may rather suppose it to be of the rheumatic kind, and treat it accord- ingly. And here the bark and the Nervous Cordial will be of infinite use : But the pulse must direct us what plan to pursue. In strumous opthal- mics, the bark has been greatly re- commended, particularly by Dr. Fo- thergill ; but Dr. Hugh Smi did not find it so successful. He ed the different preparations of chalybeate powders, in solution, which, he has often [ 60 ] often told me never once deceived him. Opacities from specks may be relieved by collyriums of glass and sugar-candy reduced to an impalpable powder, and blown daily into the eye. The nictitation of the eye-lids over this last substance, often makes the speck wear away. The ophthalmia is an inflammation in the tunica albugenea, and the other membranes of the eyes. It is most to be dreaded when an original disease, and may proceed from any internal cause capable of producing an inflam- mation, but frequently occurs from accident. When accompanied with the head-ach, it portends blindness. It is sometimes occasioned by the eye- lashes turning inwards, and is then easily cured, by removing the inverted hairs. When a flux of humours attend the [ 61 ] the complaint, it is relieved by what- ever abates the inflammation. The amaurosis, or gutta serena, is a species of blindness that arises from a palsy of the optic nerve, and is fre- quently owing to a schrofulous habit. Here the pupil is dilated to its utmost extent. If it contracts and dilates by rubbing, it is a good sign : If, on the contrary, it continues immoveable and inirritable, we must not expect a cure. An incipient amaurosis may be relieved by bleeding and gentle purges. If there should be any symptoms of in- flammation, blisters may be applied to the head, or behind the ears. It some- times proceeds from a rheumatic cause, and here the Nervous Cordial, or such anti-rheumatics as opium and antimonial preparations may be taken to advantage. Externally, Hungary water should be applied as a collyrium. VOL. I. E In [ 62 ] In cases of relaxation, the bark bids fair to be useful. I have often prescribed copper, or a solution of Roman vitriol, used externally as a collyrium, and these, with the assist- ance of country air and exercise, I have frequently found successful. For inflammation of the eye-lids, the softer animal oils may often prove advan- tageous, those of poultry, perhaps, more particularly so ; or if these cannot be procured, the vegetable oils, free from rancidity, and formed into an ointment with white wax, may be used with equal advantage. The reason that owls, &c. cannot see distinctly in the day, is because their pupil being exceedingly dilated and incontractible, admits too large a quantity of the rays of light, for the purpose of vision. When, on the con- trary, the darkness of the evening su- pervenes, [ 63 ] pervenes, this extreme dilatation, which was so injurious before, will now be highly beneficial, and enable the ani- mal to discriminate objects more mi- nutely. CASES. MARY HAYLOCK, wife of Thomas Haylock, of Ely, Canibridgeshire, lost the sight of one of her eyes ; by applying to Dr. Brodum, was perfectly cured in six weeks.-Witness, John Vail, John Henry Rose, Master of the Cambridge Band. The son of Mr Phillips, of Bainton, Northamptonshire, lost his sight ; but by applying to Dr. Brodum, he was perfectly restored, Witness, R. LILLY, Stamford, THOMAS NORWOOD, keeper to his Grace the Duke of Buccleugh, was blind of one eye ; but by applying to and taking Dr. Brodum's medicines was perfectly cured. Hemington, near bundle. THOMAS NORWOOD. E 2 TO [ 64 ] TO DR. BRODUM. DEAR SIR, Exeter 29th July, 1796. I feel it a duty incumbent on me to state my own case to you, and to acknowledge I have received much more benefit from taking your Restorative Nervous Cordial, and Botannical Syrup, than from any other medicines or appli- cations I have ever made use of since my illness. In September, 1793, I Walked from Exeter to Teign- mouth, 14 miles, in about four hours and a half ; by over heating my blood, and neglecting to take the necessary care of myself, a violent inflammation came on in my blood: I took cold, and in a few days felt great irritation in my skin, and particularly in the calves of my legs, which in the course of a fortnight spread all over my body, very strong scorbutic eruptions broke out and so much affected my sight as to deprive me of reading or writing. I applied to several eminent gentlemen of the faculty, both here and in London ;-after trying a variety of applica- tions, both internal and external, I found myself growing worse every day for upwards of 18 months. I was so very blind as not to be able to see to read even the largest print without glasses, and very imperfectly with them; nor did I know my own children at three yards distance, except when they spoke to me. Seeing an account of your Nervous Cor- dial and Botannical Syrup, I determined to try them; I have taken some few bottles of each medicine, and now find my eyes so much better as to be able to see to read the smallest print as well ever I could, and my health is, I thank God, entirely restored, I have also the pleasure to [65] to inform you, that I recommended the Cordial to a young lady of my acquaintance, who from a fright, was thrown into a very dangerous nervous complaint, which she la- boured under for two years and a half, and her life was pronounced to be in imminent danger; she took six or seven bottles of it, and is now perfectly restored to health and spirits: her legs swelled very much, she had violent pains in the head and stomach, and fainted frequently in the day-all which have now entirely left her. I have advised her to continue the medicines two or three weeks longer. This lady, does not wish to have her name a pear in print, but you are welcome to refer any person to me for the truth of these facts. I will answer any letters (post paid.) You may advertise these cases; and I am with esteem and respect. dear Sir, Your much obliged humble servant. WM. SPICER DIX, Merchant. Witnesses, John Coward, and John Chissem, attorney, Exeter. I know the above to be true, having had all the circum- stances from the gentleman's own mouth. RICH. GRAVES, Captain in the Royal Navy, Hembury Fort, near Honiton, Devon. Being in London, I had the satisfaction of seeing and conversing with Mr. Dix, who confirmed the above cure to me. J. BAXTER, Italian Warehouse, Edinburgh, September, 1796. E 3 TO [ 66 ] TO Dr. BRODUM. SIR, I return you my sincere thanks for the great cure you have performed on me. I was afflicted with a complaint in my head, which grew so bad, that it entirely took away the sight of one of my eyes, and the other in darkness for a considerable time. Fortunately Dr. Brodum used to visit a gentleman at Standon, and my friend spoke to him about me, to which the Doctor immediately answered, that he would do his endeavour. He couched my eye the 9th of July, and on the 12th I was able to see, and on the 25th following was quite recovered. I am now able to get my bread as usual, for which I shall always be bound to pray for the Doctor. Any person doubting the truth, may be convinced by applying by a letter, or per- sonally, by any of the witnesses. EDWARD CLARKE. Witnesses, William Durrance, Bailiff to 'Squire Rook ; John Gutteridge, Overseer ; William Chapman, George Whitaker, Paper Miller. Standon, Hertfordshire, July 25, 1790. CHAP. [ 67 ] CHAP. VII. CONSUMPTION. AN opinion has been entertained by Shirk, Ringlus, Willis, and some others, that many have been afflicted with consumption for the space of be- tween thirty and forty years, without interruption, and that without its hav- ing any fatal influence on their lives till the complete termination of such period. Having so much time therefore, allowed to attend to the disease, and remove it in its origin, how obviously clear is it that those who have any such symptoms in their constitution, should make im- mediate application to some medical pro- fessor of eminence. The success I have met [ 68 ] met with myself in this complaint is founded on a long experience, and testi- fied by a host of witnesses, who have done me the honour to place themselves under my care. The cure of this com- plaint, in a great measure, depends upon the regimen which is observed by the patient, and the most alarming symp- toms will subside by a perseverance in adopting such regimen. Mild balsamics, conveyed into the lungs by inspiration, will be of great service, when ulcers are formed, and proper exercise, fresh air, and bark taken freely, will accelerate the progress of the cure. The columbo root is an excellent substitute for the latter me- dicine, when it cannot be employed, and blunts the acrimony of the juices, at the same that it improves the appetite. The [ 69 ] The observation of the celebrated Dr. Fothergill deserves particular at- tention, who very justly remarks that medicine at the commencement of the disorder, is the surest way to relief. To elucidate his observation, a cough is oc- casioned by acrid serum, which if not soon removed, will produce an inflamma- tion, and that, for want of resolution, will soon prove insurmountable*. Too late application in these instances is productive of the worst of conse- quences. When the inflammation is consider- able, bleeding is serviceable, and the expectoration is encreased by the follow- ing medicine : * This last-mentioned subject being too voluminious to discuss in the present confined limits, I beg leave to refer the reader to a work just published, entitled, " A Treatise on the Cough." E 3 Sacch- [ 70 ] R. Gum Arabic, in Pulv. ℥fs Myrrh ʒj Scillæ PP gr.vj Nit. Depurat ʒfs Sacch. Alb. ℥fs m f. Pulv. Divide, in chart No. xij, Cap. I, ter. die cum Cyath. Tinct. Rosar. The above prescription continue three weeks, and then re-commence the Nervous Cordial. Acids, in this disease, cool the blood, and quench the thirst, especially those of a vegetable nature, as apples, oranges, lemons, &c. the quantity must be regu- lated by the strength of the stomach of the patient and his inclination. Sydenham, in consumptive cases, says, the best physician is a horse, but enfee- bled patients should consider, that by taking [ 71 ] taking cold, or enduring too great fa- tigue, they may receive more injury than benefit. Consumptive patients should indulge themselves in riding with the greatest caution, otherwise, instead of facilitating, they may retard their cure, but if after such exercise, their spirits are improved, their appetite re- turn, and their freedom of breathing in- crease, they may continue the exercise, provided they abide by the above in- structions. Women's milk, if drawn from the breast, is of great service, and next to it ass's milk, from its abounding with sweet serum. Goat's and cow's milk, have, likewise, in these cases, been at- tended with excellent effects. These animals should be fed on those vege- tables best calculated and conducive to health. Night [ 72 ] Night sweats, shortness of breath, hectic heats, and spitting of blood are all removed by a perseverence in taking the Botanical Syrup, which I again, with confidence, recommend as produc- tive of the best of consequences in every species of consumptions. THE [ 73 ] THE ATROPHY, OR NERVOUS CONSUMPTION. THIS disorder, though arising from different causes, and advanced to different degrees, is, in fact, not- withstanding the variety of symptoms, but of one and the same nature. It is occasioned by the organs of digestion being weakened, and is known by a decrease of strength, deprivation of ap- petite, little or no fever, shortness of breath, and the generally high, but inconstant colour of the urine. Children are frequently afflicted with this disease from the sudden change of their aliment, in being taken from the breast, to subsist on more solid food. VOL. I. F when [ 74 ] when their legs become pendulous, their habit flaccid, their skin corrugated, and their appetite insatiable. This disorder is totally different from the rickets, or that leanness that occurs from the breast not affording a proper subsistence. When this disorder results from a diarrhœa, fluor albus, diabetes, gonor- rhœa, &c. the one ultimately depends on the removal of the original disease. When caused by indigestion, as frequent- ly happens to children and aged persons, gentle doses of calomel and rhubarb should be prescribed, alternately chang- ing it for stomachics and warm perspi- ratives. Irritating purges, by inflaming the bowels, should be carefully avoided. The cure of this disease will be great- ly accelerated by a regular course of the Nervous Cordial, and the whole materia medica cannot supply a more efficacious me- [ 75 ] medicine. Twenty or thirty drops of elixir of vitriol, taken twice a day, in a glass of wine and water, will be found extremely beneficial. Patients, in this disease, should amuse themselves as much as possible, and as serenity of mind is, in this instance, a grand point towards the re-establishment of health, they should adopt such amusements, and select such company as they know, from the nature of their disposition, will afford them the greatest pleasure. The king's evil, the asthma, the scur- vy, the venereal disease, &c. causing a consumption, proper attention should be paid to the original malady. When extraordinary evacuations are the cause, nature should not be con- trolled, but the strength preserved by F 2 the [ 76 ] the adminstration of such restoratives as the Nervous Cordial, with the assist- ance of gentle exercise and salutary diet. In these cases, a decoction of sarsaparilla, saloop, chalybeate waters, and bark are powerful assistants. In persons of an irritable habit, the spasmodic affections should be removed by opiates, mucilaginous substances, gentle glutinous astringents, bark, and medicines agreeable to the nature of the symptoms of the disease. The circulation in scrofulous and can- cerous cases, should be reduced as low as the patient's state of health is capable of bearing. A thin light diet, made of jellies, from vegetable and animal sub- stances, should then be prefered, and, as corroborants, the bark and vitriolic elixir. Sar- [ 77 ] Sarsaparilla, with a milk diet, may be recommended. When the com- plaint proceeds from a venereal infec- tion, but in no stage of the disorder, let it derive its influence from what origin it may, is there so safe, so innocent, so efficacious a prescription as the two me- dicines above recommended, viz. the Nervous Cordial and Botanical Syrup. CASES. SIR, I return you my sincere thanks for the cure you have performed on me : I was in a deep decline, and could scarce walk, but by taking Dr. BRODUM'S Botanical Syrup, I was restored to perfect health in the space of three weeks. JOHN GARRATT. Witness, Wm. Harper, wool-stapler, R. Lilly, J. Somersfield, J. Perkins, Alex. Mitchell. St, Martin's Stamford Baron. F 3 Mrs, [ 78 ] Mrs. WINSOR, the wise of Mr. Winsor, of Yeovil, Baker, being for some time in a very weak state, with shortness of breath, having no sleep, and loss of flesh, insomuch that every one thought her in a lingering decline, was advised to apply to Dr. Brodum, at Sherborne, who made a perfect cure of her in six weeks, by admi- nistering his Restorative Nervous Cordial. Any person doubting of the above, may be satisfied of the same, by applying to Mr, Winsor, at Yeovil, Somer- setshire. Another proof of the efficacy of Dr. Brodum's medicines. George Hunt, Jun. carpenter of Aylesford, near Maid- stone, Kent, was afflicted with a nervous complaint and a decline ; he was so debilitated as to be incapable of rising out of his bed without assistance. By taking Dr. Brodum's medicines was perfectly cured. G. HUNT. Any person doubting the truth of this, by writing to Mr. Hunt, may be fully satisfied. ELIZABETH WILLAIMS, of Westdean, near Chiches- ter, Suffex, was in a decline for some time ; by applying to Dr. Brodum, and taking his Nervous Cordial, was per- fectly cured.-Witness her Sister, November 14, 1794. ANN PENNELLS. St. Martin's Lane, Chichester, Sussex. In [ 79 ] In gratitude to you and for the good of my fellow-crea- tures, I do hereby testify, that my daughter, Elizabeth Wood, of Berwich in Elmet, near Leeds, was in a decline, and her legs swelled in an extraordinary manner ; by taking five bottles of Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial, was per- fectly cured, and is now as hearty as ever she was in her life.-As witness my hand. ELIZABETH WOOD, Sen. Witness, Theop. Stead, of the Old-Swan, Call-lane, Leeds. July 22, 1793. W. SHOTTER, journeyman to Mr. Gleed, shoe-maker in High-street, Southampton, was in a decline, which brought him so low as to oblige him to walk with a crutch, and every one thought him past recovery ; but he was per- fectly cured in three months, by Dr. Brodum's Nervous and Restorative Cordial, and is now in as good health and spirits as ever, and as able to work. The truth of which will be acknowledged by Mr. Gleed, to any that are doubtful. CHAP. [ 80 ] CHAP. VIII. THE JAUNDICE. NATURE has formed a great apparatus for the formation of bile, which is of essential service in the animal œconomy, but when it flows in two considerable quantities, or possesses too much viscidity, the certain consequence is the Jaundice. This disease frequently occurs from obstructions, small stones, or spasms in the biliary ducts, inflammation or scirrhus, and often proceeds from an impeded influx of the bile into the duode- num, and an absorption of it into the circulation, whereby the serous parts of the [ 81 ] the blood are tinged, and will be visible in the more pellucid parts, as the white of the eyes. The urine, being loaded with it, will be very high coloured, and will dye a cloth of a saffron hue ; the fæces will be white, for want of bile to colour them, and a dropsy often succeeds, the parts becoming relaxed for want of nourishment. The causes are various ; they may either proceed from calculi or spasms, in the biliary ducts, or inflam- mation, or a pituitous lentor. If from the first cause, we muct endeavour to relax the ducts, that the stone may pass into the duodenum ; for this pur- pose we advise blood-letting, opiates, and clysters, till the pain is eased, and such medicines as will keep the body open ; afterwards, a course of Bath waters may be employed advantage- ously. We may have violent pains in the loins, from calculi passing through the [ 82 ] the ducts, which may lay in such a situation as not totally to obstruct the passage of the bile, therefore will be unattended with the jaundice. Salt of tartar will dissolve gall stones, as will soap lees, and the bile of vipers. Vio- lent passion, or the cholic, act by in- ducing a spasm upon the ducts ; this spasm will be but relieved by the course of medicines noticed above, and when the cholic passion subsides, the jaun- dice will subside likewise. Stomach ca- thartics, aloetics, and saponaceous medi- cines will be necessary, and form the regular routine of practice among phy- sicians ; but when these medicines are found to fail, I would advise, from a conviction of its utility, the immedi- ate use of the Nervous Cordial. The other remedies to be used for peripneumonia notha, will in common, be adviseable in this case, as the gene- ral [ 83 ] ral cause and cure is one and the same thing, the seat of the disease only con- stituting the difference. Afterwards the body is strengthened by exercise, &c. the Nervous Cordial being still continued. The languor, inactivity, and indo- lence so common in the jaundice, arise from a want of bile in the first pas- sages, whereby no intimate union of our food can be effected, from whence want of digestion and nutrition, which, of course, must produce general debility. A dropsy will often succeed a long continued jaundice, in consequence of this debility, and is only to be removed by removing first of all the jaundice that produced it, and afterwards by the application and use of those tonic medicines which are recommended in cases when the dropsy is idiopathic, or uncompounded with any other disease. CASES. [ 84 ] CASES. I return my sincere thanks for the great cure you have performed on me. I was afflicted with the scurvy and dropsy, and likewise the yellow jaundice ; my legs and body were swelled in an amazing manner ; at last it fell on my lungs, so that I could hardly breathe ; I thought every moment would be my last ; I tried many remedies, but all to no purpose, and every body thought I could not live many days ; but by the blessing of God, Dr. Brodum, by his skill and Botanical Syrup, made a perfect cure of me in a short time, which I am ready to attest on oath, either personally or by letter. Witness my hand, Thomas Tobitt, Miller, at Mr. Stovill's mill, Steyning, Sussex. Winesses to the above, H. Leggatt, Butcher, Steyning, John Curtis, Ironmonger. The wife of William Welling, of Breeding, near Steyn- ing, was afflicted with convulsions in her stomach, and the yellow jaundice, likewise the gravel, with which she had before laid for upwards of six months, when she was given over by the other doctors, who told her they did not know what to give her more. We can declare she did not expe- rience, for six months, one night's rest, nor even three hour's case together, but always laid screaming and cry- ing, praying to the Lord to take her out of her misery, which all her neighbours know, but through the mercy of God, [ 85 ] God, we heard of the great skill of Dr. Brodum with his Nervous Cordial, and what cures he had done to people. He was sent for, and was so kind to tell her the complaints exactly, before she spoke ; he likewise told her, that she might make herself easy, for when all Doctors had given her over, there was a Doctor above which had not, and, with the blessing of God, he would recover her. Any person doubting the above, may have the fullest satisfaction by applying to CATHERINE EDWARDS, Witness, Richard Goddard, Schoolmaster. VOL. I. G CHAP. [ 86 ] CHAP. IX. BILIOUS COMPLAINTS. THE burning bilious fever in the A West Indies, that is often called the yellow fever, frequently attacks the Europeans, who indulge to excess, and become victims to this fatal dis- ease, through not guarding against the heats and dews that are general in that part of the universe. It gene- rally occurs suddenly, and commences with a sense of dibility and extreme lowness of spirits : these symptoms are accompanied with a greater or lesser degree of chilness, giddiness, pains in the head and loins, and trembling of the hands. As the Paroxysm encreases, the nausea becomes more [ 87 ] more violent, and there is generally vomited a considerable quantity of bile. This subject is so copious, that volumes might be written to eluci- date the various causes by which it is produced ; but as the most expres- sive language that was ever conveyed on paper, could not give so competent an idea of the virtues of the Nervous Cordial, as the perusal of the following cases, the publication of the truth is preferred in the instance in question, to elegant or sublime expressions. The following attestations are dis- tinguished by a veracity that must soon convince, even the incredulous, to an implicit belief of their truth. G 2 CASES. [ 88 ] CASES. To W. BRODUM, M.D. No. 9, Albion-street, Blackfriar's-bridge, London. At the desire of Mr. Metralcourt, I forward his case to you. Richard Crutwell, Printer, Bath. Sir, The wonderful good effects of your Restorative Nervous Cordial I shall ever be proud to acknowledge, either in public or private. I know your repute, and the salutary effect of your medicine are too well established to need any attestation of mine, but gratitude induces me to cause to be published the following wonderful cure (performed by the administration of your Nervous Cordial) for the sake of my friends, and the public in general, who labour under similar complaints, that they may in like manner make application to you, before their complaint gets to such an alarming pitch, as to be almost past recovery. I was afflicted with a nervous and bilious complaint, which affected (very severely) my head and hearing, with a continual palpitation of my heart, in such a trem- bling state as to prevent the exertion of my professional talents (as a dancing master) on which rests my dependance for support ; at length my breath became short and hectic, and my whole frame disordered. I was then advised to drink [ 89 ] drink the waters, and bathe, which I also did to no pur- pose ; at last, by the blessing of God, and by taking your Restorative Nervous Cordial, I am happily and thoroughly re-established in my former state of health. C. METRALCOURT. St. James's Parade, Bath, June 26, 1795. I, EDWARDD FORD, was afflicted with a bilious com- plaint for some time, my face quite yellow, my breath very short, and at last my body began to swell, and my appetite failed me, which prevented me walking ; after trying the most eminent physicians to no effect, by taking Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial, was perfectly restored in two months, which case I particularly wish to have pub- lished for the sake of others, my fellow creatures who labour under such painful disorders. EDW. FORD, Whitstable. Witness, John Terry, Bethersden, near Ashford. Any person doubting the above cure, by applying per- sonally or by lettter, post-paid, to Edward Ford, at the Ship, Whitstable, near Canterbury, may be satisfied of the same. G 3 CHAP. [ 90 ] CHAP. X. DISEASES OF THE LIVER. THE hepatitis or inflammation of the liver, is known by a pun- gent pain in the region of that viscus shooting towards the throat and clavicle. It is sometimes attended with a dry cough, vomiting, loss of strength, quick pulse, and a tention of the hypochondrium. Sometimes the eyes and skin are yellow and the urine saffron-coloured, accommpanied with costiveness, and difficulty of breathing. This disease is very fre- quent in the East Indies. The [ 91 ] The liver as a gland secretes the bile, a fluid of the greatest consequence to the animal œconomy, since, without it, the great work of digestion cannot be performed. There are two species of it, the cystic and hepatic, of which the latter is the strongest. It is a natural soap, composed of oil, water and alkaline salt, which is capable of uniting oily and mucilaginous sub- stances into one mass. Painters some- times use the bilious juice for mix- ing some viscid matters that nothing else will dissolve. Inflammation of the liver is attended with severe pain under the short ribs, a full quick tense pulse, and the symptoms of inflammation in general. It termi- nates and is cured in all the various ways of other inflammations. If the tumour suppurate and point externally, it may be treated as a common abscess, and be opened. If it burst, and [ 92 ] and the contents fall into the abdo- men, a purulent ascites is the conse- quence. If it ends in a schirrus, it produces what is called the black Jaundice, a disease well known by the black lead colour cast upon the countenance, which is generally, therefore, esteemed a dangerous symp- tom, though in some instances thought favourable of by Van Sweiten, who relates the case of a person laboring under this disease, who was cured by living upon vegetables only. In diseases of the liver, proceeding from inflammation, large and repeated bleedings from the arm, or the region of the liver itself, by the application of leeches, will be always found useful. To this may be added the topical application of emollient lini- ments and fomentations. Internally small doses of calomel, so as not to excite [ 93 ] excite ptylism, combined with opium and rhubarb, will be highly beneficial, and it forms the common mode of practice pursued in those countries where hepatic diseases are most fre- quent. Here likewise the Nervous Cordial will be highly advantageous, as will be found by perusing the case below. CASE. I return you my sincere thanks for the cure I have re- ceived. I have been afflicted with an inflammation of the liver for three years, was always in pain and misery, and my face was as yellow as saffron; I applied to many eminent physicians, but all to no purpose ; by taking your Nervous Cordial, (you told me the nature of my case) and informed me I had the stone in the gall, which proved a fact ; by taking medicines a week, I spit up stones as large as a small bean, of which I am now perfectly reco- vered, and am able to do my business the same as if nothing had ever ailed me. Witness my hand, WILLIAM CARVER, Blacksmith, St. Michael's Parish, Lewes. Witnesses, Richard Tobitt, Schoolmaster, Maidstone Kent ; and Thomas Whapham Cooper. CHAP [ 94 ] CHAP. XI. ASTHMA. THE Asthma is a disease of the lungs, and is divided into two species, the humoural, pituitous or moist, and the spasmodic, dry, nervous, or convulsive. Persons of a sanguine habit are most subject to it, or those with small vessels or strait chests. It generally occurs after the prime of life, but may take place at any age. It is generally preceded by a disinclination to motion, loss of appetite, oppression, flatulency at the stomach, and fre- quent eructations. The succeeding symptoms are the cheeks becoming red, eyes growing prominent, and such a sense of suffocation, that the patient can [ 95 ] can only breathe in an erect posture, and is scarely able to speak or expec- torate. A casual and slight difficulty of breathing is called a dispnœa ; when this disponœa, or difficulty of breath- ing is more habitual and confirmed, it is denominated asthma, and in its worst state an orthopnœa. The dis- ease is owing to a spasmodic constric- tion upon the lungs, and is without expectoration. The antispasmodics, as assafœtida, in large doses, with vola- tiles, and other stimulating medicines, in the fit, will be of service. After this paroxysm has ceased, decoction of bark, pure air, exercise, &c. will be necessary to prevent a return. If it is owing to a hydrops pectoris, nothing but the operation for the empyema, can relieve it. The Nervous Cordial, has, however, even in this case, but more [ 96 ] more particularly so in cases proceed- ing from other causes, proved advan- tageous, when given in a morning. New milk, and a small quantity of old rum, taken on first rising from bed, has been often recommended. Tar water will likewise, at times, succeed, and I have often witnessed its periodical returns completely pre- vented by the free use of the Peru- vian bark, though this is a medicine in general disrepute, in cases where respiration is in the least affected, and physcians are very scrupulous in the recommendation and use of it. CASES. [ 97 ] CASES. I am very certain that your reputation is already too well established in the opinion of the world, to require any attestation of mine ; but in justice to my own feelings, and for the sake of others, who may stand in need of relief, under similar atttacks on their con- sitution, I think it incumbent on me to state, that being afflicted with an asthmatic and nervous complaint, attended with a strong palpitation of the heart, which nearly deprived me of the power of breathing, and rendered the least exercise, especially in walking, ex- tremely painful to me ; I had recourse to your Resto- rative Nervous Cordial, which has not only given me freedom of respiration, but happily restored me to the blessings of health. JOHN DURANT. St. James's-street. SIR, I was afflicted with an asthma on my lungs, and a bilious complaint ; likewise the gravel and stone, and at last with a dropsy and the jaundice ; my body and legs were swelled amazingly, my face was as yellow as saffron, and my breath became so short, that I thought every succeeding moment would be my last. My re- lations and neighbours thought it was out of the power of man to do me service ; but by taking your Ner- VOL. I. H vou [ 98 ] vous Cordial five weeks, through the blessing of God, I am perfectly recovered. Therefore I think it not only my duty to acknowledge the service you have done me, but to inform the public, for the benefit of others who may labour under the same, or any disease similar to those from which I am happily restored. WILLIAM GILLINGHAM. Witness, Baisly Redhead, Gentleman Farmer, Wim- blington Toll-bar, near March, Cambridgeshire. Wimblington, October, 1783. CHAP. [ 99 ] CHAP. XII. THE DROPSY. A DROPSY is a præternatural collection of watry fluid, either received into the cavities of the body, collected between the duplicatures of some of the membranes, or stagnating in the cells of the membrana adiposa, it may be either partial or universal ; if general, it is in the cellular mem- brane and is called anasarca ; if par- tial, it is confined to some cavity of the body only ; if its seat is in the abdomen, it is called ascites ; if in any other part, it takes its name from its situation. The inner superfices or H 2 our [ 100 ] our parts have an exhalation of fluid, or lymph, which if not re-absorbed, is accumulated in too great quantities ; this may be occasioned by various and different causes, some of the chief of which seem to be as follows : First, from a relaxation of the solids, and dissolution of the fluids : Secondly, from a diseased state of the viscera from drinking : Thirdly, from any hindrance to the free transit of the blood from the arteries to the veins, whereby a rupture of the small lymp- phatic vessels will be produced, and their contents infused into the cavities they open into, and by stagnating and accumulating, they will dilate and distend them. A dropsy is fre- quently the consequence of a diseased liver, because, where the secretion of the bile is obstructed, the digestion will be weakened, the nutrition of the body, of course, lessened, the solids [ 101 ] solids thereby relaxed and debilitated, and the fluids, of course, greatly im- poverished ; or some have imagined it to proceed from re-absorbed bile attenuating and dissolving the crassa- mentum. A dropsy succeeds a long intermittent, from the laxity and debi- lity brought upon the whole animal system ; gravid women are subject to swelled legs from the pressure of the uterus on the iliac veins, whereby they are prevented from discharging their contents ; as fractured limbs are odematous from the pressure of the bandages. Asthmatic people who labour under ulcerations and infarc- tions of the lungs or viscera, from the blood not being well and duly elaborated in the lungs. The diffi- culty of breathing which attends an anasarca, is owing to the cellular membrane of the lungs being loaded with water, whereby their expansion H 3 is [102] is impeded; in ascites, it arises from the diaphragm being pressed upwards. The effects of a collection of water will be different according to the part affected. In a leucophlegmatic patient, the thighs, legs, and feet swell from the gravidation of the fluid downwards; in this case, the advan- tage, by small crucial incisions, is very apparent, the dyspnæa being frequently relieved immediately. By the pressure upon the lungs and diaphragm in a dropsy, respiration is greatly diminished. The urine is made but in small quantities, high coloured, and lixivial from the oil and salt not being pro- perly diluted, in time, the stagnate fluids, from their close confinement, become acrimonious, whence a flow fever, peripneumonia ulcers, gangrenes, bleeding at the nose, mortifications of the viscera, and, at length, death. The common cause of sudden death is [103] is suffocation by the fluids being determined to the lungs, wherefore we should never suffer our patient to lie horizontally, but in a posture be- tween sitting; and lying. The indications of cure are three: First, to investigate and remove the cause. Secondly, to evacuate the water. And Thirdly, to strengthen the habit, and prevent a future collection. By enquiring into the cause, we may be able to make a just prog- nostic, but we must: make it a rule never to hope for a cure where it is owing to dram drinking; for here the internal- organs are parboiled, and it would be as easy to unboil a piece of meat as to effect a cure. Syden- ham speaks highly of vomits, and as they discharge a large quantity of serum [104] serum from the mouth, sauces, and stomach, they seem likely to be of use; but Dr. Smith has seldom found them answer. In an encysted dropsy, nothing can be expected from them. Both they and cathartics should be given in free doses, according to the strength of the patient. As they act by their stimulus, occasioning a flow of humours to the parts, the more con- siderable their effect the greater advan- tage to be expected from them. Elaterium (as the doctor expresses it) works even to the finger's ends; it operates first by vomit, and afterwards by stool; from three to six gallons of water have been evacuated, where the constitution can bear it; no hydragogue equals it, both in the ascites and anasarca; scammony given in small doses, and encreased according to the strength of the patient, is fre- quently attended with success; it works [105] works gently, and has been of service where the elaterium has failed; diure- tics are of uncertain operation; the most efficacious are alkaline and neu- tral salts, cantharides, &c. (vid. formulæ) as by these the blood will be induced to part with its aqueous parts; small quantities of calomel, as a diuretic are much recommended. By joining stimulus to some diuretic, such as mustard, horse-radish, &c. the circu- lation will be greatly promoted. Salivation has proved efficacious, but this can be only tried in the ascites, in young persons where the constitu- tion is found, and all other methods have been attempted in vain. Another method is, by promoting perspiration; this is to be attempted by Dover's powder; the composition is as follow: ꝶ Opii Colat. ℥ss Sails Nitri Tart. Vitriol ana ℥ii Ipecac Glycirrh. aa ℥j m. Dose [106] Dose ʒss. ad. ʒi. ʒj contains grv. of opium. The ipecac and opium counteract each other; the former stimulates very powerfully, the latter allays very powerfully all sense of irritation. Ipecacuanha thus given, is taken into the circulation, and stimulates the small series of vessels; it never weak- ens, yet is always the most certain sudorific we have; v gr. of opium thus given, do not exert their sopo- rific qualities, so much as one grain by itself; if it does not promote per- spiration, it attacks the kidneys, and occasions a most copious discharge of urine, but like every other medi- cine in a dropsy, it must not be depended upon as infallible; it is to be found in Dover's Treatise on the Gout. Dr. Ward's sweat, which is opium and hellebore act, upon the same [107] same principle. The colchicum (meadow saffron) Dr. Smith has twice found useful. It acts by irritating the kidneys, and producing large quan- tities of water; it is also service- able as a pectoral in astmatic cases; it is given in the form of an oxymel, but does not occasion sickness as the squills. ꝶ. Coleychi ℥j Acet. ℔j. diger et colat. ad. Mell, Anglic. ℔ss. s. oxymel. The juice of artichoke-leaves given ℥ss ter die has been successful. Some have been cured by a resolute abstinence from all liquors, living only upon a toast dipped in brandy, laid upon the tongue, which promoted a flow of saliva, but few have resolu- tion equal to this. The reason the liver is more injured by spiritous li- quors [108] quors than any other viscus, from a portion of liquor being conveyed directly to it from the stomach, by the vasa brevia, besides what is car- ried there in common with the rest: of the viscera by the circulation. Emetics and cathartics, if they do not evacuate great quantities of water, ought not to be persisted in, as they only weaken the patient without any advantage. If we cannot procure a discharge by the natural outlets, we must make use of artificial ones, such as scarifica- tions, paracentesis, the empyema, and blisters. When scarifications are used, they should be crucial incisions of the size of an orifice, after bleeding, one on each side of the leg, or on the scro- tium, and made in this form; they give [109] give room to the descending fluids, continue open, cause but little pain to the patient, and are not liable to be- come gangrenous, which large incisions are very apt to do. Tapping is never useful where drinking is the cause, but often hastens death. In the dropsy of the ovary, it may be useful as a palliative. I once had a case where the navel burst, when the patient was very full, and remained open, whereby the water oozed out as fast as it collected, and she lived a number of years. I think it might succeed more frequently if it were used earlier, but by being postponed, the viscera become affected from the quantity of the extraneous fluid. Blisters, though they discharge the waters, are with great difficulty dis- poled to heal, and sometimes mortify, therefore are not always recommended: if they are applied, it must be to the VOL. I. I most [110] most depending part. The operation for the empyema is used when the water is collected in the cavity of the thorax; should we succeed by any of these methods in evacuating the water, we must endeavour to prevent a return, by bracing up the solids, and invigorating the fluids with the use of cordial bark, bitters, chaly- beates, &c. The tympanum is a distention of the belly by air, either lodged in the intestines, or cavity of the abdo- men. No fluctuation of the water can here be perceived, but the belly, on being struck, sounds hollow like a drum. A corrupted viscus is some- times the cause, or else its seat is in the colon, which may be known by the swelling frequently changing sides, and following the course of the gut. The cure is very difficult, as the tone of [111] of the parts is destroyed by the disten- sion, and consequent relaxation, gentle stomachics, cathartics, and clysters. The aromatic pill, with ginger, tea, and warm carminatives, will palliate, but a cure is seldom effected. I have sometimes tried bark clysters, but without much success. The paracen- tesis may palliate, but nothing further. Dr. Mead recommended cauteries and blisters to the abdomen, but I should imagine the above methods promise fairer. Dr. Hunter is diametrically oppo- site in opinion to Dr. Fothergill, who advises the operation to be made without waiting for any great disten- sion, as soon as there is a sufficient quantity of water collected to render it practicable. I2 Dr. [112] Dr. Baker supports the arguments advanced by Dr. Fothergill, and urges the necessity of an early operation. CASES. To W. BRODUM, M. D. No. 9, Albion-street, Blackfriar's-bridge, London. Sir, Next to God, my grateful thanks are due to you, for having, through your skill and advice, happily rescued me from the brink of the grave, to which I had been reduced by the Dropsy, which for a year swelled my legs and body in a manner that was not only truly alarming in itself but frightful to be seen. It was in vain that I sought relief from an eminent physician at Cambridge, and other gentlemen of the Faculty. My breath became very short, and my whole frame exceedingly weak, and every one despaired of my life; by taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, however, in a few months, I was enabled to walk, and to the surprize of all my friends I soon found myself [113] myself re-established in my health, which by the ble- ssing of Divine Providence, I have ever since fully enjoyed, without any return whatever of the dreadful complaint I laboured under. I can now attend to my business as well as ever, and I shall have a pleasure, in justice to you, and for the information of my fellow creatures, to communicate any farther paticulars that any one may require of me, or wish to know of the astonishing cure I have received from you. AMBROSE FROST. Witnesses, John Clement, John Frost, Swaffham, near Newmarket. I, THOMAS RYLEY, of Stanstead, in Essex, was- afflicted with the Dropsy for eighteen months, and was swelled all over my body and legs in a considerable manner, so that I could hardly fetch my breath. By taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial (to whom I am very thankful for his great skill) he made a perfect cure of me, so that I am able to walk like a young man who had never any ailment, though I am now between sixty and seventy years of age. Witness my hand, THOMAS RYLEY, Clerk of the Church, Stanstead Monnifichet, Essex, Witness, Silvanus Ward, Hat Manufacturer, at Bishop Stanford. I3 Mrs. JEWEL, [114] Mrs. JEWEL, Linen-draper, opposite the Royal Oak, Chatham, was afflicted six years with a complication of disorders, which baffled the skill of several persons in the profession; her body was swelled in a violent manner, so as to be called by some the dropsy, some a bilious complaint, &c. her legs were in the same situation as at the ancles to spread over the shoes at times; she was afraid, from an oppression in her breast, of being choaked for want of breath. In this con- dition her life became a burthen, being hopeless of any relief from medicine, but fortunately applying to Dr. Brodum, was perfectly recovered by his Nervous Cordial. Any person, questioning the authenticity, may, on application, or by letter (post-paid) receive any satis- faction. CHAP. [115] CHAP. XIII. THE GOUT. PHysicians have defined the Gout or Arthritis to be an inflammation in the joints. It is caused by intempe- rate living, and a want of that activity which would otherwise preserve the patient from those acute pains that are the inseparable companions of this disease, and sometimes originates from being too much addicted to wine, wo- men, gluttony; hence epicureans are seldom without this troublesome com- panion. Intense study, excessive per- turbation of mind, will likewise occa- sion the most violent paroxysms of this disease. Dr. [116] Dr. Hales has affirmed, that the gross tartarine gouty particles produce obstructions of an inflammatory nature, in the feet and hands, where the blood has the least circulation, from being farthest from the fountain of life, the heart. A redundancy of humours and weak- ness in the joints are certainly the primary causes of the Gout. The general seat of the disorder is in the limbs, when it seldom proves fatal; but when it occupies the main trunk, the worst of consequences may, with rea- son, be apprehended. The Gout is divided into two classes the regular and irregular. The regular Gout is when it is seated in the extre- mities of the body, and affects the tendons, nerves, membranes, ligaments, and joints, and the symptoms encrease and [117] and subside with alternate pain and pleasure to the patient. The irregular Gout is when the paroxysms occur at uncertain periods, when the symptoms vary, and the disease takes different positions in the human frame, as in the stomach, brain, &c. thereby threatening a speedy dis- solution. The opinion of different professors concerning the Gout, I here annex for the satisfaction of my readers. Dr. Stevens earnestly endeavours to prove, that the humours of the Gout are more of an acid than alkaline nature. Dr. Taceonus, in his experiments of the mucilage of the joints of both men and brutes, concluded that the humour was [118] was sometimes of the one and some- times of the other nature. Dr. Hunter thinks the offious matter is separated by minute arteries, and thrown upon the membranes, and that this separation is encreased or dimi- nished agreeably to the state of the vis vitæ. He farther observes, that the formation of chalk-stones is occasioned by the redundancy of offious matter that is produced in this disease. The Gout, if not hereditary, seldom attacks young men, women, or chil- dren, or indeed makes its appearance until the patient is nearly forty years of age, and sometimes not till the positive decline of life. Corpulent persons are the most subject to it. The pain en- creases with the approach of night, and diminishes at the return of day. The longer the interval the more se- vere [119] vere the paroxysm. This disease usually returns every spring and autumn. Sydenham, in his regimen for the Gout, advises the patient to take no more food than he can with ease di- gest, nor less than is positively necessary for the preservation of his spirits. The appetite will determine the qua- lity and quantity of food requisite, and that which the patient is most partial to is easiest of digestion. Mead is an un- exceptionable cordial. Although the Gout is ranked among incurable diseases, yet the Nervous Cordial has been prescribed with much relief to several patients who have been afflicted with it, and I can affirm that those who are inclined to make the desirable experi- ment will find it a most admirable as- suager of those intense pains that are the inseparable concomitants of this disease. [120] disease. Pitcairn and Etmuller recom- mend emetics as singularly serviceable. Bleeding is requisite for those who are of a plethoric habit of body, or leeches applied to the hæmorrhoidal veins, and cupping is extremely proper for others of a moist habit. Astringent, cooling, and saturnine applications applied externally, afford a temporary relief, but producing a contraction of the parts are so danger- ous as often to be attended with the most fatal effects; thirty or forty drops of laudanum, if taken at bed-time, will relieve the pain, encrease the perspi- ration, and advance the crisis of this disease. Astringent preparations from steel remove excretions, and too fre- quently produce dropsies. Camphorated spirit of wine, and bags of dry ingre- dients sprinkled with it, are proper in all stages of the disease, and may be used [121] used by persons of every species of constitution. Galbanum and camphor formed into a cerate are likewise ex- tremely efficacious, if applied in the height of the paroxysm, after bleeding; as is the soap plaister, where there is a large portion of camphor. The feet should never be washed with warm water before the com- mencement of the fit, as it greatly en- hances the pain, nor ever neglected afterwards, as then it is really of essen- tial service. Perspiration ought always to be promoted largely, for which pur- pose the part affected should be care- fully wrapt in wool, fur, or flannel of the softest texture. The inhabitants of Lancashire and other parts of Eng- land deem wool an infallible specific, and having carded and combed it with the greatest care, apply a considerable quantity to the part affected, which VOL. I. K they [122] they fasten, on with a skin of the softest dressed leather, nor remove it until the pain is gone. Gouty patients should reside in a warm and dry air, and daily take as much exercise as from the nature of their situation they are able to bear. After the fit, frictions with coarse flan- nel, or the flesh-brush, and well regu- lated labour, will, by occasioning per- spiration, facilitate the termination of the disease. As the Gout may be re- moved by the patient being disturbed in the fit to the most dangerous parts of the frame, the greatest care should be taken to give to his mind that serenity which can alone enable him to bear this severe affliction with proper fortitude. The Gout being an effort of nature to free herself from an of- fending cause, ought not to be re- strained by any repellent applications. When [123] When it is seated in the head or lungs, every effort should be used to remove it to the feet. They should be bathed in warm water, acrid cata- plasms placed to the soles, blistering plaisters to the ancles and calves of the legs, warm stomachic purges should be given to the patient, who should like- wise undergo the operation of bleeding in the feet. When the Gout is in the stomach, the warmest cordials should be pre- scribed to remove the attendant cold. Patients should go to rest exceedingly early, but need not be exact in respect to their hour of rising. The body should always be kept in a regular de- gree of heat, as the best mode of assist- ing perspiration. Universal temperance and proper ex- ercise are the best preventives of the K2 Gout [124] Gout, the former to be observed with- out intermission at every meal, and the latter directed by that degree of useful labour, which is so great a sweetener of life, and promoter of health, and to which, persons who are in the habit of taking it, always return with fresh pleasure. A regular course of living, light and easy suppers, a proper and unvaried division of hours for rest and labour, and above all, abstraction from that intensity of thought, which is generally productive, in the end, of the worst of effects. These are the best precautions that can be given to prevent the intrusion of that fatal enemy to mankind, the Gout. CHAP. [125] CHAP. XIV. THE RHEUMATISM. THIS disorder is divided into two classes; when attended with a fever, it is called the acute, and when there is no fever, it is termed the chronical rheumatism. The ancients denominated all pains in the external parts or joints, by the appellation of arthritis, but some cele- brated French physicians, about a cen- tury since distinguished all disorders in the tendinous and nervous ligament, by the name of Rheumatism. K3 The [126] The cellular membrane is the im- mediate seat of this disorder, without variation, let it affect whatever part of the human body it may, or be the species of the disorder ever so various or changeable. Persons in the prime of life, and those of an active disposition, are par- ticularly liable to be attacked by this complaint, which is exceedingly preva- lent in cold damp marshy countries. The Rheumatism is totally different from the Gout, the former being the companion of those peasants who are, from their extreme poverty, indifferent- ly cloathed, reside in huts that admit the inclemency of the weather, and subsist upon that coarse unwholesome food, which, from its affording little or no nourishment, is difficult of di- gestion. The latter, on the contrary, attends the opulent, who are visited by it through [127] through their highness in regard to living, and inactivity in respect to exercise. The Acute Rheumatism is occasioned by whatever may tend to produce an inflammation. The Chronic by an ir- ritating acrimony occurring in the juices of the parts where it first makes its attacks. The Acute or Inflammatory Rheu- matism is attended with pains in the joints that prevent the motion of the limbs. On the pain becoming fixed, the fever abates, but it frequently con- tinues many days, always encreasing in the evening. The pain generally varies to different parts of the human frame, as from the knee to the foot, from thence to the hips, &c. The seats of pain are generally the feet, ancles, knees, hips, loins, nape of the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades, elbows, wrists, &c. which clearly evinces that it is a complaint of the joints. The [128] The parts affected are so tender, that the patient complains of the least motion, and those most severe are usually the neck, the loins, and the hips. The Acute Rheumatism seldom con- tinues violent above fourteen days, though a weakness and swelling in the parts may remain many months, espe- cially if the complaint attacks the patient in autumn. The lassitude that frequently follows the pain will not leave the patient until an eruption ap- pears on the skin. The Chronic Rheumatism is known by the long duration of the pain, and by the little alteration that appears in the affected parts. The sciatica is when the pain centers in the hip, and extends down the thigh. This species of Rheumatism is attended with excruciating agony. The [129] The Scorbutic Rheumatism derives its name from appearances of a scor- butic nature, attending tbe other symptoms. The Rheumatic Lumbago is when the pain settles on the lungs, reaching to the os sacrum, and attended with nephritic symptoms. In this stage of the complaint, the patient is forced to keep his body in a recumbent posture, perpetually leaning forward. This atti- tude is doubtless extremely wearisome to the patient, but must not be dispensed with on any account whatever. Thus as the loins are the seat of the disorder, the nicest care is requisite to distinguish it from an abscess, an inflammation in the ureter, the gravel and stone in the kidnies. The Rheumatism in the muscles of the belly should likewise be known from the cholic. There [130] There is little danger when the pain is in the external parts, but very great when it affects the internal organs. An inflammation frequently occurs when it is situated in the stomach or bowels, a suffocation when the lungs are af- fected, and a delirium from it terminat- ing in the brain. Dr. Rutherford has observed, that the parts affected with the Rheumatism never perspire, and that if they can be brought to sweat, nothing is so cer- tain an indication of a cure. A free per- spiration generally produces a turbid and copious discharge of urine. The excellence of these observations are elucidated by an obstructed perspiration and inflammatory diseases, being two of the principal causes of the Acute Rheu- matism. By adopting the Botanical Syrup, the fever will be reduced, the pulse abated. so [131] so as to indicate a return to health, the pain relieved in a considerable degree, and by being assisted with the operation of bleeding, a happy convalescence be the consequence. Attenuants and dilu- ents have often been administered to the patient's great advantage. Bleeding to weakly patients is productive of more harm than good, as it generally intro- duces other disorders that are not easily eradicated from the constitution. When they are attacked with the Acute Rheu- matism, their best relief is by taking the above recipe, assisted by a cooling and nourishing diet. Whey, in these instances, is remark- ably wholesome. Bleeding is efficacious where there is a violent fever, and the pain affects the breath, and wanders from the extremities to the internal parts. When the head is affected, a laxative clyster may be repeated night and [132] and morning, or every other day a cooling purge. Purging is the best eva- cuant for constitutions that are more serous than sanguine. In Inflammatory Rheumatisms, nitre dissolved in the patient's drink, and taken in such quantities as the stomach can bear, is singularly serviceable. Opiates will fail of their intended effect, unless preparatory to the admi- nistering of them, bleeding is per- formed, and proper purges given to the patient. Preparations from antimony may be used between every dose of the Botanical Syrup, as above directed. Bark, in old Chronic Rheumatism, is a sovereign remedy, and when the Acute Rheumatism proves intermittent, the same may be prescribed. When a copious sediment is deposited in the urine, and plentiful sweets are produced, the bark will facilitate the cure. Warm [133] Warm bathing producing proper evacuations, has often an excellent effect, but particular care should be observed that the patient does not take cold in these necessary immersions. The white mustard, water trefoil, ground ivy, camomile, and several plants that are reared in this country, have, from the genial warmth of their nature, and other sanative qualifications, been prescribed in this disorder, with the greatest success. They may be infused and taken in wine, ale, or tea, and should be continued with perseverance, the want of which is the grand cause that a cure is so seldom effected in chronic complaints. Notwithstanding the medicines I have prescribed have been attended with the greatest success, yet, this success would have been greatly encreased had all VOL. I. L the [134] the patients who have placed them- selves under my care had resolution to persevere in invariably attending to my advice. The volatile tincture of gum guaicum may be given from ʒij to ℥ss twice a day, in any thing that the patient drinks; if it passes off too freely by stool, add a few drops of the tinct. thebaica to each dose. Salt-water bathing often relieves the Rheumatism. Issues are indispensably necessary in chronic cases, but should be made in a part regulated by the seat of the disease. The issues should be made in the arm when the pain affects the shoulders, and in the leg or thigh when it affects the loins. Dr. Cullen observes, that blisters seldom fail of producing the desired effect, [135] effect, if applied to the part affected before the swelling makes its apperance. In Chronic Rhenmatisms their efficacy is wonderful. The cure being accomplished, the cold bath prevents a return, and the patient's strehgth is considerably re- cruited by the applications of chaly- beates, aromatics, and bitters. Chronic Rheumatisms should be rub- bed daily with a flannel cloth, thus lessening by friction the intensity of the pain, which blisters and issues in the inside of the lower part of the thigh will likewise alleviate. A decoction of the rad seneka, which is a specific, and the tinct. guaiac. vol. in large doses, are of singular efficacy. L2 When [136] When rheumatic disorders are at- tended with a scorbutic habit, the pa- tient should drink freely of, and often bathe in the sulphureous water at Harrogate. CASES. PORTSMOUTH. I, JOSEPH CHAFMAN, was afflicted with the gout, and many other disorders, for five years, which obliged me to go on crutches, I had all possible advice from the faculty at Portsmouth, but found it all to no purpose. I was advised to go to London, where I had the most skilful and eminent advice, but never received the least relief till, through the mercy of God, Dr. Brodum came to Portsmouth, and when he saw me he told me not to make myself uneasy, that he would try to the utmost of his skill to restore me to my health, which he did perfectly, In the space of three months, by his Restorative Nervous Cordial. l am now able to walk twenty miles a day, if necessity requires. The above can be attested by all my neighbours if enquired into. Witness my own hand. No. 2, Cloak-lane, Portsea. JOSEPH CHAFMAN. Witness, John King, Quarter-master of his Majesty's Yard, Portsmouth. I, HARRY [137] I, HARRY BIRCH, was afflicted with the Rheumatism, and applied to many of the faculty to no purpose; by applying to the Doctor I am perfectly cured. Witness my hand, HARRY BIRCH. Singleton, near Chichester, Sussex, November 9, 1791. To Dr. BRODUM, No. 9, Albion Street, Black Friar's. Sir, Having been grievously afflicted with a Rheumatic Complaint, for upwards of seven years, which at last fell into my knee, and produced a swelling, which often ren- dered me incapable of walking, and totally destroyed my rest in the night; but by taking your Restorative Nervous Cordial one month, am quite relieved from my pain. I remain, Sir, with gratitude, Your obedient servant. Wm. Preston. Witness—Matthew Rose, Joiner, Kelham, Kelham, March 28, 1793. L3 CHAP. [138] CHAP. XV. THE PALSY. THE palsy or paralysis is a disease in which the patient loses much of the sensation, and often the motion of his body or limbs. The palsy is caused by an impeded influx of the nervous spirits into the villi of the muscles, which arises from some defect in the brain, or the nerves- proceeding from thence. Frequent intoxication, wounds of the brain, or spinal marrow, extreme pres- sure on the nerves, cold or damp air, suppression of customary evacuations, sudden [139] sudden fear, not taking proper exer- cise, drinking tea or coffee to excess, and, in fact, every tiling that relaxes the system, is, in different patients, a cause of this complaint. The palsy is complete when there is a privation of motion and sensa- tion; and incomplete, when the one is destroyed and the other remains unimpaired. The danger of this disorder is known by the importance of the part affected. A palsy of the heart, lungs, or any of the vital parts, is inevitably mortal. Of the stomach, intestines, and bladder, highly dange- rous: as likewise in the face, it then evidently proceeding immediately from the brain. When the judgment and memory begin to fail, or the part affected is cold, loses all sensation, or wastes [140] wastes away, it is inconsistent to the last degree to flatter the patient with the expectation of a cure. Hoffman divides Palsies into serous and sanguineous. The serous kind is often cured by hot bathing, vigorous exercise, or an artificial fever produced by medicines of a volatile, aromatic, and acrid nature. The sanguineous kind being gene- rally accompanied with febrile motions, these remedies ought not to be applied. The Palsy is either universal, late- ral, or partial. The universal Palsy is a general immobility of all the muscles, except those of the head. Etmuller [141] Etmuller imagines it consists in a relaxation of the membranes and ligaments, but the paraplegia is merely an obstruction of the nerves, and gene- rally follows an apoplexy, scorbutus, carus, or arthritis. The lateral Palsy or hemiplegia affects only one side of the body, though it originates from the same cause. Mr. Boyle describes one of these Palsies, occasioned by a small splinter of a bone, pressing on the dura mater, when in less than five hours after the extraction, the patient was able to move his finger, and in two or three days, to lift his arm, which although reduced to skin and bone, soon reco- vered it's proper size. The partial Palsy is where the mo- tion of the leg, arm, or any particu- lar part or member is alone destroyed. Quincy [142] Quincy observes, that even where the motion is entirely destroyed, sen- sation may be produced by the four following means. By humidity, increasing the sensi- bility of the muscular fibres. By cold application, thickening the juices. By external compression. By heated applications, strengthen- ing the injured membranes and vessels. The Palsy must be treated in a similar manner to the sanguine apo- plexy, if the patient be young and of a full habit, then bleeding, blistering, sharp clysters and purgative medicines should be alternately administered. But when it proceeds from relaxation or [143] or debility, as is generally the case in persons who are advanced in years, a course should be pursued exactly opposite. The diet should be warm and attenuating, chiefly composed of spicy and aromatic vegetables, as horse- radish, mustard, &c. the drink gene- rous, wine, mustard whey, or brandy and water. Friction should be admi- nistered to the parts affected with a warm hand or flesh brush. Blister- ing plasters may be used with advan- tage, as may the nervous ointment of the Edinburgh Dispensary, or any volatile liniment. Electricity is an excellent external application, the shocks of which should be directed to the part affected, and the repetition continued daily for seve- nd weeks. Emetics should often be given, and any thing is of great ser- vice that can make the patient sneeze. When [144] When the tongue is affected, the mouth should be repeatedly gargled with brandy or mustard, or the patient may hold a piece of sugar in his mouth, wet with the compound spirits of lavender. The wild valerian root should be taken either in an infusion of sage leaves, or half a dram three times a day in a glass of wine. If the pa- tient's stomach cannot bear the nau- sea of this medicine, he may take half an ounce of each of the follow- ing ingredients: sal volatile oleosum, compound spirits of lavender, and tincture of caster, which should be well incorporated together, and forty or fifty drops administered three or four times a day. Mustard-seed cin- namon, and bark-ginger, are of great utility. Cold air is extremly inju- rious, and exercise extremely service- able. Dr. [145] Dr. Cheyne asserts, that if patients can confine themselves to a cow's milk diet, a radical cure will be the consequence. In the Philosophical Transactions many singular cures of this terrible disease are quoted, when of a perio- dical nature. The German Ephemerides instances a young man who was afflicted with a paralytic complaint, who had the gift of speech only one hour out of the four and twenty, and that between twelve and one at noon every day, his taciturnity commencing between one and two, with little or no varia- tion. The affliction continued on him twelve years. The Philosophical Transactions par- ticularise the case of a ruddy, san- VOL. I. M guine [146] guine young woman, who, through a violent stroke of the Palsy, lost the use of her voice and legs. Medici- nal assistance at first restored them, but the power of the complaint re- turned with greater force, and these dreadful symptoms appeared on the Tuesday of every week, and left her on the ensuing Friday, with only two variations in the course of the first year. But through a laudable perse- verance, which every person in such a situation should adhere to, she con- tinued in a course of proper medicine for a considerable space of time, until her fits continued only a day and a half, commencing on Tuesday morning, and retiring on Wednesday afternoon. A few months longer continuing this practice perfectly restored her. The natives of the East Indies are afflicted with a species of Palsy called Beri- [147] Beriberie, which signifies a sheep in the Indian language, which visits them in such a manner, as to oblige them to thrust out their knees, and lift up their legs, so that they exactly resemble the gait of that animal. The first symptoms of this disease are manifestly perceptible. A lassi- tude pervades the frame. The motion of the hands and feet become vitiated and depraved, and that sort of titil- lation is experienced, which we feel when we immerge our fingers and toes in cold water. The voice is generally so much injured, as to affect the articulation. Bontius was so afflicted with this distemper in the East Indies, that for a whole month he could not, without the most extreme difficulty, hear the conversation of the person who sat in the next chair to him. M2 the [148] The cure of this complaint is ge- nerally very tedious, and although in many cases not mortal, yet death is too often the necessary consequence. The patient should on no consider- ation confine himself to his bed, but use all sorts of exercise, and apply strong and smart frictions, at which the Bengal servants are extremely dexterous and expert. There are many articles that have afforded temporary relief in this com- plaint, but none that have been at- tended with such remarkable success in every stage as the Nervous Cordial, which by its searching and sanative quality immediately attacks successfuly this dire affliction, nor ceases its friendly influence, until it has overcome its antagonist. CASES. [149] CASES. JOHN STANFORD, of Bilting, in the parish of God- mansham, near Wye, was, for three years, afflicted with a violent Scorbutic disorder, and at last had a stroke of a Dead Palsy, the greater part of which time he was unable to walk without the help of crutches; but seeing the nu- merous cures effected by Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup and Nervous Cordial, was resolved to have recourse to the same, after making a few trials of the medicine, which I received from Messrs. Symonds and Kirby, Canterbury, found great benefit—he his now, by having persevered in those admirable remedies, perfectly restored to the use of his limbs, to the great blessing of his parents. This will be attested by Mr. Symonds, at whose house the medicine was bought. The Son of THOMAS SHAVE lost the use of his limbs; by taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, he was cured in a short time, so that he is able to walk. Witness, Thomas Shave, his father, at R. Vernon's Esq; Newmarket; Thomas Simons, Farrier. Newmarket, Jan. 4, 1791. M3 I, THO- [150] I, THOMAS CATER, was afflicted for a long time, and lost the life of my limbs, so that I could not move or stir; I tried many of the faculty, without relief. By taking Dr. Brodum's Restorative Nervous Cordial, I was cured in a short time, which all my neighbours can testify, and am now able to walk 12 miles a day, and am as well as ever. Witnesses, Mr. John Kelsey, Bull Inn, Stanford, near Ware, in Hertfordshire, and Mr. W, Pyphars, Mill- wright, High-Cross, near Ware. TO W. BRODUM, M. D. F. R. H. S. Mansfield, March 14, 1793. I, WILLIAM GOODALL, of Mansfield Woodhouse, do declare, that next to God my grateful thanks are due to you, for having, through your skill and advice, been happily rescued from the brink of the grave, to which I have been reduced, aud deprived of the use of my limbs, through a dead stroke of the palsy. I could not put my hand to my legs, and was obliged to use crutches; but by taking a few bottles of your Restorative Nervous Cordial three times a week, am quite restored, and walk without the least assistance. WM. GOODALL. Witnesses, Peter Shepperd, bookseller, and Edmund Titterton, at the Crown, Mansfield; Samuel Turner, of Norton, near Worksop; and Mr. Gregory, Master Builder, Nottingham. Ano- [151] Another proof of the efficacy of Dr. Brodum's Nervous Cordial. A poor man at Taunton, who had a palsy to such a violent degree, that he had not the least sense of feeling in his arms; was perfectly recovered by taking Dr. Brodum's Nervous Medincine, and is able to attend his work as usual. It is now six years since, and he has had no relapse. We authenticate this for the merit of Dr. Brodum, as witness our hands. JAMES FOY, Goldsmith, ROBERT JOHN FOY, Taunton, JAMES BAILEY, Tallow-chandler, St. Sidwell's, Exeter. Taunton, July 23, 1796. CHAP. [152] CHAP. XVI. ON MENSTRUATION. WOMEN, by the laws of nature, are subject to a monthly dis- charge of blood from the uterus and vagina. This discharge usually ap- pears about the fourteenth or fifteenth year of age, but the time varies accord- ing to the constitution of the female. Upon an average, it generally ceases spontaneously at forty-five years of age, at which time, women are no longer capable of conception. I have known instances of this dis- charge appearing regularly at the age of eleven years, but in such cases it generally [153] generally ceases as early as the thirty- eighth or fortieth year. The later they appear, the later the prolongation. The common quantity of discharge from a healthy woman may be from two to four or five oz. upon an ave- rage. It continues from two or three to five days. In some it returns rather before the expiration of twenty-eight days. In others not till five or six weeks have intervened, who, never- theless, continue in a state of regular health. Some, again, who have a great redundancy, or plethora, cannot pass more than ten or twelve days without the renewal of this appearance. The cause of such a discharge is not clearly ascertained. Dr. Smith supposes it to proceed from a particular plethora, but to account for this plethora we know not very satisfactorily. Probably it may be rather owing to a particular stimnlus, analogous to that which excites the brute creation to venery. In [154] In all chronic disorders of young women, it becomes the physician to attend to the state of the Menstruation, and to make it his object in the indica- tion of cure, to promote it when sup- pressed; which, if he can effect, the patient will soon recover of every other complaint; but if, according to the opinion of the late Dr. Smith and John Hunter, this suppression is more frequently a consequence than a cause of any other disease, then ought we to attend to the concomitant disease as well, for where such disease, as a general relaxation of the system, for instance, is attendant, till we have corrected that, all our stimulants are vain, and will prove abortive. CHAP. [155] CHAP. XVII. THE CHLOROSIS, OR GREEN SICKNESS. THIS is an obstruction in the womb-vessels of young females, under or about the time of menstrua- tion. It is attended with a viscidity of all the juices, a sallow, pale, or greenish colour of the face, a difficulty of breath- ing, a sickness in the stomach at the sight of proper food, and an unnatural desire of feeding on such things as are accounted hurtful, and unfit for nou- rishment. It is also called by physicians the white fever, or virgins's disease, and the white jaundice. It [156] It appears, at times, to proceed from an alteration of the fluids, about the time that the menses first begin to flow, or from the inaptitude of the vessels to perform those discharges which nature then calls for. It may also proceed from an obstruction in the bowels, or a sluggish languid motion of the blood, whether natural or ac- quired by ease, indulgence, or want of exercise; and this latter, no doubt, is the case when the disease happens to very young girls, who are not capable of suffering an hysteric disorder. Fi- nally, it may proceed from a longing desire after the enjoyment of some particular person; or, in general, from a violent inclination to exchange a single life for the state of matrimony. This disease sometimes, though not frequently, happens to children about eight or nine years of age, but the most [157} most usual time is thirteen or fourteen, when it generally continues till the terms appear. It is known, as before observed, by the paleness, green or leaden colour apparent in the counte- nance. The face in some persons is swelled, especially about the eye-lids, and after sleep. The thighs, feet, and ancles swell towards night; espe- cially when the disorder proceeds from obstructions; the whole body being then lax and soft. An universal dulness pervades the system, and total disincli- nation to exercise; the patient com- plains of a pressure or weight, chiefly about the loins, and the extremities of the body. Upon any brisk motion, the consequence is, a difficulty of breath- ing, and the tension and quick pulsa- tion of the arteries in the temples, which seem to beat with great violence; also a heavy, and frequently a lasting pain in the head, and sometimes a pal- VOL. I. N pitation [158] pitation of the heart. The pulse, generally speaking, is quick and low, attended with a small degree of fever, and a loss of the natural appetite, but chalk, coals, stones, clay, tobacco-pipes, and such minerals that in their nature, are pernicious, ought to be removed as much as possible out of the patient's way, for she generally has more incli- nation to those, than to a proper diet. The green sickness is seldom dan- gerous, though it often proves of long continuance; but when very violent, and too much neglected, proceeding from a suppression of the monthly courses and attended with the whites, it may, in time, bring on weaknesses, hard swellings, and barrenness. When it happens sometimes before the menses ought to appear, and they break forth without obstruction, it is usually cured by this circumstance, without other meansures. [159] meansures. If the whites appear after the green sickness has been long fixed, it is held to be a bad sign; if before, and it happens upon the stoppage of the menstrual flux, it often proves critical; if the courses flow regularly during the distemper, it is accounted a good symp- tom, and there is no danger. To forward a cure, the patient ought to be placed in a thin and clear air, to drink tea, barley-water, and other atte- nuating liquors warm, and made agree- able to the patient's palate. Her food should be nourishing, but easy of diges- tion, and not such as may inflame. Moderate exercise every day, such as walking, riding, stirring about the house, is highly serviceable, notwith- standing the difficulty and uneasiness that attends it, and the great antipathy of the patient to any kind of motion. N2 Sleep [160] Sleep ought to be moderate, and taken at a due distance from meals, not till an hour at least after supper. All pas- sions of the mind, especially those of melancholy and despair, are highly prejudicial; if the disease, therefore, be found to proceed from a settled incli- nation to marriage, the parents of the patient would evince their prudence by providing a suitable match, as the most effectual cure; or, if the desire be after a particular person, to let her have him, provided they have no for- cible reason to disapprove of her choice. But if matrimony be not judged con- venient for her, either on account of youth, or for any other reason, they must then have recourse to medical remedies, according to the following directions. If the patient be in the smallest de- gree phlethoric, that is, if her veins be well [162] well stored with blood, bleeding will be highly proper to begin the cure; and this is to be succeeded by proper purga- tives, mixed with calomel. If the menses are considerably ob- structed, or the time of their first ap- pearance Teems at hand, the purges ought to be pretty strong, and given about the expected time of ther erup- tion, or of their monthly returns. As to the precise quantity of the dose, all circumstances being considered, a pru- dent practitioner, and, in some cases, the mother alone will be able to regu- late it from the common appearances. In some cases, especially when the patient is very young, a vomit is often- successful, being exhibited before pur- gation. Those cathartics that are either mixed with alterative medicines, or given in such quantities as to make them act as alterants, or lie a consider- N3 able [162] able time in the body before they ope- rate, are usually very efficacious; and in weakly constitutions, preferable to other purgatives. The following forms are very good: ALTERATIVE PIllS. Take Ruffus's pill, fifteen grains; salt of steel, five grains; oil of camomile, one drop; make three pills, which will form one dose. These should be taken on going to bed, drinking after them a draught of white wine, and continu- ing the same course ten or twelve days. Or, Take castor, saffron, myrrh, all in powder, of each one drachm; salt of steel, two scruples; best aloes, pow- dered, one drachm; oil of cinnamon, six drops; syrup of orange-peel, a suffi- cient [163] cient quantity. Make twelve pills out of every drachm, of which let five be taken for a dose every night, drinking after them water of penny royal, a quarter of a pint. These are excellent to warm and comfort the nerves, thin the blood and juices, and cause them to circulate freely. They must be con- tinued as the others, for ten or twelve days. And, indeed, all cathartics of this nature, that are intended to make an alteration in the whole animal system, which is often necessary in these cases, must have much more time to operate than those which are intended only to purge the intestines. The same direc- tions therefore must be observed in tak- ing the following tinctures, which may- be substituted in the room of the pills, where the latter are injurious, or cannot be swallowed. ALTERA- [164] ALTERATIVE TINCTURES. Take tincture of aloes, half an ounce; compound spirit of lavender and tincture of castor, of each half a drachm, mix for a single dose. Or, Take compound tincture of aloes, and tincture of steel, of each two drachms, mix for drops, let the patient take thirty at a time in a glass of wine. After purging a due time, either with the pills or tinctures, the patient must have recourse to other methods. If her complexion be so very tender, that she cannot bear purging for ten or twelve days together, she may omit it every third, or every other day, as the case requires, and take on the intermediate time, [165] time, pills formed from a due propor- tion of prepared steel, and extract of gentian. But when there is a good constitution, and the case happens to be stubborn, the purgatives may be continued to sixteen or eighteen doses, observing towards the end of the course to purge, and take the other remedies alternately. When the purging is quite over, the Nervous Cordial may be administered with great benefit. It sometimes happens that women labour under a disorder extremely similar to the green sickness, and yet with many symptoms not different from the yellow jaundice. This dis- order proceeds from too great a quan- tity of bilious matter in the blood, which exhibits a yellow colour over the surface of the body. It is seldom mortal, or any more than the com- mon [166] mon green sickness, unless extremely neglected. German spa-water is ser- viceable here. Water-gruel, with white wine whey, and the same methods as before recommended. When the green sickness is stubborn, it is requisite to have recourse to the cold bath, and to the use of mineral waters; or an infusion may be made in lime water, with guiacum, sassa- fras, gentian root, and orange-peel dried, winter bark, and camomile flowers, to which add tincture of steel, a sufficient quantity in propor- tion to the other ingredients; or infuse filings of steel in a decoction of woods and roots. This may be drank instead of the chalybeate waters, and will frequently answer the same pur- pose. Decoctions, or other prepara- tions of the Jesuit's Bark, with steel wine, and tinctures of black helle- bore [167] bore and cinnamon, being continued a considerable time, are also very effectual in lax constitutions, and where the juices are viscid. But when the green sickness is attended with the whites, it must be treated with regard thereto; and the Ner- vous Cordial should here undoubtedly be introduced and continued till a salutary effect is produced. A Chlorosis, singularly astonishing, has lately come under my direction. A lady of family at the early age of sixteen, was the object of the malady; during that juvenile period, her monthly discharges were entirely under the direction of the disease, and, in proportion to its virulence, it acted on the system. The attendant consequences were, an entire subversion of the order of nature by the stagna- tion [168] tion of her courses, and pains the most excruciating in the loins, &c. turgidity and every natural disorder which a retention must occasion in the womb, attended with a strong judication of catamenia, though not apparent to the eye. Her appetite was strangely perverted; substances as charcoal, chalk, wax, tobacco- pipes, &c. were continually the ob- jects. One cause from which it may have arose, is her affections engrossed on a young man, near her residence, whose situation was by no means adapted to family views. The attachment being discovered, confinement was the consequence; the variation from free exercise to seden- tary employment and mental agita- tion, rendered her subject to the dreadful train of nervous disorders. Her constitution thus totally subverted, the [169] the vital organs were the objects that suffered. The progress was so very rapid that the day following produced a violent fever, attended with loss of appetite, and total depri- vation of speech. Physicians of the first respectability attended, but the dangerous symptoms encreasing, their utmost skill was baffled, and the wretched patient was pronounced past recovery. I attended under these distressing circumstances, and, on an examina- tion of the patient, found the pulse had nearly subsided. The action of the heart and lungs was hardly per- ceptible. Though the eyes were sunk and fixed, yet they retained a great expression of sentiment. Blisters were administered indiscriminately. The blood was so far exhausted, that scarce enough remained to support the action of the heart. VOL. I. O Such [170] Such was her situation when I began administering my Nervous Cor- dial, at periods not exceeding an hour and a half, the quantity each time not exceeding too table spoons full. Three hours after, I experienced the happiness of perceiving a revolving flow of the blood, the pulse resumed its powers, and the lungs dilated. Respiration became free, accompanied by a profuse perspiration, which ori- ginated from the Cordial, and in con- sequence, the patient evinced signs of ease and sensibily. The blisters I ordered to be immediately removed, and warm nourishment taken in small quantities, though the patient, it must be evident, was to the last degree enervated. She did not experience either torture or pain in the removal of the blisters. The Nervous Cor- dial she took fourteen days, the quantity a table spoonful, in a glass of [171] of red wine, three times a day, and sometimes in the night, when watch- fulness came on. On the eighth day she began to articulate, though a suspension had continued seven weeks. The eleventh day her voice was re- stored, and judging it not prudent to continue, a lapse of six days I allowed for rest, free from medicine. This method proved agreeable to my most sanguine expectation, for nature and proper food affected more than a con- tinuance of medicine. In three weeks she could bear the fatigue of gentle airings in the carriage; that and the calmness of mind she experienced, promoted a rapid recovery; another month produced an astonishing altera- tion, and, on the appearance of the new moon, the menses resumed heir natural powers and the patient's entire relief instantaneously. O2 CHAP. [172] CHAP. XVIII. THE SCURVY. THIS chronical disease is called A by the ancients Stomacere Scele- tyrbe, and Hippocrates in his book De Intern. AfFect. has ranked it under the class of his diseases of the spleen. It is separated into two orders, the one arising from a feverish heat, and the other from the patient's being confined to salt provisions during the course of a long voyage at sea. The putrescent scurvy is evidently caused by whatever lessens the vis vitæ, too [173] too little or improper food, living in marshy lands, imbibing a damp air, depressive passions, as grief, fear, &c. a too long continued use of mercury, a neglect to clean properly those cop- per vessels that have been appropriated for boiling animal diet. Lord Anson's expedition to the South Seas, shewed what a cruel ene- my this distemper is to sailors. That enterprising commander then lost one third of his men. The blood in this complaint becomes so putrid, that in- stead of its natural red colour, it re- sembles a dark muddy puddle. The symptoms by which this com- plaint is known, are a pale or yel- lowish complexion, a dejection of spirits, a weakness in the knees and legs, an itching, swelling, and fre- quent bleeding in the gums. Dr. O3 Lindoe [174] Lindoe seems to think that this change is the pathognomonic symp- tom of disease. The lungs swell and are œdematous, and a dyspnæa ensues for want of their accustomed elasti- city, which prevents their repelling the blood as fast as it is received from the heart. Ulcers that have been healed break out again at the commencement of this complaint, the edges are livid, with fungous excres- cences that are seldom to be restrained by any method that can possibly be devised, indurated tumours appear on the legs, with faintings, and often sudden death. This disorder is occasioned by re- siding in a cold damp atmosphere, which causes the afflicted to absorb and imbibe damp particles of air, producing a relaxation of the solids, and a putrefaction of the fluids. The diffe- [175] different state of health which those officers and men enjoy on board a ship, whose excellent food, good rai- ment, and comfortable births, reader their existence a blessing from those who are indifferently cloathed, con- tinually soaking in the wet, and feed- ing on a diet of a gross, viscid, indi- gestible nature, is an unanswerable proof, that it is not merely the act of going to sea that occasions the Scurvy, but the hardships which hundreds, nay thousands, from the humility of their situations, are obliged to endure. The skin of persons afflicted with the Scurvy is generally smooth, but covered with many spots that are of a yellow and red colour, which become blacker as the disease en- creases. The [176] The swelling of the ankles encreases in the evening, and diminishes in- the morning. A violent pain affects the breast when a scorbutic diarrhæa occurs, which, is generally fatal. In the Scurvy the lungs become ulcerated, the stools offensive, and the urine of a putrid quality. As the disease advances, the patient loses the use of his limbs, the hams become con- tracted, he faints upon the least mo- tion, and a hidden removal into the air terminates his existence. Hemorrhages take place in the in- testines, lungs, &c. and although the appetite may be tolerable, the spirits are always dejected. The only procedure to effect a cure is, to terminate the progress of putrefac- tion, [177] tion, which will be accomplished by a perseverance in taking the Botanical Syrup, and likewise the whole habit so considerably strengthened, as to indicate a return to health. The air admitted into the patient's room should be regulated, so as to keep it dry and warm, and bad water and improper food carefully avoided. Dr. Macbride recommends fixed air communicated to the patient's water, which, with an infusion of malt, and the bark taken three or four times a day, will be extremely serviceable. Elixir of vitriol and other antiputrescents should be given in the patient's drink, the same as in the putrid fever. The root of the herba Britannica, or great water dock, is of great efficacy in this disease. The [178] The Scurvy is much easier prevented than, removed. Pure air and salutary diet are excel- lent remedies. If the patient is at sea when this disorder makes its appearance, he should go on shore without the least loss of time, and if a resident of a close city, he should select the most salubrious air, as the best effort in his power to- wards a recovery. He should refrain as much as possible from animal food, and take especial care that what little he eats is fresh and tender. Cooling vegetables are strongly recommended in this com- plaint, as sorrel, endive, lettuce, purs- lain, &c. nor should those that abound in alkaline salt be omitted, as scurvy- grass, cresses, brook line, &c. oranges and lemons from their sub-astringent qualities, tnay be eaten frequently. A discharge [179] A discharge should be encouraged through the skin and kidnies. When the gums are spongy they should be washed with a decoction of the bark, acidulated with the marine acid. When ulcers spread in the mouth, use the mel rosæ with the same acidulation. Blisters should be applied to different parts of the body, sinapisms to the soles of the feet and hams, and a perspiration should if possible be excited on the ap- pearance of a salivation. Bolusses of camphor and therica should be taken every four or six hours during this stric- ture of the skin. Ulcers in the legs should be treated the same as those in the mouth. When the legs are œdematous, apply gentle frictions, and in cases of hemor- rhage, at proper intervals, mineral acids. Cluttons [180] Cluttons febrifuge spirit qualified with other medicines, are salutary in cases of a feverish nature. The land Scurvy is seldom accom- panied with those putrid symptoms that attend those patients who have been long at sea, and obviously occurs from the unwholesome food that is eaten by sailors on long voyages. Confined air and want of exercise likewise occasion these aggravated appearances. In the land Scurvy a milk diet has been attended with the best of effects. The best beverage in the Scurvy is whey or buttermilk, and if either of these cannot be obtained, found cyder, perry, or spruce beer should be selected as the best substitutes without exception. Wort is an exceeding proper drink at sea, malt keeping during the longest voyage. [181] voyage. A decoction of the tops of spruce fir may be drank to the quantity of an English pint twice every day, or decoctions of any of the mild mucilla- ginous vegetables, as sarsaparilla, marsh mallow roots, &c. Infusions of the bitter plants, as ground-ivy, lesser cen- taury, marsh trefoil, &c. are of infinite service. Harrowgate water in the land Scurvy is an excellent medicine, and drinking and bathing in the same has, in the most lamentable stages of this disease, been attended with a success that has esta- blished its medicinal reputation. A slight Scurvy affecting the gums has been frequently eradicated by sucking the juice of a Seville orange,which from its bitter quality, is in these cases preferable to the lemon. Vol. I. P Sallad [182] Sallad eaten plentifully is remarkably salutary in this disease. The Leprosy which was so general in this country some years ago, is so anala- gous to the Scurvy, that we recommend the same course of diet and medicine. CASES. Miss Dove, of Drinkstone, near Woolpit, Suffolk, was afflicted for a long time with a scorbutic disorder in her face, which deprived her of the sight of one of her eyes, and her nose was also in a very bad condition; by taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, was cured in a short time.—I have seen and conversed with Miss Dove, who has vouchsafed to me for the above fact, and that she has not felt the least relapse in the course of three years. Witness my hand. Ann Bearsall. Gun-maker, Abergate-street, St. Edmund's Bury, Suffolk. Sept. 11, 1793. The [183] The son of Captain Smith, of Broad Street, Lynn, Norfolk, was in a lingering decline, and a complication of other disorders which reduced him that he was obliged to keep his bed for nineteen weeks; he was not capable of bringing his arms to his head; and was given over by an eminent physician at Lynn. Meeting with one of Dr. Brodum's books, made me apply to him, and am now perfectly recovered, by his Botanical Syrup. Witness my hand, John Smith. Witness, Joseph Ward, Joseph Hunt, William Old- meadow, T. Racey, Linen draper, Lynn. I return you my sincere thanks for the cure you have performed on me, and it is my desire it may be published, for the good of the afflicted. I was troubled with a scorbutic humour nine years, which broke out in large wounds in my legs, so that I was not able to do any business, which my neighbours will testify. I applied to many of the Faculty, without relief, but on appli- cation to Dr. Brodum, was cured by his Botanical Syrup, in six weeks. Mary Mersam. Witnesses, M'Ilwain, Lymington, and Richard Hicks Esq; Brokenhurst. P2 A respectable [184] A respectable tradesman in the Minster-yard, York, was afflicted for some years with the scurvy, and had taken several public medicines, without relief; but for- tunately happening to hear of Dr. Brodum's infallible medicines, and taking a few bottles, is perfectly cured. Any person wishing to be more particularly informed, may, by applying to Mr. Teffeyman, Bookseller, York, be fully satisfied, Mr. H—Haberdasher, Blackfriar's-road, was afflicted with a violent scorbutic complaint, which settled in his legs, and produced a wound uncommonly large. By application to Dr. Brodum, who administered his Botani- cal Syrup, the complaint was eradicated, and his legs perfectly healed. Any person applying to Dr. Brodum, will receive a reference. A child of Mr. NEWBERRY'S, of Mill-lane, Oundle, was afflicted with a Leprosy and Scurvy all over her body, for three years; by taking Dr, Brodum's Botanical Syrup, was perfectly cured in three weeks. Witnesses to the above cure, Robert Cave, Thomas Chambers, Weldon, Northamptonshire. Dec. 17, 1792. Letter [185] Letter from BARON HOMPESCH, General in his Majesty's Service, to Dr. BRODUM. Sir,—Some of the individuals of my regiment having experienced such wonderful benefit from your Botanical Syrup, in scorbutic complaints, sore legs, &c. which has justly merited my sanction, therefore you have my au- thority to publish my name, as an evidence of its virtue in my estimation, and you may rely on my recommending its use in the army in the West Indies. I am, Your's, &c. CHARLES HOMPESCH, Brigadier-General. 30th Aug. 1796. P. S. You'll please to send for me to Richardson's Hotel, two dozen of your large bottles, packed safe, as I shall take them with me to the West Indies. Mr. WILLIAM ROYSTON, Master Shoe-maker, in Green-street, near the Market-place, Cambridge, was afflicted with the Scurvy for a long time, so that he was not able to sit on a chair; by taking Dr. Brodum's Bota- nical Syrup, was perfectly cured in a short time. Witness my hand. WILLIAM ROYSTON. MARY HOLLOWAY, of Romsey, afflicted with an inveterate Scurvy in her hands; perfectly cured by the Doctor. Witness, Abraham Sanders, P3 JOHN [186] JOHN CHICK, afflicted with a bad leg for a long time; perfectly cured by the Doctor in one month. Witness, Charles Church, steward to John Fleming, Esq; I, JOHN ARCHER, Shoe-maker, was afflicted a long time with a dreadful swelled arm, which was in great danger of a mortification; I could not move it by any means whatever—I applied to an eminent man of the fa- culty in vain, until providence directed me to Dr. Brodum, who has so far relieved me by his medicines in three weeks, that I am able to use my hand at pleasure, and the swelling is quite gone. Witnesses, Wm. Nelson, Overseer of St. Mary's Parish, Colchester; John Cole, Churchwarden of St. Martin's; William Smith, Wine-merchant; John Gosnel, Overseer; Richard Patmore, Baize Manufacturer; and Rev. Rose Harris. Oct. 24, 1793, CHAP. [187] CHAP. XIX. The SCROFULA or KING's EVIL. THE appellation of King's Evil is annexed to this disease, because Edward the Confessor, and other suc- ceeding kings, both of France and Eng- land, pretended to cure it by the touch. Although every part of the body ap- pears to be affected with this disease, yet the immediate seat of it is only in the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic glands of the mesentary are, in general, first affected. This disease appears to be hereditary, yet is of so strange a nature as frequent- ly to lie dormant for two or three suc- cessive [188] cessive generations, when It most unex- pectedly returns with its pristine acri- mony and force. There are instances, however, in which it is originally pro- duced. Boulton, in his Surgery, observes, that it is caused by the acidity of the pan- creatic juice, but very probably it is occasioned by an improper diet, &c. the glands in the neck of children becoming undurated, in consequence of bad food, or a voraciousness of appetite. Quincy observes, that the King's Evil is similar to the Gout, it generally affecting persons of rich habits of body, and strong minds, and who particularly indulge themselves in every viand and table delicacy in season. What is very remarkable is, that the King's Evil generally leaves the patient before the Gout makes the first attack. Thus the one is our companion to the age of puberty, [189] puberty, and often to the more advanced stages of life, when it gives place to the other, whose visitations terminate only with our existence. The Scrofula generally affects children of a florid complexion and healthy countenance. It is distinguished by schirrous tu- mours appearing in the glandular parts, which are rarely attended with pain, or brought to suppuration. The symptoms of this complaint are so various, that scarce any two patients have them alike. The most general are, a swelled upper lip, foreness about the nose and cheeks, tumours that sometimes continue a long while before they heal; an in- flammation in the cheek, and a humour that corrodes the eyes, so that [190] that they cannot be opened without extreme difficulty and trouble. The steotoma, atheroma, and meliceris, are all species of the Scro- fula. When this disorder affects children, it generally disappears at the age of manhood, and, if it appears after the fortieth year, the patient's recovery is extremely doubtful. The dropsy, jaun- dice, faintings, vomitings, violent coughs, and other disorders coming- in to participate his exit. Alterative medicines are recom- mended by different writers on this subject, but on none can the patient place the least dependence. The Botanical Syrup has been known to be the best medicine. If agree- [191] agreeable to the proper estimate of success, recipes are to be ranked according to their success. Bark, when the blood is poor, and the fibres lax, has been administered with proper advantage to the patient, ex- cept in a few instances, when, by being used in conjunction with the aquacalcis, the uncertainty of its effi- cacy is considerable. Bark will not succeed when the bones are affected, nor when the Scro- fulous tumour is attended with pain in the joints, and under the membra- nous covers of the muscles; in these cases it is too apt to encrease the fever. Opium, accompanied with bark, and administered as an altera- tive, is attended with advantages that will not be produced in either of them, being used as a separate application. Nar- [192] Narcotic plants that abound with volatile salt, are excellent in resolving the scrofulous tumours, particularly hemlock. When applied as a cata- plasm, an extract of which taken in- wardly is particularly serviceable, but much more so to adults than those who have not arrived at the age of puberty. In scorbutic, leprous, and scrofu- lous cases, the Botanical Syrup, by being made from the most purifying and sanative roots and plants in the whole vegetable creation, has been at- tended with success in cases that have baffled other medicines, and, conse- quently, been deemed by the faculty hopeless and incurable. These disorders as well as the cancer, the evil, and the fistula, internally sap the constitution, and outwardly disfigure the human person; how happy, therefore, it is for [193] for patients labouring under these complaints that a cure can be accom- plished, while the more regular mode of practice would inevitably lead them to the grave. CASES. SIR, I was afflicted with a dropsy, that my flesh was swelled in a surprising manner, and had likewise a cancerous evil ulcer round my neck, that was so large I could put my fist in it, and the windpipe exposed to sight; by applying to Dr. Brodum I was quite cured of the Dropsy in six weeks, by his Botanical Syrup, and the ulcers almost healed up, so that I could get my living with comfort, which I had not done for nine years before, and which I am ready to testify on oath before a magistrate, or any other person. Witness my hand, E, WOOLEMORE. Box-maker, near the Red Lion, Strood. Witnesses, J. Witham, White Hart, Rockester, Kent; W, Alston, Butcher and Cornfactor. VOL. I. Q To [194] To W. BRODUM, M. D. No. 9, Albion-street, Black-friar's-bridge, London. As there are many who dispute the curing of the Evil, to confute such, Dr. Brodum's method of curing this complaint, has never yet failed; proofs of which have frequently appeared in all the public papers. But as a more recent proof, Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Thomas and Mary Wilson, of Brattleby, near Lincoln, was afflicted for a long time with a dangerous cancerous Joint-evil, which at last turned to a Fistula; that the pipe of the wound, in which you might have put your finger, ran as far as the shoulder. By taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, was perfectly cured in three weeks. Witnesses, Thomas Wilson, Father; William Foss, Heighington, near Lincoln; Joseph Smith, Lincoln; and John Knaggs, (eye witness) Gentleman Farmer, Rise near Hall Yorkshire, SUSANNAH HARDY, of Mintern, Dorset, cured of a cancer in her mouth, twelve years standing. SUSANNAH HARDY, Witnesses, EL. Furber, Wm. Hardy, Churchwardens; Thomas Furber, Overseer, who paid for the cure; James Waygood, George House, William House, and Rev. Wm. Glasspoole. Mintern-Magna, July 15, 1791. MARY [195] MARY ANN HALL, daughter of Thomas Hall, baker of Downham, Norfolk, was afflicted with a scrofulous complaint, which made her ears run very much; likewise discharged a great deal of matter from other parts. She tried many things to stop it, but all to no purpose; by- taking Dr Brodum's Botanical Syrup, was perfectly cured in a short time. Witness my hand, THOMAS HALL. Witnesses, Thomas Chamberlain, butcher, F. Rising, Mr. Rich, Elsey, plumber and glazier, and Thomas Os- borne, bell-founder, Downham. The daughter of THOMAS STINTON, at Newmarket, was afflicted with the Leprosy all over her face and body for two years; she tried a great many things, but all to no purpose. By taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, she was perfectly cured in a short time. Any person doubt- ing the above wonderful cure, may be convinced by a let- ter, or personally. Witness my hand, SARAH STINTON. Witness to the above E. Holland, Sadler to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. Newmarket, Nov. 6. Q2 Mrs. [196] Mrs. BULLIVANT, of Setch, near Lynn, in Norfolk, was afficted some time with a bad breast, proceeding from a laying-in, which turned at last to a stone-cancer, which put her in great misery and pain; by taking Doctor Brodum's Botanical Syrup, she was cured in a short time. HENRY BULLIVANT, Setch, Excise-officer. Witness, John Roper, at the sign of the Bull, Setch. MARY LEARNER, of Rash's Green, East Dereham, Norfolk, eleven years old, was afflicted with the Evil for two years; by taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, it made a perfect cure of her. The said Mary Learner acknowledged the above before Samuel Rash, Esq; one of his Majesty's Justices for the county of Norfolk, the 2d day of April, 1791. SAMUEL RASH. SARAH HAZZARD, Balderton-gate, Newark, had a Fistula Lacrymalis in her eye, which at last turned to a cancer in her nose, and has continued for these nine years; by taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup for a fortnight, the Fistula is cured, and the Cancer almost healed. Witnesses, Daniel Holt, Printer, Sarah Drury, Grocer, Newark; Richard Body, Hannah Hill, Kelham. JOHN [197] John Collison, of White-horse-lane, Canterbury, was afflicted with the Evil, and running sores in the neck; tried several doctors to no effect, by taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, was perfectly cured.—It is now two years since, without any return of the disorder. Witness, Jervais Rose, late shopman to Mr. Keen, now Druggest at Deal. Mary Collison, the mother, swore to the truth of the above, at Canterbury, this 26th Day of February, 1796, before me. W. Bristow, Mayor. Mrs. FOOT, late of West Quay, Southampton, now residing at the Six Bells, Lymington, Hampshire, was afflicted with a swelling in the womb, and was continually in such excruciating pain, that she could take no rest, night or day; after trying the most eminent physicians, she ap- plied to Dr. Brodum, who immediately informed her of the nature of her case, and that large pieces of flesh would come from her, which, proved to be the fact, one piece weighing near, four ounces, which may be seen at the Doctor's. She is now perfectly well, by taking his Bo- tanical Syrup, and ready to testify to the truth of this most extraordinary cure. Mrs. Reynolds, late Mrs. Sharman, at the Mar- quis of Grandby's, Peterborough, had long been afflicted with the most excruciating pains in her left breast, which, at length, stew to her womb; in this dreadful state she ap- plied. Q3 [198] plied to Dr. Gardner, physician, assisted by another gen- tleman of the faculty, who attended her some time, and, at length, gave her up as incurable, but by the advice of her nurse, was prevailed upon to take Dr. Brodum's Ner- vous Cordial, by taking which, in twenty-four hours, found great relief, and in two days, brought away the whole substance from the womb, that had been a long time gathering, and since, has enjoyed her health uninterrupted. The wonderful effect of the medicines and advice of Dr. Brodum, has induced me to request he would cause it to be published, for the sake of those poor creatures labouring under the same disorders. Signed by me, in London, LYDIA REYNOLDS. June 10, 1795. I, RACHAEL LINE, of Romsey, was afflicted with a cancerous swelling in the thigh for three years and up- wards; was twenty-three, weeks in Winchester Hospital, and turned out incurable. In gratitude to Dr. Brodum, I am happy to say, I have been entirely cured in one month. Any person doubting the truth of this, may apply to me, or the witness, via Mr. Joseph Tarver, Wine-merchant, Church-street, Romsey. [199] I, CHARLOTTE HOBBS, of Upper Green-street, Black- friar's, voluntarily make oath, that my son, WILLIAM HOBBS, was afflicted with the Evil, which broke out in every part of his neck, which, (after having tried many applications to no purpose) apparently was in a state of mortification; but by taking Dr. Brodum's Botanical Syrup, has obtained an affectual cure, and now enjoys a perfect state of health; from two motives I am induced to attest the above, one is for the benefit of my fellow creatures in similar afflictions, the other from a principle of duty and gratitude to Dr. Brodum for so immediate a deliverance. CHARLOTTE HOBBS, Witnesses, George Chapman, Scrub's-square, Black- friar's; Henry Hart, Hill-street, Black-friar's; Giles Hancock, Sadler, No. 12, Black-friar's-road; and J. W. Myers, Printer, No. 2, Paternoster-row. Sworn before us, at Public Hall, Union-street, South- wark. Sept. lO, 1796. B. Robertson, Esq; W, Hilly, Esq; Justices of the Peace. [200] CONCLUSION. WE now proceed to one of the most important subjects, per- haps, that ever respected the health and happiness of mankind. In doing this, we feel not a little con- cern at our being retrained, in a great measure, from speaking so explicitly as we wish, or as may indeed be necessary for the purpose of making ourselves sufficiently understood. We are unavoidably impelled to this, by the delicacy we owe to the female part of the community. This is a re- straint, under which, we feel ourselves. the more. aukward,, since both sexes are equally interested in what we have to treat of in the following volume of our work. The [201] The sad and dreadful effects of the indiscretions of youth, under the idea of which may be comprehended what decency will not permit us to explain, are alike experienced by both the sexes. They have each of them, in their more juvenile moments, indulged in those excesses that have unfortunately laid the foundation of complaints, equally numerous and alarming- They are each of them, more or less, labouring under a train of the most heavy and dismal consequences, and equally in want, not only of immediate relief, but of A Guide to Old Age. Under this impression, we have no doubt, but that our next volume, to which we have entirely confined our- selves on the important subject alluded to, will be read with the utmost avidity, and attended to as one of the greatest blessings [202] blessings that can, tinder Providence, be consered on our fellow-creatures. There, we trust, will he found, pointed out in the plainest and most familiar terms, not only the cause and conseqnences of those practices, that are to be considered as the Indiscretions of Youth, but such safe and certain means of relief, as will not only give the most effectual and speedy check to the far- ther progress of their sad and baneful effects, but also equally ensure to the afflicted and desponding patient, a sure and happy GUIDE TO OLD AGE, and all the comforts it can possibly expect. End of Vol. I.